• 26 Aug 2025

Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured in Lucknow

Why in News?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), received an overwhelming welcome upon his return to Lucknow, his hometown.

• The Uttar Pradesh government organized a special felicitation ceremony at Lok Bhawan, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored Shubhanshu Shukla and his family.

Key Points

• Scholarship: The CM announced the establishment of a scholarship in Shubhanshu’s name for students pursuing space technology, highlighting that it had been four decades since an Indian had the opportunity to travel to space.
  • The state’s active participation in space technology was also underscored, with more than a dozen institutions in Uttar Pradesh now offering related courses.
• Postal Stamp: India Post also launched a postal cover and stamp in honor of Shubhanshu’s space mission.
• Mobile Innovation Programme: City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, in collaboration with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), launched the “Shubhanshu Shukla Innovations Express”, a mobile innovation programme to celebrate his feat.
• Role in Disaster Management: The CM also emphasized the crucial role of space technology in improving the management of natural disasters. 

Shubhanshu Shukla

• Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission in 2025. 
  • It was led by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and Shubhanshu Shukla served as the mission pilot. 
• He is also the astronaut-designate for India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. 
• He boarded the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a joint venture between NASA and ISRO. 
• The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) involves astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary and is the first such collaboration in over 40 years. 
• The astronauts spent 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities with NASA and ISRO. 
• Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission under the Interkosmos program.

RAN SAMWAD-2025

Why in News?

RAN SAMWAD-2025, a unique two-day event, will take place at the Army War College in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, starting on 26th August 2025.

Key Points

• About: The seminar is an innovative initiative aimed at fostering a tri-service dialogue between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on contemporary issues of warfighting and the future of warfare. 
• Organiser: The Indian Army will host this inaugural event, with subsequent editions to be led by the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. This rotational structure will ensure continuous, evolving discourse on modern warfare and defense strategy.
  • The event is curated by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, in collaboration with the Army Training Command. The initiative is conducted under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff.
• Key Addresses: General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), will address the seminar on the opening day, setting the strategic framework for discussions on warfighting and operational readiness.
  • Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence, will deliver the plenary address on the final day, offering insights into India’s defense strategy and priorities.
• Release of Joint Doctrines: During the event, critical documents, such as the Joint Doctrines and Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap, will be released, emphasizing India's vision for military modernization and inter-service integration.
• Firsthand Operational Insights: Each thematic session will be led by serving officers, who will provide firsthand accounts and operational insights from modern battlefields.
  • This approach moves beyond academic discourse, offering practical perspectives grounded in real-world combat experiences.

Lok Samvardhan Parv

Why in News?

The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, is organizing the 5th edition of Lok Samvardhan Parv from 26th August to 4th September, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala.

• The event, marking the first-ever Lok Samvardhan Parv in Kerala, will showcase over 100 artisans and 15 culinary experts from across the country.

Key Points

• About: Lok Samvardhan Parv is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, designed to empower artisans, craftspersons, weavers, culinary experts, and entrepreneurs from minority communities by providing them with market linkages and national exposure. 
• Objective: The festival aims to celebrate India’s vibrant diversity and provide a platform for these communities to showcase their art, craft, and culinary talent. 
  • This initiative is aligned with the government's vision of promoting inclusive development and self-reliance among minority communities.
• Crafts: The festival will showcase a wide variety of traditional crafts, including:

Craft/Art	Region
Zari and Chikankari	Uttar Pradesh
Phulkari embroidery	Punjab
Madhubani paintings	Bihar
Blue Pottery	Rajasthan
Pashmina weaving	Ladakh
Bastar Iron Craft	Chhattisgarh
Channapatna wooden toys	Karnataka
Nettippattam making	Kerala

India's Minority Communities 

• Minority Communities: The Central Government determines minority status under the National Commission for Minorities Act (NCMA), 1992, officially recognizing Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains (added in 2014), and Zoroastrians (Parsis) as minority communities.  
  • Together, they constitute around 19.3% of India’s total population (Census 2011). 
  • While most states follow the central list, some, like Maharashtra, may have their own (e.g., Jews are a notified minority in Maharashtra). 
• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Article 29 protects minorities' rights to preserve their distinct language, script, and culture, and prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or language. 
  • Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and manage educational institutions. 
• Institutions to Protect Minority Rights:  
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs: Established in 2006, carved out from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, coordinates programs for the socio-economic development of minority communities in India. 
  • National Commission for Minorities (NCM): Created under the NCMA 1992, the NCM safeguards the interests of minority groups in line with the Constitution and laws enacted by the Parliament. 

