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[Prelims Spotlight] World Gold Council, Linke Hoffman Busche (LHB) coaches, Impeachment of a Supreme Court Judge, Rajsuya
Here are 3 Back2Basics collections from today’s news items
B2B #1: From news- India gold demand seen rising
World Gold Council
- The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the gold industry. It works across all parts of the industry, from gold mining to investment, and their aim is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold
- They frequently publish research that demonstrates gold’s strength as a preserver of wealth – both for investors and countries
- They also provide analysis of the industry, offering insights into the drivers of gold demand. They have also launched various products such as SPDR GLD and gold accumulation plans in India and China
- The World Gold Council is an association whose members comprise the world’s leading gold mining companies
- It helps to support its members to mine in a responsible way and developed the Conflict Free Gold Standard
- Headquartered in London United Kingdom, they have offices in India, China, Singapore, Japan and the United States
B2B #2: From news- What Railways hope to learn from German Rail
Linke Hoffman Busche (LHB) coaches
- LHB coaches are the passenger coaches of Indian Railways that have been developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany
- These coaches are produced by Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab
- The coaches are designed for an operating speed up to 160 km/h and could go up to 200 km/h
- During derailment or collision, these coaches do not climb over each and crash because of a special type of CBC (center buffer coupler)
B2B #3: From news- [op-ed snap] Acting against a judge
Impeachment of a Supreme Court Judge
- Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India states: “A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity”
- 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs is the minimum number of signatories required to issue the notice
- The notice has to be handed over either to the Speaker if it is from Lok Sabha MPs or to the Chairman if it is Rajya Sabha MPs
- If and when the motion is admitted, the Speaker or the Chairman will have to constitute a three-member committee to investigate the charges leveled against the Supreme Court judge
- This committee will consist of a senior Supreme Court judge, a High Court judge, and a ‘distinguished jurist’ — who is a highly qualified law professor who has been appointed as a Supreme Court judge by the President of India
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Key words related to History : Rajsuya
Dynasty/era : Vedic period
Meaning : – basically a ceremony for the consecration of a kind. It lasted for a day of prayers and sacrifices and extracting soma, but preceded by a long period, extending to maybe a year, during which time various preliminary rites were observed. During this ritual, the king received a bow and an arrow (or other weapons as the priest was advised) and declares himself the king. He performed various acts symbolising his conquests and was finally anointed by a priest, a kshatriya and a vaishya.
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[open SIP] Test 28- CA March+ April’18 Link + Discussion
Link for the test: Click2Attempt (Let us know your score in comments)
We have started our Open SIP program in conjunction with our PAID program (Click2Know all details of the program)
We will be running this special FREE initiative on daily basis providing students with revision questions for static subjects as well as current affairs starting from June 2017
Test 28 as per schedule (Click2View) is CA March+ April’18
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[Prelims Spotlight] Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), Cartosat-2 series
Here are 2 Back2Basics collections from today’s news items
B2B #1: From news- [op-ed snap] Protect patents: on revoking Monsanto’s Bollgard-2 patent
Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)
- It is a soil-dwelling bacterium, commonly used as a biological pesticide
- It occurs naturally in the gut of caterpillars of various types of moths and butterflies plant leaves etc.
- Bt produces insecticidal action when used in the genetic modification of crops
- Bt cotton was the first genetically modified crop to be approved for cultivation in India in 2002, with the introduction of Monsanto’s GM cotton seeds
- Other Bt crops used in India: Bt Brinjal, Bt/GM Mustard
- Issues with Bt modified crops: Costly seeds, Gene pool contamination, Increasing incidence of pest resistance, the toxicity of food crops etc
B2B #2: From news- Govt. doubles PMVVY pension investment limit to ₹ 15 lakh; extends scheme by two years
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
- The government has launched the PMVVY to provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60 and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions
- The PMVVY is being implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
- The scheme provides an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8 percent per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for the pension on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis
- The difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8 percent annually will be borne by the government of as a yearly subsidy
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Name : Cartosat-2 series
Details : The launch marks the roll out of the 100th satellite by ISRO. 30 other satellites – 28 foreign and 2 Indian. 2nd time that ISRO has been able to place satellites in 2 different orbits This was done through the “multiple burn technology” under which the rocket’s engine is switched off and then switched on to control its height.
Launch Vehicle : PSLV C40
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[Static Revision] Chapter 8 | Post-Gupta Period I (600AD – 750AD)
Area of interest : North India, Deccan India & South India
Political situation became complex with the passing away of the Guptas and the demise of the Vakataka rulers. Vassals of the Guptas became independent in the North.
In the Deccan and far South too multiplicity of powers was witnessed.
NORTH INDIA
I. Political Background
Harshavardhana (590 AD to 648 AD) –
The fall of the Gupta rulers paved the way for domination of the Later Guptas, Maukharis and Pushyabhutis in the North. Harsha, though a Pushyabhuti ruler of Thaneswar ruled from Kanauj, which was originally the seat of Maukharis, with whom he contracted a marriage alliance. Harsha is celebrated as last ‘Hindu’ ruler in the North post the Gupta era.
