RPSC Monthly Current Affairs: April 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Rajasthan Diwas 2024

Rajasthan Diwas is celebrated every year on March 30th to commemorate the foundation day of the state, marking the day it officially became part of the Indian Union.

Key Points

Indus Valley Civilization

Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area and has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. Its early culture was similar to that of the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed between 3,000 and 1,000 BC.

Historical Rule

The Chauhan dynasty rose to power in the 12th century, having been influential in Rajput affairs since the 7th century. They were later followed by the Mewar Guhilots, who played a significant role in governing the region.

Formation of Present-Day Rajasthan

The current state of Rajasthan was formed in several phases:

Matsya Union

• After the partition of India, there was significant communal unrest. Bharatpur and Alwar were also affected by these riots.
• On March 17, 1948, the Indian Government took control of these states due to the inability of the rulers to maintain peace.
• Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli, and Dholpur were advised to merge and form the Matsya Union.

Rajasthan Union

• On March 25, 1948, ten more states from southeastern Rajputana, including Kushalgarh, Banswara, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Tonk, Shahpura, Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, and Kishangarh, joined to form the Rajasthan Union.

United States of Rajasthan

• The Udaipur state (Mewar) joined the Rajasthan Union on April 18, 1948, and the name was changed to the United States of Rajasthan.

Greater Rajasthan

• On March 30, 1949, the states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer, along with the principalities of Neemra and Lawa, joined the union, and the region was renamed Greater Rajasthan.
• March 30th is now celebrated as Rajasthan Day.

Historical Background Of Rajasthan

United States of Greater Rajasthan

• 1949 : On this date, the Matsya Union was incorporated into Greater Rajasthan. Following this integration, the confederation was rebranded as the United States of Greater Rajasthan.

United Rajasthan

• 1950 : The state of Sirohi, which had not yet joined the federation, became a part of it on this date, completing the federation's formation.

Re-organized Rajasthan

• 1956 : The Ajmer-Merwara region, previously under direct British rule, was merged with Rajasthan on this date, following the recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission. Additionally, Bhanpura Tehsil from Madhya Pradesh and Abu Tehsil from Gujarat were also incorporated into Rajasthan during this reorganization.

Rajasthan RSS Group Issues CAA Eligibility Certificates

In Rajasthan, a group linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been facilitating the issuance of "eligibility certificates" to members of the Hindu community from Pakistan. This initiative aims to assist them in applying for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).

• The Seemajan Kalyan Samiti, the group involved, operates in areas along the Pakistan border and has already aided around 330 individuals from Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. They have been helping these individuals upload their documents on the citizenship portal established by the Home Ministry.
• The CAA provides a pathway to citizenship for members of six non-Muslim communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who are considered persecuted.
• A crucial part of the application process under the CAA is the eligibility certificate, which must be issued by a locally reputable community institution. This certificate needs to be submitted along with an affidavit and other required documents on the CAA portal.
• It's important to note that the Pakistani Hindus eligible for this process entered India legally, on pilgrim or tourist visas. Therefore, they are also eligible for citizenship under Section 5 and Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Matuas

• The CAA also aims to support the Matua community, a Scheduled Caste group in West Bengal. This community migrated from Bangladesh during and after the 1971 war.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019

• Overview: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) offers a pathway to Indian citizenship for certain non-Muslim communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
• Eligible Communities: The CAA applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
• Legal Exemptions: It exempts these communities from legal actions under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport Act, 1920, which penalize illegal entry and overstaying.
• Application Process: The process for applying under the CAA is outlined in Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Applicants must demonstrate their country of origin, religion, date of entry, and proficiency in an Indian language.

Gagan Shakti-2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to conduct a 10-day exercise called Gagan Shakti-2024 from April 1 to 10, 2024. This exercise aims to test the IAF's capabilities and readiness for high-intensity operations in a realistic environment.

