• 13 Aug 2025

UP: Second Fastest Growing Economy

Why in News? 

As per data of  Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as the second fastest-growing state in India in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), with its growth rate accelerating from 5.5% to 8.9%. 

• Tamil Nadu holds the top position with a GSDP growth rate of 11.19%. Small states like Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have also posted significant growth rates of 9.66%. 

Key Points About Economic State of UP 

• Uttar Pradesh ranks as India's third-largest economy after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu (NITI Aayog). 
  • UP has set an ambitious goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2029.  
  • It has identified 10 key sectors critical to achieving this target, with a focus on law and order, agriculture, infrastructure, industrial development, social security, and more. 
• In FY 2023–24, Uttar Pradesh's GSDP stood at ₹25.48 lakh crore, up from ₹22.58 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year. 
• The state experienced a 23% increase in per capita income from FY 2016–17 to FY 2019–20. 
• The agriculture sector's contribution to GSDP increased from 13.7% to 16.8% in FY 2023–24.  
  • Meanwhile, the secondary sector accounts for 23% of the GSDP, while the tertiary sector contributes 45%. 
• Uttar Pradesh contributes 8% to India's national GDP. 

106th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

Why in News? 

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (12^th August 1919 - 30th December 1971), widely recognized as the Father of India's Space Programme, was remembered and celebrated on his 106th birth anniversary on 12th August.   

Key Points 

• Early Life and Education:  
  • He was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into an affluent Jain family. Sarabhai was one of eight children of Ambalal and Sarla Devi. 
  • Undergraduate degree in Physics and Mathematics from Cambridge University. 
  • Pursued a PhD under Nobel laureate C.V. Raman at IISc, Bangalore, with the thesis titled "Time Distribution of Cosmic Rays," published in 1942. 
• Institutional Legacy:  
  • Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad: Founded in 1947, PRL marked the beginning of Sarabhai’s journey in institution building.  
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad: Played a pivotal role in its creation.  
  • Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad: Founded in 1966 to promote science education.  
  • Darpan Academy for Performing Arts, Ahmedabad: Co-founded with his wife, Mrinalini Swaminathan.  
  • Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram: A hub for India’s space missions.  
• Contributions to Indian Space and Nuclear Programs:  
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): He founded the ISRO, emphasizing the importance of space technology for societal development.  
  • Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE): Conceptualized with NASA, SITE beamed educational programs to rural areas, laying the foundation for programs like Doordarshan’s Krishi Darshan.  
  • Aryabhata Satellite: Initiated the fabrication of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, launched in 1975 from a Russian cosmodrome.  
  • Atomic Energy Commission: Took over as chairman after Homi Bhabha’s death, advancing nuclear science.  
• Awards and Honors:  
  • Awards:  
    • Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1962)  
    • Padma Bhushan (1966)  
    • Padma Vibhushan (posthumously, 1972)  
  • Distinguished Positions:  
    • President, Physics Section, Indian Science Congress (1962)  
    • President, General Conference of the IAEA, Vienna (1970)  
    • Vice-President, Fourth UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy (1971)  
  • Title: Mahatma Gandhi of Indian Science (By former President APJ Abdul Kalam).  
  • Legacy:  
    • Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was named in his honor.  
    • A lunar crater, “Sarabhai Crater,” was named after him. 

Country's First Drone-Based Cloud Seeding Experiment

Why in News?

The state agriculture department of Rajasthan launched the first-ever drone-based cloud seeding experiment to address the water crisis in the region and revive the Ramgarh Lake.  

Key Points

• Objective: The experiment aims to trigger rainfall by dispersing specialized chemicals into rain clouds, potentially benefiting agricultural activities in the region.  
  • This 60-day pilot project aims to promote water droplet formation in clouds to tackle the area's water shortage, as part of a larger, ongoing effort to address regional water scarcity. 
• Technology Used: The cloud seeding process is powered by an AI-driven platform called Hydro Trace, which uses real-time data, satellite imaging, and sensor networks to target the right clouds at the right time accurately. 
• Approvals: The technology received approvals from multiple bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department. 

Cloud Seeding 

• It is a weather modification technique that enhances precipitation by dispersing chemicals like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds, serving as nuclei for water droplet formation, leading to rainfall.   
• It can help combat air pollution, especially during periods of high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.   
• Cloud seeding may increase water availability and result in economic, environmental, and human health benefits. 

 

UP’s MSME Industrial Estate Management Policy 2025

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has given its approval for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Industrial Estate Management Policy (2025), designed to promote industrial growth by simplifying land allocation and improving facilities for businesses. 

• The new policy is set to replace 19 outdated government orders issued since 1978. 

