Butterthon 

• Sikkim celebrated its 50^th year of statehood by hosting its inaugural butterfly-watching marathon, called 'Butterthon,' from May 1 to 16 2025.  
• The event attracted experts from both India and abroad to study the region's diverse butterfly species.  
• Hosted by the Butterfly Society of Sikkim–TPCF, this initiative aims to encourage eco-tourism and conservation efforts, while honouring the state's unique natural heritage and identity. 

Chandrayaan 5

• India and Japan are collaborating on the Chandrayaan-5 mission, focused on exploring the Moon’s surface and detecting water.  
• The project has completed instrument selection and is now entering the preliminary design phase for the lander and rover.  
• Scheduled for launch in 2027-28 on a Japanese H3 rocket, Chandrayaan-5 aims to study lunar water and ice using advanced rover-based soil sampling and analysis. 

 Akash Missiles 

• The indigenously developed Akash missile system played a crucial role in stopping Pakistan’s aerial attacks during Operation.  
• Akash, meaning “sky” in Sanskrit, is a mobile short-to-medium-range surface-to-air missile created by DRDO.  
• It provides air defence by engaging multiple targets like enemy aircraft, missiles, and UAVs, protecting critical areas. 

Akash Missile (Photo Credit: India Today) 

HCL Foxconn Chip Plant 

• The Union Cabinet approved a new semiconductor manufacturing unit near Noida International Airport, to be developed by a joint venture between India’s HCL Group and Taiwan’s Foxconn under the India Semiconductor Mission.  
• This will be the sixth semiconductor facility in India, aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing import dependence.  
• The plant in YEIDA will produce display driver chips for devices like mobiles, laptops, and automobiles, with a monthly capacity of 20,000 wafers and up to 36 million units.