18th JANUARY, 2025 A.) 8th Pay Commission WHY IN NEWS - On January 16, the Union Government announced the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission to revise the salary and allowances of Central Government employees and pensioners. Background • Historical Context: Since 1947, seven Pay Commissions have been established. The 7th Pay Commission was constituted in 2014 and implemented on January 1, 2016. • Fiscal Impact: The 7th Pay Commission led to an expenditure increase of ₹1 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2016-17. Details • Purpose of Pay Commissions: o Pay Commissions are set up to decide the salaries, benefits, and pensions for Central Government employees. o They consult with central and state governments and other stakeholders before making recommendations. • Recommendations: o Revise salary structures, allowances, and benefits for government employees. o Propose formulas for revising dearness allowance and dearness relief to offset inflation. o Recommendations are not binding; the government may accept or reject them. • Beneficiaries: o Over 49 lakh Central Government employees. o Nearly 65 lakh pensioners. • Timeline and Rationale: o Pay Commissions are generally constituted every 10 years. o As the 7th Pay Commission's term ends in 2026, initiating the 8th Pay Commission now ensures sufficient time for recommendations to be reviewed and implemented. This development is crucial for maintaining parity in public sector remuneration and addressing inflationary trends.   B.) Third Edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam WHY IN NEWS - Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam will be held from February 14 to 25, 2025, with Rishi Agastya as its main theme. Background • The first edition of the programme was held in 2022. • It is an annual cultural exchange programme organized by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the historical and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. Details • Key Theme: o Focuses on Rishi Agastya's contributions to Siddha medicine, classical Tamil literature, and cultural unity. • Participants: o Around 1,000 individuals from five categories: students, teachers, farmers and artisans, professionals and small entrepreneurs, women, and researchers. o Participants will be selected through an online quiz. • Programme Activities: o Seminars, cultural events, and visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and the Maha Kumbh at Allahabad. o Aims to rediscover ancient ties and celebrate shared heritage. • Objectives: o Strengthen Cultural Bonds: Foster deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural practices and heritage between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. o Promote Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the sharing of traditional knowledge systems and contemporary innovations. o Encourage Tourism and Education: Boost inter-regional tourism and promote educational interactions between universities. This programme underscores the unity in diversity of India’s rich cultural heritage and strengthens ties between the northern and southern regions of the country.   C.) Reliance Jio Extends 4G and 5G Services to Siachen Glacier WHY IN NEWS - Reliance Jio announced the extension of its 4G and 5G services to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, ensuring improved connectivity for Indian soldiers stationed in this remote region. Background • Reliance Jio collaborated with the Indian Army Signallers to manage logistics and airlift equipment to the glacier under extreme weather conditions. Details • Location and Geography: o Situated in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, extending approximately 76 km. o Originates at Indira Col West at an altitude of 6,115 meters and descends to 3,570 meters. o Lies north of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, contributing to the Nubra and Shyok Rivers, which drain into the Indus River. • Strategic Importance: o Positioned at the tri-junction of India, Pakistan, and China, giving it immense geopolitical significance. o Overlooks key supply routes and the Karakoram Pass, critical for regional control. • Conflict and Military Presence: o Central to India-Pakistan military tensions, with India controlling the glacier since Operation Meghdoot in 1984. o Known as the highest militarized zone globally, with troops stationed at altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet. This technological advancement enhances communication and operational efficiency for troops in one of the harshest terrains, bolstering India's strategic presence in the region. D.) Tungabhadra River Water Turns Green in Gadag District WHY IN NEWS - The Tungabhadra River's water has turned green near Shiranahalli, Gangapur, and Korlahalli villages in Mundargi taluk, Gadag district, causing panic among residents. Background • Typically, the river dries up during summer, leaving greenish water in puddles. This year, flowing river water turning green has raised concerns among the locals. Details • About the Tungabhadra River: o Significance: A major tributary of the Krishna River, vital for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and water supply in southern India. o Source: Originates in the Western Ghats at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers near Kudremukh, Karnataka. o Course: Spans 531 km, flowing through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before joining the Krishna River at Sangameswaram in Andhra Pradesh. o Basin Area: Covers 71,417 square kilometers across three states. • Key Contributions: o Irrigation:  Supports agriculture in the Deccan Plateau.  