• During Gagan Shakti-2024, the IAF will showcase its strength and preparedness involving all air force bases and assets across the country. The previous Gagan Shakti exercise was held in 2018, during which the IAF completed over 11,000 sorties, demonstrating its ability to rapidly redeploy assets from the western to the eastern front in less than 48 hours. This exercise was designed to assess the IAF's readiness for a potential two-front war with China and Pakistan.

Rafale fighter jets

• The upcoming drills follow the Vayu Shakti-2024 exercise conducted at the Pokhran air-to-ground range near Jaisalmer, where the IAF deployed various frontline assets such as Rafale and Mirage-2000 fighter jets, Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Tejas light combat aircraft, Jaguars, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and surface-to-air missile systems.
• This year's Vayu Shakti was succeeded by the Bharat Shakti exercise, an integrated tri-services operation that showcased India's indigenous capabilities for dominating the battlefield and ensuring national security. The exercise featured various weapons and systems, including T-90 tanks, BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, drone-launched precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, rockets, air defence weapons, and artillery guns such as Dhanush, Sharang, and K9 Vajra.
• In addition to these exercises, the IAF will host Tarang Shakti, a major exercise expected to involve 12 global air forces. This event aims to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and strengthen military cooperation among the participating countries.

India to Host Largest Multi-Nation Air Exercise

• India is set to host the biggest multi-nation air exercise on its soil, involving a wide range of aircraft and unmanned systems.
• The exercise will feature fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, mid-air refuellers, airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, and unmanned systems.

Rajasthan's Tourism Department Lacks Involvement in Growing Destination Wedding Market

The destination wedding industry in Rajasthan is seeking to strengthen its efforts to grow, as the state is known for hosting numerous royal weddings each year. However, tourism industry executives have expressed that the involvement of the tourism department in this sector seems to be lacking.

• According to the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the state has seen a significant increase in domestic tourism, with over 17.90 crore tourists visiting in 2023. This marks a substantial rise from previous years, with nearly 18 crore domestic and 17 lakh foreign tourists welcomed in 2023 alone.
• Historically, Rajasthan has been a leader in developing unique tourism products, such as the Palace on Wheels luxury train and events like the Pushkar Fair. The state granted the tourism sector industry status in 1989 and has since provided various fiscal incentives to boost the sector.
• The Rajasthan Tourism Policy, 2020 aims to reposition the state as a preferred tourism destination, focusing on responsible and sustainable practices while enhancing socio-economic development for local communities.
• The policy outlines several objectives, including promoting Rajasthan as a leading tourism brand, diversifying existing products, improving connectivity to tourist destinations, and expanding accommodation infrastructure. It also emphasizes the need for effective interdepartmental coordination and encouraging private sector investment in the state.

Solar Energy Project in Rajasthan

Solar Energy

Recently, UltraTech Cement Ltd completed a 100-megawatt (MW) solar energy project in Rajasthan under the Group Captive Scheme. This marks the company's first initiative to source power for its own use from the inter-state transmission network.

• The electricity generated from this project will be supplied to UltraTech's units located in various states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. 
• With this addition, the company now has a total capacity of 612 MW of renewable energy and 278 MW from Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS).

What are Waste Heat Recovery Systems? 

• WHRS are advanced systems that capture and reuse energy from the exhaust gases of main engines, contributing to energy savings and efficiency.
• UltraTech Cement has set a goal to increase its green power mix to 85% by 2030. This project demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating a cleaner future.

Understanding the Group Captive Scheme

• The Group Captive Scheme is a power purchase mechanism where individuals or groups come together to establish a power plant for their own electricity needs. 
• To qualify, these captive users must collectively own at least 26% of the power plant and consume a minimum of 51% of the generated electricity annually, based on their ownership shares, with a variation of no more than 10%.

Solar Waste Management in India

A recent report titled "Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry – Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum" has highlighted India's growing crisis regarding solar waste. The study was conducted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in collaboration with experts from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a prominent not-for-profit policy research institution in Asia.

Key Findings of the Report

• India's current solar capacity has generated approximately 100 kilotonnes (kt) of cumulative waste, which is expected to increase to 340 kt by 2030.
• Around 67% of the projected waste by 2030 is anticipated to come from five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Discarded solar modules contain critical minerals such as silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium, which are essential for India's economic development and national security.
• Rajasthan, with an operational solar power capacity of roughly 17.8 GW as of August 2023, leads the country in solar power generation potential.

