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Type: Prelims Only

  • Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

    TRAI can’t regulate OTT platforms: TDSAT

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: TRAI

    Mains level: OTT Regulations

    TRAI ott

    Central Idea

    • The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued an interim order clarifying that Over the Top (OTT) platforms, such as Hotstar, fall outside the jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
    • Instead, they are governed by the Information Technology Rules, 2021, established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

    Context for TDSAT’s Decision

    • The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) initiated the petition, alleging that Star India’s free streaming of ICC Cricket World Cup matches on mobile devices through Disney+ Hotstar is discriminatory under TRAI regulations.
    • This is because viewers can only access matches on Star Sports TV channels by subscribing and making monthly payments.

    Diverging Opinions on OTT Regulation

    • IT Ministry vs. DoT: The IT Ministry contends that internet-based communication services, including OTT platforms, do not fall under the jurisdiction of the DoT, citing the Allocation of Business Rules.
    • DoT’s Draft Telecom Bill: The DoT proposed a draft telecom Bill that classifies OTT platforms as telecommunications services and seeks to regulate them as telecom operators. This move has encountered objections from MeitY.

    TRAI’s Attempt at OTT Regulation

    • Changing Stance: TRAI, after three years of maintaining that no specific regulatory framework was required for OTT communication services, began consultations on regulating these services.
    • Consultation Paper: In June, TRAI released a consultation paper seeking input on regulating OTT services and exploring whether selective banning of OTT services could be considered as an alternative to complete Internet shutdowns.
    • Telecom Operators’ Demand: Telecom operators have long advocated for “same service, same rules” and have pushed for regulatory intervention for OTT platforms.

    Significance of TDSAT’s Order

    • TDSAT decision holds significance due to ongoing debates over the regulation of OTT services.
    • TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have been attempting to regulate OTT platforms, while the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology opposes these efforts.

    Recommendations and Monitoring

    • In September 2020, TRAI recommended against regulatory intervention for OTT platforms, suggesting that market forces should govern the sector.
    • However, it also emphasized the need for monitoring and intervention at an “appropriate time.”

    Conclusion

    • The recent TDSAT ruling on OTT platform jurisdiction adds complexity to the ongoing debate over the regulation of these services in India.
    • While TRAI and the DoT seek regulatory measures, the IT Ministry contends that such services fall outside the purview of telecommunications regulation.
    • The evolving landscape highlights the need for a nuanced approach to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including telecom operators, government authorities, and the broader public.

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  • Tribes in News

    Tribes in news: Hakki- Pikki

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hakki- Pikki Tribe

    Mains level: NA

    hikki

    Central idea: Thirty-one tribals belonging to the ‘Hakki-Pikki’ community from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan due to violent clashes between a paramilitary force and the country’s armed forces.

    Who are the Hakki-Pikkis?

    Description
    Origin Migrated from northern India to Karnataka.
    Traditional Occupation Traditionally known for bird hunting, which was later outlawed.
    Language Indo-Aryan language called ‘Vaagri’ and use Kannada for daily business.
    Location Predominantly found in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru districts of Karnataka
    Lineage A matriarchal community, where women have an important role in decision-making.
    Traditional  Knowledge Known for selling indigenous medicines developed based on their knowledge of plants and herbs.

    Language and UNESCO Listing

    • ‘Vaagri’ has been listed as one of the endangered languages by UNESCO.
    • This indicates that the language is at risk of becoming extinct in the future, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting it.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Battle of Colachel: How an accidental shot ended Dutch plans for India

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Battle of Colachel

    Mains level: Not Much

    Battle of Colachel

    Central Idea

    • The Battle of Colachel in 1741, where King Marthanda Varma led the Travancore army against the Dutch East India Company, marked a significant turning point in India’s history.
    • It was the first instance of an Asian kingdom defeating a European power, effectively halting Dutch colonial ambitions in India.
    • This battle also had profound implications for the formation of the unified Travancore state.

