29-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

IS KARNATAKA TEMPLE TAX BILL ‘ANTI-HINDU’?

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The Karnataka government’s attempt to amend the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997, faced opposition in the Legislative Council, primarily from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which holds a majority.

Proposed Amendments:

• Aimed to amend several provisions of the 1997 Act.
• Controversial change: Divert 10% of gross income (rather than net income) from temples with annual earnings exceeding Rs 1 crore to a common pool for temple maintenance.
• Proposed allocating 5% of income for temples earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to the same pool.

Criticism:

• BJP accused the government of targeting Hindu temples for revenue.
• Raised concerns about transparency and fairness of amendments.

Government’s Justification:

• Congress government clarified that the common pool for temple income was mandated since the Act’s enactment in 1997.
• Emphasized funds would be used for religious purposes within the Hindu community.
• Examples include aiding lower-income temples, supporting ailing priests, and providing scholarships to children from priest families.

Other Proposed Changes:

• Inclusion of individuals skilled in Vishwakarma Hindu temple architecture and sculpture in temple management committees.
• Rajya Dharmika Parishat granted authority to appoint committee chairmen.
• Mandated formation of oversight committees for infrastructural projects in temples earning over Rs 25 lakh annually.

Comparison with Other States:

• Karnataka’s approach similar to Telangana, where a Common Good Fund is created from temple income.
• Kerala operates through state-run Devaswom Boards, managed by government-appointed nominees.

Conclusion:

The controversy highlights the need for transparent and equitable policies in managing temple revenue, emphasizing the diversity in approaches taken by different Indian states.

SUBMERGED DWARKA: SEA OF EVIDENCE OF A WELL-PLANNED ANCIENT CITY-STATE

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIATODAY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a scuba diving expedition off Panchkui beach near Dwarka, Gujarat, on February 25.

Purpose: Explore the submerged Dwarka Nagari, the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Historical Significance of Dwarka:

• Dwarka is significant in Hindu mythology, associated with Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata.
• Krishna founded Dwarka after moving from Mathura with the Yadava clan.
• Vishnu Purana describes Dwarka as a splendid city with gardens, moats, and palaces.
• Modern-day Dwarka houses the 13th-century Dwarkadheesh temple.

Views of Early Experts and Archaeological Excavations:

• Scholars like F.E. Pargiter and A.S. Altekar proposed theories on Dwarka’s historical location.
• Archaeological excavations since the 20th century provided insights into the ancient settlement.
• Evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years discovered.

Underwater Exploration and Discoveries:

• Marine archaeologists, including those from the National Institute of Oceanography, conducted underwater explorations.
• Discoveries: Stone anchors, sculptures, pottery, and metal objects found, indicating a submerged settlement.
• Excavations on nearby islands like Beyt Dwarka revealed artifacts dating back to the Late Harappan period.

Challenges and Conclusion:

• Challenges in dating and identifying submerged structures due to shifting seabed and ocean currents.
• Despite discoveries, further research and interdisciplinary studies needed.
• Explorations shed light on Dwarka’s ancient history, emphasizing the need for continued investigation.

About Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat:

• Dwarkadhish Temple situated at the cusp of Gomti River and Arabian Sea in Gujarat.
• Important Hindu pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites, especially Lord Krishna devotees.
• Also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Main temple in Dwarka city, Gujarat’s Devbhoomi Dwarka district, rising from the Arabian Sea.

PM MODI FLAGS OFF FIRST INDIGENOUS HYDROGEN FUEL CELL FERRY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: HINDUSTANTIMES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry boat.

The vessel, built at Cochin Shipyard, is a 24-meter catamaran with fully air-conditioned spaces, capable of carrying 50 passengers.

Launch Event and Project:

• The launch event took place in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, as part of a program marking the foundation stone laying for a ₹17,300-crore project.
• The hydrogen fuel vessel incorporates fully indigenous technology, aligning with India’s net-zero commitments.

Clean Energy Potential of Hydrogen Fuel:

• Emissions: Hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell, produces only water vapor, making it a clean-burning energy source.
• Versatility: Hydrogen can be used for various applications, including fueling vehicles, generating electricity, and serving as energy storage for renewable sources.

Applications of Hydrogen:

• Fueling Vehicles: Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) offer long range and fast refueling with zero tailpipe emissions.
• Generating Electricity: Hydrogen in fuel cells can generate clean electricity for homes, businesses, and power grids.
• Energy Storage: Hydrogen can be stored and transported to balance fluctuations in renewable energy sources.

Production Methods:

• Hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels (grey hydrogen), but renewable sources can produce green hydrogen, making it sustainable.

