State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 04 Oct 2025

Chero Archers of Palamau

Why in News? 

The Jharkhand franchise in the upcoming Archery Premier League (APL) has been named Chero Archers, honoring the martial traditions and resistance legacy of the Chero tribe of Palamau. 

• The APL, scheduled from 2^nd–12^th October, features teams like Prithviraj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, and Chola Chiefs, blending modern sports with India’s martial heritage. 

Key Points 

• Historical Background: The Cheros rose to prominence in present-day Bihar and Jharkhand after the decline of the Pala Empire (12th–13th century). 
  • They later settled in Palamau (western Jharkhand), where their bows became a symbol of tribal resilience. 
  • Known for resisting both Mughal imperial armies and later the British East India Company, the Cheros consistently used guerrilla tactics from their forested strongholds. 
• Key Figures & Events: 
  • Sahbal Rai (17th century): A contemporary of Jahangir, who disrupted Mughal supply lines along the Grand Trunk Road (1613). 
    • Captured and forced to fight a tiger before the Emperor, where he died—earning lasting tribal reverence. 
  • Medini Rai (Chero Napoleon): The most celebrated Chero leader; Medininagar in Jharkhand is named after him. 
    • Led resistance against Aurangzeb’s generals like Daud Khan and Sha’ista Khan in 1660. 
    • Praised by historian W.W. Hunter for his hardy archers. 
  • 18^th Century Resistance: In 1730, Chero arrows scattered Mughal forces under Muazzam Khan in Palamau. 
    • Later, Fakhruddaula settled for an uneasy tributary arrangement with them. 
  • Against the British: In 1771, Chitrajit Rai’s Cheros defied Captain Jacob Camac with bows and arrows. 
    • Their resistance continued with mini-insurrections between 1817–1857. 
  • Revolt of 1857: The Chero brothers Nilamber and Pitamber spearheaded tribal uprisings against the British alongside the Santals. 
• Cultural Significance of Bows & Arrows: For the Cheros, archery was not just a skill but a way of life, where both men and women participated in warfare and cultural practices like hunting and river-diving, with their simple bent bows symbolizing a heroic resistance against the stronger foes. 

MY Bharat Mobile Application Launched

Why in News? 

Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched the MY Bharat Mobile Application, marking a significant step in advancing youth leadership and civic engagement through technology. 

• He also announced the integration of the Common Services Centres (CSCs) with the MY Bharat Portal, marking a significant step towards ensuring wider access and deeper penetration of youth-centric initiatives across the country. 

Key Points 

• About: It is an online Youth Leadership and Social Engagement Platform under the Department of Youth Affairs (DoYA), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which has been designed and developed by the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). 
  • It aims to provide youth with volunteering, internships, mentorship, and learning opportunities through a seamless mobile interface. 
  • It is currently available in Hindi and English, with more Indian languages to be added gradually. 
• Key Features: 
  • Verified Opportunities: Volunteering, internships, mentorship, and experiential learning. 
  • Digital Recognition: Badges, certificates, and personalised youth profiles. 
  • Career Empowerment: Skill-building resources and AI-enabled resume building. 
  • Youth Campaigns: Active participation in flagship programmes and civic initiatives. 
  • Interactive Learning: Participation in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 Quiz. 
• Integration with CSCs: By leveraging CSC’s vast network of over five lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), the MY Bharat portal will now extend to remote rural areas, enabling seamless youth registration and participation in initiatives like the VBYLD Quiz. 
  • The MY Bharat platform, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2023, has become one of India’s largest youth-centric ecosystems with over 1.81 crore youth and 1.20 lakh organisations onboarded, serving as a digital backbone for youth engagement, leadership, and nation-building during the Amrit Kaal.