    Travancore’s Complex Landscape Before 1741

    • Fragmented Territories: Travancore, formerly known as Thiruvithamcode, was not a unified state but a network of south Malabar temple states and settlements, characterized by fragmented territories and chieftaincies.
    • Marthanda Varma’s Leadership: Born in 1705, Marthanda Varma ascended to power and set his sights on unifying the kingdom by annexing neighboring regions and eliminating internal opposition.
    • Territorial Expansion: His ambition to expand threatened neighboring rulers in Kayamukulam, Kollam, Attingal, and others, leading them to seek Dutch intervention against Varma.
    • English Connection: Varma’s military relations with the English, who supplied weaponry, further strained Dutch-Travancore relations.

    Factors Leading to the Battle

    • Dutch Resistance: The Dutch, perturbed by Varma’s expansion and territorial disputes, prepared their forces in Colachel to counter Travancore.
    • Internal Conflicts: Some Dutch officials, including Carl August Duijvenschot, defected to Travancore due to internal conflicts within the Dutch ranks.
    • Neighboring Rulers’ Instigation: Cochin and Kayamukulam rulers instigated the Dutch against Varma to safeguard their borders.

    Battle of Colachel: Unfolds

    • Dutch Aggression: In February 1741, the Dutch initiated attacks on several villages and the Travancore army, committing atrocities and plundering the region.
    • Varma’s Response: Marthanda Varma deployed his military commander, Rama Iyer Dalawah, to confront the Dutch and protect his kingdom.
    • International Support: The French supported Varma against the Dutch, and even the English participated in the siege of Colachel alongside Varma’s forces.

    Siege and Surrender

    • Long Siege: The continuous attacks and siege depleted Dutch supplies and manpower, leading to a dire situation.
    • Explosion and Surrender: On August 5, 1741, a gunpowder explosion occurred in Colachel, devastating the Dutch. Two days later, they surrendered.
    • Outcome: Only 24 Dutchmen survived, and Travancore captured 389 muskets, cannons, and swords.
    • Mukkuvar Community: The Mukkuvar fishermen community, by refusing to assist the Dutch with fortifications and supplies, played a crucial role in Travancore’s victory.

    Aftermath and Legacy

    • Resilience to Colonial Rule: The victory at Colachel bolstered Varma’s expansion plans and resistance to colonial rule.
    • Dutch Retreat: The Dutch never fully recovered from their defeat and signed the Treaty of Mavelikkara in 1753, ending their dominance on the Kerala coast.
    • De Lannoy’s Contribution: Eustachius De Lannoy, captured during the battle, played a vital role in training Travancore’s army and fortifying the region. He was conferred the title ‘Valia Kappithan’ (senior admiral) and served Travancore for 36 years.

    Back2Basics: Colonization of India

    Colonial Power Arrival Year Departure Year
    Portuguese Arrived in 1498 through Vasco da Gama’s voyage. Departed in 1961 (Goa), with gradual integration of smaller settlements into India over subsequent years.
    Dutch Established presence in 1602. Departed in 1802, with the formal cession of their Indian territories to the British through the Treaty of Amiens.
    British British East India Company granted a charter in 1600.

    The first factory was established in Surat in 1619.

    		 Departed in 1947 when India gained independence.

    It also led to Partition of India and creation of Pakistan.
    French Established the first trading post in 1668. Departed in 1954 with the formal handover of Pondicherry and other French settlements to India.

     

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  • Nuclear Diplomacy and Disarmament

    Bangladesh accepts first Uranium for Russia-backed Nuclear Plant

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Rooppur Nuclear Plant

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its energy journey with the arrival of the first uranium delivery for its Russia-backed nuclear power plant.
    • This $12.65-billion project aims to strengthen the nation’s energy grid, plagued by chronic blackouts.
    • Moscow is funding 90% of the project’s cost through a loan, a testament to the close relationship between Russia and Bangladesh.

    Rooppur Nuclear Plant

    • Construction of the Rooppur nuclear plant in Rooppur village, west of Dhaka, began in 2017.
    • It consists of twin 1,200-megawatt units, with the first unit set to begin operations in the coming year, and both expected to be fully operational by 2025.
    • It will become Bangladesh’s largest power station in terms of generating capacity once fully operational.

    Bangladesh’s Pursuit of Moscow’s Friendship

    • Loan Repayment Challenges: US sanctions on Russian entities, including state nuclear agency Rosatom, had previously delayed construction due to Bangladesh’s inability to make loan repayments in US currency.
    • Chinese Yuan Payment: In April, Bangladesh agreed to make payments exceeding $300 million in Chinese Yuan to bypass the sanctions, although these payments are yet to be made.

    Bangladesh’s Energy Imperatives

    • Overcoming Energy Challenges: Bangladesh faces severe energy shortages, with daily power blackouts lasting up to 13 hours, affecting the lives of millions.
    • Reducing Fossil Fuel Reliance: The country aims to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels by embracing nuclear energy and other cleaner sources.
    • Climate Change Mitigation: Bangladesh presents its nuclear energy ambitions as part of its strategy to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030.

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Safety and Waste Disposal: There remain concerns about the safety risks and disposal of nuclear waste associated with nuclear energy projects.
    • Time-Consuming Construction: Nuclear plants take many years to build, compared to more swiftly deployable renewable energy sources.
    • Energy Mix: The nation’s energy journey is a complex blend of diplomacy, economics, and environmental considerations, aimed at securing a sustainable energy future.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Sammakka-Sarakka University: A Tribute to Tribal Legends

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to set up a central Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University in Telangana.
    • The establishment of this University was a commitment made by the Central government under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, of 2014.
    • Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were promised support to establish a tribal university each.

    Legend of Sammakka and Sarakka

    • Sammakka-Sarakka: The university is named after Sammakka-Sarakka, a revered mother-daughter duo among the local tribal community.
    • Historical Significance: Sammakka was married to Pagididda Raju, a feudal chief of the Kakatiyas dynasty, and had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, along with a son named Jampanna. The legend revolves around their battle against local rulers in protest against taxing the Koya people.
    • Sammakka Saralamma Jatara: This biennial festival, held in Mulugu, commemorates the 13th-century battle of the mother-daughter duo. It is considered one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings.
    • Evolution of the Festival: Initially, only around 2,000 people, primarily from the Koya tribe, attended the festival. However, over time, it transformed into a large Hindu religious event, with millions of devotees attending.
    • Political and Social Impact: The festival gained immense political and social significance, leading to its declaration as a state festival in 1996. Infrastructure development, including a motorable road, further boosted its popularity.

    Significance of Sammakka and Sarakka

    • Massive Footfall: The festival attracts around 1.5 crore devotees from various tribal and non-tribal communities, including those from multiple states such as Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
    • Ministry of Tribal Affairs Participation: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Telangana state government actively participate in the festival, with significant financial support.
    • Infrastructure Development: Funds have been allocated for community shelters and infrastructure in and around Medaram, the festival’s location.
    • Tribal Circuit Development: The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned funds for the integrated development of the tribal circuit, including the temple of Sammakka-Sarakka.

    Significance of Mulugu

    • Population and Demographics: Mulugu, a reserved Scheduled Tribes (ST) assembly seat, has a population of approximately 2.6 lakhs, with a 75% ST population as per the 2011 Census.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple, located about 15 km from Mulugu, adds to the area’s cultural richness.

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  • Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

    [pib] Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) and Swavlamban 2.0

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

    Mains level: Not Much

    Positive Indigenisation List

    Central Idea

    • Defence Minister unveiled the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 98 items to be procured by the armed services from domestic suppliers over specified timelines.
    • Additionally, he launched the Indian Navy’s updated indigenisation roadmap, known as Swavlamban 2.0.

    What is Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)?

    • The Positive Indigenisation List consists of items that can only be procured by the Indian armed forces from domestic manufacturers, including those from the private sector or DPSUs.
    • This move is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the reliance on imported arms and promote indigenous manufacturing of defense equipment.
    • This concept was rolled out in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
    • It emphasizes import substitution of components for major systems, vital platforms, weapon systems, sensors, and munitions that are expected to translate into firm orders within the next five to ten years.

    Items on the Indigenisation List

    • Diverse Range: The PIL includes a wide range of items such as futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, precision kill systems for artillery, test equipment for guided weapon systems, radars, armour plates for helicopter cabins, automated mobile test systems, and more.
    • Strategic Importance: These items are crucial for bolstering the country’s defence capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign sources. They contribute to India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector.

    Swavlamban 2.0: Industry Challenges and Initiatives

    • 76 Challenges: At the Swavlamban 2.0 seminar, Defence Minister Singh also launched 76 challenges for industry participants under the 10th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC-10) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
    • Global Collaboration: The event marked the launch of two INDUS X challenges, a collaboration between iDEX and the U.S. Department of Defence, showcasing India’s commitment to fostering global partnerships for technological advancement.

    Vision of Self-Reliance

    • Navy’s Commitment: Indian Navy is committed to becoming fully self-reliant by 2047, aligning with India’s 100th Independence anniversary.
    • Strategic Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts have underscored the significance of self-reliance, especially in the defence sector. Dependence on external sources for defence needs is considered a strategic vulnerability that needs to be addressed.
    • Achievements: The Navy’s efforts in promoting indigenous innovation have yielded significant results, including technological agreements, partnerships with MSMEs and start-ups, and an expanding ecosystem of defence suppliers.

    Way forward

    • Future Goals: The Indian Navy has set ambitious targets to develop futuristic technologies in collaboration with domestic MSMEs and start-ups, aligning with its commitment to self-reliance.
    • Expanding Ecosystem: The Navy’s initiatives have brought over 100 new firms into the defence ecosystem, with procurement orders already signed and more in the pipeline.
    • A Strong Bharat: The vision is to build a force that represents a strong and developed Bharat, utilizing unique concepts and capabilities made in India for India.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Chemistry Nobel for Quantum Dots discovery

    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: Quantum Dots

    Mains level: Not Much

    Quantum Dots

    Central Idea

    • The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

    About the Nobel Laureates

    • Alexei Ekimov: Born in 1945 in the former USSR, Ekimov earned his PhD in 1974 from Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute. He was formerly the Chief Scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc., New York, USA.
    • Louis Brus: Born in 1943 in Cleveland, USA, Brus obtained his PhD in 1969 from Columbia University, where he is a professor.
    • Moungi Bawendi: Born in 1961 in Paris and raised in France, Tunisia, and the US, Bawendi earned his PhD in 1988 from the University of Chicago. He is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.

    What are Quantum Dots?

    • Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale crystals celebrated for their unique optical and electronic properties.
    • They can transport electrons and emit diverse colors when exposed to UV light.
    • These artificially synthesized semiconductor nanoparticles found their origins in theoretical concepts in the 1970s, followed by successful synthesis in the early 1980s.
    • Small semiconductor particles exhibit quantum effects, altering their optical properties based on size.

    Working Principle

    • Size Matters: Quantum dots manipulate light emission based on size, as energy levels are linked to wavelength (color). By controlling particle size, they can emit or absorb specific colors of light.
    • Versatile Structures: Quantum dots come in diverse forms, with properties determined by factors like size, shape, composition, and structure. They can be employed as active materials in single-electron transistors and offer vast application potential.

