International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)
News-Mumbai Hosts Largest-Ever International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025.
- Event – 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
- Date & Location – Opened on 12 August 2025 in Mumbai.
- Opening Ceremony – Held at 4 PM at Jio World Convention Centre.
- Duration – 12 August to 21 August.
- Organised By – Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR.
- Participants: 288 students from 64 countries, including 57 women — the highest number of female participants in IOAA history
- Significance – Largest edition in IOAA history.
- ABOUT IOAA:
- Origin – IOAA convened in 2006.
- First edition – Held in 2007 at Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Growth – Expanded from ~21 countries to over 60.
- India’s Hosting – Third time hosting; earlier in Mumbai (2008) and Bhubaneswar (2016).
Commonwealth Games
News-India Bids to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Decision – IOA approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games on 14 August 2025.
- Next Step – Final proposal to be submitted by 31 August 2025.
- Host Announcement – To be made in November 2025 at Glasgow by Commonwealth Sport General Assembly.
- Anniversary Significance – 100 years since first Games (1930) and 20 years since India last hosted (Delhi, 2010).
- Proposed Host City – Ahmedabad (lead), with Delhi and Bhubaneswar as alternatives.
- Sports Proposed – Kabaddi, kho kho, shooting, wrestling, archery.
- Long-term Goal – Supports India’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Nepal Offers Free Climbing
News- Nepal Offers Free Climbing on 97 Himalayan Peaks to Boost Tourism.
- Announcement – Nepal waives climbing fees for 97 Himalayan peaks.
- Regions Covered – Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
- Duration – Two years.
- Objective – Promote tourism in lesser-known mountain regions.
- Implementing Body – Nepal’s Tourism Department.
- Expected Impact – Showcase unexplored natural treasures and boost economic growth in far-western provinces.
Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity
News- India Achieves 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity.
- Milestone – India reaches 100 GW solar PV module manufacturing capacity under Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), (up from 2.3 GW in 2014).
- Recognition – PM Modi calls it a step towards self-reliance and clean energy.
- Key Drivers – PLI Scheme and 2019 ALMM Order credited by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
- Growth – Capacity rose from 8.2 GW (2019) to 100 GW (2025).
- Industry Scale – 100 manufacturers operate 123 units (up from 21 in 2021).
- Strategic Goal – Supports 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
- Global Impact – Strengthens India’s role in global decarbonization.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
News- Partition Horrors Remembrance Day- August 14.
- Date – Observed annually on 14 August.
- Institution – Started by Government of India in 2021.
- Purpose – Honor victims and survivors of the 1947 Partition.
- Historical Impact – Nearly 15 million displaced; 1–2 million deaths.
- Objectives – Commemorate suffering, educate future generations, preserve survivor testimonies, promote healing.
- Significance – Remember tragedies and resilience to inspire unity and compassion.
MCQs
Q1. Which edition of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) was held in 2025?
A) 15th
B) 16th
C) 18th
D) 20th
Q2. Which city has been proposed as the lead host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India?
A) Delhi
B) Bhubaneswar
C) Ahmedabad
D) Mumbai
Q3. How many Himalayan peaks has Nepal made free to climb under its new tourism initiative?
A) 77
B) 87
C) 97
D) 107
Q4. What milestone has India achieved in solar PV module manufacturing capacity in 2025?
A) 50 GW
B) 75 GW
C) 100 GW
D) 150 GW
Q5. When is Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed annually?
A) 15 August
B) 14 August
C) 12 August
D) 16 August