UPSC QUIZ 09.10.2023

Explanation:

• Civil Aviation Ministry has announced the implementation of the updated Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 for drone pilots, which came into force on September 27 this year.These amendments aim to liberalize, promote, and streamline drone operations across the country, with a vision to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030.

Identification Simplified

• The most significant change in the new rules is the removal of the requirement for drone pilots to possess a passport for obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Instead, individuals can now use government-issued proof of identity and proof of address, such as Voter ID, Ration Card, or Driving License, to apply for the certificate.
• This change is particularly beneficial for aspiring drone pilots in rural areas, especially those in the agricultural sector, who may not have passports.

Explanation:

• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann recently announced the ban on the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety in the state, effective from the next year. PUSA-44 was once popular among Punjab’s farmers due to its high yield, covering a significant portion of the paddy cultivation area. However, the state government has decided to prohibit its cultivation.

Rise of PUSA-44

• PUSA-44 was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1993 and initially gained popularity in Punjab during the late 1990s.
• Farmers were drawn to PUSA-44 due to its remarkable yield, and its cultivation area expanded rapidly, eventually covering around 70 to 80% of Punjab’s paddy cultivation area.

Explanation:

• Union Home Ministry has announced a five-year ban on the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party’ (JKDFP) due to its anti-India and pro-Pakistan activities. The ban is imposed under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967, designating JKDFP as an ‘Unlawful Association.’

Reasons for the Ban

• The ministry stated that JKDFP has been involved in anti-national activities since 1998, with its members promoting separatism and terrorist acts in India.
• The organization aims to establish Kashmir as a separate Islamic state, posing a threat to India’s sovereignty, security, and integrity.
• Numerous criminal cases have been registered against JKDFP under various laws, including UAPA 1967, IPC 1860, The Arms Act 1959, and Ranbir Penal Code 1932.

Explanation:

• The Central government has named the Telangana tribal university after Sammakka-Sarakka, a revered mother-daughter duo among the local tribal community in Telangana.
• This move fulfills a commitment made by the Central government as part of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, where both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were to receive support to establish tribal universities.
• The decision to name the university after Sammakka-Sarakka highlights their significance in the region’s tribal culture.

Explanation:

• Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the formation of three new districts in the state namely Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchman City.
• There will now be 53 districts in Rajasthan.
• Malpura will be carved out of the existing Tonk district, Sujangarh will be carved out of Churu and Kuchaman will be carved out of Nagaur.
• The three new districts will be created in Rajasthan due to public demand and the recommendation of a high-level committee.
• The high-level committee was headed by former civil servant Ram Lubhya.
• CM said that in the future the issues related to delimitation of districts will continue to be resolved as per the recommendations of the high-level committee.
• In August 2023, the state government announced 17 new districts and redrawn two large urban districts - Jaipur and Jodhpur.
• The government had also announced three new divisions in the state.