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Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Quit India Movement Day on 9th August

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Quit India Movement

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    quit india

    Central Idea

    • On August 9, 1942, India embarked on a historic journey towards independence by launching the Quit India Movement.

    Genesis of Quit India Movement

    • Gandhi’s Ultimatum: On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi issued a powerful ultimatum to the British Raj, urging them to “Quit India.” With the entire Congress leadership imprisoned, the people were galvanized to take matters into their own hands.
    • People-Powered Movement: The Quit India Movement was an authentic display of people’s determination. The call for “Do or Die” echoed in the hearts of millions who rallied on the streets, marking a turning point in the struggle.
    • Massive Scope: The movement’s magnitude was unprecedented, surpassing previous uprisings. India’s masses united to demand complete freedom, showcasing their unwavering commitment to breaking free from colonial shackles.

    Birth of the Slogan ‘Quit India’

    • Yusuf Meherally’s Contribution: The catchphrase “Quit India” was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist leader and Mayor of Bombay. He had earlier coined the slogan “Simon Go Back” in 1928 during another anti-colonial agitation.

    Precursors to the Movement

    • Failure of Cripps Mission: While factors leading to such a movement had been building up, matters came to a head with the failure of the Cripps Mission. With WW2 raging, the beleaguered British government needed the cooperation of its colonial subjects. With this in mind, in March 1942, a mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps arrived in India to meet leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League.
    • Betrayal on WW2 Promises: The idea was to secure India’s whole-hearted support in the war, and the return offer to Indians was the promise of self-governance. But things did not go that way.
    • No complete freedom: Despite the promise of “the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India”, Cripps only offered dominion status, not freedom.
    • Unviable partition plan: Also, there was a provision for the partition of India, which was not acceptable to the Congress.

    Outcomes: Gandhi’s Strategic Shift

    • From Non-Violence to Action: The failure of the Cripps Mission compelled Gandhi to shift from non-violent means to active resistance. The Congress, though initially hesitant to disrupt wartime efforts, embraced mass civil disobedience as a means to achieve freedom.
    • The “Do or Die” Call: On August 8, 1942, Gandhi addressed a massive gathering in Bombay’s Gowalia Tank maidan. He proclaimed the potent mantra of “Do or Die,” pledging India’s resolve to secure freedom at any cost.

    Course of Events and Popular Uprising

    • People’s Resilience: The arrest of Congress leaders failed to quell the movement. Ordinary Indians across cities and towns took charge, engaging in acts of civil disobedience, strikes, and protests.
    • Working-Class Participation: Railway tracks were blocked, students boycotted schools, and mill workers across cities joined the movement. Bridges were destroyed, and government symbols were targeted.
    • Violent Phase: The movement escalated to a violent phase, marked by the destruction of infrastructure and defiance of government authority. This time, Gandhi dint resist for violence.

    Suppression and Unyielding Passion

    • Brutal Crackdown: The British responded with violence, inflicting casualties, imprisoning thousands, and imposing severe fines. Villages were burned, and repressive measures were enforced.
    • Transformative Impact: Despite being suppressed, the Quit India Movement transformed the freedom struggle’s character. The masses’ fiery passion and unprecedented intensity illuminated the path to India’s imminent independence.

    Conclusion

    • The Quit India Movement remains etched in history as a symbol of India’s unyielding spirit and collective determination to overthrow colonial rule.
    • The movement’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and national pride.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. Quit India Movement was launched in response to:

    (a) Cabinet Mission Plan

    (b) Cripps Proposals

    (c) Simon Commission Report

    (d) Wavell Plan

     

    Post your answers here.

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Assam Rifles: Role, Controversies, and Historical Significance

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Assam Rifles

    Mains level: Manipur Riots

    Assam Rifle

    Central Idea

    • Recent events in Manipur have brought the Assam Rifles (AR) into the spotlight, raising questions about their role, control, and functioning.
    • As India’s oldest paramilitary force with a rich history, the Assam Rifles’ unique structure and dual control have sparked debates over its jurisdiction and the ministries under which it operates.

