ASI Copies Inscriptions from Three Temples in Thirukkurungudi
What in News?
The Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Mysore has successfully copied inscriptions from three temples in Thirukkurungudi, Tirunelveli district, using the estampage method.
Temples Involved
- Nambi Rayar Temple (Thirukoshtiyur Temple):
- Located in Thirukoshtiyur near Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).
- Linked with the Vaishnavite saint Ramanuja, who learned the sacred “Ashtakshara” mantra here.
- The temple features a five-tiered rajagopuram and follows the Dravidian architectural style.
- Inscription: A tax-free land donation for creating a garden to supply flowers for temple pujas.
- Thirumalai Nambi Temple (Thirumaliruncholai Temple):
- Situated in Thirumaliruncholai, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and also known as Azhagar Kovil, this temple is another of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Saint Thirumalai Nambi, a scholar and priest, is associated with this temple.
- Set in a hilly region, it showcases traditional Dravidian architecture with detailed carvings and sculptures.
- Aniliswarar Temple:
- Located in Anilivandhan Kottai, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Its architecture follows the Dravidian architectural style.
- Inscription: Pandya period, dating back to the 9th century, revealed a donation of 50 sheep to the temple. This inscription was written in Vattezhuthu and Tamil.
Estampage
It is an age-old technique in epigraphy used to produce precise reproductions of inscriptions. The process involves laying a specialized paper over the inscription, applying ink, and pressing the paper to imprint the engraving’s details.
Dravidian Style of Architecture
Time Period: Between the 8th century and the 13th-14th century AD.
Enclosure: Enclosed within a compound wall, unlike Nagara-style temples.
Key Features
- Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The front wall contains an elaborate gateway tower called the gopuram, which serves as the main entrance to the temple complex.
- Vimana (Main Tower): The vimana or main temple tower has a stepped, pyramid-like structure that rises geometrically, contrasting with the curving shikhara found in North Indian temples.
- Temple Tank: A large water reservoir or temple tank is commonly found within the temple complex.
Temple Shapes
- Square (Kuta or Caturasra)
- Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)
- Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)
- Circular (Vritta)
- Octagonal (Ashtasra)
Notable Temples
The Pallavas were among the earliest builders of Dravidian temples. Notable examples include:
- Mahabalipuram: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) began construction, while Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Shore Temple, which houses three shrines for Shiva and Vishnu.
- Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur): Built by Rajaraja Chola in 1009 CE, this is the largest and tallest of Indian temples, known for its massive gopurams adorned with intricate sculptures.
Conclusion
The successful copying of inscriptions from the three temples in Thirukkurungudi sheds light on ancient religious practices of the 9th Century.
Nations with Mineral Reserves Needed for Energy Transition
What in News?
Transitioning to low-carbon energy increases demand for minerals crucial to solar, wind, nuclear, and battery technologies, reshaping geopolitics.
What are Mineral Reserves?
Mineral reserves refer to known and economically viable mineral deposits that can be extracted.
Significance: These reserves will be critical in the shift from coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy sources, supporting the global clean energy transition.
Minerals and Their Importance in Energy Transition
- Bauxite: Primary source of aluminum. Essential for wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, electrolyzers, and transmission cables.
- Chromium: For geothermal and concentrated solar power. Used in wind turbines and for radiation shielding in nuclear power plants.
- Cobalt: Used in consumer electronics, catalysts for the oil industry, resistant metal alloys, and critical components in many lithium-ion battery technologies.
- Copper: Critical element in solar photovoltaics, wind power, battery storage, and electricity grids.
- Graphite: Component of battery anodes, important for the transition to electric vehicles, and stationary batteries for balancing electricity grids.
- Lithium: Core component of lithium-ion batteries.
- Manganese: Widely used in solar and wind power, and in lithium-ion batteries for electric cars.
- Molybdenum: Has a very high electrical conductivity but expands little when exposed to heat.
- Nickel: Used in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars.
- Rare earths: Used in wind power for permanent magnets.
- Silver: Used in clean energy for solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles.
