1. UDBHAV PROJECT
TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY
THE CONTEXT: The Indian Army has started an initiative, named Project Udbhav, to rediscover the “profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts”.
UDBHAV PROJECT:
- It is an initiative of Indian Armyin collaboration with the United Service Institution of India, a defence think-tank.
- This initiative is set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy.
BRIDGING PAST AND PRESENT:
- The project endeavours to explore India’s rich historical narratives in the realms of statecraft and strategic thoughts.
- It focuses on a broad spectrum including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and intricate Kautilya Studies.
- This pioneering initiative stands testimony to the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s age-old wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare.
- At its core, Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.
- The goal is to understand the profound depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, strategies that have been passed down through the ages, and the strategic thought processes that have governed the land for millennia.
INDIGENOUS VOCABULARY:
- The aim of Project Udbhav is not limited to just rediscovering these narratives but also to also develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary.
- It is deeply rooted in India’s multifaceted philosophical and cultural tapestry.
- Overall aim is to integrate age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
- Since 2021, under the aegis of the Indian Army, there has been a project in progress on the compilation of Indian stratagems based on ancient texts.
- A book has been released under this project which lists 75 aphorisms selected from ancient texts.
- However, the first scholarly outcome of the initiative is the 2022 publication titled “Paramparik Bhartiya Darshan… Ranniti aur Netriyta ke Shashwat Niyam” meant to be read by all ranks of the Indian Army.
- English translation of the title being “Traditional Indian Philosophy…Eternal Rules of Warfare and Leadership”.
- It is an ambitious step to revitalize the knowledge creation from India’s rich classical heritage.
- The scope of this encompassed ancient texts from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and The Kural.
2. THE PYGMY HOG
TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Context: Recently, 18 rare pygmy hogs were reintroduced in their historical home in Assam.
Explanation:
About the pygmy hog (Porcula salvania):
- The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the smallest and rarest species of pig in the world. It is endemic to the tall grasslands of Assam in India and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- The pygmy hog is a shy and secretive animal and is difficult to spot in the wild.
- It is about the size of a cat, with a dark brown coat and a short tail.
- Pygmy hogs are omnivores, and their diet consists mainly of insects, roots, and tubers.
- Pygmy hogs are important members of the grassland ecosystem.
- They help to control populations of insects and other small animals, and they also disperse seeds of plants.
- The pygmy hog is a critically endangered species, with only around 200 individuals remaining in the wild. It is found only in the tall grasslands of Assam in India.
- The release of the 18 pygmy hogs is a significant step towards the conservation of this species. The hogs were bred in captivity at the Assam State Zoo and the Orang National Park. They were carefully selected for release to ensure that they were healthy and had a good chance of survival in the wild.
- The main threats to the pygmy hog are habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and disease.
- Conservation efforts for the pygmy hog are underway, including captive breeding programs and reintroductions to the wild.
- The pygmy hogs were released in a suitable habitat in Manas National Park, with plenty of food and water available. They will be monitored by park rangers to ensure that they are doing well.
What are Wild-born hogs?
- Wild-born hogs are pigs that have been born and raised in the wild. They are typically found in forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Wild-born hogs are larger and stronger than domestic pigs, and they have a longer lifespan. They are also more intelligent and resourceful than domestic pigs.
- Wild-born hogs are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to control populations of insects and other small animals, and they also disperse seeds of plants.
- However, wild-born hogs can also be a nuisance to humans. They can damage crops and livestock, and they can carry diseases that can harm humans.
3. BONN DECLARATION
TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
CONTEXT: The Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) concluded in Bonn, Germany on September 30, 2023, with the adoption of a comprehensive global framework.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECLARATION
- It sets concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals.
- The Declaration aims to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones and enhance the safe management of such chemicals where they are needed.
- The framework is based around 28 targets, designed to improve responsible management of chemicals and waste.
- These targets also aim to establish stronger connections with other important global agendas, including climate change, biodiversity, human rights and health.
- National governments committed to formulating policies and regulations in order to reduce chemical pollution by 2030 as well as promoting safer alternatives.
- Industries also pledged to manage chemicals in order to reduce pollution and its adverse impacts.
- The aim of the framework is to phase out lethal agricultural pesticides by 2035.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT (ICCM):
- It is a periodic meeting of governments, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sound management of chemicals and waste.
