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  • Paruveta Utsavam of Ahobilam

    Paruveta Utsavam

    Why in the News?

    The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is spearheading efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ Festival celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.

    About Paruveta Festival

    • The festival takes place at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, attracting devotees from diverse backgrounds.
    • Celebrated by people of all castes, the festival fosters communal harmony, with devotees from various religious communities, including Muslims, offering prayers to Lord Narasimha.
    • Folklore narrates that Lord Vishnu married Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl, in Ahobilam, strengthening ties between the deity and the local Chenchu tribe.
    • Unlike other temples where Paruveta rituals occur during Vijayadasami or Sankranti, at Ahobilam, the festival celebration spans a ‘mandala’ of 40 days.
    • Rituals:
      1. The deity is ceremoniously taken to the 32 Chenchu tribal villages surrounding Ahobilam, signifying the community’s reverence.
      2. Chenchus demonstrate their protective devotion by symbolically aiming arrows at the deity’s palanquin.
      3. Chenchu devotees undertake ‘Narasimha Deeksha’, donning yellow robes and observing celibacy during the 40-day period.
      4. Temple staff reside in these hamlets, reflecting a historical casteless society devoid of untouchability.

    UNESCO Criteria for Inclusion into the Cultural Heritage List:

    • To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
    • To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over some time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
    • To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that is living or which has disappeared;
    • To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape that illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
    • To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
    • To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2014:

    Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

    a) Bhutia and Lepcha

    b) Gond and Korku

    c) lrula and Toda

    d) Sahariya and Agariya

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  • Eradication of Guinea Worm Disease

    Guinea Worm Disease

    Why in the News?

    The imminent eradication of Guinea worm disease marks a major win for public health, showcasing the effectiveness of simple strategies in fighting diseases.

    About Guinea Worm Disease

    • Causes: Guinea worm disease, known since ancient times as the “fiery serpent,” is caused by the Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), bringing painful blisters and severe symptoms to those affected.
    • How It Spreads: People develop painful blisters, and when they come into contact with water, adult worms emerge, contaminating water sources and continuing the cycle of infection.

    Symptoms and Impact

    • Pain and Suffering: The disease causes intense pain, swelling, and ulcers, making it hard for people to go about their daily lives.
    • Effects: Mostly affecting the legs and feet, Guinea worm disease worsens poverty and illness in areas where clean water and healthcare are scarce.

    Success Story in India

    • Beating the Disease: India successfully got rid of Guinea worm disease in the late 1990s by focusing on simple things like clean water and educating communities about health.
    • Team Effort: India’s government, local health workers, and international partners worked together to achieve this victory.

    Global Progress and Challenges

    • Making Strides: Progress has been made globally, but challenges remain in places like Chad and the Central African Republic, where the disease is still a problem.
    • New Hurdles: Finding Guinea worms in animals like dogs shows that the disease is tough and needs continued attention.

  • In news: Kiru Hydel Project

    Kiru Hydel Project

    Introduction

    • The CBI has conducted searches at 12 locations in Delhi and Rajasthan regarding alleged corruption in the award of civil works worth ₹2,200 crore related to the Kiru hydroelectric power project.

    About Kiru Hydel Project

    • Location: Situated over the Chenab River near Patharnakki and Kiru villages in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
    • Capacity: A 624MW run-of-river project.
    • Developers: Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%), and Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%).
    • Beneficiary States: J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Union territories of Chandigarh & Delhi.
    • The Hydropower Plant consists of :
      1. 135m-high concrete gravity dam near Kiru.
      2. Catchment area of 10,225km², with a 6.5km-long and 1.03km² reservoir.
      3. 700m-long horse-shoe shaped diversion tunnel with two openings to divert river flow for dam construction.

    Back2Basics: Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Systems

    • These systems harness energy from flowing water to generate electricity without the need for a large dam and reservoir, distinguishing them from conventional impoundment hydroelectric facilities.
    • Run-of-the-river projects utilize the natural flow of rivers, diverting a portion of the water through turbines to generate electricity.
    • This minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional dam projects.
    • They have lower ecological disruption, reduced flood risk, and faster project implementation compared to conventional hydroelectric dams.

  • IISc develops Synthetic Antibody that Neutralizes Deadly Snake Venom

    Introduction

    • Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) in Bengaluru have successfully created a synthetic human antibody capable of neutralizing potent neurotoxins found in the venom of highly toxic snakes.

