24-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

PRIME MINISTER MODI ON INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT PATH INSPIRED BY GURU RAVIDAS

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY– SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India’s rapid development aligns with the teachings of Guru Ravidas, showcasing the ongoing relevance and influence of the saint’s principles in shaping the nation’s path.

About Guru Ravidas:

• Guru Ravidas (1377-1527 C.E.) was a revered saint and key figure in the Bhakti movement, known for his devotional songs and verses.
• Born in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he is also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas.
• His birthplace, Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan, is a significant pilgrimage site.

Teachings and Contributions:

• Despite being born into poverty, Guru Ravidas emphasized human rights, equality, and social justice.
• Disciple of Brahmin bhakti poet Ramananda, he focused on the nirguna form of supreme beings, opposing saguna forms with attributes.
• Advocated gender equality, abolition of the caste system, and opposed untouchability.
• A symbol of spiritual freedom and a well-known poet with 41 devotional songs included in Guru Granth Sahib.

Legacy and Influence:

• Guru Ravidas influenced the Ravidassia religion, with followers treating him as a saint comparable to other gurus.
• Meera Bai, a revered figure, considered him her spiritual Guru.
• His teachings continue to inspire and form the basis of Ravidassia beliefs.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti:

• Celebrated as a Hindu festival, Guru Ravidas Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
• His messages of equality, justice, and spiritual freedom resonate in the celebration, emphasizing his enduring impact on Indian spiritual and social consciousness.

ZOO CROSSES YET ANOTHER MILESTONE AS IT TRANSLOCATES 40 DEER TO DANDELI

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

40 spotted deer were relocated from Mysuru Zoo to the Panasoli range of KTR, aiming to enhance the biodiversity of the reserve and ensure the conservation of the species.

This translocation effort contributes to the management of wildlife populations and the protection of natural habitats.

About Spotted Deer:

• Also known as chital or cheetal, it’s a common deer species native to the Indian subcontinent, widely distributed in Asia.
• Habitat includes subtropical grasslands and forests, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Features of Spotted Deer:

• Stands about 35 inches tall, weighing around 187 pounds, with a slightly reddish-brown coat adorned with white spots.
• Males possess antlers and are larger than females, typically living in herds of 10 to 50 individuals.
• Their diet comprises grasses, herbs, shrubs, foliage, and fruits, with males growing antlers.

Conservation Status:

• Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations in their natural habitats.

Key Facts about Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR):

• Located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, KTR encompasses Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.
• The Kali River, a major water source for Uttara Kannada, flows through the reserve, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
• Vegetation includes moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, with hardwood trees like teak and silver oak dominating.
• Fauna in KTR includes Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, barking deer, sloth bears, and various other species.

ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Ultra-processed food (UPF) refers to food products that undergo extensive processing, containing five or more ingredients including various additives uncommon in homemade cooking.

These additives, such as flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, and colours, are primarily utilized to enhance taste, prolong shelf life, and increase convenience.

Reasons behind the Rise of Ultra-processed Food:

Surplus Food Production:

• The rise of the UPF industry is closely linked to agricultural surpluses. Excess food production necessitates the transformation of surplus into processed and often unhealthy food items.

Affordability:

• Affordability plays a significant role, particularly highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic. The WHO has noted the accessibility of junk food due to its lower prices, leading to increased consumption of ready-to-eat and convenience foods.

Issues Associated with Consumption of Ultra-processed Food:

Health Concerns:

• Regular or excessive consumption of UPFs can lead to various health issues including obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle disorders.

Addiction:

• The taste-enhancing additives in UPFs can contribute to addiction, making individuals prone to consuming them regularly.

The Way Forward:

Stringent Regulation:

• Implementing accurate labelling of UPFs is crucial, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their food consumption.

Awareness Campaigns:

• Educating consumers about potential allergens and the health risks associated with UPFs is essential for making informed dietary decisions.

Promotion of Homemade Food:

• Encouraging the consumption of homemade meals promotes nutritional intake and healthier eating habits among individuals.

Promotion of Local and Indigenous Food:

• Emphasizing India’s rich culinary heritage and the use of locally sourced, indigenous ingredients promotes a healthier and more sustainable food culture, minimizing negative health impacts.

CHANGING THE GROWTH PARADIGM

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Reserve Bank of India’s Governor recently expressed concern in an open letter to the Union Finance Minister, highlighting the challenges in India’s economy. Despite impressive GDP growth, the Governor emphasized the need for decent jobs to enhance citizens’ well-being.

