Patharughat Uprising On January 28, 1894, many local peasants gathered in a protest meeting at Patharughat (also known as Patharighat), condemning the increasing land tax levied by the British. Thousands of people from various villages came forward to take part in this meeting. The frequently increasing tax rates left the poor farmers in a state of despair. As a result, a rebellion brewed in the hearts of the peasants against the British. After much discussion amongst themselves, it was decided that no taxes would be paid to the British, until a proper solution was found to the problem. They were even willing to revolt against the British for the cause. While the protest meeting was going on, Deputy Commissioner of Darrang district, JD Anderson, Mr Barrington, SP and Mr Remington, SDO, arrived at the venue along with full police force. When the British officials announced that under no circumstances will the taxes be reduced, the peasants present in the meeting protested against it. On the orders of Barrington, the police opened fire on the gathering present there. Even though the farmers tried to fight back with the sticks they had with them, they were no match for the sudden firing. On that fateful day, hundreds of people were injured and around 140 of them were killed on spot. Doli-Puran is a historical ballad in Assamese. Composed by Narrottam Das, it narrates events related to the Patharughat Peasant Resistance of 1894 that took place in Assam’s Darrang district. On 28 January 1894, more than a hundred peasants fell to the bullets of the British army in Darrang. The unarmed peasants were peacefully protesting against the increase in land revenue levied by the British when the military opened fire. The book, Doli Puran, was recovered at Tangla in Udalguri district and was first published in 1949.  Narottam was an eyewitness to the uprising and described the events in his songs Doli (earth/soil). The unarmed peasants are said to have thrown clods of soil at the British police who were firing at them.  1957, Dineswar Sarma, a freedom fighter and historian, is said to have collected and published in Assamese, the songs in Pothorughator Ron (Battle of Pothorughat), which is a historical account of the events that took place Patharughat Bakul Koch was born in the village of Sareberi, located in the Darrang district of Assam. As a dedicated farmer, he became deeply involved in the local agrarian issues that plagued his community. During a period of intense British colonial oppression, the people of Assam were subjected to heavy taxation and exploitation, leading to widespread discontent among the rural populace. In 1894, this growing unrest culminated in a significant event known as the Patharughat revolt. The people, primarily farmers, gathered to peacefully protest against the unjust taxes imposed by the British authorities. The peaceful assembly at Patharughat, however, was met with brutal force. British troops, intent on quelling the dissent, opened fire on the unarmed protesters. In the ensuing chaos, many lives were lost, including that of Bakul Koch. His death, along with those of his compatriots, marked a poignant moment in the struggle against colonial rule in Assam. His sacrifice is remembered as a symbol of resistance and courage. His participation in the Patharughat revolt underscores the critical role that ordinary citizens played in challenging oppressive regimes. The story of Bakul Koch and the Patharughat revolt remains a significant chapter in the history of Assam’s resistance to British colonialism. Urbanization plan Assam Urban Knowledge Hub (AUKH) at the Directorate of T&CP, Assam Bodoland Happiness Mission About the mission About the mission Etikopakka Toys The craft originates from Etikoppaka, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, renowned for its 400-year-old wooden toy-making tradition. The name “Etikoppaka” is synonymous with eco-friendly wooden toys, which reflect a seamless blend of art and sustainability. The toys are made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), known for its lightweight and malleable properties, allowing intricate carvings. Artisans use natural dyes derived from plant-based sources like seeds, leaves, and bark, ensuring non-toxic and child-safe finishes. The lacquer-turning technique gives the toys a lustrous finish, sealing the natural colors while enhancing durability. The toys often depict mythological characters, animals, and musical instruments, connecting them to India’s rich cultural heritage. Many designs reflect motifs from ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo Daro and Harappa. The crafts include spinning tops, household decorations, musical instruments, and Raja-Rani figurines, showcasing a timeless aesthetic. In 2017, Etikoppaka Bommalu received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring their authenticity and preserving their cultural significance. Earths magnetic Pole Earth’s magnetic north pole, a critical point where the planet’s magnetic field lines converge, is in constant motion due to changes in the Earth’s molten core. Currently located in the Arctic Ocean above Canada, the magnetic north pole has been moving towards Siberia at an accelerated pace. World Magnetic Model (WMM)? The WMM is jointly developed by the United States’ National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the United Kingdom’s Defence Geographic Centre (DGC), with technical support from NCEI and the British Geological Survey (BGS). Why is the Magnetic North Pole Moving? Bordoloi Trophy Search Panel CEC Constitutional Provisions Article 324(2):  Appointment Process: The Commission will be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Selection Committee. Eligibility criteria:  The CEC and ECs must: Search Panel CEC Term and reappointment: CEC from Assam From NE India India China recent update India and China have agreed to resume direct air services after nearly five years, India’s foreign ministry said on Monday, signalling a thaw in relations between the neighbours after a deadly 2020 military clash on their disputed Himalayan border. Other Key announcements  Key areas of concern in India-China Relations  China’s Assertiveness: Particularly in South Asia through strategies like String of Pearls, presence in Maldives, Sri Lanka, assertion over South China Sea, etc. create insecurities in Indo-Pacific.  Unsettled Borders: No mutual agreement over Line of Actual Control (LAC), dispute over Aksai Chin, etc.  Recent episodes of conflicts were witnessed

Assam: Padma Awards Satrriya dance exponent Jatin Goswami has been bestowed with the Padma Bhushan for contributing to the Arts. This year’s Padma Awards list included a total of 139 recipients, comprising seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among them, 23 are women, while the list also includes 10 individuals from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category and 13 posthumous honourees. Rice Variety Salient Rice Varietal Achievements of Assam Agricultural University High-Yielding Varieties Semi-dwarf High-Yielding Varieties: Special Purpose Varieties Other Notable Varieties Chinar Aadhaar Kashmir’s majestic chinar trees, long considered a symbol of its cultural and natural heritage, face growing threats from urbanization and infrastructure projects. To preserve and monitor these iconic trees, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ initiative, providing each chinar tree with a unique digital identity. This ambitious project integrates technology to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and raise awareness about these remarkable trees. ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ Initiative  Religious Symbolism: Chinar trees are revered by both Hindus and Muslims, forming part of settings at shrines like Hazratbal and temples like Kheer Bhawani. Origins: Introduced to Kashmir by Islamic preachers from Central Asia and Persia over 400 years ago. Oldest Tree: A 700-year-old chinar in Budgam district, planted by Sufi saint Syed Qasim Shah, is the oldest recorded tree. Mughal Legacy: Planted extensively in Srinagar’s Mughal gardens like Naseem Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Garden in the 16th century. Post Tb fungal disease TB has been a major public health issue in Assam’s tea belts. The National TB Prevalence Survey of 2019-2021 showed that 217 per 1,00,000 population in tea belts are affected by TB. Risk factors for TB in tea workers include poverty, poor nutrition, kitchen smoke, close contact with smear-positive patients, and living in congested environments. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA): Study Findings: Prevalence of CPA: The study found that Assam’s high CPA prevalence of 60 cases per 1,00,000 people exceeds the global average of 42. The scenario is worse than in African countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the prevalence ranges from 20 to 50. Biodiversity Heritage Sites Tamil Nadu’s first BHS, Arittapatti (Madurai district) is rich in ecological & historical value, featuring megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, 2,200-year-old rock-cut temples etc. About Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) Criteria for identification of BHS CBDC Types of CBDC CBDC initiative in India – RBI’s e-Rupee (e₹) Wetland Accredited Cities Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to make it to the global list of accredited wetland cities under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Indore: Sirpur Lake (Ramsar Site) recognised for water bird congregation and is being developed as a bird sanctuary. Udaipur: Surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) It is a voluntary Accreditation system that provides an opportunity for cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts.  It was approved at Uruguay in COP12 of Ramsar Convention (2015). It is valid for 6 years, after which it must be renewed, providing that it continues to fill each of the 6 criteria (refer image).  Nominated Sites by India Indore: Founded by Holkars, Indore is the cleanest city in India and the recipient of India’s Smart City Award 2023 for its best sanitation, water, and urban environment. Bhopal:Bhoj Wetland, Ramsar Site is the city’s lifeline, equipped with the world-class wetland’s interpretation centre, Jal Tarang. Udaipur: Located in Rajasthan, the city is surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. Guidance on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) report About OECMs Definition: It is a geographically defined area other than Protected Areas (PAs).

