[pib] BHASKAR Platform for India’s Startup Ecosystem

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: BHASKAR Platform

Why in the News?

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched the BHASKAR platform.

About BHASKAR Platform

	Details
Platform Name	Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR)
Launched By	Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Objective	To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by centralizing resources and facilitating collaboration
Target Audience	Startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies
Key Features	Networking and Collaboration: Connects startups, investors, and mentors, enabling interaction across sectors. Centralized Access to Resources: Provides instant access to critical tools, knowledge, and resources for startups, enhancing decision-making and growth. Personalized BHASKAR IDs: Each stakeholder (startup, investor, mentor) receives a unique ID for tailored interactions and services. Enhanced Discoverability: Users can easily search and find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities using powerful search features. Access to Funding Opportunities: Facilitates connections between startups and potential investors for funding. Global Outreach: Supports cross-border collaborations and fosters India’s global presence in the innovation ecosystem.
Impact	Promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation Enhances India’s status as a global leader in startups

Growth of the Startup Ecosystem

As of May 2023, India boasts over 99,000 officially recognized startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This growth reflects an increase from 84,012 startups in 2022 and a notable rise from just 452 in 2016.
The ecosystem has also produced 108 unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, collectively worth approximately $340.80 billion

PYQ:

[2015] “Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)

Cheetah

Why in the News?

The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) which aimed to introduce African cheetahs into India’s Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), is completing its two years.

About Cheetah:

The cheetah is a fast-running big cat, and there are two types of Cheetahs globally:
- African (savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts)
- Asiatic (desert and semi-desert areas only in Iran)
Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males. They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals (IUCN, 2021).
IUCN Status: Vulnerable (Globally) and Critically Endangered (Asiatic Cheetah)

Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
Cheetahs (i.e. Southeast African Cheetah) from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park(MP) under the Project Cheetah.
This area was deemed a habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.

Current Issues:

Despite the initial excitement, all of these cheetahs remain in captivity at Kuno.
Unfortunately, no cheetahs are currently roaming freely in the wild, raising concerns about the success of the reintroduction efforts.

What is Project Cheetah?

Aim: To conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The plan involves partnering with other countries to conserve cheetahs, enhancing conservation and eco-tourism in India’s dry forests.
The population should reach Kuno National Park’s capacity in 15 years, needing sustained support.
Sunset Clause: The concept of a sunset clause in the context of Project Cheetah refers to the long-term criteria (at least 30-40 years) for establishing a viable cheetah population in India.

PYQ:

[2012] Consider the following: (2012)

Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
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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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Typhoon Yagi

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Typhoon Yagi

Why in the News?

India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, including Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

Typhoon Yagi: Origin and Impact

Typhoon Yagi began as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea on September 1, 2024.
- Yagi, which means goat or the constellation of Capricornus in Japanese.
It made landfall in the Philippines but intensified again due to warm waters in the South China Sea, reaching Category 3 winds by September 4.
Yagi further strengthened to a Category 5 typhoon with peak winds of 260 kmph, making it one of only four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea.
Although downgraded to a tropical depression, it continued to bring heavy rains and floods to Myanmar and other areas.

What are Typhoons?

A Typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and can cause severe flooding, storm surges, and damage to infrastructure.

Key Features of Typhoons:

Formation Region: Typhoons form in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
Wind Speed: To be classified as a typhoon, sustained winds must exceed 119 km/h.
Structure: Like hurricanes, typhoons have a central eye (calm area) surrounded by a violent eyewall where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.
Season: Typhoons typically occur from May to October, with a peak from August to September.

Global Terminology:

Typhoon: Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Hurricane: North Atlantic, Central and Eastern North Pacific Oceans.
Cyclone: South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

PYQ:

[2020] Consider the following statements:

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

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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

(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

(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

(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

(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:

Joint Planning for operations
Cordon and Search Operations
Fighting in Built-Up Areas
Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
Counter-Drone Operations

PYQ:

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

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
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

(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

(d) None

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

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About BHASKAR Platform

Growth of the Startup Ecosystem

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Cheetah:

Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

Current Issues:

What is Project Cheetah?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Typhoon Yagi: Origin and Impact

What are Typhoons?

Key Features of Typhoons:

Global Terminology:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About National Jute Board (NJB)

About the Jute Industry in India

Jute Cultivation in India

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Edible Oil Scenario in India

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

Why in the News?

Historical Importance of Port Blair

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

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Exercise AL NAJAH

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About OpenAI o1

Key Features and Offerings

Safety Measures

Why in the News?

About the Great Stupa of Sanchi

PYQ: