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  • RBI unveils UDGAM portal for Unclaimed Deposits Claims

     

    udgam

    Central Idea

    • The RBI has launched Centralised Web Portal called UDGAM to search and retrieve unclaimed deposits from various banks, all in one centralized location.

    What are Unclaimed Deposits?

    • The RBI defines “Unclaimed Deposits” as funds residing in dormant savings or current accounts for a duration of ten years.
    • Similarly, for fixed deposits (FDs), the funds remain unclaimed if they have not been withdrawn within ten years from the maturity date.

     

    About UDGAM Portal

    • The UDGAM portal is a centralized web platform launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) called “Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation.”
    • It is collaborated by Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), and participating banks.
    • It aims to provide individuals with an accessible and user-friendly platform to search and retrieve their unclaimed deposits from various banks in one centralized location.
    • The portal consolidates unclaimed deposit data from different banks.
    • It empowers users to identify their dormant accounts and take actions such as claiming the deposited amount or reactivating their dormant accounts directly through their respective banks.

    Key Features

    The UDGAM Portal brings forth a set of user-centric features that redefine the approach to reclaiming unclaimed deposits:

    • Reclaim or Activate: Through this platform, users have the autonomy to initiate either the process of reclaiming the deposited amount or reactivating their dormant accounts, all under the umbrella of their respective banks.
    • Effortless Registration: Customers can swiftly register on the UDGAM Portal using their mobile numbers, initiating their journey towards unlocking their unclaimed funds.
    • Search and Input: Once registered, users can seamlessly search for their unclaimed deposits by inputting essential details such as their name, PAN, voter ID, driving license, and passport number.
    • KYC Process: Upon locating their deposits, customers can facilitate their retrieval by completing a streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) process through their respective bank branches.
    • Nominee Assistance: In instances where the deposit holder is no longer alive, the nominee can facilitate the retrieval process by providing the necessary documents.

  • 3D Printing

    post office

    Central Idea

    • India’s pioneering 3D-printed post office located in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout was recently inaugurated.

    3D Printed Post Office

    • Swift Build: The 3D-printed post office was constructed in just 43 days, surpassing the original deadline by two days.
    • Construction Team: Larsen & Toubro Limited undertook the project in collaboration with IIT Madras.

    Technological Process

    • Spatial Dimension: The post office covers an area of 1,021 square feet and was created using advanced 3D concrete printing.
    • Automated Procedure: Robotic printers used an automated process to layer concrete according to the approved design.
    • Strong Bonding: A specially formulated quick-hardening concrete ensured strong bonding between layers.
    • Rapid Construction: With robotic precision and pre-embedded designs, the project was completed in just 43 days, far shorter than the conventional 6 to 8 months.

    Advantages of 3D Printing

    • Cost-Effective: The project cost ₹23 lakhs, indicating a 30-40% cost reduction compared to traditional methods.
    • Showcasing Technology: The project highlighted concrete 3D printing technology using indigenous machinery and robots, showcasing its scalability.

    Distinctive Features

    • Continuous Perimeter: The project boasted continuous perimeter construction without vertical joints.
    • Flexibility: The 3D printing accommodated curved surfaces and different site dimensions, overcoming flat wall limitations.
    • Structural Innovation: Continuous reinforced concrete footing and three-layer walls were created, enhancing structural integrity.
    • Reduced Timeline: The innovative technique drastically reduced the construction timeline to 43 days, minimizing material wastage.

    Back2Basics: 3D Printing

    • 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a transformative technology that involves creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer.
    • This technology has found applications in various industries, from manufacturing and aerospace to healthcare and fashion.

    Here’s an overview of the technology and its key components:

    (A) Printing Process: The basic process of 3D printing involves the following steps:

    • Design: Create a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
    • Slicing: The 3D model is divided into thin horizontal layers using slicing software.
    • Printing: The 3D printer follows the instructions from the sliced file, depositing material layer by layer to build up the object.

    (B) Types of 3D Printing Technologies: There are several 3D printing technologies, each with its own unique approach to material deposition and layering. Some common types include:

    • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This is one of the most popular methods. It involves extruding thermoplastic material through a heated nozzle to build up layers.
    • Stereolithography (SLA): SLA uses a UV laser to solidify liquid resin layer by layer, creating highly detailed and accurate objects.
    • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): In SLS, a laser fuses powdered material (often plastic or metal) layer by layer to create the object.
    • Powder Bed Fusion (PBF): Similar to SLS, PBF involves fusing powder particles using a laser or electron beam to create metal parts.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): Similar to SLA, DLP uses a projector to cure an entire layer of resin at once.