What is Solar Waste? 

• Solar waste refers to any waste generated during the manufacturing of solar modules or discarded modules and scrap from manufacturing processes. 
• Modules are typically discarded at the end of their functional life or due to damages incurred during transportation, handling, and installation.

How to Handle Solar Waste Properly

• Improper handling and landfilling of solar waste should be avoided.
• Proper treatment is necessary to reclaim valuable minerals and prevent the leaching of toxic materials like lead and cadmium.

Recycling Solar Waste

• According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), approximately 80% of solar panel components, including glass and metal frames, are recyclable. 
• Solar waste can be recycled to recover materials such as glass, aluminium, copper, silicon, and silver through mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling processes.

Magnitude of Earthquake in Rajasthan

Recently, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Pali, Rajasthan, according to the National Center for Seismology.

• An earthquake is essentially the shaking of the Earth, triggered by the release of energy that generates waves traveling in all directions.
• These waves, known as seismic waves, are produced during an earthquake and travel through the Earth, being recorded by instruments called seismographs.

Types of Earthquakes :

• Fault Zones
• Tectonic Earthquakes
• Volcanic Earthquakes
• Human-Induced Earthquakes

Earthquakes in India :

• India is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to the presence of the tectonically active young fold mountains, particularly the Himalayas.
• The country is divided into four seismic zones (II, III, IV, and V) based on scientific assessments of seismicity, historical earthquake data, and the regional tectonic setup.

Right Against Adverse Effects of Climate Change Part of Rights to Life, and Equality: SC

• Articles 14 and 21
• In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) has expanded the scope of Article 21 to include the “right against the adverse effects of climate change”.
• The bench was hearing a plea to protect the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) from losing its habitat due to power transmission lines.
• Article 21 recognises the right to life and personal liberty while Article 14 indicates that all persons shall have equality before law and the equal protection of laws.
• These Articles are important sources of the right to a clean environment and the right against the adverse effects of climate change.
• Despite governmental policy and rules and regulations recognising the adverse effects of climate change and seeking to combat it, there is no single or umbrella legislation in India which relates to climate change and the attendant concerns.
• Important SC Judgements of Constitutionalising Environmental Problems:
• MC Mehta v. Kamal Nath, 1996: The Supreme Court made it clear that any disturbance of basic environmental elements namely air, water and soil which are necessary for life would be hazardous to life and can’t be polluted.
• Virendra Gaur vs State Haryana (1995): The Supreme Court emphasized that Article 21 protects the right to life, extending it to sanitation for the enjoyment of life with dignity.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

• The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
• It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
• Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• The bird is under constant threats due to collision/electrocution with power transmission lines, hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan), habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc.

Protection Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I
• Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Constitutional Provisions Related to Environment

• Article 48A: The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
• Article 51A(g): It is the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.

Earthquake

Hypocenter

• Definition: The hypocenter, also known as the focus, is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates. It is located below the Earth's surface.
• Process: Earthquakes are caused by the release of energy in the Earth's crust, generating seismic waves that travel in all directions.

Earthquake Waves

• Body Waves: These waves move through the body of the Earth and are further divided into:
• P Waves (Primary Waves):
  • Move faster and are the first to arrive at the surface.
  • Similar to sound waves, they can travel through gaseous, liquid, and solid materials.
• S Waves (Secondary Waves):
  • Arrive at the surface with a time lag.
  • Can only travel through solid materials.
• Surface Waves: These waves travel along the Earth's surface and are more destructive. They cause the displacement of rocks and are further classified into:
• Love Waves:
  • Move horizontally without vertical displacement.
  • Have a sideways motion perpendicular to the direction of propagation and arrive faster than Rayleigh waves.
• Rayleigh Waves:
  • Cause the ground to shake in an elliptical pattern.
  • Move vertically and horizontally in a vertical plane.
  • Spread out the most of all seismic waves.

Causes of Earthquakes

• Release of Energy along a Fault/Fault Zones: Earthquakes often occur due to the release of energy along faults, which are breaks in the Earth's crust.
• Movement of Tectonic Plates: The movement of tectonic plates is the most common cause of earthquakes. These plates are constantly moving, and their interactions can lead to earthquakes.
• Volcanic Eruption: Earthquakes can also be triggered by volcanic eruptions, which cause stress changes in rocks due to the injection or withdrawal of magma.
• Human Activities: Activities such as mining, and the explosion of chemical or nuclear devices can induce earthquakes.

Earthquake in India

• Seismometers: Instruments used to measure seismic waves generated by earthquakes.
• Richter Scale: Measures the magnitude of an earthquake, indicating the energy released. The scale ranges from 0 to 10.
• Mercalli Scale: Measures the intensity of an earthquake based on visible damage. The scale ranges from 1 to 12.

Distribution of Earthquakes

• Circum-Pacific Belt: Approximately 81% of the largest earthquakes occur in this region.
• Alpide Earthquake Belt: About 17% of the largest earthquakes are found in this belt.
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Most of the earthquakes in this region are submerged underwater.

DRDO Conducts Successful Trials of Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System. This advanced missile system, designed for infantry use, boasts a range of 2.5 kilometers and features both fire-and-forget and top attack capabilities.

Key Highlights of the MPATGM Trials

• Location and Conduct: The trials were conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR) in Rajasthan, showcasing the missile's impressive performance in front of the user team.
• Indigenous Development: The MPATGM Weapon System is developed and produced in India by DRDO. It includes the MPATGM missile, Man Portable Launcher, Target Acquisition System (TAS), and Fire Control Unit (FCU).
• Operational Capability: The testing demonstrated that the system operates within the full specifications outlined by the Indian Army's General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).
• Penetration Trials: The completion of penetration trials for the Tandem Warhead System indicates its effectiveness against modern armor-protected Main Battle Tanks.
• Dual-Mode Seeker: The MPATGM features a dual-mode seeker, enhancing its effectiveness in tank warfare situations with day/night and top attack capabilities.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: The successful trials contribute to the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), reinforcing the goal of indigenous defence capabilities.

About DRDO

• Role and Vision: DRDO is the Research and Development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aimed at empowering the country with cutting-edge defence technologies.
• Establishment: DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

Understanding Article 371

Article 371 of the Indian Constitution, part of the Constitution since its inception on January 26, 1950, grants temporary, transitional, and special powers to certain States. While the article itself has been part of the Constitution for a long time, specific provisions under Articles 371(A-J) were introduced through amendments via Article 368.

There are 12 other States that enjoy special powers under Article 371 of the Constitution. These include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka.

Special Provisions and Responsibilities

• Maharashtra and Gujarat: Article 371 grants the Governor of these states special responsibility for establishing development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, and Kutch. The Governor ensures equitable allocation of funds and opportunities for these regions.
• Nagaland: Article 371A provides special status to Nagaland, stipulating that Parliament cannot legislate on matters related to the Naga religion, social practices, customary law, land rights, and civil and criminal justice without the consent of the state assembly.
• Assam: Article 371B, introduced in 1969, allows the President to deal with the Constitution and functioning of a committee of the Legislative Assembly comprising members elected from the tribal areas.
• Manipur: Article 371C, inserted in 1972, provides for the constitution of a committee of legislators from the Hill Areas of Manipur. The Governor has a special responsibility to report annually to the President on the administration of the Hill Areas.
• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Articles 371 D and E include special provisions for these states, addressing the unique needs and circumstances of the regions.

Rajasthan’s Mines Department Plans to Increase Revenue in FY25

The Rajasthan Department of Mines & Geology has devised a strategy to boost revenue during the current financial year (FY25).

Rajasthan is abundant in minerals, producing over 57 types, making it one of the richest states in terms of mineral variety and availability. In FY2024, the mines department generated a revenue exceeding Rs 7,490 crore.

