About Kaveri Engine:

• The Kaveri engine project began in the late 1980s with the goal of powering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• It is developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation. 
• Features
  •  The current dry version of the Kaveri engine produces approximately 49-51 kN of thrust.
  • This thrust level is suitable for UAV applications like the Ghatak, India's stealth UCAV program. The DRDO plans to integrate an afterburner to increase the thrust to 73-75 kN for more demanding scenarios.
  • The Kaveri engine has undergone extensive ground testing, modifications, and enhancements over the years.
  • It has been tested in high-altitude simulations in Russia and ground trials in India. These tests demonstrated promising results in reliability, thrust output, and operational stability, meeting the required performance metrics for inflight testing.
• Significance: This signifies a major step for India's self-reliance in aero-engine technology, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Ghatak stealth UCAV program.

Q1: What is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

It is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services.

News: Kaveri engine approved for inflight testing: A breakthrough in Indian aerospace

Tiger Translocation from Madhya Pradesh Overview: 

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the translocation of 15 tigers to the states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

• This initiative involves 12 tigresses and 3 tigers, subject to approval from the Central Government.
• The tigers will be relocated from the Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha Tiger Reserves.

About Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)

Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.

• Location: Spread across Mandla and Balaghat districts, nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras, forming part of the Central Indian Highlands.
• History: It was established as a national park on June 1, 1955, and Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973.
• Cultural Reference: The reserve inspired Rudyard Kipling’s "The Jungle Book".
• Mascot: First in India to introduce an official mascot, Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.
• Flora: Lowland Forests are dominated by sal (Shorea robusta) and mixed forest trees interspersed with meadows. Highland Forests consist of tropical moist deciduous trees with bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) on slopes.
• Fauna: Significant populations of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs. Globally renowned for saving the Barasingha (state animal of Madhya Pradesh) from extinction.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve lies between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges.

• History: It was declared a national park in 1968 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1993.
• Cultural Significance: Home to the Bandhavgarh Fort, said to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, lending the name Bandhavgarh ("Brother’s Fort").
• Vegetation: Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests, sal trees, grasslands, and bamboo on lower slopes. Notable species include Saj, Dhaora, Tendu, Arjun, Amla, and Palas.
• Fauna: Known for the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in India and the world. Other species like Leopards, wild dogs, wolves, jackals, chital, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, and chowsingha.

About Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve spans the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and extends into the Nagpur district in Maharashtra.

• Named after: The Pench River, flowing north to south through the reserve.
• Components: Includes the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a buffer zone.
• Cultural connection: Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s "The Jungle Book".
• Terrain: Undulating landscape with small hills and steep slopes.
• Vegetation: Mosaic of vegetation types, from moist valleys to dry deciduous forests.
• Flora: Diverse flora includes teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs.
• Fauna: Abundant populations of Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur (Indian Bison), and wild boar.
  • Key predators: Tiger, followed by leopard, wild dogs, and wolf.
  • Rich avian diversity with over 325 species of birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle.

Q1: What are Tribunals in India?

Tribunals in India are judicial or quasi-judicial bodies established by law to facilitate faster resolution of disputes compared to conventional courts. They specialize in specific subject matters and perform various functions, such as resolving disputes, determining rights between parties, making administrative decisions, and reviewing existing administrative actions.

Source: PTI

About Wealth Tax

• Wealth Tax is levied on the net market value of various assets owned by an individual, such as cash, bank deposits, shares, fixed assets, personal cars, and real property.
• Globally, several countries like France, Portugal, and Spain impose wealth tax.
• The primary objective of the tax is to target unproductive and non-essential assets of individuals.

Wealth Tax in India

• Introduction: The Wealth Tax Act was introduced in 1957 based on the recommendations of the Kaldor Committee (1955) as a part of tax rationalization measures.
  • It imposed a 1% tax on earnings exceeding ₹30 lakh per annum for individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and companies.
• Abolition: Abolished in 2015 due to issues such as Extensive litigation, Increased compliance burden, and High administrative costs.
  • Replaced by an increase in the surcharge on the super-rich.
• Replacement measures: The surcharge for individuals with income exceeding ₹1 crore and companies with income over ₹10 crore was increased from 2% to 12%.

Other Relevant Concepts

• Tobin Tax: A tax on financial transactions, especially currency exchanges.
• Pigovian Tax: Levied to correct negative externalities (e.g., pollution tax).
• Laffer Curve: Demonstrates the relationship between tax rates and tax revenue.
• Tax-GDP Ratio: Indicates the tax revenue as a percentage of GDP, critical for fiscal analysis.

Q1) What is the Goods and Services Tax Council? 

The GST Council, established through the Constitutional (122nd Amendment) Act, 2016, recommends policies on Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Union and State governments. It became functional after Presidential assent on September 8, 2016, ensuring cooperative federalism.

Source: TH

About the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC)

• The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It serves as a guardian of human rights in India, overseeing the rights associated with life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international covenants.
• The NHRC aligns with the Paris Principles on Human Rights, ensuring accountability and compliance.

Definition of Human Rights

• According to Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, human rights encompass the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity protected by the Constitution or outlined in international treaties enforceable in Indian courts.