  • Agnibaan: Pioneering with 3D-Printed Engines

    agni

    Central Idea

    • Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos takes a significant step as it moves its innovative rocket, Agni-1, to Sriharikota for integration assessments.
    • Successful integration checks could position Agnikul as the second Indian space-tech firm, following Skyroot Aerospace, to achieve suborbital space flight capability.

    Agnikul’s Remarkable Space Vehicle: Agnibaan

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated maneuvers during flight.

    (A) Distinct Features of Agnibaan

    • Customizability: The rocket offers custom launch configurations, either single or two-stage launches.
    • Impressive Dimensions: Standing at 18 meters and weighing 14,000 kg, Agnibaan SOrTeD is a powerful presence.
    • Payload Capacity: With a capacity for payloads of up to 100 kg, it can reach altitudes of 700 km in five different Lower Earth Orbits (LEOs).
    • Engine Configuration: The first stage can house up to seven Agnilet engines, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, dependent on the mission’s requirements.
    • Versatile Launch: Designed for launch from over 10 different launch ports.
    • Launch Pedestal ‘Dhanush’: AgniKul’s built ‘Dhanush’ supports the rocket’s mobility across configurations, ensuring compatibility with multiple launch ports.
    • Cutting-Edge Agnilet Engine: The world’s sole single-piece 3D-printed engine powers the entire operation.

    (B) Innovative Agnilet Engine

    • Heart of the Vehicle: Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel, drives Agnibaan’s propulsion.
    • Propellant Composition: The engine employs a novel blend of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen as propellants, successfully tested at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

  • Madan Lal Dhingra and his Contributions

    madanlal dhingra madan lal

    Central Idea

    • On the 114th anniversary of his execution, a memorial is being formally inaugurated in honour of Madan Lal Dhingra.

    Who was Madan Lal Dhingra?

    • Early Life: Born on September 18, 1883, in an affluent family in Amritsar, Dhingra’s father was a staunch British loyalist, working as a chief medical officer.
    • Shift towards Nationalism: Dhingra’s exposure to the nationalist movement in Lahore during his studies ignited his patriotism.
    • Socio-Economic Concerns: Driven by a sense of justice and concern for India’s impoverished masses, Dhingra’s patriotism extended to socio-economic issues.
    • Expulsion and Resilience: Expelled from college for protesting against the use of British-imported cloth, Dhingra’s defiance marked his commitment to the cause.

    Involvement in Revolutionary Circles

    • Contact with Leaders: Dhingra connected with prominent figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma, active in London’s revolutionary circles.
    • India House: Dhingra frequented India House, a hub for revolutionary Indian nationalism founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma, further igniting his revolutionary spirit.
    • Abhinav Bharat Mandal: Dhingra joined Abhinav Bharat Mandal founded by Vinayak Savarkar, where he refined his plan to assassinate Curzon Wyllie.

    Assassination of Curzon Wyllie

    • Curzon Wyllie’s Profile: Curzon Wyllie was a British Indian officer and intelligence officer known for collecting information on revolutionaries.
    • The Assassination: On July 1, 1909, Dhingra attended an event where Curzon Wyllie was present. Dhingra fired five shots, fatally hitting both Curzon Wyllie and a doctor who tried to intervene.
    • Dhingra’s Justification: During his trial, Dhingra argued that if fighting Germans was patriotic for an Englishman, fighting the British was even more justifiable for him.

    Legacy and Memorial

    • Execution and Burial: Dhingra was found guilty, executed on August 17, 1909, and buried in London. His remains were brought to India in 1976.
    • Struggle for a Memorial: A memorial in Dhingra’s name has been a long-standing demand. The efforts culminated in the formal inauguration of the memorial on the 114th anniversary of his execution.
    • Memorial Inauguration: The memorial was inaugurated by Governor Banwari Lal Purohit on August 17, 2023, in Amritsar’s Golbagh area.
    • Memorial’s Significance: The memorial stands as a tribute to Dhingra’s sacrifice and his role in the fight for India’s freedom.

  • INS Vindhyagiri and Project 17A

    vindhyagiri

    Central Idea

    • President’s launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the final vessel in the Project 17A (Alpha) frigates series, marked a significant milestone for India’s maritime strength and self-reliance.
    • The launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the sixth vessel in the Project 17A Frigates series, carries forward India’s naval legacy.

    About INS Vindhyagiri

    • INS Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates series, showcasing India’s commitment to indigenous defense technology and self-reliance.
    • After INS Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, and Dunagiri, INS Vindhyagiri derives its name from a mountain range in Karnataka.
    • These frigates are a follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, integrating improved stealth, advanced weapons, and cutting-edge sensors.
    • It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, India.