Dominant Growth Paradigm in India:

GDP-Centric Approach:

• Since the economic liberalization in 1991, all Indian governments have focused on increasing GDP, prioritizing the growth of the economic pie before considering its equitable distribution.
• This approach contrasts with previous “socialist” models that concentrated on improving conditions at the grassroots level.

Urban-Centric Model:

• The current growth paradigm favors cities and factories, often overlooking rural areas and farms.

Issues with the Current Growth Model:

Inequality:

• The GDP-centric approach has led to growing inequality, positioning India among the most unequal countries globally.

Environmental Concerns:

• The present growth model relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental challenges and hindering global climate efforts.

Fossil Fuel Dependence:

• Sectors like agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing rely extensively on fossil fuels, aggravating environmental problems.

The Way Forward for a New Growth Paradigm:

Shift from Mechanization:

• Advocate a retreat from excessive agricultural mechanization to promote sustainable farming practices.

Reduced Synthetic Agrochemical Use:

• Emphasize the reduction of synthetic agrochemicals for a more environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.

Balanced Urban-Rural Migration:

• Propose a balanced migration of the labor force, encouraging individuals to return to villages for traditional, organic farming practices.

Local Solutions for Global Challenges:

• Encourage local, community-driven solutions to address global issues like climate change and economic inequality.

Economic Independence:

• Suggest policymakers break away from Western-dominated economic theories, emphasizing the importance of India crafting its development path based on its unique realities.

By adopting a new growth paradigm focusing on sustainability, equality, and local empowerment, India can pave the way for inclusive and environmentally conscious economic progress.

PURPLE FROG

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Tamil Nadu government has taken a significant step to protect endangered species, especially the Purple Frog, by establishing the Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund (TNESCF).

About the Purple Frog:

• Also known as Maveli frog or Pignose Frog, it’s considered a ‘living fossil’ in the Nasikabatrachidae family, showing similarities to frogs in Seychelles.
• Believed to have co-existed with dinosaurs, it has a distinctive appearance with a bloated, dark purple to greyish body, short stout limbs, and a pointed snout.
• Unusual short hind legs prevent leaping, and short, muscular forelimbs with hard palms aid in burrowing underground.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Prefers loose, damp soil near ponds, ditches, or streams, dwelling underground most of the year.
• Endemic to specific Western Ghats habitats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with the Anamalai hill being a prime location in Tamil Nadu.
• Two types found in Tamil Nadu: Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis and Nasikabatrachus bhupathi.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Endangered, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022.
• Major threats include habitat loss, road networks disrupting habitats, and the impact of climate change.

ARMED WITH SPEARS AND SHIELDS, NIHANG SIKHS JOIN FARMERS’ PROTEST

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY – SOURCE: NDTV

Nihang Sikhs have joined the recent farmers’ protest, extending their support to the farming community in their standoff with security forces, showcasing solidarity and unity within the Sikh community.

About Nihang Sikhs:

• Nihang Sikhs, also known as Nihang Singhs or Akalis, are a distinct warrior order within the Sikh community, tracing their origins to the times of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
• Renowned for their martial traditions, they adhere to a specific code of conduct and have a rich history of defending Sikh shrines and communities.

Distinctive Features:

• Easily identifiable by their blue attire, including robes and high turbans adorned with steel quoits (chakrams).
• Skilled in Gatka martial arts, they carry traditional weapons like swords, spears, and daggers.

Historical Significance:

• Played a crucial role in defending the Sikh Panth during times of persecution, including against Mughal governors and Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Durrani.

Current Status:

• Divided into various groups, with two main forces: Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal, originating from the division of the Khalsa army in 1733.
• Headquarters of Buddha Dal is at Talvandi Sabo, Bathinda district, while Taruna Dal’s principal cantonment is at Baba Bakala, Amritsar district.
• Anandpur Sahib serves as a central gathering point, especially during Hola Mahalla, a Sikh festival introduced by Guru Gobind Singh, featuring military skill tournaments and mock battles.

RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024 AND GREY-ZONE WARFARE

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s Chief of Defence Staff discussed Grey-zone warfare at Raisina Dialogue 2024.

• Grey-zone warfare operates below a specific threshold to elicit a response, exploiting the operational space between peace and war to alter the status quo.
• The Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
• The theme for the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.” The conference serves as a platform for global leaders to deliberate on critical geopolitical and economic issues.