• 01 May 2025

Zojila Pass Now Open for Tourists

Why in News? 

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has opened the Siachen base camp to tourists, following the early reopening of the strategic Zojila Pass. Visitors do not require prior authorisation or a no-objection certificate (NOC) to access the site.  

• LAHDC also announced that the Galwan Valley will be opened to tourists for the first time from June 15, 2025. 

 

Key Points 

• Galwan Valley: 
  • The valley will be accessible via Shyok village, a key route in the region. 
    • The decision marks a historic development as this is the first-ever public access to Galwan Valley, a sensitive military zone. 
  • The opening is timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, underscoring the area’s symbolic significance. 
• Zojila Pass: 
  • Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. 
  • The pass links Leh and Srinagar and provides an important link between Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir. 
    • It is vital for the movement of goods and personnel, especially for security forces stationed in Ladakh. 
  • Zoji la is known as the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards”. 
  • Zojila pass remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Ladakh region from Kashmir. 
  • In 2018, the Zojila tunnel project was launched. The tunnel is Asia's longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. 
  • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) reopened Zojila Pass for traffic. 

 Galwan Valley 

• Geographic Location: 
  • Galwan Valley lies between steep mountain ranges through which the Galwan River flows. 
  • The Galwan River originates in Aksai Chin (under Chinese control) and flows westward into Ladakh, where it merges with the Shyok River on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 
  • The valley serves as a crucial corridor between western Ladakh and eastern Aksai Chin. 
• Chinese Control: 
  • Aksai Chin, where the river begins, is administered by China as part of its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 
• Proximity to Key Roads: 
  • On the Indian side, the valley is close to the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road, a strategic supply route. 
  • On the Chinese side, it lies near the G219 highway, a major road connecting Xinjiang and Tibet. 

 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) 

• BRO was conceived and raised in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for coordinating the speedy development of a network of roads in the North and the North Eastern border regions of the country. 
• It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. 
• It has diversified into a large spectrum of construction and development works comprising airfields, building projects, defence works and tunneling and has endeared itself to the people. 
• Important programmes: 
  • In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road. 
  • The BRO will soon start construction on the 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel, which will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft once completed, bypassing China's Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft. 

 Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) 

• About: 
  • LAHDC was established under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1995. 
  • The creation of LAHDC introduced democratic decentralization of the planning process, enabling grassroots participation in decision-making. 
• Significance: 
  • Given Ladakh’s challenging terrain and remote locations, the need for public involvement in planning and development was particularly critical. 
  • LAHDC’s structure allows for locally informed policies that address the unique needs of the region. 

CareEdge State Ranking Report 2025

Why in News? 

Maharashtra has emerged as the top-performing state in the CareEdge State Ranking Report 2025 released by CARE Ratings Ltd (CareEdge Ratings), India's second-largest rating agency. 

 Key Points 

• The CareEdge State Rankings: 
  • About: 
    • It is the second edition of the CareEdge State Rankings, which offers a holistic evaluation of state performance across seven key pillars: 
      • Economic performance 
      • Fiscal management 
      • Infrastructure development 
      • Financial sector growth 
      • Social development 
      • Governance quality 
      • Environmental sustainability 
    • Together, these pillars are assessed using 50 measurable indicators. 
  • Aim:  
    • The primary aim is to provide a quantitative, data-driven evaluation of how Indian states are performing across critical development dimensions. 
    • The rankings serve as a benchmarking tool to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for policy improvement. 
  • Approach and Methodology: 
    • The report adopts an objective and evidence-based approach, focusing on both sustained growth and the inclusiveness of development models. 
    • It also evaluates investment potential, making the findings relevant for businesses, investors, and policymakers. 
  • Scope of the Assessment: 
    • The rankings encompass a broad spectrum of governance and development indicators, offering a comprehensive picture of state-level competitiveness. 
    • The assessment reflects both current performance and long-term capacity for growth. 
    • The rankings exclude Union Territories and aim to present a data-driven assessment of state competitiveness and investment appeal. 
• State’s Ranking 2025: 
  • Top Performers Among Large States: 
    • Maharashtra secured the top rank in CareEdge Ratings’ 2025 Composite State Ranking. 
    • Gujarat and Karnataka followed, occupying the second and third positions respectively. 
    • Western (Maharashtra, Gujarat) and Southern states (Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu) dominate the top five ranks. 
  • Bottom Performers Among Large States: 
    • Bihar (17th), Jharkhand (16th), and Madhya Pradesh (15th) were the lowest ranked large states. 
  • Performance Highlights by Region: 
    • Western States: Excelled in economic, fiscal, and financial development indicators. 
    • Southern States: Strong performers in governance, environment, financial development, and economic pillars. 
    • Group B (Northeast, Hilly & Small States) Rankings: 
      • Goa topped the list, with high scores in financial development, infrastructure, fiscal, social, and economic indicators. 
      • Other top performers: Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam. 
      • Nagaland (11th), Manipur (10th), and Arunachal Pradesh (9th) were at the bottom of Group B. 
• Notable Subject-wise Highlights: 
  • Economic Rankings: 
    • Gujarat led the economic pillar, driven by strong per capita GSDP, FDI inflow, and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF). 
    • Karnataka and Maharashtra followed due to robust industrial and service sector contributions. 
    • In Group B, Sikkim performed best, led by strong GSDP and sectoral output. 
• Fiscal Rankings: 
  • Odisha ranked highest due to effective debt management, low revenue deficit, and prudent expenditure. 
    • Gujarat and Maharashtra followed. 
  • In Group B, Uttarakhand stood out for maintaining low deficits and better public spending. 
• Financial Development Rankings: 
  • Maharashtra topped this category with high credit disbursements and deep penetration of mutual funds and insurance. 
  • Telangana and Haryana followed; the latter excelled in NBFC credit and PMJDY balances. 
  • Goa led Group B with a wide margin. 
• Infrastructure Rankings: 
  • Punjab and Haryana led among large states due to high power availability, rail density, and irrigated land. 
  • In Group B, Goa performed best, backed by strong scores in road and rail density, air traffic, and doctor availability. 
• Social Rankings: 
  • Kerala topped the social pillar with impressive indicators, though it lagged in unemployment. 
  • Tamil Nadu also showed consistent performance. 
  • In Group B, Goa and Mizoram led with strong outcomes in literacy, infant mortality, and poverty reduction. 
• Governance Rankings: 
  • Andhra Pradesh topped with high scores in court efficiency, business environment, and public e-services. 
  • Madhya Pradesh followed, noted for judicial delivery and digital governance. 
  • In Group B, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh excelled in governance metrics. 
• Environment Rankings: 
  • Karnataka led in air quality and renewable energy. 
  • Telangana performed well in forest cover growth and drinking water access. 
  • In Group B, Himachal Pradesh stood out with strong performance in green energy, water access, and forest conservation. 

WAVES 2025 Summit begins in Mumbai

Why in News? 

The Government of India begins the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.  

 Key Points 

• WAVES 2025: 
  • It is a global summit for the media and entertainment (M&E) industry, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  
  • It aims to promote dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the media and entertainment (M&E) sector, boosting India's role as a global hub for digital content and innovation. 
• Four Core Pillars of the Summit: 
  • WAVES 2025 is built around four key thematic tracks: 
    • Broadcasting & Infotainment 
    • AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) 
    • Digital Media & Innovation 
    • Films 
  • These tracks cover a wide spectrum from traditional broadcasting to cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse. 
• Create in India Challenge & The Creatosphere: 
  • A key attraction is the “Create in India Challenge”, which received over 85,000 entries, including 1,100 from abroad. 
  • After a rigorous selection process, 750 finalists will showcase their talent at the Creatosphere, a dedicated exhibition space. 
  • The Creatosphere includes: 
    • Masterclasses and workshops 
    • A gaming arena 
    • The Grand Finale of the challenge 
    • The WAVES CIC Awards 
• Global Media Dialogue and Thought Leadership: 
  • On 2 May, the Global Media Dialogue will bring together policymakers, media professionals, and industry leaders to discuss international collaboration, media ethics, and innovation. 
  • The Thought Leaders Track will host global CEOs and experts for plenary and breakout sessions, focusing on strategic partnerships and emerging trends. 
• WaveXcelerator:  
  • The WaveXcelerator platform will connect startups with investors and mentors through live pitch sessions. 
  • It aims to nurture innovation and accelerate the growth of India’s media and entertainment startup ecosystem. 
• WAVES Bazaar and Viewing Room Library: 
  • The WAVES Bazaar will serve as a marketplace for content creators and media professionals to explore collaboration and content trade. 
  • The Viewing Room Library will screen 100 curated films from eight countries, including India, the USA, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. 
• Bharat Pavilion:  
  • The Bharat Pavilion will feature four immersive storytelling zones — Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap — under the theme “Kala to Code”. 
  • These zones celebrate India's transition from traditional arts to digital creativity and global cultural engagement. 
• Technology, Innovation & Community Media: 
  • The Exhibition Pavilion will showcase the latest technological innovations in the media and entertainment sector. 
  • A National Sammelan on Community Radio will highlight the role of local radio in empowering communities and amplifying grassroots voices. 
• Cultural Showcase: 
  • WAVES 2025 also features a cultural programme with Indian and international performances, celebrating the power of media to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

Multi Modal Logistic Park in Nagpur

Why in News? 

