5 Aug | UPSC Current Affairs: Keeladi, Golan Heights, AERB, Article 311, MSSC, BBSSL, Waqf Board & More

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UPSC GS 1

Keeladi

  • News: Terracotta pipelines have been unearthed at Keeladi.
  • Location: Keeladi is situated on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
  • Excavation: The site has been excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department.
  • Significance of the Excavation:
      • Keeladi is linked to the Sangam age.
      • It is crucial for understanding the transition from the Iron Age (12th century BCE to 6th century BCE) to the Early Historic Period (6th century BCE to 4th century BCE).
      • The site exhibits characteristics of an urban civilization.
      • Some pottery fragments discovered at Keeladi are inscribed with Tamil Brahmi script.

Keeladi

  • Sangam Age:
      • The Sangam Age spans from approximately the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
      • The period includes ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • Significance of Sangam:
      • Sangam refers to assemblies or gatherings of poets and scholars.
  • Sangams: There were three Sangams:
      • 1st and 3rd Sangams were held at Madurai.
      • 2nd Sangam was held at Kapadapuram.
  • Rituals:
      • Vattakirutal was a Tamil ritual of fasting until death, prevalent during the Sangam age.
  • Literature: Key literary works include:
      • Tolkappiyam
      • Ettuthokai
      • Pathuppattu
      • Twin epics of the Sangam Age are:
      • Silappathigaram
      • Manimegalai

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Golan Heights

  • News: Israel has launched drones at Lebanon after the rocket attack on the Israel-occupied Golan Heights, blamed by Israel on Hezbollah.
  • Location: The Golan Heights is a rocky plateau in southwestern Syria.
  • International Status: It is considered occupied territory under international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Golan Heights

  • Geographical Boundaries:
      • West: Bounded by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee.
      • North: Bounded by Mount Hermon.
      • East: Bounded by the seasonal Wadi Al-Ruqqad River.
      • South: Bounded by the Yarmuk River.
  • Neighboring Countries:The Golan Heights shares borders with Jordan and Lebanon.

UPSC GS 2

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

  • News: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) recently accorded permission for the ‘first approach to criticality’ of India’s indigenous 500 MWe sodium-cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.
  • Established: The AERB was established in 1983.
  • Related Acts: The AERB operates under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Mission:
      • The mission of the AERB is to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not pose undue risk to public health and the environment.
  • Key Functions:
      • The AERB enforces safety standards for nuclear and radiation facilities.
      • It grants licenses for nuclear facilities and radiation applications.
      • The board conducts safety inspections and assessments of nuclear plants and radiation facilities.
      • It promotes research in nuclear and radiation safety.
      • The AERB investigates nuclear incidents and accidents.
  • Headquarters: The headquarters of the AERB is located in Mumbai, India.

Article 311

  • News: Five police constables and one teacher working in a government school were dismissed from service by the Jammu and Kashmir government under Article 311 of the Constitution of India.
  • Constitutional Provision: Article 311
  • General Provision:
      • Article 311 of the Constitution addresses the dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State.
  • Article 311(2) Safeguard:
      • No civil servant can be dismissed, removed, or reduced in rank without an inquiry.
      • The civil servant must be informed of the charges and given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
  • Exceptions to the Safeguard:
      • Security of the State: The safeguard of an inquiry does not apply if the President or Governor is satisfied that holding such an inquiry is not expedient in the interest of State security. [Article 311(2)(c)]
      • Criminal Conviction: The inquiry safeguard does not apply if the civil servant is convicted on a criminal charge. [Article 311(2)(a)]
      • Practical Impracticability: The safeguard does not apply if the authority is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to hold an inquiry, with reasons recorded in writing. [Article 311(2)(b)]
  • Jammu and Kashmir Constitution:
      • Section 126 of the constitution of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir provided similar safeguards to civil servants.
      • It also laid down exceptions under which a person could be dismissed without holding an inquiry.

