The Great Stupa of Sanchi
Syllabus: GS1/Ancient History
Context
- A two-day Mahabodhi Mahotsav was held at the Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.
The Great Stupa of Sanchi
- A stupa is a Buddhist commemorative monument usually containing sacred relics of the Buddha or other saints.
- The archetypal stupa is a hemispherical structure, whose origins can be traced to pre-Buddhist burial mounds found in India.
- Established: The stupa was commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty, who embraced Buddhism after his conversion following the Kalinga War.
- It was constructed to house relics of the Buddha and to serve as a center for Buddhist worship.
- Structure:
- The Great Stupa is a hemispherical dome made of stone and brick, with a central structure that is a large, raised platform containing the relics of the Buddha.
- It is topped by a ‘harmika’ to hold the triple umbrella, or ‘chhatraveli’, which represents the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
- Above the dome, there is a pillar-like structure called the chatra, which is a symbol of the Buddha’s presence and enlightenment.
- The Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the world.
Source: AIR
Nazca Geoglyphs in Peru
Syllabus :GS 1/Places in news
In News
Recent advancements in AI and drone technology have dramatically accelerated the discovery of new Nazca geoglyphs
- These discoveries provide deeper insights into Nazca culture, which is known for its ritualistic and ceremonial significance rather than written records.
About Nazca Lines
- They are located 400 km south of Lima, Peru and are ancient geoglyphs found on the barren Nazca Pampa.
- Geoglyphs created by removing rocks and earth to form negative images, preserved due to the desert’s dry and windless conditions.
- They date back over 2,000 years, and the dry desert climate has preserved them from erosion.
- Discovered in the 1920s, these geoglyphs were initially unknown, with around 430 identified over nearly a century.
Peru
- Location: It is situated in the western part of South America.
- It shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.
- Geographical Features: Peru extends along the Andes, the world’s longest exposed mountain range.
- The highest peak in the country is Mount Huascarán.
- Major rivers are the Amazon, Purus, Jurua etc. Lake Titicaca is a large freshwater lake in the Andes mountains on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It is often called the highest navigable lake in the world.
Source: IE
Oxford Lauds PRAGATI Platform
Syllabus: GS2/ E-Governance
In News
- A recent study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (SBS) has lauded the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) infrastructure monitoring system.
Findings of the Study
- Impact on Infrastructure Development: Fast-tracked 340 projects worth $205 billion, addressing critical challenges in infrastructure like land acquisition and inter-ministerial coordination.
- Enabled the completion of essential infrastructure services, such as roads, railways, water supply, and electricity distribution.
- Technological Innovation: Leveraged real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing for efficient decision-making and project acceleration.
- Incorporated sustainability by promoting green technologies and streamlining environmental clearances.
- Economic Transformation: Infrastructure spending under PRAGATI has a GDP multiplier effect of ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 for every rupee spent, as per RBI and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy studies.
- Social Benefits: Improved the quality of life for millions by providing essential services and ensuring inclusivity in development.
- Addressed bureaucratic inertia by fostering a Team India mindset and encouraging accountability across stakeholders.
- Lessons for Global Development: Provides a governance model for nations grappling with the Middle-Income Trap.
About PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) Platform
- Launch: Introduced in 2015 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Core objectives of PRAGATI:
- To expedite project implementation.
- To foster a collaborative approach among various government agencies.
- To ensure accountability in governance and project execution.
- Key features of PRAGATI:
- Integration of technology for real-time monitoring.
- Direct interaction between the Prime Minister and senior officials at both state and central levels.
- A focus on removing administrative silos and improving coordination.
Source: TOI
Prospects and Concerns for the Rabi Crop
Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
In News
- The Rabi cropping season is facing challenges due to:
- High October temperatures, which have delayed sowing and affected crop germination.
- Shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, which have hindered timely planting.
Reasons Behind the Slow Progress
- High October Temperatures: Temperatures were 0.68°C above normal, delaying sowing and causing poor germination, especially in crops like jeera (cumin) and other spices.
- Fertiliser Shortages: The unavailability of DAP fertiliser disrupted planting schedules for farmers.
- Delayed Start of Sowing: Farmers in key states like Uttar Pradesh began sowing later than usual (October 20-22 instead of mid-October).
Rabi Crops
- Sowing Period: Around October, during the Retreating Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon.
- Harvesting Period: April to May (summer season).
- Climate Requirements: Warm climate for seed germination.
- Cold climate for crop growth.
- Rainfall: Not heavily dependent on rainfall; irrigation is commonly used.
- Major Crops: Wheat, gram (chickpeas), peas, barley, mustard.
