Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Why in the News?
The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.
About National Unity Day
- National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
- It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
- 31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.
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Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
|
Details |
| Who Was He? |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.
He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister. |
| Role in the Freedom Struggle |
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.” |
| Integration of Princely States |
Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership. |
| Establishment of All India Services |
Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.” |
| Leadership in the Indian National Congress |
Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed. |
| Constitutional Contributions |
Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution. |
| Promotion of National Unity |
Advocated “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation. |
| Social Reforms |
Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights. |
PYQ:
[2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?
1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 or 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Arrest Scams
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India.
What is Digital Arrest?
|
Details |
| What are they? |
A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest. |
| Modus Operandi |
• Scammers use audio or video calls to intimidate victims.
• Claim involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drugs, contraband).
• Victims are kept under constant visual surveillance until demands are met. |
| Common Tactics |
• Use of deepfake videos and fake arrest warrants.
• Threats regarding family members being involved in crimes.
• Fake claims about parcels containing illegal goods. |
| Victim Impact |
Victims may face significant financial losses, emotional distress, and a sense of vulnerability due to the intimidation tactics employed by scammers. |
| Recent Trends |
• Increase in reported cases; over 11 lakh complaints of financial cyber fraud in 2023.
• Rising incidents attributed to the expansion of internet users. |
| Prevention Measures |
• Awareness of scams and verification of callers’ identities.
• Immediate disconnection of suspicious calls.
• Reporting incidents to local police and cybercrime helplines. |
| Legal Framework |
• Governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Reports can be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). |
PYQ:
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hasdeo Arand Forest
Why in the News?
In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.
What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?
- Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
- It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
- It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
- The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
- It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
- Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
- It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
- It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.
Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?
- Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
- Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
- Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
- Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
- Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.
PYQ:
[2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 70% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tardigrades
Why in the News?
- A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.
About Tardigrades
- Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
- They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
- Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
- High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
- Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
- High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
- This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?
The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:
- DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
- Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
- Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.
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