9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26 February, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Raisina Dialogue: Significance and issues
Source-This post on Raisina Dialogue: Significance and issues has been created based on the article “At the high table” published in “The Hindu” on 24 February 2024.
Syllabus-GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News– Recently, the 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2024 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Raisina Dialogue Significance and issues
What is Raisina Dialogue?
The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, which aims to address the most challenging issues faced by the world. The conference takes place in New Delhi and is attended by people from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.
Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, hosts the conference.
What is the significance of Raisina Dialogue for India?
1) A Platform for dialogue-It provides opportunities for India to have dialogue and discussion on key regional and global issues.
2) “Vishwamitra” or friend of the world –It reflect Indias commitment and aspiration to be a leading voice and contributor in the international arena by mutual cooperation.
3) Uphold rule-based order- It demonstrates India’s commitment to a rules-based and inclusive world order.
4) Advancing national interest-The platform provides opportunities to showcase India’s achievements and potential in various fields and advancing its strategic and economic interest.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What are the issues with the recently held Raisina dialogue?
1) Agenda dominated by European Interests-There was a great focus on Russia-Ukraine war during Raisina dialogue. Other important issues like Israel war on Gaza and agenda of Global South, were not adequately discussed.
2) Lack of balance-The European dignitaries have raised issue of Chinese and Russian aggressive posturing. However, neither Russia nor China was invited.
3) Lack of diversity– There was minimal presence from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and even South Asia (excepting Nepal and Bhutan).
4) Under representation of civil societies– There was lack of adequate representation of non-governmental civil society organizations in the discourse.
Conclusion-The Raisina dialogue should cover more issues and hitherto neglected regions to make it a more effective platform for discussion on global issues.
Donor gametes is allowed as per new amendment in Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022
Source-This post on Donor gametes is allowed as per new amendment in Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022 has been created based on the article “Why were surrogacy rules modified?” published in “The Hindu” on 22 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2– Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
News– The article discusses recent amendments to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, addressing concerns and complexities surrounding surrogacy procedures.
What was the need to modify surrogacy rules?
1) Medical ailments with the intending couples- The previous rule insisted on using both eggs and sperm from the intending couple. However, this prevented married couples from using donor gametes for surrogacy in case they suffered from medical ailments that made it difficult to conceive.
2) SC Verdict- The 2023 rules were challenged in the Supreme Court by a woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome. MRKH is a rare congenital disorder that affects the reproductive system and can cause infertility. Supreme Court doubted the correctness of the previous rule.
Read more- Regulating ART and Surrogacy: Associated Challenges – Explained, pointwise
What are the latest amendments to the 2022 Surrogacy Rules?
The latest amendments have allowed using donor gametes, if either the husband or wife in the intending couple has a medical condition which is certified by a medical board.
Read More about the amended rules – Centre Allows Donor Gametes in Surrogacy Rules
What are the issues with the latest amendments?
1) Exclusion-The regulatory change is not applicable for single women as it specifies that a widow or a divorcee undergoing surrogacy must use self-eggs and donor sperm. This is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution. Experts have also criticized the restrictions on access to surrogacy by single persons, live-in couples, and LGBTQ couples
2) Implication for family-It has wider implication for families those who want to embrace parenthood and autonomy of an individual to choose their paths to parenthood.
Conclusion
There is a need to male act more humane and inclusive by accommodating the concerns of live-in couples, unmarried women, and single parents in this act, as Right to Reproduction is the fundamental right protected under Article 21 of the constitution.
IMEC potential to address Red sea crisis
Source-This post on MEC potential to address Red sea crisis has been created based on the article “Can the IMEC address the Red Sea crisis?” published in “The Hindu” on 22 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News-The article discusses the potential of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was announced during the G-20 summit in 2023 to address the Red sea crisis.
What is the red sea crisis?
It is an ongoing military standoff that began on 19 October 2023, when the Iran-backed Houthi movement within Yemen launched a barrage of missiles and armed drones at Israel.
The Houthis have staged multiple seizures of civilian-operated cargo ships sailing near the Yemeni coast and have claimed any Israel-linked shipping as a target. However, they have targeted multiple vessels with no apparent link to Israel.
Read more- Present challenges in the Red Sea-The stormy Red Sea
What is the significance of Red sea?
