22nd June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Centre Pushes for QR Codes on PMGSY Roads to Boost Transparency and Tracking – Governance

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has mandated all states to implement QR codes on maintenance display boards under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This move is aimed at improving transparency and public participation in the maintenance of rural roads.

Key Highlights

QR Code Integration:

• All PMGSY roads will now feature QR codes on display boards.
• Citizens can scan QR codes to:
  • Access road construction and maintenance details.
  • Upload photographs of maintenance issues.
  • Submit real-time feedback.
• Instructions will be available in English and regional languages, making it user-friendly and inclusive.

Public Participation:

• Encourages community monitoring.
• Bridges the gap between citizens and government authorities, fostering accountability.
• Part of a larger drive to digitize infrastructure governance.

About PMGSY (Static Linkage – Rural Infrastructure)

Phases of PMGSY

Current Maintenance System

• e-MARG Platform: A digital (mobile and web-based) system used by contractors to track and manage post-construction road maintenance (mandated for 5 years).
• QR codes will now complement e-MARG, adding a citizen feedback layer.

Significance of the QR Code Initiative

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements regarding PMGSY:
   1.It is a fully centrally funded scheme for rural connectivity.
   2. It was launched in the year 2000 during the tenure of PM Manmohan Singh.
   3. Phase IV of PMGSY focuses on Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts.
   Which of the statements is/are correct?
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 2 and 3 only
   C. None
   D. 1 and 3 only Answer: C. None
   (PMGSY has changed to a 60:40 model; launched under Vajpayee; LWE focus was in RCPLWEA – 2016)
   
   
2. With reference to the e-MARG platform, consider the following:
   1.It is used for tracking construction only.
   2. It facilitates citizen complaints via QR codes.Which is correct?
   A. Only 1
   B. Only 2
   C. Both
   D. Neither
   Answer: D. Neither
   (e-MARG is for maintenance tracking by contractors; QR code-based feedback is a new complementary feature)

Mains

1. “Discuss the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability in rural infrastructure projects, with reference to PMGSY’s QR code initiative.” (250 words)
   
2. “Citizen engagement is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Evaluate the use of digital tools such as QR codes and mobile platforms in ensuring participatory governance at the grassroots level.” (250 words)
   

2. Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR): Discovery of New Amphibian and Reptile Species – Environment

Why in News?

A recent herpetofauna survey in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), Kerala, led to the discovery of five new amphibian species and three new reptile species, highlighting the rich and largely unexplored biodiversity of the region.

Key Takeaways

• PTR is located in Idukki District, Kerala, along the border with Tamil Nadu.
• Total area: 777 sq. km
• Established: 1982 under Project Tiger
• Notable feature: Encompasses Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir formed in 1895 after the Mullaperiyar Dam construction.
• Highest Peak: Kottamala – 2016 metres above sea level.

Geographical Significance

Flora and Vegetation Types

• Tropical Evergreen Forests
• Semi-evergreen Forests
• Moist Deciduous Forests
• Montane Grasslands
• Plantation Areas: Some regions contain Eucalyptus plantations, an ecological concern due to invasive nature.

Fauna – Ecological Richness

Conservation Significance of PTR

• Part of the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve.
• A critical corridor for elephant and tiger movement in the southern Western Ghats.
• Significant for climate regulation, water conservation, and species protection.
• Site for ecotourism and community-based conservation (e.g., tribal involvement in eco-development committees).

Conservation Challenges

• Human-Wildlife Conflict along buffer zones.
• Tourism Pressure affecting core zone ecology.
• Invasive Species (e.g., Eucalyptus, Lantana).
• Climate Change altering rainfall and temperature patterns, threatening endemic species.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about Periyar Tiger Reserve is correct?
   A. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Karnataka.
   B. It is the source of the Godavari and Krishna rivers.
   C. It hosts evergreen, deciduous, and grassland ecosystems.
   D. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1955.
   Answer: C. It hosts evergreen, deciduous, and grassland ecosystems.
   
   
2. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in which two important hill ranges of the Western Ghats?
   A. Anaimalai and Palani Hills
   B. Cardamom and Pandalam Hills
   C. Nilgiris and Biligiriranga Hills
   D. Agasthyamalai and Sahyadri Hills
   Answer: B. Cardamom and Pandalam Hills
   
   
3. Which among the following species is a primate found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and classified as endangered?
   A. Bonnet macaque
   B. Nilgiri langur
   C. Lion-tailed macaque
   D. Slender loris
   Answer: C. Lion-tailed macaque

Mains

1. “Biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats are critical to India’s ecological balance. Examine the role of protected areas like Periyar Tiger Reserve in conservation of endemic flora and fauna.” (250 words)
   
2. “Discuss the importance of herpetofauna surveys in understanding ecosystem health, with reference to recent species discoveries in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.” (250 words)
   

3. India’s First Epigraphical Reference to Halley’s Comet Found in Vijayanagar Period – History and Culture

Why in News?

A copper plate inscription dated 1456 CE from the Vijayanagar Empire has been discovered in the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), containing India’s first known epigraphic reference to Halley’s Comet.