Other Crops Grown
- Kharif Crops:
- Sowing Period: During the Southwest Monsoon (end May to early June).
- Harvesting Period: Post-monsoon rains (beginning October).
- Climate Requirements: Requires heavy rainfall and hot weather for growth.
- Major Crops: Rice, maize, pulses (urad, moong dal), millets, cotton.
- Zaid Crops:
- Sowing and Harvesting Period: March to July (between Rabi and Kharif seasons).
- Climate Requirements: Warm weather with adequate water supply.
- Major Crops: Seasonal fruits (e.g. watermelon, muskmelon), vegetables, and fodder crops.
Source: TH
Windfall Tax
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
- The government abolished the windfall tax on crude oil, ATF, petrol, and diesel exports.
About Windfall Tax
- A windfall tax is imposed on industries or companies that experience extraordinary profits due to favorable market conditions, not attributable to their own efforts or innovation.
- These taxes help governments capture a share of these gains to fund public projects, manage fiscal deficits, or address wealth disparities.
- Introduced in July 2022, when global crude oil prices surged due to geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
- It targeted domestic crude oil producers and exporters of petroleum products (e.g., petrol, diesel, ATF), who benefited from elevated global prices.
Why was it abolished?
- Stabilizing global oil prices: Crude oil prices have come down from their peaks, reducing the need for the tax.
- Boosting Domestic and Export Sectors: Encourages more investments in oil and gas exploration and production.
Source: ET
Vadhavan Port
Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure
Context
- The Vadhavan greenfield port is under construction near Dahanu in Maharashtra.
About
- Development: Developed jointly by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
- It is scheduled to be finished by 2034, it is projected to be among the top 10 ports in the world.
- It will double India’s container trade from the current levels upon completion.
- A greenfield project means that the construction or expansion of the port takes place on previously undeveloped land.
- Brownfield projects are built on land that has been previously used and often requires redevelopment or rehabilitation.
Source: TH
Exercise CINBAX
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
Context
- The 1st edition of joint table top exercise CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at Foreign Training Node, Pune (India).
About
- Exercise CINBAX is a planning exercise designed to simulate joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- The exercise will be carried out in three phases and will include discussions on information operations, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics and casualty management, HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations etc.
Source: PIB
Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024)
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
Context
- The Indian Army and the Singapore Army concluded the 13th edition of Exercise Agni Warrior (XAW), in Maharashtra (India).
About
- Held in India since 2004, XAW is conducted under the ambit of the Army Bilateral Agreement, and highlights the warm and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and India.
- The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.
Source: PIB
Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP)
Syllabus :GS 3/Environment
In News
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event is hosted in West Asia.
- COP16 is the largest multilateral event ever hosted by Saudi Arabia, providing a platform for governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate on sustainable land management.
Presentation of the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP)
- India will present the AGWP, a major initiative aimed at restoring 1.15 million hectares of degraded land across four states in northwestern India.
- Features of the Aravalli Green Wall Project(AGWP): The project covers the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
- National Goals: The project is part of India’s effort to achieve the national goal of creating an additional 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2030.
- Broader Impact: The project contributes to India’s commitments under international conventions such as:
- UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification),
- CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity),
- UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
- Objectives and Features of AGWP: The project focuses on combating desertification, land degradation, and drought.
- It integrates indigenous species afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and advanced water management strategies.
Source: DD News
Nagaland Statehood Day
Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance
Context
- Nagaland Statehood Day was observed on December 1.
About Nagaland: Key Facts
- Formation: The state was formed on December 1, 1963, as the 16th state of India, and since then the day is annually celebrated as Nagaland Statehood Day.
- Until 1957, the region we today call Nagaland was just a district of the state of Assam, known to people as ‘The Naga Hills’.
- Boundary: One of the seven sister States, Nagaland is bound by Assam in the west, Myanmar in the east, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam in the North and Manipur in the South.
- Official language: Nagaland’s official language is English while Nagamese, a kind of pidgin Assamese, has become the common lingua.
- Tribes: There are 17 major tribes living in Nagaland: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, and Zeliang.
- Hornbill Festival: Also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’ and named after the Hornbill (Dhanesh bird), this 10-day event celebrates the traditions, cuisine, lifestyles, and dances of Nagaland’s Indigenous Warrior Tribes.
- Amur falcons: Nagaland is also known as the ‘Falcon Capital of the World’ as it is the primary stopover roosting site for Amur falcons.
- Economy: Nagaland is predominantly an agrarian economy with 71% of its population dependent on agriculture.
- Naga chilli: Considered one of the world’s hottest chillies based on the Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), is grown in Nagaland.
Source: PIB
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