- Uranium: Primary fuel for nuclear energy production.
Global Distribution of Mineral Reserves
Countries rich in these minerals are strategically positioned to benefit from the global energy transition. Their reserves are not only important for domestic energy needs but also for global supply chains in renewable energy technologies.
Conclusion
The shift to a low-carbon energy system will be shaped by the availability of crucial minerals. Countries with substantial reserves will play a central role in this transformation, influencing global energy markets and geopolitics.
Five Pacts Inked, Agreement on FTA Negotiations: India Steps Up Economic Aid to Maldives After Talks to Reset Ties
What in News?
Strengthening bilateral ties between India and Maldives through economic aid, defense cooperation, and Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
India and the Maldives are enhancing their bilateral relations with a focus on economic and maritime security cooperation.
Economic Assistance
India extended financial aid to the Maldives, including INR 30 billion and a USD 400 million bilateral currency swap agreement, helping the Maldives address foreign exchange challenges.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations
Both nations agreed to start FTA negotiations to enhance trade, investment, and economic ties.
Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation
India and Maldives launched a “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” focusing on maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India agreed to refit and repair a Maldivian Coast Guard vessel and provide radar systems, hydrographic assistance, and disaster response support.
- The partnership includes upgrading infrastructure for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) and strengthening their surveillance and operational capabilities.
People-to-People Ties
The introduction of the RuPay card in the Maldives and the construction of social housing units are key projects enhancing cultural and economic connectivity.
Multilateral Cooperation
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), which focuses on regional maritime security.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is an Indian strategic vision aimed at enhancing maritime security, economic growth, and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Launched: SAGAR was introduced in 2015 in Mauritius.
- Objective: Strengthen India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while promoting sustainable growth and cooperation.
Key Pillars of SAGAR
- Maritime Security: Safeguarding India’s maritime interests, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and ensuring peace in the IOR.
- Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade, investment, and infrastructure development with IOR countries.
- Sustainable Development: Promoting the Blue Economy and sustainable development of maritime resources in IOR.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening the maritime capabilities of littoral countries, especially through training and joint exercises.
- Disaster Risk Management: Supporting countries in the IOR with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) during emergencies.
Way Forward
Strengthen economic ties through FTA negotiations, enhance maritime security cooperation, expand people-to-people connectivity, and promote sustainable regional development.
Nobel Prize for Medicine Out: What Exactly Have the Winners Worked On
What in News?
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of microRNA and its critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
What is microRNA?
MicroRNA (miRNA) are small molecules that regulate the production of proteins in cells, which are essential for most biological functions.
Mechanism
These molecules bind to messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries instructions from DNA to make proteins. Instead of allowing immediate translation into proteins, microRNA either destroys the mRNA or delays its translation, controlling gene expression.
Importance of Their Work
- Gene Regulation: The discovery of microRNA revealed a previously unknown layer of gene regulation that is crucial for normal cellular function.
- Disease Implications: MicroRNA plays a significant role in maintaining normal gene expression and tissue development across multicellular organisms, including humans. It is implicated in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
- Broader Impact: MicroRNA is not unique to roundworms but is found across many species, including humans, making it essential for understanding complex genetic functions.
Conclusion
The discovery of microRNA has revolutionized the understanding of gene regulation, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential medical research and treatment applications.
What is Marburg Virus, Which Has Rocked Rwanda?
What in News?
One of the deadliest pathogens known to infect humans, the Marburg virus causes deadly hemorrhagic fever.
Marburg Virus
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): This is among the deadliest pathogens affecting humans, with fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% in various outbreaks.
Historical Context: The first outbreak was recorded in Marburg, Germany, in 1967, with subsequent outbreaks mainly in Africa.
Spread of Marburg Virus
- Primary Transmission: The virus is initially transmitted through contact with Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat, which are known carriers.
- Human-to-Human Transmission: MVD spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, sweat, vomit) and indirectly through contaminated surfaces (e.g., bedding, clothing).
Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease
- Incubation Period: Symptoms can appear 2 to 21 days after exposure.
- Initial Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and severe watery diarrhea.
- Hemorrhagic Symptoms: Many patients may experience bleeding in various areas, including the digestive system, which contributes to fatalities.
Prevention and Treatment
Current Status: No approved vaccines or specific treatments exist for MVD, but supportive care (rehydration) can improve survival rates.
Research and Development: Rwanda is seeking experimental vaccines and treatments, with the Sabin Vaccine Institute supplying 700 doses of an experimental Marburg vaccine for frontline healthcare workers.
Conclusion
The Marburg virus poses a severe risk to public health in Rwanda, necessitating urgent international cooperation and innovative health solutions to manage and mitigate the outbreak effectively.
Board Seeks Report on Biodiversity Destruction in Chokramudi Hills
What in News?
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) seeks a report on ecological damage in the Chokramudi Hills due to construction activities, which are impacting the Neelakurinji flowers and rare species in Idukki, Kerala.
Why is this Important?
The Chokramudi Hills, known for their rich biodiversity, including the rare Neelakurinji flower, are facing destruction due to human activities. The land ownership details are also under scrutiny, and action may be taken under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, if the land is public.
What is Neelakurinji?
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) is a rare flower species that blooms once every 12 years, found predominantly in the Western Ghats. It is a key component of the unique ecosystem of the hills, supporting local flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Chokramudi Hills
- Location: Chokramudi Hills is part of the Western Ghats, situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, near Munnar. The Western Ghats is one of the eight “hottest biodiversity hotspots” in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Geological Features: Characterized by high-altitude grasslands and shola forests, the Western Ghats play a significant role in influencing the southwest monsoons, affecting the climate and agriculture of the region.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Rich in flora and fauna, it is home to the Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthianus), which blooms once every 12 years, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain ungulate found in the Western Ghats.
- Economical Aspect: The hills are surrounded by the lush tea plantations of Munnar, providing livelihoods to many locals and contributing to Kerala’s economy.
Way Forward
There should be a focus on stricter enforcement of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, sustainable development policies, ecological restoration efforts, and promoting community participation to safeguard the biodiversity of Chokramudi Hills.
Marine Biodiversity Awareness Campaign Vehicle Flagged Off
What in News?
A seven-day vehicle campaign in Ramanathapuram district promotes marine biodiversity conservation, raising public awareness on protecting marine ecosystems.
Marine Biodiversity
Marine biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in oceanic and coastal ecosystems, including species, genes, and ecosystems. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface and host around 25% of global biodiversity, playing a critical role in regulating climate and supporting livelihoods.
Importance of Marine Biodiversity
- Climate Regulation: Marine ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks, and influence weather patterns.
- Food Security: Provides fish and seafood, a major protein source for millions of people globally.
- Economic Value: Supports fisheries, tourism, and pharmaceutical industries.
- Ecosystem Services: Purifies water, protects shorelines from erosion, and supports nutrient cycling.
Threats to Marine Biodiversity
- Overfishing: Depletes fish populations, disrupting food chains.
- Climate Change: Causes ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and rising sea levels.
- Pollution: Marine pollution from plastic, oil spills, and toxic chemicals harms aquatic life.
- Habitat Destruction: Coastal development, mangrove deforestation, and coral reef degradation.
Conservation Measures
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designating regions for the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Sustainable Fisheries: Regulating fishing practices and promoting aquaculture.
- International Agreements: Treaties like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focus on marine conservation.
- Blue Economy: Promoting sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while ensuring environmental health.
India’s Initiatives
- National Marine Fisheries Policy, 2017: Aims to ensure sustainable development in marine fisheries.
- Conservation of Coral Reefs: Projects in areas like Gulf of Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): A strategy to manage coastal areas sustainably.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): India has established MPAs in regions like Lakshadweep, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Way Forward
A vehicle campaign in Ramanathapuram promotes marine biodiversity awareness, emphasizing conservation, sustainable practices, and community engagement to protect marine ecosystems.
A Sustainable Future Within Reach
What in News?
India and other countries should bolster their adaptive strategies, safeguarding their populations and economies.
Global Stocktake at COP28
- Climate Adaptation Gaps: The first global stocktake at COP28 highlighted significant gaps in adaptation efforts across sectors and regions.
- Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Focuses on enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change.
UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience
- Impact, vulnerability, and risk assessment.
- Country-driven planning and implementation of adaptation policies.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
- 2030 Targets: Include reducing water scarcity, attaining climate-resilient food production, and enhancing health services to mitigate climate-related impacts.
India’s Climate Resilience Strategies
- India’s Role: India is advocating for stronger policy frameworks, capacity building, and enhanced financial support from developed countries.
- Indicator Development: Under the UAE-Belem work programme, indicators for measuring GGA progress are being developed, focusing on the specific realities of developing countries.
Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) is a key commitment under the Paris Agreement aimed at enhancing adaptive capacity, bolstering resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change. The GGA emphasizes the importance of nations conducting thorough climate risk assessments, utilizing the results to inform policy decisions, and establishing early warning systems by 2027.
Challenges in Implementing the GGA
- Translating Global Goals to National Action: Adapting broad goals to specific national contexts.
- Measuring Progress: Establishing effective metrics for assessment.
- Financing Gap: Addressing the financial resources needed for adaptation efforts.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Financial Commitments: Developed nations must fulfill their climate finance obligations.
- Collaborative Efforts: The upcoming COP29 negotiations will be crucial in resolving tensions regarding financial commitments and advancing GGA implementation.
In Brief
Ladki Bahin Yojana
The Ladki Bahin Yojana aims to empower women by offering monthly financial support, helping them meet their essential needs and improve their quality of life. It promotes gender equality and encourages women’s involvement in socio-economic activities, fostering their holistic development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Income: The family’s annual income should be below ₹2.5 lakh.
- Employment: Women working in government jobs or paying income tax are ineligible for this scheme.
- Age Limit: 21 to 65 years.
Benefits
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, introduced by the Maharashtra government, provides the following key benefits:
- Monthly Financial Aid: ₹1,500 per month for eligible women.
- Free LPG Cylinders: Three LPG cylinders annually.
- Educational Support: Fee waivers for economically disadvantaged girls from OBC and EWS categories for higher education.
Slender Loris
Overview:
India’s first sanctuary dedicated to the endangered Slender Loris will be established in the Karur and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu.
The Slender Loris is a small, nocturnal mammal that primarily lives in trees. Found in India and Sri Lanka, it ranks among the world’s 25 most endangered primates. The species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
They play a vital ecological role by controlling pests harmful to crops, benefiting farmers. According to reports, approximately 14,000 Slender Loris inhabit the forests of Dindigul and Karur in Tamil Nadu.
River in News
Amazon River
Why in News?
The Amazon basin, particularly the Rio Negro, is experiencing record-low water levels due to severe drought conditions exacerbated by climate change and below-average rainfall. This drought is the most intense in over 120 years of recorded measurements.
About Amazon River
- World’s Largest River: It is the world’s largest river by water volume and width and the second-longest river in the world after the Nile.
- Course: Its journey begins high in the Andes Mountains and empties into the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil.
- River Basin: It has the largest drainage area of any river system.
- Watershed: Its watershed spans the countries of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
- Size Variability: The river’s size changes with the seasons. In the dry season, it spans 4 to 5 km in width, but during the wet season, this can swell to 50 km.
- Tributaries: Notable tributaries include the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Xingu River, among many others.
- Amazing Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest, which represents about half of the Earth’s remaining rainforest, also constitutes its single largest reserve of biological resources.
- “Lungs of the Earth”: It is sometimes referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its role in regulating the planet’s oxygen and carbon cycles.
What is a River Basin?
A river basin is the portion of land drained by a river and its tributaries. It encompasses all of the land surface dissected and drained by many streams and creeks that flow downhill into one another, and eventually into the main river.
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