• 22 Aug 2025

India's Performance at IOAA 2025

Why in News? 

India’s national team emerged victorious at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, held in Mumbai from 15th to 21st August, winning four gold medals and one silver medal.  

• The event, which saw participation from 288 students across 63 countries, marked another milestone for India’s reputation in global science education. 

Key Points 

• Gold Medalists from India are: 
  • Aarush Mishra from Bengaluru 
  • Banibrata Majee from Delhi 
  • Panini from Patna 
  • Akshat Srivastava from Kolkata 
• Silver Medalists from India are: 
  • Sumant Gupta from Gurugram secured the silver medal, completing India’s impressive medal haul. 
• Competition Highlights: This year’s IOAA gathered 288 students from around the globe, who participated in a series of practical and theoretical evaluations.  
  • Iran stood out as the top performer, with all five of its team members securing gold medals. 
• Closing Ceremony and Awards: The IOAA concluded on 21st August 2025, with a grand closing ceremony.  
  • 145 medals were awarded, including 50 golds, 44 silvers, and 51 bronzes. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, congratulated the winners, praising their pursuit of scientific excellence and India’s increasing investments in astronomy and space research. 
• Global Participation: Countries like Australia and Hong Kong celebrated their first-time successes, with Australia securing a silver medal and Hong Kong also achieving a silver.  
  • Italy won three bronze medals, reflecting the growing global interest in space science education. 
• About IOAA: The IOAA, established in 2007, is a premier global event for high-school students passionate about astronomy and astrophysics. This year, the event was organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). 

Udhampur Railway Station Renamed After Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan

Why in News? 

In a heartwarming tribute to Captain Tushar Mahajan, the Udhampur Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir has been officially renamed after the martyr.  

• The decision was announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on 21st August 2025, further affirming the government's dedication to recognizing the sacrifices of national heroes. 

 

Key Points 

• Renaming of Udhampur Railway Station: Captain Tushar Mahajan, who was awarded the MCTM (Military Cross for Gallantry), made the ultimate sacrifice during the Udhampur terrorist attack.  
  • This gesture aims to honor his bravery and contribution to the nation. 
• Captain Tushar Mahajan: Captain Tushar Mahajan was born on 20th April 1989, in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.  
  • He joined the National Defence Academy in 2006 and was later commissioned into the Parachute Regiment, joining the 9 Para(SF), an elite unit specializing in mountain warfare and counter-terrorism operations. 
  • In 2016, Captain Mahajan led his team in the Pampore Operation to neutralize militants at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI).  
  • Despite multiple gunshot wounds, he eliminated terrorists before succumbing to his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery. 

Process of Renaming Railway Stations in India 

• Initiation: The state government initiates the renaming process, with the Chief Secretary submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after obtaining approval from the State Cabinet.  
• Central Government Review: The MHA reviews the proposal, consulting relevant departments like the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Geographical Survey of India, and Ministry of Earth Sciences. No-objection certificates are obtained, and MHA ensures the name is unique nationwide. 
• Approval and Notification: Upon MHA’s approval, it informs the Ministry of Railways. The state government issues a Gazette notification, and the Lieutenant Governor's office (in case of UTs) grants formal approval. 
• Implementation by Railways: The Zonal Railway implements the name change after the notification, creates a new station code, updates the ticketing system, and changes physical signage at the station. 

Sindhudurg’s Chipi Airport

Why in News? 

In a major boost to Sindhudurg and the Konkan region, the Maharashtra government has approved the resumption of services at Chipi Airport after a hiatus due to technical challenges. 

Key Points

• Chipi Airport: The Chipi Airport (inaugurated in October 2021), located in Parule-Chipi village in Sindhudurg district, was originally inaugurated to connect Konkan with major cities. 
  • However, the suspension of flights had forced residents and tourists to rely on neighboring Goa’s airports, causing inconvenience.
  • The resumption of services at Chipi Airport will significantly ease access to Konkan's famous beaches, temples, forts, and Malvani cuisine, making it more attractive to domestic and international tourists.

Human Rights Violations in MP

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh reported 10,373 human rights violation cases in the financial year 2024-25, translating to 29 cases per day.  

• This marks a continuous rise in such incidents over the last five years, with the number of pending complaints also increasing. 

Key Points 

• Pending Complaints: The Chief Minister informed the assembly that 4,669 human rights complaints are currently pending in the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (MP-SHRC).  
  • This is up from 2,798 complaints pending in 2020-21. 
• Decline Over the Years: Despite the rise in complaints over the past few years, long-term data from the MPHRC shows a decline in the overall number of cases when compared to earlier decades.  
  • In 2002-03, more than 15,000 complaints were reported, but by 2021-22, this number had decreased to under 9,000, primarily due to faster disposal of cases. 

Human Rights 

• Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. 
  • These include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. 
• The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) of India defines Human Rights as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. 

Rajasthan to Set Up ‘Language Lab’

Why in News? 

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has announced the establishment of a 'Language Lab' to offer foreign language training to the youth.

Key Points 

• Objective: The Language Lab will be set up in collaboration with English and Foreign Language University (EFLU) and the Ministry of Education.
  • The lab will offer training in languages such as English, French, Spanish, and Japanese to help young individuals gain proficiency in these languages.  
• Benefits for Youth: The language training offered at the lab will enhance the skillset of Rajasthan's youth, making them competitive for roles in tourism, trade, IT, education, and services sectors both within the country and abroad. 
  • The project aims to equip the youth with language skills, enabling them to explore job opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME)

Why in News? 

Under the Prime Minister's Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), entrepreneurs in Jaipur and Rajasthan are eligible for a 35% subsidy for setting up or expanding food processing industries.  

• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing a centrally sponsored PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) Scheme for providing financial, technical, and business support to micro food processing enterprises in India. 

Key Points 

• Subsidy Details: The PMFME Scheme provides a subsidy of 35% of the eligible project cost or ₹10 lakh, whichever is lower, for setting up new food processing units.  
  • This financial assistance is aimed at industries related to fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products, oilseeds, animal feed, bakery products, and other food products like sago and asafoetida. 
• Application Process: Applicants must apply online through the PMFME-MOFPI Portal.  
  • The State Nodal Agency for the scheme is the Rajasthan State Agricultural Marketing Board based in Jaipur, with the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) serving as the district-level nodal agency. 
• Support for Applicants: The government has appointed District Resource Persons (DRPs) to assist applicants with application procedures, including loan details and scheme-related guidance. 
• Eligibility and Requirements: The project cost does not include land costs, and technical civil work should not exceed 30% of the total project cost.  
  • The scheme is valid until 31st March 2026, and aims to establish 634 food processing units in Jaipur district alone.

Status of the Food Processing Industry in India 

• About: Food processing is a type of manufacturing in which raw materials are processed into intermediate foods or edible items using scientific knowledge and technology.  
  • It improves the storability, portability, palatability, and convenience of the finished product. 
• Significance: 
  • As per the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2019-20, 12.2% of persons in the registered manufacturing sector were employed in the food processing sector. 
  • The value of agri-food exports, including processed food exports, was about 10.9 % of India's total exports during 2021-22 
• Government Initiatives: 
  • 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval under automatic route has been permitted for the food processing sector 
  • A Special Food Processing Fund of Rs. 2000 crore was set up with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to provide affordable credit for investments in setting up Mega Food Parks (MFP) as well as processing units in the MFPs.