18 February 2025 : Daily Current Affairs Updates

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa; GS-1 (History) ▪️Why in the News:

PM Modi recently paid tribute to Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa on his birth anniversary.

> Early Life and Background:

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a revered 19th-century saint, was the founder of the Ramakrishna Order of monks and is considered the spiritual founder of the Ramakrishna Movement.

• He was born into a devout yet impoverished family. His parents, Kshudiram Chattopadhyaya and Chandramani Devi, were known for their piety and virtuous lives.

• As a child, Ramakrishna, originally named Gadadhar, was deeply loved by the villagers. He served as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where he gathered a following of both monastic and householder disciples

‣Spiritual Learning and Teachings:

o Ramakrishna gained spiritual wisdom through the study of Hindu epics, not through traditional schooling but by listening to scholars and immersing himself in their recitals and explanations.

o He believed in direct spiritual experiences and sought enlightenment through deep observation of nature and human interactions.

o His spiritual journey led him to accept different religious paths, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reinforcing his message of religious harmony.

‣Establishment of the Ramakrishna Order and Mission:

o Swami Vivekananda helped institutionalize

Ramakrishna's teachings by founding the Ramakrishna Order. The movement recognized Ramakrishna as an incarnation of God and spread his teachings through structured rituals, texts, and practices.

o The headquarters of the mission, Belur Math, was established near Kolkata and became the spiritual and administrative center for the movement.

US-India COMPACT; GS-2 (International Relations) ▪️Why in the news: President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi recently launched the

'US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century', to "drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation"

> COMPACT Initiative: The US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative is focused on deepening defence collaboration, promoting technology transfer, and strengthening bilateral trade.

> Key Objectives of the Initiative:

• Strengthening Defence Ties: The initiative represents a major advancement in defence cooperation, with both nations planning to formalize a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership within the year.

• Advanced Defence Acquisitions: India is set to increase its military procurements significantly, including high-tech weaponry and defence systems such as Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft.

• Potential F-35 Procurement: While discussions are still at an initial stage, India's possible acquisition of F-35 stealth fighter jets signals a move toward bolstering its aerial defence capabilities.

• Technology Transfer and Joint Development: The two countries aim to expand coproduction efforts and explore joint development in critical defence technologies, including autonomous systems, missile defence, maritime security, and undersea warfare.

F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets ; GS-3 (Defence) ▪️Why in the news: The induction of F-35s would make India a member of an elite club of countries with the state-of-the-art stealth planes in their fleets.

• Definition:

• The F-35 Lightning Il is a versatile, stealth-enabled multirole fighter jet designed for a range of tactical operations. It is available in three distinct variants:

•F-35A - Designed for conventional take-off and landing, primarily used by the Air Force.

• F-35B - Features short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, used by the Marine Corps.

• F-35C - Developed for carrier-based operations; specifically for the U.S. Navy.

> Key Features of the F-35:

Engineered with advanced stealth technology, allowing it to avoid detection by enemy radar systems.

• Enhances the ability of air forces to operate in contested environments with a lower risk of being tracked or engaged by enemy defences.

• Recognized as one of the most sophisticated fighter jets globally, with more than 990 aircraft delivered so far.

Anamudi Shola National Park; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the news: The Kerala Water Authority confirmed that the NBWL has given the green light to use 0.0442 hectares of forest land from Anamudi Shola National Park to construct the weir across the Silandhi river.

> Location and Geography:

• Situated in Kerala's Idukki district, near Munnar.

• Falls within the Eravikulam National Park complex.

• Lies within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Spans an area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers.

• Serves as a critical watershed, contributing to rivers such as the Periyar and Pambar.

- Ecological Importance:

• Plays a vital role in the Western Ghats ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity.

• Provides essential habitat for numerous endemic and endangered species.

• Flora:

• The landscape features tropical montane forests, grasslands, and shola forests.

• Fauna:

• Supports a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Home to endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the lion-tailed macaque.