Current Affairs

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NEED TO RELOOK NEET Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Since its inception about a decade ago, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been a politically contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. The recent turn of events has made it a national issue. Background:- NEET was originally conceptualised to ensure merit-based selection to medical schools and standardise the medical entrance process. It was seen as a solution to the problem of high capitation fees being charged by private medical institutions. Key takeaways:  This year, more than 24 lakh candidates sat for the NEET after paying application fees ranging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. Moreover an individual candidate spends a few lakhs at coaching centres to prepare for the test. The initial eligibility for qualification, 50 percentile, was diluted to 30 percentile in 2020 and further to zero percentile in 2023. The reason cited was that several seats are vacant in private medical colleges. However, after the 60,000 seats in government medical colleges are filled up, people’s paying capacity plays a big role in filling up the remaining 50,000 seats in private colleges. This makes the MBBS dream virtually unattainable for students of the economically weak strata, despite scoring high marks in NEET. Nearly half of the MBBS seats become a virtual preserve of the wealthy, making a mockery of the objective of rewarding merit. Exams like the UCAT in the UK and MCAT in the US allow only students with excellent grades in higher secondary education to take the exams. In contrast, a NEET applicant only requires to pass the higher secondary school. This low entry requirement can undermine the importance of excelling in high school. This, in turn, lowers the standard of school education. The state government and their education ministries do not have any say in the selection process of future doctors in their states. Tamil Nadu has conducted several experiments in the entrance system to professional courses, starting from an interview system in the 1970s to the entrance examinations in 1983 along with 2/3rd weightage to marks in concerned subjects in the higher secondary education exam. Following recommendations from the Anandakrishnan Committee, the state abolished entrance exams and conducted admissions to medical and engineering colleges solely on the basis of higher secondary marks. Even after the introduction of NEET, the government ensured social equality and inclusivity, to an extent, by providing reservation to government school students as per the recommendations of P Kalaiyarasan and AK Rajan committees. Tamil Nadu’s experiences over five decades demonstrate that factors such as infrastructure, faculty numbers, and the extent of patient care services determine the quality of young doctors. NEET needs to be reevaluated. Public health is a state subject and education is part of the concurrent list. All states need to be taken into confidence, before framing the admissions processes, especially in institutions controlled by the state government. The debate on NEET touches on broader issues such as educational equity and federalism. If NEET is riddled with problems, what are the alternatives? Instead of a single cross-sectional assessment, a summative assessment over two to three years of performance in school education along with a general aptitude test might improve the selection process. The primary objective of refining the medical entrance process is to ensure that students with high average marks gain admission not only to government-run medical colleges. The goal should be to ensure that people from disadvantaged sections are adequately represented in the medical field and they can contribute to making healthcare accessible to their communities. For Your Information: Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to the NEET exam as it was against their perfectly functioning state policy of linking medical college admissions to high school performance. In 2021, Tamil Nadu constituted an Expert Committee headed by Justice A K Rajan. The Rajan Committee brought out startling evidence, showing how rural students from Tamil medium schools lost out heavily in clearing the NEET — between 2017-21, from an average of 15 per cent admissions of Tamil-medium students, the number had fallen to 1.6-3.2 per cent. Clearly, NEET disadvantaged rural and poorer students. Tamil Nadu was particularly affected as its sound public health system rested on students from rural backgrounds willing to work in primary health centres without ambitions of migrating abroad. Source: Indian Express CLIMATE CHANGE FUELLED HURRICANE BERYL’S RECORD EARLY INTENSIFICATION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: Hurricane Beryl became the earliest storm on record during the Atlantic hurricane season to have reached the highest Category 5 classification. Background: The storm, which tore through the Caribbean islands earlier this month, killed at least 11 people after triggering intense floods and dangerous winds in Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela. How are hurricanes formed? Hurricanes, or tropical storms, form over warm ocean waters near the equator. When the warm, moist air from the ocean surface rises upward, a lower air pressure area is formed below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure rushes into this low pressure area, eventually rising, after it also becomes warm and moist. As warm, moist air rises, it cools down, and the water in the air forms clouds and thunderstorms. This whole system of clouds and winds gains strength and momentum using the ocean’s heat, and the water that evaporates from its surface. Storm systems with wind speeds of 119 kmph and above are classified as hurricanes. Hurricanes are classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale into five categories (Category 1 to Category 5) based on their sustained wind speeds. While Category 1 hurricanes bring winds of 119 to 153 kmph, Category 5 hurricanes, which are the strongest, have winds of 252 kmph or higher. Storms that reach Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes due to their potential to

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   RIGHT TO REPAIR PORTAL Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Centre asked the automobile companies to join the unified Right to Repair Portal India which has been launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs to provide consumers with an easy access to information for repairing their products and enabling them to reuse it. Background:- The portal will serve as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on repair and maintenance of products to consumers. What is right to repair ? The right to repair for consumer goods refers to the concept of allowing end users, consumers as well as businesses, to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to come up with a Right to Repair framework. The framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether. Under this framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than only depending on original manufacturers. The framework also aims to help harmonize the trade between the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party buyers and sellers – thus also creating new jobs. It will help reduce the vast mountain of electrical waste (e-waste) that piles up each year on the continent and boost business for small repair shops, which are an important part of local economies. It will save consumers’ money and contribute to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability, and waste handling of appliances. What is there in the right to repair portal? Customer care details across brands The portal has consolidated list of consumer care contact details of all major consumer products manufacturers for your quick viewing. Find warranty and post-sales service information Use website to search companies by name or consumer product name. All the public information related to their products service, warranty, terms and conditions, etc. are aggregated on this portal. Links to the service network of the brands Visit links to the authorized service network of the brands and third-party service providers. Also view the warranty and prices of genuine spares and consumables of respective brands. Source: Right to repare India VAQUITA Syllabus Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita, is teetering on the edge of extinction. A recent survey revealed a devastating decline, with only 6-8 individuals spotted compared to 8-13 just a year ago. Background: Despite their elusive nature making precise population estimates difficult, absence of calves in recent surveys highlights their critical situation. About Vaquita The vaquita is a shy member of the porpoise family. Vaquitas are the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals. Vaquitas have the smallest range of any whale, dolphin, or porpoise.It only lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico. It is currently listed asCritically Endangered by the IUCN Red List; the steep decline in abundance is primarily due to bycatch in gillnets from the illegal totoaba Totoaba, is a large fish that also only lives in the Gulf of California. Because totoaba and vaquita are similar in size, gillnets illegally set for totoaba are the deadliest for vaquitas. Fishermen illegally catch totoaba for its swim bladder (an air-filled sac in the totoaba’s body that helps it float), which they sell to China at high prices. In China, the swim bladders are used in soup with purported medicinal value. Scientists agree that for vaquitas to survive in the wild, gillnet fishing must end within vaquita habitat. Source: Hindu TRANSPOSONS Syllabus Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent paper by researchers at the University of California highlights the role of transposons in gene editing. Background: Transposons have been called “junk” DNA and “selfish” DNA. They are “selfish” because their only function seems to make more copies of themselves and “junk” because there is no obvious benefit to their host. About Transposons Transposable elements (TEs) or simply Transposons, also known as “jumping genes,” are DNA sequences that move from one location on the genome to another. These elements were first identified more than 50 years ago by geneticist Barbara McClintock of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. Biologists were initially skeptical of McClintock’s discovery. Barbara McClintock’s discovery of them earned her a Nobel Prize in 1983 Over the next several decades, however, it became apparent that not only do TEs “jump,” but they are also found in almost all organisms (both prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and typically in large numbers. For example, TEs make up approximately 50% of the human genome and up to 90% of the maize genome. Due to their mobility (or transposition), transposons facilitate horizontal gene transfer and foster the evolution of new molecular functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As transposition can lead to detrimental genomic rearrangements, organisms have evolved a multitude of molecular strategies to control transposons. Apart from their biological impacts on genomes, DNA transposons have been leveraged as efficient gene insertion vectors in basic research, transgenesis and gene therapy. Source: Nature PANGONG LAKE Syllabus Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: According to recent satellite images, China’s military presence near Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh is escalating. Background: These images reveal extensive underground bunkers and hardened shelters at a crucial base. The base, located at Sirjap on the northern shore of Pangong Lake, serves as the headquarters for Chinese troops stationed around the lake. Key Takeaways Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake, is a high-altitude lake situated in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh. Pangong Tso spans both India and China. Approximately 50% of the lake lies within Tibet (administered by China), while 40% is in Indian-administered Ladakh. The remaining 10% is a disputed buffer zone between India and China. Disputed Territory: The Line of Actual Control (LAC), which separates boundary between India and China, passes through the lake. This geopolitical demarcation has been a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   MOIDAMS – THE MOUND-BURIAL SYSTEM OF THE AHOM DYNASTY Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Art & Culture Context: Ahom era ‘Moidams’ in Assam have been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by its international advisory body International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOSO). Background:- The Moidams situated in Charaideo are the burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens. These are comparable to the pyramids of Egypt and substances of wonder seen through the brilliant architecture and expertise of the artsmen and masons of Assam of the medieval era. The story of Ahoms:  The Tai-Ahom clan upon their migration from China established their capital in different parts of the Brahmaputra River Valley between 12th to 18th CE. Usurping the Barahi tribe, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha established the first capital of the Ahoms at the foothill of Patkai hills and named it Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, meaning “a dazzling city above the mountain”. While the clan moved from city to city, the landscape of Che-Rai-Doi or Choraideo continued to retain its position as most sacred where the departed soul of the Royals could transcend into the after-life. Believing that their Kings were Gods on earth, the Tai Ahoms chose to bury the deceased Royals in Choraideo, the most sacred core of their Kingdom. The unique system of vaulted mounds, which persisted for over 600 years until many Tai-Ahoms converted to Buddhism or adopted Hindu cremation, created an undulating landscape reminiscent of the mountains of heaven, reflecting their beliefs in life, death, spirit, and the ‘other world’. The Moidams of Choraideu remains the only area where the largest concentration of these vaulted-mound burial chamber exist together, demonstrating a grand royal burial landscape unique to the Tai Ahoms. About Moidams Moidams are vaulted chamber (chow-chali), often double storied entered through an arched passage. Atop the hemispherical mud-mound layers of bricks and earth is laid, where the base of the mound is reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west. Eventually the mound would be covered by a layer of vegetation, reminiscent of a group of hillocks, transforming the area into an undulating landscape. Excavation shows that each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised platform where the body was laid. Several objects used by the deceased during his life, like royal insignia, objects made in wood or ivory or iron, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes to the extent of human beings (only from the Luk-kha-khun clan) were buried with their king. There is a great variety in materials and systems of construction used in building a moidam. From the period between 13th CE to 17th CE, wood was used as the primary material for construction whereas 18th CE onwards stone and burnt bricks of various sizes were used for the inner chambers. Source: Hindu ZAROWAR Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: India has unveiled its ‘Zorawar’ light battle tank. Background: As part of developmental trials, over the next six months, the tank will be tested in various conditions. About Zarowar Zarowar is a joint effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The air-transportable 25-tonne tank has been designed for rapid deployment largely along the frontier with China. Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military operations in Ladakh and Western Tibet, Zorawar is the first tank to be designed and ready for trials in such a short timeframe. Its amphibious capabilities enable it to traverse steep climbs in mountainous terrain and cross rivers and other water bodies more easily than heavier predecessors like the T-72 and T-90 tanks. The Zorawar tanks are designed with an active protection system to shield combat vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles. The tank is currently powered by a Cummins engine and DRDO has taken up a project to develop a new engine domestically. What led to the development of Zarowar ? At the height of the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh, following the confrontation on the Kailash range on the south bank of Pangong Tso in August 2020, India and China had deployed tanks on the mountain peaks. China has deployed the third-generation modern light tank ZTQ 15 (Type 15), latest ZTL-11 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers and a series of assault vehicles along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh during the standoff. The Chinese light tanks could move through steep climb along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) much more easily than the Indian Army’s heavy-weight T-72 and T-90 tanks of Russian origin. It was during the standoff that the Army felt the need for a light tank to operate at 15,000 feet for easy deployment and manoeuvrability. Officials said the Zarowar tank will be able to fire at high angles of elevation and perform the role of limited artillery and is an agile weapon platform thus providing enhanced tactical and operational mobility. Source: Firstpost ZOMBIE STARTUPS Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Economy Context: Koo, the Indian social media platform that aimed to rival Twitter has shut down.This has brought the topic of zombie startups into limelight once again. Background: Tech startups once blessed with huge fundings are transforming into “zombies”. Key takeaways Startups that raised a huge amount of money over the boom cycle but aren’t producing nearly enough revenue to justify the valuation are called ‘Zombie startups’. Or to define it another way, Zombie startups, also known as “walking dead” companies, are businesses that continue to operate despite being unprofitable or stagnant. A company might turn into a zombie because of multiple reasons: Lack of Funding: Zombie startups may have received initial funding but failed to secure follow-up investments. As a result, they struggle to grow and remain in a state of limbo. Ineffective Business Models: Some startups have flawed business models that prevent them from achieving sustainable growth. They may not address market needs or fail to adapt to changing conditions. Management Challenges: Poor leadership, mismanagement, or lack of strategic vision can turn a promising startup into a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Context: Commerce & Industry minister Piyush Goyal will visit Switzerland to take forward a $ 100 billion investment commitment for India made by the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) under a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). Background:- In the FTA that India signed in March with EFTA – India secured the investment pledge from EFTA over next 15 years in return for tariff concessions to the members of the grouping. About European Free Trade Association (EFTA) :  The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The organization operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states participate in the European Single Market. They are not, however, party to the European Union Customs Union. EFTA was historically one of the two dominant western European trade blocs, but is now much smaller and closely associated with its historical competitor, the European Union. It was established in 1960 to serve as an alternative trade bloc for those European states that were unable or unwilling to join the then European Economic Community (EEC), the main predecessor of the EU. The Stockholm Convention (1960), to establish the EFTA, was signed on 4 January 1960 in the Swedish capital by seven countries (known as the “outer seven”: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). After 1995 only two founding members remained, namely Norway and Switzerland. The other five, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom, had joined the EU at some point in the intervening years. The initial Stockholm Convention was superseded by the Vaduz Convention, which aimed to provide a successful framework for continuing the expansion and liberalization of trade, both among the organization’s member states and with the rest of the world. While the EFTA is not a customs union and member states have full rights to enter into bilateral third-country trade arrangements, it does have a coordinated trade policy. As a result, its member states have jointly concluded free trade agreements with the EU and a number of other countries. To participate in the EU’s single market, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are parties to the Agreement on a European Economic Area (EEA), with compliances regulated by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA Court. Switzerland has a set of multilateral agreements with the EU and its member states instead. How is EFTA different from the EU? EFTA and the EU are two distinct entities with different objectives and different Member States. EFTA focuses primarily on promoting free trade and economic cooperation among its Member States, and with the EU and third countries through agreements that reduce trade barriers and enhance economic relations. Decision making in EFTA involves consensus among its Member States. The EU consists of 27 Member States and emphasises broader political, economic and social integration objectives. Decision making in the EU is more complex and involves institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament and European Council, with laws and regulations that are binding on all Member States. Source: Financial Express UPPER SIANG HYDROPOWER PROJECT Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Locals are protesting against the Upper Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. Background: Authorities are in the process of launching a massive public outreach campaign to drum up support for the project. About Upper Siang project The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 megawatt hydropower project on the Siang river in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Siang originates near Mount Kailash in Tibet, where it goes by the name of Tsangpo. It traverses more than 1,000 km eastward, before forming a horseshoe bend around the towering Namcha Barwa peak, and enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang. Further downstream, in Assam, the river becomes the mighty Brahmaputra. In 2017, the government proposed to replace the planned 5,500 MW Siang Upper Stage-I and 3,750 MW Siang Upper Stage-II hydel projects with a single, multi-purpose project of