    Contributions of Ekimov, Brus, and Bawendi

    • Ekimov’s Soviet Discovery: Ekimov’s initial discoveries in this field, dating back to 1981, were pioneering but remained largely unknown due to the Iron Curtain’s restrictions.
    • Glass Coloration Mystery: Ekimov’s work began with the curious phenomenon of glass coloration. He explored how particle size influenced the color imparted to glass during its formation, leading to a size-dependent quantum effect discovery.
    • Brus’s Independent Revelation: Unaware of Ekimov’s work, Brus, in the U.S., was working with cadmium sulfide particles to harness solar energy. He observed that smaller particles absorbed light at different wavelengths, demonstrating the size-dependent quantum effect.
    • Bawendi’s Innovations: Bawendi improved particle creation methods, enhancing the perfection of nanocrystals and enabling the exploration of quantum dots’ unique properties by more chemists.

    Applications of Quantum Dots

    • In Electronics: Quantum dots play a crucial role in QLED technology, used in computer and television screens. They also adjust the light in LED lamps, offering various color temperatures.
    • Biochemistry and Medicine: Quantum dots are used in biochemistry to map cells and organs, and doctors explore their potential for tracking tumor tissue in the body. Chemists leverage their catalytic properties to drive chemical reactions.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Physics Nobel for Electron Dynamics

    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: Subatomic Motion, Nobel Prize

    Mains level: NA

    nobel

    Central Idea

    • Anne L’Huillier, Pierre Agostini, and Ferenc Krausz have been honored the 2023 Physics Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking experiments, providing humanity with new tools to explore the inner workings of electrons within atoms and molecules.

    Measuring Rapid Electron Processes

    • Tracking electron movement: Their work has enabled the creation of extremely short pulses of light, lasting only ato-seconds (1×10−18 of a second), allowing for the measurement of the lightning-fast processes through which electrons move or change energy.
    • Observing Subatomic Motion: Electrons, the tiny particles that orbit the nucleus within atoms, move at astonishing speeds, making real-time observation impossible.
    • High-Shutter-Speed Analogy: The trio’s research can be likened to a high-shutter-speed camera freezing motion to capture clear images. Similarly, they’ve achieved the ability to “freeze” electron movement using ultra-short light pulses.

    Their Journey to Success

    • Anne L’Huillier’s Discovery: In 1987, L’Huillier discovered that laser light waves interacting with noble gases could provide some electrons with extra energy, which was then emitted as light. She continued to develop this concept.
    • Pierre Agostini’s Breakthrough: In 2001, Agostini successfully generated consecutive light pulses, each lasting just 250 attoseconds.
    • Ferenc Krausz’s Contribution: Simultaneously, Krausz’s experiments isolated single light pulses lasting 650 attoseconds, providing invaluable insights into atomic processes.

    Significance of their Work

    • Unveiling Electron World: Atto-second physics, as their work is known, has opened doors to understanding mechanisms controlled by electrons.
    • Eva Olsson’s Insight: According to Eva Olsson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, this breakthrough allows us to comprehend electron-driven phenomena and explore their practical applications.
    • Potential Medical Application: Studying molecular-level changes in blood using these techniques could aid in disease identification.
    • Advanced Electronics: A deeper understanding of electron can contribute to the development of more efficient electronic devices.

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    UAPA invoked against Media agency

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Money-Laundering & Its Prevention

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UAPA

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Central Idea

    • Allegations against NewsClick: The FIR against NewsClick alleges illegal funding from China, routed through the United States.
    • UAPA Provisions: The FIR invokes various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with a primary focus on Section 16, which deals with punishment for terrorist acts.

    Understanding UAPA Provisions

    *Section 15 – Definition of “Terrorist Act”

    • Section 15 of the UAPA defines “terrorist act” and prescribes imprisonment for at least five years to life. In cases where the act results in death, the punishment is either death or imprisonment for life.
    • This section encompasses serious and violent acts with the potential to threaten India’s unity, integrity, security, economic security, or sovereignty.
    • It includes actions such as the use of explosives, causing death or damage to property, disruption of essential services, and damaging monetary stability through counterfeiting.

