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1. At the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York, Rajasthan's indigenous tribal communities showcased traditional practices as solutions to global challenges. The forum, under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with the theme of reinforcing the 2030 agenda and eradicating poverty, highlighted the resilience and sustainability of these practices. Established in 1945, ECOSOC is the principal UN body for economic, social, and environmental policy coordination and development goal implementation. Rajasthan-based Vaagdhara emphasized the importance of indigenous practices in agriculture and resource management, such as seed preservation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. These practices have helped mitigate economic and environmental challenges, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rajasthan's tribes include Bhil, Damor, Dhanka, Tadvi, and others.
2. Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have explored electronic mechanisms in incipient metals, focusing on Metavalent Bonding (MVB) within Group IV chalcogenides. The study found that these materials can switch from amorphous to crystalline forms in under 100 nanoseconds when heated or cooled. Incipient metals exhibit high electrical conductivity, thermoelectric efficiency, and low thermal conductivity, ideal for energy harvesting and power generation. Group IV chalcogenides, compounds containing chalcogen ions and metallic elements, are pivotal in technological applications due to their effective thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. This research aligns with India's quantum technology mission, promising advancements in energy solutions and computer memory technologies.
3. The Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) supports higher education for marginalized communities in India, including SCs, OBCs, and EBCs. Significant investments highlight its impact: ₹2708.64 crore for 97,928 SC beneficiaries and ₹585.02 crore for 38,011 OBC and EBC beneficiaries from 2014-15 to 2023-24. The scheme comprises two programs: Scholarships for studies in 266 premier institutions, National Overseas Scholarships for 125 SC students to study in top QS-ranked institutions abroad, and 2000 annual PhD fellowships. SHREYAS for OBCs and EBCs: Provides free coaching for 3500 economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates yearly. Other related schemes include the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM SHRI Schools, and National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS).
4. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, which can intercept ballistic missiles up to 5,000 km, enhancing India's strategic defense. Phase-I BMD, intercepting missiles up to 2,000 km, is already deployed. The Phase-II system features a two-stage, solid-propelled, ground-launched interceptor for endo to low exo-atmospheric interception. This test showcased a network-centric warfare weapon system with long-range sensors, low-latency communication, and advanced interceptors. Initiated in 2000 after the Kargil War, the Indian BMD Programme aims to protect against missile threats from Pakistan and China using a multi-layered approach with interceptors like Prithvi Air Defence and Advanced Air Defence. The DRDO is also developing an indigenous multi-tier network for missiles up to 2,000 km and 5,000 km in Phases 1 and 2, respectively, with surveillance radars for missile detection and tracking. Indian ballistic missiles include Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi, and Trishul.
5. Bangladesh is experiencing a severe crisis due to student protests against the government job quota system, which have led to over 130 deaths. The unrest began after the High Court reinstated the civil service quota system, overturning the Prime Minister’s order to abolish it. The Supreme Court’s appellate division later paused the High Court's decision, exacerbating the situation. The protests, driven by demands for a more merit-based and inclusive system, occur amid high inflation and unemployment in Bangladesh. Initially designed to support descendants of freedom fighters, women, underrepresented areas, and ethnic minorities, the quota system has faced criticism for being outdated and misused. The unrest has disrupted trade between India and Bangladesh via land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened vigilance along the border. India has also contributed to Bangladesh’s civil service capacity building, with the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) recently training 16 Deputy Commissioners from Bangladesh.