Assam Current Affairs Springs Rejuvenate  The Solution Key strategies: State-Level Initiatives Organic Assam and PGS certification Understanding PGS India and ASOCA PGS India’s Impact on Assam’s Agriculture Successful PGS-Certified Farmer Groups in Assam Market Prospects and Challenges Regulator of Organic Products:  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006). Certification of Organic products: Assam: Schools Periodic Assessment Test The Issue The Impact of Low Compliance Reasons for Low Compliance Mission Basundhara 3.0 For land settlement in urban areas, eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as a premium.  During Mission Basundhara 2.0, the state government offered land settlement to the eligible applicants in urban areas in lieu of a premium, which many could not afford to pay.  That is why the applicants could not get the land settlement done. Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, the rule was that applicants had to pay 30% of the premium calculated on the total zonal land value as the first installment.  The remaining 70% of the premium had to be paid in the next five years.  However, during the review of Mission Basundhara 2.0, it was found that some of the eligible applicants paid the 30% premium, but most applicants could not pay the amount. So, the government revised the premium payment structure under Mission Basundhara 3.0.  Under the revised policy decision, the eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 in urban areas, including Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, etc., have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as premium. Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, those applicants who paid the 30% premium do not have to pay the remaining 70%, as per the revised policy. But, in case the beneficiary decides to sell the land settled in their name, the beneficiary has to pay the remaining 70% of the premium. Grievance Redressal in Assam  Recently CM, announced that Assam is one of the top states in the country in grievance redressal of citizens. Assam disposed of 7,430 cases, 2nd highest in the country while from January to July, 30,572 cases were resolved, which is the third highest in the country. In the month of July, Assam ranked second among all states on the parameter of grievance redressal while Uttar Pradesh secured the top position nationwide. Assam recorded a total of 16,442 grievances in July out of which 12,687 cases were brought forward from previous months. At the end of the month, 7,430 cases were disposed of and the pending cases stood at 9,012. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh etc. states ranked below Assam in the grievance redressal cases of citizens for the month of July. Between January and July, Assam received 30,133 complaints related to public grievances. With pending cases from the previous period, the state had a total of 39,584 grievances. The state government was successful in disposing of 30,572 public grievances in these six months. The pending cases for Assam stood at 9,012. Dimbeswar Neog Dimbeswar Neog was an eminent writer, poet, literati, educator and critic of Assam, who also served as the president of the 32nd Asom Sahitya Sabha, which was held in Nalbari.  Popular known as the Indradhenu Poet in Assamese literature, Neog was a poet that regarded nature as the medium to rejuvenate. He was one of the literary geniuses of Assam, gifted with extraordinary talent and accomplishments.  His contribution to the various fields of Assamese literature is exceptional that deserves special mention. This distinguished writer was also a leader and his innate analysis of the work and contribution has enriched Assamese culture, literature and art. uring his college days, he came in touch with a number of eminent poets of Assam, namely Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Chandra Kumar Agarwalla, Mitradev Mahanta, Bani Kanta Kakoti and Chandradhar Baruah. Neog was selected to be the General Secretary of Assam Chatra Sanmelan until 1924 edited the journals Janmabhumi and Milan. During his life time, Neog wrote over 100 books, which includes books of different genre. Malika, Safura, Thupitora, Malati, Bihuwoti, Indradhanu, Mukuta, Thapona, Meghdoot, Axoma, Bichitra, Swohidaan, Rahasya Logori, Xuwoni and Manuh are some of the poetry collections of this great writer. Kundila Nagara, Gaone-Nagare and Sisuleela are the novels written by him.  Dimbeswar Neog also wrote folk literature as well, which include Bonbenu, Banhi, Rohrohi, Kachon Konwari, Bhogjora, Pani Mithoi, Putoli, Moni Konwar, Dakor Boson Vedor Baani, Phool Konwar, Parijat, Namoti, Rohrohi, Postula Konwari, to name a few.  Neog also wrote quite a few dramas, namely Krishna Leela, Okaal Basanta, Madan Bhasma, Deepawali, Ras Kriya, Kundil Konwari, Kundil Konwari and Deepawali.  New Light on the History of Assamese Literature, Studies on Assamese Literature, Katha- Prativa, Modern History of Assamese Literature, The Origin and Growth of the Axomiya Language, A Light coming through wall of Assamese Literature – Kirtan Ghosa, etc. are some of the critical works by the author. He also wrote several religious books in Assamese language. The contribution of Neog in the field of Assamese literature, history of literature, Sankardeva and Vaishnavism is remarkable and the books ‘Assamiya Bhasatatvar Natun Bisar’, ‘Assamiya Bhasa Aru Lipir Kahini’ and ‘Sudh Assamiya’ are displays the in-depth knowledge of Neog and his deep study of Assamese language. Impacts of illegal influx Historical Context The Assam Accord Challenges in Implementation The Impact on Assam’s Identity and Culture Comic Commandos In Assam’s Goalpara district, a unique initiative called “Comics Commandos” has been launched to combat child labour and child marriage. About Comics Commandos Purpose: To campaign against social evils like child labour and child marriage using grassroots comics. Execution: Thirty local youths trained to create comic strips with minimum text and humour for better public engagement. Approach: Visual storytelling resonates more effectively with the community, focusing on local issues like child abuse and economic hardships. 25% seats for poor students