1) Strategic significance-Bab-el-Mandab strait is one of the world’s busiest cargo and oil transit points. It accounts for almost 12% of international merchandise trade passing through it. This strait is located on red sea between Yemen and Djibouti.
2) Economic Significance – Due to the ongoing crisis, major container and oil carriers are forced to re-route shipments via the Cape of Good Hope. The re-routing has led to rising ocean freight, inflated insurance costs, and longer voyage times leading to delays and shortage of products.
What is the impact of crisis on India’s interest?
1) Economic impact-India’s trade with European and North African countries flows entirely through the Red Sea route. This route accounts for almost 24% of its exports and 14% of its imports.
Due to ongoing crisis, there is drop in Indian shipments. For instance – As per the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Indian exporters have held back around 25% of their cargo ships transitioning through the Red Sea.
2) Stategic Impact –The current crisis has provided China with an opportunity to project China-Europe freight trains, as an alternate route, which are part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
How can India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) address the Red sea crisis?
The IMEC was announced during the G-20 summit in 2023. It is estimated to cut the journey time from India to Europe by 40% and slash transit costs by 30%.
The entire trade of the IMEC architecture flows through the Strait of Hormuz thus it would minimize dependence on the red sea.
What are the problems with India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor?
1) Lack of adequate attention-It is not receiving much attention. There have not been any investments or operations regarding the corridor.
2) Regional conflicts– Due to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Arab-Israel relations, have worsened, creating a huge hurdle.
3) Stategic location– Iran’s proximity and control over the Strait of Hormuz may lead to frequent disruptions.
What is the way forward?
1) As per some expert, Strait of Hormuz problem can be avoided by including Oman in the IMEC architecture and keeping the supply chain away from Iran’s reach.
2) There is a need to conduct an empirical study on the economic benefits of the corridor.
3) There should be a robust financial framework which attracts investments from governments, international organisations, and private sector entities.
4) Since the corridor involves facilitating trade across different legal systems, there is a need for a multinational framework.
Impacts of financial strain on educational – A disservice to the education sector
Source: The post impacts of financial strain on educational has been created, based on the article “A disservice to the education sector” published in “The Hindu” on 26th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education
News: The article discusses how the recent budget in India has greatly reduced funding for higher education and slightly increased it for school education. This reduction in university funding is against India’s commitment to providing inclusive and quality education to all.
What are the budget provisions for education?
Substantial Cut in Higher Education: The budget has reduced funding for higher education by over 60%, cutting ₹9,600 crore from last year. This affects institutions like IITs and IIMs.
Funding for Specific Projects: There’s a small increase in school education funding. But significant portions allocated for specific projects like PM-SHRI schools and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which impacts the budget for existing schools.
What are the impacts of financial strain on education?
Increased Loan Dependency: Funding is being redirected from the University Grants Commission to the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), increasing reliance on loans instead of grants.
Financial Pressure on Institutions: These cuts compel colleges and universities to introduce more self-financing courses, likely leading to increased tuition fees.
Negative Impact on Marginalized Students: The reduction in funding exacerbates the challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing higher education, as their Gross Enrollment Ratios are already below the national average.
Overall Quality of Education at Risk: The shift in funding priorities and the ensuing financial challenges might adversely affect the overall quality of education offered in Indian higher education institutions.
Contradiction with Education Goals: The budget cut is at odds with India’s commitment to the ‘Education 2023: Incheon Declaration,’ which calls for allocating 4-6% of GDP to education. The current allocation stands at approximately 2.8% of GDP, significantly lower than the target range.
Way forward
To improve education in India, the government should increase funding for higher education, aligning with the 4-6% GDP goal of the Incheon Declaration. This will support marginalized groups and reduce the economic burden on students, as currently, higher education GER is much lower than the global average.
Question for practice:
Discuss the impacts of the recent budget provisions on education in India.
GS PAPER - 3
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 controversy- Red signal for green dilution
Source: The post Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 controversy has been created, based on the article “Red signal for green dilution” published in “Business standard” on 26th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-environment- conservation
News: The article discusses a recent Supreme Court decision in India. The court ruled that the government must use a broad definition of forests from a 1996 judgment. This affects how the Forest Conservation Act is applied and protects more forest areas.
What was the Supreme Court decision on forests?
The Supreme Court of India reverted to the broader definition of forests from a 1996 judgment.
This decision affects the application of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).
The 2023 amendments to the FCA had limited its application to notified or recorded forests only.
The Court’s decision protects more forest areas from being excluded under the FCA.
For more information on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 read here
Why were the amendments to the FCA controversial?
Impacts on Forest Area: The 2023 amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) made it applicable only to notified or recorded forests. This narrowed the definition of forests, potentially leading to the declassification of millions of hectares.
Impact on Non-Forest Use: The amendments facilitated infrastructure development, like roads and highways, in forest areas. They enabled non-forest uses of land that were previously protected, weakening environmental safeguards.
Environmental Concern: Critics argued the amendments posed significant environmental risks. The amendments raised fears about increased degradation and loss of biodiversity in forest areas not covered by the FCA. For example, Haryana’s plan for an animal safari park in the Aravalli forests, a pristine forest area, was a direct result of these amendments.
What is the government’s justification for this?
The government justified the 2023 amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) citing development and infrastructure needs.
It argued that the original FCA hindered the construction of essential facilities like schools and infrastructure for tribal communities.
The government claimed that these amendments were necessary to balance environmental protection with development requirements.
As an example, the amendments aimed to facilitate road and highway construction, which was difficult under the strict provisions of the original FCA.
However, the Forest Rights Act already allowed for forest land diversion for such projects, making the amendment somewhat redundant.
Question for practice:
Examine the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision on forests in India, particularly regarding the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and its 2023 amendments
Significance of moon landings missions- A new success: Space is an area that necessitates expansive collaboration
Source: The post significance of moon landings missions has been created, based on the article “A new success: Space is an area that necessitates expansive collaboration” published in “The Hindu” on 26th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Science and technology-Space
News: The article discusses recent moon landings by different countries and organizations. It highlights India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, Russia’s failed Luna 25 mission, and the U.S.-based Intuitive Machines’ first private moon landing. The article emphasizes the role of collaboration and private sector involvement in space exploration.
What recent moon landings have occurred?
India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the moon, a significant achievement for ISRO.
Russia’s Luna 25 mission failed, showing challenges for Roscosmos.
The U.S. company Intuitive Machines achieved the first private soft landing on the moon.
What is the significance of moon landings missions?
Global Participation: Recent missions like India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna 25 indicate a growing global interest in lunar exploration.
Private Sector Milestone: The U.S.-based Intuitive Machines’ successful landing marks a new era of private companies playing a significant role in space exploration, facilitated by NASA’s CLPS program.
Technological Advancements: These missions showcase advancements in space technology, with ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 highlighting India’s capabilities and Intuitive Machines overcoming a navigation glitch, demonstrating the importance of innovation and problem-solving in space missions.
Learning from Success and Failure: Both successful and failed missions provide valuable insights for future space exploration, enhancing understanding and strategies in this field.
How are different countries contributing?
United States: Through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, the U.S. is nurturing private space ventures, exemplified by Intuitive Machines’ successful moon landing, highlighting the synergy between government initiatives and private sector innovation.
India: By successfully launching Chandrayaan-3, India, under ISRO, is demonstrating its growing prowess in space technology, emerging as a significant player in lunar exploration and showcasing advancements made in space research post-colonial era.
Russia: Despite the setback with Luna 25, Russia, via Roscosmos, continues its long-standing tradition in space exploration, contributing valuable experiences and lessons to the global space community, albeit facing challenges in maintaining its historical reputation in the field.
Question for practice:
Discuss the recent developments in lunar exploration missions and the significance of global collaboration and private sector involvement in space exploration.
Keynes prediction about the future economy- Keynes’ equitable society won’t be attained without intervention
Source: The post Keynes prediction about the future economy has been created, based on the article “Keynes’ equitable society won’t be attained without intervention” published in “Live mints” on 26th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-
News: This article discusses John Maynard Keynes’ 1930 essay about the future economy. Keynes predicted less work and more leisure due to technology but underestimated human greed and the need for government intervention. The article suggests taxing the rich to reduce income inequality.
What did Keynes predict about the future economy?
Keynes envisioned a future with less work and more leisure due to technological progress. He predicted that the “economic problem” of needing to work for survival would be resolved in a hundred years.
Keynes believed that technological unemployment would lead to rapid GDP growth and an era of leisure.
He speculated that living standards would be four to eight times higher in a century.
Keynes’s view was that people might work only three hours a day for personal fulfillment.
Contrary to his prediction, productivity gains have not led to significantly increased leisure time for all.
