Today's Brief 11-15/04/2025

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/uXiAGczEvgI?si=oGPpEcCjip-q8SKg

1 . Blue Origin's NS-31

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

mission marked a historic moment in space exploration by launching the first all-female crew into space since 1963. The New Shepard rocket carried six women, including Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King, on a suborbital flight from West Texas.

This mission reached beyond the Kármán line, providing the crew with a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth's curvature.

The flight was significant, highlighting the increasing participation of women in space travel and aiming to inspire future generations, particularly young girls, to pursue careers in STEM and other fields.

2 .QNu Labs, an Indian startup incubated at IIT Madras Research Park, has launched Q-Shield, described as the world's first unique platform designed to protect enterprises' critical infrastructure.

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

The platform aims to provide seamless cryptography management across various environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid systems. Q-Shield incorporates QNu's patented Quantum Key Distribution (Armos),

Quantum Random Number Generator (Tropos), Quantum Hardware Security Module (QHSM), and NIST-compliant Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to offer an end-to-end solution for securing data.

The company states that Q-Shield empowers enterprises to protect their data and prepare for a quantum-secured future.

3 .Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is an annual observance celebrated on April 14th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956). Dr. Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer, and the principal architect of the Constitution of India.

He was a champion of the rights of Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables") and other socially marginalized groups.

Ambedkar Jayanti is a public holiday in many parts of India and is marked by various events, including processions, seminars, and cultural programs.

4 .India has successfully tested a laser-based weapon system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO),

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

demonstrating its capability to shoot down drones. This achievement positions India among a select group of nations, including the US, Russia, and China, with this advanced technology.

The laser weapon system is designed to counter aerial threats, particularly drones, and has the potential to revolutionize modern warfare due to its precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

5 . Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA),

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The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a significant Indian social welfare program that guarantees the 'right to work'.

Launched in 2005, it aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households where adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. MGNREGA focuses on the most vulnerable sections of rural society, promoting community development, and strengthening local governance.

The program stresses the creation of durable assets like roads, ponds, and wells, alongside environmental conservation efforts.

Emphasizing transparency and accountability, MGNREGA includes mechanisms like social audits to ensure proper implementation.

This demand-driven scheme not only provides economic relief but also empowers rural communities, reduces rural-urban migration, and contributes to inclusive growth.

6 .Lebanon's civil war,

General Studies Paper-I (250 Marks) – Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society

lasted 15 years from 1975 to 1990, had widespread consequences, causing death, displacement, and destruction.

The war's legacy includes lingering issues such as sectarian divisions, foreign interference, a legacy of violence, political instability, economic crises, and difficulties in addressing the past.

7 .Myanmar, officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country with a rich cultural heritage and complex history. It is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand.

The capital is Naypyidaw, while Yangon remains the largest city. Burmese is the official language, and the majority of the population practices Theravada Buddhism. Myanmar’s diverse geography includes tropical coastlines, fertile plains along the Irrawaddy River, and mountainous regions like Hkakabo Razi, the country’s highest peak.

Historically, Myanmar was home to ancient kingdoms such as the Pagan Empire, known for its thousands of Buddhist temples. After British colonial rule, it gained independence in 1948 but endured decades of military dictatorship until limited democratic reforms in the 2010s.

However, a military coup in 2021 reversed progress, leading to ongoing political unrest. The economy relies on agriculture, natural resources like jade and natural gas, and tourism, though sanctions and instability pose challenges.

Culturally, Myanmar is famous for traditions such as the Thingyan Water Festival and the sport of chinlone, as well as landmarks like the Shwedagon Pagoda and Inle Lake.

The country faces serious issues, including the Rohingya refugee crisis and human rights violations, drawing global attention. Despite its struggles, Myanmar remains a nation of deep historical significance and natural beauty.