National Teachers Awards 2025

Why in News?

Madhurima Tiwari (Mirzapur) and Ram Lal Singh Yadav (Bhadohi) from Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the National Teachers Awards, to be conferred on Teachers' Day (5 September 2025).

• Teachers' Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975).

National Teachers Awards

• About: The awards, established in 1958, are presented annually on Teachers' Day (September 5) by the President or Vice President of India, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (MOE).
  • The National Teachers Awards (NTA) are given annually to exceptional teachers from across the country in recognition of their contributions towards improving the quality of education and student development.
  • It carries a certificate of merit, a cash award of Rs. 50,000, and a silver medal.
• NTA 2025: Forty-five teachers from across India will be recognized in 2025 for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to improving student enrollment, reducing dropout rates, and introducing creative teaching methods.
• Significance: The NTA recognizes primary, middle, and secondary school teachers for their outstanding efforts to improve education, inspire students, and make a tangible difference in their communities.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

• Birth: He was born into a Telugu family in Tiruttani town of Tamil Nadu, on 5th September 1888.
• Academic Achievements: He held several prestigious positions, including the King George V Chair at Calcutta University from 1921 to 1932, the second Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, and the fourth Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.
  • Moreover, he was Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford from 1936 to 1952.
• Political Career: He became the first Vice President of India (1952-62) and later the second President of India (1962-67).
• Philosopher: He is widely acknowledged in philosophical circles as a “bridge-builder” between India and the West.
• Recognition: In 1954, he was awarded the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.
  • In 1931, he was awarded with knighthood by King George V, former King of Britain, for his remarkable academics.

350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in News?

The Haryana Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary and announced plans for a major event in Kurukshetra on 25 November, featuring religious processions.

• He made the supreme sacrifice in November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, defending the right to religious freedom. 

Key Points

• Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presented a resolution highlighting that spreading Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings of mutual cooperation and brotherhood is the best tribute to his sacrifice.
  • The resolution also recalled the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s followers, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala, who laid down their lives with unshakable faith.
• Connection with Haryana: Guru Tegh Bahadur visited several places in Haryana during his travels, including Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Jind, Ambala, Cheeka, and Rohtak. 
  • These sites are home to significant gurdwaras, such as Gurdwara Sri Dhamtan Sahib in Jind and Gurdwara Sri Sheeshganj Sahib in Ambala, which stand as lasting symbols of his blessings and teachings.

Guru Tegh Bahadur 

• He was the 9th sikh guru, revered for his teachings, bravery, and martyrdom. 
• Born on 21st April 1621 in Amritsar to Guru Hargobind (6th sikh guru) and Mata Nanki, Guru Tegh Bahadur was originally named Tyag Mal for his ascetic nature. 
• Trained by Bhai Gurdas in scriptures and by Baba Budha in martial arts, he distinguished himself in battle at the age of 13. 
• He contributed 116 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, travelled widely to spread Sikh teachings, and founded Chak-Nanki (now part of Anandpur Sahib).  
• In 1675, he was executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending religious freedom against forced conversions, earning the title “Hind di Chadar” (Protector of Hind). 

India to Lead Executive Board of AIBD

Why in News?

India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) during the 23rd AIBD General Conference, held from 19th to 21st August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand. 

• This marks a significant milestone, as India last held the position of AIBD Executive Council Chairman in 2016. 

AIBD General Conference (GC 2025)

• About: The 23rd GC 2025 and Associated Meetings of AIBD brought together global stakeholders in electronic media, with a focus on promoting a dynamic and cooperative media landscape across the Asia-Pacific region through policy discussions and resource sharing.
  • India is also the chairman of AIBD GC, with Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, serving as the President of the AIBD GC until August 2025.
• Theme: The theme for the current year was “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”. 
• Significance: It highlights the global confidence in India’s leadership in the field of broadcasting and sets the stage for India to play an even more strategic and influential role in shaping media development worldwide.

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)

• Foundation: It was founded in 1977 under UNESCO's guidance, with India as a founding member.
  • The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) are founding organizations of the Institute, and they are non-voting members of the General Conference.
  • Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in the organization.
• Membership: It is a unique regional inter-governmental organization with over 92 member organizations from 45 countries.
• Secretariat: Its secretariat is situated in Kuala Lumpur and is hosted by the Government of Malaysia.