Key Highlights

• The inscription mentions the sighting of a “dhūmaketu” (comet) and a meteor shower.
• Written in Sanskrit using the Nagari script.
• Associated with a land grant made by a Vijayanagar king to a Vedic scholar named Limgaoarya Kadiyalapura.
• The event occurred in 1456 CE, which aligns with the known global appearance of Halley’s Comet that year.
• The grant was made “to mitigate calamity”—reflecting ancient Indian beliefs that celestial anomalies were inauspicious omens.

Historical Context

About Halley’s Comet

Significance of the Discovery

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements about Halley’s Comet:
   1. It appears every 76 years and is visible to the naked eye.
   2. It has been mentioned in Indian inscriptions dating back to the Gupta Period.
   3. Its 1456 CE appearance was recently linked to an inscription from the Vijayanagar Empire.
   Which of the above are correct?
   A. 1 and 3 only
   B. 2 and 3 only
   C. 1 and 2 only
   D. All of the above
   Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
   (There are no confirmed Gupta-era inscriptional references; the 1456 CE inscription is the earliest known.)
   
   
2. Which of the following scripts was used in the recently discovered inscription referring to Halley’s Comet?
   A. Grantha
   B. Brahmi
   C. Devanagari
   D. Nagari
   Answer: D. Nagari
   
   
3. The Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, where India’s first comet-related inscription was found, is located in:
   A. Hampi, Karnataka
   B. Warangal, Telangana
   C. Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
   D. Madurai, Tamil Nadu Answer:
   C. Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

Mains

1. “Discuss the significance of inscriptions as a historical source, with reference to recent findings from the Vijayanagar period.”
   (250 words)
   
2. “Celestial events were often interpreted as divine signs in medieval India. Evaluate this belief in light of the 1456 CE inscription on Halley’s Comet.” (250 words)
   
3. “Assess the contributions of Indian epigraphy to our understanding of historical astronomy.” (250 words)
   

4. How India ‘Added’ Over 3,500 km to Its Coastline: Mapping Precision, Not New Land – Geography

Why in News?

India’s officially measured coastline has increased from 7,516 km to 11,098 km—an apparent rise of over 3,500 km (48%). This does not reflect the creation of new land, but results from:

• Improved mapping techniques
• Inclusion of offshore islands
• A better understanding of the “coastline paradox”

Key Takeaways

What Is the Coastline Paradox?

• Coined by mathematician Lewis Fry Richardson, it explains why coastlines don’t have a fixed length.
• The measured length increases as the scale of measurement becomes finer. Example: Using a 1-km ruler vs. a 1-meter ruler—finer tools capture more bends and crevices, increasing total length.

Implications of Coastline Reassessment

Administrative and Development Planning

• Accurate coastline data aids infrastructure planning, disaster management, and coastal regulation zoning.
• Helps coastal states like Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal improve flood defenses and evacuation routes.

Maritime Security

• Better mapping strengthens naval surveillance, coast guard deployment, and anti-smuggling efforts.
• Supports strategic radar station placement on remote islands.

Territorial and Environmental Governance

• Supports India’s claims over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
• Enhances coastal ecosystem management—critical for mangroves, coral reefs, and deltaic areas.

Challenges in Island & Coastline Enumeration

Way Forward

1. Standardised Methodology Across Agencies
   • Adopt uniform definitions of islands and coastlines.
   • Set up an inter-agency coordination mechanism.
2. Institutionalised Reassessment
   • Periodic reassessment every 10 years using satellite and GIS tools.
3. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
   • Create a centralised coastal database integrating ecological, strategic, and administrative data.
   • Useful for climate adaptation, sustainable tourism, and marine biodiversity conservation.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following best explains the ‘Coastline Paradox’?
   A. The shifting of coastlines due to tectonic activity
   B. The difference between legal and physical coastlines
   C. The increase in measured coastline length with finer resolution
   D. The variation of coastline length with changing sea levels
   Answer: C. The increase in measured coastline length with finer resolution
   
   
2. Which of the following are implications of accurate coastline reassessment?
   1. Strengthened maritime surveillance
   2. Better flood and cyclone preparedness
   3. Legal claim over larger continental shelf
   4. Promotion of inland river navigation
   Choose the correct option:
   A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   B. 1, 2 and 4 only
   C. 2, 3 and 4 only
   D. All of the above
   Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   
   
3. Which Indian states would benefit most from updated coastal mapping?
   A. Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
   B. West Bengal and Gujarat
   C. Punjab and Rajasthan
   D. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
   Answer: B. West Bengal and Gujarat

Mains

1. “The coastline paradox not only challenges measurement but also reshapes our approach to coastal management. Explain with reference to India’s recent coastline reassessment.” (250 words)
   
2. “Discuss the strategic and environmental significance of high-resolution coastal mapping in the context of India’s maritime boundaries and disaster preparedness.” (250 words)
   
3. “What is scale dependency in geography? How does it affect measurements such as the length of coastlines?” (150 words)
   

5. What Are Cluster Bombs and Why Are They Controversial? – Defence and Security

Why in News?

