NATIONAL NEWS
New Greenfield airports:
Why in news?
Government approves new Greenfield airports in Kota (Rajasthan) and Puri (Odisha)
About the significance of New Greenfield Airports:
- This move is aligned with the UDAN scheme and aims to cater to the increasing air travel demand in underserved regions
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was launched in 2017 to enhance regional connectivity and make air travel affordable.
Literacy crusader Padma Shri K.V. Rabia passes away at 59
About her contributions in society:
- Kariveppil Rabiya was a physically disabled social worker from Kerala.
- She rose to prominence through her role in the Kerala State Literacy Campaign in Malappuram district in 1990.
- In 2022, she was honoured with the Padma Shri for her contributions to the field of social service.
SCIENCE & TECH NEWS
“Genome Editing” Rice variety:
Why in news?
World’s 1st rice variety using 21st century “Genome Editing” produced in India
About the technological advancement in Genetics:
- Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1 developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- These varieties have the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in terms of higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation.
- ICAR said this makes India the first country in the world to successfully develop such varieties, marking a significant leap in crop innovation.
HawkEye 360 technology:
Why in news?
US approves sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India to boost the country’s surveillance capabilities
About this technology in brief:
- This system, utilizing satellites in Low Earth Orbit, will improve India’s ability to detect illegal activities and monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone.
- The move will enhance India’s maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region
- 131 million dollar deal includes software, training, and support, bolstering India’s strategic posture.
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
- Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC):
Why in news?
Praksah Magdum appointed Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)
About the importance on this appointment:
- Prior to this, Mr. Magdum served as the Additional Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad.
- He is a 1999-batch Indian Information Service (IIS) officer.
- The Government of India established NFDC in 1975 under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Tagline of NFDC: ‘Cinemas of India’
- NDFC Headquarters: Mumbai
DEFENCE NEWS
- Advanced underwater naval mine:
Why in news?
DRDO test-fires advanced underwater naval mine
About the new advancement in DRDO:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM).
- The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam.
- The MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines.
SPORTS NEWS
- Khelo India Youth Games:
Why in news?
7th edition of Khelo India Youth Games begins in Bihar
About the Khelo India Youth Games and its details in brief:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games
- The inaugural ceremony was held at the Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna, Bihar.
- This is the first time that Bihar is hosting the Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled from 4 to 15 May 2025
- At the Khelo Youth Games 2025, 27 competitive sports and one demo sport will be held. Around 5,000 athletes from 36 States and Union Territories are competing.
- Within Bihar, the events will be held at Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya and Bhagalpur.
- New Delhi will host the gymnastics, shooting, and cycling events.
- Logo- ‘Khel ke rang Bihar ke sang’
- Mascot – ‘Gajasimha’