higher capacity — the aforementioned Upper Siang project. Set to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the project would entail the construction of a 300-metre high dam, the largest in the subcontinent, when completed. According to a 2022 report by the Central Electrical Authority, there are 29 hydroelectric projects (installed capacity of over 25 MW) in the Siang river basin, with a combined installed capacity of 18,326 MW. The proposed Upper Siang project’s installed capacity is roughly 60% of this figure. More than its hydropower potential, the dam is being projected as a strategic imperative to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo. China plans for a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet, right on the border with Arunachal Pradesh. The super dam’s installed capacity is almost three times that of the largest hydropower station on the planet — the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze river in China’s Hubei province. It will be used to divert water to China’s water-scarce northern regions. Upper Siang project will act as a reservoir to counter the effects of a potentially-reduced flow if Chinas dam project materialises. Environmental & social concerns Activists are concerned that the proposed dam project will displace over 300 villages belonging to the Adi tribe, threatening their way of life and cultural heritage. Activists are particularly concerned by a provision of last year’s Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act which exempts from clearance the diversion of forest land for strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders. The Upper Siang district administration has called multiple meetings to lay the ground for a pre-feasibility survey in the area, a preliminary analysis to assess the probable cost of a project and its feasibility in a given area. The NHPC has chosen three sites along the Siang — Ugeng, Dite Dime and Parong — for its feasibility study. The NHPC has sanctioned a Rs 325 crore CSR package which will be used for the implementation of livelihood schemes, as well as the development of health, education, and sports infrastructure. Source: Indian Express HANNIBAL DIRECTIVE Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: On October 7 last year, as Hamas raided southern Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   मोईदाम (MOIDAMS) – अहोम राजवंश की टीले में दफ़नाने की प्रणाली पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – कला एवं संस्कृति संदर्भ: असम में अहोम युग के ‘मोईदाम’ को यूनेस्को की विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल करने के लिए इसकी अंतरराष्ट्रीय सलाहकार संस्था इंटरनेशनल काउंसिल ऑन मॉन्यूमेंट्स एंड साइट्स (ICOMOSO) द्वारा सिफारिश की गई है। पृष्ठभूमि:- चराइदेव में स्थित मोइदाम अहोम राजाओं और रानियों के दफन स्थल हैं। ये मिस्र के पिरामिडों से मिलते जुलते हैं और मध्ययुगीन युग के असम के कलाकारों और राजमिस्त्रियों की शानदार वास्तुकला और विशेषज्ञता के माध्यम से देखे जाने वाले आश्चर्य के तत्व हैं। अहोम राजवंश की कहानी: चीन से प्रवास के बाद ताई-अहोम वंश ने 12वीं से 18वीं शताब्दी के बीच ब्रह्मपुत्र नदी घाटी के विभिन्न भागों में अपनी राजधानियाँ स्थापित कीं। बाराही जनजाति (Barahi tribe) को हटाकर, चौ-लुंग सिउ-का-फा ने पटकाई पहाड़ियों की तलहटी में अहोमों की पहली राजधानी स्थापित की और इसका नाम चे-राय-दोई या चे-ताम-दोई रखा, जिसका अर्थ “पर्वत के ऊपर एक चमकदार शहर” है। जबकि यह कबीला बाद में एक शहर से दूसरे शहर में चला गया, चे-राय-दोई या चोरादेओ का परिदृश्य सबसे पवित्र के रूप में अपना स्थान बनाए रखा, जहां राजपरिवार की दिवंगत आत्माएं परलोक में जा सकती थीं। यह विश्वास करते हुए कि उनके राजा पृथ्वी पर भगवान थे, ताई अहोम ने मृत राजपरिवार को अपने राज्य के सबसे पवित्र स्थान चोराइदेओ में दफनाने का निर्णय लिया। गुंबददार टीलों की यह अनूठी प्रणाली 600 वर्षों से अधिक समय तक बनी रही, जब तक कि कई ताई-अहोम बौद्ध धर्म में परिवर्तित नहीं हो गए या हिंदू दाह संस्कार नहीं अपना लिया, जिससे एक ऐसा भू-परिदृश्य निर्मित हुआ जो स्वर्ग के पर्वतों की याद दिलाता है, तथा जीवन, मृत्यु, आत्मा और ‘दूसरी दुनिया’ में उनके विश्वासों को दर्शाता है। चोराइदेउ का मोइदाम एकमात्र ऐसा क्षेत्र है, जहां गुंबददार टीले वाले दफन कक्षों का सबसे बड़ा संकेन्द्रण एक साथ मौजूद है, जो ताई अहोमों के लिए अद्वितीय भव्य शाही दफनगाह भू- परिदृश्य को प्रदर्शित करता है। मोइदाम के बारे में मोइदाम गुंबददार कक्ष (चौ-चाली/ chow-chali) होते हैं, जो अक्सर दो मंजिला होते हैं और इनमें मेहराबदार मार्ग से प्रवेश करते हैं। अर्धगोलाकार मिट्टी के टीले के ऊपर ईंटों और मिट्टी की परतें बिछाई जाती हैं। अंततः यह टीला वनस्पति की एक परत से ढक गया, जो पहाड़ियों के एक समूह की याद दिलाता है, तथा क्षेत्र को एक लहरदार परिदृश्य में बदल देता है। उत्खनन से पता चलता है कि प्रत्येक गुंबददार कक्ष में एक केन्द्रीय मंच है, जहां शव रखा गया था। मृतक द्वारा अपने जीवनकाल में उपयोग की गई अनेक वस्तुएं, जैसे शाही प्रतीक चिह्न, लकड़ी, हाथी दांत या लोहे से बनी वस्तुएं, सोने के पेंडेंट, चीनी मिट्टी के बर्तन, हथियार, मानव वस्त्र (केवल लुक-खा-खुन वंश से) को उसके राजा के साथ दफनाया जाता था। मोइदाम के निर्माण में प्रयुक्त सामग्री और निर्माण प्रणालियों में बहुत विविधता होती है। 13वीं ई. से 17वीं ई. के बीच की अवधि में निर्माण के लिए लकड़ी का उपयोग प्राथमिक सामग्री के रूप में किया गया, जबकि 18वीं ई. के बाद से आंतरिक कक्षों के लिए विभिन्न आकारों के पत्थर और पकी हुई ईंटों का उपयोग किया जाने लगा। स्रोत: Hindu ज़ोरावर (ZORAWAR) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक परीक्षा – CURRENT EVENT संदर्भ: भारत ने अपने हल्के युद्धक टैंक ‘ज़ोरावर’ का अनावरण किया है। पृष्ठभूमि: विकासात्मक परीक्षणों के भाग के रूप में, अगले छह महीनों में, टैंक का विभिन्न परिस्थितियों में परीक्षण किया जाएगा। ज़ारोवार के बारे में ज़ारोवर रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (डीआरडीओ) और लार्सन एंड टूब्रो (एलएंडटी) का एक संयुक्त प्रयास है। हवा के माध्यम से परिवहन योग्य 25 टन वजनी इस टैंक को मुख्य रूप से चीन के साथ सीमा पर तेजी से तैनाती के लिए डिजाइन किया गया है। 19वीं सदी के डोगरा जनरल जोरावर सिंह, जिन्होंने लद्दाख और पश्चिमी तिब्बत में सैन्य अभियानों का नेतृत्व किया था, के नाम पर रखा गया जोरावर टैंक इतने कम समय में डिजाइन किया गया और परीक्षण के लिए तैयार होने वाला पहला टैंक है। इसकी उभयचर क्षमताएं (जल-थल दोनों) इसे टी-72 और टी-90 टैंकों जैसे भारी पूर्ववर्तियों की तुलना में पहाड़ी इलाकों में खड़ी चढ़ाई तथा नदियों और अन्य जल निकायों को अधिक आसानी से पार करने में सक्षम बनाती हैं। ज़ोरावर टैंकों को सक्रिय सुरक्षा प्रणाली के साथ डिजाइन किया गया है, ताकि लड़ाकू वाहनों को टैंक रोधी निर्देशित मिसाइलों और प्रक्षेपास्त्रों से बचाया जा सके। यह टैंक वर्तमान में कमिंस इंजन द्वारा संचालित है और डीआरडीओ ने घरेलू स्तर पर एक नया इंजन विकसित करने के लिए एक परियोजना शुरू की है। ज़ारोवर का विकास किस कारण से हुआ? अगस्त 2020 में पैंगोंग त्सो के दक्षिणी तट पर कैलाश रेंज पर टकराव के बाद पूर्वी लद्दाख में चल रहे गतिरोध के चरम पर, भारत और चीन ने पर्वत चोटियों पर टैंक तैनात किए थे। चीन ने गतिरोध के दौरान पूर्वी लद्दाख में वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा पर तीसरी पीढ़ी के आधुनिक हल्के टैंक जेडटीक्यू 15 (टाइप 15), नवीनतम जेडटीएल-11 पहिए वाले बख्तरबंद कार्मिक वाहक और हमलावर वाहनों की एक श्रृंखला तैनात की है। चीनी हल्के टैंक, भारतीय सेना के रूसी मूल के भारी वजन वाले टी-72 और टी-90 टैंकों की तुलना में वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा (एलएसी) पर खड़ी चढ़ाई को अधिक आसानी से पार कर सकते हैं। गतिरोध के दौरान ही सेना को आसान तैनाती और गतिशीलता के लिए 15,000 फीट की ऊंचाई पर संचालित होने वाले एक हल्के टैंक की आवश्यकता महसूस हुई। अधिकारियों ने कहा कि जारोवार टैंक ऊंचाई के उच्च कोणों पर फायर करने में सक्षम होगा और सीमित तोपखाने की भूमिका निभाएगा तथा यह एक ऐसा हथियार है, जिससे बढ़ी हुई सामरिक और परिचालन गतिशीलता मिलेगी। स्रोत: Firstpost ज़ोंबी स्टार्टअप (ZOMBIE STARTUPS) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – अर्थशास्त्र प्रसंग: ट्विटर को टक्कर देने वाला भारतीय सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म Koo बंद हो गया है। इससे जॉम्बी स्टार्टअप का विषय एक बार फिर सुर्खियों में आ गया है। पृष्ठभूमि : एक समय भारी फंडिंग से संपन्न टेक स्टार्टअप अब “ज़ॉम्बी” में तब्दील हो रहे हैं। प्रमुख बिंदु- ऐसे स्टार्टअप जो तेजी के चक्र (boom cycle) के दौरान भारी मात्रा में धन

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   यूरोपीय मुक्त व्यापार संघ (EFTA) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंध संदर्भ: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री पीयूष गोयल द्विपक्षीय मुक्त व्यापार समझौते (एफटीए) के तहत चार देशों के यूरोपीय मुक्त व्यापार संघ (ईएफटीए) द्वारा भारत के लिए की गई 100 अरब डॉलर की निवेश प्रतिबद्धता को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए स्विट्जरलैंड का दौरा करेंगे। पृष्ठभूमि:- मार्च में भारत ने ईएफटीए के साथ जिस एफटीए पर हस्ताक्षर किए थे, उसमें भारत ने समूह के सदस्यों को टैरिफ रियायतों के बदले में अगले 15 वर्षों के लिए ईएफटीए से निवेश का वचन प्राप्त किया था। यूरोपीय मुक्त व्यापार संघ (EFTA) के बारे में: यूरोपीय मुक्त व्यापार संघ (EFTA) एक क्षेत्रीय व्यापार संगठन और मुक्त व्यापार क्षेत्र है जिसमें चार यूरोपीय राज्य: आइसलैंड, लिकटेंस्टीन, नॉर्वे और स्विट्जरलैंड शामिल हैं। यह संगठन यूरोपीय संघ (ईयू) के समानांतर काम करता है, और सभी चार सदस्य देश यूरोपीय एकल बाजार में भाग लेते हैं। हालाँकि, वे यूरोपीय संघ सीमा शुल्क संघ के सदस्य नहीं हैं। EFTA ऐतिहासिक रूप से दो प्रमुख पश्चिमी यूरोपीय व्यापार ब्लॉकों में से एक था, लेकिन अब यह बहुत छोटा हो गया है और अपने ऐतिहासिक प्रतिद्वंद्वी, यूरोपीय संघ के साथ निकटता से जुड़ा हुआ है। इसकी स्थापना 1960 में उन यूरोपीय राज्यों के लिए एक वैकल्पिक व्यापार ब्लॉक के रूप में की गई थी, जो यूरोपीय संघ के मुख्य पूर्ववर्ती, तत्कालीन यूरोपीय आर्थिक समुदाय (ईईसी) में शामिल होने में असमर्थ या अनिच्छुक थे। EFTA की स्थापना के लिए स्टॉकहोम कन्वेंशन (1960) पर 4 जनवरी 1960 को स्वीडिश राजधानी में सात देशों (जिन्हें “बाहरी सात : ऑस्ट्रिया, डेनमार्क, नॉर्वे, पुर्तगाल, स्वीडन, स्विट्जरलैंड और यूनाइटेड किंगडम)” के रूप में जाना जाता है, के द्वारा हस्ताक्षर किए गए थे। 1995 के बाद केवल दो संस्थापक सदस्य, नॉर्वे और स्विटजरलैंड बचे। बाकी पांच देश, ऑस्ट्रिया, डेनमार्क, पुर्तगाल, स्वीडन और यूनाइटेड किंगडम, बीच के वर्षों में यूरोपीय संघ में शामिल हो गए थे। प्रारंभिक स्टॉकहोम कन्वेंशन को वादुज़ कन्वेंशन (Vaduz Convention) द्वारा प्रतिस्थापित किया गया, जिसका उद्देश्य संगठन के सदस्य देशों और शेष विश्व के साथ व्यापार के विस्तार और उदारीकरण को जारी रखने के लिए एक सफल ढांचा प्रदान करना था। यद्यपि EFTA एक सीमा शुल्क संघ नहीं है और इसके सदस्य देशों को द्विपक्षीय तृतीय-देश व्यापार व्यवस्था में प्रवेश करने का पूर्ण अधिकार है, फिर भी इसकी एक समन्वित व्यापार नीति है। परिणामस्वरूप, इसके सदस्य देशों ने यूरोपीय संघ और कई अन्य देशों के साथ संयुक्त रूप से मुक्त व्यापार समझौते किये हैं। यूरोपीय संघ के एकल बाजार में भाग लेने के लिए, आइसलैंड, लिकटेंस्टीन और नॉर्वे यूरोपीय आर्थिक क्षेत्र (ईईए) पर समझौते के पक्षकार हैं, जिसका अनुपालन ईएफटीए निगरानी प्राधिकरण और ईएफटीए न्यायालय द्वारा विनियमित किया जाता है। इसके साथ, स्विट्जरलैंड ने यूरोपीय संघ और उसके सदस्य देशों के साथ कई बहुपक्षीय समझौते किए हैं। EFTA, EU से किस प्रकार भिन्न है? EFTA और EU दो अलग-अलग संस्थाएं हैं जिनके उद्देश्य और सदस्य देश अलग-अलग हैं। EFTA मुख्य रूप से अपने सदस्य देशों के बीच मुक्त व्यापार और आर्थिक सहयोग को बढ़ावा देने पर ध्यान केंद्रित करता है, तथा यूरोपीय संघ और तीसरे देशों के साथ समझौतों के माध्यम से व्यापार बाधाओं को कम करता है और आर्थिक संबंधों को बढ़ाता है। EFTA में निर्णय लेने में इसके सदस्य देशों के बीच आम सहमति शामिल होती है। यूरोपीय संघ (EU) में 27 सदस्य देश शामिल हैं और यह व्यापक राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सामाजिक एकीकरण उद्देश्यों पर जोर देता है। यूरोपीय संघ में निर्णय लेना अधिक जटिल है और इसमें यूरोपीय आयोग, यूरोपीय संसद और यूरोपीय परिषद जैसी संस्थाएँ शामिल हैं, जिनके कानून और नियम सभी सदस्य देशों पर बाध्यकारी हैं। स्रोत: Financial Express ऊपरी सियांग जलविद्युत परियोजना (UPPER SIANG HYDROPOWER PROJECT) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – CURRENT EVENT संदर्भ: अरुणाचल प्रदेश में ऊपरी सियांग जलविद्युत परियोजना के खिलाफ स्थानीय लोग विरोध प्रदर्शन कर रहे हैं। पृष्ठभूमि: अधिकारी इस परियोजना के लिए समर्थन जुटाने हेतु एक व्यापक जन संपर्क अभियान शुरू करने की प्रक्रिया में हैं। ऊपरी सियांग परियोजना के बारे में: ऊपरी सियांग परियोजना अरुणाचल प्रदेश के ऊपरी सियांग जिले में सियांग नदी पर प्रस्तावित 11,000 मेगावाट की जलविद्युत परियोजना है। सियांग नदी तिब्बत में कैलाश पर्वत के पास से निकलती है, जहाँ इसे त्सांगपो के नाम से जाना जाता है। यह 1,000 किलोमीटर से ज़्यादा पूर्व की ओर बहती है, और फिर ऊंची नमचा बरवा चोटी के चारों ओर घोड़े की नाल के आकार का मोड़ बनाती है, और सियांग के रूप में अरुणाचल प्रदेश में प्रवेश करती है। आगे की ओर, असम में, यह नदी विशाल ब्रह्मपुत्र बन जाती है। 2017 में, सरकार ने नियोजित 5,500 मेगावाट सियांग अपर स्टेज-I और 3,750 मेगावाट सियांग अपर स्टेज-II जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं को उच्च क्षमता की एकल, बहुउद्देश्यीय परियोजना – उपर्युक्त ऊपरी सियांग परियोजना – से प्रतिस्थापित करने का प्रस्ताव रखा था। राष्ट्रीय जलविद्युत निगम (एनएचपीसी) द्वारा निर्मित की जाने वाली इस परियोजना के पूरा होने पर 300 मीटर ऊंचा बांध बनाया जाएगा, जो उपमहाद्वीप का सबसे बड़ा बांध होगा। केंद्रीय विद्युत प्राधिकरण की 2022 की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, सियांग नदी बेसिन में 29 जलविद्युत परियोजनाएँ (25 मेगावाट से अधिक की स्थापित क्षमता) हैं, जिनकी संयुक्त स्थापित क्षमता 18,326 मेगावाट है। प्रस्तावित ऊपरी सियांग परियोजना की स्थापित क्षमता इस आंकड़े का लगभग 60% है। इसकी जलविद्युत क्षमता से अधिक, इस बांध को त्सांगपो पर चीन की जलविद्युत परियोजनाओं का मुकाबला करने के लिए एक रणनीतिक अनिवार्यता के रूप में पेश किया जा रहा है। चीन तिब्बत में अरुणाचल प्रदेश की सीमा पर 60,000 मेगावाट का ‘ सुपर डैम ‘ बनाने की योजना बना रहा है । सुपर डैम की स्थापित क्षमता विश्व  के सबसे बड़े हाइड्रोपावर स्टेशन – चीन के हुबेई प्रांत में यांग्त्ज़ी नदी पर बने थ्री गॉर्जेस डैम से लगभग तीन गुना ज़्यादा है। इसका इस्तेमाल चीन के पानी की कमी वाले उत्तरी क्षेत्रों में पानी को मोड़ने के लिए किया जाएगा । यदि चीन की बांध परियोजना साकार होती है तो ऊपरी सियांग परियोजना संभावित रूप से कम हो रहे प्रवाह के प्रभावों का मुकाबला करने के लिए एक जलाशय के रूप में कार्य करेगी। पर्यावरण एवं सामाजिक सरोकार कार्यकर्ताओं को चिंता है

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   UMLING LA Syllabus Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: A Bengaluru-based firm has claimed to have successfully tested a 100-kg Max Take Off Weight (MTOW) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at Ladakh’s Umling La pass Background:- If proved workable, it can give a huge boost to support logistics carriage, disaster and rescue events and medical relief in the higher regions of J&K, Uttarakhand, and the North Eastern states. About UMLING LA  :  Umling La or Umlung La is the highest paved road and mountain pass in the world, located in Ladakh, India. The Umling La pass is traversed by a road between Chisumle and Demchok, also called the Umling La Road, which ascends to a height of 5799 metres (19024 feet) in the vicinity of the pass. Chisumle-Demchok road/Umling La Road A 52-kilometre paved road was constructed between the villages of Chisumle and Demchok by the Border Roads Organization of India. The elevation at Umling La surpassed the record previously held by the 18,953-foot Uturuncu volcano road, Bolivia, making it the world’s highest motorable road and pass. It is higher than Everest Base Camp, and over half the cruising altitude of commercial jet airlines. This seemingly impossible feat has been achieved by the BRO (Border Road Organization) as part of “Project Himank”. Source: Indian Express CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The Supreme Court recently upheld the maintainability of a suit filed by the State of West Bengal accusing the Centre of “constitutional overreach” and violation of federalism by unilaterally employing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) without the State’s prior consent. Background: West Bengal had withdrawn its general consent to CBI investigations way back on November 16, 2018. About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), functioning under Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India, is the premier investigating police agency in India. It is also the nodal police agency in India, which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries. History of CBI The Central Bureau of Investigation traces its origin to the Special Police Establishment (SPE) which was set up in 1941 by the Government of India. The functions of the SPE then were to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions with the War & Supply Dept. Of India during World War II. Even after the end of the War, the need for a Central Government agency to investigate cases of bribery and corruption by Central Government employees was felt. The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act was therefore brought into force in 1946. Delhi Special Police Establishment Act CBI derives power to investigate from theDelhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Section 2 of the Act vests DSPE with jurisdiction to investigate offences in the Union Territories only. However, the jurisdiction can be extended by the Central Government to other areas including Railway areas and States under Section 5(1) of the Act, provided the State Government accords consent under Section 6 of the Act. As per Section 3 of the Act, Special Police Establishment is authorised to investigate only those cases, which are notified by the Central Government from time to time. The DSPE acquired its popular current name, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), through a Home Ministry resolution in As the CBI, over the years, established a reputation for impartiality and competence, demands were made on it to take up investigation of more cases of conventional crime such as murder, kidnapping, terrorist crime, etc. Apart from this, even the Supreme court and the various High Courts of the country also started entrusting such cases for investigation to the CBI on petitions filed by aggrieved parties. Source: Hindu FRENCH REVOLUTION AND THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – POLITY Context: The taking of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 signalled the beginning of the French Revolution.French Revolution has inspired the Indian Constituent Assembly. Background: A year ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the Bastille Day celebrations in France on July 14, 2023. The Prime Minister was on a state visit and shared the dais with then French President Emmanuel Macron. What is Bastille Day Bastille Day is celebrated in France as the beginning of the French Revolution in which the Regime of the absolutist Bourbon monarchy was overthrown in favour of Republicanism. On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris broke the walls of Bastille Prison and freed the inmates. This was seen as the ultimate end of the power of monarchy. Later, a National Assembly was set up which declared the Rights of Man and Citizen in August. It was here that we hear and see for the first-time the ideals of the French Republic-“Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). India and the French revolution India, like several other countries that underwent decolonization, embraced the slogan dearly and was inspired by the French Revolution since the time of British occupation. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore in the late eighteenth century, is famous for planting the Tree of Liberty in his capital Seringapatam and calling himself  ‘Citizen Tipoo’. Later on, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the first few lines of the Preamble to India’s Constitution from the French Revolution. The Preamble grants the Liberty- of thoughts, expression, belief, faith and worship, Equality of – status and opportunity (to its citizens), and, to promote among them all, Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. The idea of Republic By overthrowing its monarchy, the French broke the myth of the invincibility of monarchies across the world. Republic means reserving the highest office of the state for an elected representative, symbolising governance by the people themselves. The Constituent Assembly on the Preamble began its debates in October 1949. Many members wanted the inclusion of ‘God’ or ‘Gandhi’ in the Preamble. Eventually, it was all negated in favour of the version submitted by the Drafting Committee of the Assembly. The idea of Equality was already codified by this time. Articles 14,15,16 and numerous others had reasonably demonstrated it. For instance, India abolished titles (Article

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   VIBRANT VILLAGES PROGRAMME Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reviewed the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme. Background:- Vibrant Villages Programme was first announced in the 2022 Budget. The programme’s targets are to provide comprehensive development of villages on the border with China and improvement in the quality of life of people living in identified border villages. About Vibrant Villages Programme Government approved Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in February 2023, with  financial outlay of ₹4800 crore for the FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. It aims for comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts abutting northern border in the States of  Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh. The objective of the programme is comprehensive development of these villages to improve the quality of life of people & thereby reversing outmigration. The programme envisages focused areas of interventions in the select villages for creation of opportunities for livelihood generation through promotion of tourism & cultural heritage, skill development & entrepreneurship and development of cooperative societies including agriculture/horticulture, cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs etc. the interventions also include providing road connectivity to unconnected villages, housing & village infrastructures, energy including renewable energy, television & telecom connectivity. VVP has been conceived as an outcome oriented programme with outcome indicators at three levels- village, household & individual beneficiary. Source: Business Standard WHY IS MILITANCY ON THE RISE IN JAMMU? Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: On July 8, militants ambushed two Army vehicles in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, killing five soldiers and injuring five others. This was the fifth terror attack in the Jammu division since June 9, resulting in the deaths of eight security personnel and 10 civilians. Background: The recent attacks suggest a renewed effort to revive militancy in Jammu over the past three years, particularly in the Chenab Valley (Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi) and south of the Pir Panjal (Rajouri, Poonch). While Kashmir Valley has long seen terror incidents, the resurgence in Jammu, a region largely free of such violence for two decades, has alarmed the security establishment. This area was a militant hotspot in the late 1990s and early 2000s. What does the data show? Since 2021, the Jammu region has witnessed 31 terror incidents in which 47 security forces and 19 civilians have been killed. 48 terrorists were also killed in various encounters. The Kashmir Valley, meanwhile, reported 263 terror incidents in which 68 security forces and 75 civilians were killed. As many as 417 terrorists have also been killed in the Valley since 2021. Even though the incidents in Jammu remain far fewer than in the Valley, it is the frequency and the nature of attacks, targeting pilgrims and security forces that is worrying. What could be the possible reasons? After the 2020 Galwan clashes in eastern Ladakh, a large contingent of the Army was pulled out of Jammu and deployed along the China border. This led to the thinning of the security grid, making the area vulnerable. Inimical elements in the neighbourhood want to engage and exhaust India at both the fronts — the western (Pakistan) and northern (China) borders as part of a design, according to experts. As there is a heightened state of alert in the Kashmir Valley and little leg room for state-sponsored terrorists, it is convenient to launch terror attacks in Jammu where the guard is relatively down. Post-reading down of Article 370 in J&K in 2019, and based on indicators such as zero stone-throwing events, no strikes, and a boom in tourism, the government has claimed huge success in the Kashmir Valley in terms of the overall security scenario. Reviving terrorism in Jammu upsets this narrative. The demography of the area is such that the attacks could flare up communal tensions too, leading to social unrest. How is the infiltration happening? The 192-km international border (IB) along Jammu is secured by the Border Security Force (BSF) while the 740-km Line of Control (LoC), the effective border in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu, is under the operational control of the Army. Though measures are in place, tough terrain and forested areas along the LoC and vulnerable patches along the IB may have been used for fresh infiltration. Source: Hindu EXERCISE PITCH BLACK Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to  participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. Background: This edition is slated to be the largest in the 43 year long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces. About Exercise Pitch Black Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exercise is normally held in Northern Australia, primarily at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal. The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in a simulated war environment. The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas. The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and building strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment. The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise. Source: PIB SALVINIA MOLESTA Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: An exotic beetle released into a vast reservoir in Betul district (Madhya Pradesh) has successfully eradicated an invasive weed species, Salvinia molesta, within 18 months. Background: Cyrtobagus salvinia, the exotic beetle , was imported to India after thorough research and with the necessary governmental approvals. Within 15 to 18 months, its population multiplied significantly, effectively consuming and destroying the weed. SALVINIA MOLESTA : Salvinia molesta, commonly known as giant salvinia, or as kariba weed after it infested a large portion of Lake Kariba between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is an aquatic fern, native to south-eastern Brazil. It is a free-floating plant that does not

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   उमलिंग ला (UMLING LA) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक परीक्षा – भूगोल संदर्भ: बेंगलुरु स्थित एक फर्म ने लद्दाख के उमलिंग ला दर्रे पर 100 किलोग्राम के अधिकतम टेक ऑफ वेट (MTOW) के साथ मानव रहित हवाई वाहन (यूएवी) का सफलतापूर्वक परीक्षण करने का दावा किया है। पृष्ठभूमि:- यदि यह कारगर साबित हुआ तो इससे जम्मू-कश्मीर, उत्तराखंड और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों के ऊंचे क्षेत्रों में रसद परिवहन, आपदा और बचाव तथा चिकित्सा राहत में भारी मदद मिल सकती है। उमलिंग ला के बारे में: उमलिंग ला या उमलुंग ला भारत के लद्दाख में स्थित विश्व की सबसे ऊंची पक्की सड़क और पर्वतीय दर्रा है। उमलिंग ला दर्रे को चिसुमले और डेमचोक के बीच एक सड़क द्वारा पार किया जाता है, जिसे उमलिंग ला रोड भी कहा जाता है, जो दर्रे के आसपास 5799 मीटर (19024 फीट) की ऊंचाई तक जाती है। चिसुमले-डेमचोक रोड/उमलिंग ला रोड भारतीय सीमा सड़क संगठन द्वारा चिसुमले और डेमचोक गांवों के बीच 52 किलोमीटर पक्की सड़क का निर्माण किया गया। उमलिंग ला की ऊंचाई ने बोलीविया के 18,953 फुट ऊंचे उटुरूनकू ज्वालामुखी मार्ग के रिकार्ड को पीछे छोड़ दिया है, जिससे यह विश्व का सबसे ऊंचा वाहन योग्य मार्ग और दर्रा बन गया है। यह एवरेस्ट बेस कैंप से भी अधिक ऊंचा है, तथा वाणिज्यिक जेट एयरलाइनों की उड़ान की ऊंचाई के आधे से भी अधिक है। यह असंभव प्रतीत होने वाली उपलब्धि बीआरओ (सीमा सड़क संगठन) द्वारा “प्रोजेक्ट हिमांक” के भाग के रूप में हासिल की गई है। स्रोत: Indian Express केंद्रीय अन्वेषण/ जांच ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – राजनीति संदर्भ: सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने हाल ही में पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य द्वारा दायर एक मुकदमे की स्वीकार्यता को बरकरार रखा, जिसमें केंद्र पर राज्य की पूर्व सहमति के बिना एकतरफा केंद्रीय जांच ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) को नियुक्त करके “संवैधानिक अतिक्रमण” और संघवाद के उल्लंघन का आरोप लगाया गया था। पृष्ठभूमि: पश्चिम बंगाल ने 16 नवंबर, 2018 को सीबीआई जांच के लिए अपनी सामान्य सहमति वापस ले ली थी। केंद्रीय अन्वेषण ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) के बारे में केंद्रीय अन्वेषण ब्यूरो (सीबीआई), कार्मिक विभाग, कार्मिक मंत्रालय, पेंशन एवं लोक शिकायत, भारत सरकार के अधीन कार्यरत, भारत की प्रमुख जांच पुलिस एजेंसी है। यह भारत में नोडल पुलिस एजेंसी भी है, जो इंटरपोल सदस्य देशों की ओर से जांच का समन्वय करती है। सीबीआई का इतिहास केंद्रीय अन्वेषण ब्यूरो की उत्पत्ति विशेष पुलिस प्रतिष्ठान (एसपीई) से मानी जाती है, जिसकी स्थापना 1941 में भारत सरकार द्वारा की गई थी। उस समय एसपीई का कार्य द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के दौरान भारत के युद्ध एवं आपूर्ति विभाग के साथ लेनदेन में रिश्वतखोरी और भ्रष्टाचार के मामलों की जांच करना था। युद्ध की समाप्ति के बाद भी, केंद्र सरकार के कर्मचारियों द्वारा रिश्वतखोरी और भ्रष्टाचार के मामलों की जांच के लिए एक केंद्रीय सरकारी एजेंसी की आवश्यकता महसूस की गई। इसलिए 1946 में दिल्ली विशेष पुलिस स्थापना अधिनियम लागू किया गया। दिल्ली विशेष पुलिस स्थापना (डीएसपीई) अधिनियम सीबीआई को दिल्ली विशेष पुलिस स्थापना अधिनियम, 1946 से जांच करने की शक्ति प्राप्त होती है। अधिनियम की धारा 2 डीएसपीई को केवल केंद्र शासित प्रदेशों में अपराधों की जांच करने का अधिकार देती है। हालाँकि, केंद्र सरकार द्वारा अधिनियम की धारा 5(1) के तहत रेलवे क्षेत्रों और राज्यों सहित अन्य क्षेत्रों तक अधिकार क्षेत्र बढ़ाया जा सकता है, बशर्ते राज्य सरकार अधिनियम की धारा 6 के तहत सहमति दे। अधिनियम की धारा 3 के अनुसार, विशेष पुलिस स्थापना केवल उन्हीं मामलों की जांच करने के लिए अधिकृत है, जिन्हें केंद्र सरकार द्वारा समय-समय पर अधिसूचित किया जाता है। डीएसपीई को अपना लोकप्रिय वर्तमान नाम, केंद्रीय अन्वेषण ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) 1963 में गृह मंत्रालय के एक प्रस्ताव के माध्यम से प्राप्त हुआ। चूंकि सीबीआई ने पिछले कुछ वर्षों में निष्पक्षता और क्षमता के लिए प्रतिष्ठा स्थापित की है, इसलिए उससे पारंपरिक अपराध जैसे हत्या, अपहरण, आतंकवादी अपराध आदि के अधिक मामलों की जांच करने की मांग की गई। इसके अलावा, सर्वोच्च न्यायालय और देश के विभिन्न उच्च न्यायालयों ने भी पीड़ित पक्षों द्वारा दायर याचिकाओं पर ऐसे मामलों की जांच सीबीआई को सौंपना शुरू कर दिया है। स्रोत: Hindu फ्रांसीसी क्रांति और भारतीय संविधान पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – राजनीति प्रसंग: 14 जुलाई 1789 को बास्तील पर कब्ज़ा करने के साथ फ्रांसीसी क्रांति की शुरुआत हुई। फ्रांसीसी क्रांति ने भारतीय संविधान सभा को भी प्रेरित किया। पृष्ठभूमि : एक साल पहले, प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने 14 जुलाई 2023 को फ्रांस में बास्तील दिवस समारोह में भाग लिया था। प्रधानमंत्री राजकीय यात्रा पर थे और उन्होंने तत्कालीन फ्रांसीसी राष्ट्रपति इमैनुएल मैक्रों के साथ मंच साझा किया था। बास्तील दिवस क्या है? बास्तील दिवस फ्रांस में फ्रांसीसी क्रांति की शुरुआत के रूप में मनाया जाता है, जिसमें निरंकुश बोरबोन राजशाही को गणतंत्रवाद के पक्ष में उखाड़ फेंका गया था। 14 जुलाई 1789 को पेरिस के लोगों ने बास्तील जेल की दीवारें तोड़कर कैदियों को आज़ाद कर दिया। इसे राजशाही की सत्ता के अंतिम अंत के रूप में देखा गया। बाद में, एक राष्ट्रीय सभा की स्थापना की गई जिसने अगस्त में मनुष्य और नागरिक के अधिकारों की घोषणा की। यहीं पर हमने पहली बार फ्रांसीसी गणराज्य के आदर्शों- “लिबर्टे, इगैलिटे, फ्रेटरनिटे” (स्वतंत्रता, समानता, बंधुत्व) को सुना और देखा। भारत और फ्रांसीसी क्रांति भारत ने, उपनिवेशवाद से मुक्ति पाने वाले कई अन्य देशों की तरह, इस नारे को दिल से अपनाया और ब्रिटिश कब्जे के समय से ही फ्रांसीसी क्रांति से प्रेरित रहा। अठारहवीं शताब्दी के अंत में मैसूर के शासक टीपू सुल्तान अपनी राजधानी श्रीरंगपट्टनम में स्वतंत्रता का वृक्ष लगाने और स्वयं को ‘नागरिक टीपू’ कहलाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध हैं। बाद में, भारतीय संविधान सभा ने फ्रांसीसी क्रांति से प्राप्त तत्वों को भारतीय संविधान की प्रस्तावना की पहली कुछ पंक्तियों में अपनाया। प्रस्तावना विचार, अभिव्यक्ति, विश्वास, धर्म और उपासना की स्वतंत्रता, (अपने नागरिकों को) स्थिति और अवसर की समानता प्रदान करती है, तथा उन सभी के बीच व्यक्ति की गरिमा और राष्ट्र की एकता और अखंडता का आश्वासन देते हुए बंधुत्व को बढ़ावा देती है। गणतंत्र का विचार राजशाही को उखाड़ फेंककर, फ्रांसीसियों ने विश्व भर में राजशाही की अजेयता के मिथक को तोड़ दिया। गणतंत्र का अर्थ राज्य के सर्वोच्च पद को

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   PRADHAN MANTRI SCHOOLS FOR RISING INDIA (PM-SHRI) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Education Ministry has stopped funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the flagship school education programme, to Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal because of their reluctance to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. Background:- Delhi and Punjab refused to participate since the two states, ruled by the Aam Aadmi Party, already run a similar scheme for exemplar schools called “Schools of Eminence”. West Bengal opposed prefixing “PM-SHRI” to the names of their schools. About Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) The PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Government of India. Its objective is to establish over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, overseen by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local bodies, as well as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). These schools aim to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for every student, ensuring their well-being and providing a secure and enriching learning environment. The goal is to offer a diverse range of learning experiences and ensure access to good physical infrastructure and appropriate resources for all students. These schools will not only focus on enhancing cognitive development but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills. The pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly in the foundational years), inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable. The focus will be on the learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based. PM SHRI Schools will help showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerge as exemplar Schools over a period of time. Source: Business Standard TIRZEPATIDE Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The development of various weight loss drugs has revolutionized obesity treatment, particularly in the west. However, these drugs have yet to become available in India due to pending regulatory clearances and high demand abroad. This may soon change, as last week, for the first time, an expert committee of India’s drug regulator approved the drug tirzepatide. Background: Following a review of the expert committees recommendation, the regulator is expected to give final approval, allowing the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, to launch the product in the Indian market. Diabetes drug for weight loss In 2017, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, with the active ingredient semaglutide, to manage type 2 diabetes. Soon, doctors in the US saw an interesting side-effect — weight loss. They started prescribing Ozempic off-label (the practice of prescribing a drug for a different purpose than what has been approved) to treat obesity. This made Novo Nordisk explore semaglutide as a weight loss drug for people without diabetes. In 2021, the company released Wegovy, a semaglutide injection, as an FDA-approved obesity treatment. The key difference between Ozempic and Wegovy: the maximum approved dose of semaglutide is slightly higher with Wegovy than Ozempic. In November 2023, Eli Lilly, another US pharma major, got FDA approval for the drug Zepbound to treat obesity. This came just over a year after its type 2 diabetes medication, Mounjaro, was launched. Like Ozempic, Mounjaro too led to weight loss among users, and began to see rampant off-label use. Zepbound and Mounjaro contain tirzepatide as the active ingredient. Both face shortages in the global market. Semaglutide vs tirzepatide The FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults. These drugs can be prescribed to those who are obese (with a body mass index of over 30), or overweight (with a BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one other health condition related to their weight (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes). Both are administered as under-the-skin injections, and are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are polypeptides, small proteins that boost the levels of naturally-occurring hormones in the body, including that of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), which control weight through the brain and digestive tract. Higher GLP-1 levels, released in the gut, spark a reaction by stimulating neurons that alter gut function, leading to a sense of fullness. This process also taps into a brain mechanism that lights up neural pathways, triggering the sensation of satiety — the feeling of being satisfied and having had enough to eat. They also help manage glucose levels, making them an effective treatment for diabetes. Semaglutide only targets GLP-1 receptors. On the other hand, tirzepatide also boosts a second hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The GIP also regulates weight through receptors in brain and fat cells. Source: Indian Express ROSEWOOD Syllabus Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has issued guidelines for its members involved in the sustainable harvest and trade of rosewood specimens. Background: CITES oversees the international trade of various rosewood species, including those in the genera Dalbergia, Afzelia, Khaya and Pterocarpus. Currently, these species are listed in Appendix II, indicating they are not immediately threatened with extinction but could be at risk if their trade is not regulated. About Rosewood: Genuine rosewoods belong to the genus Dalbergia. The pre-eminent rosewood appreciated in the Western world is the wood of Dalbergia nigra. It is best known as “Brazilian rosewood”. This wood has a strong, sweet smell, which persists for many years, explaining the name rosewood. Another classic rosewood comes from Dalbergia latifolia, known as Indian rosewood. It is native to low-elevation tropical monsoon forests of south east India. It grows as both an evergreen and a deciduous tree in the deciduous monsoon forests of India. The tree produces a hard, durable, heavy wood that, when properly cured, is durable and resistant to rot and insects. Wood from the tree is used in premium furniture making and cabinetry, guitar bodies and fretboards, exotic veneers, carvings, boats, skis,