Daily Current Affairs- 29th May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 29th May 2025

'Sugar Boards' in Schools

In the News: In May 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) mandated the installation of 'Sugar Boards' in all affiliated schools across India. This initiative aims to educate students about the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, particularly its link to rising cases of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. The boards are designed to promote healthier dietary habits among students by providing clear, accessible information.  

Key Developments:

• Purpose of Sugar Boards: These boards display information on the recommended daily sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed foods and beverages, associated health risks, and healthier alternatives. The goal is to raise awareness among students about the hidden sugars in their diets and encourage informed food choices.
• Health Context: Recent studies indicate that Indian children consume significantly more sugar than recommended. Children aged 4–10 derive about 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11–18 consume approximately 15%, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 5%.
• Educational Integration: CBSE has encouraged schools to incorporate sugar awareness into the curriculum through workshops, seminars, and interactive activities. These efforts aim to reinforce the messages conveyed by the Sugar Boards and foster a culture of health consciousness among students.
• Community Engagement: The initiative also involves parents and the broader school community. By promoting discussions about nutrition at home and in school, the program seeks to create a supportive environment for students to adopt healthier eating habits. 

Tata-Airbus to Build India's First Private Helicopter Assembly Line in Karnataka

In the News: On May 28, 2025, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and European aerospace giant Airbus announced their collaboration to establish India's first privately-led helicopter final assembly line (FAL) in Kolar, Karnataka. This facility will focus on the assembly of the Airbus H125 helicopter, marking a significant milestone in India's aerospace manufacturing sector.

Key Developments:

• Facility Overview: The assembly line will be situated in the Vemagal Industrial Area of Kolar district, encompassing 740,000 square feet. The integrated facility will include manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
• Production Capacity: Operations are slated to commence in 2026, with an initial production capacity of 10 H125 helicopters annually. The facility is designed for scalability to meet the projected demand of over 500 H125-class helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region over the next two decades.
• Strategic Significance: This initiative positions India as the fourth country globally to host an H125 final assembly line, following France, the United States, and Brazil. It underscores India's growing capabilities in indigenous aerospace manufacturing and aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative.
• Selection of Karnataka: Karnataka was chosen over other contenders like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat due to its robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies, including incentives such as land subsidies and production-linked benefits.
• Broader Collaboration: This project is part of a larger partnership between Tata and Airbus, which also includes the establishment of a C295 military transport aircraft assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat, further strengthening India's position in the global aerospace industry. 

Miniratna Status Granted to MIL, AVNL & IOL: A New Milestone in India's Defence Sector

In the News: On May 29, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). This recognition underscores their transformation into profit-making entities within three years of their establishment following the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board in 2021.

Key Developments:

• Munitions India Limited (MIL): Headquartered in Pune, MIL specializes in manufacturing a wide range of ammunition, including small, medium, and high-calibre rounds, mortars, rockets, and hand grenades. The company has achieved significant growth, with sales increasing from ₹2,571.6 crore in FY 2021–22 (H2) to a provisional ₹8,282 crore in FY 2024–25. Exports have also surged from ₹22.55 crore to ₹3,081 crore in the same period.
• Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL): Based in Chennai, AVNL is engaged in the production of armoured and combat vehicles, including the T-90, MBT Arjun, and BMP-II Sarath. The company has achieved 100% indigenization of engines for platforms like T-72, T-90, and BMP-II. Sales have grown from ₹2,569.26 crore in FY 2021–22 (H2) to a provisional ₹4,986 crore in FY 2024–25.
• India Optel Limited (IOL): Located in Dehradun, IOL specializes in opto-electronic systems and vision equipment used in various land system platforms and weapons. The company's sales have increased from ₹562.12 crore in FY 2021–22 (H2) to a provisional ₹1,541.38 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Significance of Miniratna Status: The Miniratna Category-I status grants these DPSUs enhanced financial and operational autonomy, allowing them to make capital investments up to ₹500 crore or equal to their net worth, whichever is lower, without prior government approval. This autonomy is expected to accelerate their growth and competitiveness in the defence sector. 

Sadhguru Conferred with 'Global Indian of the Year' Award by Canada India Foundation

In the News: On May 22, 2025, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation, was honored with the 'Global Indian of the Year' award by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) during a ceremony in Toronto. This prestigious award recognizes individuals of Indian origin who have made significant global contributions in various fields.

Key Developments:

• Recognition of Global Impact: The CIF acknowledged Sadhguru's tireless efforts over four decades in elevating human consciousness and promoting ecological sustainability. His initiatives, such as the Conscious Planet movement, have been instrumental in raising environmental awareness worldwide.
• Award Ceremony Details: The award was presented by CIF Chair Ritesh Malik and National Convenor Sunita Vyas, in the presence of Indo-Canadian leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members. Alongside the award, Sadhguru received a CAD 50,000 prize, which he dedicated to the 'Cauvery Calling' initiative aimed at revitalizing the Cauvery River and supporting millions of people in southern India.
• CIF's Statement: Ritesh Malik highlighted Sadhguru's ability to provide practical solutions to global challenges like soil degradation and climate change. He emphasized that Sadhguru's teachings align with Canada's focus on individual well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity.
• Sadhguru's Response: Expressing gratitude, Sadhguru appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the Indo-Canadian community. He acknowledged their contributions to the growth and prosperity of both Canada and India. 

Global Temperature Likely to Breach 1.5°C in Next Five Years: World Meteorological Organization

In the News: On May 28, 2025, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update, warning that global temperatures are increasingly likely to temporarily exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels within the next five years. This development underscores the urgency of intensified climate action to mitigate the escalating impacts of global warming.

Key Developments:

• High Probability of Exceeding 1.5°C: There is an 86% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will experience global temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Additionally, there's a 70% likelihood that the five-year average temperature for this period will exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
• Record-Breaking Heat Anticipated: The report forecasts an 80% probability that at least one year in the 2025–2029 period will become the warmest on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2024.
• Arctic Warming Accelerates: The Arctic region is projected to warm more than three times the global average, with temperatures expected to rise 2.4°C above the 1991–2020 average during the next five extended winters (November to March). This rapid warming contributes to accelerated ice melt and sea-level rise.
• Regional Climate Impacts: Predicted precipitation patterns indicate wetter-than-average conditions in regions such as the Sahel, northern Europe, Alaska, and northern Siberia, while areas like the Amazon are expected to experience drier-than-average conditions.
• Implications for the Paris Agreement: While temporary exceedances of the 1.5°C threshold do not constitute a breach of the Paris Agreement—which focuses on long-term temperature averages—the increasing frequency of such events highlights the narrowing window to limit long-term warming and avoid the most severe climate impacts.

 

India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025 Begins in Ulaanbaatar

In the News: On May 31, 2025, the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise, NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025, commenced in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Scheduled to run until June 13, this annual exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces, focusing on semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under a United Nations mandate.

Key Developments:

• Participating Forces: The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily from the Arunachal Scouts battalion. The Mongolian Armed Forces are represented by a 150-member Special Forces unit.
• Training Objectives: The exercise includes endurance training, reflex shooting, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. Notably, this edition incorporates aspects of cyber warfare to enhance its complexity.
• Tactical Drills: Key tactical drills involve responses to terrorist actions, establishment of a joint command post, securing landing sites, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, and the use of drones and counter-drone systems.
• Historical Context: Initiated in 2004, NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual event conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The previous edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya, in July 2024.
• Strategic Significance: The exercise underscores the shared commitment of India and Mongolia towards regional security, peace, and stability. It reinforces the India-Mongolia relationship as a cornerstone of regional cooperation, fostering strong military ties and promoting cultural understanding.