Under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Nagpur, Maharashtra began commercial operations to boost seamless connectivity and reduce travel time across transport modes. 

 Key Points 

• About MMLP Nagpur: 
  • The Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) Nagpur is developed by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). 
    • NHLML, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has partnered with a private developer to build the MMLP over 150 acres in three phases under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. 
  • The total concession period is 45 years, with a project cost of Rs 673 crore. 
    • Phase-I is being developed with an investment of Rs 137 crore. 
  • The project is expected to generate employment, support regional economic development, and position Nagpur as a logistics hub within central India. 
• Strategic Importance: 
  • MMLP Nagpur aims to enhance multi-modal freight movement, reducing both logistics cost and transit time. 
  • It will provide modern warehousing and real-time tracking capabilities to improve the efficiency of India's freight ecosystem. 

 Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) 

• About: 
  • Developed under a ‘Hub & Spoke’ model, the MMLP will integrate multiple modes of freight transport through highways, railways & inland waterways. 
  • The Multi Modal Logistic Park project is poised to develop state-of-the-art large scale warehousing facilities for different types of commodities, to become a one stop solution for all services related to cargo movement like warehousing, custom clearance, parking, maintenance of trucks etc. 
    • It will have all the facilities like warehouses, railway siding, cold storage, custom clearance house, yard facility, workshops, petrol pumps, truck parking, administrative building, boarding lodging, eating joints, water treatment plant, etc. 
• Focus: 
  • The MMLPs will focus on a technology driven implementation for a state-of-the-art freight management system. 
    • Many value-added services like packaging, repackaging and labelling will be available in these projects. 
  • MMLP will be a freight handling facility for mechanised material handling and value-added services along with other associated facilities. 

 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) 

• NHAI was established under the NHAI Act of 1988 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 
• It oversees the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) and other projects. 
• India's national highway network covers about 146,000 kilometers. 

 PM GatiShakti  

• The PM Gati Shakti, launched in October 2021 is a transformative Rs. 100 lakh crore initiative aimed at revolutionising India’s infrastructure over the next five years.   
• It has been developed as a Digital Master Planning tool by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics).  
  • It has been prepared in a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform wherein data on specific action plans of all the Ministries/Departments have been incorporated within a comprehensive database.  
• The plan seeks to accelerate project completion, reduce timelines, and enhance India’s global competitiveness by breaking down inter-ministerial obstacles.  
• The vision of PM GatiShakti is to create a world-class infrastructure that improves the ease of living, boosts economic growth and makes Indian businesses more competitive. 

Forest Alert System

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based real-time forest alert system as a pilot project. 

Key Points 

• About Forest Alert System: 
  • It is a system based on Google Earth Engine, AI models and multi-temporal satellite data . 
  • Madhya Pradesh has implemented this technology on a pilot basis in sensitive forest divisions such as Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur and Khandwa districts. There are plans to expand it at the state level in the future. 
  • This system will enable proactive forest management by timely detection of forest encroachment, land use change and forest degradation. 
• Features: 
  • Satellite images from three different dates obtained from Google Earth Engine will be analyzed. 
  • Indexes like Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ( NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) will be used to identify the changes . 
  • Significant changes to the land (e.g., cropping, construction, harvesting) will be flagged by the AI model and recorded as polygon alerts . 
  • The app will have features like GPS tagged photos, voice notes, comments, geofencing, distance measurement . 
  • Filters such as date, density and area will also be available on the dashboard, making it possible to get specific information. 
  • Field workers can upload photos, GPS locations, and voice recordings through the app. 

 

Initiatives Taken by India for Sustainable Forest Management 

• Government-Led Programs:  
  • Green India Mission (GIM): Increased forest cover by 0.56% between 2017 and 2021.  
  • National Agroforestry Policy (2014): Encourages tree planting on private farmland to reduce pressure on natural forests.  
  • Trees Outside Forests in India Program: Encourages tree planting on non-forest lands by involving private stakeholders to boost green cover.  
  • Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Funds reforestation where forests are diverted for industrial use.  
• Corporate & Community Efforts:  
  • CSR-Driven Plantations: Companies in automobile, cement, and energy sectors undertake afforestation to offset emissions.  
  • Agroforestry for Livelihoods: Farmers integrate timber, fruit, and medicinal plants with crops for additional income.  
• Carbon Credit Strategies: Industries invest in afforestation to earn carbon credits. 

