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News at a glance |
| Art and Culture – Ayodhya Ram Mandir – architecture |
| Ecology and Environment –
1. SC directs CEC to look into issue of mining in Aravalli Hills and range |
| 2. Wetland ‘nature tourism’ gets a fillip |
| Polity and governance – World Vision India loses FCRA registration |
| Prelims fact – Bengaluru’s KIA bags ‘best airport of the year’ award, Mangaluru airport wins in under-five million passenger category |
| Economy- Ministry of Agriculture Unveils Third Advance Estimate for Horticulture Crops 2022-23 |
| International – Border Free Movement |
Pran Pratishtha Ceremony Marks Culmination of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction
Source: The Hindu
Context: Historic Pran Pratishtha Ceremony Marks Culmination of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: General Studies-I (Art and Culture)
Why in news
- In a momentous occasion, the Pran Pratishtha, or consecration ceremony, for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is scheduled to take place.
Ram Mandir Construction: A Blend of Heritage and Engineering Marvel
- After the consecration, the Ram Temple will be open to the public, beginning a new chapter in the cultural and religious landscape of Ayodhya.
- This marks the culmination of a protracted religious and political movement aimed at restoring the worship of Lord Ram at what is believed to be his birthplace.
- The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, overseen by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, is not just a religious milestone but a testament to architectural brilliance and modern engineering.
Architecture Marvel: Nagara Style Grandeur
- The Ram Mandir, designed by chief architect Chandrakant Bhai Sompura, follows the Nagara Style, drawing inspiration from the Gujara-Chalukya style of Nagara architecture.
- Standing at 235 feet wide, 360 feet long, and 161 feet high, the temple complex is set to become the world’s third-largest Hindu shrine.
Nagara Style Features: Fusion of Tradition and Modern Techniques
- Embodying Nagara Style, the temple incorporates features like Mantapas, Shikhara, Amalak, Vahana, and Mandapas.
- The fusion of modern and traditional techniques includes 360 stone pillars and structural advice from IIT Chennai, making it capable of withstanding earthquakes and flooding.
Main Deity and Accompanying Idols: Spiritual Richness
- Ram Lalla Virajman, the infant form of Lord Rama, presides over the temple.
- The structure includes idols representing various incarnations, such as Shiva, Dashavataras, Chausath Yoginis, and the goddess Saraswati.
Historical Background: From Dispute to Construction
- The construction site holds historical significance, believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace.
- The movement to reclaim the site for Hindus began in the 1980s, culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
Journey from Dispute to Construction: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Timeline
- December 6, 1992: Babri Mosque demolition triggers deadly riots, over 2,000 deaths.
- February 2002: Godhra train attack results in riots, over 1,000 deaths.
- High Court Orders ASI Survey: ASI finds evidence of a temple beneath the mosque in 2003.
- 2010 Allahabad High Court Verdict: Division of Disputed Land
- The Allahabad High Court pronounces its judgment on the four title suits, directing the division of the disputed land into three equal parts in 2010, setting the stage for the subsequent legal and construction developments.
- Nov 9- 2019- CJI Ranjan Gogoi along with 4 other SC judges gives final judgement-
- Temple to be built on the site, separate plot for mosque.
SC directs CEC to look into issue of mining in Aravalli Hills and range
Source: Down to Earth
Context: Supreme Court Directs CEC to Scrutinize Mining in Aravalli Hills and Range
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS-I : Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS-III: Bio-diversity, Environment
Why in news
- Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has issued directives to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to investigate the matter of mining activities within the Aravalli Hills and range.
Key highlights
- SC’s Instruction to CEC: The Supreme Court has mandated the CEC to thoroughly examine the ongoing issue of mining in the Aravalli region.
- It has sought a comprehensive review of the classification of Aravalli hills and range in relation to permitting mining activities.
- Involvement of Geology Experts: The court has recommended the inclusion of geology experts in the CEC’s assessment process before finalizing its report. This emphasis on expertise underscores the importance of a well-informed and comprehensive evaluation.
- State’s Authority to Halt Mining: Notably, the SC stated that if the state government believes that mining activities in the Aravalli Range are detrimental to environmental interests, it has the authority to prevent such activities in the region.
About Aravalli Range
- Geographical Overview: The Aravalli Range, situated in northwestern India, is recognized as one of the oldest fold mountains globally.
- Stretching from Delhi through Haryana, Rajasthan, and concluding in Gujarat, it plays a vital role in demarcating the Thar desert from the plains and plateaus of eastern Rajasthan.
- Highest Point: Guru Shikhar, standing at an elevation of 5,650 feet on Mount Arbuda, represents the highest point within the Aravalli range.
- Rivers and Tributaries: The Banas and Sahibi rivers, tributaries of the Yamuna, along with the Luni River, flowing into the Rann of Kutch, originate from the Aravalli Range.
- Geological Formation: Formed during the Proterozoic era due to tectonic plate collisions, the Aravalli Range is part of the larger Aravalli-Delhi orogenic belt and holds significant mineral resources.
