Independence Day Gallantry Awards 2024

For Prelims: President of India, Gallantry awards, Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, President’s Medal for Gallantry

For Mains: Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate, 'Viksit Bharat' Vision and India's Development Goals

Source: PIB

Why in News?

As India celebrates its 78^th Independence Day, President of India has conferred prestigious gallantry awards on Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel.

• Additionally, 1,037 police medals were awarded to personnel from Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services for exceptional bravery and service.
• The Prime Minister has also unveiled ambitious goals to shape India's future, highlighting the nation’s commitment to its security forces and development.

Note: 

• India's Independence Day theme for the year 2024 is 'Viksit Bharat', symbolising the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

What are the Gallantry Awards Awarded on the 78th Independence Day?

• Kirti Chakra: Four Kirti Chakras including three posthumous were awarded.
  • The Kirti Chakra award for gallantry was first instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra class -II, and was redesignated as Kirti Chakra in  1967. 
    • The medal is circular in shape, made of standard silver. The obverse features an embossed replica of the Ashoka Chakra surrounded by a lotus wreath. 
    • The ribbon is green, divided into three equal parts by two orange vertical lines. 
    • The medal is awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy and may be awarded posthumously. 
• Shaurya Chakra: 18 Shaurya Chakras including four posthumous were awarded.
  • The Shaurya Chakra Instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III and renamed in  1967 as Shaurya Chakra and awarded for gallantry, otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
    • Circular in shape and of bronze. On the obverse of the medal shall have embossed a replica of Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. 
    • Green colour ribbon divided into four equal parts by three vertical lines. 
    • If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. 
      • For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone. 
  • The Chakra is awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously. 
• Sena Medal (Gallantry): One Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) and 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including two posthumous were awarded.

  • The Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) is an award given to personnel of the Indian Army who have already received the Sena Medal (Gallantry) and have performed subsequent acts of bravery or exceptional service.

• Nao Sena Medals: 11 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) were awarded.
  • Nau Sena Medal is a gallantry award for Indian Navy personnel, awarded for exceptional devotion to duty or courage.
• Vayu Sena Medals: 6 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) were awarded.
  • Vayu Sena Medal instituted in 1960 to recognise exceptional devotion to duty or acts of courage by Air Force personnel. 
  • The award is given for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage that have special significance for the Air Force. VM (Gallantry) is awarded for acts of courage, and VM (Devotion to Duty) is awarded for exceptional devotion to duty. 
    • A bar is given for each subsequent award, and the award may be made posthumously.
• Mention-in-Despatches: The President has also approved 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including to Army Dog Kent (posthumous) for their significant contributions in different military operations. 
  • The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid and Operation Katchal.
    • Operation Rakshak is an ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. It began in June 1990 during the height of insurgency in the region.
    • Operation Snow Leopard was launched by the Indian Army in response to the standoff with Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. 
      • The operation began in 2020 after China failed to restore the status quo ante in the region.
    • Operation Sahayata is an Indian operation that provides humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support.
    • Operation Orchid was a counter-insurgency operation conducted by the Indian Army in the Naga Hills and Tuensang area of Nagaland. 
    • Operation Hifazat is a counter-insurgency operation conducted by the Indian Army in the Nagaland-Manipur-Arunachal Pradesh area.
  • The Mention-in-Despatches is awarded for distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas and acts of gallantry which are not of a sufficiently high order to warrant the grant of gallantry awards. 
    • All Army, Navy and Air Force personnel and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces, members of the Nursing services and civilians working under or with the Armed forces are eligible. 
  • Names may be included posthumously and a person's name may be mentioned in more than one despatch. A certificate is issued to each individual where their name is mentioned in a despatch.

What are the Different Types of Police Medals Awarded?

• President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG): The highest police decoration for bravery, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals.
  • 1 PMG awarded to Shri Chaduvu Yadaiah, Head Constable of Telangana Police, for his extraordinary bravery during a violent confrontation with criminals involved in chain-snatching and arms dealing.
• Medal for Gallantry (GM): 213 GMs awarded for acts of gallantry, with categories including decorations for firefighters and civil defence personnel.
• President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM): 94 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in police work.
• Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM): 729 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded for valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

What are the Ambitious Goals Highlighted by the PM on India's 78th Independence Day?

