News in Shorts

The Department of Posts launched ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ platforms to modernize India’s addressing system under the National Geospatial Policy 2022.
DIGIPIN provides precise geo-coded digital addresses for better logistics, emergency response, and delivery; the PIN Code app offers accurate location-based PIN identification with user feedback.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi, to advance indigenous quantum research for defence and strategic applications.
The centre focuses on quantum communication, sensing, timekeeping, and post-quantum cryptography to enhance India’s national security and technological sovereignty.

Quantum Technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to understand and manipulate the behaviour of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
Phenomena like superposition and entanglement—unique to quantum particles—are utilized to create advanced technologies.
This field is a major focus of research for governments and private sectors worldwide.
Quantum Technology encompasses several key areas, including Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, Quantum Sensors, and Quantum Materials.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 25 May as World Football Day on 7th May 2024, marking 100 years since football’s inclusive debut at the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics.
The resolution, led by Libya’s UN ambassador Taher El-Sonni and supported by over 160 countries, recognizes football’s role in promoting peace, development, health, and education globally.
25 May 1924 is significant as the first Olympic football event featuring teams from all world regions; 2024 also coincides with Paris hosting the Summer Olympics again.
Football originated in medieval England, with FIFA now comprising 211 member nations, and has been a regular Olympic sport since 1900 (men) and 1996 (women).

About Dugong

The dugong (Scientific Name: Dugong dugon), also known as the sea cow, is a herbivorous marine mammal found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The largest populations are in northern Australia and the Arabian Gulf; dugongs are non-migratory but travel long distances to find food, typically inhabiting shallow waters up to 10 meters deep.
They measure 2.2 to 3.4 meters in length, weigh between 230 and 420 kg, have a tapered body with a notched tail fluke, rounded flippers without nails, no hind limbs, and can live up to 73 years.
IUCN Status : Vulnerable

Dugong

Maternity Leave

The Supreme Court ruled that maternity leave is an essential part of a woman’s reproductive rights, reinforcing constitutional and human rights protections for working women.
The Court overturned a Madras High Court order that denied maternity leave to a woman for her third child, which was based on a state policy limiting benefits to women with only two children.
Maternity leave is recognized as integral to maternity benefits and a core aspect of reproductive rights, protected under Article 21 as personal liberty.
The judgment emphasizes that population control policies cannot override fundamental reproductive rights and calls for balancing justice, equity, and welfare.