Challenges:

• High Production Cost: Green hydrogen production is more expensive than traditional methods.
• Limited Infrastructure: Widespread adoption of FCEVs requires a network of hydrogen fuelling stations.

Conclusion:

Hydrogen fuel presents promise as a clean and versatile energy source.

Overcoming production cost and infrastructure challenges is crucial for its broader adoption in India and globally.

EARLY JACARANDA BLOOM SPARKS DEBATE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN MEXICO

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Mexico City’s iconic jacaranda trees, known for vibrant purple blooms, are experiencing an unusual early onset of flowering in January instead of spring.

Rising temperatures linked to premature winter end prompt scientists to investigate the phenomenon.

Scientific Investigation:

• Researcher: Constantino Gonzalez leads a team of local scientists.
• Correlation with Climate Change: Link between rising temperatures and premature winter end to early blooming.
• Data Collection: Scientists collect data and use satellite imagery to establish a connection.

Social Media Awareness:

• Early Blooms on Social Media: Images of early blooms shared on social media.
• Concerns Raised: Public awareness increases, raising concerns about climate change impacts on urban ecosystems.

Significance of Jacarandas:

• Introduced in the 19th Century: Japanese landscape architect introduced jacarandas.
• Ecological Role: Jacarandas attract hummingbirds and bees.
• Potential Impact: Changes in flowering patterns could affect these populations.

Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Ecosystems:

• Increased Heat Stress: Urban heat island effect leads to significantly higher temperatures in densely developed areas.
• Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense storms, floods, and droughts cause infrastructure damage and disrupt urban drainage systems.
• Biodiversity Loss: Altered temperatures and precipitation patterns impact plant and animal species, disrupting the balance of urban ecosystems.
• Water Scarcity & Quality: Decreased water availability and quality during droughts stress urban water supplies and ecosystems.
• Air Quality: Increased heat and altered air circulation worsen air quality, leading to negative health impacts.
• Sea Level Rise: Coastal cities face increased flooding and erosion from rising sea levels, threatening infrastructure and communities.
• Disproportionate Impact: Climate change exacerbates social inequalities, with vulnerable communities facing greater exposure to heat, flooding, and pollution hazards.

AFRICAN CLUBS ASSOCIATION (ACA) PRESS CONFERENCE

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

The Africa Club is the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, formed at the 37th African Union Summit.

Objective: To enhance Africa’s global financial influence by aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Key Functions and Aims:

• Amplification of Influence: Align functions with SDGs to boost Africa’s impact in the global financial system.
• Introduction of Financial Instruments: Introduce innovative financial tools for development.
• Debt Management Discussions: Provide a platform for discussing debt management.
• Collaborative Effort: Foster collaboration to address specific needs of African countries.

Member Institutions:

• African Export Import Bank
• Trade and Development Bank
• Africa Finance Corporation
• African Reinsurance Corporation
• African Trade and Investment Development Insurance
• Shelter Afrique Development Bank
• ZEP – RE (PTA Reinsurance Co)

Key Facts about African Union:

• Formation: Officially launched in 2002, succeeding the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).
• Member States: Consists of 55 member states across the African continent.
• Headquarters: Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Goals: Aims at strengthening member states individually and collectively through continental cooperation.

NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: LIVE SCIENCE

Scientists find that North Atlantic right whales are getting smaller.

About North Atlantic Right Whales:

• Migratory Behavior: Migrate from warmer winter waters to cooler poles in late summer.
• Habitat: Inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
• Seasonal Presence: Spend time near bays, peninsulas, and shallow coastal waters, depending on the season and hemisphere.
• Distribution: Primarily found in the coastal waters of the East coast of the United States and Canada.
• Species: Three recognized species – Southern right whales, North Atlantic right whales, and North Pacific right whales.
• Feeding Habits: Skim feed near the water surface, swimming through plankton clouds with mouths open, straining plankton through long baleen plates.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Critically endangered.
• CITES: Listed in Appendix I, highlighting the need for strict protection.

SWAYAM PLUS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Ministry of Education (MoE) launched SWAYAM Plus, an extension of the Massive Open Online Course platform SWAYAM.

• Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, SWAYAM Plus offers industry-relevant courses to enhance learners’ employability in collaboration with industry leaders.
• The platform incorporates innovative features such as multilingual content, AI-enabled guidance, credit recognition, and pathways to employment.
• The implementation is entrusted to IIT Madras, appointed as the nodal agency, and is funded by the MoE and the Department of Higher Education.
• The initiative signifies a commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities while addressing the evolving needs of learners and industries.