Daily Current Affairs – 02-03-2025
Tamil Nadu
Renowned Astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
® Dr. Jayant Narlikar, eminent Indian astrophysicist and science communicator, passed away. ® Former Director of IUCAA, Pune (retired in 2003). ® Known for contributions to astrophysics and science fiction writing. ® UNESCO Kalinga Award (1996) for popular science; TWAS Prize (2012) for setting up a science excellence centre. ® Padma Bhushan (1965) at age 26, Padma Vibhushan (2004). ® Received Maharashtra Bhushan (2011) and Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) for autobiography in Marathi.
Obesity Crisis in India (World Heart Federation Report 2025)
® Obesity Surge: Global adult obesity has quadrupled since 1990. In India, 10% of women (44 million) and 5% of men (26 million) over age 20 are obese (2024). ® Childhood Obesity Rising: Affects 5.2 million girls and 7.3 million boys. ® Health Risk: Obesity raises risk of cardiovascular diseases; obese children are 40% more likely to develop heart issues in adulthood. ® Treatment Gap: Access to obesity care remains poor in India. Stigma, high drug costs (e.g., GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro), and lack of sustainable programs are major barriers. ® Economic Impact: Obesity cost India $28.95 billion in 2019; projected to reach $838.6 billion by 2060. Recommendations: ® Tax sugary drinks, regulate food ads, subsidise healthy foods. ® Improve access to effective medications. ® Integrate obesity management in cardiovascular care.
M.R. Srinivasan Passes Away
® M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and pioneer of India’s nuclear program, passed away. Key contributions: ® Worked on Apsara – India’s first nuclear research reactor (1956). ® Led construction of India’s first atomic power station (1959). ® Chairman of Nuclear Power Board (1984), Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary, DAE (1987). ® Founder-Chairman of NPCIL (1987). ® Senior Advisor, IAEA, Vienna (1990–1992). ® Held roles in Planning Commission (1996–98) and National Security Advisory Board (2002–04, 2006–08). ® Awards: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990), Padma Vibhushan (2015).
India Certified by WHO for Eliminating Trachoma
® India has been awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by the World Health Organization (WHO). ® The recognition was announced at the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva,switzerland under the theme of ‘One World for Health’. ® This milestone reflects India’s successful efforts in controlling and eliminating trachoma, a contagious eye infection that can cause blindness.
India completes
hydrographic survey
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INS Sarvekshak of the Indian Navy has completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of over 25,000 sq. nautical miles of the Mauritius coast.
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The nautical chart will help Mauritius in maritime infrastructure development, resource management, and coastal development planning.
CISF to get two new
battalions
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of two new battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) , adding 2,050 new posts ( 1,025 personnel each ).
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This increases the total number of battalions from 13 to 15 , raising the total strength of the CISF to nearly 2 lakh personnel.
INS Utkarsh
launched
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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the second Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy ’ INS Utkarsh ’ from its Kattupalli shipyard, Chennai.
Nag Mk 2 missile
trials successful
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DRDO has successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the 3rd generation Nag Mark 2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) at the Pokhran firing range, Rajasthan.
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The updated Nag missile carrier version-2 was also tested.
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It weighs 45 kg and measures 6 feet.