INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. NCC successfully scaled Mount Everest:
Why in news?
NCC successfully scaled Mount Everest for the third time
About NCC and its achievements:
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingent successfully scaled Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain peak
- This was the third successful expedition of the NCC to Mount Everest after 2013 and 2016.
- The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had flagged off the NCC expedition on 3rd April 2025
- NCC was raised on 15 July 1948 under the National Cadet Corps Act of 1948.
- Director General of NCC: Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh
NATIONAL NEWS
2. India’s first 100% Literate:
Why in news?
Mizoram becomes India’s first 100% Literate State
About the achievement in Literacy rate:
- Mizoram has become the first fully literate state under the transformative Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
- According to the 2011 Census, Mizoram had a literacy rate of 91.33 per cent, being ranked third nationally.
- Building on this strong foundation, the state launched a comprehensive literacy drive under the ULLAS initiative and the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram to achieve this remarkable success.
- Mizoram’s literacy campaign is now being viewed as a potential model for replication in other states aiming to achieve 100 per cent literacy under the National Education Policy.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
3. ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme:
Why in news?
Telangana CM launches ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme
Aim of launching this scheme:
- Under the scheme, tribal farmers will receive free solar pumps of 5-7.5 horsepower for irrigating horticultural crops.
- The government has earmarked Rs. 12,600 crore rupees for the implementation of the scheme across the state in the next 4 years.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
4. ‘Operation Olivia’ in news:
Why in news?
Coast Guard’s ‘Operation Olivia’ in news
Objective of launching this Operation:
- According to Ministry of Defence, Operation Olivia of the Indian Coast Guard has helped in protecting over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during the February 2025 period.
- Under Operation Olivia, the Indian Coast Guard carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties & 1,768 aerial surveillance missions to reduce illegal fishing and habitat disruption of the Olive Ridley’s nesting place.
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
5. Chief Justice of Manipur High Court:
Why in news?
Justice K Somashekar appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court
About the appointment of Chief Justice of state:
- President of India has appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar of the Karnataka High Court as the new Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
- The appointment came days after a three-member collegium headed by CJI B.R. Gavai had recommended this appointment in view of retirement of incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar on May 21, 2025.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
6. International Booker Prize:
Why in news?
Banu Mushtaq becomes first Kannada author to win International Booker Prize
About International Booker Prize and its significance:
- Banu Mushtaq has won the International Booker Prize for her short story collection “Heart Lamp.”
- She became the first author of Kannada-language literature to get honured for the esteemed literary award for translated fiction.
- “Heart Lamp” is a collection of 12 stories originally published between 1990 and 2023.
- They showcase everyday life in Muslim communities of southern India, emphasising on the experiences of women and girls.
- Mushtaq will split the £50,000 ($67,000) prize with her translator, Deepa Bhasthi, who also played a role in selecting the stories.
DEFENCE NEWS
7. The Golden Dragon military exercise:
Why in news?
China and Cambodia begin joint military exercise ‘Golden Dragon-2025’
About the Military Exercise and its aim:
- The Golden Dragon military exercise is a bilateral annual drill between China and Cambodia.
- It was first initiated in late 2016 to strengthen military cooperation and strategic ties.
- The 2025 edition is being held in May 2025 at the Ream Naval Base, located in Sihanoukville, on Cambodia’s southern coast.