Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: Honouring a Timeless Legacy

Date & Significance

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on February 19, 2025, marking the 395th birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha warrior king and founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• The day honours his visionary leadership, military prowess, and dedication to establishing a sovereign Hindu kingdom known as Swarajya.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630 – 1680):

• Founder of the Maratha Empire: Shivaji Maharaj carved out an independent Maratha kingdom from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur in the 17th century, which eventually evolved into the Maratha Empire.  
• Military Strategies: He was renowned for his innovative military tactics, including guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava), which he effectively used against larger and more powerful enemies like the Mughal Empire.
• Administration: Shivaji Maharaj established a well-structured administrative system in his kingdom. His administration was known for its efficiency and promotion of the welfare of his subjects. He implemented Ashtapradhan, a council of eight ministers, to advise him on state matters.  
• Naval Force: Recognizing the importance of sea power, Shivaji Maharaj built a formidable Maratha navy. He is considered the 'Father of the Indian Navy'.  
• Religious Tolerance: Despite being a devout Hindu, Shivaji Maharaj was known for his religious tolerance. His army and administration included people from various religious backgrounds.  
• Shivneri Fort: Located near Junnar in Pune district, Shivneri Fort is a historically significant 17th-century military fortification. It is not only famous as the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj but also for its strategic location and impressive architecture. The fort contains several monuments dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and temples.  

Disaster Response Fund: Centre Approves Rs 1,554.99 Crore for Five States

Overview & Purpose

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved additional central assistance of Rs 1,554.99 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for states affected by natural disasters in 2024.
• The funds are designated for recovery from floods, flash floods, landslides, and cyclonic storms.

State-wise Fund Allocation

• Andhra Pradesh: ₹608.08 crore
• Nagaland: ₹170.99 crore
• Odisha: ₹255.24 crore
• Telangana: ₹231.75 crore
• Tripura: ₹288.93 crore

Government Initiative & Statements

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the disbursement, emphasising the government's unwavering support for affected communities.
• This allocation is additional to the ₹18,322.80 crore already released to 27 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Additional Information:

National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

• Constitutional Basis: The NDRF is constituted under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• Purpose: It serves as the primary source of funds for the Central Government to meet expenses for emergency response, relief, and rehabilitation during disasters.
• Funding: NDRF is financed through the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) levied on specific items and approved through the General Budget.
• Management: Managed by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Operational Framework: The fund is used to supplement the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in case of major calamities. The SDRF is the primary fund available to State Governments for disaster response.
• Disaster Types Covered: NDRF can be used for disasters, including cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, frost and cold waves.

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

• Primary Response Fund: SDRF is the primary fund available to State Governments for disaster response.
• Funding Ratio: It is contributed to by the Central Government and State Government in a ratio of 75:25 for general category States and 90:10 for special category States (North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, etc.).
• Utilisation: SDRF is used for providing immediate relief to victims of notified disasters as per guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Finance Commission Grants Boost Rural Governance in Punjab, Uttarakhand & Chhattisgarh

Overview & Significance

• The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for the Financial Year 2024–25, aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas.
• These grants are crucial for enhancing grassroots democracy and improving local governance in rural settings.

State-wise Grant Details

Punjab:

• Amount: Over Rs. 225 crores (1st instalment of Untied Grants: Rs.225.1707 crores)
• Coverage: Benefits 13,144 Gram Panchayats, 146 Block Panchayats, and 22 District Panchayats.

Chhattisgarh:

• Amount: Over Rs. 244 crores (2nd instalment of Untied Grants: Rs.237.1393 crores + withheld 1st instalment: Rs.6.9714 crores)
• Coverage: Benefits 11,548 Gram Panchayats, 146 Block Panchayats, and 27 Zila Panchayats.

Uttarakhand:

• Amount: Over Rs. 93 crores (1st instalment of Untied Grants: Rs.93.9643 crores)
• Coverage: Benefits 7,769 Gram Panchayats, 995 Block Panchayats, and 13 Zila Panchayats.

Purpose & Utilization

• Untied Grants: Funds are allocated to address location-specific felt needs as per the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution (excluding salaries and establishment costs).
• Tied Grants: Targeted towards essential services like sanitation (maintaining ODF status) and drinking water supply, including rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

Indian Navy Launches Eighth MCA Barge: A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding

Launch Event and Details:

• The eighth Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, designated as LSAM 11 (Yard 79), was launched on February 14, 2025, at Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.
• The launch ceremony was held at the site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam.
• Chief Guest: The chief guest for the launching ceremony was Cmde N Gopinath, AGM (PL), ND (Mbi).

