UPSC Prelims Facts - 28 May 2025 - Gokulam Seek IAS Academy

Table of Contents

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), recommended a 36% increase in stipend provided under the NAPS

Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to promote apprenticeship training.
Provides financial support to establishments by reimbursing 25% of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) and basic training costs (up to ₹7,500).
Aims to develop skilled manpower for industries and encourage apprenticeships in MSMEs and aspirational districts.
Operates under the Apprentices Act, 1961, ensuring structured on-the-job training for youth2.

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliat ed schools to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ on their campuses.

Initiative by CBSE to educate students about high sugar consumption risks, including diabetes and obesity.
Schools display sugar content in common foods and promote healthier dietary choices.
Supported by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) due to rising Type-2 diabetes cases in children.
Aligned with WHO guidelines, which recommend limiting daily sugar intake to 5% of total calories4.

USA President aborted move to rename the Persian Gulf as the ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia

A marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.
Strategic chokepoint for global oil trade via the Strait of Hormuz, connecting it to the Arabian Sea.
Bordered by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Oman.
Contains major oil reserves, making it a hotspot for geopolitical tensions and energy security concerns6.

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again after December, 2024 unleashing lava fountains.

One of the world’s most active shield volcanoes, located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, USA.
Erupts frequently, with near-continuous activity recorded from 1983 to 2018.
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at its summit is considered the mythological home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess.
Produces effusive lava flows, shaping Hawaii’s landscape and impacting local ecosystems8.

India unveils first 9000 HP locomotive (D-9 engine) with regenerative braking.

Energy recovery system used in electric and hybrid vehicles to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Works by reversing the electric motor’s function, storing recovered energy in the vehicle’s battery.
Improves energy efficiency, extends EV range, and reduces brake wear.
Used in metro trains, electric cars, and hybrid vehicles to enhance sustainability and fuel efficiency