Current Affairs 18-September-2023 (The Hindu)

Project Cheetah:

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Introduction to Project Cheetah:

1. Project Launch Date:

   The first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived on September 17, 2022, officially launching Project Cheetah, India’s cheetah introduction programme.

2. Project Goal:

   The goal of the project is to establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in India, allowing cheetahs to function as top predators and expand within their historical range, contributing to global conservation efforts.

Status of Project Cheetah:

1. Cheetah Import:

   In total, 20 adult African cheetahs have been imported. The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived in September 2022, and another batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa arrived in February 2023.

2. Cub Birth:

   In late March 2023, one of the females gave birth to a litter of four cubs, which were conceived in India.

3. Release and Survival:

   Out of the 20 imported cheetahs, only 12 have been released into the wild. Some were brought back to Kuno National Park due to perceived risks to their survival.

4. Mortality:

   Six of the cheetahs imported from Africa have died, as well as three of the four cubs born in India.

5. Current Status:

   The surviving 14 adult cheetahs and one cub are currently in captivity, with plans to potentially release them with radio collars in the future.

Reasons for Cheetah Mortalities:

1. Radio Collars:

   Radio collars are not the underlying cause of cheetah deaths. Susceptibility to insects and parasites in India and potential microenvironmental effects of the collars are being investigated.

2. Specific Causes:

   The first cheetah died due to a renal condition, one female died during mating attempts, three cubs died due to heatwave conditions, and one male died due to cardio-pulmonary failure (ultimate cause undetermined).

Impact on Conservation of Other Species:

1. Resource Diversion:

   The high-profile Project Cheetah has diverted attention and financial resources from other crucial conservation projects, such as those for the Great Indian Bustard and the translocation of Asiatic lions.

2. Effect on Ecosystems:

   The use of African cheetahs to conserve grasslands and grassland-dependent species is considered a flawed strategy, given the challenges cheetahs have faced in surviving even in captivity and the lack of suitable habitats.

Challenges Associated with Radio Collars:

Collar Function:

Radio collars are used to track and monitor animals in the wild, providing data on behavior, migration, and population dynamics.

Potential Risks:

Challenges associated with radio collars include festering neck wounds and septicaemia, long-term collar usage issues, weight considerations, and adaptation to monsoon conditions.

Festering Neck Wounds and Septicaemia

Long-term Collar Usage

Weight Considerations

Lack of Adaptation to Monsoon Conditions

Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY)

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PMVY

Launch:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ₹13,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY).

Objective:

The Vishwakarma scheme aims to equip craftspeople with technology to enhance their skills for the modern market.

Benefits:

The scheme offers collateral-free enterprise development loans of ₹1 lakh (first tranche to be repaid in 18 months) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche to be repaid in 30 months).

Interest Rate:

Beneficiaries will be charged a concessional interest rate of 5%, with an interest subvention cap of 8% to be paid by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

Credit Guarantee:

The credit guarantee fees will be borne by the Central government.

Coverage:

The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India.

Traditional Trades Covered Under PM Vishwakarma:

• Carpenter (Suthar)
• Boat Maker
• Armourer
• Blacksmith (Lohar)
• Hammer and Tool Kit Maker
• Locksmith
• Goldsmith (Sonar)
• Potter (Kumhaar)
• Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker
• Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan
• Mason (Rajmistri)
• Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver
• Doll and Toy Maker (Traditional)
• Barber (Naai)
• Garland maker (Malakaar)
• Washerman (Dhobi)
• Tailor (Darzi)
• Fishing Net Maker

Dhanush Artillery Guns and Pinaka Rocket System

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Dhanush Artillery Gun

Description

Dhanush is a 155 mm, 45-caliber towed artillery gun with a range of 36 km. It has demonstrated a range of 38 km with specialized ammunition. It serves as an upgrade of the existing 155 mm, 39-caliber Bofors FH 77 gun.

Importance of Long-Range Firepower

War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the significance of long-range firepower, both precision and saturation. Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS) have proven to be decisive in such scenarios.

Pinaka Rocket System

Development and Origin

The Pinaka rocket system is a multi-barrel rocket system developed by Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). It is named after Lord Shiva’s bow.

The Army aims to significantly increase the range of the Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS), and the DRDO is actively working on this project.

The Pralay surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile is in advanced stages of induction.

Introduction and Success

• After successful tests of Pinaka Mark-1 in the late 1990s, it was first used in the battlefield during the Kargil war of 1999 with great success. Subsequently, multiple regiments of the system were deployed in the 2000s.
• The indigenous Pinaka Rocket System developed by the DRDO has been a success story for the Army, providing long-range firepower capabilities.

Features

The Pinaka rocket system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds.

Variants

DRDO has developed and successfully tested the Mk-II and guided variants of the Pinaka. The Mk-II variant has a range of around 60 km, while the Guided Pinaka system has a range of 75 km. The Guided Pinaka system is equipped with an integrated navigation, control, and guidance system to improve end accuracy and enhance the range.

Navigation System

The navigation system of the Guided Pinaka missile is aided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

Santiniketan's UNESCO World Heritage List

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Introduction

• Santiniketan is a town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.
• Founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
• Known as the "abode of peace."
• Home to Visva Bharati University.
• 41st UNESCO site from India

UNESCO World Heritage Listing

• Recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.
• Recognized for its cultural and historical significance.
• Represents an important exchange of human values.
• Key developments in architecture, technology, arts, town planning, and landscape design.

Historical Background

• Establishment of Santiniketan began in 1901.
• Rabindranath Tagore laid the foundations of Visva Bharati University.
• Previously known as Bhubadanga, owned by the Tagore family.
• In 1862, Debendranath Tagore decided to build an 'Ashram' here.
• The area was renamed Santiniketan due to its meditative ambiance.
• In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore started a school on the 'Brahmachary Ashram' model.
• Later, the school evolved into Visva Bharati University.

Conservation and Restoration

• Efforts to include Santiniketan in the World Heritage List began in 2010.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken restoration projects.
• Restoration work on several structures like Santiniketan Griha, Konark, Upasana Griha Purba, and Paschim Toran.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognized for cultural, historical, scientific, or significant value.
• Protected by international treaties.
• Represent collective human interests and achievements.
• Sites must be unique and culturally or physically significant.
• Require practical conservation to safeguard against risks.
• Monitored by the World Heritage Committee, which manages the World Heritage Fund and provides financial assistance.
• India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.

Key Events in Indian History

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Instrument of Accession:

• Princely States' Autonomy: Princely states were given the autonomy to decide their future, either by joining India, Pakistan, or remaining independent.
• Formal Agreement: The Instrument of Accession served as a formal agreement, signed by the princely state rulers, acknowledging their willingness to accede to either India or Pakistan.
• Government Acceptance: This agreement became effective only after it was accepted by the respective Indian or Pakistani governments.
• Key Examples: Prominent princely states like Bhopal, Travancore, Jodhpur, and Jammu and Kashmir used this instrument to determine their status.

Plebiscite:

• Public Opinion: A plebiscite was a method to gauge public opinion, allowing people to vote and express their views on a specific issue, such as the future of a princely state.
• Junagarh Complexity: In the case of Junagarh, it was a majority Hindu princely state ruled by a Muslim Nawab who had previously signed an agreement with Pakistan.
• Resolution Through Vote: To resolve this complex situation, a plebiscite was conducted, and it favored India as the preferred choice.

Junagarh

Police Action:

Hyderabad

• Hyderabad Challenge: The Nawab of Hyderabad posed a challenge by mobilizing orthodox Muslim groups and resisting integration into India.
• 1948 Police Action: In 1948, India took decisive action to maintain its territorial integrity and authority by sending in military forces to bring Hyderabad under Indian administration.