II. Literature and Language
Work Author Type Theme Patronage Kadambari Banabhatta Romantic Sanskrit Novel Romantic attachment between Chandrapeeda and Kadambari Harshacharita Banabhatta Harsha’s biography in Sanskrit An account of Harsha’s ancestry and his early life Harsha Priyadarshika Harsha Sanskrit play Harsha Nagananda Harsha Sanskrit play Harsha Ratnavali Harsha Sanskrit play About a princess Ratnavali and a great King Udayan. One of the first reference of Holi found in the text Harsha Mahaviracharita Bhavabhuti Sanskrit play Based on the early life of Rama Yashovarman of Kannauj Malatimadhava Bhavabhuti Sanskrit play Love story between Malati and Madhava Yashovarman of Kannauj III. Religion
All religions were patronized under Harshavardhana’s reign. He was a Shaivite, but later Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana Buddhism.
Hiuen Tsang who visited Harshavardhana’s empire noted Buddhism was declining in India while Brahmanism was on rise.
IV. Art and Architecture
The art and architectural contributions of Harsha’s period are very few and mostly followed the Guptas. Harshavardhana’s realm is associated with construction of numerous stupas and monasteries. Harsha patronised the Nalanda University by his liberal endowments.
The brick temple of Lakshmana at Sirpur with its rich architecture is assigned to the period of Harsha.
Lakshamana temple, Sirpur
- The Lakshamana temple is located in the village Sirpur of Chattisgarh.
- It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu
DECCAN INDIA
I. Political Background
The late sixth century is marked by rise of Badami Chalukyas around the North Eastern part of Karnataka. The empire was founded by Pulakesin I. Pulakesin II (610 – 642 AD ) is considered the greatest ruler of the house.
II. Literature and Language
Work Author Type Theme Patronage Aihole Prasasti Ravi Kirti Pulakesin II’s eulogy Mentions defeat of Harshavardhana by Pulekesin II when Harsha tried expanding towards the Deccan Pulakesin II Vikramankadevacharitam Bilhana An epic in honor of Vikramaditya VI Western Chalukyan ruler, Vikramaditya VI III. Religion
Chalukyans were both Vaishanavas and Shaivites but had a greater inclination towards Vaishnavism and Jainism. Nonetheless, they patronized all religions.
IV. Architecture
A. Caves
Cave temple architecture was also famous under the Chalukyas. Their cave temples are found in Ajanta, Ellora and Nasik.
B. Temples
Chalukyan temples are found in 3 places – Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
Badami – Badami cave temples are a complex of 6 temples – 4 Hindu, 1 Jain & 1 possibly Buddhist.
Cave 3 – Vishnu image
Aihole – Ladkhan temple, Durga temple and Ravana Phadi Temple
Durga temple
- It is an apsidal temple of 550 AD. The apsidal shape is similar to the shape of a Buddhist chaitya.
- Temple has an open pillared verandah serving as pradakshinapatha instead of a dark ambulatory path.
- Temple shows improvements in shikhara development as compared to the Gupta period.
Ravana Phadi Temple
- Ravana Phadi is a rock cut cave with distinct sculptures made during the Chalukyan era.
- Among numerous sculptures is the Goddess Durga is portrayed in the carving. She appears to be slaying Mahishasura (panel above).
Pattadakal – This temple complex has 10 temples – 4 Dravida style, 4 in Nagara style, 1 Vesara style & 1 Jain Sanctuary. The Papanath temple is the Nagara style temple.
Virupaksha Temple
- Largest and grandest temple in Pattadakal
- Built in 8th Century by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband’s (Vikramaditya II’s ) victory over Pallava ruler.
SOUTH INDIA
I. Political Background
The Pallavas were feudatories of the Satavahanas. After the fall of the Satavahanas in third century AD, they became independent. They ruled in the Tondaimandalam area with Kachipuram as their capital. The 7th Century marked the rise of great rulers like Mahendravarman, Narasimhavarman I and Rajasimha. The Pallava rule reached its zenith under these rulers.
II. Literature and Language
Work Author Type Theme Mattavilasa Prahasana Mahendravarman I Sanskrit Means the ‘delight of the drunkards’. Sanskrit farse on Buddhist and Kapalika ascetics Kiratarjuniya Bharavi Sanskrit Simhavishnu Devaram Nayanars Tamil Saiva literature Nalayradivyaprabandam Alvars Tamil Vaishnava literature III. Religion
The Tamil society witnessed a great change during the Pallava period.
A. Hinduism
The Brahmins occupied a high place in the society. Brahmanism and Brahmins were patronized by the rulers. The Pallava period witnessed the rise of Saivism and Vaishnavism.
Bhakti Cult
The Saiva Nayanmars and the Vaishnava Alwars contributed to the growth of Saivism and Vaishnavism. Apar and Sambandar were Shaivite bhakti saints who contributed immensely to the growth of Shaivism.
B. Buddhism and Jainism
Increased patronage to Hinduism and revival by Bhakti movement led to decline of Buddhism and Jainism.
IV. Architecture
A. Temples
This era is significant for temple building activities as the Dravidian style of temple architecture began. The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples out of rocks. We see a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to monolithic rathas which culminated in structural temples. The development of temple architecture under the Pallavas can be seen in 4 stages.
