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@CivilLearning1

Apr 10

Decoding Indian Railways
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DEMU?
EMU?
MEMU?

DEMU Train
Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains have integrated engines except that they are diesel-based. It was introduced to replace the slower loco-hauled passenger trains in non-electrified rail sections.

EMU Train
Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains are self-propelled, designed for short-distance routes, have built-in engines and derive power from overhead electric wires. These are suitable for suburban sections of major cities and offer pollution-free transport.

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Civil Learning

@CivilLearning1

Apr 9

The Mango Map of India
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Important commercial varieties and where they are grown

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Civil Learning

@CivilLearning1

Apr 6

India-China Border: From Historic Agreements to the Current Crisis
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Current Crisis
Ambiguity in LAC
Origins of LAC Dispute

Thirty years ago, after the 1962 war, India & China reached the historic Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in September during Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's visit to China.

The BPTA committed both sides to respecting the status quo and minimizing the risk of unplanned confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

For two decades, the BPTA and subsequent agreements maintained peace on the longest undemarcated border globally.

The limited nature of the BPTA led to an infrastructure race, causing more incidents since 2013 and culminating in the deadly Galwan clash in June 2020. Both countries escalated infrastructure development in forward areas and increased the frequency of patrols, leading to more frequent encounters and rising tensions.

Both countries agreed not to use or threaten force, respect the LAC, keep minimal military forces along the LAC, and reduce forces as mutually agreed.

Current Crisis:
Despite these commitments, the ongoing crisis has entered its fourth winter, with over 100,000 troops from both sides deployed in forward areas near the LAC. The validity of the BPTA commitments is now in question.

Ambiguity in LAC:
The breakdown in border agreements and mechanisms between India and China is rooted in the inherent ambiguity surrounding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) established by the Early Peace and Tranquility Agreement (EPTA).

Origins of LAC Dispute:
The term LAC was first proposed by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1959, with China still claiming the 1959 LAC as valid. India, uncomfortable with this, negotiated the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) without explicitly accepting the 1959 LAC.

Negotiation Challenges:
China wanted to include the 1959 LAC in the BPTA, but a provision was inserted allowing both sides to clarify the LAC as needed. This implied a lack of common perception between India and China regarding the 1959 LAC.

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Civil Learning

@CivilLearning1

Mar 31

‘Vision of New India by 2030’ - Marine Resources

- Efforts taken by the government for the conservation of resources of the Indian coastline.

India’s coastal and marine habitats include mangroves, coral reefs, sea grasses, salt marshes, mud flats, estuaries, lagoons, and diverse flora and fauna.

However, despite their ecological importance and significance to the national economy, these resources have not received proper protection and are under threat.

The World Bank-financed Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, part of the national coastal zone management programme, aims to strike a balance between development and the protection of sensitive ecosystems.

‘Vision of New India by 2030’

(a) A manned submersible will be developed to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean with suite of scientific sensors and tools to explore deep sea mining possibilities.

(b) An Integrated Mining System will be developed for mining Polymetallic Nodules from 6,000-m depth in the central Indian Ocean.

(c) Bio-prospecting of deep-sea flora and fauna including microbes and studies on sustainable utilization of deep-sea bio-resources will also be undertaken with the aim of studying, documenting and conservation of deep-sea ecology.

Many aquatic species are legally protected under India’s Wild Life Protection Act of 1972. India has 31 significant Marine Protected Areas that span coastal areas and were established under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The National Committee on Mangroves, Wetlands, and Coral Reefs, established in 1993, advises the government on marine species-related policies and activities.

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification (1991 and later editions) prohibits development activities and garbage disposal in fragile coastal habitats.

India is launching a flagship initiative, the PradhanMantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY), to promote the sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India. Two of the scheme’s primary goals are:

(a) Maximising fisheries potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and equitable way, and

(b) Establishing a strong fisheries management and regulatory framework.

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Civil Learning

@CivilLearning1

Mar 26

How 17th Lok Sabha performed
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One-third of Bills passed in 1 hour
Record suspensions
Lengthy interruptions
Referred 16% of Bills to standing committees for scrutiny

In Article 107 of the Constitution of India, there is a provision to introduction and passing of Bills.

Productivity
Since the first Lok Sabha convened between 1952 and 1957, the number of sittings has consistently declined over the years.
While the first Lok Sabha convened for an annual average of 135 days across all sessions, the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas (of the NDA government) met for 66 and 55 days per year.

Over the 15 sessions of this Lok Sabha, just four spent 35 hours or more on discussing and passing Bills.
In the 2023 Budget Session, the Lok Sabha spent just over an hour on discussing and passing legislation.

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Civil Learning

@CivilLearning1

Mar 20

India’s first Dark Sky Reserve: Hanle Dark Sky Reserve - Astronomy tourism
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What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
How does a site become a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’?
Who is developing India’s first Dark Sky Reserve?
Why was Ladakh chosen for the project?

India's first Dark Sky Reserve is the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, located in the Eastern Ladakh region. The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is situated within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

A Dark Sky Reserve (DSP) is a designated area, often surrounding an existing park or observatory, that commits to protecting and preserving its natural nighttime environment from artificial light pollution.

These reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core.

Purpose:
Astronomical Research
Conservation of Nocturnal Ecosystems
Cultural Heritage
Education and Public Enjoyment

How does a site become a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’?

Becoming a Dark Sky Reserve is a rigorous process, often taking several years, that demonstrates a strong dedication to preserving exceptional night sky quality.

Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Meeting the Requirements:

Size:
The reserve needs a substantial 'core' area of at least 700 square kilometers (about 173,000 acres).

Exceptional Night Sky Quality:
Strict scientific measurements are taken to prove the darkness of the sky meets exceptional standards.

Existing Protections:
The site often needs to be situated within a park, sanctuary, or region with existing regulations that somewhat control light pollution.

2. The Application Process (through the International Dark-Sky Association - IDA):

Nomination:
A letter stating an interest in pursuing reserve status starts the process.

Extensive Application:
Includes in-depth documentation of:
Sky quality measurements
Lighting inventory of the entire area
Lighting management plans
Community support & outreach initiatives

Site Visit:
An IDA representative may conduct an in-person site visit.

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