UPSC GS 1
Dr Harekrushna Mahatab
- News: The Odisha government has announced a year of celebrations for the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab, a former Chief Minister of the state.
- Early Life and Family:
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- Born on November 21, 1899, in Agarapada, Bhadrak district (then Balasore district).
- Parents: Krushan Charan Das and Topha Bibi.
- Adopted by his maternal grandfather, Jagannath Mahatab, the Maharaja of Agarpada, and his wife, Rani Dhani Bibi.
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- Involvement in Utkal Sammilani:
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- Harekrushna Mahatab joined Utkal Sammilani in 1918, a social and cultural organization founded by Madhusudan Das in 1903.
- The Sammilani aimed to campaign for a separate Odisha province and promote social and industrial development.
- The organization supported the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, led by Mahatma Gandhi, where Mahatab actively participated.
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- Role in the Freedom Struggle:
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- He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi during his student days at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
- Held positions in the Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee and the Congress Working Committee.
- Led the Praja Mandal Movement (Gadjat Praja Movement) in the 1920s, a people’s movement against local aristocrats and the British.
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- Political Leadership:
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- He was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India from Odisha as Independence neared.
- He served as the last Prime Minister of Odisha (1946-1950).
- He became Chief Minister of Odisha from 1956 to 1961.
- He served in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet.
- He was appointed as the Governor of Bombay province in 1955.
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- Key Contributions as Chief Minister:
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- He has been recognised as the architect of modern Orissa.
- Credited with the integration of 26 Odia-speaking princely states with Odisha.
- Played a pivotal role in moving Odisha’s capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar in 1949.
- Pioneered major infrastructure projects, including the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
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- Role in the Indian National Congress:
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- Elevated to Vice President of the Indian National Congress in 1966.
- Founded his own political party, the Orissa Jana Congress.
- Elected thrice to the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
- Imprisoned in 1976 for opposing Indira Gandhi’s Emergency.
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- Literary and Cultural Contributions:
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- Founded the newspaper Prajatantra in 1923, which is still published and now edited by his son, Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJP MP from Cuttack.
- Known as a prolific writer and referred to as “Utkal Keshari” for his contributions to Odisha’s cultural and political landscape.
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- Historic Achievement in Broadcasting:
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- First Indian to be broadcasted on BBC, London, during the Commonwealth Supply Ministers’ Conference in October 1951.
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- Death and Legacy:
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- Passed away on January 2, 1987.
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National Education Day
- News: November 11 is observed as National Education Day, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first education minister.
- National Education Day:
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- Every year on November 11, India observes National Education Day to honor the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country’s first Education Minister.
- This day is dedicated to recognizing Azad’s immense contributions to India’s education system and celebrating his lasting legacy in Indian education.
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- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Vision:
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- As India’s first Education Minister, Azad played a key role in shaping the country’s educational landscape after independence.
- Azad founded the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to promote and regulate high standards in technical education across India.
- He established the University Grants Commission (UGC) to oversee university education and maintain academic quality in higher education.
- Azad initiated the creation of India’s first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Kharagpur, setting a precedent for excellence in technical education in India.
- For his exceptional contributions to education and national service, Maulana Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1992.
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Tulsi Vivah
- News: Tulsi Vivah fell on November 12 this year, which is the Kartik shukla paksha ekadashi, or the 11th day of the waxing-moon fortnight of the month of Kartik.
- Ritual Significance of Tulsi Vivah:
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- Tulsi Vivah celebrates the marriage of Tulsi, the holy basil plant (scientific name Ocimum sanctum), to Shaligram, a revered black stone that represents Lord Vishnu.
- The ritual holds immense religious significance, as Tulsi is considered a divine plant and is highly revered in Hindu culture.
- According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi is believed to have been Vrinda in a previous birth, the daughter of an asura (demon) named Kaalnemi.
- Vrinda was married to the powerful demon Jalandhar, who was born from water and possessed immense strength.