- Wildlife and Parks: Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Sariska National Park, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, and Mount Abu Sanctuary, fall within the Aravalli Hills belt, showcasing its ecological importance.
World Vision India loses FCRA registration
Source: The Hindu
Context: FCRA Registration: Overview
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: General Studies-II (Polity & Governance)
Why in news
- Recently the World Vision, has faced the cancellation of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license.
Key highlights
- FCRA License Revoked: Before World Vision, CPR, known for its contributions to public policy discussions, has had its FCRA registration canceled, raising questions about the implications for its funding and activities.
- Government Actions Since IT Raids: The cancellation of FCRA registration is the latest in a series of government actions initiated after IT raids in September 2022. The government has been closely examining financial transactions and adherence to regulations.
About FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act)
- FCRA, or the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, is a legislative framework enacted by the Indian Parliament to oversee the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies.
- The Act explicitly prohibits the receipt of foreign contributions for activities deemed detrimental to national interest.
- Organizations seeking to receive foreign funding are required to obtain the government’s permission, with FCRA registration being a prerequisite.
- The Act is implemented in coordination with various Union government Ministries and agencies, State authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals.
Recent Amendments (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020)
- Public Servants and Foreign Donations: Prohibits public servants from accepting foreign donations.
- Restriction on Donation Transfer: Foreign donations cannot be transferred to any other person, regardless of their registration status under the Act.
- Identity Proof Requirement: Aadhaar number, passport copy, or Overseas Citizen of India card required for permission, registration, or renewal.
- FCRA Account: Foreign donations allowed only in an “FCRA account” at a specified State Bank of India branch in New Delhi.
- Utilization Monitoring: Government authority to halt the use of unutilized foreign donations if the Act is violated.
- Registration Certificate Renewal: Mandatory renewal within six months before expiration.
- Administrative Expense Limit: Reduction of the limit for using foreign donations for administrative purposes from 50% to 20%.
- Voluntary Surrender: Central government authorization for voluntary surrender of registration certificates.
- Suspension Period: Extension of the suspension period from 180 to 360 days.
- Penalties: Stringent provisions for false statements, delivering false accounts, and contravention of any Act provision.
Wetland ‘nature tourism’ gets a fillip
Source: The Hindu
Context: Amrit Dharohar Initiative Boosts Wetland Nature Tourism: Ramsar Sites Take Center Stage
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: General Studies-III (Environment & Ecology)
Why in news
- The Central government has unveiled the Amrit Dharohar initiative, a visionary mission aimed at enhancing tourism at ecologically-sensitive wetlands, particularly Ramsar sites
Key highlights
- Amrit Dharohar Initiative Overview: The Central government’s Amrit Dharohar initiative, initiated in June 2023, focuses on promoting the unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites across the country.
- It is a collaborative effort between the Union Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the ‘Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme’ 2023.
Implementation of the Capacity Building Scheme
- The scheme involves collaboration with various Central government ministries, State wetland authorities, and formal and informal institutions.
- 16 Ramsar sites have been identified, with 5 chosen as pilot projects for skill development of facilitators, tourism service providers, and stakeholders.
- Sultanpur National Park (Haryana), Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sirpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) are the initial focus areas.
Training Programs Underway
- The Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP) has provided 15-day training sessions for 30 participants at each of the selected Ramsar sites.
- Programs include ALP and Paryatan Navik Certificate for boatman certification in tourism at Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha.
Significance of the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 2023
- Recognizing the importance of wetlands in global biodiversity conservation and sustaining human life.
- A shift towards high-value nature tourism by supporting conservation actions and empowering local communities.
- The scheme aims to generate employment opportunities and support local livelihoods by tapping into the nature-tourism potential of Ramsar Sites nationwide.
Nature Tourism and High-Value Travellers
- Nature tourism encompasses activities like birdwatching, photography, stargazing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and visiting parks.
- High-value travellers are identified as those likely to spend more, stay longer, and explore beyond traditional tourist hotspots.
Ministry of Agriculture Unveils Third Advance Estimate for Horticulture Crops 2022-23
Source: krishi jagran
Context: Ministry of Agriculture Reveals Third Advance Estimate: Horticulture Production Surges to 355.25 Million Tonnes
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: General Studies-III (Economic Development , Major Crops)
Why in news
- The Ministry of Agriculture has released the Third Advance Estimate for Horticulture Crops 2022-23, showcasing a remarkable surge in total horticulture production.
Key highlights
- The figures reveal a substantial increase, reaching 355.25 million tonnes, marking a noteworthy uptick of 2.32 percent compared to the final figures of 2021-22, which stood at 347.18 million tonnes.
- Union Agriculture Minister’s Acknowledgment: Arjun Munda, the Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, attributes the consistent growth in horticulture production to the collaborative efforts of the farming community, scientists, and the agriculture-friendly policies implemented by the central government.
