Today's Brief 11/05/2025

1 .SHAKTI:

General Studies-II (250 marks) Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations   

For a general knowledge examination, the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy is a significant topic related to India's energy sector.

 It essentially outlines how coal, a crucial fuel source for power generation in India, is allocated to thermal power plants.

The latest revision of this policy, approved in May 2025, simplifies the allocation process into two main windows.

Window-I provides coal at a regulated price primarily for government-owned power plants and projects with existing power purchase agreements.

Window-II offers coal at a premium through auctions to a wider range of power plants, including those that previously relied on imported coal, and importantly, it removes the mandatory requirement of having a power purchase agreement, allowing them to sell power in the open market

 The overarching goals of the SHAKTI policy are to ensure transparency in coal allocation, promote the utilization of domestic coal to enhance energy self-reliance, potentially lower power costs by encouraging pithead power plants (those located near coal mines), and increase the efficiency and flexibility of the power generation sector.

2 .The International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 is a prominent biennial event held in Singapore, serving as a leading platform for the naval and maritime defense industries within the Asia-Pacific region.

The 2025 edition took place from May 6th to May 8th at the Changi Exhibition Centre. IMDEX Asia provides a crucial meeting point for navies, coast guards, and defense companies worldwide to showcase the latest in naval platforms, systems, and technologies.

It facilitates high-level discussions on maritime security challenges and fosters collaboration among international stakeholders.

This year's exhibition witnessed participation from numerous countries, including the United States, China, and India, with their naval assets and personnel present. For instance, the U.S. Navy sent the USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter.

The Chinese PLA Navy was represented by the guided-missile frigate Xuchang and the minesweeper hunter Chishui. The Indian Navy's INS Kiltan, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, also arrived to participate in the event.

IMDEX Asia 2025 featured not only static displays of warships and equipment but also the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), a key component focusing on enhancing maritime security cooperation.

3 .World Red Cross :

General Studies-II (250 marks) Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations   

Observed annually on May 8th, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day commemorates the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This global event, officially established in 1948 and later including the Red Crescent emblem in 1984, celebrates the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

The theme for 2025, "Keeping Humanity Alive," highlights the unwavering dedication of the Movement's volunteers and staff in addressing escalating global challenges through compassion, peace, and hope.

This worldwide network, comprising the ICRC, the IFRC, and 191 National Societies like the Indian Red Cross Society, works tirelessly to provide aid, protection, and support during conflicts, disasters, and health crises.

4 .The S-400 "Triumf," or SA-21 Growler:

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

is a state-of-the-art Russian-developed long-range surface-to-air missile system renowned for its extensive capabilities. 

Its mobility allows for rapid deployment within five minutes, and its sophisticated radar systems are designed to resist jamming and detect stealth technology. 

A complete S-400 system integrates command and control, advanced radars, and transporter erector launchers. 

Notably, India, where it is reportedly called "Sudarshan Chakra," recently deployed the system on May 8, 2025, to successfully intercept drones and missiles allegedly fired by Pakistan, marking its first reported combat use by the Indian military and underscoring its critical role in bolstering the nation's air defense capabilities against threats from both its western and northern borders.

5 .Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025--

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

The global landscape of space exploration conferences in 2025 features several pivotal events, notably the recently concluded Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025, held in New Delhi, India, from May 7th to 9th.

Jointly organized by the IAF, ISRO, and ASI under the theme "Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance," GLEX 2025 fostered discussions on innovation, international cooperation, and future space missions, bringing together over 1800 delegates from 36 countries, although without NASA's participation.

Looking ahead, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, Australia, from September 29th to October 3rd, stands as the premier global space event, focusing on

"Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth" and anticipating a large international attendance. Complementing these major gatherings are specialized conferences like the ISDC in Orlando and the IAA Symposium in Torino, each contributing to the collective advancement and collaborative spirit within the international space exploration community.

Thanks For Visiting!!