e-Kranti – Electronic delivery of service
e-Kranti – Electronic delivery of service e-Kranti is an essential pillar of the Digital India initiative. Considering the critical need for e-Governance, mobile Governance and Good Governance in the country, the approach and key components of e-Kranti have been approved by the Union Cabinet with the vision of “Transforming e-Governance for Transforming Governance”. The e-Kranti framework addresses the electronic delivery of services through a portfolio of mission mode projects that cut across several Government Departments. Mission: The mission of e – Kranti is to ensure a Government wide transformation by delivering all Government services electronically to the citizens through integrated and interoperable systems via multiple modes while ensuring efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs. Objectives The objectives of ‘e-Kranti’ are as follows: To redefine NeGP with transformational and outcome-oriented e-Governance initiatives To enhance the portfolio of citizen centric services To ensure optimum usage of core Information & Communication Technology (ICT) To promote rapid replication and integration of e-Governance applications To leverage emerging technologies To make use of more agile implementation models Key principles of e-Kranti Transformation and not Translation – All project proposals in e – Kranti must involve a substantial transformation in the quality, quantity and manner of delivery of services and significant enhancement in productivity and competitiveness. Integrated Services and not Individual Services – A common middleware and integration of the back-end processes and processing systems are required to facilitate integrated service delivery to citizens. Government Process Reengineering (GPR) – To mandate GPR as the essential first step in all new MMPs without which a project may not be sanctioned. The degree of GPR should be assessed and enhanced for the existing MMPs. ICT Infrastructure on Demand – Government departments should be provided with ICT infrastructures, such as connectivity, cloud and mobile platform on demand. In this regard, National Information Infrastructure (NII), which is at an advanced stage of project formulation, would be fast-tracked by DeitY. Cloud by Default – The flexibility, agility and cost-effectiveness offered by cloud technologies would be fully leveraged while designing and hosting applications. Government Cloud shall be the default cloud for Government Departments. Mobile First – All applications are designed/ redesigned to enable delivery of services through mobile. Fast Tracking Approvals – To establish a fast – track approval mechanism for MMPs, once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of a project is approved by the Competent Authority, empowered committees may be constituted with delegated powers to take all subsequent decisions Mandating Standards and Protocols – Use of e-Governance standards and protocols as notified by DeitY be mandated in all e-governance projects Language Localization – It is imperative that all information and services in e-Governance projects are available in Indian languages as well. National GIS (Geo-Spatial Information System) – NGIS to be leveraged as a platform and as a service in e-Governance projects. Security and Electronic Data Preservation – All online applications and e-services to adhere to prescribed security measures including cyber security. The National Cyber Security Policy 2013 notified by DeitY must be followed. Thrust areas of e-Kranti outlined in Digital India: Technology for Education – e-Education – All schools will be connected to broadband. Free WiFi will be provided in all secondary and higher secondary schools (coverage would be around 250,000 schools). A programme on digital literacy would be taken up at the national level. Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) shall be developed and leveraged for e-Education. Technology for Health – e-Healthcare – e-Healthcare would cover online medical consultation, online medical records, online medicine supply, pan-India exchange for patient information, etc. Technology for Farmers – This would facilitate farmers to get real-time price information, online ordering of inputs and online cash, loan, and relief payment with mobile banking. Technology for Security – Mobile based emergency services and disaster-related services would be provided to citizens on a real-time basis so as to take precautionary measures well in time and minimize loss of lives and properties. Technology for Financial Inclusion – Financial inclusion shall be strengthened using mobile banking, Micro-ATM program and CSCs/ Post Offices. Technology for Justice – Interoperable Criminal Justice System shall be strengthened by leveraging several related applications, i.e. e-Courts, e-Police, e-Jails and e-Prosecution. Technology for Planning – National GIS Mission Mode Project would be implemented to facilitate GIS based decision making for project planning, conceptualization, design and development. Technology for Cyber Security – National Cyber Security Co-ordination Centre would be set up to ensure safe and secure cyber-space within the country. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. 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Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT
Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a Faridabad based thermal power plant to explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plants and also directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to monitor whether covering of the ash dump meets scientific environmental norms. Taking note of a report furnished by the Haryana Pollution Control Board, a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said: “It appears that the exposed surface has been covered and the pond ash is not being allowed to be lifted. The question whether covering of the ash dump meets the scientific environmental norms needs to be cross checked to prevent the potential of any damage by such exercise.” “This may be done by the CPCB within two months. The power plant in question may explore utilisation of the fly ash in cement plants, taking precautions and ensuring that no air pollution is caused during transportation and handling. This aspect may also be monitored by the CPCB,” the Bench said. Recommendation In its report, the state pollution control board had recommended that installation work of solar power plant “must be expedited to avoid any possibility of air pollution.” Fly Ash Fly ash is a fine powder that is a byproduct of burning pulverized coal in electric generation power plants. Fly ash is a pozzolan, a substance containing aluminous and siliceous material that forms cement in the presence of water. When mixed with lime and water, fly ash forms a compound similar to Portland cement. This makes fly ash suitable as a prime material in blended cement, mosaic tiles, and hollow blocks, among other building materials. When used in concrete mixes, fly ash improves the strength and segregation of the concrete and makes it easier to pump. Benefits Fly ash requires less water than Portland cement and is easier to use in cold weather. Produces various set times Cold weather resistance High strength gains, depending on use Can be used as an admixture Considered a non-shrink material Produces dense concrete with a smooth surface and sharp detail Great workability Reduces crack problems, permeability, and bleeding Reduces heat of hydration Allows for a lower water-cement ratio for similar slumps when compared to no-fly-ash mixes Reduces CO2 emissions Disadvantages Smaller builders and housing contractors may not be familiar with fly ash products, which can have different properties depending on where and how it was obtained. Additionally, fly ash applications may face resistance from traditional builders due to its tendency to effloresce along with concerns about freeze/thaw performance. Other concerns about using fly ash in concrete include: Slower strength gain Seasonal limitation Increased need for air-entraining admixtures Increase of salt scaling produced by higher proportions of fly ash Applications for Fly Ash Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products, such as poured concrete, concrete block, and brick. One of the most common uses of fly ash is in Portland cement concrete pavement or PCC pavement. Road construction projects using PCC can use a great deal of concrete, and substituting fly ash provides significant economic benefits. Fly ash has also been used as embankment and mine fill, and it has increasingly gained acceptance by the Federal Highway Administration. The rate of substitution—of fly ash for Portland cement—typically specified is 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of fly ash for 1 pound of cement. Accordingly, the amount of fine aggregate in the concrete mix must be reduced to accommodate the additional volume of the fly ash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbQrbMO_CdQ Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park Mukurthi National Park is located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas in depressions. The landscape is extremely picturesque and a seat of endemism in its relationship with Himalayan flora and fauna. This forms part of the Nilgiris biosphere reserve. From Udhagamandalam there are four different entry points for reaching the sanctuary. 7846 ha. of reserved forests, the entire area of which has been declared as a National Park. Primarily grassland, characteristically interspersed with numerous isolated, compact, sharply defined montane wet temperate mixed forests locally termed ‘Sholas’, with beautiful brooks. Nilgiris tahr, sambar, barking deer, Nilgiri marten, otter, jungle Cat, jackal etc. Avifauna consists mostly of hill birds among which laughing thrushes, whistling, thrushes, woodcock, wood pigeon and black eagle may be noticed. Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and Rainbow trouts. Key Points: Preparing for the summer and peak fire season, the forest department has begun work on construction of fire lines in the Mukurthi National Park (MNP). “fire lines,” also known as “fire breaks,” in a portion of the park. Fire lines are described as an artificially formed break in foliage or forest cover to control the spread of wildfires by limiting the amount of combustible vegetation available. This year, already 20 km. of fire lines have already been constructed, with another equivalent amount of fire lines to be constructed in the coming months. “As there were fires in some areas which are most prone to wildfires last year, there will be no “cool burning” done to control the vegetation available this year,” Cool burning is done in the national park, which is closed to tourists, in a controlled manner by artificially creating small, localised fires to limit the amount of vegetation available in any given area, meaning any fires that occur during the summer will not have any build-up of “vegetative fuel” to use to become a large, uncontrollable fire. The removal of invasive trees, such as wattle is also set to be stepped up in the national park. the spread of the trees from Kolaribetta Peak and Korakundah Forest Ranges in the Nilgiris division into the national park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q2splwaC1s&t=1s Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Operation Sadbhavana