Breakdown of Horticultural Crops
- Fruits: The estimate predicts a substantial increase in fruit production, rising to 109.53 million tonnes in 2022-23 from 107.51 million tonnes in the preceding year.
- Vegetables: Similarly, vegetable production is expected to reach 213.88 million tonnes in 2022-23, compared to 209.14 million tonnes in 2021-22, indicating positive growth.
- Plantation Crops: The production of plantation crops is set to grow commendably, with an anticipated increase to 16.84 million tonnes in 2022-23 from 15.76 million tonnes in 2021-22, reflecting a significant rise of about 6.80 percent.
- Potato and Tomato Production: Specific crops, including potatoes and tomatoes, are expected to see notable increases.
Promotion of Horticulture Sector
- Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Launched in 2014-15, it is a Centrally Sponsored scheme with five sub-schemes focusing on various aspects of horticulture development.
- National Horticulture Mission, Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States, National Horticulture Board, Coconut Development Board, Central Institute of Horticulture: These entities contribute to improving horticulture industry development, productivity, and support in specific regions.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and Horticulture Cluster Development Programme: Launched for creating community farming assets, integrated post-harvest management infrastructure, and promoting horticulture clusters.
Bengaluru’s KIA bags ‘best airport of the year’ award, Mangaluru airport wins in under-five million passenger category
Source: Hindustan times
Context: : Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Clinches “Best Airport of the Year” Title
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: Current Events of National and International Importance, Awards
Why in news
- Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has secured the prestigious title of “Best Airport of the Year” at the Wings India Awards 2024.
Key highlights
- Multiple Accolades: KIA’s win was complemented by Karnataka’s Mangaluru International Airport, which secured the same title within the under-five million passenger category.
- Tie with Delhi Airport: Bengaluru’s KIA reportedly shared the top position with Delhi Airport, resulting in both airports being jointly awarded the “Best Airport of the Year.”
- Social Media Announcement: The Bengaluru airport took to social media to share the achievement, expressing gratitude to passengers, partners, stakeholders, and its dedicated team for contributing to the success.
- Wings India Forum: The Wings India forum, hosting the event, is recognized as Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition.
- The theme for this year’s event was “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the stage for Indian Civil Aviation @2047.”
- Presence of Civil Aviation Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Civil Aviation Minister, graced the ceremony and presented the awards to the deserving recipients.
- Terminal 2’s Impact: KIA gained attention with the launch of Terminal 2, featuring a garden theme symbolizing Bengaluru’s identity as the garden city of India.
- Recent Awards: The airport has been on a winning streak, receiving accolades such as the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ from UNESCO’s Prix Versailles and recognition for on-time departures, earning the title of the “world’s most punctual airport” from July to September 2023.
- Airports in India: The Airport Authority of India (AAI), overseeing all airports in the country, manages 137 airports, including 103 domestic, 24 international, and 10 customs airports.
- AAI operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responsible for the construction, maintenance, improvement, and management of aviation infrastructure in India.
Border Free Movement
Source: The Indian Express
Context: India-Myanmar Border: Centre Announces Decision to Fence Entire Stretch, Reconsider Free Movement Regime
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: General Studies-III ( Security and Management)
Why in news
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant announcement, revealing the Centre’s decision to fence the entire length of the India-Myanmar border to curb the free movement of people.
Key highlights
- Fencing Decision: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Guwahati, shared the decision to secure the India-Myanmar border by installing fences along its entire length, akin to the Bangladesh border.
- The 1,643 km border, passing through the states of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, has been largely unfenced, allowing unrestricted movement.
- Free Movement Regime (FMR) Reconsideration: The government is contemplating the withdrawal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar. The FMR, initiated in 2018, allowed tribes living along the border to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
- Security Concerns: The rationale behind the decision is rooted in security concerns, including secessionist movements, support to insurgents and terrorists, narcotics smuggling, and porous borders providing safe havens for insurgents.
- Indo-Myanmar Border Demarcation: Out of the 1,643 km border, the demarcation of 1472 km has been completed. Two un-demarcated portions remain – Lohit sub-sector of Arunachal Pradesh (136 km) and Kabaw valley in Manipur (35 km).
Border Management Initiatives
- Security Forces: The Assam Rifles, known as “Friends of the North East People,” is deployed for guarding the Indo-Myanmar Border.
- Modern Weapons: Advanced tools like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Battle Field Surveillance Radar (BFSR), Laser Range Finder, etc., are utilized for border security.
- Border Fencing: Initiated to curb infiltration, smuggling, and illegal activities in the Indo-Myanmar border area.
- Comprehensive Border Infrastructure Project: A comprehensive initiative is undertaken to improve infrastructure on the India-Myanmar border.
Free Movement Regime (FMR)
- About FMR: A pact between India and Myanmar allowing tribes along the border to travel up to 16 km without a visa, implemented in 2018.
- Rationale: Aims to enable ethnically similar communities living across borders to move freely, fostering local trade and business.
- Criticism: FMR has faced criticism for inadvertently aiding illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun-running.