Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Punganur Cows
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister made headlines by feeding Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.
- His gesture not only symbolized a cultural tradition but also shed light on this unique cattle breed.
About Punganur Cows
- Origin: Punganur cows hail from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.
- Dwarf Stature: These cows are exceptionally small, measuring just 70-90 cm in height, with an average weight ranging from 115-200 kg.
- Distinctive Features: They are known for their broad foreheads, short horns, and are ideal for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
- Milk Yield: Punganur cows are recognized for their rich milk production, yielding 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
- Temple Use: Many temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the renowned Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offerings to deities).
- Varied Costs: The cost of these cows ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors like purity and health.
Nutrition in Punganur Cow’s Milk
- Presence of Gold: Notably, the milk from Punganur cows contains an element identified as ‘Au’, the chemical symbol for gold.
- High-Fat Content: Punganur cow’s milk boasts a high-fat content of eight percent, in contrast to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds.
- Nutrient-Rich: This milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering significant nutritional benefits.
- Medicinal Value: The milk is believed to possess medicinal properties, contributing to overall health.
Resilience and Adaptability
- Drought-Resistant: Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, with the ability to thrive on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
- Docile Temperament: They have a calm and manageable temperament, making them easy to handle.
- Disease Resistance: These cows are resistant to common diseases and parasites, adding to their appeal.
Breed Protection Measures
- Threat of Extinction: At one point, Punganur cattle faced extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production.
- Mission Punganur: In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated ‘Mission Punganur’ with an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore to boost the cattle population using IVF technology.
- Enhancing Reproduction: The mission aimed to enhance reproductive efficiency, with plans to produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
- PMO’s Involvement: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also part of the conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shree Mandira Parikrama Project
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- In a bid to elevate the spiritual experience of devotees and bolster the infrastructure for pilgrims, the Odisha government is all set to inaugurate the grand Shree Mandira Parikrama project.
What is Shree Mandira Parikrama Project?
- This Rs 800-crore heritage corridor, encircling the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a pivotal part of a broader initiative aimed at rejuvenating this holy city.
- It entails the creation of a 75-meter corridor that encircles the revered Jagannath Temple complex.
- This designed corridor aims to provide pilgrims with a “visual connect” to the temple, enriching their spiritual journey.
About Jagannath Puri Temple
- The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
- The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
- The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.
Its architecture
- With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
- The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
- This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
- Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.
The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:
- Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
- Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
- Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
- Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Economic Forum (WEF)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) has begun its annual summit in Davos, Switzerland.
World Economic Forum (WEF)
- Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WEF is an international not-for-profit organization, focused on bringing the public and private sectors together to address the global political, social, and economic issues.
- It was founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist and Professor Klaus Schwab in a bid to promote global cooperation on these most pressing problems.
- The first meeting of WEF was held more than five decades ago in Davos, which has been the home of the annual gathering almost ever since, also becoming the shorthand for the event.
Purpose and Essence of the WEF
- Bringing Stakeholders Together: The WEF gathers leaders from business, government, and civil society to address global challenges and brainstorm solutions.
- Scope Expansion: Initially focusing on European firms catching up with US management practices, the WEF’s scope broadened to encompass economic and social issues.
Annual Meeting in Davos
- Membership: In 1975, the WEF introduced a membership system for the world’s top 1,000 companies.
- Global Diplomacy: Davos serves as a backdrop for international diplomacy, offering leaders a conducive environment to defuse tensions and engage in critical discussions.
- Historic Meetings: Notable meetings in Davos have included North and South Korea’s first ministerial-level talks and discussions on German reunification.
- Birth of the G20: The idea for the G20, comprising 20 countries and initially focusing on global finance, emerged from discussions at the WEF in 1998.
Funding and Davos’s Serene Environment
- WEF Funding: The WEF is primarily funded by partnering corporations, typically global enterprises with annual turnover exceeding $5 billion.
- Davos Setting: Davos’s tranquil surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for the WEF’s mission to foster a more prosperous global economy.
Beyond Discussions: WEF’s Impact
- Global Rankings: The WEF publishes influential global rankings and indices, such as the Global Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.
- Significance: WEF Summit serves as a dynamic platform where leaders and stakeholders converge to address pressing global issues, fostering cooperation and innovation on a grand scale.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Surgery
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Global surgery, despite its critical importance, often remains in the shadows of global health initiatives.
- This is particularly evident in South Asia, where the world’s largest population lacking access to essential surgery resides.
Why discuss this?
- Global surgery aims to address this disparity by focusing on equitable access to emergency and essential surgical care, encompassing a range of procedures.
- While 2015 marked a turning point in recognizing the significance of global surgery, this field’s history goes back several decades.
What is Global Surgery?
- Equitable Access: Global surgery prioritizes providing equitable access to emergency and essential surgical care, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but also in under-served populations within high-income countries (HICs).
- Scope of Surgery: It encompasses essential and emergency surgeries, including surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anaesthesia (SOTA).
Emergence of Global Surgery
- Annus Mirabilis of 2015: This year marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the global significance of surgical care.
- Influential Reports: The Disease Control Priorities Network (DCPN) report sponsored by the World Bank and The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) played key roles.
- WHO Resolution 68.15: The World Health Organization Declaration on Safe Surgery highlighted the essential role of surgical systems in achieving universal health coverage.
Magnitude of the Problem
- Access Disparities: Over 70% of the global population, around five billion people, lack timely access to safe and affordable surgical care.
- Regional Disparities: Access gaps are most severe in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), with 99% and 96% of people facing disparities, compared to 24% in HICs.
- South Asia’s Challenge: Over 1.6 billion people, over 98% of South Asia’s population, lack access to safe and affordable SOTA care.
- Disease Burden: In 2010, surgically treatable conditions caused around 17 million deaths, surpassing the combined mortality burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
- Economic Impact: The cumulative projected loss to global GDP due to insufficient surgical care could reach $20.7 trillion by 2030.
Current Efforts and Neglect
- Neglect in Policies: Surgical care often receives little attention in international and national policies.
- Limited Research Focus: Research in global surgery is underrepresented compared to global health.
- Funding Neglect: Funding for surgery is significantly lower than for other health sectors.
- Research Funding Disparity: Research funding for surgery-related projects is scarce compared to other health fields.
Way Forward
- Cost-Effectiveness: Global surgery has demonstrated that emergency and essential surgical care is cost-effective and cost-beneficial.
- Policy Commitment: Many countries have initiated National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPs), demonstrating political and policy commitment.
- Positive Initiatives: Several South Asian countries have launched initiatives to expand surgical access.
- Research and Innovation: Prioritizing research, policy support, and sustainable financing are key to addressing global surgery challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shankaracharyas, Adi Shankara
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The four Shankaracharyas’ decision to abstain from the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 has raised questions and garnered attention.
- To understand this decision and the significance of Shankaracharyas, it’s crucial to delve into the context and explore the life of Adi Shankara, a pivotal figure in Hinduism.
Who are the Shankaracharyas?
- Religious Leaders: Shankaracharya, meaning ‘teacher of the way of Shankara,’ is a title held by the heads of four cardinal mathas or peeths, believed to be established by Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE).
- Legacy of Adi Shankara: These religious teachers are said to belong to a lineage dating back to Adi Shankara, a revered scholar and philosopher.
- Historical Context: The existence of these mathas before the 14th century CE is disputed, with evidence suggesting retrospective establishment to legitimize these centers of knowledge and learning.
Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview
- Adi Shankaracharya was a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, often referred to as Sankara (Jagatguru). He was a staunch advocate of ancient Hinduism.
- His birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is poised to be declared a national monument.
- He received guidance from his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, under whom he diligently studied texts like ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
- Shankara propagated the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ earning him the title ‘Shankaracharya’ among his disciples.
His Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta
- Non-Dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ espouses non-dualism.
- Ultimate Reality: It asserts that the world exists due to the creative energy (Maya) of Brahman, the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
- Identity of Self: In Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both identical in truth – both are Brahman. However, the individual self appears different, akin to space inside a container seeming distinct from space as a whole.
- Overcoming Error: Mistakes and ignorance lead to a plurality (Avidya), but understanding Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.
Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played pivotal roles in propagating his teachings:
- Padmapada: Known for his deep devotion and poetry.
- Totakacharya: Devoted to Shankaracharya’s mission and revered for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
- Hasta Malaka: A child prodigy who astounded Shankaracharya with his understanding of Advaita philosophy.
- Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to Shankaracharya.
Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya
- Shankaracharya introduced the ‘Shanmata’ system, which emphasized worship of the five principal deities and restored the Dashanami structure.
- He composed numerous devotional and meditative hymns and authored key texts on Advaita Vedanta, including commentaries on major scriptures.
- Adi Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism at a time when it faced challenges from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting unity and re-establishing traditions.
- He established four monastic institutions (Mathas) in different corners of India, unifying the nation and codifying leadership roles:
- Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Chikmaglur in Karnataka
- Jyotir Matha in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand
- Kalika Matha in Dwarka in Gujarat
- Govardhana Matha in Puri in Odisha
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gulf of Aden
Mains level: Resurgence of piracy and the complexity of the issue and the challenges faced by regional navies
Central Idea:
The resurgence of piracy in the western Indian Ocean, exemplified by the recent hijacking of MV Lila Norfolk, has placed regional navies, including the Indian Navy, under strain. The article explores potential explanations for the surge in pirate attacks, including security shifts in the Gulf of Aden, possible collaborations between pirates and militants, and connections to power rivalries in the Horn of Africa.
Key Highlights:
- The Indian Navy’s swift and effective response in rescuing the MV Lila Norfolk crew demonstrated their capability and determination in ensuring maritime security.
- Reduced international maritime presence in the Gulf of Aden may have contributed to the recent increase in pirate attacks.
- The article discusses theories of collaboration between pirates and militants, lack of concrete evidence, and links piracy to power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
- Socioeconomic factors, like illegal fishing off Somalia’s coastline, continue to fuel piracy as a means for local communities to cope with limited resources.
Key Challenges:
- The resurgence of piracy poses a significant challenge for regional navies and shipping companies.
- The complexity of piracy and the diverse theories surrounding its resurgence make it challenging to address with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Key Terms:
- MV Lila Norfolk
- Gulf of Aden
- Al-Shabaab
- Houthis
- Somaliland
- P-8I maritime patrol aircraft
- MQ-9B drone
Key Phrases:
- Security shift from the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea.
- Collaboration between pirates and militants.
- Power rivalries in the Horn of Africa.
- Socioeconomic realities underlying Somali piracy.
Key Quotes:
“The Indian Navy has received deserved praise for its prompt and effective response.” “The growing frequency of attacks in the Gulf of Aden has called into question assumptions about the eradication of piracy in Somali waters.”
Key Statements:
- The article emphasizes the prompt and effective response of the Indian Navy in the recent piracy incident.
- It questions the adequacy of current anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Key Examples and References:
- MV Lila Norfolk hijacking on January 5, 2024.
- Termination of NATO’s anti-piracy mission in 2016.
Key Facts:
- 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, were rescued in the recent piracy incident.
- Attacks on merchant ships in the western Indian Ocean have become increasingly common in the past six weeks.
Key Data:
- The MV Lila Norfolk, sailing under the Liberian flag, was hijacked 850 km east off Africa’s coast.
- The Indian Navy deployed the INS Chennai, a guided missile destroyer, in response to the hijacking.
