Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas; Birsa Munda

Why in the News?

Since 2021, November 15th is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor the contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle.
- This day commemorates the birth anniversary of the legendary Sri Birsa Munda.

Who was Birsa Munda?

Born on November 15, 1875, in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand), during a period of significant changes for the Munda community.
He spent his early years traveling with his parents; received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
He was influenced by the Sardari agitation, a peaceful movement against British rule, Birsa emerged as a leader advocating tribal rights.

Causes of the Rebellion:

British policies like the Permanent Settlement Act (1793) disrupted traditional land systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of tribal communities.
The Mundas’ khuntkatti land rights system was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, resulting in land alienation.
Increased migration of non-tribals under British rule led to exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labor.
Missionary-led education raised awareness among tribals, creating social divides but also sparking movements for tribal rights.

Historical Background:

Birsa started the Birsait faith to counter Christian missionary conversions among tribals. It became a challenge to British conversion efforts.
- Members of the Munda and Oraon communities joined the Birsait sect.
- The Mundas honored him as Dharati Aaba (Father of the Earth).
The Ulgulan Movement: Also known as the Munda Rebellion, led by Birsa Munda in 1899-1900.
- Concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
- The goal was to establish Munda Raj (self-rule) and independence, known as Ulgulan or the “Great Tumult.”
- The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by British forces, leading to Birsa Munda’s capture and death.

Birsa Munda’s mobilization left a lasting impact, prompting government reforms like the repeal of the Begar system and enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
The movement was violently suppressed, and Birsa Munda died in jail on June 9, 1900.

Significance:

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is significant in preserving the legacy of tribal resistance leaders and advocating for tribal rights.
It promotes a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all communities in India’s historical and cultural fabric.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

What is the Student Direct Stream visa?

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Student Direct Stream visa

Why in the News?

Canada has discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), ending faster processing for students from specific countries, including India.

What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa?

The SDS is a fast-track visa processing program introduced by Canada in 2018 to expedite study permits for students from certain countries, including India.
Under SDS, applicants typically experienced processing times of around 20 days.
This stream was designed to simplify and speed up the application process for eligible students by requiring proof of financial stability (such as a Guaranteed Investment Certificate) and specific educational documentation.
The SDS applied to students from 14 countries, including: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Since its launch, SDS has been popular among Indian students, with a high approval rate for study permits in recent years.

Why was SDS discontinued?

Fair Access: Moving to a single, standardized process aims to provide equal opportunity for all applicants.
Strengthened Protection: Canada intends to address student vulnerability by improving safeguards in its regular process.

The changes are part of Canada’s broader immigration reforms, which also update financial requirements and study permit caps.

How does the discontinuation affect Indian Students?

Indian students will face:

Longer Processing Times: Visa approvals may now take longer under the standard process.
Additional Financial Proof: More financial documentation will be required.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: New rules from November 1, 2024 may impact work options after graduation.

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Indian Army Updates

Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
Why in the News?

The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named Poorvi Prahar from November 10 to 18 in Arunachal Pradesh’s forward areas.

About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
- It is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness for Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
- It features a broad range of advanced military platforms:
  - Aircraft and Helicopters: Includes fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra).
  - Artillery: Deployment of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
  - Capabilities: These assets provide high mobility, firepower, and precision suited to the region’s tough terrain.
- Significance:
  - It emphasizes the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to conduct multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.
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Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Article 6.4, ITMOs

Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

Why in the News?

At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
- This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.

What is Article 6.4?

Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
- It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.

It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC Supervisory Body.
- This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
- Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.

Significance of Article 6.4

Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.

Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4

Emission Reduction Projects

- Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
- Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

Emission Removal Projects

- Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.

Carbon Storage Projects

- Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
- Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.

Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

- Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
- Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.

Issues with Article 6.4

Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.

PYQ:

[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.

(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.

(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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Indian Ocean Power Competition

Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)

Why in the News?

India and the US are set to hold the first US-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:

The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
- Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
- Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.

Significance in India-U.S. Relations

Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Savannah Elephant populations fell by about 70% on average

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: African Elephants

Savannah Elephant populations fell by about 70% on average

Why in the News?

Savanna elephants have experienced a significant population decline of around 70% across surveyed sites, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.

Decline in African Elephants Population

Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.

Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.

The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.

Features of African Elephants:

African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
They are divided into savanna (bush) elephants (larger, with bigger tusks and open grassland habitat) and forest elephants (smaller, with straighter tusks and dense forest habitats).
Highly intelligent, African elephants display memory, empathy, and intricate social bonds within herds.
Conservation status:

- CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN: Savanna Elephants (Endangered); Forest Elephants (Critically Endangered)

Geographical Spread

Savanna Elephants: Primarily in eastern and southern Africa, notably in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
Forest Elephants: Mainly in central and western Africa, including Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of Cameroon.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.

2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.

3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.

4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

What is the Artificial Reef Project implemented in Kerala?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Artificial Reef

Why in the News?

20,000 pompano fingerlings were released into the sea off Vizhinjam as part of an artificial reef project aimed at replenishing marine fishery resources and promoting sustainable fishing.

About the Artificial Reef Project in Kerala:

	Details
Location	• Covers 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, from Pozhiyoor to Varkala.
Aims and Objectives	• Enhance fish resources along Kerala’s coast. • Support sustainable fishing and improve fishing community livelihoods.
Structural Mandate and Implementation	Funding: • ₹13.02 crore project cost under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). • ₹302 crore allocated for sustainable fisheries in Kerala. Implementation: • Implemented by KSCADC (Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation). • Technical support from CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute). Future Expansion Plans: • Phase II: Proposed to cover 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts (₹29.76 crore). • Phase III: Proposed to cover 96 villages in northern districts (₹25.82 crore).
Significance	• Boosts marine biodiversity. • Increases fish stocks and supports breeding environments. • Promotes sustainable fishing practices. • Enhances livelihoods of local communities.

