Situated in Vishalgad village in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
Locally known as Khelna or Khilna.
Historical Significance:
Built in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh, initially named Khilgil.
Captured by Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri in 1209.
Taken by Allauddin Khilji in 1309 after defeating King Ramchandra of the Seuna Yadavas.
Subsequently under the Vijayanagar Empire and Adilshahi dynasty.
Captured by Shivaji in 1659 and renamed Vishalgad, meaning grand or giant fort.
Became the capital of a large region during the Maratha Empire, covering ninety towns and villages in Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts.
Features:
Covers an area of 1130 meters, built on a hilltop in the Sahyadri mountain ranges at 3500 feet above sea level.
Home to the famous Dargah of Hazrat Sayed Malik Rehan Meera Saheb, attracting thousands of tourists.
Houses several temples, including Amruteshwar Temple, Shri Nrusinha Temple, and Sati’s Vrindavan.
Contains tombs dedicated to Phulaji Prabhu Deshpande and Baji Prabhu Deshpande, loyal servants of Chatrapati Shivaji.
Cultural Importance:
An important historical and cultural site reflecting the architectural and military prowess of the Maratha Empire.
UPSC GS 2
PM SHRI Scheme
News: The States cannot receive Samagra Shiksha funds without implementing PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India), which is part of the program.
Definition:
The PM SHRI School is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Government of India in 2022.
The duration of scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
The total cost of the project will be Rs 27360 crore spread over a period of 5 years which includes central share of Rs 18128 crore.
Aim:
To establish 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, overseen by the Central Govt, State Govt,local bodies, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
To offer a diverse range of learning experiences and ensure access to good physical infrastructure and appropriate resources for all students.
These schools shall be monitored vigorously to assess progress and understand the challenges faced in implementation of National Education Policy 2020.
Implementation:
The PM SHRI scheme is implemented at the state/ UT level through the existing administrative structure available for Samagra Shiksha.
Selection of Schools:
Selection of PM SHRI schools will be done through Challenge Mode wherein Schools compete for support to become exemplar schools.
Schools would be required to self-apply on the online portal.
The schools having UDISE+ code (Unified District Information System For Education) would be considered for selection under the Scheme.
Schools must have a pucca building in good condition, barrier-free access ramps, and at least one toilet each for boys and girls.
Urban schools must score at least 70%, rural schools at least 60% to be selected.
States send a list of recommended schools to the Ministry; an expert committee finalizes the list.
Up to two schools per block/ urban local body can be selected: one elementary and one secondary/ senior secondary school.
States/ UTs must ensure zero dropout rates in all grades within two years of implementation.
Features:
The pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based , 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.
The PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green schools, incorporating environment friendly aspects like solar panels.
Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
A School Quality Assessment Framework is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes.
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)
News: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has reconstituted the NITI Aayog.
Definition:
NITI Aayog is a premier policy think tank of the Government of India.
It was established on 1st of January,2015 and replaced the Planning Commission of India.
Establishment:
NITI Aayog was created by an executive resolution of the Government of India (i.e., Union Cabinet).
Hence, it is also neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.
It is an extra-constitutional body.
Aim:
To create a vision for socio-economic progress of the country, promote cooperative federalism and foster an innovative ecosystem.
Composition:
Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India.
Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister. The person enjoys rank of a Cabinet Minister.
Full-time Members: They enjoy the rank of a Minister of State.
Part-time Members: Maximum of 2, from leading universities, research organizations in an ex-officio capacity. Part-time members are on a rotation.
Ex-Officio Members: A maximum of 4 members of the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Secretariat: As deemed necessary.
Composition of Governing Council: It is the premier body of NITI Aayog. Its composition:
Chief Ministers of all the States;
Union Territories with legislatures;
Lt Governors of other Union Territories.
Regional Councils: They are formed to address specific issues. Its composition:
The Regional Councils will be convened by the Prime Minister.
Comprises the Chief Ministers of States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in the region.
Chaired by the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog or his nominee.
Money Bill
News: The Supreme Court has agreed to “take the call” on hearing petitions challenging the “Money Bill route” taken by the government to push through contentious legislation in Parliament.
What are Bills?
The purpose of a bill is to outline specific laws or changes to existing laws.
They are introduced into a legislative body, such as a parliament, to be debated, discussed, and voted upon by lawmakers.
When passed by the Parliament, bills become Acts of the Constitution of India.
Money Bills:
Article 110: It defines a “Money Bill” as one containing provisions dealing with:
Imposition, abolition, and alteration of taxes,
regulation of the borrowing of money or the giving of any guarantee by the Government of India,
expenditure or receipt of money from the Consolidated Fund of India or
Contingency Fund of India,
appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of India;
declaring of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or the increasing of the amount of any such expenditure;
receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India,
“any matter incidental” to the subjects listed in the Article.
Article 109: It delineates the procedure for the passage of such a Bill and confers an overriding authority on the Lok Sabha in the passage of Money Bills.
Procedure:
Introduction and Recommendation:
Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and only with the recommendation of the President.
If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker is final.
Introduction by a Minister:
Money bills are considered government bills and can only be introduced by a minister.
Role of the Rajya Sabha:
After a money bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
The Rajya Sabha has limited powers with regard to money bills and can only make recommendations and cannot reject or amend the bill.
The Rajya Sabha must return the bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, with or without recommendations.
The Lok Sabha can accept or reject any recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha.
Acceptance or Rejection of Recommendations:
If the Lok Sabha accepts any recommendations, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the modified form.