Operation Sadbhavana The Indian Army finds itself at the crossroads of insurgency and terrorism in many regions of the country, with an ongoing war against terror that probably is one of the longest running in the world. the Indian military leadership has evolved the strategy of “sadbhavana” as a means to achieve the end that every soldier wants, that is, lasting peace. The remote Himalayan locales of Ladakh in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir are on the fringes of an ongoing informal insurgency. Because neglect and lack of development are characteristic of existence in border towns and villages, feelings of marginalization are widely prevalent. Myopic objectives and a perceived lack of genuine compassion and concern for the denizens of this region among administration members, who are often viewed as stooges of the national government, have widened the chasm between the hinterland populace and the “favored” residents of the Kashmir vale. Under operation sadbhavana, recently army sponsored educational and national integration tour for Jammu and Kashmir youths. Read GS Notes METHODS Operation Sadbhavana : Indian Army units have undertaken various development projects in the fields of education, community development, vocational training, and ecology as a part of Operation Sadbhavana. Civic action programs undertaken for the local populace are small-scale community projects aimed at the development of the people of this area to allow them to lead long healthy lives, to acquire knowledge, and to have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living. The civil administration is unable to cope with the aspirations of the people of this remote and inaccessible area because of the prevailing security situation and poor communication links and infrastructure. The key result areas under Operation Sadbhavana are: (a) primary education, (b) comprehensive health care, (c) adult literacy and vocational training, (d) enhancement of agricultural output, (e) assistance in electrification and establishment of communication networks, (f) adoption of villages for integrated development, (g) empowerment of women, and (h) employment generation. The Ladakh region is characterized by rugged mountains and narrow valleys, with poor communication links and long periods of isolation, especially in winter. The villages are scattered in pockets and located in inaccessible areas. Given the inadequacies of the existing governmental infrastructure in the region, the military medical units use their excess capacity to fill the gap in essential services for the civilian populace. Conclusion: The Operation Sadbhavana initiatives of the Indian military can be viewed as a success only when certified as such under the harsh scrutiny of history, eventually being considered a victory in retrospect. The real return on the investment in the people, as a form of nation building, is in long-term patriotism and regional development. Future civil-military operations must include a method for quantifying the impact of activities on the health and other developmental aspects of the civilian population, as part of the initial operational planning. Planners must also develop a prospective strategic communications plan, including a detailed audience analysis, early in the planning stages for such operations. Read Also Juice Jacking
Himalayan trillium
Overexploitation, long life cycle have endangered a common Himalayan herb The Himalayan trillium (Trillium govanianum), a common herb of the Himalayas was declared ‘endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In recent years, the plant has become one of the most traded commercial plants of the Himalayan region, due to its high medicinal quality. It has been used in traditional medicine to cure diseases like dysentery, wounds, skin boils, inflammation, sepsis, as well as menstrual and sexual disorders. Recent experiments have shown that the rhizome of the herb is a source of steroidal saponins and can be used as an anti-cancer and anti-aging agent. This increased its market value and has now become an easy target for poachers. Present in temperate and sub-alpine zones of the Himalayas, at an altitude from 2,400-4,000 metres above sea degree, the existence of the plant has been traced throughout India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In India, it’s present in 4 states only- Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand. Usually known as Nagchatri, in native areas this herb grows to a peak of 15-20 cm. “There are a number of elements threatening the survival of the plant reminiscent of over-exploitation, lengthy life cycle – gradual to achieve reproductive maturity – and poor capability for seed dispersal. The extremely particular habitat requirement, excessive commerce worth, and rising market demand are all inflicting its decline,” The researchers observe that in 2017, the herb was recorded as a medicinal plant traded from India. Since then its worth has elevated and offered at $50-315 per kilogram. To stop its unlawful commerce, “Implementation and enforcement of sustainable assortment protocols and quotas are wanted. Designation of areas of pure habitat to native communities for administration of harvest is the most suitable choice to manage its unlawful commerce. Additional, the implantation of FairWild Normal (a set of ecological and truthful commerce tips) might help merchants, and anxious companies within the sustainable harvest and commerce of the species.” Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Dibru Saikhowa National Park