The Tungabhadra Dam near Hospet irrigates over 1.25 million hectares. o Hydroelectric Power: The dam generates electricity for Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. • Historical Importance: o The Tungabhadra River was central to the Vijayanagara Empire’s prosperity, with the famous city of Hampi situated along its banks. This environmental anomaly highlights the need for investigating potential causes such as algal blooms, pollution, or climate-related changes, emphasizing the importance of river conservation.   E.) Establishment of Lokpal WHY IN NEWS The Lokpal was established on this day in 2014 following the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, marking a significant step toward enhancing accountability and reducing corruption in public offices. Background • The concept of Lokpal originated from the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report in 1966. • The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, institutionalized the creation of Lokpal at the Union level and Lokayuktas at the state level. • The idea of an ombudsman dates back to 19th-century Sweden. Details • About Lokpal and Lokayuktas: o Lokpal operates at the Union level, while Lokayuktas function at the state level. o Their purpose is to ensure accountability and address corruption in public offices. • Key Provisions of Lokpal: o Composition and Appointment:  Lokpal includes a Chairperson (Chief Justice of India, a Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person) and up to 8 members (50% judicial; 50% from SC/ST/OBC/minorities/women).  Members are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a selection committee comprising:  Prime Minister (Chairperson), Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, and an eminent jurist. o Tenure:  Five years or until the age of 70. o Jurisdiction:  Covers the Prime Minister (with safeguards), Ministers, MPs, Group A/B/C/D officers, and officials of central government-funded entities.  Investigates complaints of corruption, including those referred by the CVC or whistleblowers. o Prosecution:  Lokpal can establish its prosecution wing for cases. o Timelines:  Preliminary inquiry: 90 days.  Investigation: 6 months (extendable). • Challenges and Issues: o Seven-year limit on complaints (older cases are not entertained). o Delays in appointments. o Nearly 90% of complaints in the past five years were rejected due to non-compliance with format requirements. This framework underscores the government's commitment to reducing corruption but highlights the need for improved efficiency and accessibility of the Lokpal system.   F.) NBM 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi Mobile App WHY IN NEWS – The National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0) and Sanchar Saathi Mobile App were launched to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and digital empowerment across India. National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0) Background NBM 1.0, launched in 2019 as part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, achieved notable success: • Increase in telecom towers to 8.17 lakh. • Broadband subscribers surged to 941 million. Objectives of NBM 2.0 The mission aims to build on the progress of NBM 1.0 by accelerating digital infrastructure development, bridging the digital divide, and providing affordable broadband access to all citizens. Key Targets 1. Optical Fiber Connectivity (OFC): Extend OFC to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030, with an uptime target of 95%, up from 50,000 villages currently. 2. Broadband Access to Anchor Institutions: Provide broadband connectivity to 90% of schools, PHCs, Anganwadi Centers, and Panchayat offices by 2030. 3. High-Speed Internet: Achieve a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps. 4. 5G and Future Networks: Facilitate the rollout of 5G networks and prepare for 6G technology. 5. Disaster-Ready Connectivity: Leverage Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) technology from the power sector to enhance connectivity resilience during disasters, wars, and emergencies. Sanchar Saathi Mobile App Features and Objectives 1. Telecom Security: Aims to prevent fraud by ensuring users' mobile numbers are verified and protected. 2. Lost/Stolen Phone Tracking: Facilitates tracing and blocking of lost or stolen mobile phones. 3. Simplified Telecom Services: Allows users to check and manage all their mobile connections through a single interface. 4. Consumer Empowerment: Increases transparency and provides tools for mobile number verification and complaints. Significance 1. Empowering Citizens: Ensures better digital accessibility and safety for telecom users across India. 2. Bridging the Digital Divide: Strengthens connectivity in rural and underserved areas, fostering inclusive growth. 3. Boosting Economic Development: Reliable and high-speed broadband infrastructure is critical for digital transformation, education, healthcare, and e-governance. 4. Disaster Resilience: Enhances the reliability of communication networks during emergencies and crises. These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to becoming a digitally inclusive and secure nation while embracing future-ready technologies.