- The marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram is symbolic of Vrinda’s union with Lord Vishnu, signifying the triumph of devotion and purity.
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- Shaligram: The Sacred Stone:
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- Shaligram is a black stone found primarily in the Gandaki River in Nepal and is considered a representation of Lord Vishnu.
- Shaligram stones are fossilized remains of ammonite, an ancient type of mollusk.
- Based on data from the Geological Survey of India, Shaligram stones date back specifically to the Early Oxfordian to Late Tithonian ages, near the end of the Jurassic Period, around 165-140 million years ago.
- The distinct markings found on Shaligram stones are believed to represent Lord Vishnu’s discus, adding to its sacred significance in Hinduism.
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Sirpur Lake
- News: In compliance with the National Green Tribunal’s order, a team from the Indore Municipal Corporation recently removed encroachments and 30 stalls from the catchment area of Sirpur Lake.
- Location and History:
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- Sirpur Lake is a human-made wetland situated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- The 670-acre lake, constructed over 130 years ago by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar, was designed to provide a water supply for the city of Indore.
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- Historical Significance: References to Sirpur Lake can be found in the Indore City Gazette of 1908, where it is noted for its role in water supply and recreational activities.
- Ecological Characteristics:
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- The lake is shallow, alkaline, and nutrient-rich, with its water levels rising during the monsoon season.
- It features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, shrub forests, grasslands, tall trees, as well as shallow and deeper water zones.
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- Fauna:
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- Sirpur Lake is home to 189 species of birds from 55 families, making it one of the few remaining bird-watching sites where water birds can be observed within city limits.
- Commonly sighted species include the painted stork, bar-headed goose, Eurasian wigeon, and several varieties of egrets, herons, and kingfishers.
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- Conservation Status: Sirpur Lake was officially designated as a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention on January 7, 2022, highlighting its ecological importance.
UPSC GS 2
Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
- News: The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) organised the 25th Meeting of the SATRC-25 in New Delhi, India from November 11 to 13.
- About Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT):
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- Established in February 1979, the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to advancing ICT development across the Asia-Pacific region.
- APT was initiated through a collaborative effort between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- The APT includes 38 Member countries, 4 Associate Members, and over 140 Affiliate Members from private companies and academic institutions engaged in ICT-related activities.
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- Functions:
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- Promotion of Telecommunications and ICT Infrastructure: APT actively supports the expansion of telecommunication services and the establishment of robust information infrastructure throughout the Asia-Pacific.
- Policy and Standards Coordination: It plays a key role in harmonizing ICT policies, regulations, and technical standards across the region, helping align national frameworks with international best practices.
- Preparation for International Conferences: APT conducts preparatory work for key global ICT conferences such as the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSAs), the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), and World Telecommunication Development Conferences (WTDCs).
- Specialized Working Groups and Forums: APT hosts working groups and forums focused on specific issues, including spectrum management, policy development, and technical standardization, enabling member collaboration on emerging challenges.
- Capacity Building and Pilot Projects: Through various training programs, APT fosters skills development in ICT topics and initiates pilot projects aimed at boosting ICT adoption and innovation within the region.
- Sub-regional Platforms: APT also facilitates sub-regional initiatives to help member countries achieve shared goals in ICT development.
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- Example – South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC):
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- SATRC’s Role: As part of APT’s sub-regional structure, the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) convenes to address regulatory and policy issues, particularly in telecommunications and spectrum management. SATRC promotes collaboration and alignment of standards among member nations.
- Annual SATRC Meeting: Each year, SATRC organizes a meeting for the heads of telecommunication regulatory bodies from its nine South Asian member countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, to discuss and coordinate on ICT-related regulatory matters.
- Affiliate Member Involvement: Affiliate members from SATRC countries actively contribute to SATRC initiatives, engaging in working groups and collaborating on regulatory strategies and standards.
