News In Short 10-12-2024

Eklingji Temple

Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture

In News

• The Eklingji Temple in Udaipur has recently implemented new rules, including a dress code and a mobile phone ban, with the stated aim of preserving the sanctity of the temple.

About Eklingji Temple

• Dedicated Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Ekling Nath, the ruling deity of the Mewar kingdom.

• Location: Kailashpuri, about 22 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• Built in: 8th century by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty.
  • Represents the spiritual and administrative power of the Mewar kings, who ruled as representatives of Lord Ekling Nath.
• Architectural Style: The temple complex comprises 108 temples, showcasing intricately carved stone architecture.
  • Features a four-faced Shiva Lingam made of black marble, symbolizing the four forms of Lord Shiva.
  • Originally linked to the Pashupata sect, then Nath sect, and later to Ramanandis.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Royal Connection: Historically managed by the Mewar royal family, who consider Lord Ekling Nath the real ruler of Mewar.
  • The Diwan of Mewar acts as the deity’s earthly representative.

Source: IE

New National Manuscripts Mission

Syllabus: GS1/Culture

Context

• The committee of experts has recommended the continuation of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) with broader reach and direct oversight by the Ministry. 

About

• Ministry:  Ministry of Culture
• Established in: 2003 (10th Five Year Plan)
• Aim: To conserve, and promote access to Indian manuscripts.
  • It functions as a unit under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, for which funds are provided to the organization. 
  • It uses technology for preservation and digitization of manuscripts. 
  • Training is offered for various aspects of preventive conservation. 

Source: PIB

Namo Drone Didi Central Sector Scheme

Syllabus: GS2/ Welfare Scheme

In Context

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has informed that 15 thousand drones were approved to be provided to the Women Self Help Groups under NAMO Drone Didi Central Sector scheme during the three years ending 2026.

Key Features

• Drone Subsidy: 80% of the cost of a drone is covered as a subsidy (up to ₹8 lakhs).
  • Remaining cost financed through loans under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
  • Easy Loan Terms: Loans at a 3% interest rate.
• Drone Pilot Training: Comprehensive training included in the drone package.
  • Focus on precision farming and application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Income Opportunities: SHGs can earn an additional ₹1 lakh per annum by renting drone spraying services to farmers.
• Implementation Period: Target to equip 15,000 Women SHGs with drones during 2024-25 to 2025-26.

Benefits

• Contributes to women-led economic development.
• Enhances agricultural efficiency and promotes sustainable farming practices.
• Strengthens rural economies by introducing modern technology at the grassroots level.

Source: AIR

National Panchayat Awards 2024

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has announced the recipients of the National Panchayat Awards 2024 for the appraisal year 2022–2023.

About

• The award recognizes Panchayats for their efforts in poverty alleviation, health, child welfare, water conservation, sanitation, infrastructure, social justice, governance, and women empowerment. 
• A total of 45 awardees (36 Gram Panchayats, 3 Block Panchayats, 3 District Panchayats and 3 Institutions) are selected for National Panchayat Awards 2024. 

Categories Under National Panchayat Awards 2024

• Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
• Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
• Special categories of Awards
  • Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar, 
  • Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar, and 
  • Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar. 

Source: PIB

Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education

Syllabus: GS2/Education

Context

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has finalized the ‘Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education’.

About

• Aim: To provide access to education and to enable the concept of life-long education.
• RPL is defined in the guidelines as a formal mechanism used to evaluate a person’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.
  • RPL is integral to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The objectives of RPL guidelines include enabling individuals who have acquired competencies through non-formal and informal learning methods to access higher education programmes.
• Significance:
  • It supports lifelong learning to develop a competent and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing labour market.
  • The guidelines offer marginalised groups the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications and improve their socio-economic status.

The University Grants Commission (UGC)

• Established in 1956, it provides funding to universities and colleges, sets guidelines for academic programs, and promotes research in institutions of higher learning.
• Key functions of the UGC include:
  • Accrediting universities: It grants recognition to universities in India.
  • Funding: Provides financial assistance to universities and colleges for development, research, and other academic purposes.
  • Regulating standards: Sets quality standards in teaching, research, and infrastructure in higher education institutions.
  • Promoting academic growth: Encourages research, innovation, and the development of new courses in various fields.

Source: TH

LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana

Syllabus: GS2/Welfare Scheme; GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Prime Minister has launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ of Life Insurance Corporation in Haryana.

About

• It is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years, who are Class X pass.
• They will receive specialized training and a stipend for the first three years to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness. 
• They can serve as LIC agents and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have the opportunity to qualify for being considered for Development Officer roles in LIC.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

• It is the largest life insurance company in India and one of the oldest, having been established in 1956. 
• It was formed by the merger of more than 200 private life insurance companies and provident societies,
• It has the objective of spreading life insurance across the country and making it accessible to every segment of the population.

Source: PIB

Removal of Vice President

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Context

• The opposition INDIA bloc MPs are considering moving an impeachment resolution against Vice-President (VP) and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for allegedly favouring the ruling NDA.