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme

  • News: The Centre is unlikely to extend the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme (MSSCS) that was made available for two years beyond its March 2025 deadline.
  • Overview:
      • The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) is a one-time scheme announced in the Budget 2023.
      • The scheme will be available for a two-year period, until March 2025.
      • It is a risk-free scheme dedicated to women and girls of all age groups.
      • The scheme aims to encourage women to adopt formal financial saving instruments.
  • Eligibility:
      • Any individual woman can open an account under this scheme.
      • Minor accounts can be opened by a guardian on behalf of the minor.
  • Investment:
      • The scheme allows a minimum deposit of Rs. 1,000, with increments in multiples of Rs. 100.
      • The maximum deposit amount is capped at Rs. 2 lakh per account.
  • Interest Rate:
      • The MSSC offers a fixed interest rate of 7.5 percent.
      • Interest is compounded quarterly and credited to the account.
  • Maturity and Withdrawals:
      • The maturity period or lock-in period of the scheme is 2 years from the date of account opening.
      • Account holders may withdraw up to 40% of the account balance after one year from the account opening date as a partial withdrawal.
  • Additional Accounts:
      • Multiple accounts can be opened under this scheme.
      • A woman can open a second MSSC account only after a minimum gap of three months from the opening of the existing account.
      • The total deposit across all MSSC accounts should not exceed Rs. 2 lakh.
  • Tax Benefits:
      • There are no tax benefits associated with the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate.

Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

  • News: Ministry of Cooperation has set up Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. 
  • Establishment:
      • The BBSSL was set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
      • It is promoted by IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and NCDC.
      • The initial paid-up capital of BBSSL is ₹250 crore, with ₹50 crore contributed by each of the five promoters.
      • The authorized share capital of BBSSL is ₹500 crore.
  • Objective:
      • BBSSL will undertake the production, procurement, and distribution of quality seeds under a single brand through a network of cooperatives.
      • The organization aims to improve crop yield and develop a system for the preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds.
      • BBSSL will help increase seed replacement and varietal replacement rates by ensuring the role of farmers in the production of certified seeds.
  • Operations:
      • The focus of BBSSL includes the production, testing, certification, procurement, processing, storage, branding, labeling, and packaging of foundation and certified seeds.
      • Breeder seeds will be sourced from Public Sector Research Organizations and International Research Institutes such as ICRISAT, IRRI, and CIMMYT.
  • Provisions for Disposal of Net Profits (Clause 55): 
      • At least 25% of the net profit must be transferred to the reserve fund.
      • One percent of the net profit must be credited to the cooperative education fund.
      • At least 10% of the net profit should be transferred to a reserve fund specifically created for meeting unforeseen losses.

Waqf Board

  • News:  The Central Government is planning to introduce a bill to amend the Waqf Act, which manages mosques and Islamic religious endowments.
  • What is a Waqf?
      • A Waqf is a property dedicated in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes, such as mosques, graveyards, shelter homes, and educational institutes.
      • It is a permanent donation by a person professing Islam of any movable or immovable property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
  • The Waqf Act of 1995: 
      • Enacted to regulate ‘auqaf’ (assets donated and notified as waqf) by a ‘wakif’ (the person who dedicates a property for Islamic purposes).
      • The Act was amended in 2013 by the UPA government.
      • A property can become a Waqf through a deed or instrument, or if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes.
      • Non-Muslims can also create a Waqf if they profess Islam and the objective aligns with Islamic principles.
      • A survey commissioner conducts investigations, including summoning witnesses and examining public documents, to declare properties as Waqf under the 1995 Act.
  • Functions of the Waqf Board: 
      • The Waqf Board has the legal authority to acquire, hold, and transfer Waqf property.
      • Each state has a Waqf Board headed by a chairperson, including state government nominees, Muslim MLAs and MPs, members of the state Bar Council, recognized Islamic scholars, and mutawalis of waqfs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more.
      • The Waqf Board administers the property, recovers lost properties, and sanctions any transfer of immovable Waqf property through sale, gift, mortgage, or lease.
  • Controversies Around Waqf:
      • Powers of the Board: The Waqf Board cannot claim property unless it is recorded in the revenue department’s records before Partition and must prove the land is Waqf property.

Waqf Board

      • Section 40: Section 40 of the Waqf Act 1995 (amended in 2013) gives the State Waqf Board the power to decide questions about whether a property is Waqf or if a Waqf is Sunni or Shia. The Board’s decision is final unless revoked or modified by the Tribunal.
      • PIL in Supreme Court: A leader filed a PIL challenging the Waqf Act 1995, seeking a uniform code for trusts, charities, and religious endowments. The Supreme Court refused to entertain the PIL, stating that challenging the constitutionality of a law as a mere academic exercise is not permissible.
  • Proposed Changes in Waqf Act: 
      • Registration of Properties: The proposed Bill will require Waqf boards to register their properties with district collectors to ensure accurate valuation.
      • Revenue Discrepancy: The bill will address the discrepancy between the estimated revenue of Rs 200 crore per annum from Waqf properties and the actual number of properties managed.
      • Verification of Disputed Lands: The bill will seek fresh verification of disputed lands claimed by various state boards.
      • Inclusion of Women: Proposed changes will ensure the inclusion of women in the composition of Waqf Boards.

