24 May 2025 Current Affairs

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

The Prime Minister inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations in West Bengal-Kalyani Ghoshpara, Panagarh, and Joychandi Pahar, as part of the nationwide launch of 103 Amrit Stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). 

About & Objective: 

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways. 
• The scheme aims to redevelop 1309 stations nationwide. 
• The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and signage for the guidance of passengers. 
• Focused efforts will enhance the stations’ greenery and visual appeal to create a more inviting environment for passengers. 
• Under this scheme, local products will be showcased and sold under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme.  

Integrated Approach to Urban Development:

• The redevelopment is planned with a holistic approach to urban development, treating the stations as "City Centres."
• This approach aims to integrate both sides of the city and create well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal connectivity, and clear signage for passengers' guidance.

Note

1. 169 Years of Heritage:

• The Indian Railways was established on 16th April 1853. The inaugural passenger train covered a 34-kilometer route between Mumbai's Bori Bandar and Thane.

2. Unique Mascot:

• The Indian Railways boasts its own mascot, a 'Shubhankar named 'Bholu,' created by the National Institute of Design in 2002. Bholu is an elephant dressed as a railway guard, introduced on the railways' 150th anniversary.

3. World's 4th Largest Rail Network:

• The Indian Railways ranks as the world's fourth-largest railway network, encompassing a track length of 67,368 km. Only the US, China, and Russia have larger networks. It's also the world's second-largest network managed under a single administration, spanning 115,000 km.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• The Indian Railways takes pride in owning four UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway.

5. Longest Platform:

• Hubli Junction's Platform number 1, also known as Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction in Karnataka, holds the record for the world's longest railway platform at 1,505 meters.

6. Longest and Shortest Train Rides:

• The longest train ride in India is the Vivek Express, traveling from Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh, covering a distance of 4,189 kilometers with 56 stops in 82 hours and 30 minutes.
• The shortest train ride is just 3 kilometers, running between Nagpur and Ajni.

7. World's Highest Rail Bridge:

• India is home to the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, located in Dharot, Jammu, and Kashmir.

Gallantry Awards in India

Gallantry Awards in India are presented by the President of India to honor acts of bravery and selfsacrifice by members of the Armed Forces, lawfully constituted armed forces, and civilians. These awards are classified as wartime and peacetime gallantry awards.

Historical Background

1. January 26, 1950: First three gallantry awards were instituted:

• Param Vir Chakra
• Maha Vir Chakra
• Vir Chakra

These were made effective retrospectively from August 15, 1947 (India's Independence Day).

2.1952: Three more gallantry awards were introduced:

• Ashoka Chakra Class I
• Ashoka Chakra Class II
• Ashoka Chakra Class III

These were also made effective from August 15, 1947.

3. January 1967: These were renamed as:

• Ashoka Chakra
• Kirti Chakra
• Shaurya Chakra

Eligibility Criteria

1. Personnel of:

• Indian Army, Navy, Air Force
• Territorial Army, Reserve Forces
• Any other lawfully constituted armed forces

Civilians are also eligible for peacetime awards like Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.

Wartime Gallantry Awards

1. Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

• India’s highest wartime gallantry award
• Awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring act of valor in the face of the enemy.

2. Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)

• Second highest wartime gallantry award
• Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy (land, sea, air).

3. Vir Chakra

• Third highest wartime gallantry award
• Given for acts of gallantry in the battlefield.

All three awards are given only during wartime operations.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

1. Ashoka Chakra

• Highest peacetime gallantry award
• For most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice, not in the face of the enemy.

2. Kirti Chakra

• Second highest peacetime award
• For courageous action or self-sacrifice away from combat.

3. Shaurya Chakra

• For gallantry not in the face of the enemy
• Often awarded to police and paramilitary forces too.

These are often conferred in cases involving counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, or rescue operations.

Other Service-Specific Gallantry Awards

• Sena Medal: Awarded to Army personnel for devotion to duty or acts of courage.
• Nao Sena Medal: Awarded to Navy personnel for exceptional courage or devotion.
• Vayu Sena Medal: Awarded to Air Force personnel for similar acts.

These medals can be awarded both during wartime and peacetime.

Spices Board of India

Background and Establishment

1. The Spices Board is a statutory body constituted on 26th February 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986.

2. It was formed by merging two earlier bodies:

• Cardamom Board (established in 1968)
• Spices Export Promotion Council (established in 1960)

3. It is one of the five Commodity Boards operating under the

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• Headquarter – Kochi, Kerala

Functions and Responsibilities

1. Development and promotion of the spice industry in India, especially focusing on 52 spices listed under the schedule of the

2. Spices Board Act, 1986: The Board has a special focus on the development of small and large cardamom, which are high-value spices.

3. It is responsible for:

• Promotion and development of spices.
• Regulation of export of spices.
• Quality control of spices meant for export, ensuring compliance with international standards.

4. Acts as an international link between Indian exporters and foreign importers, facilitating trade relations and market access.

Research and Development

• Undertakes research activities specifically on small and large cardamom through the Indian Cardamom Research Institute.
• This research supports improving quality, productivity, and sustainable cultivation practices.

Significance in Indian Economy and Trade

India is a leading global producer and exporter of spices, and the Spices Board plays a critical role in:

• Strengthening India’s position in the global spices market.
• Enhancing the export potential of spices.
• Protecting the interests of farmers and exporters.
• Facilitating quality assurance to meet global food safety and phytosanitary standards.

Golden Dome Missile Defence System

• Announced by: President of the United States
• Headed by: A Space Force General
• Inspired by: Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system
• Cost :- $175 billion

Objective and Features

1. Aim:

To develop a space-based missile defense network to counter a broad spectrum of threats including:

• Cruise missiles
• Ballistic missiles
• Hypersonic missiles
• Drones (both conventional and nuclear)

2. Design:

• A constellation of satellites (possibly hundreds)
• Includes surveillance satellites (for detection and tracking)
• Includes interceptor satellites (to neutralize threats in space)
• Real-time data sharing among components

3. Components include:

• High-tech detection sensors
• Tracking tools
• Interceptor missiles
• Command-and-control networks

4. Autonomous Operation:

• Each satellite operates independently but exchanges information in real-time with others, ensuring an integrated response.

Strategic Significance

• Seeks to expand US missile defense into outer space, providing early interception capabilities.
• Designed to neutralize threats soon after launch, well before re-entry or terminal phases.

Global Concerns

1. Opposition from Russia and China:

• Called it an attempt to militarize space.
• Risk of turning space into a battlefield.

2. Violation of International Agreements?

• May be against the spirit of the Outer Space Treaty, 1967:
• Prohibits placing nuclear weapons or WMDs in orbit
• Promotes the use of outer space for peaceful purposes
• Restricts use of celestial bodies for military installations