If the Lok Sabha does not accept any recommendations, the bill is deemed to have passed by both Houses in the form originally passed by the Lok Sabha without any change.
Deemed Passage:
If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form originally passed by the Lok Sabha.
Powers of the Lok Sabha:
The Lok Sabha has more powers than the Rajya Sabha with regard to money bills.
Role of the President:
When a money bill is presented to the President, he may give or withhold his assent to the bill but cannot return the bill for reconsideration.
The President normally gives assent to a money bill as it is introduced in the Parliament with his prior permission.
Exclusions From Money Bills:
Certain matters do not qualify as money bills, and these exclusions are outlined in the Indian Constitution.
These include the imposition of fines, pecuniary penalties, fees for licenses or services, and local taxes imposed by local authorities for local purposes.
These matters are not considered directly related to the central financial policies of the union government.
World Heritage Young Professionals Forum
News: India is hosting for the first time the UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage Committee meeting from 21st-31st July, 2024 in New Delhi.
Theme: World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth
Hosted by: Ministry of Culture through the Archaeological Survey of India
Purpose:
Serves as a platform to bring young people and heritage experts together, fostering intercultural learning and exchange.
Provides an opportunity for youth to learn about each other’s heritage, discuss common preservation concerns, and discover new roles in heritage conservation.
Forum Structure:
Each Forum focuses on a specific topic related to World Heritage, aligned with the context of the Host Country’s World Heritage properties.
Includes local and international experts.
Engages young professionals in diverse activities such as presentations, roundtable discussions, and site visits.
Collaborative Approach: Tackles various sub-themes, including:
Understanding the achievements and challenges of the World Heritage Convention.
Climate change and its impact on World Heritage sites.
Integrating innovative technologies for promoting World Heritage.
Strengthening sustainable tourism and development through young entrepreneurship.
Outcomes:
Participants gain deep insights into global principles of World Heritage and Sustainable Development.
They also become acquainted with the management of India’s local heritage.
Concludes with young professionals delivering their “Declaration to the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee”.
International Air Transport Association
News: India is set to host the second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation on September 11 and 12 2024.
International Air Transport Association(IATA)
It was founded in Havana, Cuba, on 19 April 1945.
It is the successor to the International Air Traffic Association founded in the Hague in 1919.
Aim:
Inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical air services.
Supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues, including environmental concerns.
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
It is a United Nations agency.
It was established in 1947 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944) known as Chicago Convention.
Functions:
Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency: Upgrading the air navigation and aerodrome infrastructure and developing new procedures to optimize aviation system performance.
Security and Facilitation: Enhance global civil aviation security and facilitation.
Economic Development of Air Transport: Foster the development of a sound and economically-viable civil aviation system.
Environmental Protection: Minimize the adverse environmental effects of civil aviation activities.
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
UPSC GS 3
Yellow-Legged Buttonquail
News: An elusive and an uncommon breeding migrant bird Yellow legged Buttonquail bird was spotted in urban areas of Bopal-Ghuma in Ahmedabad city.
Scientific Name: Turnix tanki
Family: Turnicidae
Distribution: Native to a variety of habitats across the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Migrates to the Korean peninsula and parts of southeast Russia.
Subspecies:
T. t. tanki: Found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
T. t. blanfordii: Found in Myanmar, Indochina, and eastern China.
Size: Measures approximately 16 to 18 centimeters in length and weighs around 50 to 60 grams. Female birds are larger than males.
Appearance:
Plump, rounded shape with a compact and stocky appearance.
Vibrant colors, including shades of brown, gray, and black for effective camouflage.
Upper body feathers are predominantly brown with intricate patterns.
Underparts are lighter, often displaying a mix of gray and white tones.
Distinctive vibrant yellow legs, which give the species its name.
Behavior: Ground-dwelling, typically opts to run rather than fly when faced with danger.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Kashmir Willow
News: Over the last few years, bats made of Kashmiri willow have been attracting global attention after making appearances in international games.
Cultivation and Growth:
Grown primarily in the Kashmir region of India.
Deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet) with slender trunks and a narrow, conical canopy.
Takes 20 to 25 years to mature.
Thrives in the region’s moist and temperate climate, particularly along riverbanks and in areas with sufficient soil moisture.
Characteristics:
Willows are known for their superior growth and productivity due to their exceptional ability to convert solar radiation into chemical energy.
They exhibit high rates of evapotranspiration during the growing season.
Tolerant to flooding, they flourish in saturated soils with limited oxygen in the root zone.
Efficient at accumulating high levels of toxic metals, particularly Cadmium (Cd).
Uses
Cricket bat industry
Packing case industry
Basketry and furniture industry
Evapotranspiration: It is the sum of all processes by which water moves from the land surface to the atmosphere via evaporation and transpiration.
APSTAR-6E Satellite
News: The Asia-Pacifc-6E, or the APStar-6E, China’s first all-electric propulsion communication satellite, has successfully passed in-orbit technology verification.
Development and Launch:
Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Launched via a Long March-2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on January 13, 2023.
Operates in geostationary orbit.
APSTAR-6E separated from its independent propulsion module to complete its journey to geostationary orbit.
Technological Milestone:
First in its series and the world’s initial telecommunications satellite to autonomously transfer from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit using electric propulsion.
Mission and Capabilities:
Designed to last 15 years.
Primary mission:
Deliver efficient and high-capacity broadband communication services across Southeast Asia.
Aims to provide reliable connectivity at a competitive cost.
Carries 25 Ku-band transponders and three Ka-band gateway transponders.
Provides a combined communication throughput of 30 gigabytes per second.
Purpose:
