• 15 Jan 2025

Rajasthan CM Approves Land for Petrozone

Why in News? 

In a significant move to bolster the industrial landscape of Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has approved the allocation of land for the establishment of a dedicated petrozone.  

• This strategic decision aims to attract substantial investments and foster economic growth in the region. 

Key Points 

• Approval for Land Allotment:  
  • Approvals have been granted for land allotments to the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) for establishing the Rajasthan Petrozone and new industrial areas, to Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Limited for a solar energy project, and for a large-scale Chambal River-based drinking water scheme. 
  • The proposed petrozone is expected to house various petrochemical industries, creating a hub for manufacturing and processing activities.  
• Conducive Environment and Manufacturing:  
  • This initiative aligns with the state's vision to enhance its industrial infrastructure and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.  
  • The development of the petrozone is anticipated to generate numerous employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of the local population. 
  • Additionally, it will pave the way for technological advancements and innovation in the petrochemical sector.  
  • This move is likely to attract both domestic and international investors, further boosting the state's economic prospects. 

• Hydrocarbon Sector of the State: 
  • Rajasthan has significant resource potential of hydrocarbons under 4 Petroliferous Basins. 
  • These 4 basins (Jaisalmer Basin, Barmer – Sanchore Basin, Bikaner – Nagaur Basin, Vindhyan Basin) fall in the 14 Districts of the State namely Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jalore, Jodhpur, Kota, Jhalawar, Baran, Bundi, Bhilwara, Churu and Chittorgarh spread over an area of 1,50,000 sq km. 
  • Mangla Oil discovery of Barmer-Sanchore Basin has been rated as one of the biggest on-land discoveries of the country in over three decades. 

Uttarakhand to Mandate 10 Subjects for Class X Students

Why in News?  

A draft has been prepared by the Uttarakhand’s State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has proposed Class X students to study 10 mandatory subjects, replacing the current practice of five.  

• This decision follows the framework set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.  

Key Points 

• The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has prepared a draft of the state curriculum framework, aiming to enhance educational standards and better prepare students for future challenges.  
  • The new curriculum marks the first major implementation since the NEP of 1986, which succeeded the policy of 1968.  
• The draft of the state curriculum framework, prepared through various committees, will be reviewed by the state government.  
  • It includes only those subjects that have been recommended by the NEP. 
• All children studying in government schools will be required to take these subjects. They will have the option to change subjects starting from the 11^th grade. 
• The inclusion of new subjects under this policy will foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. These will include courses in beauty and wellness, drone technology, and various IT-related programmes.  

National Education Policy, 2020 

• About: 
  • The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. It is only the 3^rd major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence. 
    • The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986. 
• Salient Features: 
  • Ensuring Universal Access at All Levels of schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12. 
  • Ensuring quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years. 
  • New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure (5+3+3+4) corresponds to the age groups of 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. 
    • It covers four stages of schooling: Foundational Stage (5 years), Preparatory Stage (3 years), Middle Stage (3 years), and Secondary Stage (4 years). 
  • No hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams; 
  • Emphasis on promoting multilingualism and Indian languages 
  • Setting up of a new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) 
  • A separate Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.

Royal Mint of Britain Honors George Orwell

Why in News?  

The Royal Mint of Britain has issued a coin to honor George Orwell, born in Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar, marking his 75^th death anniversary.  

• The commemorative £2 coin features a design symbolizing Orwell's legacy. 

 

Key Points 

• George Orwell, the great English novelist, was born on 25 June, 1903, in Motihari, Bihar.  
• His father was a British civil servant, and his mother was of Burmese descent. 
• Orwell's famous novels 1984 and Animal Farm are considered landmarks in English literature, and he is often referred to as a "century writer". 
• Orwell's work, particularly the concept of "Big Brother" and totalitarian control, remains relevant today.  
• The coin highlights Orwell's deep connection to themes of truth, power, and privacy, and serves as a tribute to his enduring influence in literature and global discourse. 

Village Rejects Union Carbide Waste Incineration

Why in News? 

The controversy over the disposal of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal has come into focus as hazardous material has been transported to Tarpura village in Madhya Pradesh's Pithampur town for incineration.  

Key Points 

• Hazardous Waste Relocation: 
  • 337 MT of toxic waste from the UCIL Bhopal plant has been moved to Pithampur for disposal. 
  • Containers are parked at a private treatment, storage, and disposal facility. 
• Protests and Opposition: 
  • Local residents, businesses, and activists have opposed the incineration of the waste. 
  • A general strike was observed in the region because of concerns including environmental degradation, groundwater contamination, and inadequate regulation. 
• Government Response: 
  • The Dhar district administration has launched an awareness campaign to address concerns. 
  • Outreach includes farmers, workers, and industrial associations, emphasizing adherence to environmental norms. 
• Local Environmental Challenges: 
  • Pithampur's industrial area is already heavily polluted, affecting air, water, and soil quality. 
  • Reports of increased groundwater salinity and related health issues such as skin problems. 

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984 

• The Bhopal gas tragedy was one of the worst industrial accidents in history that occurred on the night of 2-3 December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, MP. 
• It exposed people and animals to the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate (MIC), causing immediate and long-term health effects and deaths. 

Makar Sankranti and Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan)

Why in News?  

The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, currently underway in Prayagraj, witnessed its first amrit snan or shahi snan on 14^th January, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

• This ritual bath marked the beginning of a series of sacred dips in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. 

Key Points 

• Significance of Makar Sankranti: 
  • Celebrated on 14^th January, the festival marks the Sun’s transition into Makar raashi (Capricorn). This transition, known as Sankranti, is particularly special as it signals the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan.  
    • This movement heralds the end of the harsh winter months and the onset of warmer, longer days. 
  • In Hindu mythology, Uttarayan is regarded as the gods' daytime, signifying an auspicious period for celebrations and spiritual endeavors.  
    • Bhishma Pitamah of the Mahabharata chose to pass away during Uttarayan to attain spiritual liberation.  
  • The festival is also significant as it ends the kharmas, a month-long period during which auspicious events are avoided.  
  • The Sun’s entry into Capricorn, the house ruled by Shani (Saturn), who is considered the Sun’s son, is celebrated as a familial reunion, a key theme in Hindu traditions. 
• The festivities associated with the day is known by different names in different parts of the country: 
  • Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs. 
  • Sukarat in central India. 
  • Bhogali Bihu by Assamese Hindus, and 
  • Pongal by Tamil Hindu and other South Indian Hindus. 

• Other Significant Dates for Ritual Bathing Include: 
  • Mauni Amavasya (29 January): A day of silence and introspection, considered highly auspicious for spiritual purification. 
  • Vasant Panchami (3 February): Celebrated as a festival of learning and wisdom, marking the arrival of spring. 
  • Maha Shivratri (February 26): The concluding day of the Kumbh Mela, dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing the union of divine energy.