📘 चालू घडामोडी (Current Affairs) – २५ मे २०२५

 MPSC, UPSC आणि इतर स्पर्धा परीक्षांसाठी उपयुक्त असलेल्या काही महत्त्वाच्या चालू घडामोडी:

1. गाझियाबाद – भारतातील पहिले प्रमाणित ग्रीन म्युनिसिपल बाँड

गाझियाबादने स्वच्छ भारत मिशन-शहरीच्या अनुषंगाने भारतातील पहिले प्रमाणित ग्रीन म्युनिसिपल बाँड जारी केले आहे. या बाँडद्वारे तृतीयक सांडपाणी प्रक्रियेसाठी निधी उभा केला जाईल, ज्यामुळे पर्यावरणीय सुधारणा होईल. 

2. BBMB नियंत्रण विवाद – जल आणि ऊर्जा मंत्रालयाच्या अधिकारावर प्रश्नचिन्ह

पंजाब आणि हरियाणामधील जलवाटप तणावामुळे भाखरा ब्यास व्यवस्थापन मंडळ (BBMB) च्या अधिकारावर प्रश्नचिन्ह निर्माण झाले आहे. BBMB जलसंपत्तीऐवजी ऊर्जा मंत्रालयाच्या अखत्यारीत असल्याने जलवाटप निर्णयांवर प्रभाव पडतो.

3. पहलगाम दहशतवादी हल्ला – LOC तणाव वाढला

पहलगाममध्ये दहशतवादी हल्ल्यात २६ नागरिकांचा मृत्यू झाला आहे. भारत-पाकिस्तान सीमेवर सलग ९ दिवस गोळीबार झाला असून, संघर्ष वाढला आहे. भारताने FATF च्या ग्रे लिस्टमध्ये पाकिस्तानला पुन्हा समाविष्ट करण्याचा विचार केला आहे.

1. भारताने 'ग्रीन हायड्रोजन प्रमाणपत्र योजना' (GHCI) सुरू केली आहे. या योजनेसाठी कोणते मंत्रालय जबाबदार आहे?

A) पेट्रोलियम आणि नैसर्गिक वायू मंत्रालय
B) नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा मंत्रालय
C) पर्यावरण, वन आणि हवामान बदल मंत्रालय
D) ऊर्जा मंत्रालय

ANS: B) नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा मंत्रालय

2. 'आयुष्मान भारत दिवस' दरवर्षी कोणत्या दिवशी साजरा केला जातो?

A) एप्रिल २९
B) एप्रिल ३०
C) मे १
D) मे २

ANS: C) मे १

3. कुठल्या भारतीय शहराने भारतातील पहिले प्रमाणित ग्रीन म्युनिसिपल बाँड जारी केले आहे?

A) पुणे
B) इंदोर
C) गाझियाबाद
D) बेंगळुरू

ANS: C) गाझियाबाद

4. भारताचे ५२वे सरन्यायाधीश (CJI) म्हणून कोणाची नियुक्ती करण्यात आली आहे?

A) भुषण रामकृष्ण गावई
B) सतीश चंद्र शर्मा
C) राजन रॉय
D) अट्टाऊ रहमान मसूदी

ANS: A) भुषण रामकृष्ण गावई

5. 'वर्ल्ड ऑडिओ व्हिज्युअल आणि एंटरटेनमेंट समिट' (WAVES) २०२५ चे आयोजन कुठल्या शहरात झाले आहे?

A) नवी दिल्ली
B) चेन्नई
C) मुंबई
D) हैदराबाद

ANS: C) मुंबई

*🛑 आजचे खूप महत्वाचे करंट अफेअर्स - (प्रश्न & उत्तरे)**25 मे 2025*

*🛑 आजचे खूप महत्वाचे करंट अफेअर्स - (प्रश्न & उत्तरे)*

*25 मे 2025*

🔖 *प्रश्न.1) भारतीय १९ वर्षाखालील क्रिकेट संघाच्या कर्णधार पदी कोणाची निवड करण्यात आली आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* आयुष म्हात्रे

🔖 *प्रश्न.2) मणिपूर उच्च न्यायालयाच्या मुख्य न्यायाधीश पदी कोणाची निवड करण्यात आली आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* जस्टिस केम्पया सोमशेखर

🔖 *प्रश्न.3) IB डायरेक्टर तपन कुमार डेका यांचा कार्यकाळ किती वर्षांनी वाढवण्यात आला आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* १ वर्षे 

🔖 *प्रश्न.4) भारताचे कोणते राज्य पूर्ण साक्षर राज्य ठरले आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* मिझोरम