Why did Keynes get some predictions wrong?
Keynes assumed financial security would satisfy most people, not accounting for the relentless pursuit of wealth.
Keynes didn’t anticipate that the wealthy would be driven by competitive greed, working more than ever.
He failed to consider the cultural and societal factors influencing work habits. For example, U.S. workers still work more hours than their European counterparts, contrary to Keynes’s vision of reduced work hours.
Keynes’s expectation of a naturally occurring shift towards an equitable world was too optimistic, not considering the necessity of government intervention for such a change.
What should be done to overcome the issues of inequality?
Implement the “accordion tax” to redistribute income from the wealthy to the poor.
This tax system targets those with above-average earnings and benefits those with below-average wages.
It aims to narrow the income gap while maintaining the relative status of the wealthy.
The system would reduce the post-tax earnings of billionaires but keep their motivation for innovation intact. For example, billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos would still have incentives to innovate.
This approach aligns with Keynes’s vision of an equitable world, adapting to the realities of modern economic disparities.
What is the way forward?
- Acknowledge Keynes’s vision but adapt it to current economic realities.
- Recognize that human greed and the desire for wealth accumulation are significant factors in economic behavior.
- Understand that achieving reduced work hours and increased leisure time is more complex than Keynes anticipated.
- Address the cultural and societal factors that drive long working hours, especially in countries like the U.S.
- Promote government intervention to facilitate the shift towards a more equitable world.
- Foster a growing awareness of economic disparities and the need for redress.
Question for practice:
Examine how John Maynard Keynes’ predictions about the future economy align with the realities of modern-day wealth accumulation and income inequality.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
ISRO’s CE-20 cryogenic engine
Source-This post on ISRO’s CE-20 engine has been created based on the article “Ahead of Gaganyaan, ISRO’s CE-20 engine already has a notable legacy” published in “The Hindu” on 25 February 2024.
Why in the news?
ISRO has recently accomplished the human rating of its cryogenic engine (CE20), which powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launcher for India’s first human space flight mission Gaganyaan.
About CE-20 cryogenic engine
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Description– It is an indigenous cryogenic engine developed by ISRO that powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission.
Features-
1) It is the first cryogenic engine to use the gas-generator cycle. This discards the exhaust from the pre-burner instead of sending it to the combustion chamber. It reduces fuel efficiency. However, it makes the CE-20 engine easier to build and test.
2) It is a vital component, serving as the powerhouse of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) responsible for propelling the upper stage (C25) of the LVM3 vehicle.
3) It achieves a higher maximum thrust (~200 kilonewton v. 73.5 kilonewton) with a shorter burn duration.
4) It has demonstrated its capability by successfully operating at a thrust level of 19 tonnes in six successive LVM3 missions, including the Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two commercial OneWeb missions.
What does human rating of CE20 engine mean?
Rockets that carry humans to space require ‘human-rating’. This entails testing particular components repeatedly to ensure failures happen at less than a particular rate.
What are the highlights of ground qualification tests for the human rating of the CE20?
1) Comprehensive evaluation– It includes life demonstration tests, endurance tests, and performance assessment under nominal operating conditions as well as off-nominal conditions relative to thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
2) Hot firing test– Four CE-20 engines had been hot-fire tested for a cumulative 8,810 seconds against the minimum human rating qualification standard requirement of 6,350 seconds.
Read more about-Gaganyaan Mission
UPSC Syllabus-Science & Technology.
Do political parties have to pay Income tax?
Source-This post on Do political parties have to pay Income tax? has been created based on the article “Congress alleges I-T Dept withdrew 65cr from its accounts: Do political parties have to pay Income tax?” published in “The Indian Express” on 25 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Congress treasurer alleged that the income tax department has undemocratically withdrawn ₹65 crore from the party’s accounts.
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What is a political Party under Indian laws?
For any association of Indian citizens or body of individual citizens of India to be recognised as a political party, it needs to make an application to the Election Commission to get itself registered under Section 29A of RPA 1951.
Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 deals with tax provisions relating to political parties.
What is a political party for the purpose of Section 13A?
Political party for the purpose of Section 13A means a political party which is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Do political parties pay any tax?
Section 13A has given 100% exemption to political parties on its income from house property, income from other sources, capital gains and voluntary contributions received from any person however, subject to conditions.
What are the conditions for applicability of Section 13A for political parties?
