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Daily Current Affairs: Geopolitics, Defence & Government Schemes
📅 Date: 29 December 2025 (Monday)
Welcome to your detailed daily analysis. Today's update covers significant international developments with Israel recognizing Somaliland, a historic submarine sortie by the President of India, environmental concerns in Delhi, and the results of the prestigious PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme. Let's dive deep into these topics.
1. International Relations: Israel Recognises Somaliland
In a major geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa, Israel has formally recognised the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This move is expected to have significant diplomatic ripples across Africa and the Middle East.
About Somaliland
Somaliland is a self-declared state that functions independently but lacks widespread international recognition.
- Location: Strategically positioned in the Horn of Africa.
- Borders: It shares borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia. It also has the Puntland region to its east and a vital coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
- Capital City: Hargeisa.
- Strategic Asset: The Berbera Port is being developed as a major regional trade hub, serving as a critical logistics corridor for landlocked Ethiopia.
Historical Context
Somaliland has a distinct history from the rest of Somalia. It was a British protectorate from the late 19th century until it gained independence on 26 June 1960. Shortly after, on 1 July 1960, it voluntarily united with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. However, decades of political marginalization, economic neglect, and civil war led the northern region (Somaliland) to declare independence again in 1991.
Somaliland FAQs
2. Defence: President Murmu on INS Vagsheer
Making history, President Droupadi Murmu became only the second Indian President to undertake a submarine sortie. She embarked on the INS Vaghsheer from the Karwar naval base recently, highlighting the importance of India's underwater combat capabilities.
About INS Vagsheer
- Class: It is a Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarine.
- Project: It is the sixth and final submarine of the first batch built under Project-75 for the Indian Navy.
- Builder: Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
- Commissioning: It was commissioned on 15 January 2025.
- Capability: It boasts superior stealth features and can endure up to 50 days at sea.
INS Vagsheer FAQs
3. Environment & Health: Nitrate Contamination in Delhi
A concerning report by the Central Groundwater Board has revealed that over 20% of groundwater samples collected in Delhi in 2023 had nitrate levels exceeding the permissible limit of 45 mg/l.
Understanding Nitrate Pollution
What is it? Nitrate is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. While essential for plant growth, excess levels are dangerous.
Sources:
- Agricultural runoff containing chemical fertilizers.
- Manure from animal feeding operations.
- Wastewater treatment plant discharge.
Impacts:
- Health (Blue Baby Syndrome): Excessive nitrate causes Methemoglobinemia. This condition reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, which is fatal for infants.
- Environment (Eutrophication): High levels lead to algal blooms in water bodies, depleting oxygen and killing aquatic life.
Nitrate FAQs
4. Culture & Tribes: The Ho Tribe
India is home to diverse tribal communities. Today, we focus on the Ho Tribe, an important ethnic group in eastern India.
- Ethnic Group: They belong to the Austroasiatic Munda ethnic group.
- Location: While found in West Bengal and Bihar, they are mainly concentrated in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Language: They speak the Ho language, which is closely related to Mundari.
- Economy: Their society is primarily agrarian. They work as landowners or agricultural labourers.
Ho Tribe FAQs
5. Government Scheme: PM-YUVA 3.0 Results Declared
The Ministry of Education has announced the results of the PM-YUVA 3.0 Scheme. Through a rigorous All-India contest, 43 young authors have been selected for mentorship.
About PM-YUVA 3.0
Objective: To nurture young writers (under 30 years) and create a stream of authors who can write on various facets of India.
Implementing Agency: National Book Trust (NBT), under the Ministry of Education.
Key Themes:
- Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building.
- Indian Knowledge System.
- Makers of Modern India (1950-2025).
Benefits for Selected Authors
The selected authors are in for a significant boost to their literary careers:
- Mentorship: A 6-month program with workshops and interaction with literary mentors.
- Scholarship: A consolidated amount of ₹3 Lakh (₹50,000 per month for 6 months).
- Publishing Deal: Their books will be published by the NBT, India.
- Royalty: A 10% royalty on successful publications.
- Global Exposure: Opportunity to participate in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 and other literary festivals.
PM-YUVA 3.0 FAQs
That concludes today's analysis. From the strategic waters of the Gulf of Aden to the groundwater of Delhi, staying informed is key. Keep revising!