KPSC sUTRAS

India's Solar Power Achievement: • In 2023, India became the world’s third-largest solar power producer, surpassing Japan by generating 113 billion units (BU) compared to Japan’s 110 BU. • India climbed from ninth place in 2015 to achieve this milestone, with solar energy contributing 5.8% to its total electricity production. • Globally, solar energy grew by 5.5% in 2023, with top countries like China, the United States, Brazil, and India driving 75% of this growth. • Solar power is rapidly expanding globally, outpacing coal in new electricity additions by over twofold in 2023, and India saw a seventeen-fold increase in solar generation from 2015 to 2023. • Solar energy is projected to play a key role in decarbonizing electricity, with forecasts indicating a rise to 22% of global electricity generation by 2030. • India aims to triple its renewable capacity by 2030, but surpassing the United States in solar production would require a substantial increase in capacity. • Clean electricity production is crucial for reducing carbon emissions, meeting rising energy demand, and decoupling economic growth from emissions.

REVOLT OF 1857 • Major uprising against British rule • Started as a mutiny in Meerut by sepoys • Spread to upper Gangetic plain and central India Immediate Cause • Introduction of Enfield rifle with greased cartridges • Rumors of cartridges greased with pig & cow fat • Religious concerns of soldiers Causes of Revolt • Political, economic, administrative, socio-religious, military factors • Negative impacts of British policies on society Reasons for Failure : Lack of coordination, British military strength, internal divisions, communication issues, limited support, strategic errors, lack of modern weaponry/training, British exploitation Impact of Revolt : End of East India Company rule, direct British rule, Indian Civil Service creation, rise in nationalism, cultural revival, army reorganization

CA – MAY 8 2024 • The PRS Legislative Research's "Annual Review of State Laws 2023" highlights issues like budget passage without discussion, disparities in PAC operations, variations in legislative efficiency, and proposes measures for better governance and accountability in Indian state legislatures. • The CII has introduced a corporate governance charter for startups with features like structured guidance, timeless principles, and a self-assessment scorecard. Recent trends show a focus on governance due to legal battles and investor scrutiny, emphasizing the need for accountability in the startup ecosystem. • To revive the population of tigers in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) — the lone tiger reserve in the Maharashtra western region — the state’s forest department will soon translocate tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur district • The First Southern Star Army Synergia Conclave, 2024 held in Bengaluru aimed to provide a platform for various stakeholders like industry, start-ups, innovators, venture capitalists, and defence PSUs to understand future conflict dynamics, align technologies, and explore defence sector opportunities. Organized by the Indian Army’s Southern Command, Dakshin Bharat Area, and Synergia Foundation, the conclave included key participants from the National Security Advisory Board and National Security Council of the Government of India, focusing on establishing institutional mechanisms, forming partnerships, and initiating research projects in areas like cybersecurity, quantum encryptions, artificial intelligence, aerospace, defence, satellites, space, and advanced computing • English player Kyren Wilson won the world snooker championship held at Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England • Choline is an essential nutrient crucial for cell structure, liver health, a healthy nervous system, and overall metabolic functions. It is transported into the brain by the FLVCR2 protein and must be obtained from the diet as the body produces insufficient amounts on its own. Rich dietary sources include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, as well as certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choline deficiency can lead to various health issues, emphasizing its importance in maintaining overall well-being • State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to deploy 4G services nationally starting August 2024, utilizing entirely home-grown technology. This initiative aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy aimed at boosting domestic capability and reducing reliance on foreign technologies • A series of COVID-19 variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage, known as FLiRT, including the KP.2 and KP 1.1 variants, is rapidly spreading in the United States