1) They need to be registered under Section 29A of the RPA
2) They need to maintain books of account and other documents to enable the Assessing Officer to deduce its income.
3) They need to maintain records of each contribution of more than Rs 20,000 including name and address of the person making such contribution.
4) They need to get its books of account audited by a chartered accountant.
5) They should not receive any donation of more than Rs 2,000 by cash.
6) Treasurer of political party need to furnish a report of donations received in excess of Rs 20,000 to Election Commission of India for the financial year.
Do political parties need to furnish return of income?
Yes, though political party has 100% exemption on specified income, it is not given any relief from furnishing return of income.
It is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer of the political party to file the return of income and also to sign and verify the same.
Read more about-Electoral Bonds Scheme Verdict
UPSC Syllabus-Polity and nation
Nordic Baltic Cooperation
Source-This post on Nordic Baltic Cooperation has been created based on the article “The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust” published in “The Hindu” on 24 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The eight Nordic-Baltic countries are participating in the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi together as representatives of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation.
About Nordic-Baltic cooperation
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Aspect | Details |
Description | The NB8 is a regional cooperation format that brings together the Nordic countries and the Baltic States. In 2000, it was decided that the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format would be called Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8). |
Objective | To discuss important regional and international issues in an informal atmosphere. |
Members | It comprises five Nordic countries:- 1) Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Three Baltic states:- 2) Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. |
Are they member of European Union? | They are members of the European Union except Iceland and Norway. |
India and NB 8 | The Nordic-Baltic cooperation with India spans fields as diverse as innovation, green transition, maritime, health, intellectual property rights, new technologies, space cooperation etc. Trade and investment figures between the Nordic region and India are steadily increasing. |
Read more about-Nordic-Baltic countries.
UPSC Syllabus-International relations.
Sudarshan Setu
Source-This post on the Sudarshan Setu has been created based on the article “PM inaugurates Sudarshan Setu connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat” published in “PIB” on 25th Feb 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu bridge in Gujarat.
About Sudarshan Setu
1. About- ‘Sudarshan Setu’ is the country’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
2. Location- It is on the Arabian Sea, connecting Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district.
3. Features:
a. It has a unique design, featuring a footpath adorned with verses from Srimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna on both sides.
b. The bridge is energy efficient as solar panels installed on the bridge will provide electricity for the illumination of the bridge at night.
c. The bridge is 2.32 km in length which, includes 900 metres of central double span cable-stayed portion.
c. The bridge was earlier known as ‘Signature Bridge‘. It has now been renamed as ‘Sudarshan Setu‘ or Sudarshan Bridge.
4. Significance-
a. Beyt Dwarka is an island near Okha port, which is nearly 30 km from Dwarka town, where the famous Dwarkadhish temple of Lord Krishna is situated.
b. Earlier, the devotees visiting the temple at Beyt Dwarka could travel only during the day by boat. However, after the construction of the bridge, they can now travel at all times.
UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture/Miscellaneous
Sant Ravidas
Source-This post on Sant Ravidas has been created based on the article “Prime Minister pays tributes to Sant Ravidas on his birth anniversary“published in “PIB” on 26 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue of Sant Ravidas in Varanasi and offered floral tribute on the occasion of his 647th birth anniversary.
About Sant Ravidas
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1. About
a. Guru Ravidas was a mystic poet saint of the Bhakti Movement from the 15th and 16th centuries, and founded the Ravidassia religion.
b. He was a revered poet and a renowned philosopher.
2. Birth- He was born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur in Uttar Pradesh. His place of birth is now known as Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan.
3. Life history:
a. Despite belonging to a community whose initial occupation was in leatherwork, Ravidas shifted his focus to spiritual pursuits, spending much of his time on the banks of the Ganges.
b. Throughout his life, he associated with Sufi saints, sadhus, and ascetics.
c. At the age of 12, Ravidas was married to Lona Devi, and they had a son named Vijay Dass.
3. Teachings and Works:
a. Since his birth, Guru Ravidas devoted his life to advocating for human rights and equality.
b. A few of his compositions were also included in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
c. He is one of the most famous personalities of the nirguna sampradaya (sant parampara) and was one of the prominent leaders of the North Indian Bhakti movement.
d. He also became a symbol of opposition to untouchability in society by the higher caste people for lower caste people.
e) Sant Guru Ravidas Jayanti is hugely observed in the Northern part of India including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.
About Guru Ravidas Jayanti
a. Sant Ravidas Jayanti or birthday anniversary is celebrated every year on Magh Purnima on full moon day of Magh month.
b. On this special day, a ceremony of Nagar Kirtan procession is performed by people with the chants of mantras during Aarti.
c. Music, songs, and Doha are sung in the temples located on the streets.
d. Some of the followers and devotees also perform the ceremony of holy bath in the Ganga River or other holy places then go to worship his image at home or in a temple.
UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture, Personalities in News
Sub National Climate Fund
Source-This post on the Sub National Climate Fund has been created based on the article “Goa to be 1st state to get World Bank climate fund” published in “Times of India” on 20th February 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, Goa became the 1st state to get the World Bank backed Sub National Climate Resilient Green Fund.
About first Sub National Climate Resilient Green Fund
1. Goa’s government has partnered with the World Bank to set up a unique finance facility to strengthen climate resilience.
2. Stakeholders: Under the framework of the Blended Finance facility, the Department of Environment, Government of Goa, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key financial institutions, including the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and the Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
3. The announcement of the Blended Finance facility was made during the 2024 edition of the World Bank’s India Climate and Development Partners’ Meet held in Panaji from February 19 to 21.
4. The fund is being set up as an outcome of 100% renewable energy plan for Goa, which was announced at the G20 Summit.
5. Significance:
a. This initiative marks a significant step towards accessing and mobilizing concessional finance to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient investments in Goa.
b. This facility is one of the first sub-national facilities of its kind in India. This will serve as a template for other states to adopt at the national level.
c. Key sectors earmarked to benefit from blended finance investments include e-mobility, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and green tourism, among others.
About Green Climate Fund
1. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was set up in 2010 as a financial mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. The GCF mechanism allows funding from developed countries to developing countries to allow them to mitigate climate change and also adapt to disruptions arising from a changing climate.
3. The GCF is based in Incheon, South Korea. It is governed by a Board of 24 members and supported by a Secretariat.
4. The Fund also targets societies that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, in particular Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and African States.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
Spotted Deer
Source-This post on Spotted Deer has been created based on the article “40 spotted deer translocated from Mysuru Zoo to Kali Tiger Reserve” published in “Deccan Herald” on 22 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, 40 spotted deer (axis axis) have been translocated from Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) to Panasoli range of Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Dandeli forest, Uttara Kannada district.
What is spotted deer?

Aspect | Details |
About | 1. The Axis Deer, also known as Chital or Spotted Deer. 2. It is a large species of deer, which has a particularly elegant and charming appearance. 3. Axis Deer are crepuscular, which means that they are most active during the dawn and dusk. |
Distribution | It is native to the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh). |
Habitat | 1. They primarily eat grasses and vegetation but will also ingest their shed antlers as a source of nutrients. 2. These deer prefer moderate to dense forests and grasslands near water sources. |
Conservation Status | IUCN: Endangered |
Characteristics | 1.Lifespan- About 20 to 30 years. 2. Height and weight- It stands at about 35 inches tall and weighs about 187 pounds. 3. Appearance- The deer’s golden-Rufus colouring is speckled with white spots, and it has a white underbelly. 4. Reproduction- The spotted deer has a prolonged mating season, as the perpetually warm climate allows females to remain fertile and to give birth to fawns any time of year. 5. Herd size- Spotted deer most commonly occur in herds of 10 to 50 individuals, with one or two males and a number of females and young. |
About Kali Tiger reserve
Aspect | Details |
Introduction | 1. The forest in the area was declared the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary on 10 May 1956. 2. The state proposed carving out a section of the sanctuary to form the Anshi national park, which was implemented on 2 September 1987. 3. It was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve in December 2015 |
Location | Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is located in the central portion of the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka state. The Tiger Reserve comprises two important protected areas of the region viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (475.018 Km²) and Anshi National Park (339.866 Km²). |
Vegetation | Forests of the Tiger Reserve are primarily moist deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the westernmost parts as well as in deep valleys. |
Rivers | The Kali River flows through the tiger reserve and is the lifeline of the ecosystem. |
Fauna | Animals found in the Tiger Reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild dog, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Bonnet macaque, varieties of reptiles and birds including all four species of hornbills as its residents., etc. Kali Tiger Reserve is home to rare black panthers. |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment/National Parks/Species in News