Prelims Current Affairs includes World Wildlife Day, World Hearing Day, Vikko Sat-1, Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (Alma), State Innovation Mission (Sim), Operation Epic Fury &  New Gdp Series (Base Year 2022–23) Pakyong Airport To Be Renamed After Trilochan Pokhrel

IMPORTANT DAY

1. WORLD WILDLIFE DAY

Observed globally on 3 March

• Aim : to highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and biodiversity.
• Declared By: United Nations General Assembly in 2013
• Purpose: Raise awareness about conservation of wild animals and plants
• Linked Convention: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) signed on 3 March 1973.

IMPORTANT DAY

2. WORLD HEARING DAY

Current Context: World Hearing Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care worldwide.

ABOUT WORLD HEARING DAY

• Observed On: 3 March every year
• Organised By: World Health Organization (WHO)
• Objective: Prevent hearing loss and promote hearing health
• Focus: Early detection, treatment, and awareness of hearing problems
• Significance: Encourages governments and communities to strengthen hearing care services.

SPACE

3. VIKKO SAT-1

Current Context: Students from a government school in Tamil Nadu successfully launched a mini satellite named Vikko Sat-1.

ABOUT VIKKO SAT-1

• Weight: 600 grams
• Developed By: Class XI students from Ariyakudi Government Higher Secondary School
• Location: Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu
• Purpose: Detect fungal spores in the stratosphere

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• Launch Method: Helium balloon
• Altitude Reached: 22 kilometres (Stratosphere)
• Sensors: Five specialised sensors
• Outcome: Payload recovered safely for analysis
• Significance: Encourages scientific research and innovation at school level

SPACE

4. ATACAMA LARGE MILLIMETER/SUBMILLIMETER ARRAY (ALMA)

Current Context: Astronomers used the ALMA telescope to capture highly detailed images of gas structures near the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.

ABOUT ALMA TELESCOPE

• Full Form: Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array
• Location: Atacama Desert, Chile
• Type: Advanced radio telescope
• Operational Since: 2013

DEVELOPED BY

• National Radio Astronomy Observatory (United States)
• National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
• European Southern Observatory

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Number of Antennas: 66 high-precision antennas
• Coverage Area: Spread over about 16 kilometres
• Observation Range: Millimetre and sub-millimetre wavelengths
• Capability: Detect extremely faint cosmic radio signals

MAJOR SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS

• Discovery of early starburst galaxies
• Detailed imaging of protoplanetary disc around HL Tauri
• Observation of Einstein ring phenomenon
• Significance: Helps scientists understand star formation, galaxies, and cosmic evolution.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

5. STATE INNOVATION MISSION (SIM)

Current Context: Atal Innovation Mission launched the first State Innovation Mission in Tripura.

ABOUT STATE INNOVATION MISSION

• Launched Under: Atal Innovation Mission 2.0
• Nodal Body: NITI Aayog
• Purpose: Develop strong state-level innovation ecosystems
• Focus: Long-term innovation strategy and startup support

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Policy Support: Strengthen innovation policies
• Partnerships: Link government, academia, and industry
• Startup Promotion: Provide infrastructure and mentorship
• Inclusion: Ensure regional balance and capacity building

ABOUT ATAL INNOVATION MISSION (AIM)

• Launched: 2016
• Objective: Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
• Major Programs: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Challenges

INTERNATIONAL

6. OPERATION EPIC FURY

Current Context: The United States launched airstrikes on Iran under “Operation Epic Fury”, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East.

ABOUT OPERATION EPIC FURY

Conducted By: United States military

• Target: Iranian military installations
• Immediate Impact: Iran responded with missile and drone attacks
• Outcome: Escalation of geopolitical tensions in West Asia
• Result:  Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

BACKGROUND OF US–IRAN TENSIONS

• 1979 Islamic Revolution: Diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran deteriorated
• Nuclear Dispute: Tensions increased after the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018
• Regional Rivalry: Iran supports groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, expanding its influence in West Asia

GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

• Regional Instability: Risk of wider conflict in the Middle East
• Energy Security Risk: Possible disruption in oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz
• Global Trade Impact: Higher shipping and insurance costs in Gulf region
• Nuclear Risk: Possibility of escalation due to nuclear tensions

IMPACT ON INDIA

• Energy Dependence: India imports about 85 percent of its crude oil, much of it from West Asia
• Economic Impact: Rising oil prices may increase inflation and current account deficit
• Diaspora Concern: Around 8–9 million Indians live in Gulf countries

ECONOMY

7. NEW GDP SERIES (BASE YEAR 2022–23)

Current Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released a new series of National Accounts with base year 2022–23.

KEY FEATURES OF NEW GDP SERIES

• New Base Year: 2022–23 replacing the earlier base year 2011–12
• Reason for Selection: Considered the most stable economic year after the pandemic period

NEW DATA SOURCES

• Goods and Services Tax collections
• e-Vahan vehicle registration portal
• Public Financial Management System data

METHODOLOGICAL CHANGES

• Double Deflation Method: Used for better estimation in manufacturing and agriculture
• Supply and Use Tables: Integrated to reduce data discrepancies
• Improved PFCE Estimation: Better measurement of consumption expenditure

ADDITIONAL DATA COVERAGE

• Digital and gig economy activities
• Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises
• Periodic Labour Force Survey

IMPLICATIONS

• Higher Real Growth Rate: Around 7.6 percent for 2025–26
• Lower Nominal GDP Size: Economy revised downward by about 3–4 percent
• Fiscal Impact: Fiscal deficit and debt-to-GDP ratios may increase due to smaller GDP base.

MISCELLANEOUS

8. PAKYONG AIRPORT TO BE RENAMED AFTER TRILOCHAN POKHREL

Current Context: The Chief Minister of Sikkim announced that Pakyong Airport will be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel to honour his contribution to India’s freedom movement.

TRILOCHAN POKHREL

• Popular Name: Gandhi Pokhrel
• Identity: Considered Sikkim’s first freedom activist
• Inspired By: Mahatma Gandhi
• Community Background: Khas, Chettri, Bahun community

ROLE IN FREEDOM MOVEMENT

• Participated in Non-Cooperation Movement
• Took part in Civil Disobedience Movement
• Associated with Quit India Movement
• Spread nationalist ideas in Sikkim
• Significance: Played an important role in connecting Sikkim with the national freedom movement.

About PAKYONG AIRPORT

• Location: Around 30 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim
• Status: Only airport in Sikkim
• Inaugurated On: 24 September 2018
• Purpose: Improve connectivity in the Himalayan region

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