Construction and Design:

• Contract and Collaboration:

  • The contract for the construction of the MCA Barges was awarded to M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard in Visakhapatnam, on February 19, 2021.
  • The barges were indigenously designed and built in collaboration with an Indian ship-designing firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

• Model Testing: Model testing was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure seaworthiness.

Operational Significance:

• Utilization by the Indian Navy:

  • The MCA Barges are utilised by the Indian Navy for various operational evolutions, including the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to naval platforms.
  • These operations can be conducted both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

• Previous Deliveries: The shipyard has successfully delivered seven MCA Barges to date, which are currently in use by the Indian Navy.

Additional Information:

Indian Navy

• Role: The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Responsible for maritime security and protecting India's interests at sea.
• Established: Formally established in 1612 by the East India Company as the East India Company's Marine, later evolving into the Royal Indian Navy and subsequently the Indian Navy in 1950.
• Headquarters: Integrated Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi.
• Chief of Naval Staff (Current): Admiral R. Hari Kumar.
• Key Functions: Safeguarding maritime borders, conducting maritime operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and maintaining international maritime relations.
• Motto: "Sham No Varunaḥ" (May the Lord of the Waters be auspicious unto us).

Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal: Boosting Trade and Connectivity

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, on February 18, 2025.
• This terminal is strategically positioned to enhance trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan, making it a key asset in India's push towards sustainable logistics and regional connectivity.

First Shipment:

• The inaugural shipment included 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips sent to Bangladesh.
• The shipment was flagged off on the MV Trishul, accompanied by barges Ajay and Dikshu.

Infrastructure & Capacity:

• The terminal, built at a cost of over Rs. 82 crores, features an RCC jetty and specialised equipment like Electric Level Luffing (ELL) cranes for efficient cargo handling.
• Additional facilities include an administrative building, customs and immigration offices, truck parking, and substantial covered and open storage areas.

Future Outlook:

• By 2027, the terminal is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually, significantly boosting the region’s logistics and trade potential.

Additional Information:

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

• Established: Formed in 1986.
• Purpose: Statutory authority responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
• Ministry: Works under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
• Functions: Develops and maintains the National Waterways, including navigation aids, terminals, and river conservancy.
• National Waterways Act, 2016: IWAI implements and administers this act, which declares several waterways as National Waterways.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

• Launched: Launched in October 2021.
• Objective: A national master plan for multimodal connectivity to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
• Approach: Integrated and coordinated approach to infrastructure planning and connectivity projects across various ministries and state governments.
• Key Areas: Focuses on sectors like roads, railways, waterways, aviation, telecom, gas pipeline, power transmission, and renewable energy.
• Digital Platform: Utilizes a digital platform for integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects, ensuring better coordination and reduced delays.
• Economic Impact: Aims to boost economic growth, attract investments, and enhance India's global competitiveness by improving infrastructure and logistics.

India-Nepal Science & Technology Partnership Strengthened Through New MoU

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 18, 2025.
• This agreement marks a significant milestone in deepening science and technology (S&T) cooperation between India and Nepal.

Key Details of the MoU

• Signing Ceremony:

  • Held at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi.
  • The agreement was exchanged by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor of NAST.

• Historical Collaboration: CSIR and NAST (formerly RONAST) have a long-standing partnership dating back to 1994, with previous working programmes in 1997 and 2002 that facilitated joint workshops and training initiatives.

• Scope of Cooperation: The MoU outlines a broad framework for:

• Exchange of scientific information, research materials, and scientists.

• Organizing joint S&T seminars, workshops, and training programs.

• Executing joint research projects.

• Facilitating access to major research facilities.

• Establishing technology partnerships and institutional twinning for capacity building.

• Focus areas include biological sciences, food science and technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, material sciences, nanotechnology, alternative energy, polymer sciences, and drug discovery.