The new plan focuses on several key areas:

• Daily Monitoring: Implementing a system for daily oversight of mining activities.
• Road Map Development: Creating a clear plan for exploration, drilling, and preparing blocks and plots for auction.
• Auction Calendar: Establishing a schedule for upcoming auctions to ensure transparency and efficiency.
• Revenue Collection: Streamlining the process for collecting due revenues to avoid last-minute recovery efforts.
• Coordination: Enhancing collaboration with various departments, including forest, district administration, and police, to prevent illegal mining activities.

Illegal Mining

• Illegal mining refers to the unauthorized extraction of minerals, ores, or valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals. 
• This practice often involves violating environmental, labor, and safety standards, posing significant risks to the environment and local communities.

Government Initiatives Related to Mining

• National Mineral Policy 2019: Aims to enhance mineral exploration and production, promote sustainable mining practices, and streamline regulatory processes.
• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY): A welfare scheme for mining-affected areas.
• Sagarmala Project: Focuses on developing port infrastructure to support the growth of the mining sector.

Bhiwadi to Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

Recently, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI) has urged the Rajasthan Government to connect Bhiwadi, a growing industrial and residential area, to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This connection aims to boost economic growth and improve the movement of goods and people, promoting regional development and prosperity.

CREDAI NCR Bhiwadi Neemrana

• CREDAI NCR Bhiwadi Neemrana is a chapter of CREDAI NCR that represents developers in Bhiwadi, Dharuhera, and Neemrana.
• The chapter focuses on promoting real estate development in these areas and advocating for infrastructure improvements to support regional growth.

Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)

• The DFC is a high-speed, high-capacity railway corridor designed exclusively for freight transportation, integrating advanced infrastructure and technology.
• Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC)
• Route: From Sahnewal (Ludhiana) in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal.
• Coverage: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
• Funding: Primarily by the World Bank.
• Key Development: The 351-km New Bhaupur-New Khurja section, enhancing freight train speed from 25 km/h to 75 km/h and relieving congestion on the Kanpur-Delhi main line.
• Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC)
• Route: From Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai.
• Coverage: Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Funding: By the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Support for Artisans in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government is set to launch an integrated cluster development scheme aimed at enhancing the productivity and quality of handicrafts, handlooms, and related sectors. This initiative is part of the broader efforts by various central government ministries to support Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across different sectors.

The draft policy outlines four main components:

• Support for Artisans: This includes capacity building, operation of a raw material bank for easy resource availability, and market development through e-commerce platforms.
• Common Facility Centres (CFCs): Assistance for MSME clusters to establish CFCs with state government support for projects up to Rs 5 crore.
• Infrastructure Development: Focus on existing clusters in non-Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) industrial areas and greenfield clusters in non-RIICO industrial areas.
• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): A partnership firm or trust will be constituted with at least ten artisans, craftsmen, or weavers holding registered artisan ID cards to implement cluster development projects.

Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO)

• RIICO is a key agency of the Rajasthan government, established in 1980, and has been instrumental in the state's industrial development.
• Initially set up under the Companies Act of 1956 as the Rajasthan State Industrial & Mineral Development Corporation (RSIMDC) on March 28, 1969, it was divided into two entities on January 1, 1980:
  • Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO)
  • Rajasthan State Mineral Development Corporation (RSMDC)

Deemed Forest Status

• The Rajasthan government has recently notified its sacred groves, known as Orans, as "deemed forest" status in response to the Supreme Court's request for identifying and surveying such groves as forest land.
• Orans are community-conserved green spaces in Rajasthan, featuring indigenous trees like Khejri and Rohida, and are dedicated to local deities. These groves are centuries old, considered sacred, and managed by rural communities with local rules governing their use.
• They play a crucial role in community life, serving as grazing grounds for livestock and venues for social events and festivals. Orans are also important habitats for endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
• The Forest Conservation Act (FCA) of 1980 previously required central approval to convert forest land to non-forest status. However, the amended FCA allows state governments to clear deemed, unclassed, and private forests.
• The Supreme Court has upheld the protection of deemed forests, as per the 1996 Godavarman case, in ongoing legal challenges to these amendments.

