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Type: Prelims Only

  • Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

    Jute Production in India

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Jute Board (NJB)

    Why in the News?

    • Jute production is expected to decline by 20% this financial year, as per the National Jute Board.
      • Jute cultivation in West Bengal and Assam was severely affected by natural calamities, including floods, damaging crops in some areas.

    About National Jute Board (NJB)

    • The NJB was established in 2008 under the National Jute Board Act, 2008 (w.e.f. 2010), and operates under the Ministry of Textiles.
    • Its primary objective is to promote the development of the jute sector by supporting modernization, productivity enhancement, and domestic as well as international marketing of jute products.
    • It implements various initiatives, such as Jute-ICARE, aimed at improving jute cultivation practices, and promotes Jute Geotextiles for infrastructure projects.
    • HQ: Kolkata (West Bengal)
    • NJB implements the Jute Technology Mission (JTM) aimed at improving the productivity, quality, and diversification of jute products.
      • JTM 2.0 presently focuses on further enhancing the productivity, quality, and diversification of jute.

    About the Jute Industry in India

    • Jute, often referred to as the ‘golden fibre’, is considered safe for packaging due to its natural, renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly properties.
    • The Jute Industry in India is over 150 years old, with approximately 93 jute mills currently in operation, as per the Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA).
    • India’s first jute mill was established in 1854 at Rishira, near Kolkata.
      • However, after independence, India faced challenges as the jute-growing areas remained in Bangladesh while the jute factories were located in India.
    • The jute industry is a vital sector in East India, particularly in West Bengal.
      • It supports about 40 lakh agricultural families, employing 1.4 lakh people in the tertiary sector and 2.6 lakh in manufacturing.
    • India is the largest producer of jute, followed by Bangladesh and China. However, Bangladesh leads in global jute trade, accounting for 75% of exports, while India accounts for 7%.

    Jute Cultivation in India

    • Jute cultivation is mainly concentrated in 3 Indian states: West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar which together produce 99% of the country’s jute.
    • Conditions Required:
      • Temperature: 25-35°C
      • Rainfall: 150-250 cm
      • Soil Type: Well-drained alluvial soil
    • This is due to the rich alluvial soil in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
    • Jute is versatile and used to produce gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets, and various artefacts.
    • Jute seeds are planted between April and May and harvested between July and August.
    • The leaves can be sold in vegetable markets for nearly two months of the four-month jute crop cycle.
    • The tall, hardy grass shoots up to 2.5 metres and each part of it has several uses.
    • The outer layer of the stem produces the fibre that goes into making jute products.
    • The government fixes the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute procurement from farmers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] “The crop is subtropical. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

    (a) Cotton

    (b) Jute

    (c) Sugarcane

    (d) Tea

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  • National Green Tribunal’s Role and Contributions

    NGT seeks report from Central Pollution Control Board

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Central Pollution Control Board, NGT

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a fresh report on the generation and treatment of electronic waste by states and Union territories (UTs).

    About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

    Details
    Constitution Established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
    Additional Powers
    • Empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Also works under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    Nodal Ministry Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    Main Objective
    • To promote the prevention, control, and abatement of water and air pollution across India.
    • Collects and disseminates technical and statistical data on water and air pollution.
    Key Programs
    • National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
    • National Water Quality Monitoring Program (NWQMP)
    • Oversees the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) to provide real-time data on air quality.
    Initiatives
    • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
    • Clean Air Campaign

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

    1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

    2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct-?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    India raises Import Tax on Edible Oils

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Edible Oil Trade in India

    Why in the News?

    • India has increased the basic import tax on crude and refined edible oils by 20% to protect domestic farmers suffering from low oilseed prices.
      • The move could push up edible oil prices, reduce demand, and potentially lower imports of palm oil, soyoil, and sunflower oil.

    Edible Oil Scenario in India                                              

    • India imports more than 70% of its vegetable oil demand, mainly sourcing:
      • Palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and
      • Soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
    • Palm oil constitutes over 50% of India’s edible oil imports.

    NITI Aayog Report on Edible Oil Self-sufficiency: Key Highlights

    NITI Aayog, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, released a report titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils Towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta.”

    Details
    Consumption Details India consumes 19.7 kg/year per capita edible oil, with 16.5 million tonnes of imports in 2022-23; only 40-45% of demand met through domestic production.
    Projections
    • Domestic production could reach 16 MT by 2030
    • 26.7 MT by 2047 under Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario
    Strategic Interventions
    • Crop Retention and Diversification
    • Horizontal Expansion (increase cultivation area)
    • Vertical Expansion (improve yield through technology)
    Self-sufficiency Targets
    • Edible oil production of 36.2 MT by 2030
    • 70.2 MT by 2047
    Key Recommendations Focus on seed quality, modern processing infrastructure, and public-private partnerships for growth

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements

    1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.

