• 20 Nov 2024

Excavation to Uncover Buddha's Relics

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Finance inaugurated an archaeological excavation at Ramgram in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.

• The project, spearheaded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), seeks to uncover evidence of Lord Buddha's eighth relic, which is believed to be buried at the site.

Key Points

• Historical and Spiritual Significance:
  • The site is among the eight places where Lord Buddha's relics were enshrined, holding immense importance in Buddhist traditions.
  • It is situated within the Sohgibarwa Wildlife Division and is historically associated with the ancient Kolia kingdom.
    • Kolia was an ancient Indo-Aryan clan of north-eastern South Asia whose existence is attested during the Iron Age.
• Potential for Regional Development:
  • The excavation is expected to transform the location into a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site.
  • This development is anticipated to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in the region.
• Focus on Global Recognition:
  • The project aims to integrate the site into the global Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
  • Local authorities foresee increased visits from international pilgrims and scholars, enhancing the region's cultural profile.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

• About:
  • It is situated in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
  • In the north, the Sanctuary shares the international boundary with Nepal, and in the east shares the border with Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
  • It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in June 1987.
• Drainage:
  • It is drained by the great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers.
• Flora:
  • Nearly 75% of the area consists of Sal forest, and other humid areas are covered with Jaamun, Gutal, Semal, KhairTrees, etc.
  • The lower region of the sanctuary, which is water logged during rains, consists of Grasslands and patches of Cane forests.
• Fauna:
  • It is inhabited by a variety of animals which mainly includes Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Langur, Deer, Blue Bull, Wild boar, Porcupine etc.

27th IEEE WPMC 2024

Why in News?

Recently, India hosted the 27^th IEEE International Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC) 2024 in Greater Noida.

• Indian officials highlighted the country’s rapid strides in telecommunication innovation, and transitioning from 5G deployment to envisioning the future of 6G technology.

Key Points

• Objective and Theme:
  • It provides a platform for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss advancements in wireless communications.
  • The theme, “Secure 6G – AI Nexus: Where Technology Meets Humanity,” focuses on the intersection of 6G and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Venue:
  • The event was hosted at Sharda University and has brought together experts and thought leaders from various countries.
• India's Role in Wireless Communication:
  • An expert highlighted India's growing innovation ecosystem and its potential to contribute significantly to the global telecommunications sector.
  • India is expected to file approximately 10 patents related to 6G technology soon, further enhancing its economic and technological stature.
• Vision for 6G Technology:
  • The government envisions achieving unprecedented speeds of up to 1 terabit per second with ultra-low latency, marking a transformative step in global connectivity and socio-economic development.
  • This initiative aligns with national goals to position India as a global leader in the telecommunications sector.
• Transformative Potential of 6G:
  • Experts emphasized the potential of 6G to enable portable devices with advanced capabilities, focusing on high-frequency utilization and minimal latency.
  • The technology is expected to revolutionize rural ecosystems by facilitating remote healthcare, education, and agriculture, aligning with India's mission to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.

India’s initiative for providing safer and better telecom services:

• Telecommunication Act, 2023
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
• National Cyber Security Strategy
• Bharat 6G Alliance
• BharatNet Project

Aadhaar Card Not Proof of Age: Madhya Pradesh HC

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that Aadhaar Card can be used to establish identity but was not as a proof of date of birth.

Key Points

• Background:
  • A widow filed a petition seeking compensation under the Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018, for her husband’s death by electrocution.
  • Her application was rejected as her husband’s age, according to other documents like the Voter ID and ration card, exceeded the eligibility limit of 64 years.
  • The petitioner argued that the age recorded in the Aadhaar card should be considered, which would have made her eligible for the compensation.
• Legal Precedence and Supreme Court Ruling:
  • The High court referenced an October 2024, Supreme Court ruling stating that Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of age.
  • The ruling considered earlier judgments by various High Courts and a circular issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in August 2023.
• The High Court observed that any executive instruction allowing Aadhaar to be used as proof of age under state schemes cannot override Court judgments.

Aadhaar

• Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on behalf of the Government of India. The number serves as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.
• Aadhaar card, which is a biometric document, stores an individual's personal information on a government database.
• An Aadhaar card can be issued to any person residing in the country for more than six months continuously, provided he/she submits one of the 18 listed identity cards and an address proof.
  • Foreign nationals are eligible to obtain one if they have been living in India for half a year.
• Aadhaar number will help the residents to avail various services provided by banking, mobile phone connections and other Govt and Non-Govt services in due course.

Bills Passed in Haryana Assembly

Why in News?

Recently, Haryana Assembly has passed various bills including Haryana lease of agricultural land Bill 2024, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Haryana amendment) Bill 2024, Haryana Appropriation (number 3) Bill 2024, Haryana Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Key Points

• Haryana Lease of Agricultural Land Bill 2024:
  • Objective: Establishes a framework for legalizing agricultural land leases to protect landowners' rights and optimize land use.
  • Issues:
    • Landowners avoid written lease agreements due to fears of lessees demanding occupancy rights.
    • Non-written leases prevent lessees from accessing relief during natural calamities or securing crop loans.
  • Expected Impact:
    • Encourages formal lease agreements to benefit both landowners and lessees.
    • Aims to boost agricultural productivity by reducing barren land.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Haryana Amendment) Bill 2024:
  • Amendments to Section 23:
    • Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 outlines the sentencing authority of different magistrates.
      • It specifies the types and limits of sentences that can be imposed by first-class, second-class, and Chief Judicial Magistrates.
    • Increased maximum fine for first-class magistrates from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh under Section 23(2).
    • Raised fine limit under Section 23(3) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
  • Higher fines align with cases under Acts like the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 where cheque amounts exceed previous limits.
  • Enhanced penalties are consistent with revised traffic fines under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • Objective: Strengthens deterrence and aligns fine limits with current economic realities.
• Haryana Appropriation (Number 3) Bill 2024:
  • Purpose: Authorizes additional payment and appropriation from the state’s consolidated fund for services in the financial year ending 31st March 2025.
• Haryana Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024:
  • Basis: Reflects recommendations of the GST Council and amendments to the Central GST Act, 2017 under the Finance Act, 2024.
  • Objective: Ensures uniformity and alignment with national GST regulations to enhance tax governance

Gurugram AQI Recorded 402

Why in News?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Gurugram district reached the 'severe' category registering 402.

Key Points

• Other places like Sonepat (390), Dharuhera (377), Jind (358), Charkhi Dadri (351), Bahadurgarh (347), Manesar (345), Faridabad (320), Hisar (317), Narnaul (310), Sirsa (309) and Panipat (303) were in the ‘very poor’ category.
• Air Quality Index:
  • AQI is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand.
    • Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and NCR has been prepared for implementation under different AQI categories.
  • AQI has been developed for eight pollutants viz. PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• It was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• CPCB was also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate change of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986