    Key features

    • Employs a cutting-edge propulsion system enabling speeds of over 28 knots, ensuring rapid response and agility in various operational scenarios.
    • Equipped with state-of-the-art stealth features, enhancing its ability to operate discreetly and minimize detection.
    • Over 75% of the equipment and systems used are sourced from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    Back2Basics: Project 17A

    • Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by the Indian Navy in 2019.
    • The first stealth ship launched was the Nilgiri, launched in 2019.
    • The project was launched to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates, which are currently being constructed by two companies:
    1. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and
    2. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
    • These guided-missile frigates have been constructed with a specific stealth design, which has radar-absorbent coatings and is low-observable which can make its approach undetectable for the enemies.
    • The new technology also reduces the infrared signals of the ship.

  • Places in news: Murmansk Port

    murmansk

    Central Idea

    • India’s engagement with Russia’s Arctic region has been strengthening with India-bound goods constituting the maximum share of cargo handled this year by Murmansk, located about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow.

    About Murmansk Port

    • Murmask Port is a major seaport located in northwestern Russia, specifically in the city of Murmansk.
    • The port was established in 1916 as a supply point for the Russian military during World War I.
    • It is situated in the city of Murmansk, which is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in Russia.
    • It is located on the Kola Peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea.
    • The port serves as a crucial gateway to the Arctic region.
    • The port is an important node along the Northern Sea Route, a shipping route that connects Europe and Asia via the Arctic Ocean.
    • Its ice-free waters enable year-round maritime activities, making it an important hub for shipping and trade in the Arctic.

    Significance of the Port

    • Murmansk Port is strategically located near rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas in the Arctic region.
    • It plays a role in facilitating the export of these resources.
    • The port is well-connected to various transportation networks, including railroads, pipelines, and roads.
    • It serves as a hub for moving goods to and from the Arctic and the rest of Russia.

  • President pays tribute to Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua

    kanaklata

    Central Idea

    • On the eve before Independence Day, President of India paid tributes to great women freedom fighters like Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua.

    [A] Matangini Hazra

    • Early Life and Dedication: Born in 1869 in Hogla village, West Bengal, Matangini Hazra’s early life was marked by poverty and lack of formal education. She married at a young age and was widowed by 18. Devoted to social causes, she emerged as a dedicated freedom fighter.
    • Gandhian Influence: During the Nationalist movement, Hazra’s admiration for Mahatma Gandhi earned her the nickname “Gandhiburi” in her village. She actively participated in protests, earning her several arrests and jail sentences.
    • Quit India Movement: A prominent leader during the Quit India Movement of 1942, Hazra led a procession of around 6,000 protesters, mostly women, towards the Tamluk police station. She was shot three times by British police during a confrontation, and she passed away at the age of 73 while chanting “Vande Mataram.”
    • Legacy: Matangini Hazra’s sacrifice inspired revolutionaries to establish local governments. In 1977, the first statue of a woman revolutionary in Kolkata Maidan was dedicated to her. Schools, streets, and neighborhoods across Bengal are named after her as a tribute to her immense contribution to the freedom struggle.

    [B] Kanaklata Barua

    • Young Martyr: Kanaklata Barua, a symbol of courage, was just 17 years old when she became a martyr. She led the Mrityu Bahini procession to unfurl the Tricolour at Gohpur police station in Assam during the Quit India Movement.
    • Daring Spirit: Despite the age limit for joining the Mrityu Bahini being 18 and above, Barua’s determination led her to be an exception. Just two days into joining, she was at the head of the procession, holding the Tricolour.
    • Tragic End: In a confrontation with the police at the police station, Barua refused to let go of the flag, even as bullets rained down. She fell, holding onto the flag until another volunteer took it from her. Her bravery and sacrifice left an indelible mark on the movement.
    • Legacy: Kanaklata Barua’s story continues to inspire generations. In her honor, the Coast Guard named a Fast Patrol Vessel “ICGS Kanaklata Barua” in 2020, ensuring that her legacy lives on as a testament to her remarkable spirit and dedication to India’s freedom.

  • Karnail Singh Isru’s contribution in Goan Liberation

    karnail

    Central Idea

    • Karnail Singh Isru, a valiant activist, is remembered with reverence and admiration on India’s Independence Day.
    • He made the ultimate sacrifice while participating in the Goa Liberation Movement, striving for the state’s accession to India.

    Who was Karnail Singh Isru?

