Prelims Focus 9th April 2025

Palna Scheme

In News: The Palna Scheme addresses the childcare needs of working mothers through imparting fine crèche centers, enabling them to pursue employment without compromising their children’s care.

• • In 2022, erstwhile National Creche Scheme changed into reorganized and renamed as Palna Scheme under the sub scheme ‘Samarthya’ of ‘Mission Shakti’.  
  • Palna is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ensuring the participation of State/ UT authorities to ensure higher day-to-day monitoring and proper implementation of scheme, and is carried out with a investment ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature besides North East & Special Category States where ratio is 90:10. For UTs without a legislature, 100% funding is furnished with the aid of the crucial authorities.

• Objectives:

• • To provide quality crèche facilities in a secure and secure surroundings for children (from a long time 6 months–6 years), nutritional help, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring & immunization. 
  • Crèche facilities under Palna are furnished to all mothers, regardless of their employment popularity.

National Mission on Power Electronics Technology

In News: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), announced the signing of ToT/MoA/MoU among industries for the commercialization of NaMPET-advanced technology.

• • Wireless Charger for EVs: The charger can price a 4.8kWh onboard battery in 3 hours with 89.4% efficiency.
  • Indigenous Propulsion System for Electric Locomotives: MoA signed for the indigenization of a three-section electric powered locomotive propulsion machine.
    • Aims for full electrification of Indian Railways through 2030 with more suitable locomotive overall performance and reliability.
  • LVDC Systems Collaboration: MoU signed among C-DAC and Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC).
    • Expected to store 20-30% electricity and make contributions to Kerala’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050.

• About NaMPET:

• • National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET): A challenge-mode programme through MeitY targeted at the improvement, deployment, and commercialization of Power Electronics technologies.
  • Main Areas: Includes Microgrids, Green Energy, e-mobility ecosystem, Smart Power Quality Centre, High Voltage Power Electronics, and technology outreach for startups.
  • Implemented through C-DAC: Led by C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram with participation from academia, R&D corporations, and industries.

Wat Pho Temple

In News: On April 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple, a renowned site for its architecture and the massive 46-meter-long statue of the Reclining Buddha. 

• Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic and historically significant temples. 
• It offers visitors a unique combination of cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and spiritual significance. Here are some highlights and reasons why Wat Pho is a must-visit destination in Bangkok.
• Wat Pho is renowned for its massive 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha statue, which is a breathtaking centerpiece of the temple complex. 
• Beyond its visual splendor, the temple is steeped in history, being one of Thailand’s oldest temples and home to the country’s largest collection of Buddha images.
• It also serves as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, with a school dedicated to preserving this ancient practice. The serene grounds, intricate murals, and cultural richness make it an unforgettable experience.

Samudra Pradakshina

In News: India has launched its first all-women tri-services sailing expedition, “Samudra Pradakshina,” aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. The expedition was flagged off from Mumbai on April 7, 2025, by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering, at the Indian Naval

Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai.

Key Highlights of the Expedition:

• Route and Duration: The crew will cover a challenging 4,000 nautical mile journey from Mumbai to Seychelles and back over 55 days.
• Crew Composition: The expedition features a 12-member all-women crew drawn from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The team includes six officers from the Army, one from the Navy, and four from the Air Force.
• Training and Preparation: The crew underwent rigorous two-year training at the Army Adventure Nodal Centre for Blue Water Sailing in Mumbai. Their training included navigating demanding routes, mastering weather forecasting, emergency handling, and long-distance sailing skills.
• Purpose and Significance: The expedition is part of the armed forces’ initiative to promote women’s empowerment (Nari Shakti) and serves as a preparatory phase for a more ambitious global circumnavigation planned for 2026.

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