Key Features of the Policy

• Land Allocation: Land, sheds, and plots in industrial estates will be allocated via lease/rent through auction or e-auction modes. 
  • Successful bidders will pay 10% of the reserved price as earnest money, with the remaining balance payable in lump sum or installments over one to three years. Immediate payments will be eligible for a 2% discount. 
• Reservation for SC/ST Entrepreneurs: 10% of all plots and sheds will be reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs.  
  • If no eligible applicant comes forward, the plots may be reallocated to other categories to ensure continuous development. 
• Price Structure: The policy introduces fixed reserved prices for industrial plots in various regions for FY 2025-26, including Madhyanchal, Pashchimanchal, Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. 
  • The rates will increase by 5% annually, starting from 1st April each year. 
• Preferential Rates for Anchor Units: Special rates may be offered to anchor units expected to drive significant MSME growth in the estates. 
• Infrastructure Facilities: Industrial estates will be equipped with essential amenities, including common facility centers, power substations, fire stations, women's hostels, dormitories, crèches, eco-friendly parks, training institutes, and health services. 
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The Commissioner and Director of Industries will oversee the implementation of SOPs for land allocation, property transfer, revitalization, subletting, and surrender. 

Classification	Micro	Small	Medium
Manufacturing and Services Enterprises	Investment: Not more than Rs. 2.5 crore   Annual Turnover: not more than Rs. 10 crore	Investment: Not more than Rs. 25 crore   Annual Turnover: Not more than Rs. 100 crore	Investment: Not more than Rs. 125 crore   Annual Turnover: Not more than Rs. 500 crore

Lesser Florican Conservation Crisis

Why in News? 

The unchecked release of stray dogs from Nasirabad and Ajmer into the forested expanse of Arwar Conservation Reserve has emerged as a grave threat to the Lesser Florican. 

Key Points 

• Decline in Population: The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), once common in Rajasthan’s monsoon grasslands, has experienced a catastrophic 97% decline. 
  • In the year 2025, only one male was spotted in the breeding grounds of Ajmer, Kekri, and Shahpura, a sharp decrease from 39 in 2020. 
  • A landscape survey by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) highlighted the species' dwindling numbers, with the lone male observed near Bandanwara. 

Lesser Florican (Sypheotides Indicus) 

• It is one of three bustard species endemic to India, the others being the Bengal florican (Critically Endangered) and the Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered). 
• It is the smallest of the bustard family and is renowned for its spectacular leaping breeding display. 
• In the local language, the bird is known as ‘tanmor’ or ‘kharmor’, derived from the root word ‘mor’ for peacock. 
• It is mainly observed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. 
• Conservation status: 
  • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered 
  • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES: Appendix II

MP’s CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana

Why in News? 

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is set to transfer the second installment of Rs. 17,500 crore under the CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana for the year 2025-26 to the accounts of farmers in Madhya Pradesh on 14th August 2025. 

• By March 2025, over 83 lakh beneficiaries had received a cumulative Rs. 17,500 crore under this initiative, supporting the agricultural community in the state. 

Key Facts About CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana 

• Scheme: The scheme, launched in September 2020, aims to provide direct financial support to farmers.  
  • The CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana is designed to empower small and marginal farmers by providing an extra Rs. 6,000 annually, in addition to the Rs. 6,000 provided under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.  
  • The benefit is provided in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each. 
• Eligibility Criteria: 
  • Farmers must be registered under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (mandatory e-KYC). 
  • The applicant should be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh. 
  • The farmer must have arable land where they carry out farming activities. 
  • Ineligible farmers include income tax payees, elected representatives, and government employees.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) 

• Launched: December 2018 
• Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Government of India) 
• Objective: Provide financial assistance to land-holding farmer families across India 
• Income Support: Rs 6,000 annually (3 equal installments of Rs 2,000 each) 
  • 100% Direct Benefit Transfer via Aadhaar-based verification and real-time payment tracking. 
• Eligibility: All landholding farmer families (with certain exclusions) 
• Beneficiary Identification: Done by State Governments and Union Territories as per guidelines 
• Implementing Agency: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) 

Mega Tinkering Day 2025

Why in News? 

In a first-of-its-kind nationwide innovation movement, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, hosted Mega Tinkering Day 2025, marking a significant milestone in India's innovation landscape.  

Key Points 

• About: The nationwide event brought together over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across all 35 states and Union Territories of India.  
  • The event witnessed 4,73,350 students from 9,467 ATL-equipped schools participating in a hands-on challenge to design and build a do-it-yourself (DIY) vacuum cleaner using everyday materials from their labs. 
• Event Format: 
  • Virtual & Simultaneous: The event was held virtually and simultaneously in schools across India, with regional participation across North (Leh, Ladakh, Kargil, Kashmir), South (Kanniyakumari), West (Bhuj, Kutch), East (Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh), and Aspirational Districts (Virudhunagar). 
  • Collaborative Learning: The online format enabled students to collaborate in real-time, despite geographical distances.

Atal Innovation Mission 

• About: Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, AIM promotes innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering a problem-solving mindset in students and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities and research institutions.  
  • AIM 2.0 aims to scale and pilot new initiatives to expand and strengthen India's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, building on the success of AIM. 

HIV-AIDS Awareness on International Youth Day

Why in News? 

On International Youth Day (12^th Aug 2025), the Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society organized a state-level program in Jaipur, launching an intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to promote HIV-AIDS awareness among youth across the state.  

