• 22 Mar 2025

30 Maoists killed in Bastar

Why in News? 

Security forces killed 30 alleged Maoists in two operations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. 

 Key Points 

• About the Encounter: 
  • Security forces launched a joint combing operation in the Gangaloor police station area. 
  • After the firing ceased, security personnel recovered 26 Maoist bodies along with a large cache of arms and ammunition. 
  • A separate gunfight took place between Maoists and a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kanker-Narayanpur border. 
• Government’s Response: 
  • Union Home Minister hailed the operations as a “major success” in the fight against Naxalism. 
  • He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy, stating that India would be Naxal-free by 31st March 2026. 

 District Reserve Guard (DRG)  

• The District Reserve Guard (DRG) is a specialized police unit in Chhattisgarh, established in 2008 to combat Maoist violence.  
• It consists of specially trained personnel operating in affected districts, conducting anti-Maoist operations, search and seizure, and gathering intelligence.  
• The DRG collaborates with other security forces, like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to counter the Maoist insurgency.  

  Border Security Force (BSF)  

• The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan war.  
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).  
  • Other Central Armed Police Forces are: Assam Rifles (AR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Security Guards (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).  
• The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders.  
  • It is deployed on the Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.  
• BSF has been defending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea and the Sundarbans delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state of the art fleet of Water Crafts.  
• It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year. 

Conservation of Heritage Sites in J&K

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the legislative Assembly that it is actively working on 45 projects, under a scheme aimed at conserving heritage sites in the Union Territory. 

 Key Points 

• Phase-II Heritage Conservation Projects: 
  • The Jammu and Kashmir government has identified 73 additional projects under Phase-II of the UT-level scheme for heritage conservation. 
  • Between 2019 and 2024, 15 projects were undertaken under capital expenditure (CAPEX). 
    • Work is in progress on 33 projects under the first phase of the scheme, which began in 2022. 
  • Additionally, seven projects are under renovation at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. 
• Funding and Financial Allocation: 
  • A total of Rs 310.71 crore has been sanctioned for CAPEX and the UT-level heritage scheme covering Phases I and II. 
  • So far, Rs 86.40 crore has been utilized for CAPEX and the first phase of the projects. 
• Restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex: 
  • Rs 59.69 crore has been sanctioned for seven projects within the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. 
  • Mubarak Mandi was the royal residence of the Dogra dynasty until 1925. It was declared a protected monument in 2005, and the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS) was formed in 2006 for its preservation. 
• Heritage Conservation Strategies: 
  • The government scheme launched in 2022 focuses on value-based restoration, preservation, and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s architectural heritage. 
  • The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums is ensuring legal and systematic protection for heritage sites. 
  • Regular surveys are conducted to identify historical sites for restoration. 
  • Public awareness campaigns are being organized to educate communities on heritage conservation and tourism. 
• Technology-Driven Heritage Protection: 
  • 3D mapping and digital archiving are being employed to document heritage sites. 
  • Ancient manuscripts are being digitized to create online databases for accessibility and preservation. 
• Climate and Disaster Protection Measures: 
  • Special measures are being implemented to protect heritage sites from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. 
  • Climate change impact assessments are being conducted for long-term conservation planning. 
  • Efforts are also underway to prevent urban encroachment and vandalism at historical sites. 

Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News? 

The Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sangli district of Maharashtra hosts 536 sambars and 295 cheetals (spotted deer), making it one of the most densely populated deer sanctuaries, especially among man-made wildlife reserves. 

 Key Points 

• Study on Deer Population Density: 
  • Researchers conducted a study to estimate sambar and cheetal density using the line transect method and 27 trap cameras. 
  • This method was used for the first time to map the sanctuary area and assess population density. 
    • The study found sambar density at 49.5 per square km and cheetal density at 54.15 per square km. 
• Wildlife Diversity in the Sanctuary: 
  • Deer are the dominant species, but the sanctuary also hosts wild boars, monkeys, rabbits, foxes, and peacocks. 
  • Established in 1985, the sanctuary spans 11 square kilometers. 
  • 50 species were introduced, but some, like the blackbuck, became extinct over time. 
• Translocation Efforts for Ecosystem Balance: 
  • The deer population remains balanced with the available biomass. 
  • Authorities are translocating deer to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) as prey for tigers. 
    • Tigers will be introduced to STR once a sufficient prey base is established. 

 Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 

• About: 
  • Located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra. 
  • Notified in 2010 by merging Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • It encompasses areas around Koyna Dam, Warna River, and multiple small rivers and streams originating from the Western Ghats and flowing eastward. 
• Geographical Features: 
  • The landscape is undulating with steep escarpments along the western boundary. 
  • Contains barren rocky and lateritic plateaus (locally called Sadas) with sparse perennial vegetation, overhanging cliffs, and fallen boulders covered with dense thorny bushes. 
  • The reserve is one of the few areas with climax and near-climax vegetation, facing minimal human disturbance. 
• Vegetation and Biodiversity: 
  • Forest types: Moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous forests. 
  • Flora: Rich in medicinal and fruit-bearing trees, alongside commercial hardwood species. 
  • Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, lesser cats, wolves, jackals, and wild dogs. 
• Other Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra: 
  • Melghat Tiger Reserve 
  • Bor Tiger Reserve 
  • Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve 
  • Pench Tiger Reserve 
  • Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

One Time Settlement Scheme

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government has announced the implementation of One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) for farmers and small entrepreneurs . 

Key Points 

• About the Scheme: 
  • Its main objective is to protect farmers and small entrepreneurs from financial crisis and to ensure the stability of land development banks . 
  • Under this scheme, if the borrowers deposit 100% of the principal amount of medium and long term loans which have become overdue by 1st July 2024, then they will be given 100% rebate in interest. 
  • Under this scheme, borrowers repaying the full principal of overdue medium and long-term loans by 1st July 2024, will receive a 100% interest rebate. 
    • A facility of 5 % subsidy will also be provided, which will enable the eligible loan members to avail the loan again. 
  • This scheme will benefit 36,351 defaulting loan members associated with Land Development Banks . 
  • Due to various calamities, farmers could not repay the loan installments on time, due to which the overdue loan of Cooperative Land Development Banks has reached Rs. 760 crores. 
    • To improve this situation, the government will spend Rs 200 crore , which will not only make recovery of loans easier but will also improve the financial condition of the banks. 
• Importance of the Scheme: 
  • This scheme will help the farmers in getting new loans and increasing their production capacity . 
  • This scheme will provide financial relief to small businessmen , so that they can re-establish and strengthen their business . 
  • This scheme will improve the loan recovery rate of land development banks . 
    

Land Development Bank 

• About: 
  • Land Development Banks (LDB) are  co-operative banks established specifically for agriculture and rural development . 
  • These banks provide long term loans , which are mainly given to farmers for land improvement , irrigation, horticulture , purchasing agricultural equipment, animal husbandry and other agriculture related activities . 
• History: 
  • The first land development bank in India was established in 1920 at Jhang in Punjab. 
  • After this, another bank was established in Chennai in the year 1929, with which the expansion of land development banks started. 
• Sources of Finance: 
  • Grants and assistance by Central and State Governments. 
  • Financing for agriculture and rural development. 
  • Issue of bonds to raise long term finance. 
  • Loans from various co-operative and commercial banks. 
• Loan disbursement and repayment: 
  • Land Development Banks provide long term loans for a period of 20 to 30 years . 
  • The loan amount is usually up to 50% of the land value or 30 times the annual revenue 
  • Complete verification of land ownership, income and loan requirement is done before loan is provided . 
  • The interest rates are usually 11-12% so that farmers can repay it easily.

National Conference on NCAP

Why in News? 

National Conference on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was organised in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh . 

Key Points 

• About the conference: 
  • This conference was organized with the joint efforts of Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation and WRI India. 
  • The Chief Minister emphasized on environmental protection and minimizing carbon emissions in the conference. He said that the Net Zero target (2070) can be achieved only by coordinating technology and public awareness . 
  • In his address, he said that since 2017, 17 lakh halogen street lights have been replaced with LED street lights. This has led to savings of Rs 1000 crore and reduction in energy consumption . 
  • The Chief Minister said that the foundation stone of a plant was laid in Lakhimpur to make products from banana fibre , where the manufactured products will decompose and mix with the soil in three months . 
  • In this conference , there was also discussion on preparing an effective strategy to make Gorakhpur free from open burning of waste by the year 2027. 

