22-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

 CONSECRATION TODAY; PM, PRIESTS TO LEAD CEREMONIES

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The consecration ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking the culmination of a longstanding religious and political movement, is set to take place, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and over 8,000 guests attending. As Ayodhya is adorned with flowers and security intensified, the event symbolizes the restoration of Lord Ram’s worship at his presumed birthplace.

Security Arrangements:

• Over 13,000 security personnel deployed.
• National Security Guard, Special Protection Group, and various task forces ensuring safety.
• Stringent security checks and surveillance implemented, restricting uninvited individuals.

Ceremony Details:

• Rituals to consecrate the idol begin at 20 minutes past noon.
• Prime Minister Modi and 8,000 guests present.
• The ceremony to be broadcasted live, witnessing global viewership.

Preparations and Rituals:

• 121 priests conduct preparatory rituals, bathing the idol with medicated and sacred water.
• New 51-inch Ram Lalla idol placed in the sanctum sanctorum.
• Mangal Dhvani (auspicious sound) precedes the ceremony.

Dignitaries and Guests:

• Key attendees include U.P. Governor, Chief Minister, and RSS chief.
• Invited politicians, industrialists, film stars, and more.
• Most Opposition leaders decline invitations.

PM’s Spiritual Tour:

• Modi’s visit to Kothandaramaswamy Temple and Arichalmunai point in Dhanushkodi.
• Part of a series of temple visits associated with Lord Rama.
• Spiritual tour across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Conclusion:

The consecration ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya signifies a historic moment in India’s religious and political landscape. Amidst elaborate preparations, security measures, and the presence of dignitaries, the event reflects the collective aspiration to restore Lord Ram’s worship. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi’s spiritual tour emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance associated with the temple’s inauguration.

BENGAL RIGHTS BODIES DECRY ‘SUSPENSION OF FUNDS’ ALLOCATED FOR PROCUREMENT OF PADDY

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Civil rights organizations in West Bengal are expressing concern over the reported suspension of ₹7,000 crore in funds by the Central government for the state’s paddy procurement under the public distribution system. The alleged reason for the withholding, related to the display of images of the Prime Minister in ration shops, is criticized for its dictatorial tendencies and perceived threat to federalism.

    

Concerns Over Fund Suspension:

• Civil rights organizations, including Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity, express concerns over the implications for federalism and the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Critique of Dictatorial Tendencies:

• The withholding of funds based on non-compliance with displaying the Prime Minister’s images is criticized for dictatorial tendencies.
• Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity emphasizes the need to uphold democratic ideals and criticizes attempts to include the Prime Minister’s images on ration bags.

Political Implications:

• Denial of funds to West Bengal has become a significant political issue between the State and the Centre over the past few years.
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has previously demanded the release of pending funds during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the contentious relationship.

Bhukha Manusher Obhikar Abhijan:

• Non-governmental organizations launch “Bhukha Manusher Obhikar Abhijan,” a platform advocating for the rights of hungry and working people in the State.
• The platform calls for immediate government attention to address the concerns related to fund suspension and highlights challenges faced by workers infringing upon their fundamental rights.

Nutritional Disparities Highlighted:

• Bhukha Manusher Obhikar Abhijan raises awareness about nutritional disparities in Anganwadi centers and mid-day meal programs.
• Recent investigative reports emphasize the challenging conditions faced by workers and the need for government intervention to uphold fundamental rights.

WITH JUST TWO SPEAKERS, A LANGUAGE IN KERALA WITH NO SCRIPT IS ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

GS 2 (POLITY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

In the remote colony of Kookanam in Kerala’s Kannur district, the Madhika language, spoken by the Chakaliya community, is on the verge of extinction. With only two fluent speakers left, 87-year-old K.P. Narayanan and his niece Rajputhri, the unique language, which has no script, faces the threat of being lost forever.

Diverse Linguistic Influences:

• Madhika is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam, though it sounds similar to Kannada.
• Despite its diverse linguistic influences, the language is at risk due to the younger generation’s lack of interest in learning this cultural relic.