• Ease of Living: Enhance urban quality of life through improved infrastructure and services.
• Revival of Nalanda Spirit:  The PM sought to revive the ancient Nalanda University spirit, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research, building on the inauguration of Nalanda University in 2024.
• Semiconductor Production: Reduce import dependency and lead in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Skill India: Referring to Budget 2024, the PM highlighted landmark initiatives to train India's youth and make it the skill capital of the world.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Establish India as a major global manufacturing hub.
• Design in India: Create products for both domestic and international markets.
• Green Jobs and Hydrogen: Reiterated India's commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and creating sustainable jobs in environmental conservation and renewable energy.
• Climate Change Targets: Reiterated India's ambitious goal of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, noting that India has been the only country among the G20 nations to meet its Paris Accord goals.
• Youth in Politics: Bring 100,000 new youth into politics to fight nepotism and casteism.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Analyze the significance of gallantry awards. How do these awards reflect India's commitment to honouring exceptional bravery? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements are not correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

State of Poultry Industry in India

For Prelims: Livestock sector, Environmental pollution, Greenhouse gas emissions

For Mains: State of Poultry Farming and Chicken Industry in India, Challenges, Issues Related to Poultry Farming and Way Forward.

Source: IE

Why in News?

The broiler chicken industry in India has transformed from a traditional, small-scale farming practice into a highly organised and vertically integrated agri-business. 

• This evolution has enabled even smallholders to participate in commercial poultry farming, significantly increasing productivity and profitability.

What are Broiler Chickens?

• Broiler Chickens: Broiler chickens are a type of chicken specifically bred and raised for meat production. Rearing of chickens comes under poultry farming.
  • Advantages:
    • Rapid Growth Rate: Broilers are genetically engineered to grow exceptionally fast, reaching slaughter weight in a relatively short period, typically 4 to 6 weeks.
    • High Meat-to-Bone Ratio: They have been selectively bred to develop large breast muscles, which are the most desirable part of the chicken for consumers.
    • Efficient Feed Conversion: Broilers efficiently convert feed into meat, making them economically viable for commercial production.
• Poultry Farming: Poultry farming is the practice of domesticating and raising birds, primarily chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, for the purpose of producing meat and eggs. It is a significant component of the agricultural sector worldwide.

What is the State of the Poultry Industry in India?

• Global Ranking and Production: According to Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) production data (2020), India ranks 3rd in Egg Production and 8th in meat production in the world.
  • Egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 129.60 billion Nos. in 2021-22. Meat production in the country has increased from 6.69 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 9.29 million tonnes in 2021-22.
  • Broiler meat production in the country is estimated at around 5 million tonnes (MT) annually.
• Poultry Feed Production: In 2022, India's total poultry feed production reached 27 million metric tons per year.
• Growth Trends: The poultry sector in India has shown impressive growth, with poultry meat production increasing at an average annual rate of 8%, and egg production rising by 7.45% between 2014-15 and 2021-22.
• Market Size and Exports: The Indian poultry market reached Rs. 2,099.2 billion in 2023, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2024 to 2032.
  • During the 2022-23, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of USD 134 million.
• Top Egg-Producing States: Andhra Pradesh (20.13%), Tamil Nadu (15.58%), Telangana (12.77%), West Bengal (9.93%), and Karnataka (6.51%).

What are the Key Factors Responsible for Rapid Growth of the Poultry Industry in India?