Dibru Saikhowa National Park Dibru Saikhowa National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in the extreme east of Assam state in India. Dibru Saikhowa, with an area of 340 sq km, is among the most vibrant wildness on earth and is also distinct for its pristine scenic beauty. it is Situated in the flood plain of Brahmaputra, Dibru-saikhowa is a safe haven for many extremely rare and endangered species of Wildlife. The forest type of Dibru-Saikhowa comprises of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests. Famed for Ferral horses, a total 36 species of mammals and above 400 species of birds have so far been recorded from the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Fauna : 36 species of mammals have so far been recorded – Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Slow Loris, Assamese Macague, Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Water Buffalo, Feral Horses etc. Avifauna : It is an identified Important Bird Area (IBA) having more than 382 species of Birds, some of which are Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Crested Grebe. Large Cormorant, Open bill Stork, Black necked Stork, Large Whistling Teal. Grey leg Goose, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Osprey, Crested Serpent Eagle, Spot Billed Pelican, White Winged Wood Duck, Baer’s Pochard, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pale Capped Pigeon, Great Pied Hornbill, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Black Breasted Parrot bill, etc. The Park is renowned for natural regeneration of Salix trees. Read Also kaziranga national park Concerns Dibru Saikhowa National Park : Oil India Limited NSE 0.27 % (OIL) stated it will reach the target depth of around 3.5 Kilometres beneath the surface of the National Park without carrying out any drilling activity inside the national park. OIL reiterated that no disturbance to the environment and Dibru-Saikhowa national park is envisaged due to use of latest technology. In a statement the company stated the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has accorded environmental clearance for extension drilling & testing of Hydrocarbons at seven locations under Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Area, North West of Baghjan PML in District Tinsukia in the state of Assam to Oil India Limited. This information as per statutory requirement was published as advertisement for information of all concerned stakeholders. The company said it has been observed certain section of the stakeholders have expressed their concern assuming that OIL will be operating inside the national park. In order to tap the hydrocarbon resources underneath the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, OIL had approached statutory bodies for obtaining necessary permissions in the year 2016 on the basis of the Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology, which will enable OIL to drill for hydrocarbon without drilling inside the national park. The company said that OIL went through an elaborate process for obtaining the necessary approvals from statutory bodies like MoEF&CC after fulfilling the stringent guidelines and adhering to various compliance and establishing the fact that OIL will not enter the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Area. “OIL will be able to accomplish this task of exploring hydrocarbon reserves under the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park by use of the Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology. ERD techniques are extensively used to intersect hydrocarbon targets far from the surface or areas of the reservoir which otherwise are difficult to access. By using this technology wells can be drilled up to a depth of approx. 4 kilometers from the existing well plinth without entering the protected area. Through ERD technology, OIL will reach the target depth of around 3.5 Kms beneath the surface of the National Park without carrying out any drilling activity inside the national park.” The company further stated this is a state of the art technology where Drilling will take place around at an average more than 1.5 kilometers outside the demarcated area of the national park where OIL already is carrying out hydrocarbon exploration for last fifteen years (Baghjan area). “If commercial viability of hydrocarbon production is established, then the production of oil & gas will help in meeting the energy needs of the country and will also lead to socio-economic development of the area and its vicinity. The commercial production from this area shall enable OIL to meet the vision of our Prime Minister towards 10% reduction in imports and also fulfilling North East Vision 2030,” . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl8Jjcb8Vwk&t=35s Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Sunrise industry