NHRC Composition

• The NHRC is a multi-member body, comprising:
  • Full-Time Members:
    • A chairperson (retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge).
    • Members include a sitting/retired Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and three experts in human rights (one must be a woman).
  • Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of:
    • National Commission for Minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights, and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

NHRC Appointment

• Members are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a six-member committee led by the Prime Minister, with participation from:
  • Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha,
  • Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament,
  • Union Home Minister.
• Consultation with the Chief Justice of India is required for appointing judicial members.

NHRC Tenure and Conditions of Service

• Term: 3 years or up to 70 years of age (whichever is earlier).
• Reappointment: Allowed after completing the term.
• After tenure, members cannot seek employment with the Central or State governments.

NHRC Salaries and Allowances

• Determined by the Central Government, but terms cannot be altered to members’ disadvantage post-appointment.

NHRC Removal Process

• The President of India can remove members on grounds such as:
  • Insolvency, paid employment outside office, physical/mental incapacity, unsound mind, or criminal conviction.
  • For misconduct or incapacity, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court for inquiry, and removal is based on its recommendation.

Q1. What is the tenure of the NHRC?

The NHRC chairperson and members serve a tenure of three years or until they attain the age of 70, whichever is earlier, ensuring leadership stability and experience in safeguarding human rights.

Q2. How many members are present in the NHRC?

The NHRC comprises a chairperson, five full-time members, and seven ex-officio members, collectively working to promote and protect human rights across the country.

Source: IE.

About the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC)

• The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It serves as a guardian of human rights in India, overseeing the rights associated with life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international covenants.
• The NHRC aligns with the Paris Principles on Human Rights, ensuring accountability and compliance.

Definition of Human Rights

• According to Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, human rights encompass the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity protected by the Constitution or outlined in international treaties enforceable in Indian courts.

NHRC Composition

• The NHRC is a multi-member body, comprising:
  • Full-Time Members:
    • A chairperson (retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge).
    • Members include a sitting/retired Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and three experts in human rights (one must be a woman).
  • Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of:
    • National Commission for Minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights, and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

NHRC Appointment

• Members are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a six-member committee led by the Prime Minister, with participation from:
  • Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha,
  • Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament,
  • Union Home Minister.
• Consultation with the Chief Justice of India is required for appointing judicial members.

NHRC Tenure and Conditions of Service

• Term: 3 years or up to 70 years of age (whichever is earlier).
• Reappointment: Allowed after completing the term.
• After tenure, members cannot seek employment with the Central or State governments.

NHRC Salaries and Allowances

• Determined by the Central Government, but terms cannot be altered to members’ disadvantage post-appointment.

NHRC Removal Process

• The President of India can remove members on grounds such as:
  • Insolvency, paid employment outside office, physical/mental incapacity, unsound mind, or criminal conviction.
  • For misconduct or incapacity, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court for inquiry, and removal is based on its recommendation.

Q1. What is the tenure of the NHRC?

The NHRC chairperson and members serve a tenure of three years or until they attain the age of 70, whichever is earlier, ensuring leadership stability and experience in safeguarding human rights.

Q2. How many members are present in the NHRC?

The NHRC comprises a chairperson, five full-time members, and seven ex-officio members, collectively working to promote and protect human rights across the country.

Source: IE.

About Veer Baal Diwas:

• It is annually observed on December 26, every year since 2022.
• It is commemorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, the Sahibzade of 10th Guru Govind Singh Ji on 26th December every year.
• Background
  • Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and disciples, were compelled to flee as the Mughal Army encircled the Anandpur fort.
  • During the chaos, Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were captured by the Mughal forces.
  • The two young boys courageously refused to abandon their faith, and consequently, Wazir Khan ordered them to be bricked alive around December 26, 1705.
• Exemplifying bravery and loyalty to their religion, Government of India in 2022 declared to mark December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas annually to honour and remember their sacrifice.

Who is Guru Gobind Singh?

• Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh guru, following the demise of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
• Contribution to Sikh religion
  • He is renowned for founding the principles of Khalsa or the Five ‘K’s i.e kesh (uncut hair), kanga (wooden comb), kara (iron or steel bracelet), kirpan (dagger) and kachera (short breeches).
  • He fought against the Mughals later in the battle of Muktsar in 1705.
  • He declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, before his death.

Q1: What is the Panj Takht of Sikh community?

The Panj Takht of Sikh community are Akal Takht, Kesgarh Sahib , Damdama Sahib, Sri Hazur Sahib & Sri Harmindir Sahib.

News: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in Veer Baal Diwas programme in New Delhi

About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force: 

• It was established by UN Security Council resolution 350 (1974) of 31 May 1974 immediately following the disengagement of the Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.
• Mandate: To maintain the ceasefire and supervise the area of separation — a demilitarized buffer zone — as well as the area of limitation — where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted — in the Golan.
• The mandate of the mission is regularly renewed every six months and it has been extended till June 2025.
• Method of financing: UNDOF is funded through a separate account approved on an annual basis by the UN General Assembly. 
• India is thetop third troop and police contributing countries to this mission.
• Headquarter: Camp Faouar

Key points about Golan Heights

• It is a hilly area overlooking the upper Jordan River valley on the west.
• It is a Syrian territory occupied by Israel since 1967.
• Borders: It is bounded by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galileeon the west, Mount Hermon on the north, the seasonal Wadi Al-Ruqqād River on the east, and the Yarmūk River on the south.

Q1: What is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

It is one of the five principle organizations of the United Nations (UN). It has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Source: IE