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Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- News: The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has denied claims that it extends reservation on religious grounds to Muslim candidates in admissions and recruitment.
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU):
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- Aligarh Muslim University is a public institution situated in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, offering a range of educational programs.
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- History:
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- Established in 1875 as the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a social reformer with a vision for empowering Muslims through education and participation in public service after the 1857 Indian War of Independence.
- The foundation of the college was supported by Raja Jai Kishan, who aided Sir Syed in realizing his educational goals.
- In 1920, the college was officially transformed into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) under the Aligarh Muslim University Act.
- From its early days, AMU has welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging enrollment from all communities in India and around the world, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender.
- AMU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
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- Academic Programs and Diversity:
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- AMU provides over 300 courses spanning both traditional and modern disciplines, catering to a diverse student population.
- Students come from all over India and internationally, particularly from Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia.
- Certain programs reserve seats for applicants from SAARC and Commonwealth countries.
- AMU operates three off-campus centers in Malappuram (Kerala), Murshidabad (West Bengal), and Kishanganj (Bihar).
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- Minority Status of AMU:
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- Azeez Basha vs. Union of India (1967): A five-judge Constitution bench ruled that as a central university, AMU did not qualify as a minority institution.
- AMU (Amendment) Act of 1981: The minority status was reinstated when Parliament amended the law, restoring AMU’s minority status.
- Allahabad High Court Ruling (2006): The Allahabad High Court nullified the 1981 provision granting AMU its minority status, leading to further appeals in the Supreme Court.
- Supreme Court Hearings (January 9, 2024): A seven-judge Supreme Court bench commenced hearings to reconsider AMU’s minority status, overruling the 1967 Azeez Basha judgment. It emphasized that understanding the institution’s origins is critical to determining its minority status.
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UPSC GS 3
Antariksha Abhyas
- News: The first-ever space-focused exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, organized by the Defence Space Agency, has commenced in New Delhi.
- Purpose and Scope: This exercise is designed to simulate and address emerging threats to and from space-based assets and services, focusing on safeguarding India’s interests in space.
- Organized by Defence Space Agency: Conducted under the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Antariksha Abhyas is a pioneering exercise aimed at bolstering national security objectives in the space domain and integrating India’s space capabilities into military operations.
- Objectives:
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- Enhance understanding of space-based assets and services.
- Assess operational dependencies on space-based infrastructure among stakeholders.
- Identify vulnerabilities and prepare for scenarios involving denial or disruption of space-based services.
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- Participants: Key participants include personnel from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units, alongside members of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Specialist branches such as the Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command—each under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff—are also active participants.
- Involvement of Key Organizations: Experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) are also contributing to this exercise, bringing additional expertise in space technology and defense research.
EV as a Service Programme
- News: Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal launched ‘EV as a Service’ programme of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) recently.
- Objective: The program is aimed at promoting e-mobility within government offices, with a goal of deploying 5,000 electric cars (E-Cars) across various government departments in the next two years.
- Implementation by CESL:
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- Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), spearheads the initiative.
- CESL is tasked with expanding electric mobility within public sector operations.
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- Flexible Procurement Model: The program uses a flexible procurement approach, allowing government offices to choose from a range of E-Car makes and models that best suit their operational needs.
- Current Achievements: CESL has already deployed nearly 2,000 E-Cars across India and is facilitating the deployment of approximately 17,000 E-Buses, further expanding the reach of electric mobility in the country.
- Environmental and Strategic Alignment: The initiative supports India’s environmental sustainability goals and contributes to the country’s ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
- What is CESL?
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- CESL is a recently established subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), which itself is a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
- CESL builds on India’s experience with decentralized solar development, particularly in underserved rural areas.
- It is focused on deploying renewable energy solutions, including battery energy storage, to power agricultural pumps, street lighting, domestic lighting, and cooking appliances in villages.
- CESL is also dedicated to advancing battery-powered electric mobility and its associated infrastructure, working on business models to encourage the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across India.
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