30 Oct | UPSC Current Affairs: Mount Fuji, Koel River, LPAI, PMVKY, and More

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UPSC GS 1

Mount Fuji

  • News: Recently, Japanโ€™s iconic Mount Fuji experienced an unprecedented snowless period, marking the latest date without snowfall in 130 years of recorded history.
  • About Mount Fuji:
  • Elevation and Location:
      • Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is Japan’s tallest mountain, with an elevation of 3,776 meters.
      • It is located near the Pacific coast, straddling the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, about 100 km southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
  • Unique Geography:
      • Unlike many other prominent mountains, Fuji is not part of a mountain range.
      • It is a stratovolcano that, although dormant since its last eruption in 1707, is still considered active by geologists.
  • Structure and Volcanic Formation:
      • The mountain features a distinctive summit crater and is composed of multiple basaltic lava flows, each several meters thick.
      • Its smooth slopes, wide base, and tapering peak contribute to its striking appearance.
      • The volcanic activity of Mount Fuji is driven by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Plate.
  • Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Goko):
      • On the northern slopes, five lakesโ€”Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Lake Shลji, and Lake Motosuโ€”are located.
      • These lakes were formed by the damming of rivers due to historic lava flows.
  • Climate and Snow Cover:
      • Despite its volcanic status, the summit of Mount Fuji is typically snow-capped throughout most of the year.
  • Significance of Mount Fuji:
      • The mountain is a prominent feature within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
      • In 2013, Mount Fuji was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its cultural and natural importance.

Read also: UN Peacekeeping Missions: Essential Roles & Impact | UPSC

Koel River

  • News: In a tragic event, three students from the 11th grade drowned while bathing in the Koel River in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand.
  • About Koel River:
  • Origin and Location:
      • The Koel River originates within the Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand and flows through the western part of Palamu district.
  • Division into Two Branches:
      • The river splits into two branches:
        • North Koel River:
          • Utilized near Kutku for irrigation purposes.
          • Eventually merges with the Son River.
        • South Koel River:
          • Flows towards Odisha, passing near Rourkela.
          • Joins the Brahmani River in Odisha.
  • Terrain and Geography:
      • The Koel River flows through the rugged terrain of Jharkhand and Odisha.
      • It is part of the mineral-rich Damodar Valley region, known for its abundant natural resources.
  • Seasonal Flooding:
      • The river is prone to flooding during the monsoon season due to heavy rains.
  • Hydropower Potential:
      • The North Koel Dam, also referred to as the Mandal Dam, is situated on the North Koel River in Jharkhand.
      • It is designed to generate hydroelectric power and provide irrigation water to nearby areas.

UPSC GS 2

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

  • News: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recently issued an alert about illegal payment gateways being operated through mule bank accounts. These gateways are managed by transnational cybercriminal networks to facilitate money laundering as a service.
  • Establishment and Purpose:
      • I4C operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to combat cybercrimes comprehensively and systematically.
      • It aims to improve collaboration among Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and other stakeholders to address cybercrime effectively.
      • The centre is based in New Delhi.
  • Functions of I4C:
      • Nodal Agency Role: Acts as the central coordinating point in tackling cybercrime nationwide.
      • Research and Development: Identifies challenges faced by LEAs and engages in research for innovative technologies and forensic tools through partnerships with academic and research institutions, both domestic and international.
      • Prevention of Extremist Activities: Works to prevent the misuse of digital platforms by extremist or terrorist groups.
      • Legal and Policy Framework: Evaluates and recommends changes to cyber laws to align with evolving technologies and international standards.
      • International Cooperation: Oversees activities related to implementing Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) concerning cybercrime, in consultation with relevant MHA authorities.
  • Components of I4C:
      • National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): Monitors and reports emerging cybercrime threats regularly.
      • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): Provides a platform for citizens to lodge cybercrime complaints from any location, 24/7.
      • National Cybercrime Training Centre (NCTC): Offers training to government officials, focusing on building capacity within state law enforcement agencies.
      • National Cybercrime Research and Innovation Centre: Engages in research to develop indigenous tools for preventing cybercrimes.
      • Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team: Facilitates data sharing and coordination among LEAs across states and Union Territories.
      • Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit: Promotes cyber hygiene and public awareness to prevent cybercrimes.
      • National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) Ecosystem: Assists LEAs with cyber forensics in investigations.
  • Collaboration and Public Participation:
      • Inclusive Approach: I4C connects academia, industry, government, and the public to aid in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.
      • Cyber Crime Volunteers Program: Engages citizens who are passionate about contributing to the fight against cybercrime by joining a unified platform.
  • Other Initiatives:
      • Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System: Facilitates immediate reporting of financial cyber frauds, helping prevent the diversion of funds in real-time.
      • National Toll-Free Helpline โ€˜1930โ€™: Provides round-the-clock assistance for filing online cybercrime complaints.
      • CyberDost Social Media Handle: Promotes public awareness about cyber safety and best practices through social media platforms.

Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)

  • News: The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recently inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and Maitri Dwar at Petrapole, West Bengal. The project, developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), involved an investment of Rs. 487 crore.
  • Constitution and Legal Framework:
      • LPAI was established under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
      • It is responsible for the development and management of facilities for cross-border movement of goods and passengers at designated border points.
  • Mandate and Responsibilities:
      • Develop, upgrade, maintain, and manage border infrastructure.
      • Ensure smooth movement of passengers and cargo through Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) located along Indiaโ€™s international borders.
  • Composition and Appointments:
      • The Chairperson and Members are appointed by the Central Government.
      • Tenure: The tenure is for five years or until they reach the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Nodal Ministry:
      • LPAI operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Functions of LPAI:
      • Develop and manage cross-border facilities for both passengers and goods at designated points.
      • Maintain hygiene and security at these border points to ensure safe and efficient movement.
      • Manage infrastructure at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) across various borders.
  • Key Points about Petrapole:
  • Largest Land Port in South Asia:
      • Petrapole serves as a critical gateway for trade between India and Bangladesh.
  • Immigration Significance:
      • It is the eighth-largest international immigration port in India.
      • The port handles the movement of more than 23.5 lakh passengers annually between the two countries.

Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY)

  • News: Launched on October 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering tribal communities in India. Acknowledging the historical neglect faced by these communities, the scheme not only offers financial assistance but also lays the foundation for sustainable development across multiple sectors.
  • Six Key Components Under PMVKY:
  • Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana
      • This scheme builds upon the existing Special Central Assistance to the Tribal Sub-Plan.
      • It focuses on the integrated development of 36,428 villages with significant tribal populations.
      • The scheme emphasizes improvements in:
      • Road and telecom connectivity
      • Education and healthcare
      • Sanitation and infrastructure
      • The goal is to enhance living standards and promote inclusive growth among tribal communities.

Read also: Digital Arrest Scams in India: Identify and Protect Yourself | UPSC

  • Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):
      • This component is dedicated to the upliftment of PVTGs by supporting their socio-economic development while preserving their cultural heritage.
      • It provides financial support to state governments for customized interventions in areas such as:
      • Housing
      • Healthcare
      • Education
      • The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission has been introduced to further improve their living conditions.
      • Allocation: Rs. 15,000 crore will be invested over three years to ensure basic amenities like:
      • Secure housing and drinking water
      • Sanitation, education, and health services
      • Nutrition and better connectivity
  • Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs):
      • This initiative promotes research and documentation efforts related to tribal communities.
      • Financial grants are provided to state governments and Union Territories (UTs) to strengthen the knowledge base surrounding tribal cultures, challenges, and socio-economic conditions.
  • Pre-Matric Scholarships for Tribal Students:ย  This scholarship targets students in classes IX and X from Scheduled Tribe communities.
      • Eligibility: Available to students with parental income up to โ‚น2.50 lakhs per annum, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their education.
  • Post-Matric Scholarships for Tribal Students:
      • This scholarship extends financial support to Scheduled Tribe students pursuing studies beyond class 10.
      • The eligibility criteria are similar to the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, providing continuous support for higher education.
  • Administrative Assistance for Project Management Units:ย 
      • To ensure smooth implementation and monitoring of welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribes, the PMVKY allocates funds to set up Project Management Units (PMUs) in state governments.
      • These units play a key role in tracking progress and ensuring that the benefits of various schemes reach the tribal communities effectively.
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