• Vertical Integration:  Companies utilise contract farming models, providing farmers with day-old chicks (DOCs), feed, and technical support.
  • This approach allows for streamlined operations, reduced risks, and enhanced control over the entire supply chain, from breeding to marketing, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
• Technological Advancements: The use of Environmentally Controlled (EC) sheds with automated feeding, and climate control systems has improved growth efficiency and reduced mortality rates. 
  • Additionally, advanced breeding techniques have enhanced growth rates and disease resistance in broiler chickens.
• Increased Demand for Poultry Products: Growing urban populations and shifting dietary preferences, including a trend towards more processed and ready-to-eat poultry products, have driven the rising demand for chicken as a protein source.
• Government Support and Policies: Government initiatives, subsidies, and improved infrastructure for transportation and cold storage have bolstered investment and growth in the poultry sector, enhancing supply chain management.
• Financial Incentives for Farmers: The contract farming model offers guaranteed payments and performance-based incentives, boosting farmers' profit margins and encouraging larger operations. 
  • Additionally, loans and credit facilities from financial institutions support poultry farming investments.
• Export Opportunities: The potential for exporting poultry products to international markets presents a dynamic opportunity for the Indian poultry industry. 
  • However, this is also influenced by global market conditions, trade policies, and competition from other exporting countries.

What are the Challenges Related to the Poultry Industry in India?

• Contaminated Environments: High-density confinement of chickens in battery cages results in poor air quality, waste management problems, and greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Poultry units with over 5,000 birds are classified as polluting industries by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), necessitating strict regulatory compliance.
• Feed Price Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of feed ingredients such as corn and soybean can impact the profitability of poultry farming. Ensuring a stable supply and exploring alternative feed sources are essential to address this challenge.
• Cruel Treatment of Animals: Industrial poultry operations often involve inhumane practices such as mutilation, starvation, and overcrowding, violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
• Financial and Operational Challenges: The industry faces issues such as large debts, reliance on informal facilities, and complex contract farming arrangements. Farmers often incur significant losses due to market volatility and the pressures from industry giants.
• Competition from Other Protein Sources: The poultry market faces competition from other protein sources like plant-based proteins, which are gaining popularity due to health and environmental concerns.
• Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Inadequacies in the supply chain, including transportation, cold storage, and distribution networks, can lead to wastage and affect the quality of poultry products, hindering market growth.
• Waste Management Issues: The poultry industry produces significant waste, including methane, CO2, water effluents, and solid waste, causing soil and water pollution. 
  • Excessive manure accumulation exceeds land capacity, leading to pollution and breeding grounds for disease vectors like flies and mosquitoes.

What are the Initiatives for the Poultry Industry in India?

• Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF): The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing it under “Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation” (EDEG) of the National Livestock Mission.
• National Livestock Mission (NLM): Different programmes under the NLM in which financial assistance is provided to States/Union Territories to implement Rural Backyard Poultry Development (RBPD) and Innovative Poultry Productivity Project (IPPP).
• Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) Scheme: ASCAD under “Livestock Health and Disease Control” (LH&DC) which covers the vaccination of economically important poultry diseases viz., Ranikhet Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, Fowl Pox, etc., including control and containment of emergent and exotic diseases like Avian Influenza.

Way Forward

• Enhance Business Environment: Improve the ease of doing business by addressing challenges related to poultry product exports and integrating informal sector units. 
• Invest in Research and Development: Increase investment in R&D to drive innovation and advancements across the poultry sector.
• Strengthen Environmental Oversight: Enforce stringent environmental regulations, particularly in light of the CPCB’s reclassification of the poultry industry as a highly polluting 'orange category' sector. 
  • This is crucial for addressing current challenges, such as the bird flu crisis, and mitigating the broader climate emergency.
• Align Environmental and Animal Welfare Regulations: Ensure that India's environmental laws and regulations reflect the One Health principle, integrating lessons from public health crises. 
  • Emphasise the connection between animal welfare, public health, ecosystem integrity, and biodiversity conservation.
• Social Awareness Campaigns: The government should earmark funds for awareness generation through “Social Awareness Campaigns” which could sensitise the communities and population at large on major aspects related to poultry farming.

Drishti Mains Question:

What is the State of Poultry Farming in India? What are its challenges and the way forward?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.1 Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’? (2012)

(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above

Ans: (c)

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Mains

Q.1 Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. (2015)

Centre's Assistance to States for Land Reforms

For Prelims: Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN), Digitize Land Records, Geographic Information System (GIS), Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Scrapping of Old Vehicles, DILRMP, Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA), Agriculture Census,Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology.

For Mains: Significance of Land Reforms in Mobilization of Resources and Inclusive Growth.

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently the central government has earmarked financial incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 to promote land-related reforms across states.

• The Centre will provide states with Rs 10,000 crore in incentives for implementing land-related reforms in rural and urban areas, and Rs 5,000 crore for creating a Farmers’ Registry during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

What are the Recent Announcements For Land Reforms Under the Scheme?

• In rural areas, Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN), also referred to as Bhu-Aadhaar, will be assigned to land parcels. 
  • ULPIN is a number that would uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of land and prevent land fraud, especially in the hinterlands of rural India, where land records are outdated and often disputed.
• Cadastral maps will be digitised, and land subdivisions will be surveyed to reflect current ownership. Additionally, a comprehensive land registry will be established.
• In urban areas, States will receive financial incentives to digitise land records using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. 
  • They are also required to develop IT-based systems for property record administration, updating, and tax management.

Financial Support for Various Other Initiatives Under the Scheme

• Support for Working Women’s Hostels: The government has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for constructing hostels to boost female workforce participation, with state governments providing land at no cost or covering acquisition costs, and the hostels will be managed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model while retaining state ownership.
• Vehicle Scrappage: Rs 3,000 crore will be provided in incentives for the scrapping of old vehicles.
• Industrial Growth: Rs 15,000 crore is earmarked to stimulate industrial development.
• Infrastructure Development: Rs 1,000 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development, with equal distribution among Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Rs 15,000 crore will support states’ shares of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including Urban and Rural Infrastructure Projects.
• SNA Sparsh Model: Rs 4,000 crore will be allocated for the implementation of a just-in-time fund release model.
• Capital Expenditure Targets: Rs 25,000 crore will be provided in incentives for meeting capital expenditure targets for FY 2024-25.

What are Major Initiatives Undertaken for Land Reforms?

• Pre Independence: Under British rule, farmers lacked land ownership, with land titles held by zamindars, jagirdars, and other intermediaries. 
  • Several key challenges, such as the concentration of land in a few hands, exploitative leasing practices, poorly maintained land records, and fragmented land holdings, hindered the effectiveness of land reforms in India  .
• Post-Independence Reforms: To address the above mentioned issues, the government appointed a committee in 1949 chaired by J. C. Kumarappa, which recommended comprehensive agrarian reforms like abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, ceiling on landholdings, consolidation of landholdings.
  • Abolition of Intermediaries: The removal of the zamindari system eliminated intermediaries between cultivators and the state.
  • Tenancy Reforms: It aimed to control rent, ensure security of tenure, and grant ownership to tenants.
  • Ceilings on Landholdings: Land Ceiling Acts were introduced to cap the maximum land one could own, preventing land concentration among a few. 
    • Based on the Kumarappa Committee's recommendation, the ceiling was set to three times the economic holding size needed for a family’s livelihood. 
    • By 1961-62, states had enacted varying ceiling limits, which were standardized in 1971. National guidelines set limits between 10-54 acres, depending on land type and productivity.
  • Consolidation of Landholdings: Land consolidation aimed to address fragmentation by reorganizing small, scattered plots into larger, manageable units. 
    • Most states, except Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, enacted consolidation laws, with compulsory consolidation in Punjab and Haryana and voluntary consolidation in other states.
• Recent Initiatives:
  • DILRMP, a Central Sector scheme, aims to build upon the commonalities that exist in the arena of land records in various States to develop an appropriate Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS) across the country, on which different States can also add State-specific needs as they may deem relevant and appropriate.
    
    • The Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP): DILRMP, previously known as the National Land Record Modernisation Programme (NLRMP), was launched in 2008 by the Government of India with the purpose to digitise and modernise land records and develop a centralised land record management system.
  • SVAMITVA: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.
    • It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS).

What are the Related Challenges and Steps That Can Be Taken for Land Reforms?