Last Living Links to the Past:

• Narayanan and Rajputhri acquired the language from their forebears, becoming the last fluent speakers.
• The passing of older speakers has left them as the sole living links to the linguistic heritage of the Chakaliya community.

Community’s History and Migration:

• The Chakaliya community, initially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, later became part of the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
• Historically nomadic, worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana, and Mariamma, the community migrated from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar centuries ago.

Social Stigma and Neglect:

• Social activist Muraleedharan Karivellur attributes the language’s neglect to the social stigma associated with the Chakaliya community.
• The community, considered untouchables, faced dehumanizing treatment in the past, leading many of its young and educated members to dissociate from their language and heritage.

Ongoing Challenges:

• Youngsters in the community show little interest in learning Madhika, preferring mainstream languages like Malayalam taught in schools.
• The neglect of Madhika is also linked to the preference for Malayalam and the desire to distance themselves from the social stigma associated with their community’s history.

NISAR MISSION ON TRACK FOR A LAUNCH SOON: NASA OFFICIAL

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HIND

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Mission, aimed at observing natural processes and changes in Earth’s ecosystems, is on track for an early 2024 launch, according to a senior official at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The mission’s final tests are scheduled for this week, marking a significant milestone in its development.

Mission Overview:

• The NISAR Mission is a joint venture between NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
• It employs a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to observe Earth’s land and ice-covered regions, offering high-resolution data.

Key Features of NISAR:

• Scheduled for an early 2024 launch, the mission is designed for a three-year observational period.
• It operates in low-earth orbit, providing reliable, high-resolution data over any spot on Earth for scientific and monitoring applications.

Data Volume and Accessibility:

• NISAR is distinctive for the enormous volume of data it will generate.
• The open science and open data policy of the mission make the collected data promptly accessible to the public after processing.

Earth-Observing Capabilities:

• The synthetic aperture radar can penetrate cloud cover and operates day and night, revolutionizing Earth-observing capability.
• NISAR’s capabilities extend to disaster monitoring and mitigation, providing a reliable data source for various natural hazards.

Collaboration Between NASA and ISRO:

• NISAR is a collaborative effort with a long-wavelength band (L-Band) SAR payload system from NASA and a short-wavelength band (S-Band) payload from ISRO.
• Both space agencies express eagerness to collaborate further on earth science, planetary science, and human space programs.

IRAN’S RETALIATORY STRIKES IN WEST ASIA AND IMPACT ON INDIA’S INTERESTS

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Iran’s recent retaliatory strikes in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan were sparked by a terrorist attack in its Kerman province. These actions have implications for India’s strategic interests in West Asia, considering the region’s significance in India’s foreign policy.

India’s Interests in West Asia:

Neighbourhood First Policy:

• West Asia is an integral part of India’s extended neighbourhood, aligning with the Look West Policy.
• Maintaining peace and stability in the region is crucial for India’s strategic objectives.

Diaspora and Remittance:

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hosts a substantial Indian diaspora, with over 30% of expatriate workers.
• India receives significant remittances, with 18% from the UAE, 5.1% from Saudi Arabia, and contributions from Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.

Connectivity and Infrastructure:

• Initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor enhance connectivity.
• Chabahar port is vital for transporting cargo to Europe, emphasizing India’s interest in regional infrastructure development.

Energy Security:

• Over 80% of India’s oil and more than 50% of gas are imported.
• Major oil suppliers include Iraq and Saudi Arabia, while Qatar significantly contributes to liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

IIL LAUNCHES FIRST INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED HEPATITIS A VACCINE, ‘HAVISURE’

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), marked a significant milestone by launching ‘Havisure,’ India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine. The vaccine is a groundbreaking achievement that reflects India’s strides in advancing healthcare solutions.

Key Points:

Significance of ‘Havisure’:

• ‘Havisure’ is a result of extensive research and development by IIL’s dedicated team, representing a crucial advancement in India’s fight against Hepatitis A.
• The vaccine is poised to make a substantial contribution to public health, addressing the challenges posed by the highly contagious liver infection.