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

New NASA-ISRO Satellite ‘NISAR’ to revolutionise Earth monitoring

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: NISAR Satellite

Why in the News?

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is aimed at advancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
- Set to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will act as a comprehensive Earth observation observatory.

About NISAR Satellite:

	Details
Collaboration	• Joint mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (India).
Purpose	• Designed to monitor Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes, contributing to disaster preparedness, climate research, and sustainable management.
Launch Date	• Planned for early 2025.
Launch Location	• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Launch Vehicle	• ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).
Orbit	• Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Dual-Band Radar System	• L-band radar (provided by NASA): Penetrates dense vegetation and tracks ground motion. • S-band radar (provided by ISRO): Enhances precision for surface monitoring.
Day and Night Functionality	• Operates 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions.
Large Antenna	• Diameter: 12 meters. • Structure: 39-foot reflector made from gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals effectively.
Features	• Scans Earth’s entire surface every 12 days. • Measures surface changes with accuracy down to fractions of an inch. • Can penetrate vegetation and soil layers, providing 3D reconstructions of subsurface structures.
Areas of Study	• Ecosystems and Environmental Changes (forest biomass, deforestation, wetlands, agricultural lands, glaciers, and ice sheets). • Natural Disasters (seismic shifts, volcanic bulging, landslides, and tsunamis).
Benefits and Applications	• Disaster Preparedness: Early warning data for natural disasters. • Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks structural changes in critical infrastructure. • Environmental and Climate Research: Studies carbon storage, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts.
Unique Advantages	• Largest collaboration between NASA and ISRO. • Successfully tested in thermal vacuum conditions in Bengaluru in 2023.

PYQ:

[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?

(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.

(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.

(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.

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Inter-State Council has been reconstituted

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Inter-State Council and its functioning

Why in the News?

The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman, all CMs and 9 Union ministers as members and 13 Union ministers as permanent invitees.

About the Inter-State Council (ISC):

	Details
Formation	Established on May 28, 1990, by a presidential order following the Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommendations. Headquartered in New Delhi. The Council has met 12 times since its formation in 1990.
Constitutional Provisions	Not a permanent body nor a constitutional body; Created by the President under Article 263 of the Constitution.
Powers and Functions	Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest. Make recommendations for better coordination on subjects. Deliberate on matters referred by the Chairman.
Composition	PM as Chairman. Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative assemblies. Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of union territories without assemblies. 6 Union Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister. Governors of states under President’s rule. Standing Committee: Union Home Minister as Chairman. 5 Union Cabinet Ministers and 9 Chief Ministers.

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

1. National Development Council

2. Planning Commission

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Tribes in News

Gotti Koya Tribals

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Gotti Koya Tribals

Why in the News?

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has asked the Union Home Ministry and the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to submit a detailed report on the condition of Gotti Koya tribals.

Why did the NCST urge the Centre and States?

An estimated 50,000 Gotti Koya tribals were displaced due to Left-Wing Extremism and now live in 248 settlements across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Reports indicate that Telangana has reclaimed land from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 75 settlements, impacting the tribals’ livelihoods and increasing their vulnerability.

About the Gotti Koya Tribe:

	Details
Location	Multi-racial and multi-lingual communities found in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River in AP, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Migrated from Bastar, northern India.
Society and Culture	Koya language (Koyi) is a Dravidian language related to Gondi and influenced by Telugu. Most speak Gondi or Telugu alongside Koyi. Divided into five subdivisions (gotrams). Patrilineal and patrilocal family structure, with a focus on monogamous, nuclear family. Worship their own ethnic religion alongside Hindu gods, with Mother Earth being a significant deity. Burial or cremation of the dead, with the erection of menhirs in memory. Pastoralists and shifting cultivators (Podu), are now engaged in settled cultivation, animal husbandry, and seasonal forest collection. Grow Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets. Maintain community funds and grain banks for food security.
Festivals	Vijji Pandum (Seeds charming festival) and KondalaKolupu (Festival to appease hill deities). Perform the Permakok (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriages. Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, held once every two years on the full moon day of Magha Masam (January/February) at Medaram village, Warangal district.
Challenges Faced	Many fled to Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana) in the mid-2000s due to violent conflicts between Maoist insurgents and Salwa Judum (Govt backed tribal militia). Salwa Judum was later banned by the Supreme Court of India in 2011.
PYQ: [2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/ tribes? (a) Bhutia and Lepcha (b) Gond and Korku (c) Irula and Toda (d) Sahariya and Agariya

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

Who was Birsa Munda?

Causes of the Rebellion:

Historical Background:

Significance:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa?

Why was SDS discontinued?

How does the discontinuation affect Indian Students?

Why in the News?

About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’

Why in the News?

What is Article 6.4?

Significance of Article 6.4

Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4

Issues with Article 6.4

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:

Significance in India-U.S. Relations

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Decline in African Elephants Population

Features of African Elephants:

Geographical Spread

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Artificial Reef Project in Kerala:

Why in the News?

About NISAR Satellite:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Inter-State Council (ISC):

Why in the News?

Why did the NCST urge the Centre and States?

About the Gotti Koya Tribe:

PYQ: