UPSC: Raja Raja Chola I, Samos Island, NMNF, ONOS, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Raja Raja Chola I

News: The birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I is celebrated every year during the Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu.
Birth and Early Life: Raja Raja Chola I, originally named Arulmozhi Varman, was born in 947 CE. He grew to become one of the most revered and visionary rulers in Indian history.
Legacy and Title: Known as “Raja Raja the Great,” he inherited the legacy of his ancestors and established a powerful empire that thrived both militarily and culturally.

Duration of Reign: Raja Raja Chola I ruled from 985 to 1014 CE. His reign was distinguished by military achievements and a progressive administrative vision.
Military Conquests: Raja Raja expanded the Chola Empire well beyond South India, extending its territories from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north.
Naval Campaigns: He launched successful naval campaigns that led to the capture of the Malabar Coast, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
Titles and Achievements:
- Titles Acquired: After his defeat of the Pandyas, Raja Raja Chola took the title Pandya Kulashani, meaning “a thunderbolt to the race of the Pandyas.”
  He also adopted the title Mummudi Chola, which translates to “the Chola who wears the three crowns.”
- Construction of Brihadisvara Temple: In 1010, Raja Raja commissioned the construction of the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple became a center for both religious and economic activity within his empire.
Cultural Contributions:
During his reign, Raja Raja ordered the collection and editing of the works of Tamil poets like Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar, resulting in a compilation known as the Thirumurai, which preserved the sacred Tamil hymns.

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Samos Island

News: A Greek coast guard ship took part in a search-and-rescue operation following a shipwreck where at least eight migrants drowned off the island of Samos, Greece.
Location: Samos is a Greek island situated in the eastern Aegean Sea, close to Turkey. It lies merely 1,700 meters from the Asia Minor Turkish coast.
Size and Terrain: Covering an area of 478 square kilometers, Samos is among the largest and easternmost Greek islands. The island features steep mountain ranges, sandy beaches, clear azure waters, olive groves, and lush pine forests.

Highest Peak: Mount Kerketeus, standing at 1,433 meters, marks the island’s western tip.
Climate: Samos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The island is home to the Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, significant ancient landmarks. The Eupalin Aqueduct, a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, is part of this heritage site.
Famous Birthplaces:
- Samos is the birthplace of the renowned philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, known for the Pythagorean theorem.
- It is also the home of Aristarchus, a pioneering ancient astronomer who proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system around 500 BCE.

UPSC GS 2

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

News: The Union Cabinet has approved the launching of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Objective: Aims to encourage chemical-free natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge through integrated and diversified crop systems, ensuring sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Key Features:
- Duration: The mission will be implemented up to the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).
- Implementation Goals:
  i) Form 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats within two years.
  ii) Cover 1 crore farmers and introduce natural farming on 7.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
  iii) Establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to ensure accessibility to natural farming inputs.
- Monitoring Mechanism: Real-time monitoring will be facilitated through a geo-tagged online portal.
- Convergence with Existing Schemes: Leverages existing government programs to enhance livestock populations, establish NF demonstration farms, and strengthen marketing networks.
- Educational Integration:
  i) Engages students through the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program.
  ii) Introduces undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses focusing on Natural Farming.
Support and Resources:
- Demonstration Farms and Training:
  i) Create 2,000 Natural Farming Model Demonstration Farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.
  ii) Train 18.75 lakh farmers in techniques like preparing Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
  iii) Involve 30,000 Krishi Sakhis and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) to spread awareness and provide support.
- Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs): These centers will offer ready-to-use natural farming inputs, including Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, while promoting local livestock for bio-input production.
- Market Linkages:
  i) Simplify the certification process and introduce common branding for natural farming produce.
  ii) Strengthen market access through coordination with local markets, APMC Mandis, Haats, and Depots.
Environmental and Health Benefits:
- Soil and Ecosystem Health: Enhances soil fertility, carbon content, and water-use efficiency while supporting soil microorganisms and biodiversity.
- Climate Resilience: Builds agricultural resilience to challenges like waterlogging, floods, and droughts.
- Health and Nutrition: Reduces farmers’ exposure to harmful fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring nutritious food for families and consumers.

One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)

News: The Union Cabinet has approved One Nation One Subscription, a new Central Sector Scheme for providing country-wide access to scholarly research articles and journal publication.
Overview:
- The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme is a central sector initiative.
- Its purpose is to offer nationwide access to international scholarly research articles and journal publications to students, faculty members, and researchers in government-managed higher education and research institutions.
- It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which underscores research as a core component of quality education.