Reports of Iran using a cluster bomb during a missile strike on Israel have triggered global concern over the use of such weapons, given their indiscriminate and long-term risks, especially to civilian populations.

What Are Cluster Bombs?

Design and Key Characteristics

• Each bomb contains dozens to hundreds of bomblets, which are often grenade-sized.
• Bomblets are stabilized using streamers or fins, allowing wide dispersal.
• They cannot discriminate between military and civilian targets.

The Dud Rate Problem

Example: In Laos, leftover cluster bomblets from the Vietnam War still cause casualties decades later.

Humanitarian and Legal Concerns

Impact on Civilians

• Massive casualties and injuries, especially among children who mistake bomblets for toys.
• Contaminates farmland, impacting livelihoods for generations.
• Hampers post-conflict recovery and infrastructure rebuilding.

2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)

• Adopted: 2008; Came into force: 2010
• Prohibits:
  • Use, development, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.
• Signatories:
  • 111 countries + 12 observers/entities
  • Not signed by India, China, Russia, USA, Iran, Israel, among others
• UN Data:
  • Over 99% of declared global stockpiles have been destroyed under this convention

India’s Position on Cluster Munitions

Strategic and Security Implications

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about cluster munitions is correct?
   A. They are designed to target submarines and heavy tanks.
   B. All bomblets explode immediately on impact.
   C. They are banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).
   D. India is a signatory to the CCM.
   Answer: C. They are banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).
   
   
2. Cluster bombs are controversial primarily because:
   A. They are too expensive to manufacture.
   B. They target only aircraft and naval vessels.
   C. Their submunitions often fail to detonate, posing risks to civilians.
   D. They cannot be deployed through missiles.
   Answer: C. Their submunitions often fail to detonate, posing risks to civilians.
   
   
3. Which of the following countries have NOT signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions?
   1. India
   2. United States
   3. Russia
   4. Germany
   Choose the correct option:
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 1, 2 and 3 only
   C. 2, 3 and 4 only
   D. All of the above
   Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only
   (Germany is a signatory; India, USA, and Russia are not.)

Mains

1. “Discuss the humanitarian concerns associated with the use of cluster munitions. Should India reconsider its stance on the Convention on Cluster Munitions?” (250 words)
   
2. “What are cluster bombs and why have they become a controversial tool in modern warfare? Examine their strategic utility versus their long-term civilian impact.” (250 words)
   
3. “In light of India’s non-signatory status to multiple arms control treaties, evaluate the balance between national security and global humanitarian obligations.”
   (250 words)

6. BSNL Launches Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Broadband – Science and Technology

Why in News?

BSNL has launched India’s first SIM-less 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband service—Quantum FWA—in Hyderabad. Developed entirely by Indian vendors, it marks a major leap under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the telecommunications sector.

Key Highlights

How It Works: Simplified

1. No SIM, No Fibre:
   • Customer installs a plug-and-play CPE device (like a modem/router).
   • The device wirelessly connects to the nearest 5G tower.
2. Direct-to-Device Authentication:
   • No need for SIM or manual login.
   • The device auto-registers with BSNL’s core network using cloud authentication.
3. Enterprise Features:
   • Supports network slicing: allows creating virtual networks tailored for business or industrial use.
   • Enables Service Level Agreement (SLA)-based connectivity for MSMEs and enterprises.

Significance of the Development

For Telecom and Digital India

Strategic and Economic Impact

• Positions BSNL as a 5G-ready public sector telecom.
• Reduces India’s dependence on foreign telecom equipment.
• Boosts MSME digital adoption, especially in industrial clusters.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. What is the key feature of BSNL’s Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access service?
   A. It requires underground fibre installation.
   B. It uses SIM-based authentication.
   C. It is India’s first SIM-less FWA broadband developed by Indian vendors.
   D. It delivers internet via satellite only.
   Answer: C. It is India’s first SIM-less FWA broadband developed by Indian vendors.
   
   
2. Which of the following technologies are associated with 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?
   1. Direct-to-Device authentication
   2. SIM-less broadband setup
   3. Fibre optic trenching
   4. Network slicing
   Choose the correct option:
   A. 1, 2 and 4 only
   B. 1, 3 and 4 only
   C. 2 and 3 only
   D. All of the above
   Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
   
   
3. With reference to BSNL’s 5G FWA initiative, consider the following statements:
   1. The service supports gigabit-level internet speeds.
   2. It uses foreign-developed RAN and core systems.
   3. It helps connect remote areas without laying fibre cables.
   Which statements are correct?
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 1 and 3 only
   C. 2 and 3 only
   D. All of the above
   Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

Mains

1. “Discuss the potential of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology in bridging India’s digital divide. How does BSNL’s Quantum FWA contribute to this goal?” (250 words)
   
2. “Evaluate the role of indigenous telecom solutions like BSNL’s Quantum FWA in promoting self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.” (250 words)
   
3. “Examine how emerging broadband technologies can empower MSMEs and support industrial clusters in India.” (150 words)