Sunrise industry Sunrise industry is an inherent concept that shows hope of a rapid boom for a developing sector or market in its infancy stage. Typically, the sunrise industries are characterized by high growth rates, numerous start-ups, and a wealth of venture capital funding. Such industries create a lot of “buzz” as investors take an interest in their long-term growth prospects and raise public awareness. Key Features: A sunrise industry is a new business or business sector showing potential for substantial and rapid growth. Notable characteristics of sunrise industries include high-growth rates and a lot of start-ups and venture capital funding. As a sunrise industry develops, it may transition to the maturity stage and then to the sunset stage. To remain relevant and on an upward trajectory, sunrise industries must prove their viability and sustainability. Sunrise Industry: When an industry expands and matures over years or decades, it will transition from the sunrise period to maturity, and eventually, the sunset stage. A common example of such a transition is the compact-disks industry. This was a sunrise industry in the 1990s when compact disks replaced vinyl records and cassette tapes. Still, the increasing proliferation of 21st century digital, non-physical media may mean that the days of the compact-disk industry are numbered. In competitive sectors like telecommunications, the transition from the sunrise to the sunset stages is likely to be more rapid. Despite the attention they draw at the outset, the sunrise industries still need to prove to be competitive, sustainable markets. The excitement they create at the beginning could be focused primarily on speculation of the possibilities offered by the market, rather than any particular business activity. UPSC Prelims 2022 Detailed Answer Key Examples: Examples of sunrise industries include the 2003-2007 alternative energy sector, and the 2011-2012 social media and cloud computing industries. A sunrise industry is often characterized by a high degree of innovation, and its rapid emergence may threaten to push a competing industry sector into obsolescence which is already declining. The dynamic business market is referred to as a sunset business, owing to its poor long-term prospects. The following are the few examples of the sunrise industry: IT industry of California and Bangalore Hydrogen fuel production Petrochemical industry Food processing industry Space tourism Online Encyclopaedias Scope of food processing industry in India: As per an estimate, India’s current food processing industry is estimated at USD 130 Billion and expected to attract huge domestic and foreign investment. Some of the key factors which are likely to increase the demand for processed food and consequently the food processing industry in the coming years are – India is a country of over 1.25 billion population. With rising middle class having a considerable disposable income, the domestic market offers 1.25 billion opportunities for the sector. India ranks no 1 in the world in the production of milk, ghee, ginger, bananas, guavas, papayas and mangoes. Further, India ranks no 2 in the world in the production of rice, wheat and several other vegetables & fruits. If the surplus production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, fish, meat and poultry, etc are processed and marketed both inside and outside the country, there will be greater opportunities for the growth of the sector. Due to rapid urbanization, food habits are changing rapidly towards value-added foods. The change is accentuated by the fact that over 65% of India’s population is 35 or under, who are inclined to have processed food. Next to China, India is among the fastest growing economies in the world. The recent quantum jump in the ease of doing business ranking of the World Bank (from 130 to 100) indicates the conducive business climate in the country and expected to attract foreign investment into this sector. As per an estimate, around 40 percent of total food production is wasted due to the inadequate facilities for transportation, storage, processing and marketing. If these deficiencies are addressed, there is a huge scope for the development of the sector. Government Innitiatives: Mega Food Parks Scheme Modernisation of Abattoirs scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Make In India Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Zero Coupon Bond
Zero Coupon Bond zero coupon bond is a debt security that does not pay interest but instead trades at a deep discount, rendering a profit at maturity, when the bond is redeemed for its full face value.1 Some bonds are issued as zero-coupon instruments from the start, while others bonds transform into zero-coupon instruments after a financial institution strips them of their coupons, and repackages them as zero-coupon bonds. Because they offer the entire payment at maturity, zero-coupon bonds tend to fluctuate in price, much more so than coupon bonds. A zero-coupon bond is also known as an accrual bond. Zero Coupon Bond- Key Features: A zero-coupon bond is a debt security instrument that does not pay interest. Zero-coupon bonds trade at deep discounts, offering full face value (par) profits at maturity. The difference between the purchase price of a zero-coupon bond and the par value, indicates the investor’s return. What kind of bonds are these?: Recapitalisation bonds which carried interest and were sold to different banks, these “non-interest bearing, non-transferable special GOI securities” have a maturity of 10-15 years and issued specifically to Punjab & Sind Bank. “These recapitalisation bonds are special types of bonds issued by the Central government specifically to a particular institution. Only those banks, whosoever is specified, can invest in them, nobody else. It is not tradable, it is not transferable. It is limited only to a specific bank, and it is for a specified period … it is held at the held-to-maturity (HTM) category of the bank as per the RBI guidelines. Since it is held to maturity, it is accounted at the face value (and) no mark-to-market will be there. So these are special kind of bonds issued by the government after proper (due diligence),” Though zero coupon, these bonds are different from traditional zero coupon bonds on one account — as they are being issued at