🔖 *प्रश्न. 5) २०२५-२६ साठी एशियन प्रॉडक्टिव्हिटी ऑर्गनायझेशन च्या अध्यक्ष पदी कोणत्या देशाची नियुक्ती करण्यात आली आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* भारत 

🔖 *प्रश्न.6) वर्ल्ड हायड्रोजन summit २०२५ चे आयोजन कोणत्या देशात करण्यात येत आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* नेदरलँड

🔖 *प्रश्न.7) तिसरा संयुक्त राष्ट्र महासागर संमेलन २०२५ चे आयोजन कोठे करण्यात येणार आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* फ्रांस 

🔖 *प्रश्न.8) एशियन प्रॉडक्टिव्हिटी ऑर्गनायझेशन ची ६७ वी बैठक कोठे आयोजित करण्यात आली होती ?*

*उत्तर -* जकार्ता 

🔖 *प्रश्न.9) राह वीर योजना कोणत्या राज्याने सुरू केली आहे ?*

*उत्तर -* मध्य प्रदेश 

🔖 *प्रश्न.10) सध्या चर्चेत असलेली अमृत भारत स्टेशन योजना कधी सुरू करण्यात आली होती ?*

*उत्तर -* २०२१

Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan

 

Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eradicate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar. This event occurred during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, organised by the African Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with high fatality rates, primarily affecting the underprivileged in East Africa.

About Kala-Azar

Kala-azar is caused by a parasite and presents severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and organ enlargement. If untreated, it can be fatal. The majority of cases are found in Eastern Africa, where over 70% of the global burden exists. Children under 15 make up half of those affected, denoting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

NTDs are a group of diseases that predominantly affect impoverished populations in tropical regions. They pose public health challenges due to their complex epidemiology and association with environmental factors. Effective control requires innovative strategies and cooperation among nations.

Recent Developments and Strategies

The MoU aims to boost investment in kala-azar elimination and develop effective strategies for public health concerns. Luis Pizarro from the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) emphasised the need for new oral treatments and medical innovations. The signatory countries plan to implement a framework established in June 2024 for disease elimination.

Regional Cooperation

The MoU encourages cross-border cooperation among countries, with Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania joining efforts to tackle other NTDs. Surveillance platforms like the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework play important role in monitoring disease spread across borders.

Global Progress on NTDs

As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. Countries such as Togo and Benin have made strides, demonstrating that coordinated efforts can lead to success. The WHO reports that many African nations have also made progress in eliminating one or two NTDs in recent years.

Call for Action

The Call for Action urges endemic countries to collaborate on region-specific strategies. It advocates for sharing information and jointly planning health policies to combat NTDs effectively. The interconnected nature of these diseases necessitates a unified response to achieve lasting solutions.

                                                                                      

 

Integrated Theatre Commands

Recently, the Indian armed forces are undergoing transformation with the introduction of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC). This restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency and inter-service collaboration. Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has outlined the roles of theatre commanders and Service Chiefs in this new framework. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise India’s military capabilities.

Integrated Theatre Commands

Integrated Theatre Commands are designed to streamline military operations by combining resources from different branches of the armed forces. The theatre commanders will focus on operational execution. In contrast, Service Chiefs will manage the functions of ‘Raise, Train and Sustain’ (RTS). This dual approach aims to optimise resource utilisation and improve overall effectiveness.

Roles and Responsibilities

The theatre commanders are tasked with force application. They will oversee real-time military operations and strategic deployments. Meanwhile, Service Chiefs will ensure that forces are adequately raised, trained, and sustained. This separation of responsibilities allows for a clearer focus on both operational readiness and logistical support.

Importance of Jointness

A critical aspect of the ITC is the emphasis on jointness among the three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force. General Chauhan stresses that successful implementation will require a high degree of collaboration. This includes joint training exercises, shared logistics, and integrated communication systems. Enhanced jointness is expected to lead to more effective responses to threats.

Challenges Ahead

The transition to Integrated Theatre Commands is not without challenges. Historical resistance to change within the military may hinder acceptance. Additionally, the need for physical integration of infrastructure and processes presents logistical hurdles. Ensuring that all personnel are informed and prepared for these changes is vital for success.

Political Context and Future Directions

The establishment of ITC aligns with the political goals of the ruling party, as brought into light in their election manifesto. The consensus among military leadership points towards creating three primary theatre commands. These will focus on the northern and western land borders, along with a maritime command for coastal defence. The appointment of four-star officers for key command positions reflects the seriousness of this reform.

Significance of the Reform

This restructuring is considered one of the most revolutionary changes in the Indian military since independence. It aims to create a more agile and responsive force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges. The anticipated changes will not only enhance operational capabilities but also encourage a culture of integration within the armed forces. 