    About Assam Rifles: A Unique Role

    • Central Armed Police Force: AR is one of six central armed police forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It safeguards Northeastern regions, the Indo-Myanmar border, and assists the Indian Army in maintaining law and order.
    • Operational Duality: Uniquely, AR operates under dual control: administrative control under MHA and operational control under the Indian Army. This sets it apart from other CAPFs.
    • Composition and Leadership: With over 63,000 personnel across 46 battalions, AR follows a regimented structure similar to the Indian Army. Its senior ranks are manned by Army officers, and the force is commanded by an Indian Army Lieutenant General.

    Historical Significance and Contributions:

    • Ancient Roots: Established in 1835, AR is India’s oldest paramilitary force. It originated as Cachar Levy and evolved into Assam Rifles, earning accolades for its service.
    • World Wars and Beyond: AR participated in World Wars and the Sino-Indian war of 1962. Its efforts in both global conflicts and anti-insurgency campaigns underline its diverse roles.
    • Versatility and Valor: AR’s combat role in World War II, counter-Japanese operations, and contribution to India’s peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka speak to its versatility and bravery.

    Controversial Encounter in Manipur

    • Accusations and Escapes: Manipur Police filed an FIR against the AR, alleging hindrance in their duty. The AR is accused of allowing suspected Kuki militants to evade capture. A video showing the tense exchange highlights concerns of collusion.
    • Voices of Discontent: Demands to remove AR from Manipur have arisen, with the Meira Paibis demanding their exit and the state’s BJP writing to the Prime Minister, alleging bias. These events underscore the complexity of AR’s presence in the region.

    Tensions and Accusations

    • Recent Incident: A clash occurred when Assam Rifles vehicles hindered state police personnel from Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district from entering a Kuki-Zomi territory. Allegations arose that the Assam Rifles’ actions enabled suspected Kuki militants, accused of killing three Meitei men, to escape.
    • Perceptions of Bias: Some members of the Meitei community perceive the Assam Rifles as favoring the Kuki-Zomi community. These perceptions, along with allegations of inaction during conflicts, have further strained relations.
    • Protests and Demands: Meira Paibis, women activists from the Meitei community, staged protests demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur. They claim that Indian security forces are being used against the Meiteis.
    • Suspicion over Collusion: Meitei activists question how suspected militants managed to cross the buffer zone and commit the killings. They criticize the perceived inaction of Assam Rifles personnel during attacks by the Kuki-Zomi.
    • Longstanding Grievances: Beyond the current conflict, Meiteis raise concerns about illegal immigration from Myanmar. They point to the Assam Rifles’ historical responsibility for the Indo-Myanmar border and alleged inaction.

    Historical Strain with AFSPA

    • Historical Tensions: Assam Rifles has faced strained relations with Manipur’s residents, particularly during counter-insurgency operations under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
    • Symbolic Resistance: The 2004 incident where 12 Meitei women protested naked in front of the Assam Rifles Headquarters reflected the deep-rooted grievances and tensions present in the region.

    Debate over Control

    • Tug of War: Both the MHA and Ministry of Defence (MoD) desire full control over AR. MHA argues for comprehensive border-guarding coordination, while the Army believes in maintaining the current system, which has worked well.
    • Past Proposals: In 2013 and 2019, discussions were held to merge AR with BSF and ITBP, respectively. The Army’s desire for control has led to ongoing deliberations.

    Conclusion

    • The Assam Rifles embody a legacy of service, transcending decades and challenges.
    • As the debate over control continues, the AR’s role as protectors of borders and preservers of history remains unwavering, a testament to their resilience and valor.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Species in news: Tharosaurus Indicus

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Tharosaurus Indicus

    Mains level: NA

    thar

    Central Idea

    • The fossilized remains of an ancient, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur named ‘Tharosaurus Indicus’ were recently recovered near Jaisalmer.