Removal of Vice President

• The procedure to remove the Vice-President is outlined in Articles 67 (b), 92, and 100 of the Constitution.
  • Under Article 67(b), a Vice-President can be removed through a resolution in the Council of States, passed by a majority and agreed upon by the House of the People, with at least 14 days’ notice. 
  • Article 92: The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration.
  • Article 100: Voting in Houses, power of Houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum.
• Such a resolution cannot be moved unless a notice of at least 14 days has been provided, indicating the intention to move the resolution. 
• Process: 
  • It begins with a resolution introduced in the Rajya Sabha, which requires a majority of 50% of the members present plus one on the day of voting. 
  • If approved, the resolution moves to the Lok Sabha, where it must be passed by a majority to take effect.
• Once both Houses pass the resolution, the Vice President is removed from office.

Source: IE

India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

Context

• The 3-day stocktake visit for India-Australia CECA was concluded recently.
  • The discussions covered areas of trade in goods, services, mobility, agri-tech cooperation, and more. 

About 

• CECA is a free-trade agreement between two countries that strengthens their bilateral trade.
• Australia and India first embarked on negotiations for a CECA in 2011.
• Talks were suspended in 2016. In 2021, the two countries formally revived the CECA talks.
• Both countries are looking to expand their trade ties under CECA, to cover sectors like goods, services, rules of origin, government procurement, digital trade, and agri-technology.
  • It also aims to unlock the potential of sectors such as clean energy, agribusiness, education, skills development, and tourism.
• In 2023-24, India’s imports from Australia declined 15% to USD 16.15 billion, while India’s exports increased 14.23% to USD 7.94 billion. Australia is India’s 13th largest export destination and 14th largest import source for India.

Source: PIB

Bamboo Shoots

Syllabus: GS3/ S&T, GS2/ Health

In News

• The discovery of anti-obesity properties in Melye-Amiley highlights the potential of India’s rich biodiversity and traditional food systems in addressing modern health challenges.
  • The findings suggest that Melye-Amiley can help reduce lipid accumulation and promote fat burning, making it a potential natural solution for weight management and metabolic health.

About  Melye-Amiley

• Definition: Traditional fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura, known for its unique flavor and health benefits.
• Region: Indigenous to Tripura, a state in North East India.
• Source: Derived from locally fermented bamboo shoots, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Source: PIB

Tungsten

Syllabus: GS3/S&T

In News

• The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a resolution to immediately revoke the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited, citing concerns about the environmental and cultural impact of mining in the area.

About Tungsten

• Appearance:  Shiny, silvery-white metal.
• Properties: High Melting Point, High Density, Hardness and Strength at high temperatures. 
• Occurrence: Found naturally on Earth almost exclusively in compounds with other elements.
  • Principal Ores are Scheelit and Wolframite
• Uses: High-Temperature Applications like used in filaments of incandescent light bulbs, arc-welding electrodes etc
  • Tungsten carbide (WC) is an extremely hard and wear-resistant material used in cutting tools.
  • Used in various industrial and defence applications. 
• Legal Status in India: Classified as a major mineral under the Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This means its exploration and mining are regulated by the government.

Source: TH

Hindon River

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment/ Pollution

In News

• Once a lifeline for communities settled along its banks, the Hindon River in Western Uttar Pradesh, often called India’s Sugar Bowl, has been reduced to a drain carrying domestic and industrial waste.
  • Declared “Dead” by environmental experts due to severe pollution and lack of aquatic life.

About Hindon River

• Origin: Upper Shivalik Hills in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Length: Approximately 400 kilometers before merging Yamuna River.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Krishni and Kali Rivers, which significantly impact its flow and pollution levels.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Once considered a lifeline for communities along its banks.Known as part of India’s Sugar Bowl due to its role in supporting sugarcane cultivation in the region.
• Heavily Polluted: Reduced to a drain carrying industrial and domestic waste.

Source: DTE

Indian Star Tortoise

Syllabus: GS3/ Species In News

In News

• As per the recent study, releasing confiscated Indian Star Tortoise back into the wild without proper scientific planning can be detrimental like they may carry diseases, have different genetic makeups or may have captive behavioral issues. 

About Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

• Description: Recognizable for its obsidian shell with sun-yellow star patterns.
  • Herbivorous and solitary; does not hibernate but becomes inactive in extreme weather.
  • Endemic to India and Sri Lanka, found in arid regions of northwest India, southern India, and Sri Lanka.
• Conservation Status:
  • CITES: Listed in Appendix I (prohibits international trade except for scientific purposes).
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I (highest protection).
  • IUCN: Vulnerable.
• Threats: Habitat loss, Illegal poaching for the exotic pet trade, Unscientific release of seized tortoises poses ecological risks.
• Recent Research Findings:
  • Genetic Divergence: Two distinct groups exist: Northwestern group: Genetically less diverse but stable.
  • Southern group: Highly diverse.
  • Historical Evolution: Divergence occurred around 2 million years ago due to climatic and habitat changes during the split from the Gondwana supercontinent.

Source: TH

INS Tushil

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• Stealth frigate INS Tushil is commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia.

About

• In 2016, India and Russia signed a deal for four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and two to be constructed at Goa.
  • The second frigate Tamal is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in Russia in the first quarter of next year.

About INS Tushil

• It is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of the Project 1135.6 of which six are already in service.
• Tushil means “the protector shield”, and its crest represents the “Abhedya Kavacham (impenetrable shield)”.
• Its motto is “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel (Fearless, Indomitable, and Resolute)”.
• It is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic. 
• It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including the jointly-developed Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles.

Source: PIB