    2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all imported edible oils a special case.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Indian Ocean Power Competition

    Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sri Vijaya Puram, Chola Empire

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.

    On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence struggle:

    • Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
    • Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
    • Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep

    Historical Importance of Port Blair

    • The city was named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who served during the early 18th century.
    • The infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established in 1906.
    • Many prominent freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were incarcerated here under oppressive circumstances.
    • It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our ‘Tiranga’ by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

    Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

    Behind the new name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’: Chola History

    • The Chola Empire, under Rajendra Chola I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic naval base in the 11th century.
      • He launched a naval expedition to attack the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
    • His victory over Srivijaya resulted in the capture of the king Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and looting valuable treasures, further cementing the Chola dominance.
    • The Thanjavur inscriptions (1050 CE) refer to the islands as Ma-Nakkavaram (great open land), later evolving into the name Nicobar Islands.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

    (d) Sumatra and Java

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  • Indian Army Updates

    [pib] Exercise AL NAJAH

    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 AL NAJAH

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army contingent has departed to Salalah, Oman for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. T

    About Exercise AL NAJAH

    • AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. The last edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
    • Aim: to enhance the capability of both nations’ forces to carry out counter-terrorism operations.
    • Significance: It will focus on operations in a desert environment, preparing both sides for complex challenges in such terrains.
    • Features:
    1. Joint Planning for operations
    2. Cordon and Search Operations
    3. Fighting in Built-Up Areas
    4. Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
    5. Counter-Drone Operations

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    What is OpenAI o1?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: OpenAI o1

    Why in the News?

    • OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative.
      • This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths.

    About OpenAI o1 

    • This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles before arriving at an answer.
    • It improves its performance by learning from different perspectives and checking its output for errors.
    • In trials, the upcoming version of the o1 model performed on par with PhD students in areas like physics, chemistry, and biology, and excelled particularly in maths and coding.
    • For instance, it solved 83% of problems in a math contest, compared to earlier versions which solved just 13%.
      • In coding, the model ranked higher than 89% of participants.

    Key Features and Offerings

    • OpenAI is also releasing OpenAI o1-Mini, an economical version designed for developers, offering similar reasoning capabilities at 80% lower cost compared to the o1-preview version.
    • The o1 model excels in generating and debugging complex code and is expected to assist in software development, data analysis, and problem-solving tasks.

    Safety Measures

    • OpenAI has introduced new training methods to ensure the safety of these models, improving their ability to follow safety guidelines and prevent AI jail-breaking.
      • Jailbreaking is a form of hacking that aims to bypass an AI model’s ethical safeguards and elicit prohibited information.
    • In safety tests, the new version scored 84/100, a significant improvement from the previous 22/100 score.
    • The company is collaborating with UK and US governments on AI safety and conducting red teaming to identify and address any weaknesses.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    The Great Stupa of Sanchi

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Stupa of Sanchi

    Great Stupa of Sanchi

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.

    About the Great Stupa of Sanchi

    Details
    Establishment
    • Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Purpose Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
    Construction
    • Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
    • Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
    • Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
    Design
    • Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
    • Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
    Toranas (Gateways) Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
    Artistic Features The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
    Symbolism Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
    Restoration Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
    Replica of East Gate
    • A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
    • A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following historical places:

    1. Ajanta Caves

    2. Lepakshi Temple

    3. Sanchi Stupa

    Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

    [2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Battle of Saragarhi

    Saragarhi

    Why in the News?

    127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.

    About the Battle of Saragarhi

    • The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
    • The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
    • Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
    • Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
    • Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.

    Implication of the Battle

    • The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
    • The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
    • The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
    • The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:

    (a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

    (b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

    (c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

    (d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Why in the News?

    Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.

    About Asiatic Lion

    • Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
    • Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
    • Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
    • They are classified as Endangered (IUCN), listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
    • The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.

     

    About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Details
    Objective Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
    Initial Funding ₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
    Membership Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
    Key Activities Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
    Governance General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
    Governance Framework Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
    India’s Role
    • India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
    • India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following:

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    India to partner for European Hydrogen Week

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: European Hydrogen Week

    Why in the News?

    India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.

    About European Hydrogen Week

    • European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
    • It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
    • It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
    • It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.

    Significance of India’s Partnership

    • Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
    • Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
    • Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
    • Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

    1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions

    2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

    3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.

    4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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