Daily Current Affairs – 01-03-2025
Tamil Nadu
Commemorative Stamp Released for 125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar
Observatory
® The Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). ® Established in 1899, KSO is one of India’s oldest solar observatories and is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). ® The observatory has played a significant role in solar research, including long-term observations of sunspots, solar prominences, and solar cycles. ® The stamp release highlights India’s contribution to astronomical science and heritage.
ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Mission Fails – Third Failure in PSLV History
® India’s PSLV-C61 mission, aimed at deploying the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite, failed due to anomalies during the PS3 (third stage) solid motor phase. ® The PS3 stage uses hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as solid fuel. ® EOS-09, equipped with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), was designed for all-weather Earth observation and strategic surveillance, but failed to reach the intended 525 km sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). ® This marks the third failure out of 63 PSLV launches, and the first failure since 2017, raising technical concerns in ISRO’s otherwise highly reliable PSLV program.
India’s First
Space-Based Nutrition Experiment – BioE3 Initiative
® India is set to undertake its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) under the BioE3 initiative, led by ISRO in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology. ® The experiments aim to study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae, a potential nutrient-rich food source for long-duration space missions. ® The goal is to identify the most suitable microalgal species for sustainable space-based food systems. ® Microalgae are ideal for space nutrition due to their high nutrient content, rapid growth (some species mature within 26 hours), and ability to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen, supporting life support systems.
Global River
Contamination by Antibiotics
® A recent global study has highlighted alarming levels of antibiotic contamination in rivers, primarily due to human antibiotic usage. ® Between 2012 and 2015, approximately 29,200 metric tons of the 40 most commonly used antibiotics were consumed annually. ® Of this, nearly 8,500 metric tons (around one-third) were discharged into rivers, posing serious ecological and public health risks. ® Amoxicillin, the world’s most-used antibiotic, was identified as the most prevalent at risky concentration levels, especially in Southeast Asia. ® Antibiotics are partially absorbed by humans, livestock, and aquaculture species, with the remainder excreted into water bodies, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and environmental contamination.
President’s Rule
imposed in Manipur
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President’s rule has been imposed in Manipur following the resignation of CM N Biren Singh.
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This is the 11th time that President’s rule has been imposed in the state since its formation in 1951.
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He was the 12th CM of Manipur .
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According to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution , the President’s rule suspends the state government and the Governor will assume executive powers on behalf of the President.
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It can be imposed for up to 6 months and can be extended for a maximum of 3 years.
Digital Brand
Identity Manual launched
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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) and the first edition of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Conference 2025 .
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The DBIM aims to enhance the central government’s “ Minimum Government, Maximum Governance ” approach by introducing “ Uniform Governance ” across all ministries and platforms.
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It aligns with PM Modi’s vision of “ Reform, Perform, and Transform ”.
Stamps launched on
Maha Kumbh Mela
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Union Minister has released a special commemorative souvenir sheet
featuring 3 postage stamps dedicated to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 .
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The stamps were launched at the in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
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The stamps, designed by Sankha Samanta, feature three key aspects of Triveni Tirtha :
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Maharshi Bharadwaj Ashram (an ancient centre of learning)
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Snan (holy dip at Triveni Sangam)
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Akshayvat (the immortal Banyan tree)
IWT terminal in
Jogighopa
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Union Minister has inaugurated an Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT)
on Brahmaputra River in Jogighopa, Assam.
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The terminal, built at a cost of ₹82 crore , will facilitate trilateral trade between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh .