• 10 Dec 2024

Kendriya Vidyalayas to be set up in Rajasthan

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Government has approved the opening of nine new Kendriya Vidyalayas in Rajasthan that will increase opportunities for quality education in the State.

Key Points

• Approval for New Schools:
  • The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas and 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas across the nation.
  • These schools will provide affordable and high-quality education to over 82,000 students.
  • In Rajasthan, the newly approved Kendriya Vidyalayas are in Jodhpur, Ganganagar, Karauli, Nagaur, Rajsamand and Dausa District.
  • The move aims to expand quality education, enhance educational infrastructure, and contribute to the holistic development of the younger generation.
• Broader Implications:
  • The initiative aligns with the government's mission to improve access to quality education nationwide.
  • It supports the growth and empowerment of India's youth, contributing to the nation's overall development trajectory

Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, 2024 and the Rajasthan Global Business Expo at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC).

Key Points

• Global Investment Summit 2024:
  • The Investment Summit theme is "Replete, Responsible, Ready," with discussions on sustainable mining, water security, and women-led startups.
  • Over 32 countries and 20 international organizations will join thematic sessions and expos showcasing Rajasthan’s potential.
• Rajasthan's Development Potential:
  • Rajasthan holds significant mineral reserves, vast natural resources, and a rich cultural heritage, positioning it as an investment destination.
  • Rajasthan benefits from projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Dedicated Freight Corridor, improving industrial logistics.
  • With unique attractions like Ranthambore and Jaipur, Rajasthan is a hub for wildlife, heritage, and adventure tourism.
• Role in Renewable Energy and Manufacturing:
  • Rajasthan contributes to India’s renewable energy goals with large solar parks supporting the 500 GW capacity target by 2030.
  • Under Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, Rajasthan is building capacity in automotive, Electric Vehicles, and electronics manufacturing.
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs):
  • Rajasthan is among the top 5 states in MSMEs, with over 27 lakh units employing 50 lakh people.
  • New MSME policies and credit schemes like the Emergency Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme have doubled credit flow to MSMEs since 2014.
  • MSMEs in Rajasthan are playing a pivotal role in enhancing global supply chains.

Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme

• ECLGS was launched in 2020 as part of the Centre’s Aatmanirbhar package in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
• The objective was to support small businesses struggling to meet their operational liabilities due to the imposition of a nationwide lockdown.
• A 100% guarantee is provided by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) - banks, financial institutions and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• The credit product for which guarantee would be provided under the Scheme shall be named as 'Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL)'

Markhor

Why in News?

Recently, Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was spotted in Baramulla district of North Kashmir.

Key Points

• About:
  • Markhor is the largest wild goat in the world. It is known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns.
• Legal Protection and Species Status:
  • Markhor, scientifically known as Capra falconeri, is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Threats to Survival:
  • Primary threats include habitat loss from fencing, illegal grazing, poaching, and encroachment. Climate change is also affecting food resources, driving Markhor closer to human settlements.
• Global Recognition and Initiatives:
  • Recognizing its ecological importance, the UN General Assembly designated 24^th May as the International Day of the Markhor to encourage conservation efforts.
• Significance as a Flagship Species:
  • Markhor serves as a flagship species for conservation in J&K, helping protect other regional wildlife, such as Musk Deer and Brown Bear.
• Distribution and Habitat:
  • The endangered Markhor inhabits moist to semi-arid mountain regions across Pakistan, India (Jammu & Kashmir), Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
  • In J&K, it’s found in areas like Shopian, the Pir Panjal range, and Kazinag Uri, but its population is fragmented due to human interference and habitat loss.

Green Cess in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

According to the officials, the Uttarakhand Government will soon impose a green cess on out-of-state vehicles.

• A Green cess is a form of tax levied by the government with the purpose of environmental conservation.

Key Points

• Introduction of Green Cess in Uttarakhand:
  • The cess will range from Rs 20 to Rs 80 and will apply to both commercial and private vehicles.
  • Two-wheelers, electric vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, ambulances, fire brigades, and vehicles registered in Uttarakhand will be exempted.
• Implementation and Technology:
  • The system is targeted to become operational by the end of December 2024.
  • Automatic number plate recognition cameras will identify vehicles, and cess amounts will be deducted directly from vehicle owners' FASTag wallets.

FASTag

• It is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched two mobile Apps – MyFASTag and FASTag Partner to facilitate the availability of FASTags.
• The tag is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and comes in seven different color codes.

Landslide Zones Successfully Treated in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the rock bolt technology is successfully treating active landslide zones in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Landslide Challenges in Uttarakhand:
  • Landslides occur regularly in the hill areas, especially during the monsoon season, causing roadblocks and inconveniences for Chardham pilgrims.
  • These landslides often result in loss of lives and have long been a major concern.
  • Persistent landslide zones on the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways have posed significant risks for years.
• Adoption of Australian Rock Bolt Technology:
  • The BRO is using Australian rock bolt technology to treat active landslide zones at Raturisera and Bandarkot on the Gangotri highway in Uttarkashi district.
  • Previously, the technology was successfully applied at Nalupani and Chungi Badethi landslide zones.
    • The technology has been instrumental in treating landslide zones active for years as part of the Chardham road-widening project.
• Effectiveness and Techniques:
  • The technology has been 90% effective in preventing landslides.
  • It involves soil nailing to stabilize loose soil and rock bolting in bedrock to strengthen vulnerable areas.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• Established in 1960 with only two projects, Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in North India, the BRO has grown to become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 States and three Union Territories.
  • It is now recognised as the leading infrastructure construction agency in high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas.
• In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road.
  • The BRO will soon start construction on the 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel, which will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft once completed, bypassing China's Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft.
• The BRO is an Indian executive force under the Ministry of Defence, to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-eastern states.
• It operates under the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) and is responsible for road networks in border areas and neighbouring countries.
  • The motto of BRO is “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam”, which translates to “Everything is achievable through hard work.”

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, a probe has been ordered after a viral video surfaced, showing a fleet of vehicles allegedly belonging to a minister in Uttar Pradesh passing through the core area of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. This raised concerns about the breach of forest regulations.

Key Points

• As per forest department regulations, private vehicles are strictly barred from entering the core area, allowing access only to forest department vehicles or those authorized for safari tours.
• Pilibhit Tiger Reserve:
  • It is located in Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It was notified as a Tiger Reserve in 2014.
    • In 2020, it bagged international award TX2 for doubling up the number of tigers in the past four years.
  • It forms part of Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain.
  • The northern edge of the reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border while the southern boundary is marked by the river Sharada and Khakra.
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • It is home to a habitat for over 127 animals, 326 bird species and 2,100 flowering plants.
    • Wild animals include tiger, swamp deer, bengal florican, leopard, etc.
    • It has high sal forests, plantations and grasslands with several water bodies.

Tiger Reserves

• A protected area designated for the conservation of the striped big cats (tigers) is referred to as Tiger Reserve. However, a tiger reserve may also be a national park or wildlife sanctuary.
  • For Example: The Sariska Tiger Reserve is also a national park. It is so because the place was originally created as a national park and later dedicated to tiger conservation.
• Tiger Reserves are notified by State Governments as per provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

TX2 Award

• It goes to one site that has achieved remarkable and measurable increase in its tiger population since 2010.