Prelims Focus 19th July 2024

Common Services Centres

In News: Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) celebrated its establishment day on 16 July.

• Common Services Centres are the access points for delivery of Government-to-Citizen (G2C) eServices in the reach of the citizen, by growing the physical provider transport ICT infrastructure. 
• It facilitates in making an obvious service delivery mechanism and lowering residents’ attempt in visiting government offices.
• The programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India (GOI).
• The PPP version of the CSC scheme envisages a 3-tier shape consisting of the
• CSC operator (referred to as Village Level Entrepreneur or VLE); 
• Service Centre Agency (SCA), with a purpose to be liable for a department of 500-one thousand CSCs; and 
• State Designated Agency (SDA) diagnosed by the State Government responsible for managing the implementation inside the entire State.

Cold Fusion Technology

In News: Hyderabad-based start-up HYLENR demonstrated how cold fusion technology can be used to generate Clean Energy.  

• • HYLENR’s reactors utilize Low Energy Nuclear Reactors by applying milligrams of hydrogen and a small extent of electricity to stimulate and generate more heat through fusion. 
  • The heat produced is used for space programs (MMRTG), steam technology for a couple of packages, room heating across cold areas globally, and induction heating for home and commercial necessities.

Nuclear fusion

• • It is a method in which  mild atomic nuclei integrate to shape a heavier nucleus, releasing a big quantity of electricity within the procedure.
  • This process is the same as what powers stars, along with sun.
  • The maximum common fusion response includes the isotopes of hydrogen: deuterium and tritium. 
  • When these isotopes fuse, they shape helium and launch a neutron, along with a huge quantity of strength.

Operation Nanhe Farishtey

In News: In the last seven years, the Railway Protection Force has led an operation called ‘Nanhe Farishte’ and rescued 84,119 children from potential danger in stations and trains.

Operation Nanhe Farishtey is a significant initiative launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in India, aimed at rescuing and protecting vulnerable children, particularly those who are runaway, lost, or at risk of exploitation. This operation was officially started in 2018 and has since evolved into a crucial lifeline for thousands of children across various Indian Railway Zones.

Objectives and Implementation

The primary objectives of Operation Nanhe Farishtey include:

• • Rescue and Protection: The operation focuses on identifying and rescuing children who are found in precarious situations at railway stations and on trains.
  • Awareness and Support: It aims to raise awareness about the issues faced by runaway and missing children, prompting action from various stakeholders, including government bodies and NGOs.
  • Coordination with Authorities: The RPF collaborates with local authorities, NGOs, and child welfare organizations to ensure that rescued children receive the necessary care and are reunited with their families.

Achievements

Since its inception, Operation Nanhe Farishtey has seen remarkable success:

• • Rescues: From 2018 to May 2024, the RPF has rescued a total of 84,119 children. This includes various categories such as runaway children, missing children, and those at risk of trafficking or exploitation.
  • Yearly Breakdown:2018

Recent Developments

In the latest reports, particularly in 2023-24, there has been a noted decrease in the number of runaway children rescued, attributed to various operational challenges. For instance, in Pune, 185 runaway children were rescued, which is a 25% decrease from the previous year. This decline followed a halt in rescue operations due to a tragic incident involving the alleged kidnapping and assault of a minor, which led to a temporary suspension of activities.

Tizu Zunki River

In News: The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways discussed the Ministry’s plans to develop the waterways in Nagaland, specifically focusing on the Tizu-Zungki waterway. 

Overview

• • Tizu River: The Tizu River originates near Longkhim in the Tuensang district of Nagaland. It flows into the Chindwin River (also known as the Ningthi River) in Myanmar, which is a major tributary of the Irrawaddy River. This river system plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the region and serves as a natural resource for the local population.
  • Zungki River: The Zungki River is the largest tributary of the Tizu River, starting from the northeastern part of the Changdong forest. It flows southward through areas like Noklak, Shamator, and Kiphire before joining the Tizu River.

Economic Development Initiatives

The Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has recognized the potential of the Tizu-Zungki River for enhancing trade and tourism. Recent initiatives include:

• • National Waterway 101: The Tizu-Zungki River has been designated as National Waterway 101, which aims to develop the river for cargo and passenger transportation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a robust inland waterways ecosystem in the Northeast region of India.
  • Stakeholder Conferences: A recent stakeholder conference held on July 15, 2024, focused on harnessing the economic potential of the Tizu-Zungki River. Discussions centered on developing multimodal terminals, fairways, and jetties to promote trade and tourism.
  • Infrastructure Development: The government has proposed various interventions to improve the infrastructure along the river, including the development of stretches like Longmatra to Avakhung. The aim is to create an environment-friendly alternative to conventional transportation methods, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.

Potential Benefits

The development of the Tizu-Zungki River system is expected to yield several benefits:

• • Trade and Connectivity: Improved waterways will facilitate smoother movement of goods and people, potentially transforming the region into a hub of economic activity.
  • Tourism: The picturesque surroundings of the river present opportunities for river cruise tourism, attracting visitors and promoting sustainable tourism.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Waterway transportation is more environmentally friendly compared to road and rail, contributing to efforts to combat climate change.

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