Critical Analysis:
The article critically examines various theories behind the resurgence of piracy, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the challenges faced by regional navies. The lack of concrete evidence for certain theories is acknowledged, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the problem.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen international cooperation and presence in the Gulf of Aden to address the piracy resurgence.
- Conduct further research to understand the root causes of piracy, including socioeconomic factors and power dynamics.
- Reassess and enhance anti-piracy operations to adapt to evolving security challenges in the region.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CO2eq
Mains level: Policy consistency and focus on achieving the goal of being net-zero by 2070
Central Idea:
The article delves into India’s current carbon emissions landscape, spotlighting the Global Carbon Project’s findings released during COP28. It underscores the imperative for a thoughtful decarbonization strategy, scrutinizing challenges and potential resolutions, particularly in the context of renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and the prospect of green hydrogen.
Highlights:
- India’s projected CO2 emissions are poised to surpass 3 gigatons by the close of 2023, reflecting an 8% uptick from 2022.
- Despite lower per capita and cumulative emissions compared to global averages, India grapples with the task of mitigating emissions in key sectors: energy, agriculture, and industry.
- The energy sector shoulders 76% of greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a shift away from fossil fuels, notably in power generation and transportation.
Challenges:
- Transport Sector Transition: EV adoption confronts challenges due to dependence on the fossil fuel-reliant power grid and infrastructure gaps, especially for four-wheelers and heavy transport.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Industries reliant on intense heat, such as iron and steel, face hurdles in substituting fossil fuels, as renewable sources may fall short in meeting their power requirements.
- Green Hydrogen: Despite being hailed as a solution, global production of green hydrogen remains minimal. Challenges include the need for substantial green power and water, along with issues in transportation and energy-intensive storage methods.
Key Terms:
- CO2eq: Carbon dioxide equivalent, a metric expressing the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases.
- Renewable Capacity: The quantum of energy a country can generate from renewable sources like solar and wind.
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, deemed a potential clean fuel.
Key Phrases:
- “Low-hanging fruit”: Referring to the simplest or most readily achievable goals, such as scaling up renewable capacity.
- “Net-zero by 2070”: The aspiration to achieve equilibrium between greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere by 2070.
Key Quotes:
- “Reduction in the use of fossil fuels can be easily done in the case of power generation…”
- “What is thus evident is that the easiest way to decarbonise is to scale up renewable capacity…”
Key Statements:
- “India’s per capita and cumulative emissions notwithstanding, we need to strategize our decarbonization process.”
- “The best solution for sectors like heavy transport or industries is getting access to green hydrogen.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to India’s Third National Communication (2023) offering data on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Mention of the challenges in adopting electric vehicles, especially for heavy transport and four-wheelers.
Key Facts and Data:
- India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 were 3.1 gigatons of CO2eq, with the energy sector contributing 76%.
- The energy sector, particularly power generation, accounts for 39% of CO2 emissions in India.
Critical Analysis:
- The article underscores the intricacies of decarbonization, recognizing the limitations of current solutions like electric vehicles and the hurdles in transitioning industries.
- It stresses the need for a comprehensive approach, amalgamating renewable energy scaling with advancements in technologies like green hydrogen.
- The author critiques policy inconsistencies, highlighting the incongruity between announcing new coal-based capacity and a prior commitment to avoid it.
Way Forward:
- Prioritize renewable capacity growth by simplifying land acquisition processes, ensuring regular payments to generators, and facilitating access to the grid.
- Address challenges in the transport sector and industry by promoting research and development in sustainable alternatives like green hydrogen.
- Maintain policy consistency and focus on achieving the goal of being net-zero by 2070.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Duarte Barbosa
Mains level: Impact of missionary influence on caste and identity in India
Central Idea:
The article explores the historical roots of the terms “caste” and the “Dravidian” identity in India, asserting that they were products of early Christian European missionary work during the colonial period. The focus is on missionaries’ documentation of Bharat’s social organization, their motivations, methodologies, and the impact of Christian theology on shaping their perspectives.
