Republic Day celebration of 2024
In the 75th Republic Day celebration of 2024, India is set to leave a lasting impression with a unique blend of traditions and innovation under the theme ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ showcasing unity and patriotism.
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- Republic Day is annually celebrated on January 26th to commemorate the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935).
Key highlights of the Republic Day 2024 celebrations include:
- All-Women Tri-Services Group: For the first time, an exclusively female tri-services ensemble will participate in the Republic Day Parade. This historic contingent comprises female soldiers from the Army’s military police and staff members from the other two services.
- French Bastille Participant: Indian Air Force air traffic controller Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, will participate in the Republic Day parade after her notable presence in Paris’s Bastille Day parade.
- French Contingent for R-Day Parade: The celebrations will feature two Rafale fighters, an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft, a 95-person marching troupe, and a 33-member music band from France. Captain Noel Louis, the commander of the French marching troop, revealed six Indian members in the French team.
- Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread: The textile installation behind seated spectators at Kartavya Path, titled “Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread,” will showcase 1,900 sarees and drapes from across India. Each saree will have a QR code for guests to learn more about the weaving and stitching techniques.
- Special Guests and Dignitaries: French President Emmanuel Macron attends as the Chief Guest, underscoring strong diplomatic ties. Additionally, 1,500 farmers and their spouses, including members of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and beneficiaries of PM-KISAN and micro-irrigation schemes, have been invited as special guests.
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Tableau: The tableau highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across sectors, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for technological innovation.
Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Tableau: Commemorating the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO’s tableau emphasizes India’s strides in space exploration, showcasing the nation’s scientific prowess and ambitions.
Exclusion of Karnataka State` Tableau
The Karnataka government has clarified that the state’s tableau was excluded from the Republic Day parade in adherence to Union government guidelines, which prioritize states with fewer participations over the past eight years. This clarification follows controversy surrounding Karnataka’s exclusion, despite having showcased the state’s culture for 13 consecutive years.
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- Comparing the lists of states that participated in the previous year with those selected this year, it is evident that the three prize-winning states in 2022 are not featured this year, except for three states. Karnataka had proposed a tableau highlighting its millet diversity for this year’s Republic Day parade. The state’s tableau, titled ‘the cradle of traditional handicrafts,’ secured the second-best position last year.
- Notably, the Ministry of Defence rejected tableau proposals from Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal for the Republic Day Parade. The theme for Republic Day 2024 is ‘Developed India’ and ‘India: Mother of Democracy.’
Selection Process of Tableau
- The selection process for Republic Day parade tableaux involves evaluation by an expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Defence, comprising individuals prominent in art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and choreography. Criteria for selection include visual appeal, impact on the masses, theme, detail, accompanying music, and the use of local artists.
The Defence Ministry’s guidelines specify the engagement of young qualified designers from renowned institutions, the distinctiveness of tableaux between states/UTs, and the use of eco-friendly materials in their construction.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Republic Day
During the 75th Republic Day parade at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot announced that the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of a 2-km tunnel road in the city is currently underway. This initiative aims to serve as a “permanent solution” to alleviate the recurring traffic congestion issues in Bengaluru.
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- Governor Gehlot provided an overview of various government programs addressing farmers’ concerns, unemployment, and health issues like anaemia and cardiac problems in Bengaluru. He highlighted the successful implementation of the Karnataka government’s five guarantee schemes, fulfilling the commitments made.
- In response to drought conditions declared in 223 out of 236 taluks, with 196 severely affected, the government is providing drought relief by releasing up to Rs 2,000 per farmer directly to their Aadhar-linked bank accounts.
- Various health initiatives were also mentioned, including the Anaemia Mukta Poushtika Karnataka scheme, implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 185.74 crores. Additionally, the STEMI program in collaboration with the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research treated 1,084 heart patients in 15 districts. To prevent sudden cardiac arrests, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices are being installed in crowded public places such as bus stands, railway stations, and government offices.
Governor Gehlot emphasized the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ project, where 70,000 suggestions on key urban policy matters were collected. A committee is currently reviewing these suggestions and will soon provide recommendations to the government.
“Brand Bengaluru” initiative
The Government of Karnataka has launched the “Brand Bengaluru” initiative with a key aim to rebranding the city to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Ironically, such initiatives are only flagbearers of capitalism, as the residents of the city are neglected and social inclusion is overshadowed in this initiative. Highlighting the necessity of an eco-socialist approach, it is important that we create an alternative system that is driven by inclusivity and social equity instead of elite consumerism.
- Transparent plans for responsible initiatives
- Involved with management representatives, ‘footprint development’
- Providing all types of services to citizens online
- Infrastructure and technology for development
- smooth traffic bengaluru
- Repair potholes, keep roads pothole free
- Application of R code on road name plate to identify the property/assets on the concerned road.
- Removal of encroachment from footpath, work to prevent accumulation of water on the road.
- Construction of new bus stands, installation of LED lighting, separate bus bays
- Left turn free at intersections, smart signals for traffic control
Clean Bengaluru
- Segregation of waste at source, establishment of ‘Waste to Energy’ centre.
