Today's Brief 27/05/2025

JS Analysis: https://youtu.be/BXczC-khVLo?feature=shared

1 .The Padma Awards

General Studies Paper-II (250 Marks) – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations are among India’s highest civilian honors, conferred annually by the Government of India on Republic Day (26th January) to recognize exceptional contributions in various fields such as art, social work, science, sports, and public affairs.

Instituted in 1954, these awards are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service). Unlike British honors, the Padma Awards do not include any title or cash prize but consist of a medal, certificate, and Sanad (official document).

The selection process is overseen by a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, and recommendations are made to the Prime Minister and the President of India, who confers the awards at ceremonial functions in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The awards are open to all individuals, including government servants, foreigners, and posthumous recipients, provided their contributions extend beyond routine duties.

Over the years, notable recipients have included M.S. Subbulakshmi (Padma Bhushan, 1954), Sachin Tendulkar (Padma Vibhushan, 2008), and Mary Kom (Padma Shri, 2006).

In 2024, prominent awardees included M. Venkaiah Naidu (Padma Vibhushan), Usha Uthup (Padma Bhushan), and Rohan Bopanna (Padma Shri). Interestingly, some personalities, such as E.M.S. Namboodiripad, have declined the honor.

The Padma Awards not only celebrate excellence but also inspire citizens to contribute meaningfully to society, making them a key topic for general knowledge exams.

2 .The Great Indian Bustard (GIB),

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

one of the world's heaviest flying birds, is a critically endangered species native to India's grasslands. Once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, its population has dwindled to fewer than 150 individuals, primarily found in isolated regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Recognizable by its tall stature (up to 1.2 meters), black crown, and slow, majestic gait, the GIB plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of dry grasslands and scrublands.

However, the species faces severe threats, including habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization, collisions with power lines, and hunting.

Conservation efforts, such as Project Great Indian Bustard (2013) and captive breeding programs by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), aim to revive its population.

The bird is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Recent initiatives, like the Supreme Court's directive to underground power lines in key habitats and Rajasthan's declaration of the GIB as its state bird, highlight ongoing efforts to prevent its extinction.

3 .Paraguay a landlocked nation in the heart of South America, presents a fascinating blend of indigenous heritage and colonial history. Bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, this geographically diverse country is divided by the Paraguay River into two distinct regions: the fertile Oriental region in the east and the semi-arid Chaco in the west.

As one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (along with Liechtenstein), Paraguay has developed unique economic and cultural adaptations to its geographic isolation.

The country's history is marked by its strong Guaraní indigenous roots, with nearly 90% of the population speaking both Spanish and Guaraní - making Paraguay the most bilingual nation in the Americas. This cultural duality stems from early Jesuit missions that blended European and indigenous traditions, creating a distinctive Paraguayan identity.

The nation suffered devastating losses in the catastrophic War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870), which killed about 60% of its population, an event that continues to shape national consciousness.

Economically, Paraguay stands out in South America for its market-oriented policies and energy independence, powered by the massive Itaipú Dam (shared with Brazil), the world's second-largest hydroelectric facility.

The country is a leading global exporter of hydroelectric power, soybeans, and beef, though wealth inequality remains a challenge. Asunción, the capital and largest city, preserves colonial architecture while serving as the nation's political and economic hub.

Politically, Paraguay has experienced alternating periods of authoritarian rule and democracy since gaining independence from Spain in 1811.

The Colorado Party, one of the world's longest-ruling political parties, has dominated much of the 20th and 21st centuries. Recent years have seen democratic consolidation, though corruption and land reform remain contentious issues.

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