Key Highlights:
- The term “caste” in the context of Indian society is a modern concept introduced during the colonial period.
- The Portuguese official Duarte Barbosa first used the term “casta” in the sixteenth century, based on his observations in the Vijayanagara Empire.
- The Danish Protestant Mission in Tranquebar, founded in 1706, played a crucial role in shaping early missionary strategies, including translations of the Bible and running schools.
- Bartholomeus Ziegenbalg, a German Lutheran missionary, contributed to the creation of the Dravidian identity by distinguishing the “Tamil Religion” from the “Brahminical” religion of the North.
- The French Catholic Missionary Abbé Jean-Antoine Dubois’ work became influential in understanding caste, and it was largely based on an earlier work by French Jesuit Missionary Gaston-Laurent Coeurdoux.
- Dubois’ work was acknowledged by William Bentinck, the Governor of Madras, as important for government servants to understand the customs of the Hindus.
Key Terms:
- Caste
- Dravidian
- Colonialism
- Ethnocentrism
- Missionaries
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Tranquebar Mission
- Protestant Mission
- Tamil Religion
- Brahminical
Key Phrases:
- Colonial-missionary roots
- Ethnography of Bharat
- Protestant missionary strategy
- Caste distinctions among converts
- Sanskrit and Sanatan Dharma
- Dravidianists
- Christian evangelical motives
- Anthropological service
- British colonial apparatus
- Independence India’s brand of secularism
Key Quotes:
- “The use of ‘caste’ to understand Bharat’s society is a modern phenomenon attributable to the colonial period.” – Nicholas B Dirks
- “Tamil Saivism has nothing to do with Sanatan Dharma.” – Bartholomeus Ziegenbalg
- “Dubois performed an anthropological service to the British rulers of India…in order to convert souls.” – Nicholas Dirks
Anecdotes:
- Bartholomeus Ziegenbalg’s understanding of the religion in the South, considering it distinct from the Brahminical/Vedic religion of the North.
- The toleration of caste distinctions among converts by the Danish Protestant Mission in Tranquebar.
Key Statements:
- “The term ‘caste’ in the context of Indian society is a modern phenomenon attributable to the colonial period.”
- “Indology has its foundations in Christian evangelical motives, aiming to understand the social lay of the land for soul harvesting and conversion.”
- “Despite the history, it is deemed ‘anti-secular’ to draw attention to the continuity of thought between missionaries of the past and present-day Dravidianists.”
Key Examples and References:
- Duarte Barbosa’s observations in the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Bartholomeus Ziegenbalg’s works – ‘Malabarian Heathenism’ and ‘The Genealogy of Malabarian Gods.’
- Abbé Jean-Antoine Dubois’ work – ‘Description of the Character, Manners, and Customs of the People of India.’
- William Bentinck’s acknowledgment of the importance of Dubois’ work for understanding Hindu customs.
Key Facts and Data:
- The term “caste” was first used by Duarte Barbosa in the sixteenth century.
- The Tranquebar Mission was founded in 1706 by Bartholomeus Ziegenbalg.
- The French Jesuit Missionary Gaston-Laurent Coeurdoux’s work influenced Abbé Jean-Antoine Dubois.
- Dubois’ work was translated from French to English and formally published in 1816.
Critical Analysis:
The article convincingly argues that the understanding of “caste” and the “Dravidian” identity has roots in early Christian missionary work. However, a more explicit discussion of the consequences of this influence and a deeper exploration of the role of the native population in cooperating with the colonial exercise would provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Way Forward:
Further exploration is needed to understand the lasting impact of missionary influence on caste and identity in India. This includes examining the socio-cultural repercussions and the contemporary relevance of these historical developments. A nuanced analysis can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding caste and identity in Indian society.
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