- Implementation of GPS for maintenance, monitoring of auto tippers, control orders in each area.
- Creation of home garbage removal system by developing software like “Ola”
- Awareness among youth and children about dry waste collection units and management in every ward.
- Scientific handling of plastic products throughout the processing plants.
Educational Bangalore
- Shift to Digital/Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Education policy should be upgraded from time to time
- Initiation of cluster system education, skill development centres
- Better education using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds
- Preference for virtual education, completely free education for poor class children, preference for mother tongue.
Attractive Bangalore
- ‘Cultural Calendar’ for Bangalore, Lake Festival, Flower Festival, Karaga, Theater Festival, Nada Festival-Bangalore Festival, Town Festival – Village Deity Festival Planning
- Theater Complex on JC Road, Auditorium in 4 directions of the city
- Designing at least 25 junctions to create public spaces, installation of digital signages/ air quality indicator
- Heritage corridors.. Space for public art display. Use of upper and lower spaces for spawn art, metal art etc.
My healthy Bangalore
- ‘One Health Approach’, War Room, Surveillance System.
- Increasing investment in health care.
- Emergency Health Service, CSR Partnership
- Treatment at home for citizens
Jalsuraksha Bangalore
- Waste water should be treated and allowed to flow into the royal canal and lakes.
- Drains, gardens, ingot pits in public places to raise ground water level
- Construction of STP is mandatory in apartments
- Prevention of leakage of water supply, promotion of use of treated water
- Prohibition and double fine for drilling unauthorized boreholes
Green Bangalore
- Plantation in public and private places of the city
- System for accurate information on survival, extinction of seedlings like planting
- Protection of all lakes, development of forest wealth
- Education for children to save the environment, nurture the saplings, raise awareness
BBMP, Jalmandali, BDA departments should work in coordination and improve the environment
All India Survey for Higher Education 2021-22
The Ministry of Education recently released the 2021-22 All India Survey for Higher Education (AISHE), shedding light on the educational landscape in India. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka lead in the number of colleges, with Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, and West Bengal rounding out the top 10.
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- The report unveils a substantial growth in overall higher education enrolment, reaching almost 4.33 crore in 2021-22, a surge of over 91 lakh students since 2014-15, showcasing the rapid expansion of India’s higher education system.
- Enrolment figures have risen across various categories, including females, SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities since 2014-15. Female enrolment alone increased by 50 lakh to 2.07 crore during this period.
- The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), representing the percentage of the 18-23 age group enrolled in higher education, increased from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 4% in 2021-22. Notably, the rise was more pronounced for females and reserved categories like SCs and STs.
- D. enrolment witnessed an 81.2% increase since 2014-15, reaching 2.12 lakh. Female enrolment in Ph.D. programs doubled during the same period, signaling improved gender parity in research degrees.
- Undergraduate degrees dominate, constituting nearly 79% of total enrolment, while postgraduate enrolment stands at 12%. Arts, Science, and Commerce remain the predominant disciplines at the undergraduate level. Postgraduate studies show a preference for Social Sciences, followed by Science, indicating subject diversity.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrolment trends have seen an uptick, with around 98.5 lakh students pursuing STEM degrees at various levels in 2021-22.
- Key infrastructure, including libraries, labs, computer centers, and playgrounds, is universally available in higher education institutions, according to the collected data.
- The AISHE registers a total of 1168 universities, 45473 colleges, and 12002 standalone institutions. The addition of over 340 new universities since 2014-15 underscores the expansion of the higher education landscape.
The percentage of female faculty has increased by 22% since 2014-15, indicating positive strides toward gender balance in academia.
PRELIMS BYTES
19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Union Minister of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Heads of State and Government Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, on January 19-20, 2024.
Key points from the summit:
- Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for 2024-2027, taking over from Azerbaijan (2019-2023).
- The theme of the 19th NAM summit was ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.’
- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda was elected as the chair of the summit, succeeding President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
- The summit saw participation from over 120 developing countries, including India, Nepal, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Iran.
- The NAM summit typically occurs every three years, with the 18th summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in October 2019.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
- The concept of NAM originated during the Bandung Conference in 1955 and was formally established at the First Summit in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961.
- NAM is the largest grouping of states globally after the United Nations (UN).
- It has 120 member states from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe, along with 18 observer countries and 10 observer organizations.
In related events, V. Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs, participated in the G-77 Third South Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, on January 21-22.
BCCI Awards 2024
In the BCCI Awards 2024 held in Hyderabad, Telangana, Shubman Gill was named the best men’s international cricketer (Polly Umrigar Award) for the 2022-23 season, while Deepti Sharma received the award for the best women’s international cricketer of the same period.
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- Former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri and former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Farokh Engineer were honored with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Kashvee Gautam was awarded the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for the Best Women Cricketer (Jr Domestic) of 2019-20. She gained prominence as the most expensive cricketer in the history of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after being bought for Rs 2 Crore by Gujarat Giants.
- The BCCI Awards, initiated in 2006-07, is an annual felicitation ceremony that acknowledges outstanding performers from the preceding years.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
- President: Roger Binny
- Secretary: Jay Shah
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established: 1928