Implementation and Coordination:
- Coordinating Agency: The scheme will be managed by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Coverage: Over 6,300 government higher education institutions and central government R&D institutions will be included.
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 1.8 crore students, faculty, researchers, and scientists from various disciplines, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, will benefit from the initiative.
Features:
- Journal Access: Provides access to around 13,000 e-journals from 30 major international journal publishers.
- Unified Portal: A dedicated portal, “One Nation One Subscription,” will be developed to facilitate digital and user-friendly access to the journals for all participating institutions.
- Review and Monitoring: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically review the scheme to monitor usage and track publications by Indian authors affiliated with participating institutions.
Key Objectives:
- Support for Research and Development: Expands access to critical research resources, promoting a culture of innovation and high-impact research.
- Alignment with National Goals: Contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering excellence in research.
- Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research: Encourages both core and interdisciplinary research across diverse disciplines and regions.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Ensures equitable access to world-class academic resources, bridging the knowledge divide for institutions in smaller cities and towns.

Atal Innovation Mission

News: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of its flagship initiative, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under the aegis of NITI Aayog, with an enhanced scope of work and an allocated budget of Rs.2,750 crore for the period till March 31, 2028.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Launched in 2016, AIM is a flagship initiative of NITI Aayog aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors such as schools, educational institutions, research organizations, and industries, including MSMEs.

Core Functions of AIM: AIM has two main functions:
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: It encourages innovators to transition into entrepreneurs by providing financial support and mentorship.
- Promoting Innovation: It creates platforms where individuals can collaborate and generate innovative ideas.
Key Programs under AIM: AIM has developed several programs to support innovation and entrepreneurship:
- Atal Tinkering Labs: These labs aim to foster creativity and innovation in schools.
- Atal Incubation Centres: These centres support startups and entrepreneurs by providing infrastructure, mentorship, and financial assistance.
- Atal New India Challenges and Atal Grand Challenges: These programs are designed to promote innovation in sectors crucial for India’s development.
- Mentor India: A program aimed at connecting experienced professionals with innovators and entrepreneurs to provide guidance.
Collaborations: AIM actively seeks partnerships with academic institutions, industries, NGOs, and individuals to create a conducive environment for innovation.
Monitoring and Management: All AIM initiatives are monitored and managed through real-time Management Information Systems (MIS) and dynamic dashboards to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

UPSC GS 3

India Employment Report 2024

News: The India Employment Report 2024, jointly released by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), underscores notable advancements in India’s employment landscape.
Major Findings of the Report:
Global Youth Unemployment Trends:
- In 2021, the global youth unemployment rate stood at 15.6%, as per the ILO’s Global Report Trends for Youth, 2022.
- By 2023, the rate decreased to 13.3%, according to the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024.
Youth Unemployment in India:
- As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15–29) was recorded at 10.2% in 2023–24, which is below the global average.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
- The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth in India improved significantly, rising from 31.4% in 2017–18 to 41.7% in 2023–24, reflecting an increase in employment opportunities.
Growth in Formal Sector Employment:
- In 2023–24, over 1.3 crore net subscribers joined the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
- Between September 2017 and August 2024, a total of 7.03 crore net subscribers were added to the EPFO, showcasing a trend toward formalization of employment.
About the Institute for Human Development (IHD):
- The Institute for Human Development (IHD), established in 1998, is a premier research organization in India focused on labor, employment, and socio-economic development.
- IHD undertakes studies on topics such as informal labor, migration, social protection, and human development, offering policy recommendations to tackle issues of inequality and poverty.
- It is renowned for its flagship publication, the India Human Development Report, and collaborates with both national and international institutions to promote inclusive growth.

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Facts for Prelims

National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) for 2024

News: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) recently announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) for 2024.
Definition: The National Gopal Ratna Award is among the most prestigious awards in India’s livestock and dairy sector.
Occasion: The awards are presented as part of the celebrations for National Milk Day.
Objective: The awards aim to recognize and promote excellence in the livestock and dairy sector. They encourage individuals and organizations involved in:
- Rearing indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.
- Artificial Insemination (AI) services.
- Dairy cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies, and Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations.
Categories of the Award:
- Best Dairy Farmer Rearing Indigenous Cattle/Buffalo Breeds: Recognizes farmers excelling in breeding and maintaining indigenous livestock.
- Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT): Honours AI technicians for their outstanding contribution to livestock breeding.
- Best Dairy Cooperative/Milk Producer Company/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization: Awards organizations for significant achievements in dairy production and development.
Special Inclusion for the North Eastern Region (NER): From 2024, a special category has been introduced to recognize and encourage contributions in all three award categories from the North Eastern Region. This aims to bolster dairy development initiatives in the NER states.