Additional Information:

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• Established: 1942.
• Type: Premier national research and development (R&D) organisation in India.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
• Nature: Autonomous body.
• Domains: CSIR operates a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, covering a wide spectrum of science and technology – from aerospace engineering to biotechnology, nanotechnology to mining, and from information technology to environmental science.
• Objectives: To undertake scientific and industrial research of national importance.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

• Established: 1982.
• Type: Apex body for the promotion of science and technology in Nepal.
• Nature: Autonomous institution.
• Objectives: To promote science and technology for the overall development of Nepal; to enhance scientific knowledge and contribute to the application of such knowledge for the country's progress.
• Functions: Conducts research, promotes scientific activities, provides S&T advice to the government, and fosters international cooperation in science and technology.

Hyprix Unveils 'Tezz': India's First Private Supersonic Ramjet Engine

• Hyprix, a trailblazing private aerospace firm, has launched Tezz, marking India's first private supersonic ramjet engine.
• This breakthrough underscores India's growing capability in advanced propulsion technologies and the increasing role of the private sector in aerospace and defence.
• Engine Name: Tezz
• Technology: A ramjet engine that operates efficiently at supersonic speeds by compressing incoming air without moving parts.
• Applications: Designed for high-speed aerospace applications, potentially benefiting both military and commercial aviation sectors.

India Gets First Wall Museum on Meteorology, Celebrating IMD's 150 Years

• India's first wall museum dedicated to meteorology has been inaugurated, showcasing the 150-year journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• The museum was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on February 19, 2025.
• The inauguration took place at the Mausam Bhawan, the headquarters of IMD, in New Delhi.
• This unique museum visually narrates the history, evolution, and achievements of IMD since its establishment in 1875.

Key Highlights of the Wall Museum:

• Visual Storytelling: The museum uses wall panels, exhibits, and interactive displays to depict IMD's 150-year history.
• Historical Timeline: It showcases the milestones, advancements, and contributions of IMD in weather forecasting and meteorological services.
• Technological Evolution: Exhibits highlight the progression of meteorological instruments and technologies used by IMD over the decades.
• Disaster Management Focus: The museum also emphasises IMD's crucial role in disaster prediction and early warning systems, which help save lives and minimise damage from natural calamities.
• Public Awareness: Aims to enhance public understanding of meteorology and the importance of weather forecasts in daily life and national development.

Additional Information:

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• Establishment: Established in 1875.
• Headquarters: Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Role: Principal government agency responsible for all matters related to meteorology, seismology, and allied sciences.
• Functions:
  • Provides weather forecasts for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, shipping, and disaster management.
  • Monitors and predicts natural calamities such as cyclones, monsoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
  • Conducts research in meteorology and related fields.
  • Maintains a network of observational stations across the country.
  • Represent India in international meteorological forums.
• Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre: IMD is designated as a Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre by the World Meteorological Organization for tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Ajmer Hosts First All India Transgender Conference

• Ajmer, Rajasthan, recently hosted the first-ever All India Conference of Transgenders.
• The conference was held on February 18, 2025.
• It was organised by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
• This landmark event brought together transgender individuals from across India.

Key Objectives of the Conference:

• Empowerment: To empower the transgender community and promote their social inclusion.
• Awareness: To raise awareness about transgender issues among the general public and policymakers.
• Policy Advocacy: To advocate for policy changes and legal reforms to protect and promote transgender rights.
• Community Building: To foster a sense of community and solidarity among transgender individuals.
• Sharing Experiences: To provide a platform for transgender people to share their experiences and stories.

Additional Information:

Transgender Rights in India:

• Legal Recognition: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, legally recognises transgender persons and prohibits discrimination against them.
• National Council for Transgender Persons: The Act also established the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) to advise the government on policies and programs for transgender individuals.
• Constitutional Rights: Transgender persons are guaranteed fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution, including Article 14 (equality before law), Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty).
• Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for transgender welfare and is responsible for policy formulation, coordination, and implementation of programs for the transgender community.

Shubman Gill Claims Top Spot in ICC ODI Rankings

• Shubman Gill has achieved the number one position in the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings.
• This is the first time Shubman Gill has reached the top spot in these rankings.
• By reaching number one, Shubman Gill has dethroned Babar Azam of Pakistan, who had held the top position for a significant period.
• Babar Azam is now ranked at number two in the latest ICC ODI Batting Rankings.

ICC ODI Rankings:

• Purpose: A ranking system for One Day International (ODI) cricket, evaluating the performance of teams and players.  
• Batting Rankings: Specifically rank batsmen based on their runs scored and performance in ODI matches.
• Dynamic System: Rankings are updated regularly after ODI matches, reflecting the most current performances.