• Challenges:
  • Entrenched Power Structures: Large landowners resist changes, hindering enforcement of land ceiling acts and redistribution policies.
  • Complex Land Records: Outdated record-keeping systems lead to disputes and complicate land identification for redistribution.
  • Land Fragmentation: Division of land among heirs results in economically unviable small landholding.
    • As per the Agriculture Census, the average size of operational holdings has decreased from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.84 hectares in 1980-81, to 1.41 hectares in 1995-96 and to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
  • Legal and Implementation Issues: Weak enforcement of existing laws and loopholes like lack of clear ceiling on family basis, undermine reform efforts.
  • Urbanisation Pressures: Rapid development leads to contentious farmland acquisition and farmer displacement.
  • Productivity vs. Equity: Balancing the redistribution of land with the need to ensure that new owners can do farming effectively remains a significant challenge.
• Way Forward:
  
  • Technology Integration: Digitise and secure land records using advanced technologies like satellite imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for efficient land management, mapping, and blockchain technology for ensuring transparency and reducing disputes.
  • Legal Framework Enhancement: Strengthen and rigorously enforce land reform laws, closing loopholes and improving implementation mechanisms.
    • There is a need to learn from the land reform practices of West Bengal and Kerala, where reforms were successful to a larger extent due to strong political will.
  • Land Consolidation Initiatives: Incentivise land consolidation through voluntary pooling and cooperative farming models to improve agricultural efficiency.
  • Equitable Land Acquisition: Implement transparent, fair land acquisition policies with adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures for affected farmers.
  • New Landowner Empowerment: Provide comprehensive support to new landowners, including agricultural training, access to credit, and market linkages.

Read more: Land Reforms in India

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of state-led land reforms in addressing historical land inequities. How have different states performed in implementing these reforms, and what lessons can be drawn from their experiences?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)

(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.

(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

Ans: (b)

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Mains:

Q. Establish relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture – friendly land reforms in India. (2013)

St Martin’s Island

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resignation, St Martin's Island came into controversy over its lease to another nation.

What are the Key Facts about St Martin's Island?

• About:
  • St Martin’s Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. 
  • It is nine kilometres away from the southern tip of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula.
    • The 7.3 km long island is at an elevation of 3.6 metres above the mean sea level. 
  • It is Bangladesh’s only coral island and is also a breeding ground for sea turtles.
• History:
  • The island was once part of the Teknaf peninsula around 5,000 years ago, but gradually got submerged into the sea. 
    • Around 450 years ago, the southern suburbs of present-day St Martin's Island resurfaced, and the northern and rest of the parts of the island rose above sea level in the following 100 years.
  • The Arab merchants were among the first to settle on the island, arriving in the 18th Century.
    • They initially named it "Jazira" (meaning "the island" or "the peninsula") and later changed it to "Narikel Jinjira" or "Coconut Island".
  • In 1900, British India annexed the island during a land survey. During which the island came to be known as St Martin's Island, named after then Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Martin.
    • After the partition of British India in 1947, it became part of Pakistan and subsequently, a part of independent Bangladesh after the 1971 Liberation War.

1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

• Background:
  • After its independence, Pakistan was divided into East and West Pakistan.
    • Geographical disconnect between the two regions, economic exploitation of east by west pakistan, Cultural conflicts and negligence of East Pak’s administration were major challenges.
  • In the mid-1960s, leaders such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the founding father of Bangladesh), actively began protesting against the policies of West Pak which was followed by a brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military.
• India’s Role:
  • On 15^th May 1971, India launched Operation Jackpot to recruit, train, arm, equip, supply and advise Mukti Bahini fighters engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Pakistan military.
  • On 3rd December 1971, India decided to go on a war with Pakistan to save Bengali Muslims and Hindus in East Pakistan. The war lasted for 13 days.
  • After that, a written agreement between India, Pakistan and the provisional government of Bangladesh came into effect bringing an end to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (2014)

(a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended

(b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911

(c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement

(d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

Ans: (b)

Martand Sun Temple Glows in Tricolor

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag district, J&K has been illuminated with the tricolors of the Indian flag as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

• The illumination has filled local residents and tourists with a deep sense of pride and joy, drawing large crowds to witness this historic moment.

What are Key Facts About Martand Sun Temple?

• Construction: The Martand Temple was constructed around 1200 years ago by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty, who ruled Kashmir from 725 AD to 753 AD.
  • It was dedicated to Martand, the Sun god, and featured grand architecture with influences from Egyptian, Greek, and Gandharan styles.
  • The temple had massive grey stone walls and a courtyard filled with river water, symbolising its grandeur and significance in Kashmiri architecture.
• Historical Reference: The temple's history is documented in the Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century.
• Architectural Features: The temple had three distinct chambers i.e., the mandapa, garbhagriha, and antralaya, making it unique among Kashmiri temples.
  • The ruins suggest the temple was surrounded by a peristyle of 84 pillars, a characteristic of Kashmiri temple architecture.
  • The use of lime mortar in the construction, unusual for its time, suggests the involvement of immigrant Byzantine architects.
• Cultural Assimilation: The Martand Temple’s architecture shows a confluence of styles, including Classical Greco-Roman, Buddhist-Gandhara, and North Indian, reflecting Kashmir’s historical connections with various cultures and empires.
• Association with Harsha: King Harsha (1089 AD to 1101 AD) of the first Lohara dynasty who looted temples for treasure, is noted for sparing the Martand Temple, unlike other temples which he desecrated for wealth.
• Destruction: The temple is believed to have been partially demolished by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, who ruled Kashmir from 1389 to 1413, though this is disputed by some historians.
  • Today, the temple stands partially intact with its impressive grey walls and carved deities still visible.
• Current State: The ruins of the temple have been protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), including during the decade of militancy in the 1990s, as a “monument of national importance”. 

Kashmiri Temple Architecture

• The Kashmiri temple architecture has its unique features suited to local geography and are renowned for its exquisite stone carvings. 
• Due to its location on the important trade routes, the architectural style is inspired by many foreign sources. 
• Temple making reached a great height under the rulers of Karakota dynasty and Utpala dynasty. 
• The main features of Kashmir style of architecture are: 
  • Trefoil arches (Gandhara influence) 
  • Cellular layout and Enclosed courtyard 
  • Straight-edged Pyramidal roof 
  • Column walls (Greek influence) 
  • Triangular pediments (Greek influence) 
  • Relatively more number of steps. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017)

1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary & Tawa Reservoir as New Ramsar Sites

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the centre declared the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh as three new wetlands as Ramsar Sites.

• With these inclusions, India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites to 85.
• Now, Tamil Nadu harbours a maximum number of Ramsar Sites (18 sites) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).

What are the Key Facts About Three New Ramsar Sites?

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary:
  • It is a large shallow wetland in northeastern Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu. Centuries ago, it was restored by a local King Nanjarayan.
  • Spanning 125.865 hectares, the lake relies on rainfall from Nallar drainage and also supports agriculture and groundwater recharge.
  • It hosts bird species like Bar-headed Goose, Northern shoveler, Spot-billed Pelican, Heronry.
  • Designated as Tamil Nadu’s 17^th bird sanctuary, it is actively protected and managed by the local community and forest department.
• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary:
  • It spans over 5151.6 hectares on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram district, north of Pondicherry. 
  • This large brackish lake, connected to the Bay of Bengal via the Uppukalli creek and Edayanthittu Estuary, is a vital wetland with diverse water features like estuarine, creek-fed brackish, and freshwater basins.
  • In areas of brackish water, highly degraded mangrove patches containing Avicennia species are found.
  • Also, in this area, reed (Typhaangustata) is found in several hundred hectares.
• The Tawa Reservoir:
  • It is situated at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers near Itarsi town, was originally built for irrigation and now also supports power generation and aquaculture. 
  • The reservoir lies within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, bordering the Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • River Malani, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari are the major tributaries of the Tawa reservoir.
  • The Tawa River, a left-bank tributary, originates in the Mahadeo Hills of Chhindwara district, flows through Betul district, and meets the Narmada River in Narmadapuram district.
    • It is the longest tributary of the Narmada river.
  • The reservoir hosts Spotted deer and Painted Stork.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO, aimed at conserving wetlands of international importance. 
  • In India, it came into force on 1st February 1982, under which wetlands of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
• Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. 
  • It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Read more: Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

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Mains:

Q. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (2018)

Jiyo Parsi Scheme Portal

Source: TH

Recently, the Minister for Minority Affairs launched the Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal to facilitate Parsi couples in applying for the Jiyo Parsi Scheme.

Jiyo Parsi Scheme:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented to address the declining population of the Parsi community in India by using scientific protocol and structured interventions. 
• It will provide financial assistance to Parsi couples for medical treatment under standard medical protocol, as well as support for childcare and assistance to dependent elderly.
  • The beneficiaries and applicants will be able to check the status of their application and will be able to receive financial assistance online through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
• Since its inception in 2013-14, the scheme has supported more than 400 Parsi children.

Read More: Welfare Schemes for the Minority Communities

Tarang Shakti to be Made a Biennial Event

Source: TH

Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) V. R. Chaudhari has announced plans to make the largest multilateral air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), a biennial event.

• Phase one of the exercise was concluded at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from the 6th-14th August and four countries including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom participated with their assets.
  • The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), trainer HTT-40, and the aerobatic helicopter team, Sarang, took to the skies over Sulur Air Force station in an air display.
• Phase two will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from 1st-14th September and it will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US, and 18 observer countries.

Read More: India's 5G Fighter Aircraft and LCA Tejas, Major Military Exercises of India

10th Edition of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI

Source: PIB

Recently, the 10^th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI began.

• MITRA SHAKTI is an annual exercise based on counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in semi urban terrain.
  • It is the largest bilateral exercise being undertaken by the Sri Lankan Army and it forms a major part of India and Sri Lanka’s growing defence partnership.
  • It is designed for incorporating the current dynamics of UN' peacekeeping operations through tactical exercises and practical discussions.
• India’s other exercise with Sri Lanka - SLINEX (Navy)

• Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea.

  • It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and shares a maritime border with India and the Maldives.
  • India is Sri Lanka’s 3rd-largest export destination (after US and UK) with over 60% of Sri Lankan exports benefiting from the India-Sri Lanka FTA.
  • Both India and Sri Lanka are part of regional groups like BIMSTEC and SAARC.

Country	Exercise
Australia	Ex AUSTRA HINDBAH
Bangladesh	Ex SAMPRITI
China	Ex HAND IN HAND
France	Ex SHAKTI
Indonesia	Ex GARUDA SHAKTI
Kazakhstan	Ex PRABAL DOSTYKK
Kyrgyzstan	Ex KHANJAR
Maldives	Ex EKUVERIN
Mongolia	Ex NOMADIC ELEPHANT
Myanmar	IMBEX
Nepal	Ex SURYA KIRAN
Oman	AL NAGAH
Russia	Ex INDRA
Seychelles	Ex LAMITIYE
Sri Lanka	Ex MITRA SHAKTI
Thailand	Ex MAITREE
UK	Ex AJEYA WARRIOR
USA	Ex YUDHABHAYAS
USA	Ex VAJRA PRAHAR

Read More: Major Military Exercises of India

Navroz

Source: IE

The Prime Minister of India conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Navroz, the Parsi New Year, celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

• This year, Navroz, will be celebrated on 16th August 2024. While globally observed in March, in India, the celebration occurs in July or August based on the Shahenshahi or Fasli calendar, which does not consider the leap year.
• Navroz meaning “new day”, is deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). 
  • The festival, named Jamshedi Navroz after the Persian King Jamshed.
  • Parsi New Year celebration dates back 3000 years and was brought to India by Zoroastrians who migrated to Gujarat in the 7th century.
• UNESCO inscribed Navroz on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, following an initial inscription in 2009.

Read more: New Year Festivals Across India