Hate Speech

Election Commission (EC)

• The Election Commission is currently reviewing a complaint regarding a speech made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Rajasthan, which is being scrutinized for potential hate speech.

About Hate Speech:

• According to the 267th Report of the Law Commission of India, hate speech is defined as incitement to hatred against a group of people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
• The context of the speech is crucial in determining whether it constitutes hate speech.
• Hate speech can cause harm to targeted individuals and groups and to society as a whole by inciting hatred, violence, discrimination, and intolerance.

Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech:

• Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right for all citizens.
• Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on this right to balance its use and misuse.
• Restrictions are allowed in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, morality, contempt of court, defamation, or instigation of an offence.

Law Commission of India

• The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time.
• The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955 for a three-year term.
• The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and was chaired by Lord Macaulay.
• The Law Commission works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice, undertaking research in law and reviewing existing laws in India for making reforms and enacting new legislations on reference by the Central Government or suo-motu.

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

Recently, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the leading Telecom Research and Development Centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) have entered into an agreement to work on “Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks Using AI.”

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

• The agreement is part of the initiative by the DoT to provide funding support to domestic companies and institutions engaged in the design, development, and commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions. The aim is to facilitate affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas.
• The main goal of the project is to create AI frameworks for automated network management, fault detection, and diagnostic techniques using continuous information generated within networks, particularly in 5G environments.
• The project will establish a real-time testbed for 5G and Beyond networks, compliant with Open-RAN (O-RAN) standards. This testbed will demonstrate the developed automated network management and slicing techniques along with specific application use cases such as smart metering and remotely operated vehicles.

Open-RAN

• Open-RAN is not a specific technology but a shift in mobile network architecture that allows the use of subcomponents from various vendors to build networks.
• It promotes an open, multi-vendor approach to deploying mobile networks, contrasting with the traditional single-vendor proprietary model.
• Open-RAN facilitates the interoperability of hardware from different manufacturers through software, “opening” the protocols and interfaces between various subcomponents like radios, hardware, and software in the Radio Access Network (RAN).

Climate Change May Lead to Greening the Thar Desert

A recent theory based on rainfall and climate data suggests that the Thar Desert, currently a barren landscape, could transform into a greener area due to global warming. This theory focuses on the Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP) and its impact on monsoon patterns in India.

• The IOWP has long been recognized for its role in generating monsoons, and with global warming, this warm pool is expanding westward. This expansion is expected to increase the length of the rainy season in northwest India, potentially doubling the mean summer rainfall in this semi-arid region.
• As a result, the Thar Desert could experience significantly more rainfall, leading to a gradual transformation of its landscape from arid to greener.

About Thar Desert

• The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is one of the largest subtropical deserts in the world.
• It is located on the Indian subcontinent, spanning across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana in India, and the provinces of Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan.
• The desert is bordered by the irrigated Indus River plain to the west, the Punjab Plain to the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range to the southeast, and the Rann of Kachchh to the south.
• The Greater Rann of Kutch lies to the west of the Thar Desert, separated by the low-lying marshy lands of the Luni River.

Chambal River Overview

The Chambal River, stretching 960 km, begins at the Singar Chouri peak in the Vindhya mountains of Madhya Pradesh. It flows northward for about 346 km in Madhya Pradesh before changing to a north-easterly direction for 225 km through Rajasthan. The river then enters Uttar Pradesh, flowing approximately 32 km before merging with the Yamuna River in Etawah District.

Geographical Features

• The Chambal River is rainfed, with its basin bordered by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravalli hills.
• The river and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.

Tributaries

• Banas
• Kali Sindh
• Parbati

Major Power Projects and Dams

• Gandhi Sagar Dam
• Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
• Jawahar Sagar Dam
• Kota Barrage

National Chambal Sanctuary

• The National Chambal Sanctuary is situated along the river at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• This sanctuary is renowned for its populations of critically endangered species such as the gharial and the red-crowned roof turtle, as well as the endangered Ganges river dolphin.