Panchshul Pulse

Pithoragarh, located in Uttarakhand, has recently inaugurated its first community radio station, Panchshul Pulse. This station aims to serve the border communities by blending local culture, weather updates, and village stories. The station was launched by Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, the general officer commanding-in-chief of the central command. Its tagline, “Hill se Dil Tak,” captures the essence of connecting the hearts of the people living in the hills.

Background and Purpose

Panchshul Pulse is an initiative of the Indian Army, aligning with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme. This programme focuses on enhancing development and connectivity in border areas. The radio station is named after the Panchshul mountain range, symbolising the resilience of local communities.

Community Engagement

The station acts as a communication bridge between the Indian Army, civil administration, and local residents. It aims to encourage goodwill and unity among the border community. The programming will cater to local dialects and include discussions on issues affecting the region.

Programming and Content

Panchshul Pulse will feature a variety of content. This includes interviews with villagers, youth, and women leaders. Cultural shows will highlight Kumaoni traditions, folk music, and Bollywood songs. The station will also provide educational content, healthcare awareness, and disaster management tips.

Weather and Safety Updates

The radio station will play important role in disseminating real-time information. It will keep locals and tourists informed about weather conditions, road safety, and community concerns. This information will help counter misinformation and provide accurate updates to residents.

Operation Sadbhawana

Panchshul Pulse operates under Operation Sadbhawana, which aims to promote peace and harmony in border areas. The station manager, Manish Singhal, emphasised the importance of denoting local heroes, including soldiers and socio-cultural activists. The station will cover a radius of 12 km, ensuring that its reach extends to remote villages.

Call to Action

Lt Gen Sengupta encouraged locals to support Panchshul Pulse. He believes the station can become the heartbeat of border communities. By actively engaging with the content, residents can help preserve their unique cultural identity and strengthen ties with the Indian Army. 

Trump’s Gold Card Visa Programme

 

President Donald Trump announced the launch of the ‘gold card’ visa programme. This initiative aims to attract wealthy foreign nationals to the United States. By investing $5 million, applicants can gain permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship. The announcement was made during the ‘Building the Future’ event in Washington, D.C. The programme is designed to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa scheme.

What is the Gold Card Visa Programme?

The gold card visa programme offers a new route for affluent individuals seeking residency in the U.S. By investing $5 million, applicants can secure permanent residency similar to a green card. This programme aims to stimulate economic growth by attracting foreign investment. It is intended to streamline the process for those who wish to become U.S. citizens.

Application Process

Prospective applicants can register their interest on the official website, trumpcard.gov. This platform will provide detailed information about the application process. Reports suggest that there has been early interest in the programme, particularly from investors in the Middle East.

Legal Considerations

The legality of the gold card programme has sparked debate. Critics argue that such change in immigration policy requires Congressional approval. The Trump administration claims that the programme could generate substantial revenue, potentially aiding in the reduction of the national debt, which currently exceeds $36 trillion.

The EB-5 Programme

The EB-5 programme was established by Congress in 1990. It encourages foreign investment in the U.S. economy by allowing investors to apply for a green card if they create 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the gold card programme on the EB-5 scheme. Some lawmakers believe that the new programme may deter lower-level investors who cannot meet the $5 million threshold.

Future of the EB-5 Programme

Despite the introduction of the gold card programme, the EB-5 programme remains intact for now. President Joe Biden signed the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act in 2022, reauthorising the programme until 2027. This act includes provisions to protect existing EB-5 investors. Any changes to the EB-5 programme would require new legislation passed through Congress due to constitutional protections on immigration laws.

SC Stays ED’s TASMAC Investigation

 

The Supreme Court of India has paused the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). This decision comes amid claims that the ED is overstepping its authority and undermining the federal structure of governance. The court questioned the legitimacy of prosecuting a corporation instead of individual officials. This case marks ongoing concerns about corruption and financial mismanagement within TASMAC, which operates around 7,000 liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu.

Background of TASMAC

TASMAC is a government-owned entity responsible for the retail sale of liquor in Tamil Nadu. Established to regulate and control the sale of alcohol, it has become source of revenue for the state. The corporation’s monopoly status raises concerns about transparency and accountability in its operations.

Enforcement Directorate’s Investigation

The ED’s investigation focuses on alleged financial irregularities linked to TASMAC. The probe was initiated following multiple FIRs filed by the Tamil Nadu Vigilance Department. These FIRs allege various corrupt practices, including overcharging customers and bribery among officials. The ED claims to have uncovered fraud amounting to Rs 1,000 crore involving several politicians.

Corruption Allegations

Corruption allegations against TASMAC include kickbacks from distillers to officials and irregularities in the tender process. Reports indicate that officials manipulated transport and bar licence tenders to favour specific companies. Evidence suggests that applicants without proper documentation were awarded tenders, raising serious questions about the integrity of the procurement process.