par, there is no interest; in previous cases, since they were issued at discount, they technically were interest bearing. “Now these are made zero coupon and besides that there is no difference, the said amount will be paid on the maturity as per the government notification … There is no coupon, it is zero coupon, it is issued at par and will be paid at the end of the specified period,” . A senior Finance Ministry official explained that while accounting of these bonds is at par, effectively it’s the net present value of the instrument which matters. “These are instruments which are a variation of the recap bonds but effectively meet the same purpose, and these are issued in conformity with the RBI guidelines,” . How do they differ from zero coupon bonds issued by private firms?: Zero coupon bonds by private companies are normally issued at discount, but since these special bonds are not tradable these can be issued at par. “There is a difference between zero coupon bonds issued by other corporates and these. normally zero coupon bonds are issued at a discount, which are tradable also. Here, there is no question of trading and these are special types of bonds, which the government issues specifically to a specified person and it’s issued at par,” While praising the government’s move to inject equity in banks, two top finance industry executives, who wished not to be named, said that this move buys times but doesn’t solve the problem permanently. “It is a great innovation by the government where it is using Rs 100 to create an impact of Rs 200 in the economy. It is issuing a zero coupon bond aggregating to Rs 5,500 crore at par to Punjab & Sind Bank that will mature in tranches between 2030 to 2035. The market value of this bonds would be around Rs 2,750 crore. Punjab & Sind Bank, by investing in these bonds from held-to-maturity category, won’t have to book mark-to-market loss and will value the bonds at cost, i.e. Rs 5,500 crore. The government will infuse Rs 5,500 crore into equity capital of Punjab & Sind Bank,”. By doing so, the capital adequacy of Punjab & Sind Bank goes up by Rs 5,500 crore (instead of Rs 2,750 crore). “While this is a financial illusion, finally the government has realised that it is better to do what Western countries are doing rather than what their academicians are recommending us. One must remember that financial illusion buys you time to put your house in order. It doesn’t solve the problem permanently but gives you more time to solve it,” Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey.Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot Operation Meghdoot, was in support of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces in Northern Ladakh, to secure control of the heights predominating the Siachin glacier, also referred to as the world’s third pole and potentially a dangerous flash point on the disputed Northern borders. IAF Il-76s, An 12s and An 32s transported stores and troops, airdropped supplies to high altitude airfields while Mi-17s, Mi-8s, Chetaks and Cheetahs ferried men and material to dizzy heights far above the limits set by the helicopter manufacturers. In fighting for this “roof-of-the world” since April 1984, the IAF’s incredible performance at the extremes of temperature and altitude, remains a continuing saga of fortitude and skill. Siachen operations actually started way back in 1978. The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh Scouts. Initial assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military operation was unique because it was the first assault launched in world’s highest battlefield. During the operation, Indian troops landed on Bilafond La on Saltoro ridge, west of Siachen glacier, on Friday, April 13, 1984. It was a Baishakhi day. The operation resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen glacier, giving India strategic advantage and also maintaining status quo. Siachen not only gives India opportunity to test the mettle of its own troops but also useful for R&D in various military disciplines. With occupying Siachen, India prides of sustaining its dominance on world’s highest battlefield, however has paid heavy price for it in the form of human costs. Significance he Karachi Agreement that was signed in July 1949 did not specify who had authority over Siachen Glacier. In 1970s and 1980s, the Pakistan Government gave permission to mountaineering expeditions. India made its first air landing on the glacier in 1978. The conflict began when Pakistan allowed Japanese expedition to scale Rimo I (an important peak in the region) in 1984. This increased the suspicion of Indian Government over Pakistan legitimising the glacier. This led to the launch of Operation Meghdoot. The Operation Meghdoot was launched on April 13, 1984. Under the operation, the Indian troops successfully gained control of entire Siachen glacier.
Dedicated Freight Corridor
