Current Context: Indian badminton players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were jointly awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2024 for their outstanding performance in men’s doubles badminton.

Key Facts:

• Awarded for: Spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports over a period of four years.
• Established: 1991–92 as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award; renamed in 2021.
• Award Components: Medallion, certificate, and a cash prize.
• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy:
  • Born on August 13, 2000, in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Set a Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton hit by a male player at 565 km/h in 2023 .
• Chirag Shetty:
  • Born on July 4, 1997, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Partnered with Rankireddy to achieve world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles on October 10, 2023 .
• Achievements:
  • Won gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
  • First Indian men’s doubles pair to achieve world No. 1 ranking.

World Asthma Day 2025 is observed on May 6 to raise awareness about asthma and improve asthma care worldwide.

• Organized by: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), established in 1993.
• 2025 Theme: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL”
• Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways.
• Symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
• Focus of 2025: “Asthma Education Empowers”.

Observed annually on May 6.

Aim : To  promote body positivity and challenges diet culture.

Key Facts:

• Origin: Initiated in 1992 by British feminist Mary Evans Young to promote body acceptance and raise awareness about the dangers of dieting.
• Symbol: Light blue ribbon.

Current Context: In response to the rising global threat of encephalitis and its impact on public health, the UK-based Encephalitis International launched a global campaign to promote the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure.

About Encephalitis:

• Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by infections (viral, bacterial) or autoimmune responses, leading to brain swelling and symptoms like headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, and seizures.
• Causes: Common pathogens include Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Influenza, and West Nile Virus.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, mental confusion, and seizures are typical indicators of encephalitis.

India’s Efforts:

• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):
  • Provides free vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
  • SA 14-14-2 Vaccine is part of the immunization schedule.
  • Target Areas: High-risk zones, including endemic districts.
  • As of recent reports, 132 districts have been included under the vaccination program.

Current Context: India has opposed the inclusion of the hazardous insecticide Chlorpyrifos under the Stockholm Convention for global phase-out in 2021, which would restrict its use globally due to its harmful environmental and health effects.

About the Convention:

• Genesis: Adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004.
• Objective: Protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
• POPs Definition: Carbon-based chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and are toxic to humans and wildlife.
• Key Features:
  • The convention lists chemicals in three annexes:
  • Annex A: Elimination of chemicals.
  • Annex B and C: Restriction of use.
• India’s Position: India signed and ratified the convention but opposes the phase-out of Chlorpyrifos, arguing that it is still widely used in agriculture and there are no safer alternatives for its widespread uses.

Significance of the Issue:

• Chlorpyrifos Use: Widely used as an insecticide in agriculture, particularly in the U.S., India, and parts of the EU.
• Environmental Impact: Chlorpyrifos is toxic to wildlife and poses risks to human health, including neurotoxic effects, particularly for children.
• India’s Stance: The government is advocating for more research into safer alternatives and for the recognition of agricultural needs in developing countries.

Current Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national population census, marking the first comprehensive caste data collection since 1931.

About the Decision:

• Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2025 Census to gather detailed caste data.
• Judicial Requirement: The Supreme Court, in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), emphasized that caste data must be reviewed periodically to assess “backwardness” of groups and ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
• Social Justice: Caste census data will help in devising a ‘quota-within-quota’ system to ensure more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
• Policy Impact: The data will enable more evidence-based policy making to cater to the needs of underprivileged and marginalized communities.
• Political Implications: The decision is expected to influence electoral strategies, particularly in caste-sensitive states such as Bihar and Karnataka

About the Census:

• Census is a Union subject under Article 246, Entry 69 of the Constitution, with the Census Act of 1948 providing a framework for conducting population censuses.
• Significance of Data: Accurate caste data will provide a basis for informed policy decisions, ensuring that marginalized groups receive adequate support and representation.

History of Caste Enumeration:

• 1881-1931: British census enumerated caste for administrative purposes.
• 1951: Post-independence, general caste enumeration was discontinued.
• 1961: States authorized to survey OBCs.
• 2011: Socio-Economic Caste Census conducted for socio-economic data.

Current Context: Recently, Mexico and the U.S. reached a deal to resolve a treaty shortfall in water deliveries from the Rio Grande, after tensions escalated due to drought and political pressure from U.S. leadership.

About the Agreement:

• Treaty Basis: 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over 5 years.
• 2025 Deal: Mexico agreed to transfer water from international reservoirs and allow increased U.S. shares from six tributaries until October 2025.
• Diplomatic Importance: Avoided U.S. sanctions and reinforced treaty commitment without renegotiation.
• Purpose: Ensure water availability for over 2.1 million acres of cropland in Texas and Mexico.

About Rio Grande Basin:

• Length: ~1,900 miles; 5th longest river in North America.
• Origin: Rocky Mountains; flows through Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to Gulf of Mexico.
• Peak Flow: May–June (snowmelt), June–September (monsoon rains).
• Major Tributaries:
• USA: Pecos, Devils, Chama, Puerco Rivers.
• Mexico: Conchos, Salado, San Juan Rivers.
• Major Reservoirs: Falcon, Elephant Butte, Marte Gómez, Venustiano Carranza, and Amistad (built via 1969 U.S.–Mexico agreement).

Current Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched India’s official Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS), alongside new research from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali enhancing hydrogen production efficiency.

About GHCS:

• Launched By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• Objective: To certify green hydrogen based on transparent, measurable carbon intensity limits.
• Certification Types: Concept Certificate (voluntary); Facility-Level Certificate (mandatory).
• Emission Limit: Green hydrogen must meet ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂.
• Coverage Scope: Production to compression and purification; excludes transport and use.
• Exemption: Exporting entities not using govt incentives may be exempt but must report emissions.
• Non-Transferability: Certificates are non-tradable and ineligible for emission reduction credits.

Current Context: Recently, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reported a record addition of 117 GW in wind energy capacity in 2024, bringing the total global capacity to 1,136 GW. However, challenges such as policy instability, permitting delays, and inadequate grid infrastructure threaten future growth.

Key Highlights:

• Record Installations: 117 GW added globally in 2024, marking the highest annual increase to date.
• Total Capacity: Global wind energy capacity reached 1,136 GW by the end of 2024.
• Top Contributor: China (79.8 GW); USA, Germany, and Brazil also performed strongly.
• Regional Growth: Africa (107%), Asia-Pacific (7%); decline in North America, Latin America, Europe.
• Offshore Wind: 56.3 GW awarded; Europe led with 23.2 GW; South Korea, Taiwan emerging.
• Future Projections:
  • GWEC forecasts nearly 1 TW of additional installations by 2030.
  • To meet climate targets, annual installations need to reach approximately 320 GW by the end of the decade.

Celebrated on first Sunday of May; in 2025, it falls on May 4.

• Aim : To promote world peace, friendship, and unity through laughter.
• Established: 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga movement .
• Significance: Emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of laughter, including stress reduction and improved well-being.