Definition:
Solar Paraboloid Technology is a form of solar thermal energy technology that utilizes parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a single focal point. This concentrated solar energy can then be converted into heat, electricity, or used to facilitate various chemical processes.

Key Features

• Concentration of Solar Energy: The parabolic shape of the mirrors focuses sunlight onto a specific point, increasing the energy density significantly.
• High-Temperature Operation: This technology can operate at temperatures up to 300°C, which enhances thermal efficiency and allows for various applications that require high temperatures.

Applications

• Solar Furnaces:
• Used for high-temperature applications, such as:
• Materials processing (e.g., metal melting and alloying)
• Research (e.g., studying high-temperature reactions)
• Sterilization (e.g., in medical and food industries)
• Large-Scale Solar Thermal Power Plants:
• These systems can harness solar energy for industrial applications, including:
• Food processing (e.g., drying, pasteurization)
• Water heating for residential or commercial uses
• Hydrogen Production:
• Solar Paraboloid Technology can be employed in solar thermochemical processes to:
• Split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a sustainable method for hydrogen fuel production. This is particularly important as hydrogen is seen as a clean fuel for the future.

Benefits

• Increased Efficiency: The ability to operate at higher temperatures means that solar paraboloid systems can achieve higher thermal efficiencies compared to other solar technologies.
• Diverse Applications: The versatility of this technology allows for use in various sectors, from industrial applications to research and renewable fuel production.

Conclusion

As the need for sustainable energy solutions grows, Solar Paraboloid Technology presents a viable pathway toward efficient solar energy utilization. Its capability to operate at high temperatures and diverse applications makes it a significant player in the transition to renewable energy.

Bandhavgarh National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and is particularly famous for its tiger population.

Geographic Location

• Location: Situated in the heart of India, Bandhavgarh lies between the Vindhya Range and the eastern slopes of the Satpura Hill ranges.
• Area: The park covers an area of about 448 square kilometers (approximately 173 square miles), with a core area of around 105 square kilometers.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

• Tigers: Bandhavgarh is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India. It is a crucial habitat for the Bengal tiger and is part of the Project Tiger initiative.
• Other Wildlife: In addition to tigers, the park is home to various species, including:
• Leopards
• Deer: Such as spotted deer (chital) and sambar deer.
• Langurs: Primarily the northern grey langur.
• Bird Species: Numerous bird species inhabit the park, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Conservation Challenges

• Tiger Deaths: Recent reports indicate alarming cases of tiger deaths and poaching incidents, raising concerns about the conservation status of these majestic animals.
• Hunting Incidents: Illegal hunting activities pose significant threats to the wildlife population, leading to increased scrutiny and demand for enhanced protection measures.

Significance

• Tourism: Bandhavgarh National Park is a popular ecotourism destination, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.
• Cultural Heritage: The park is also rich in historical significance, with ancient ruins and a fort that dates back to the 2nd century, which adds to its allure.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts are being made to address the challenges faced by the park, including:

• Increased Patrols: Enhanced patrolling and surveillance to curb poaching.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts to promote coexistence between wildlife and human populations.
• Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives aimed at educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order 2024 draft to revamp the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme, which aims to boost the deployment of public Wi-Fi hotspots in India. Despite ambitious goals set under the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 and the Bharat 6G Vision, the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots in the country remains significantly lower than expected.

Status of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

• The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 aimed to establish 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 under the "Connect India" mission. Further, the Bharat 6G Vision sets the goal of 50 million hotspots by 2030 to support the Digital India 2030 objectives.
• As of July 2024, the number of PM-WANI hotspots stands at 207,642, with only 199 Public Data Offices (PDOs) and 111 app providers operational. These figures fall well below the targets.
• Daily data usage per Wi-Fi hotspot has also decreased significantly, from an average of 1 GB in previous years to just a few MBs today.

Reasons for Poor Penetration

• High Backhaul Costs:
• The primary reason for the limited adoption of public Wi-Fi hotspots is the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) charge excessively high rates for connecting Public Data Offices (PDOs) to the internet.
• Insistence on Expensive Internet Leased Lines (ILL):
• TSPs and ISPs often require PDOs to use Internet Leased Lines (ILL), which are significantly more expensive than regular Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections.
• ILL costs are 40 to 80 times higher than FTTH broadband connections, making it unaffordable for small shop owners to participate in the PM-WANI scheme.

Key Changes Proposed in the Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order 2024

• Lower Cost Structure:
• The TRAI has proposed a more affordable tariff structure for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme.
• Same Tariff as Retail Broadband:
• PDO tariffs will now be aligned with the rates applicable to retail FTTH broadband connections, significantly reducing the cost of backhaul internet for public Wi-Fi access points.
• Impact of the Changes:
• The revised cost structure is expected to encourage more small businesses to set up public Wi-Fi hotspots, increasing the penetration of PM-WANI hotspots and boosting digital connectivity across India.

Conclusion

The TRAI’s proposed amendments aim to reduce costs for PDOs, making it easier to deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots. This is a crucial step toward achieving the Digital India goals and expanding access to affordable internet services across the country.

• Independence Day 2024: The President of India approved 103 Gallantry awards for personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

About Gallantry Awards

1. Order of Precedence:

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s highest wartime gallantry award, awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
• Ashoka Chakra (AC): India's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of bravery or self-sacrifice beyond the call of duty in peacetime.
• Mahavir Chakra (MVC): The second-highest wartime gallantry award, recognizing distinguished acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
• Kirti Chakra (KC): The second-highest peacetime gallantry award, similar to the Ashoka Chakra but for actions in peacetime.
• Vir Chakra (VC): Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy during wartime.
• Shaurya Chakra (SC): Given for gallantry in peacetime, analogous to the Vir Chakra but awarded during peacetime.

2. Announcement Schedule:

• Republic Day: The first announcement of gallantry awards each year is made on January 26.
• Independence Day: The second announcement of gallantry awards each year is made on August 15.

3. Instituted Awards:

• Wartime Gallantry Awards:
• Param Vir Chakra: Instituted in 1950.
• Maha Vir Chakra: Instituted in 1950.
• Vir Chakra: Instituted in 1950.
• Peacetime Gallantry Awards:
• Ashoka Chakra (Class-I, Class-II, Class-III): Instituted in 1952, later renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra in 1967.

Key Details:

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC): Recognizes the most extraordinary acts of valor and bravery.
• Ashoka Chakra (AC): Honors acts of bravery or self-sacrifice that are not related to direct combat.
• Mahavir Chakra (MVC): Awarded for acts of gallantry that go beyond ordinary bravery in combat.
• Kirti Chakra (KC): Given for bravery in non-combat situations or during peacetime.
• Vir Chakra (VC): Recognizes bravery and valor in combat.
• Shaurya Chakra (SC): Awarded for acts of bravery and distinguished service in peacetime.

The Gallantry Awards serve to honor and recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of individuals who have performed acts of exceptional bravery in both wartime and peacetime conditions.