• 08 Aug 2025

National Fish Farmers Day 2025

Why in News? 

National Fish Farmers Day 2025 was celebrated on 10th July at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) to honor the tireless dedication of fish farmers in strengthening India’s food security, meeting the demand for fish-based protein, and driving rural employment. 

Key Points 

• Honoring the Legacy: National Fish Farmers Day commemorates the pioneering work of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi in 1957, who revolutionized Indian fisheries with the Hypophysation technique, enabling induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps.  
  • This scientific breakthrough led to the growth of Inland Aquaculture in India. 
• Key Initiatives and Investments: The Government of India has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector since 2015.  
  • Fish production has grown from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25.  
  • India has become a global leader in shrimp exports, crossing ₹60,500 crore, with shrimp production increasing by 270% over the past decade.

State of India’s Fisheries Sector

• India is the 2^nd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China. 
• India has ascended to become the 4th-largest exporter of marine products, marking a significant rise from eighth position in 2014-15. 
  • Inland fisheries account for over 75% of total output.   
• Top fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka.  

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) 

• Established: 
  • Originated from the Pond Culture Division of CIFRI in 1949, Cuttack, Odisha. 
  • Operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 
• Mission: 
  • Focuses on sustainable and diversified freshwater aquaculture practices. 
  • Aims to enhance productivity, quality, water use efficiency, and farm income. 

Quit India Movement Day

Why in News?

India celebrates 8^th August every year as Quit India Movement Day, also known as August Kranti Diwas, to commemorate the Quit India Movement (QIM), which demanded the immediate end of British rule in India. 

• The QIM (August Kranti) was officially launched at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay (now Mumbai) Maharashtra. 

Quit India Movement 

• Launch: By Mahatma Gandhi on 8th August 1942 to demand the immediate end of British rule following the failure of the Cripps Mission. 
• Gandhi's Call: Gandhi gave the powerful call of “Do or Die” at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan). 
• Slogan and Symbolism:  The slogan “Quit India” was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist from Mumbai, who had also created the earlier slogan “Simon Go Back.”  
  • During the movement, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Indian flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan as a symbol of defiance. 
• Rise of New Leaders: New leaders like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan rose to prominence during this movement.  
  • Women also played a significant role, leading protests and sacrificing their lives, such as Matangini Hazra, who died with the Tricolour in hand, and Sucheta Kripalani, who later became India’s first female Chief Minister (Uttar Pradesh). 
• Nature of the QIM: The QIM was distinct from earlier peaceful protests like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience, as it was a mass uprising demanding the complete withdrawal of British rule. 
  • The movement had elements of violence in self-defense and spontaneous actions like sabotage and guerrilla attacks against British properties. 
  • The Muslim community largely stayed absent from the QIM, it was seen as a Hindu nationalist cause, highlighting the growing communal divide and the Muslim League's push for a separate state. 

Events that Led to the Quit India Movement 

• Impact of World War II (1939-1945): Britain involved India in World War II without consulting Indian leaders, causing widespread anger. 
• Failure of the Cripps Mission (March 1942): The Cripps Mission was sent by the British in March 1942 to secure India’s support in World War II and resolve the political crisis.  
  • Stafford Cripps proposed granting India dominion status after the war, with a Constituent Assembly where provinces and princely states could opt out.  
  • Gandhi called it a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank”. 
• Nationalist Sentiment and Economic Hardships: Due to Wartime exploitation and famines. 
• Fall of Burma (1942): The Japanese invasion of Burma brought the war to India’s doorstep, heightening invasion fears and urgency for British withdrawal.  
  • Meanwhile, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose formation of the Indian National Army intensified the fight for independence. 
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Leadership: Facing rising demands for independence, Gandhi launched the Quit India call, declaring, “We shall either free India or die in the attempt.”  
  • On 8^th August 1942 the All-India Congress Committee passed the Quit India Resolution, urging non-violent mass resistance. 

New Industrial Corridor & Industrial Zone in Bihar

Why in News? 

CM Nitish Kumar has announced the establishment of major industrial projects in Bhagalpur and Gopalganj to foster economic development across Bihar. 

Industrial Corridor in Bhagalpur 

• In a bid to revitalize Bhagalpur’s industrial landscape, the Cabinet also approved the free-of-cost transfer of 96.98 acres of government land in Goradih circle of Bhagalpur district to the industries department.  
• New Thermal Power Plant in Bhagalpur: Bihar State Electricity Commission will lease land to a private company for the establishment of a thermal power plant.  

Industrial Zone in Gopalganj 

• The government has approved the transfer of 32.66 acres of land in Gopalganj (Nona Pakad and Khiridih villages) for the establishment of a new industrial area.  
  • The land will be handed over to the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) on a paid basis, for a total value of ₹11.39 crore.  
  • This new industrial zone will be key in driving industrial development, attracting investment, and generating employment for the youth and unemployed in the region.