Preventing Hepatitis A:

• Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, and ‘Havisure’ is designed to play a vital role in preventing this infectious disease.
• The vaccine has undergone extensive clinical trials in eight centers, demonstrating safety and efficacy.

Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative:

• IIL’s indigenously developed vaccine aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, reducing dependence on imported Hepatitis A vaccines.
• The company’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for the nation is evident in the successful development of ‘Havisure.’

Vaccine Administration and Recommendations:

• ‘Havisure’ is a two-dose vaccine, with the first dose administered at 12 months of age and the second dose at least 6 months later.
• Recommended for routine immunization in children, the vaccine is also advised for individuals at risk of exposure, travelers to high-prevalence regions, and those with occupational or chronic liver disease risks.

PRIME MINISTER LAUNCHED BOEING SUKANYA PROGRAM TO SUPPORT GIRL’S ENTRY INTO AVIATION SECTOR

GS 3 (SOCIETY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Prime Minister inaugurated the Boeing Sukanya Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting girls’ entry into the aviation sector. The program focuses on providing opportunities for girls and women to acquire essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, with a specific emphasis on aviation-related careers.

Key Points:

Objective of Boeing Sukanya Program:

• The program aims to empower girls and women by offering training and education in critical STEM disciplines, preparing them for diverse roles within the aviation sector.
• STEM Labs will be established at 150 planned locations to ignite interest in STEM careers among young girls, and scholarships will be provided to women undergoing pilot training.

Current Status of Women in Aviation:

• India currently has a commendable 15% representation of women pilots, which is three times higher than the global average.
• The initiative acknowledges the need for more inclusivity and opportunities for women in the aviation industry.

Status of Women in STEM Education:

• The All India Survey on Higher Education reports a positive increase in female enrollment in STEM courses, reaching 42.6% in 2021-22.
• However, women’s participation in the STEM workforce remains relatively low at 14% in 2021.

Challenges and Initiatives:

• Challenges leading to the under-representation of women in STEM include skill inadequacy, lack of role models, safety concerns during commutes, societal pressures, and constraints related to domestic responsibilities.
• India has introduced initiatives such as the Knowledge Involvement Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) scheme, Pragati Scholarship, TechSaksham Programme, and the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme to promote women in STEM.

BOTTOM TRAWLING

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE ECONOMIC TIMES

A recent study revealed that bottom trawling, a fishing technique involving dragging heavy nets across the sea floor, has released 8-10 billion tonnes of CO2 between 1996-2020.

    

• This method indiscriminately depletes marine organisms, leading to a significant decline in fish production and causing damage to the natural seafloor.
• Despite India and Sri Lanka’s agreement in 2016 to phase out bottom trawling in the Palk Strait, Indian fishermen continue to use this practice, contributing to environmental degradation and hindering the transition towards more sustainable fishing methods.

LASER COMMUNICATION WITH VIKRAM LANDER

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

NASA has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing laser communication between its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and India’s Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander.

• The test involved signals being detected by NASA’s Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) on the Vikram lander.
• This LRA, equipped with corner-cube retroreflectors, will serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface.
• The breakthrough in laser communication paves the way for precise location targeting on the Moon’s surface, marking a notable advancement in lunar exploration technology.

PANAMA CANAL

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Panama Canal is grappling with a severe drought, compelling authorities to reduce ship crossings by 36%.

• As one of the world’s crucial artificial waterways, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal plays a pivotal role in global trade, linking North and South America.
• Initially controlled by the USA after its opening in 1914, Panama assumed control in 1999.
• The impact of the drought on this vital trade route underscores the vulnerability of such critical infrastructure to climate-related challenges.

NUCLEAR BATTERIES

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

A Chinese startup claims a breakthrough in developing a nuclear battery capable of providing power for 50 years without recharging.

• These nuclear batteries utilize energy from the decay of a radioactive isotope, such as nickel-63, to generate electricity.
• Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, they don’t rely on nuclear fission.
• Offering benefits like high energy density, longevity, low maintenance, and compact size, these batteries hold promise for various applications, including deep space missions, defense, animal tracking, and powering remote or inaccessible areas on Earth.