Dedicated Freight Corridor The DFC consists of two arms. The section launched on Tuesday is part of the 1,839-km Eastern DFC that starts at Sohnewal (Ludhiana) in Punjab and ends at Dankuni in West Bengal. The other arm is the around 1,500-km Western DFC from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPT in Mumbai, touching all major ports along the way. The 351-km section stretches between Khurja, the 12th stop after Sohnewal in the North, to New Bhaupur, near Kanpur. Other stretches are Sohnewal to Khurja (365 km), Bhaupur to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay (Mughalsarai) (400 km), then to Sonnagar in West Bengal (137 km), then to Dankuni via Gomoh in Jharkhand (538 km). There is also a section under construction between Dadri and Khurja to connect the Eastern and Western arms Need for Dedicated Freight Corridor Project: The Indian Railways’ quadrilateral linking the four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Howrah, commonly known as the Golden Quadrilateral; and its two diagonals (Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Howrah), adding up to a total route length of 10,122 km comprising of 16% of the route carried more than 52% of the passenger traffic and 58% of revenue earning freight traffic of IR. The existing trunk routes of Howrah-Delhi on the Eastern Corridor and Mumbai-Delhi on the Western Corridor were highly saturated, line capacity utilization varying between 115% to 150%. Railways lost the share in freight traffic from 83% in 1950-51 to 35% in 2011-12. Not only this, the National highways along these corridors comprising 0.5% of the road network carried almost 40% of the road freight. The surging power needs requiring heavy coal movement, booming infrastructure construction and growing international trade led to the conception of the Dedicated Freight Corridors along the Eastern and Western Routes, to begin with. Recently, three new corridors namely East West, East Coast and North South sub corridorsanctioned for DPR preparation. Green Initiative: DFCCIL will decongest already saturated road network & promote shifting of freight transport to more efficient rail transport. This shift is expected to offer significant reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in transport sector in India. It is expected that DFC will save more than 450 million ton of CO2 in first 30 years of operation (Assessment based on Ernst & Young study). Why is it important? Around 70% of the freight trains currently running on the Indian Railway network are slated to shift to the freight corridors, leaving the paths open for more passenger trains. Built at a cost of Rs 5,750 crore through a loan from World Bank (which is funding a majority of the EDFC; the WDFC is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency), the new stations in this section are Bhaupur, Kanchausi, Achalda, Ekdil, Bhadan, Makhanpur, Tundla, Hathras, Daudkan and Khurja. This section passes through Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Etawah, Firozabad, Hathras, Aligarh and Bulandshahr districts in Uttar Pradesh. This is like building an entire railway network from scratch, independent of Indian Railways. All the installations are new. Including the stations, and that’s why the names of a majority of its stations are prefixed with ‘New’, such as New Bhaupur, New Khurja etc. Tracks on DFC are designed to carry heavier loads than most of Indian Railways. DFC will get track access charge from the parent Indian Railways, and also generate its own freight business. Timelines: April 2005 Project announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister & Hon’ble Minister for Railways Feb 2006 CCEA gave in-principle approval for the project based on the RITES Report Oct 2006 Incorporation of DFCCIL (Shedule”A”) Government Company, as SPV Nov 2007 CCEA gave in-principle approval along with permission for undertaking preliminary works including land acquisition Feb 2008 CCEA approved Eastern & Western DFC Corridors and authorized expenditure up to Rs.28,181 crore with the direction to finalize funding arrangements Sept 2009 Cabinet approved JICA loan for WDFC along with STEP loan conditionalities Mar 2010 JICA Loan Agreement for JPY 90 billion (Rs.5100 crores) signed for Western Corridor Phase-I Oct 2011 Loan Agreement with World Bank for USD 975 Million (Rs.5850 crores) signed for EDFC-1 (Khurja-Bhaupur) Jan 2013 First Civil, System & Track Contract (Bhaupur – Khurja) – EDFC worth Rs.3267.54 crores awarded Mar 2013 JICA Loan Agreement for WDFC Phase-II : 1st Tranche amounting JPY 136 billion (Rs.7750 crores) signed June 2013 Civil contract for Rewari-Palanpur section (WDFC) awarded Feb 2014 Concession Agreement between DFCCIL & MoR signed Dec 2014 Loan agreement with World Bank loan of USD 1100 million signed (EDFC-2) June 2015 World Bank loan of USD 650 million sanctioned (EDFC-3) June 2015 Cost estimate of Rs. 81,459 Crores approved by CCEA Oct 2019 Trial Run started in Khurja-Bhadan section (194 Km) of EDFC Dec 2019 Trial Run started in Rewari-Madar section (306 Km) of WDFC Way Forward: There are certain firsts for this section. For instance, 68 existing level crossings have been eliminated to augment speed, the only major section on Indian Railways that is free from any permanent or temporary speed restrictions. This in a way sets the bar for rest of the DFC to also make stretches free from speed restrictions, or “cautions” as they are termed in Railways. Freight trains usually suffer from unpredictable running times and low speeds of around 25 km per hour. But on this new section they can run at 50-60 kph. This section will also catch the freight traffic originating from key centres such as Kanpur Dehat, Aurayia, Etawah, Firozabad, Hathras, Aligarh and Bulandshahr. The existing industrial areas of Aligarh, Khuja, Firozabad, Agra and Bhaupur will become major growth centres of the area, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation projects in its business development plan. These areas are agriculture hubs producing potato, paddy and maize. “The agricultural produce will get a pan-India market because of cheaper and faster DFC connectivity. New Makhanpur (Firozabad) and New Daudkhan (Aligarh) will be opened as common user terminals aimed at local farmers in sending their produce to the larger markets. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and