Stage I – Mahendra phase
This stage sees the development of Pallava rock-cut temples under Mahendravarman I. They were built in many places. The most important among them are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and Thalavanur.
Pallavaram Caves
Stage II – Mamallapuram phase
The second stage of Pallava architecture is represented by the monolithic rathas and mandapas found at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). The name ‘Mammalapuram’ is derived from Narshimahavarman’s name ‘Mamalla’ which means the ‘great wrestler’.
There are 5 Rathas – Dharmaraj Ratha, Bhim Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, Nakul Sahdev. These rathas, popularly called as the Panchapanadava rathas, signify 5 different styles of temple architecture. Dharmaraja Rath is the largest and it’s considered a precursor for the Dravidian style.
Rathas of Mahabalipuram
- The South saw the emergence of Dravida style of architecture. Earliest Dravida style is visible at Mahabalipuram where during the Pallava period were constructed different rock cut structures called rathas.
- Main shrine has a square ground plan
- The superstructure above the shrine instead of having a shikhara, has horizontal platforms each placed one above the other with the size receding upwards. This is called a vimana.
- Constructed under the patronage of Mahendravarman I and Narsimhavarman I.
The mandapas contain beautiful sculptures on its walls. The most popular of these mandapas are Varaha Madapam, Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa, Tirumurthi Mandapam and the Panchpandava Caves.
Panchpandava Caves
Stage III – Rajasimha phase
This stage witnesses the evolution of structural temples in South India. These temples were built by using the soft sand rocks. The Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi and the Shore temple at Mamallapuram remain the finest examples of the early structural temples of the Pallavas.
Shore Temple
- The Shore temple is located in Mamallapuram.
- Its name is credited to its presence at the shore of Bay of Bengal.
- Built by Rajasimha.
- Made up of granite
- A Shaiva temple but also has a Vaishnava shrine
Kailasanatha Temple
- This temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram.
- Located in Tamil Nadu, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Dravidian style temple.
- Built by Rajasimha.
Stage IV – Nandivarman phase
The last stage of the Pallava art is also represented by structural temples built by the later Pallavas. The Vaikundaperumal temple and Muktheeswara temple at Kanchipuram belong to this stage of architecture.
Vaikunda Perumal Temple
- Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
- Dravidian style
V. Art
The Pallavas had also contributed to the development of sculpture. Apart from the sculptures found in temples, an ‘Open Art Gallery’ at Mamallpuram remains an important monument.
The Descent of the Ganga or Arjun’s penance remains the most important sculpture.
Descent of Ganga/ Arjun’s penance
- Made of a monolithic rock
- Found in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Identified as Bhagiratha’s bringing Ganga down from the matted locks of Shiva
- It is also identified as Arjun’s penance
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sittannavasal jain paintings belonged to the period of Pallavas.
References and image credits:
- http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/history-vardhana-society.htm
- http://www.indianetzone.com/35/features_pala_sculpture_indian_sculpture.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalukya_dynasty#Architecture
- http://www.cpreecenvis.nic.in/Database/AiholeCaveorRavanaPhadiCave_2838.aspx
- NCERTs
- NIOS
- CCRT site
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[open SIP] Test 27- Misc. Test 4 ( Full Syllabus)
Link for the test: Click2Attempt (Let us know your score in comments)
We have started our Open SIP program in conjunction with our PAID program (Click2Know all details of the program)
We will be running this special FREE initiative on daily basis providing students with revision questions for static subjects as well as current affairs starting from June 2017
Test 27 as per schedule (Click2View) is MISC (Full syllabus)
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[Prelims Spotlight] National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, Universal Service Obligation Fund,
Here are 2 Back2Basics collections from today’s news items
B2B #1: From news- DoT releases draft National Telecom Policy
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
- NPPA is a regulatory agency under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers of India which was established to fix/ revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and enforce prices and availability of the medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995
- It renders advice to the Central Government on changes/ revisions in the drug pricing policy
- It regularly publishes lists of medicines and their maximum ceiling prices
- It is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the
controlled drugs from the consumers - It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels.
B2B #2: From news- India rejects U.S. request on medical device price caps
Universal Service Obligation Fund
- USOF was formed by the Central Government in 1999 to help fund projects to provide widespread and non-discriminatory access to quality ICT services at affordable prices to people in rural and remote areas
- The money for this fund comes through a Universal Access Levy (UAL) charged from the telecom
operators as a percentage of various licenses fees being paid by them - The amount from UAL is deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India and require prior parliamentary approval to be dispatched
- It is headed by the USOF Administrator who reports to the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Name : Barak
Defence Forces : Army
Module Type : Missiles
Brief Intro : 1.Barak 8 (the Hebrew word for Lightning) also known as LR-SAM or as MR-SAM is an Indian-Israeli surface-to-air missile (SAM), designed to defend against any type of airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as cruise missiles and combat jets. Both maritime and land-based versions of the system exist. 2.Barak 8 was jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Israel’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and other companies. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) produce the missiles.
Note4students (wherever applicable) : Also used by navy