Findings of the ED

The ED’s investigations revealed manipulation in tender allocations. They discovered discrepancies in KYC details and evidence of single-applicant bids for tenders. The agency also identified collusion between distilleries and bottling companies, leading to inflated expenses and bogus purchases. This fraudulent activity reportedly generated over Rs 1,000 crore in unaccounted cash.

Political Context

The investigation occurs against a backdrop of political tension in Tamil Nadu, with upcoming Assembly elections. Chief Minister M K Stalin has accused the central government of attempting to undermine the state’s interests. The ED’s actions are perceived by some as politically motivated, intensifying the ongoing rivalry between the ruling DMK and the opposition BJP.

Implications for Federal Structure

The Supreme Court’s remarks on the federal structure highlight the delicate balance of power between state and central authorities. The court’s decision to stay the ED’s inquiry raises questions about the jurisdiction of central agencies in state matters. This case could set a precedent for future investigations involving state-run entities.

न्यूजीलैंड के लुप्तप्राय काकापो तोतों की आबादी बढ़ाने के लिए कृत्रिम गर्भाधान तकनीक में महत्वपूर्ण सफलता हासिल

न्यूजीलैंड के लुप्तप्राय काकापो तोतों की आबादी बढ़ाने के लिए वैज्ञानिकों ने कृत्रिम गर्भाधान तकनीक में महत्वपूर्ण सफलता हासिल की है। यह कार्य जर्मनी की जस्टस लिबिग यूनिवर्सिटी गिएसन, न्यूजीलैंड के डिपार्टमेंट ऑफ कंज़र्वेशन, काकापो रिकवरी प्रोग्राम और ओटागो विश्वविद्यालय की संयुक्त टीम द्वारा संपन्न किया गया।

काकापो: उड़ानहीन, भारी और विशिष्ट तोता

काकापो दुनिया का सबसे भारी तोता है और यह उड़ नहीं सकता। यह केवल न्यूजीलैंड में पाया जाता है और यूरोपीय उपनिवेशवादियों के आगमन के बाद से इसकी संख्या में भारी गिरावट आई है। इसकी प्रजनन दर बहुत धीमी है और यह एकमात्र ऐसा तोता है जो ‘लेक-बिल्डिंग’ व्यवहार अपनाता है—जहाँ नर पक्षी ज़मीन में कटोरे के आकार का गड्ढा बनाकर उसमें ज़ोर से आवाज़ करते हैं जिससे उनकी पुकार घाटियों में गूंजती है।

संकट में काकापो: प्राकृतिक शिकारी और प्रजनन समस्याएँ

हाल के वर्षों में, जहाजों से आए चूहे, नेवले और स्टोट जैसे शिकारी काकापो के लिए बड़ा खतरा बन गए हैं। इन खतरों से बचाने के लिए संरक्षणवादियों ने इन्हें शिकारी-रहित द्वीपों पर स्थानांतरित किया और 2009 से कृत्रिम गर्भाधान के प्रयोग शुरू किए। 2019 तक इनकी संख्या 142 तक पहुँच गई, लेकिन कम उपजाऊता और उच्च भ्रूण मृत्यु दर के कारण वृद्धि रुक-सी गई थी।

नई तकनीक: प्रजनन दर में उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि

हाल ही में वैज्ञानिकों ने एक नई कृत्रिम गर्भाधान तकनीक अपनाई जिसमें परंपरागत उदर मालिश के साथ-साथ विद्युत उत्तेजना का प्रयोग भी किया गया। 20 नर काकापो से एकत्रित किए गए वीर्य को गुणवत्ता के आधार पर जांचा गया और सर्वश्रेष्ठ नमूनों का उपयोग 12 मादाओं के गर्भाधान के लिए किया गया।

इस तकनीक के परिणाम उत्साहजनक रहे:

पहले क्लच की तुलना में दूसरे क्लच में उर्वरता दर 29.4% से बढ़कर 70% हो गई।

चार चूजों की पुष्टि कृत्रिम गर्भाधान के प्रत्यक्ष परिणाम के रूप में हुई।

भविष्य की योजना और महत्व

शोधकर्ताओं का मानना है कि यह तकनीक व्यवहारिक और प्रभावी है तथा इससे काकापो की प्रजनन दर में स्थायी सुधार किया जा सकता है। अगली प्रजनन ऋतु में वे इस प्रक्रिया को दोहराकर और अधिक सकारात्मक परिणाम प्राप्त करने की योजना बना रहे हैं।

यह उपलब्धि न केवल काकापो के संरक्षण की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण मील का पत्थर है, बल्कि यह अन्य संकटग्रस्त प्रजातियों के लिए भी एक नई राह खोल सकती है।