28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh performed won three gold medals in the 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship. 

Key Points 

• National Federation Senior Athletics Championships:   
  • It is one of the major domestic athletics competitions in India, organised annually by  the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) . 
  • The competition provides a common platform for the country's top athletes in track and field events and also forms  the basis for selection for international competitions. 
  • Its 28th edition was held from 21 to 24 April 2025 in Kochi, Kerala . 
  • 38 medal events were held in this event . 
• Importance: 
  • This performance will prove helpful in establishing Madhya Pradesh on the national athletics map . 
  • This achievement of the players will become an inspiration for the younger generation . 

Event	Athlete	Achievement
Shot Put	Samarjit Singh	Gold Medal
Pole Vault	Dev Meena	Gold Medal
3000m Steeplechase (Women)	Manju Yadav	Gold Medal

Athletics Federation of India (AFI)  

• About: AFI was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India.  
  • It is affiliated with World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association.  
• Objective: To popularize athletics, improve athlete performance, and make the sport commercially viable.  
• Structure: AFI consists of 32 affiliated state and institutional units.  
• Functions: It organizes National Championships, selects teams for international events, and promotes athletics through competitions. It also focuses on grassroots development, coaching programs, and special camps to nurture talent.

Sacred Buddha Relics of Sarnath

Why in News? 

Sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh will be displayed during  the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) celebrations in Vietnam in May 2025 . 

Key Points 

• About Buddha Relics: 
  • These relics are enshrined in the Moolgandha Kuti Viharaya Monastery located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It is run by the Mahabodhi Society, which was founded by Anagarika Dharmapala. 
  • The remains were excavated by H. Longhurst at Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh) during 1927–1931 . 
  • These relics were handed over to the Mahabodhi Society on 27 December 1932 by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni on behalf of the Viceroy of India. 
  • The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) . 
• United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV): 
  • Vesak Day is the holiest day in Buddhism, celebrated to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. 
  • The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on December 15, 1999 recognizing it as an international day . 
  • The first official event was held in 2000 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York . 
  • The theme of UN Vesak Day 2025 is “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusion for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development”. 

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)  

• It is the largest religious Buddhist organization.  
• The aim of the association is to build the role of Buddhism on the global stage, to help preserve Buddhism's heritage, share knowledge and promote its values, and to represent Buddhism through meaningful participation in global dialogue.  
• In November 2011 the 'Global Buddhist Congregation' (GBC) was hosted in New Delhi, where the attendees unanimously adopted a resolution to form an international umbrella body—the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). 
• Headquarters: Delhi (India). 

 

Under-20 National Wrestling Championship

Why in News? 

The Under-20 National Wrestling Championship was organized in Kota district of Rajasthan from 20 to 22 April 2025 under the aegis of Rajasthan State Wrestling Association. 

Key Points 

• About the competition: 
  • It is organized by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). 
  • This event was held for the first time in Rajasthan at Raghurai Endo Sports Complex in Kota district . 
  • More than 800 wrestlers from 26 states and union territories participated in it. 
  • Competitions were held in men's Greco-Roman and freestyle , and women's freestyle categories. 
  • There were 10 weight categories in each category.  
  • Winner:  
    • Haryana won first place by winning a total of 16 gold medals. 
    • Delhi secured second position by winning a total of 6 gold medals while Uttar Pradesh secured third position by winning 3 gold medals . 

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) 

• WFI is the governing body of wrestling in India. Its headquarter is located in New Delhi. 
• It is recognised by the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association. 
• It organises various national and international level wrestling competitions including the Pro Wrestling League, National Wrestling Championships and Asian Championships. 
• The WFI also provides support and training to Indian wrestlers participating in the Olympic Games. 

Mission Parinda Campaign

Why in News? 

'Mission Parinda' campaign was launched  by Baran district administration of Rajasthan on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day . 

Key Points 

• About the campaign: 
  • The objective of this campaign is to provide water to birds in summer and to raise awareness towards environmental conservation and biodiversity . 
  • In the first phase of the campaign, water containers will be installed in all government offices which will be regularly filled with  cold water . 
  • In the second phase, nests will be installed, which will provide safety and comfort to the birds, especially in summer . These nests will be specially made from grass and coconut fibres. 
  • The district administration has also appealed to the general public to join this campaign and install water containers at their homes and workplaces. 

National Panchayati Raj Day 

• The day, celebrated on April 24, marks the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 , through which Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were granted statutory status.  
• It was first organised in the year 2010 .