    Tharosaurus Indicus

    • Tharosaurus indicus is the name given to an ancient species of dinosaur discovered in the Thar Desert region of Jaisalmer, India.
    • It is a type of dicraeosaurid dinosaur, which was a group of long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period.
    • The fossils of Tharosaurus indicus were found to be around 167 million years old, making them one of the oldest known dicraeosaurids and diplodocoids globally.

    Significance of the discovery

    • Dicraeosaurids are characterized by their relatively shorter necks compared to other sauropod dinosaurs and were known for their unique body proportions.
    • This newly discovered species provides valuable insights into the diversity of prehistoric life that existed in the region during ancient times.
    • The name “Tharosaurus indicus” reflects its origin, with “Thar” referring to the Thar Desert and “indicus” indicating its origin in India.
    • This discovery showcases India’s historical significance in the field of paleontology and contributes to our understanding of dinosaur evolution on a global scale.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Perseid Meteor Shower to be visible soon

    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: Perseid Metor Shower

    Mains level: NA

    perseid

    Central Idea

    • The Perseid meteor shower is anticipated to peak around August 13.

    Perseid Meteor Shower

    • Origin of Phenomenon: The Perseid meteor shower originates from Earth’s passage through debris consisting of ice, rock, and dust, shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
    • Orbital details: This comet, with an orbital period of 133 years, last illuminated the skies in 1992 and will not grace Earth’s vicinity until 2125, as confirmed by NASA.
    • Historic Discovery: Astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle discovered Comet Swift-Tuttle in 1862, laying the foundation for understanding this celestial spectacle.

    Its occurrence

    • Annual Affair: A time-honoured spectacle, the Perseids meteor shower reaches its zenith every mid-August, enchanting both astronomers and laymen with its celestial display.
    • Residual Cosmic Debris: The Perseids meteor shower unfolds as our planet intersects the path of cosmic remnants cast adrift by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This cosmic cloud spans approximately 27 km in width.
    • Dazzling Cascade: Amidst this cosmic choreography, a breathtaking scene emerges as Earth encounters these fragments. During the peak, between 160 and 200 meteors elegantly streak through the atmosphere each hour, leaving behind a luminous trail of splendour.
    • Speed and Splendor: Travelling at a staggering speed of around 214,000 km per hour, these meteors ignite a fiery display as they disintegrate nearly 100 km above the Earth’s surface.

    What are Meteoric Showers?

    • Cosmic Origins: Meteors, fragments of rock and ice, are expelled from comets during their celestial orbits around the sun. The Earth’s atmosphere heats these space rocks as they descend, leaving luminous streaks of gas in their wake.
    • A Symphony of Debris: Meteor showers unfold when our planet traverses the debris trail left behind by comets or asteroids during their celestial journey. A cascade of meteorites gracing the skies in unison constitutes a meteor shower.
    • Celestial Tapestry: NASA’s records attest to the existence of over 30 meteor showers annually, painting the skies with celestial beauty observable from our terrestrial vantage point.

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Services PMI at 13-Year High

    DOMRPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)

    Mains level: NA

    Central Idea

    • India’s services sector has exhibited significant growth, as reflected by the S&P Global India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which reached a 13-year high of 62.3 in July.
    • The recovery is driven by increased demand, new business opportunities, and robust export orders.
    • However, challenges such as rising input costs and cautious output pricing indicate a nuanced landscape.

    Service Sector

    The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide range of economic activities that are focused on providing intangible goods and services to customers.

    Some examples of activities that fall under the service sector include:

    1. Hospitality and tourism: This includes activities such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators.
    2. Retail and wholesale trade: This includes businesses that buy and sell goods, such as supermarkets, department stores, and online retailers.
    3. Financial services: This includes banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
    4. Professional and business services: This includes activities such as legal services, accounting, consulting, and advertising.
    5. Information and communication technology: This includes activities such as software development, telecommunications, and data processing.
    6. Healthcare and social assistance: This includes activities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and social services.
    7. Education and training: This includes activities such as schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training.
    8. Transportation and logistics: This includes activities such as shipping, warehousing, and distribution.