International Youth Day (IYD) 

• Established by: UN General Assembly in 1999 
  • Initial Proposal: 1991 by young participants at World Youth Forum, Vienna 
  • Official Resolution: World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, Lisbon (1998) 
• First Celebrated: 12th August 2000 
• 2025 Theme: "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond" 
  • With over 65% of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is a necessity. 
• Objectives: 
  • Draw attention to youth issues worldwide 
  • Promote youth engagement in sustainable development 
  • Celebrate youth contributions to society. 

AIDS 

• AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system, targeting CD4 cells (white blood cells, vital for the immune system).  
  • It spreads through unprotected sex, infected blood, and sharing needles.  
  • While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus and help restore CD4 cells.  
• The Global AIDS Update 2023 highlights a decline in new infections, aiming to eliminate AIDS by 2030.  
  • In India, over 2.5 million people live with HIV, with a 44% reduction in new infections since 2010.

National Youth Day 

• India celebrates the National Youth Day, on 12th January every year on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. 
  • Since 1984, the nation has marked the day by urging the youth to live up to the values, principles and beliefs that Vivekananda embraced. 
  • Swami Vivekananda's born on 12th January 1863, Kolkata. 
• Swami Vivekananda is considered one of the great Indian monks who enlightened the Western world about Hinduism. 
  • As a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he pushed for national integration in colonial India and is credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation. 

Bhojpur Temple Hosts Cleanliness Drive

Why in News? 

On 10th August 2025, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organized a successful cleanliness drive at the tentative UNESCO World Heritage site Bhojpur Temple (Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple), spreading the message of national pride and environmental responsibility. 

• The event was conducted under the theme "Azadi Ka Utsav Swachhta Ke Sang," encouraging people to celebrate freedom with cleanliness.  

Key Points 

• Environmental Awareness: Participants focused on eco-friendly waste disposal, especially flowers and offerings, promoting cleanliness and preserving heritage. 
• Spiritual Awareness: Karma Yoga teachings from the Bhagavad Gita were shared, blending social, environmental, and spiritual consciousness. 

Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple  

 

• Location: Bhojpur, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh 
• Historical Significance: Built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty, dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
  • Added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024. 
• Architecture: 
  • Style: Bhumija, with Dravida influences on shikhara. 
    • The temple's Bhumija-style architecture influenced later temples like Udayeshwara and Bijamandal. 
  • Notable Features: 
    • Lingam: Colossal (2.3m tall and 5.4m in circumference). 
    • Shikhara: Towering, with intricate carvings and projections. 
    • Incomplete Structure: Includes unfinished mandapa and ceiling. 
  • Unique Elements: 
    • Line drawings carved on nearby rocks depicting the intended temple design. 
    • Carved masonry blocks and earthen ramps around the site. 
• Uniqueness of Temple: 
  • Architectural Grandeur: Massive size, intricate carvings, and the colossal lingam showcase Paramara dynasty’s architectural brilliance. 
    • Reflects the religious, cultural patronage and architectural vision of Raja Bhoj and the Paramara dynasty. 
  • The Bhojeshwar Temple is similar to the Chola’s Brihadisvara Temple (Thanjavur) in terms of scale and grandeur.  
    • If completed, Bhojeshwar's shikhara would be taller than Brihadisvara's, measuring 100m compared to 59.82m. 

18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

Why in News? 

The 18^th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is being held at Mumbai, India, from 11th to 21st August 2025.   

• This is the second time that India is hosting the IOAA, after the 2016 edition in Bhubaneswar. 

Key Points 

• About: The IOAA is an annual competition for secondary school students (Classes 10 to 12), featuring a rigorous selection process to qualify for the international level. 
  • The IOAA was conceived in 2006 to address the increasing global interest in astronomy among high school students, with its first edition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007. 
• Organiser: The event is organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), an autonomous institution under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy. 
  • It is also supported by the Government of India through its Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) via the Vigyan Pratibha Project of HBCSE. 
• Theme of the Olympiad: The theme for this year's event is ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’, reflecting the ancient Indian idea that “the world is one family under the one sky”. 
• Logo: The IOAA 2025 logo features the Gateway of India, a GSLV rocket representing India’s lunar mission, a spider symbolizing telescopes in the letter “O”, tri-coloured comets above the Gateway, and a colour scheme inspired by the Milky Way galaxy. 

 

• Participants: The Olympiad has attracted over 300 high school students from 64 countries. During the event, students participate in several challenging exams covering theoretical, observational, and data analysis aspects of astronomy.

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) 

• HBCSE is a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, which is a Deemed University in Mumbai.  
• HBCSE is the nodal centre of Olympiad programmes in mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and biology.  
• Another important programme of HBCSE is the National Initiative on Undergraduate Science (NIUS), concerning tertiary science education in India.  

Astronomy 

• Astronomy is the science that studies celestial objects such as stars, planets, comets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.  

Astrophysics 

• Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that uses the principles and laws of physics (such as gravity, thermodynamics), to understand and explain the physical processes that govern how celestial objects behave, form, and evolve.