- The ICCM is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals.
- The ICCM is the highest-level forum for international cooperation on chemicals management.
- The conference provides a platform for governments to share their experiences and best practices, and to develop new strategies and policies for chemicals management.
- The ICCM also serves as a forum for industry to commit to new initiatives and to develop new technologies for safer chemicals management.
- The ICCM has been held every four years since 2006.
- It provides a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the field and to develop solutions that benefit everyone.
4. AYYAMAPALAYAM NETTAI COCONUT VARIETY
TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Context: The agriculture department and the farmers in the Tamil Nadu are striving for the GI label for the Ayyampalayam Nettai variety of coconut.
Explanation:
About Ayyamapalayam Nettai’ coconut variety:
- Ayyampalayam Nettai is a variety of coconut grown in the Ayyampalayam region of Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is a tall, slender coconut tree that is known for its high yield and sweet kernel.
- The coconuts are also drought- and disease-resistant, making them a valuable crop for farmers in the Ayyampalayam region.
Characteristics:
- Height: Ayyampalayam Nettai trees can grow up to 20 feet tall.
- Kernel: The kernel of Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts is sweet and has a high oil content.
- Drought and disease resistance: Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts are drought- and disease-resistant.
- Origin: Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts are grown in the Ayyampalayam region of Tamil Nadu, India.
Uses:
Ayyamapalayam Nettai coconuts are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Food: The coconut meat is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, sweets, and desserts.
- Oil: The coconut oil is used for cooking, hair care, and skin care.
- Other: The coconut husks are used for making rope and mats.
GI tag:
- In 2023, Ayyampalayam Nettai was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India.
- The GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific region and having certain qualities or characteristics that are unique to that region.
- The GI tag is expected to help to protect and promote Ayyampalayam Nettai. It will also help to ensure that farmers in the region receive a fair price for their crop.
- Ayyamapalayam Nettai is a valuable crop for the Ayyampalayam region. The GI tag is a significant achievement for the Ayyampalayam coconut growers. It is a recognition of the quality and uniqueness of Ayyampalayam Nettai.
5. E-FIR
TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY
Context: The Law Commission of India recently has favoured enabling the online first information reports (FIRs) saying this would tackle of delay in registration of FIR, allowing citizens to report crimes in real time and would provide transparency.
Explanation:
Key Points:
- The commission headed by former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, in its 292nd report, recommended that “in cases where the accused is not known, registration of e-FIR should be allowed for all cognizable offences”.
- To avoid false registration of e-Complaints/e-FIR and for the constructive use of the facility, it suggested verifications using e-authentication through OTP and mandating the uploading of valid ID proof, alongside a minimum punishment for such false e-complaints or e-FIRs.
About e- first information reports (FIRs):
- Electronic first information reports (e-FIRs) are online versions of traditional FIRs. They allow people to report crimes to the police without having to go to a police station.
- e-FIRs are typically filed through a web portal or mobile app. The person reporting the crime will need to provide information such as their name, contact information, and the nature of the crime. They may also need to provide supporting documentation, such as photographs or videos.
- Once the e-FIR is filed, the police will review it and determine whether to investigate the crime. If they decide to investigate, they will contact the person who filed the e-FIR to gather more information.
- e-FIRs have a number of advantages over traditional FIRs. They are more convenient, as people can file them from anywhere with an internet connection. They are also faster, as the police can start reviewing e-FIRs immediately.
- e-FIRs are also more transparent, as people can track the status of their complaint online. This can help to reduce corruption and ensure that all complaints are investigated fairly.
- e-FIRs are becoming increasingly popular in India. Several states and union territories have already implemented e-FIR systems. The central government is also working to develop a national e-FIR system.
The significance of e-FIRs:
- Convenience: e-FIRs can be filed from anywhere with an internet connection, at any time of day or night.
- Speed: The police can start reviewing e-FIRs immediately, which can lead to faster investigations.
- Transparency: People can track the status of their complaint online, which can help to reduce corruption and ensure that all complaints are investigated fairly.
- Accessibility: e-FIRs can make it easier for people to report crimes, especially for those who may have difficulty going to a police station, such as women, children, and people with disabilities.
e-FIRs are a valuable tool for improving the efficiency and transparency of the criminal justice system.
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