    Other UAPA Provisions Invoked

    • Section 13 – Unlawful Activities: This section deals with unlawful activities and their consequences.
    • Section 17 – Raising Funds for Terrorist Acts: It addresses raising funds for terrorist activities.
    • Section 18 – Conspiracy: This section covers conspiracy related to terrorist acts.
    • Section 22 (C) – Offences by Companies, Trusts: This provision pertains to offenses committed by companies and trusts.
    • IPC Sections Invoked: Additionally, the FIR includes IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

    Understanding the UAPA Framework

    • Unique Criminal Law Framework: The UAPA provides an alternative criminal law framework that differs from the general principles of criminal law.
    • Enhanced State Powers: Compared to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the UAPA grants the state greater powers.
    • Bail Provisions: The UAPA has stringent conditions for bail and relaxes timelines for the state to file chargesheets.
    • Denying Bail: To deny bail under the UAPA, the court must establish a “prima facie” case against the accused.
    • Prima Facie Definition: In 2019, the Supreme Court defined “prima facie” narrowly, meaning that the court must not analyze evidence or circumstances but must consider the “totality of the case” presented by the state.
    • Section 43D(5): This section specifies that a person accused of an offense under Chapters IV and VI of the UAPA shall not be released on bail or their own bond if the Public Prosecutor hasn’t been heard on the application for release.
    • Court’s Opinion: The court may deny bail if it finds reasonable grounds to believe that the accusation against the accused is prima facie true.

    Conclusion

    • The FIR against NewsClick under the UAPA underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the complex legal framework surrounding such cases.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Lesser known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Mains level: Not Much

    Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Central Idea

    • October 2 is a day of double celebration as India remembers the birth anniversaries of two iconic leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation,’ and Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister.
    • Both leaders made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle and early years of nation-building.

    Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Man of Humble Origins

    [A] Rising from Modest Beginnings

    • Early Struggles: Born in 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Shastri faced adversity early in life, with his father passing away shortly after his birth.
    • Simplicity: Raised in a lower-middle-class environment, he possessed only two kurtas and dhotis, symbolizing his humble beginnings.
    • A Change of Name: In a demonstration of his early social consciousness, Shastri dropped his birthname “Varma.” In 1925, he acquired the title of ‘Shastri’ (one who knows the Shastras) from the Kashi Vidyapeeth in Benaras, adding it to his name.

    [B] Resignation and Accountability

    • A Serious Accident: While serving as the Union Minister for Railways and Transport in 1956, a tragic railway accident in Telangana resulted in the loss of 112 lives.
    • Owning Responsibility: Deeply affected by the tragedy, Shastri took moral responsibility and tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Nehru. Although Nehru initially did not accept it, Shastri resigned again after another railway accident in Tamil Nadu in November 1956, further solidifying his moral stature.

    [C] Championing the Slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’

    • A Return to Cabinet: Shastri made a comeback to the Union Cabinet, serving in roles such as Home Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister.
    • Language Assurance: In response to concerns about Hindi domination, he assured the continued use of English as an official language alongside Hindi.
    • Economic Challenges: In 1965, faced with economic stagnation and growing food demand, Shastri called upon farmers to increase production, traders to maintain fair prices, and consumers to exercise restraint. He coined the famous slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer!).’

    [D] Leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and Tashkent Agreement

    • Unforeseen Conflict: The 1965 war with Pakistan erupted as Pakistan launched attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, believing India to be vulnerable after the 1962 war with China.
    • Firm Response: Shastri approved an Indian counterattack, leading to hostilities on both sides.
    • Tashkent Declaration: Soviet Premier Aleksey Kosygin invited Shastri and Pakistan President General Ayub Khan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they signed the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, committing to long-term peace.
    • Sudden Passing: Tragically, Shastri passed away due to a heart attack the following day in Tashkent, leaving behind speculation about the circumstances. However, available evidence suggests it was a natural death, dispelling doubts of external factors.

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