     

    Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

    • PMI is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.
    • The S&P Global India Services PMI is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400 service sector companies.
    • It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.
    • It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed.

    How is the PMI derived?

    • The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions.
    • Executives from a reasonably big sample, running into hundreds of firms, are asked whether key indicators such as output, new orders, business expectations and employment were stronger than the month before and are asked to rate them.

    How does one read the PMI?

    • A figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity. Anything below 50 denotes contraction.
    • Higher the difference from this mid-point greater the expansion or contraction. The rate of expansion can also be judged by comparing the PMI with that of the previous month data.
    • If the figure is higher than the previous month’s then the economy is expanding at a faster rate. If it is lower than the previous month then it is growing at a lower rate.

    Recent Feat Achieved

    • Output Levels: The survey-based index shows that output levels experienced the fastest growth since June 2010, driven by robust demand and increased new business gains.
    • Job Creation: Despite the surge in workload, job creation remained modest, with a “slight” pace of hiring. Firms employed a mix of part-time, full-time, permanent, and temporary staff.
    • Rising Input Costs: Input costs recorded the fastest increase in 13 months, primarily due to higher food, labor, and transportation expenses.
    • Output Price Dynamics: On the other hand, firms displayed caution in their output pricing strategy, with output prices increasing at the slowest rate in three months. This approach could be attributed to the desire to secure new contracts.
    • Overseas Expansion: Export orders received a significant boost, with firms reporting the second-fastest increase in export orders since the inception of the index in September 2014.
    • Key Growth Sources: Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the UAE emerged as key sources of growth in export orders.

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  • Internal Security Trends and Incidents

    Centre to probe Havana Syndrome Cases in India

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | : Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Havana Syndrome

    Mains level: NA

    havana

    Central Idea

    • Havana Syndrome, a mysterious set of mental health symptoms experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in India, has caught the attention of authorities.

    What is Havana Syndrome?

    • Cuban Incident: The term “Havana Syndrome” originated in Cuba in late 2016 when US officials at the newly opened US embassy in Havana reported symptoms like pressure in the brain, headaches, and disorientation. The cause of these symptoms initially sparked suspicions of a “sonic attack” orchestrated by Cuban intelligence.
    • Subsequent Reports: Following the Cuban incident, similar symptoms were reported by American officials stationed in China, Russia, Poland, Georgia, Taiwan, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Austria, and even in Washington DC, including near the White House.

    Havana Syndrome in India

    • Sole Reported Case: As of July 2023, the 2021 incident involving a US intelligence officer in India is the only reported case of Havana Syndrome in the country.
    • Indian Security Establishment: Indian security officials have claimed that they are not aware of any agency possessing such microwave-based counter-espionage technology.
    • Geopolitical Considerations: Given India’s friendly relations with the US, officials find it unlikely that an Indian agency or foreign power would target US officials in this manner.

    Possible Causes of Havana Syndrome

    • Microwave Exposure: Scientific research and medical examinations of the victims have suggested that high-powered microwaves may have damaged or interfered with the nervous system, leading to the reported symptoms.
    • Microwave Weapon: The syndrome was speculated to be caused by beams of high-powered microwaves sent through a specialized gadget known as a “microwave weapon.”
    • Counter-Intelligence Tactic: Both Russia and the US have experimented with using microwaves as a counter-intelligence tactic since the Cold War.

    Debunking the Havana Syndrome Theory

    • Lack of Conclusive Evidence: Despite years of data collection and experiments, the US has not found conclusive evidence to support the existence of a “microwave weapon.”
    • Psychological Illness Amplified: Some medical experts argue that the syndrome could be a psychological illness amplified by fear of being targeted.
    • Impact on Relations: A report from several US security agencies in 2023 suggested that foreign adversaries were unlikely to be behind the “anomalous health incidents,” which may have impacted US-Cuba relations.