 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 

• About: 
  • The NCAP aims to systematically address air pollution by involving all stakeholders and ensuring necessary action. 
  • Under NCAP, 131 cities have been identified for implementation of city specific action plans. 
• Objective:  
  • This is the first attempt in the country to develop a national framework for air quality management with the goal of time-bound reduction . 
  • It aims to reduce the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) by at least 20% over the next five years (base year for comparison – 2017). 
• Monitoring: 
  • “PRANA” portal has also been launched by MoEFCC : 
    • To monitor the implementation of NCAP. 
    • Monitoring action plans and implementation status of cities. 
    • Sharing best practices adopted by cities for others to emulate. 

 World Resources Institute India 

• About: 
  • WRI India (World Resources Institute India) is an independent research organisation, registered as  India Resources Trust . 
  • It is inspired by and affiliated with the World Resources Institute (WRI) , which was founded in  Washington, DC in 1982 to address global environmental and development challenges . 
• Objective: 
  • It aims to promote  environmentally healthy and socially just development . 
  • WRI India develops  transformative solutions to protect the environment, enhance livelihoods and enhance human well-being through research, analysis and policy recommendations . 
  • It is working on sustainable development projects in various states of India . 
• Headquarters: 
  • The headquarter of WRI India is located in  New Delhi . 

MP Heritages Sites in UNESCO's Tentative List

Why in News? 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included 4 historical heritage sites of Madhya Pradesh state in its tentative list of World Heritage Sites . 

Key Points 

• About historical monuments:  
  • Edicts of Emperor Ashoka:   
    • Emperor Ashoka's edicts are among the oldest written records in India, dating back to  around 2200 years . 
    • These inscriptions not only highlight the important events of his reign , but also reflect his policies towards  Buddhism, morality and society. 
    • These contain messages related to non-violence, kindness, religious tolerance and public welfare , which reflect  the then administrative outlook and efforts towards social reform . 
    • In Madhya Pradesh these inscriptions are mainly located in Sanchi (Raisen), Rupnath (Jabalpur), Gujara (Datia) and Panguraria (Sehore). 
  • Sixty-four Yogini Temple: 
    • The Sixty-Four Yogini Temples, built between the 9th and 12th centuries, are famous for Tantric traditions and their distinctive circular architecture . 
    • These temples located in Mitawali (Morena), Khajuraho, Jabalpur, Mandsaur and Shahdol  in Madhya Pradesh are very important from historical and cultural point of view.  
    • In particular the Chausath Yogini Temple of Mitawali , due to its circular structure , is considered to be the inspiration for the Indian Parliament House , which reflects its unique architectural style. 
  • Temples of the Gupta period:  
    • Built during the 5th-6th century, these Gupta period temples are a symbol of excellence of Indian architecture and amazing carvings.  
    • In their architecture one can see a unique co-ordination of  the craftsmanship, religious beliefs and architectural techniques of that era . 
    • Located at Udayagiri (Vidisha), Nachana (Panna), Tigwa (Katni), Bhumara (Satna) and Sakor (Damoh) in Madhya Pradesh , these temples provide living evidence of the excellence of ancient Indian architecture and craftsmanship . 
  • Forts and palaces of Bundela rulers:  
    • Built with an excellent combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture , these forts and palaces are a wonderful example of Bundela craftsmanship and military strategy . 
    • These are not only historically important but also symbolize  the military prowess and cultural heritage of the Bundela kings. 
    • Located at major historical sites of Madhya Pradesh —Garhkundar Fort, Raja Mahal, Jehangir Mahal (Orchha) and Datia Palace —these heritage sites still attract tourists with their grandeur and architectural beauty . 

 UNESCO 

• UNESCO i.e. 'United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization' is a part of the United Nations. 
• Headquarters - Paris (France) 
• Formed - November 16, 1945 
• Function- To promote international peace through education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication. 
• Objective - Its objective is to establish peace and security through international cooperation in education and culture, so that a global consensus can be formed for justice, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedom described in the Charter of the United Nations. 

UNESCO Tentative List 

• UNESCO's Tentative List is a list of properties that each State Party wishes to consider for nomination. 
• As per UNESCO ’s Operational Guidelines, 2019, any monument/site must remain on the provisional list for one year before it can be considered for the final nomination dossier. 
• Once the nomination is done, it is sent to the World Heritage Centre (WHC).