Bodh Gaya Temple
Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture
In News
- Since February 2025, Buddhist monks and organisations across India and abroad have been protesting the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949.
More about the News
- They are demanding exclusive control of the Mahabodhi Temple—the holiest site in Buddhism where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.
- Under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) was established with the District Magistrate of Gaya as the ex-officio Chairperson.
- Buddhist Monks demand the dissolution of the current BTMC & establish a Buddhist-only management committee.
Mahabodhi Temple
- Built by Emperor Ashoka in 260 BCE after his conversion to Buddhism.
- The present structure of the Mahabodhi Temple dates back to the 5th or 6th century A.D., reflecting the architectural style of the Gupta period.
- Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, the site is believed to be where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Historically managed by Buddhists until the 13th century invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
- In the late 16th century, Hindu monk Ghamandi Giri established the Bodh Gaya Math at the site.
- Post-Independence (1949): Bihar government enacted the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, transferring management to a joint committee.
Source: TH
Tribhuvandas Patel
Syllabus: GS1/Personalities
Context
- The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to set up the Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, that is named after Tribhuvanda Patel.
About
- Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel is Known as the “father of the cooperative movement” in India, who played a key role in the development of dairy cooperatives.
- Kaira Cooperative Union: In 1946, Patel, urged by Morarji Desai, founded Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (KDCMPUL).
- His collaboration with Verghese Kurien, who was appointed as the mechanical engineer at the Kaira Union, led to the White Revolution. Patel played a pivotal role in the establishment of Amul.
- Legacy: Patel’s contributions were vital in the creation of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), and the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
- Recognition: Awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1963 and Padma Bhushan in 1964 for his community leadership.
Source: IE
Sarhul Festival
Syllabus: GS1/Culture
Context
- Adivasis in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will welcome the new year and the spring season with the Sarhul festival.
About
- Sarhul, meaning “worship of the Sal tree,” celebrates the union of the Sun (male priest) and the Earth (priest’s wife), symbolizing life’s cycles.
- It marks the beginning of agricultural activities after rituals.
- Sal trees (Shorea robusta) are venerated in Adivasi tradition as the abode of Sarna Maa, the deity who protects villages from natural forces.
- Festival Duration: The festival lasts for three days.
- The main rituals happen on day two at Sarna Sthals.
- These communally protected “sacred groves” can be found near villages across Chhotanagpur, which includes Jharkhand, parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar.
- Cultural Significance: Sarhul is celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho, with each having unique ways of celebrating.
- The festival has evolved from a hunting tradition to one focused on agriculture.
- Spread of Sarhul: The festival spread beyond Chhotanagpur with tribes migrating as indentured labor, now celebrated in places like Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
Source: IE
Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning
Syllabus: GS1/ Physical Geography
In News
- Japan has been alarmed over a long-anticipated megaquake in the Nankai Trough, warning that such an event could trigger devastating tsunamis.
What is a megaquake?
- A megaquake (or megathrust earthquake) is a massive seismic event with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher, capable of causing extreme destruction, tsunamis, and widespread loss of life and infrastructure.
What is the Nankai Trough?
- The Nankai Trough is a subduction zone—an undersea trench where the Philippine Sea Plate is being forced under the Eurasian Plate.
- This trench stretches about 800 km along Japan’s Pacific coastline, from Suruga Bay near central Japan to the Hyuganada Sea near Kyushu.
Why the Concern?
- The Japanese government estimates a 70–80% chance of a magnitude 8–9 earthquake in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years which could kill up to 300,000 people
- Historical data shows major quakes in this region every 100–150 years.
Source: Firstpost
P4 Initiative
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ initiative under Swarnadra 2047 vision.
About
- Aim: To ensure poverty-free Andhra Pradesh by 2029.
- ‘P4’ stands for ‘Public, Private, People Partnership’, and achieving ‘zero poverty’ is one of the (10 principles) of Swarna Andhra-2047.
- Key Benefits:
- House sites and house construction.
- Sanitation facilities and 100% tap water connections.
- LPG connections, reliable power supply, and rooftop solar incentives.
- High-speed internet for all households.
- Promotion of entrepreneurship in every family.
- Target Beneficiaries: Economically weaker families, termed ‘Bangaru Kutumbam’ (golden families).
- Supporters: Well-off contributors, called ‘Margadarsis’ (guides).
- Priority is given to the 20 lakh most deprived families for adoption by the top 10% wealthier families.
- Role of ‘Margadarsis’:
- Provide financial support or mentorship (e.g., education, career guidance, business support).
- Engage in long-term support beyond financial help.
- Contributions can include funding for education, medical expenses, and community development.
- Expected Outcome: Mobilize public-private participation, foster inclusive economic growth, and create a new poverty alleviation model in India.
Source: IE
Asbestos
Syllabus: GS3/ S&T
In News
- The Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) is observed annually during the first week of April.
About Asbestos
- Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, and their durability.
- Asbestos was widely used in numerous industrial, residential, and commercial applications due to its unique physical properties.
- When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge in the lungs and tissues, leading to chronic health conditions like Asbestosis, Mesothelioma etc.
Source: TH
Defence Exercises in News
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
Exercise Tiger Triumph
- The 4th edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph, the bilateral Tri-Service India-US Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, has commenced at Visakhapatnam (India).
About
- Launched in 2019, the exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and for the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to establish a Combined Coordination Center (CCC).
- This would enable rapid and smooth coordination between Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF) during exercises and in times of crises or contingencies.
Exercise INIOCHOS-25
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a prestigious multi-national air exercise hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force.
About
- It is a biennial multinational air exercise that integrates multiple air and surface assets from fifteen countries under realistic combat scenarios. The exercise is designed to simulate modern-day air warfare challenges.
Source: PIB
Naini Lake
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
Context
- The Naini Lake has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet — marking a five-year low.
- The lake has reached its zero level more than 10 times since 2000, compared to just twice in the 1900s.
About
- It is a natural freshwater lake, tectonic in origin and crescent-shaped due to repeated landslides.
- Situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
- Third largest lake in the state by surface area.
Source: IE
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