Prelims Current Affairs includes global freshwater ecosystems, Birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, Onam is the official state festival of Kerala, Justice Alok Aradhe, Justice Vipul Pancholi, Russia has decided to recruit 1 million Indian workers in 2025, Pong Dam (Beas Dam) in Himachal Pradesh, Multilateral Exercise BRIGHT STAR 2025 and Green Mobility Initiatives at Hansalpur.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. WORLD LAKE DAY

Observed on August 27
Aim: to highlight the urgent need to protect global freshwater ecosystems.

2. NATIONAL SPORTS DAY (RASHTRIYA KHEL DIVAS)

Celebrated every year on 29 August in India
Aim: to honour the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest field hockey players in history.

Honours: Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979), legendary hockey player known as the “Wizard of Hockey”.

ABOUT MAJOR DHYAN CHAND

• Born: 29 August 1905, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).

• Represented India in 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics, winning three consecutive gold medals in hockey.

• Known for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring skills.

• Earned global fame and was admired by sporting legends worldwide.

HISTORY

3. ONAM

Current Context: Onam 2025 celebrations started in Kerala with the traditional Athachamayam procession in Tripunithura, marking the ceremonial curtain-raiser to the 10-day harvest festival.

ABOUT ONAM

• Festival Type: Onam is the official state festival of Kerala—a major 10-day harvest festival celebrated with cultural fervor.

• Timing: Observed in August–September, falling in the Malayalam month of Chingam. It typically begins with the star day Atham and concludes on Thiruvonam, considered the most auspicious day.

ABOUT ATHACHAMAYAM

• Location: Tripunithura, near Kochi, Kerala

• Historic Importance: Former royal capital of the Kochi kingdom; Athachamayam procession symbolized the king’s march to the Thrikkakara temple.

• Cultural Significance:

  • Represents Kerala’s cultural unity and royal traditions.

  • Parade includes folk traditions, classical dance, music, and modern social commentary.

APPOINTMENTS

4. JUSTICE ALOK ARADHE AND JUSTICE VIPUL PANCHOLI

Current Context: The President of India has appointed Justice Alok Aradhe (Chief Justice of Bombay High Court) and Justice Vipul Pancholi (Chief Justice of Patna High Court) as judges of the Supreme Court.

Sanctioned Strength: With these appointments, the Supreme Court reached its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR APPOINTMENT

• Article 124(2)

  • Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.

  • The President acts after consultation with such Supreme Court and High Court judges as deemed necessary.

• Article 124(3): Qualifications
  A person is eligible if:

  • He/She is an Indian citizen; and

  • Has served as a High Court judge for at least 5 years, OR

  • Has been an advocate in a High Court (or multiple) for at least 10 years, OR

  • Is recognized by the President as a distinguished jurist.

• Article 124(6): Oath
  Before entering office, every judge must take an oath to:

  • Uphold the Constitution of India,

  • Protect the sovereignty and integrity of India, and

  • Perform duties impartially, without fear or favour.

• Retirement Age
  Judges of the Supreme Court retire at 65 years of age.

• Article 124(4): Removal

  • Judges can be removed by the President only after an address by both Houses of Parliament,

  • Requires a two-thirds majority,

  • Grounds: Proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

INTERNATIONAL

5. RUSSIA OPENS 1 MILLION JOB SLOTS FOR INDIAN WORKERS

Current Context: Russia has decided to recruit 1 million Indian workers in 2025 to address acute labour shortages in construction, machinery, textiles, and electronics sectors.

ABOUT INDIA–RUSSIA MANPOWER PARTNERSHIP

• Reason: Labour shortages in Russia and tightening immigration in Western countries (UK, US, Canada).

• Recruitment Sectors:

  • Phase 1 → Construction and textiles

  • Expansion → High-end machinery and electronics

• Process: Hiring under Russian immigration quotas and local labour laws.

• Diplomatic Support: India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, confirmed rising consular activities linked to this migration.

ABOUT RUSSIA

• Official Name: Russian Federation

• Location: Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (largest country in the world by area)

• Capital: Moscow

• President: Vladimir Putin

• Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin

• Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)

• Official Language: Russian

• Political System: Federal semi-presidential republic

• Area: ~17.1 million sq. km (largest in the world)

• Borders: Shares land borders with 14 countries including China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Finland, and Norway.

• Major Rivers: Volga, Lena, Ob, Yenisei

• Parliament: Federal Assembly → two houses: State Duma (lower house) and Federation Council (upper house)

PLACE IN NEWS

6. PONG DAM

Current Context: The water level at Pong Dam (Beas Dam) in Himachal Pradesh has recently breached the danger mark.

ABOUT PONG DAM

• Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh (Shivalik Hills).

• River: Built on the Beas River.

• Type: Earth-fill embankment dam.

• Construction: 1961–1974; tallest of its type in India at the time.

• Reservoir: Created Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake.

• Ecological Significance:

  • Declared a bird sanctuary in 1983.

  • Designated a Ramsar Site in 2002.

  • Habitat for migratory birds such as Bar-headed Geese, Red-necked Grebe, Black Stork, Northern Lapwing, Spot-billed Duck, etc.

DEFENCE

7. EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR 2025

Current Context: Indian Armed Forces personnel will participate in Multilateral Exercise BRIGHT STAR 2025, hosted by Egypt and the US.

ABOUT EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR

• • Started: 1980

  • Nature: Biennial Tri-Service multilateral exercise

  • Host: Egypt (with the US)

  • Participants: India and other friendly nations

  • Last Edition: 2023

STATE IN NEWS

8. GREEN MOBILITY INITIATIVES IN HANSALPUR, GUJARAT

Current Context: Prime Minister inaugurated major Green Mobility Initiatives at Hansalpur, Gujarat, including the launch of Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – “e VITARA” and the local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVES

• e VITARA:

  • Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global BEV.

  • Will be exported to over 100 countries.

• TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Plant:

  • Started local production of hybrid battery electrodes.

  • Ensures over 80% of battery value manufactured in India, reducing import dependence.

ABOUT BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEVs)

• Definition: Vehicles running entirely on battery-powered electric drivetrains.

• Charging: Plugged into the electricity grid.

• Main Components: Electric Motor, Inverter, Battery, Control Module, Drivetrain

• Working Principle:

  • DC battery power → converted to AC → powers the electric motor.

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