    • Birth and Childhood: Born on September 9, 1930, in Chak 30 village (now in Pakistan), Isru lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. His upbringing was marked by a strong sense of justice and a longing for freedom.
    • Inspired by National Heroes: Isru’s admiration for national heroes like Bhagat Singh and Udham Singh, along with their dedication to the freedom movement, ignited a fire within him. Their struggle against colonial oppression left a deep impact on his young mind.

    Joining the Goa Liberation Movement

    • Formation of Ideals: Isru’s involvement in student activism and his presidency of the student union highlighted his commitment to social justice. He joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and embraced rationalist ideals.
    • Goa Liberation Movement: In the 1950s, despite India’s independence, the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli remained under Portuguese rule. CPI sent Satyagarhis, followers of Gandhian principles, to Goa to hoist the Indian flag on Independence Day.

    His Fateful Journey

    • Sahodrabai Rai’s Leadership: Isru, alongside other Satyagarhis, embarked on the march towards Goa under the leadership of Sahodrabai Rai. They aimed to challenge colonial rule and establish India’s sovereignty in the region.
    • Tragedy Strikes: As they entered the Patradevi village in North Goa, Portuguese forces opened fire on the Satyagarhis. Isru’s unwavering determination led him to the forefront, but tragically, he was struck by a bullet in his chest. His sacrifice was a significant moment in the fight for Goa’s liberation.

    Legacy and Remembrance

    • Tributes in Punjab: Isru’s memory is etched in the heart of Punjab, where the government and political parties organize annual functions to honor his sacrifice. A statue, library, park, and school bear his name, reflecting the respect he commands.
    • Recognition in Goa: In Goa, a bronze bust of Isru was installed in the primary school of Patradevi village, commemorating his sacrifice. His bravery and dedication are a source of inspiration for generations.

    Also read:

    In news: Goa Liberation Day

  • ISRO gears up for Aditya-L1 Mission

    aditya-l1

    Central Idea

    • Although the mission launch date is yet to be announced, the Aditya-L1 satellite has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for integration with the launch vehicle, PSLV.

    Aditya-L1 Mission

    • Aditya-L1’s primary objective is to closely observe the Sun and gather insights into its corona, solar emissions, flares, solar winds, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
    • The satellite is equipped with seven advanced payloads for these scientific endeavors.
    • The mission promises round-the-clock imaging of the Sun, enabling an unprecedented understanding of its behavior and impacts.

    Significance of the mission

    • Solar Influence: The evolution of every celestial body, including Earth and distant exoplanets, is intricately linked to its parent star. The Sun’s weather and environment have a profound impact on the entire solar system.
    • Space Weather Impact: Variations in solar activity can disrupt satellite orbits, damage electronics, trigger power blackouts, and induce disturbances on Earth. Accurate knowledge of solar events is essential for comprehending and predicting space weather phenomena.

    L1 Lagrange Point Advantage

    • Continuous Solar Observations: Positioned at the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1) — about 1.5 million km from Earth — Aditya-L1 will be uniquely positioned to observe the Sun without the interference of occultation or eclipses. L1 is an orbital location where gravitational forces create stable regions of attraction and repulsion.
    • L1’s Significance: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO) is stationed at L1 and has facilitated groundbreaking solar research. Aditya-L1’s observations will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of solar behavior.

    Comparison with International Missions

    • Closer than Ever: While NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has ventured closer to the Sun, Aditya-L1 will focus on direct solar observations from a greater distance.
    • Technical Challenges: Many instruments and components for Aditya-L1 are being developed in India for the first time, representing both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation’s scientific and engineering communities.

  • Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit to transform credit accessibility and lending efficiency.

    About the Public Tech Platform 

    • It is developed by the RBI’s subsidiary Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).
    • It aims to streamline the credit delivery process by enabling seamless digital information flow to lenders.
    • It intends to simplify the credit assessment by providing an end-to-end digital ecosystem that facilitates the smooth exchange of essential digital data among stakeholders.

    Features of the Platform

    • Open Architecture: The platform adopts an open architecture model, fostering interoperability and collaboration among various financial sector players.
    • Plug and Play Model: The open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and standards enable seamless integration and interaction among participating entities.
    • Efficiency and Scalability: The platform aims to enhance lending efficiency, reduce costs, expedite disbursement, and scale up lending operations.

    Launch and Scope

    • Calibrated Rollout: The platform is set to launch as a pilot project on August 17, 2023, with gradual access to information providers and use cases.
    • Initial Focus: The pilot phase will focus on credit products like Kisan Credit Card loans, dairy loans, collateral-free MSME loans, personal loans, and home loans.
    • Integration and Services: The platform will integrate services such as Aadhaar e-KYC, state government land records, satellite data, PAN validation, Aadhaar e-signing, account aggregation, and more.