    Conclusion

    • The enigmatic Havana Syndrome continues to baffle experts and policymakers worldwide, with no definitive evidence of its origins and causes.
    • As India examines the issue in response to the recent petition, the global mystery surrounding Havana Syndrome remains an ongoing concern for intelligence communities and governments alike.

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    How to check if a material is a Superconductor?

    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: LK-99 Superconductors

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • Researchers in South Korea have recently unveiled a potential room-temperature superconductor named LK-99, a discovery that could revolutionize industrial and medical applications due to its ability to conduct heavy currents with zero resistance.
    • This article delves into the key characteristics that define a superconductor and the significance of LK-99’s potential discovery.

    Understanding Superconductors

    A superconductor is a material that, under specific conditions, displays four distinct changes indicating its transition to the superconducting state.

    (1) Electronic Effect:

    • A genuine superconductor demonstrates zero resistance when conducting electric current.
    • Verifying this property requires advanced equipment and testing on a sufficiently large sample.

    (2) Magnetic Effect:

    • Different types of superconductors exhibit unique responses to magnetic fields.
    • A type I superconductor expels a magnetic field below a critical value, creating the Meissner Effect.
    • A type II superconductor, undergoing a mixed superconducting and non-superconducting phase, prevents magnetic fields from penetrating its bulk, known as flux pinning.

    (3) Thermodynamic Effect:

    • The electronic-specific heat, representing the heat required to raise electron temperature by 1 degree Celsius, changes significantly during the superconducting transition.
    • As the material shifts to its superconducting state, the electronic-specific heat decreases.
    • Upon re-warming the material to the critical temperature, the specific heat reverts to its non-superconducting value.

    (4) Spectroscopic Effect:

    • A distinctive feature of superconductors is the presence of energy level gaps that restrict electrons from certain energy states.
    • Mapping energy levels in a superconductor reveals these gaps, serving as an indicator of its superconducting nature.

    Conventional vs. Unconventional Superconductors:

    • Conventional Superconductors: These materials adhere to the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of superconductivity. They display predictable behaviors explained by established scientific principles.
    • Unconventional Superconductors: In contrast, unconventional superconductors exhibit superconductivity that defies current theoretical explanations. Their unique properties challenge researchers to unravel the mysterious origins of their superconducting abilities.

    About Material LK-99

    • Apatite Structure: The Korean group utilized copper-substituted lead apatite, a phosphate mineral with unique tetrahedral motifs, to create LK-99.
    • Superconducting Behavior: LK-99 displayed essential superconducting properties, with almost zero resistance to current flow and sudden emergence of resistance above a critical current threshold.
    • Magnetic Resilience: LK-99 retained superconductivity even under the presence of a magnetic field until reaching a critical threshold.

    Implications of the LK-99 Discovery

    • The potential room-temperature superconductor LK-99 carries the promise of transforming various industries and medical applications.
    • However, thorough validation by independent researchers is necessary to establish its authenticity and potential impact.
    • If confirmed, LK-99 could reshape the way we harness and utilize electrical currents in a multitude of fields.

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  • Languages and Eighth Schedule

    Language Complexity in India’s Judiciary

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 8th Schedule Languages

    Mains level: National Language Debate

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court rejected a plea to transfer a motor accident case from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Farrukhabad, UP, to the MACT in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
    • The court emphasized that language should not be a barrier, and witnesses should communicate in Hindi, the national language, during proceedings

    Why discuss this?

    • The Supreme Court’s assertion that Hindi is the national language sparked debates, given India’s linguistic diversity.
    • While no language is officially designated as the “national language,” Hindi holds a significant position as the official language of the Union.

    Official Languages and the Constitution

    • Article 343: The Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, with English used for official purposes during the initial 15 years after the Constitution’s commencement in 1950.
    • Article 351: The Constitution directs the Union to promote the spread of Hindi while respecting the forms and expressions of other languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

    Eighth Schedule and Linguistic Diversity

    • Eighth Schedule: The Constitution’s Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, as recognized languages. The Schedule has expanded over time to accommodate languages like Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
    • Demands for Inclusion: Various languages such as Bhojpuri, Garhwali (Pahari), and Rajasthani are vying for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. The MHA acknowledges the dynamic nature of language evolution but faces challenges in establishing criteria for inclusion.
    • Official Languages Act, 1963: Despite Hindi being an official language, the Act ensures the continuation of English for official purposes even beyond the initial 15-year period.