Sectoral Contributions in Bihar's GDP  

• As per NITI Aayog, Bihar's real gross state domestic product (GSDP) has grown at an average rate of 5.0% between 2012-13 and 2021-22 (lower than the national average growth rate of 5.6%).  
• The services sector has the highest share in GSVA (57.1%), followed by agriculture (24.3%), and industry (17.2%). 

Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Swachhata Campaign

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav has called on citizens to actively participate in the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign in honor of Independence Day 2025.  

• Along with raising the national flag, CM Yadav emphasized the importance of associating cleanliness with national pride, urging people to embrace both aspects during the ongoing campaign. 

Key Points 

• The "Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Swachhata" campaign, which celebrates freedom and cleanliness, is set to run in three phases (2nd -15th  August 2025).  
  • Phase 1 (2nd-8th August): Focus on creating a sense of patriotism and awareness with flag-centric events, discussions, exhibitions, and interactive activities like tricolor rangoli and flag quizzes. 
  • Phase 2 (August 9th-12th): The focus shifts to mass engagement, with events such as Tricolor Concerts, Flag Sales, and Tricolor Rallies aimed at widespread participation. 
  • Phase 3 (August 13th-15th): Encourages the final display of the tricolor on homes, offices, and vehicles, along with uploading selfies with the flag. 

Har Ghar Tiranga (HGT) Campaign 

• The HGT campaign is part of the Independence Day celebrations. 
• It aims to instill a spirit of patriotism and national pride among citizens by encouraging every Indian to hoist the national flag. 
• It was launched under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022 and has grown into a people's movement. 
• Other outreach activities being organized are Tiranga Concerts, Street Plays (Nukkad Nataks), Exhibitions on the Evolution of Tiranga, etc. 

Beautification of Surinam and Mayer Ghat

What is News? 

In a significant move towards enhancing Kolkata’s riverfront, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP, Kolkata) has partnered with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) for the beautification of Surinam Ghat and the development of Mayer Ghat.  

• This initiative forms part of the port’s broader Swachhata initiatives, with the aim to revive these iconic ghats, strengthening their cultural and historical significance. 

Key Points 

• GRSE will undertake the beautification of Surinam Ghat and development work at Mayer Ghat under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.  
  • Both ghats hold immense cultural value for the city and will undergo transformations aimed at enhancing public infrastructure while preserving their rich history. 
• Surinam Ghat is historically poignant, as it was the departure point for over 34,000 indentured laborers (mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) who sailed to Suriname between 1873 and 1916.  
  • The first ship, Lalla Rookh, departed in 1873, carrying 410 passengers. 
• Mayer Ghat, located near Bagbazar, has spiritual significance, being frequented by Ma Sarada during her visits to Udbodhan Patrika.  
  • Both ghats have been integral to Kolkata’s maritime legacy, dating back to the 1500s when European traders frequented the Hooghly River.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) 

• SMP Kolkata is one of India’s 13 government-designated major ports, administered under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 
• It is India’s only riverine major port, located on the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal.  
• It is the oldest operational port in India (established in 1870 as the Kolkata Port)). 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 

• CSR refers to a company’s responsibility towards society and the environment.   
  • It is a self-regulating model that ensures businesses remain accountable for their impact on economic, social, and environmental well-being.   
  • By adopting CSR, companies become more aware of their broader role in sustainable development.   
• India is the first country to make CSR spending mandatory under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.  
• CSR rules apply to companies that, in the preceding financial year, have a net worth exceeding Rs 500 crore, or a turnover over Rs 1,000 crore, or a net profit above Rs 5 crore.  
• Such companies must spend at least 2% of their average net profit of the last 3 financial years (or available years if newly incorporated) on CSR activities. 

S. Radha Chauhan: New Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission

Why in News? 

Mrs. S. Radha Chauhan took over as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission in New Delhi, succeeding Shri Adil Zainulbhai, who had held the position since April 2021. 

• Mrs. Chauhan, a retired IAS officer from the UP Cadre (1988 batch), also served as the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Capacity Building Commission 

• The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is an independent body with full executive authority, operational since April 2021. 
• It is a three-member Commission, supported by an internal Secretariat headed by a Secretary.  
• Members are appointed from diverse backgrounds such as the private sector, academia, the public sector, and civil society.  
• The Commission is tasked with driving the standardisation and harmonisation across India's civil services landscape. 
• As the custodian of civil services capacity-building reforms, the Commission plays a central role in the institutional framework of Mission Karmayogi.

Mission Karmayogi

• Mission Karmayogi was launched by the Government of India in September 2020 as a National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). 
• It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, proactive, professional, energetic, transparent and technology enabled.