INSPIRE-Fellowship

Context: Many research scholars across Indian universities have not received their fellowships for 8 to 13 months.

About INSPIRE-Fellowship

• INSPIRE refers to Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research.
• Launched in 2008 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The scheme covers students in the age group of 10-32 years
• Duration: Fellowship shall be tenable for a maximum period of five years.
  • From the INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or completion of the PhD program (i.e. up to the date of successful Ph.D viva-voce), whichever is earlier.
• Goal:  To create a strong base of skilled individuals in the Science & Technology (S&T) and Research & Development (R&D) sectors in India.
• No competitive exams are conducted for selection.

Konkan Railway

Context: Maharashtra government has officially agreed to merge Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways.

Reason of Merger

• Financial Struggles: KRCL has faced low revenue and high infrastructure costs, making expansions difficult.

What is Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)? 

• It is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. 
• It operates the Konkan Railway, a 741-km railway line connecting Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Established in 1990 to construct railway lines through the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats.
• Ownership Structure Before Merger : KRCL operated as a joint venture. The Centre held 51%, Maharashtra 22%, Karnataka 15%, while Goa and Kerala held 6% each. 
  • It always functioned separately from Indian Railways.

Significance of Merger

• Joining Indian Railways would allow KRCL to benefit from national investments and better infrastructure.
• Beneficial for passengers: Passengers are likely to benefit from upgraded infrastructure, improved frequency of trains, better security measures, and increased connectivity with other routes of Indian Railways.
• Seamless booking: A merger could also translate into more competitive fares, seamless booking on Indian Railways channels,

Mobile Phone Deposit Facilities for Voters

Context: The Election Commission (EC) has issued instructions for providing mobile deposit facilities outside polling stations and rationalising the norms for canvassing on voting days.

About the Notification

• The mobile phones shall be allowed within 100 meters of the polling station in switched-off mode. 
• No mobile phones shall be allowed to be carried inside the polling station by the voter
• Rule: The instructions are in line with Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which ensures secrecy of voting within the polling station.
• The Returning Officer can exempt certain polling stations from this provision based on adverse local circumstances.

Other Guidelines

• Electioneering shall not be allowed within a 100-metre radius around the polling station on the day of the polls.
• The Commission has rationalised the permissible norms for canvassing in line with the electoral laws to 100 metres from the entrance of the polling station.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Context: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, blocking its ability to enroll foreign students. 

What is SEVP?

• This government initiative monitors international students and ensures that only legitimate foreign students enter the US for education.
• Institutions enrolling non-immigrant students must be SEVP-certified and follow government regulations
• How SEVP Functions?
• • SEVP works alongside SEVIS, an online system that maintains records of students, schools, and visa holders.
  • SEVP tracks three types of non-immigrant student visas:
    • F-1 Visa – Academic students at certified institutions.
    • M-1 Visa – Vocational students at approved programs.
    • J-1 Visa – Exchange students under the US Department of State.
  • SEVP-certified institutions issue Form I-20, which students use to apply for a US visa. 

Why the US Revoked Harvard’s SEVP Certification

• Campus Misconduct Concerns – The US government accused Harvard of failing to provide records on criminal activities involving foreign students.
• Alleged Foreign Influence – Authorities claimed Harvard had ties with Chinese paramilitary training, raising security concerns.
• Protest-Related Tensions – Large-scale campus protests against Israeli military actions were labeled anti-Semitic, adding pressure from the US government.

Integrated Theatre Commands

Context: India’s Chief of Defence Staff’s recently released book ‘Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India’s Military’, speaks on the proposed structure the Integrated Theatre Commands will take.

About Integrated Theatre Commands

• It is the proposed restructuring of the Indian military by integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified command structures for specific geographical areas or functional roles.
• Recommended By: The Kargil Review Committee, 1999 recommended creation of integrated theatre commands
  • The Shekatkar Committee, 2016 proposed three integrated theatre commands (Western, Northern, and Southern)
• Proposed Structure:
  • 3 Commands: There is consensus on the creation of 3 commands,
    • Northern Theatre Command (Lucknow): Focus on China.
    • Western Theatre Command (Jaipur): Pakistan
    • Maritime Theatre Command (Thiruvananthapuram): Managing operations in Indian ocean.
  • Officer Rank: It is recommended that all the three commanders as well the Vice CDS should be four star officers like the three service Chiefs and the CDS.

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