2 Aug | UPSC Current Affairs: Jhumur Dance, Mahanadi Basin, NPPA, Sturgeon, Tejas, and More

UPSC GS 3

Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF)

  • News: The Reserve Bank of India has asked Urban Cooperative Banks to stop the practice of setting up a Dividend Equalisation Fund (DEF) to pay dividends in the future.
  • Purpose:
      • DEFs are established by Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) through the appropriation of profits.
      • They are used to pay dividends in future years when profits are insufficient or when the bank has posted a net loss.
  • Regulations:
      • Current rules prohibit making dividend payments from previously accumulated profits or reserves.
      • DEFs are specifically designed to address shortfalls in profits for dividend payments.
  • RBI Provision:
      • As a one-time measure, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed UCBs to transfer the money in the DEF to general reserves or free reserves.
      • This provision provides better treatment of these balances for regulatory capital purposes.

Typhoon-K Vehicle

  • News: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has successfully demonstrated and tested the powerful Typhoon vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh.
  • Overview:
      • The Kamaz-53949 Typhoon-K is a Russian-made 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
      • It was developed by Remdiesel, a subsidiary of KamAZ.
      • The vehicle is designed for the safe transportation of troops and military cargo in areas with a high risk of mines.
      • It can be configured as a command post vehicle, ambulance, or logistics support vehicle.
  • Dimensions and Weight:
      • The vehicle measures 6.7 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height.
      • It has a curb weight of 13,700 kg and a payload capacity of 2,000 kg.
  • Performance:
      • The Kamaz-53949 Typhoon-K has a maximum road speed of 100 km/h.
      • It has a range of up to 1,000 km without needing to refuel.
  • Capacity:
      • The vehicle accommodates two crew members and can transport eight fully equipped troops.

Typhoon-K Vehicle

  • Design Features:
      • The hull features four side doors and a rear door for access.
      • The roof is equipped with two hatches for observation, firing, and emergency exit purposes.
  • Protection:
      • The Typhoon-K can withstand the impact of an 8 kg TNT explosion occurring under the floor.
      • It can also endure the impact of a 10 kg TNT explosion occurring under the wheels.
  • Additional Features:
      • It includes a signature reduction package to minimize detection.
      • The vehicle is equipped with an all-around video surveillance system.
      • It features an automatic fire-extinguishing unit for enhanced safety.
      • The Kamaz-53949 Typhoon-K is fitted with a stabilised remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) that can be armed with medium-to-heavy machine guns.

Four-ringed Butterfly (Ypthima Cantliei)

  • News: A four-ringed butterfly belonging to a family with most members in China has resurfaced in India after 61 years in the Namdapha National Park.
  • Overview:
      • The great four-ring (Ypthima cantliei) is a species of Satyrinae butterfly.
      • It was photographed during a survey to document butterfly diversity in the Miao range of Namdapha National Park in 2018-19.

Four-ringed Butterfly (Ypthima Cantliei)

  • Identification:
      • The species was identified based on its general morphological patterns and habitat.
  • Historical Report:
      • It was last reported in 1957 from Margherita, located in eastern Assam.
  • Taxonomy and Diversity:
      • The great four-ring belongs to the family Nymphalidae, which is rich in diversity with approximately 6,000 butterfly species.
      • Of the 35 Ypthima species recorded in India, 23 are found in the northeastern region.
  • Global Distribution:
      • The highest diversity of Ypthima species is found in China, particularly in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.
      • Significant diversity is also observed in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and the northeastern part of India.
  • Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve:
      • Location and Geography:
        • It is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
        • Namdapha National Park is flanked by the Patkai Hills to the south and southeast, and by the Himalayas to the north.
        • It is situated between the Dapha Bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.
        • The park lies within both the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan biogeographic areas.
        • The park is named after the Namdapha River, which originates from Daphabum and flows across the park in a north-south direction before meeting the Noa-Dehing River.
      • Flora:  Evergreen Forests, Moist deciduous forests, sub-tropical forests, Temperate Forests and Alpine, Pinus merkusi, Abies delavavi,  Blue Vanda, Mishimi Teeta (Copti teeta).
      • Fauna: 
        • It is only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa).
        • Other animals: Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and number of the distinctive Hoolock Gibbons (Hylobates Hoolock), elephants, black bear, Indian Bison, several species of deers, reptiles etc. 

 

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