    Status of English in Judiciary

    • Apex Courts: The use of English is mandated in proceedings of the Supreme Court and High Courts, ensuring uniformity in legal communication. The Rajasthan High Court introduced Hindi for court proceedings, citing Article 348 (2) and the Official Languages Act.
    • Subordinate Courts and Regional Languages:
    1. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): The State Government has the authority to determine the language of subordinate courts within the state.
    2. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC): While the language of subordinate courts is initially maintained, the State Government can declare a language and character for applications and proceedings.

    Way Forward

    • Balancing Diversity and Accessibility: The debate on regional languages in courts underscores the need to make legal proceedings accessible to all citizens, considering linguistic diversity.
    • Gradual Transition: While the use of regional languages in courts is a growing conversation, any transition must be gradual and carefully implemented to ensure clarity and consistency.
    • Socio-Linguistic Dynamics: Encouraging the use of local languages in legal proceedings aligns with PM’s vision to facilitate understanding of the judicial process among citizens.

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    Cabinet approves ₹1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet project

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: BharatNet Project

    Mains level: Not Much

    bharatnet

    Central Idea

    • The Cabinet has given its approval for an outlay of ₹1.39 lakh crore for the BharatNet project, aimed at providing last-mile connectivity to around 6.4 lakh villages across India.

    About BharatNet Project

    • Objectives: The project aims to connect 6.4 lakh villages, covering all gram panchayats in the country, with last-mile broadband connectivity through optical fiber.
    • Implementation: Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL), a special purpose vehicle under Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is responsible for executing the project.
    • Tie-up with VLEs: BBNL will collaborate with village level entrepreneurs (VLEs) to provide connectivity, following a successful pilot project in four districts and later expanded to 60,000 villages.
    • Progress So Far: As of now, around 1.94 lakh villages have been connected, and the rest are expected to be covered in the next 2.5 years.

    Services details

    BharatNet is the world’s largest rural connectivity scheme with an Optical Fibre network.

    1. Gram Panchayat: The scheme aimed to provide 100 Mbps broadband to 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
    2. Households: The main goal is affordable 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps broadband for all households, especially in rural areas.

    Key Achievements of the Project

    • Broadband Connections: The pilot project involved 3,800 entrepreneurs providing 3.51 lakh broadband connections to villages.
    • Data Consumption: Households in connected villages recorded an average data consumption of 175 gigabytes per month.
    • Pricing and Speed: The project is based on a 50% revenue share between BBNL and VLEs, offering monthly broadband plans priced from ₹399 to ₹799 with a minimum speed of 30mbps.
    • Optical Fiber Laid: Currently, there are 37 lakh route kilometers (rkm) of optical fiber cable (OFC) laid in India, with BBNL contributing 7.7 lakh rkm OFC to the network.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Species in news: Clouded Leopards

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Clouded Leopard

    Mains level: NA

    clouded leopard

    Central Idea

    • International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018.
    • Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam.

    About Clouded Leopard

    • The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas to mainland Southeast Asia and South China.
    • It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes on a dark grey or ochreous fur, resembling clouds, hence its name.
    • It is the first cat that genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the pantherine cats around 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago.
    • Currently, the clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
    • It is listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected in most of its range.

    Habitat in India

    • It inhabits dense forests in states such as Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • It is the State animal of Meghalaya (Note: Clouded Leopard National Park is located in Tripura).

    Features of Clouded Leopards

    • The mainland clouded leopard is agile and strong, often compared to the Ice Age sabretooth due to its large canines.
    • It has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down headfirst from trees, distinguishing it from other felines.
    • The cat has cloud-like spots on its hide, making it easily identifiable.

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