Today's Brief 10/04/2025

IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/FX6ntumYwcs?si=Pi9z8O74twrXZelg

1 . Poshan Pakhwada 2025: Poshan Pakhwada 2025, the seventh edition of this crucial initiative under the Poshan Abhiyaan, is set to take place from April 8th to April 22nd, 2025. This program is dedicated to combating malnutrition and enhancing nutritional well-being, particularly among vulnerable groups like women and children.

 A central focus of Poshan Pakhwada 2025 will be on the critical "first 1,000 days" of a child's life, emphasizing the vital role of nutrition during this period. The initiative will also promote the widespread use of the Poshan Tracker, a digital tool designed to monitor and improve nutritional outcomes.

 Additionally, it will address community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and promote healthy lifestyles to combat childhood obesity.

 Collaboration across multiple ministries, including Rural Development, Health & Family Welfare, Education, Jal Shakti, and Panchayati Raj, underscores the program's comprehensive approach to improving grassroots nutrition and fostering community awareness.

2 .Arattupuzha Pooram,

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

often hailed as the "Mother of all Poorams" in Kerala, is a grand and ancient temple festival held annually at the Sree Sastha Temple in Arattupuzha, Thrissur district.

This seven-day celebration, typically occurring in March or April, is a vibrant display of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Known as "Devamela," it uniquely features the gathering of deities from numerous neighboring temples, adding to its spiritual significance.

3 .Slovakia -India relations:

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

friendly and increasingly robust relationship, rooted in historical connections that evolved after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993.

Recent high-level visits, such as the Indian President's trip to Slovakia, have significantly bolstered bilateral ties, highlighting a mutual commitment to expanding cooperation.

Economic relations are on the rise, with growing trade and investments in sectors like automotive and manufacturing. Both nations are actively exploring opportunities in digital technology, defense, and strengthening people-to-people connections.

Slovakia's support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council underscores the positive diplomatic rapport. The collaborative efforts during the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine further solidified their cooperation.

Through regular diplomatic consultations and a shared vision for mutual growth, India and Slovakia are steadily strengthening their partnership across various sectors.

4 .Dire Wolf: The dire wolf (Canis dirus) was a powerful and robustly built carnivore that dominated the Pleistocene landscapes of North and South America.

Larger than the modern gray wolf, though possessing a similar overall length, the dire wolf was distinguished by its massive head and exceptionally strong jaws, equipped with teeth designed for crushing bone.

This adaptation suggests a diet focused on large prey, such as bison and ground sloths. Their widespread fossil record, particularly abundant at the La Brea Tar Pits, indicates their prevalence across diverse habitats, including grasslands and woodlands.

 However, the dire wolf met its extinction around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the Pleistocene.

5 .The 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held from 5–9 April 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan,

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

marked a historic milestone as the first IPU gathering in Central Asia. 

With the theme "Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice," the assembly brought together over 180 member parliaments, including new member Belize, to discuss critical global issues such as poverty reduction, inclusive governance, and conflict resolution.

Key outcomes included resolutions supporting a two-State solution for Palestine, emergency debates on Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis and Israel-Palestine tensions, and special sessions commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, which highlighted persistent gender gaps in political representation (only 27.2% of global MPs are women).

The assembly also emphasized Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms and Central Asia’s rising geopolitical influence, while adopting actionable frameworks for social justice and sustainable development.

Founded in 1889, the IPU the world’s oldest multilateral political organization reinforced its role in fostering parliamentary diplomacy and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 6 .New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu:

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

 India has achieved a major engineering milestone with the inauguration of its first vertical-lift sea bridge the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened this 2.07 km marvel on April 6, 2025, replacing the 100-year-old British-era structure that connected Rameswaram Island to the mainland.

The bridge's most remarkable feature is its 72.5-meter navigational span that can vertically lift 17 meters using an electromechanical system, allowing ships to pass underneath - a first-of-its-kind technology in India.

Built to last a century, the bridge incorporates stainless steel reinforcements, fully welded joints, and special anti-corrosion coatings to withstand the harsh marine environment.

The ₹550-700 crore project, executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, faced numerous challenges including COVID-19 delays and the difficult cyclone-prone location.

 Beyond its engineering significance, the bridge holds cultural importance as it stands near the mythical Ram Setu from the Ramayana.

While representing a leap in India's infrastructure capabilities with its double-track capacity and 80 kmph speed limit, the project has faced some criticism regarding design deviations and potential corrosion risks.

Nevertheless, the New Pamban Bridge stands as a testament to India's growing expertise in complex marine construction projects.

7 .Portugal and Slovakia:

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

 though both European Union members, present striking contrasts in geography, history, and culture.

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, boasts a coastal Atlantic identity with a Mediterranean climate,

while landlocked Slovakia in Central Europe is defined by its Carpathian Mountains and continental weather .

Historically, Portugal emerged as a maritime empire during the Age of Discoveries, whereas Slovakia spent centuries under Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian rule before gaining independence in 1993 after Czechoslovakia’s dissolution .

 Politically, Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic, while Slovakia follows a parliamentary system, though both are part of NATO and the Schengen Zone .

Economically, Portugal relies on tourism and agriculture, notably wine production, while Slovakia thrives as an automotive manufacturing hub (e.g., Volkswagen, Kia) .

Culturally, Portugal is renowned for Fado music and football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, while Slovakia celebrates folk traditions and ice hockey achievements 

. Despite their differences, both nations exemplify Europe’s diversity, blending rich heritage with modern EU integration.

• Capitals: Lisbon (Portugal) vs. Bratislava (Slovakia).

  
  

• EU Accession: Portugal (1986), Slovakia (2004).

  
  

• UNESCO Sites: Portugal (17) vs. Slovakia (8).

  
  

• Currency: Euro (€) in both.

8 .The National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) 

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

represents a significant stride in India's efforts to democratize mental healthcare.

Launched with the core objective of providing universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health services, this initiative leverages technology to bridge geographical and socioeconomic barriers.

At its heart lies Tele MANAS, a 24/7 tele-mental health service accessible through a national toll-free helpline (14416) and a mobile application, ensuring support is readily available. Recognizing India's linguistic diversity, the program offers services in multiple languages, enhancing its reach and inclusivity.

Furthermore, the NTMHP emphasizes integration with existing primary healthcare infrastructure, such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, to streamline access and reduce stigma.

A crucial aspect of the program is its focus on reaching vulnerable and remote populations, ensuring that those who often face the greatest challenges in accessing care are not left behind.

The establishment of numerous Tele-MANAS cells across states and union territories, along with specialized support for the armed forces via a dedicated cell at AFMC Pune, underscores the program's commitment to comprehensive mental health support.

Essentially, the NTMHP aims to scale up mental health services, create an integrated network of medical and psychosocial interventions, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups, marking a pivotal moment in India's public health landscape.