NATIONAL NEWS
- First Chairperson of National Turmeric Board:
Why in News?
Palle Ganga Reddy appointed as the first Chairperson of National Turmeric Board
About the Turmeric Board:
- Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi
- The Board will focus on key areas such as research and development, value addition to turmeric products, and promoting awareness of the spice’s medicinal and essential properties.
- It will also work on improving turmeric yield, enhancing logistics and supply chains, and exploring new international markets for turmeric.
- India is responsible for over 70% of the world’s turmeric production, with 30 varieties of turmeric being grown in the country.
- In 2023-24, turmeric cultivation covered an area of 3.05 lakh hectares in India, with a yield of 10.74 lakh tonnes.
- India holds a 62% share in the global turmeric trade, exporting 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric valued at $226.5 million in 2023-24.
- The board will have its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana.
- Turmeric is often referred to as the “Golden Spice.”
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
Why in News?
Odisha joins Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
About the PMJAY Scheme and its success rate:
- The Centre’s flagship health scheme will run in convergence with the Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
- The combined initiative will provide healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per annum, with additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.
- Note: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched on 23 September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
- ‘Blue Flag’ certification:
Why in News?
Kerala’s Kappad and Chal beaches earn ‘Blue Flag’ certification
About Blue Flag beach and its criteria to get this flagship:
- Kerala’s Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach in Kannur have received the prestigious Blue Flag certification from Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
- This certification recognizes beaches. that meet high standards in environmental protection, safety, and sustainability.
- Over 4,000 beaches worldwide hold Blue Flag certification.
- Including these two, India now has a total of 13 Blue Flag certified beaches.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
- “Chhaunk on Food, Economics and Society”:
Why in News?
Author of “Chhaunk on Food, Economics and Society”: Abhijit Banerjee
About the author and his works in economics:
- Abhijit Banerjee is the author of Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society.
- He is an Indian-born American economist and Nobel laureate.
About Abhijit Banerjee:
- Banerjee won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2019.
- He has also written Poor Economics and Good Economics for Hard Times with Esther Duflo.
- He also wrote a cookbook called Cooking to Save Your Life.
About Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society
- Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society is a collection of essays that explores the many parts of Banerjee’s life.
- The book is a light-hearted but idea-rich exploration of food, economics, and society.
AWARDS & HONOURS
- Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2025:
Why in News?
T.M. Krishna honoured with Sangita Kalanidhi for the year 2025
About Sangita Kalanidhi Award:
- Sangita Kalanidhi is a title and award given to Carnatic musicians by the Madras Music Academy.
- It is considered the highest honor in Carnatic music. The title translates to “Treasure of Music and Art”.
How it works:
- The Music Academy invites a senior musician to preside over its annual conference
- The musician is awarded the title of Sangita Kalanidhi and receives a gold medal and a citation
- The award is announced in the first half of the year and given to the recipient by December
History:
- The title was established in 1942 by Academy President K. V. Krishnaswami Iyer
- Musicians who presided over the annual conferences from 1929 to 1942 were awarded the title in 1943
Recipients
- Bombay Jayashri (2023)
- Balamurali Krishna (1978)
- MS Subbulakshmi (1968)
- T.M. Krishna
Additional awards
- Since 2005, the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi award also receives the MS Subbulakshmi Award, a cash prize instituted by The Hindu
DEFENCE NEWS
- Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile:
Why in News?
DRDO conducts field evaluation of Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’
About the Anti-tank fire system:
- Field Evaluation Trials of indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, the third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile, were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range, Rajasthan.
- The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated. With this, the entire weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.
- Chairman of DRDO: Dr Samir V Kamat