    Synthetic Antibody against Snake Venom

    • Approach: The team utilized a method previously employed to screen antibodies against HIV and COVID-19 to synthesize the new venom-neutralizing antibody.
    • Targeted Region: The developed antibody targets a conserved region within the core of a major toxin called the three-finger toxin (3FTx) present in elapid venom.
    • Library of Antibodies: The team designed a library of artificial antibodies from humans displayed on yeast cell surfaces and screened them for binding to 3FTxs from different elapid snakes worldwide.
    • Effective Binding: After rigorous screening, one antibody emerged capable of binding strongly to various 3FTxs, displaying effectiveness across different elapid species.

    Challenges with Current Anti-venom

    • Animal-Based Production: Existing anti-venom production involves injecting snake venom into equines and collecting antibodies from their blood, leading to therapeutically redundant antibodies due to exposure to various microorganisms.
    • Efficacy Concerns: Research indicates that less than 10% of anti-venom contains antibodies specifically targeting snake venom toxins, raising concerns about efficacy.

    Animal Model Testing

    • Efficacy in Mice: Mice injected with a toxic 3FTx along with the antibody survived past the 24-hour observation window, while those given only the toxin succumbed within four hours.
    • Versatility: The antibody showed effectiveness against the venom of different elapid species, including the monocled cobra and black mamba, with nearly 15 times the potency of conventional products.
    • Delayed Administration: Crucially, administering the antibody after a time delay still successfully saved the mice, highlighting its potential for delayed treatment.

  • Notable Jurist Fali S Nariman Passes Away at 95

    nariman

    Introduction

    • Fali S. Nariman, an eminent jurist and Senior Advocate, left an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape over his illustrious 75-year career.
    • Representing clients in a multitude of landmark cases, his contributions reshaped constitutional jurisprudence and safeguarded democratic principles.

    Legacy in Indian Jurisprudence

    [1] Upholding Judicial Independence: The Second Judges Case

    • Legal Battle: Advocating before the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (1981), Nariman challenged the interpretation of “consultation” in judicial appointments, emphasizing its binding nature to preserve judicial autonomy.
    • Judicial Triumph: Nariman’s advocacy led to the establishment of the Supreme Court Collegium, ensuring transparent and independent judicial appointments, a landmark decision that endures to this day.

    [2] Clarifying Judicial Procedures: The Third Judges Case

    • Presidential Reference: Nariman contributed to the Supreme Court’s deliberations in Special Reference 1 (1998), facilitating a structured consultative process for judicial appointments, reinforcing the judiciary’s collective responsibility.
    • Expanded Collegium: His efforts expanded the scope of judicial consultation, enhancing transparency and accountability in the appointment process.

    [3] Protecting Judicial Independence: National Judicial Appointments Commission Case

    • Challenging Executive Interference: In Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India, Nariman vehemently opposed the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014, safeguarding judicial autonomy against executive overreach.
    • Triumph for Collegium System: His advocacy contributed to the reinstatement of the collegium system, preserving the judiciary’s prerogative in judicial appointments.

    [4] Championing Fundamental Rights: Golak Nath v. State of Punjab Case

    • Constitutional Challenge: Nariman’s intervention in Golak Nath v. State of Punjab (1967) underscored Parliament’s limitations in amending fundamental rights, reinforcing the sanctity of constitutional provisions.
    • Protecting Liberties: His advocacy upheld the inviolability of fundamental rights, ensuring the primacy of constitutional principles.

    [5] Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India (1989)

    • Navigating Tragedy: Nariman’s representation of Union Carbide in the aftermath of the Bhopal gas tragedy facilitated a landmark settlement, ensuring timely compensation for victims and environmental remediation.

    [6] Safeguarding Minority Rights: TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka

    • Advocating Pluralism: Nariman’s involvement in TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka underscored the constitutional protection of minority rights in education, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the educational landscape.

    [7] Upholding Constitutional Norms: Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker

    • Restoring Constitutional Order: Nariman’s intervention in Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) reaffirmed the constitutional mandate for gubernatorial action, preserving democratic governance and institutional integrity.

    [8] Ensuring Legal Fairness: J. Jayalalithaa v. State of Tamil Nadu

    • Securing Justice: Nariman’s successful bail plea for Jayalalithaa exemplified his commitment to due process, ensuring equitable legal treatment for all individuals before the law.

    [9] Resolving Inter-State Disputes: State of Karnataka v. State of Tamil Nadu

    • Navigating Complexities: Nariman’s representation in the Cauvery water dispute showcased his dedication to resolving interstate conflicts through legal avenues, contributing to the equitable allocation of vital natural resources.

    Conclusion

    • Fali S. Nariman’s illustrious legal career stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
    • His profound influence on Indian jurisprudence reverberates through landmark decisions and enduring legal principles, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:

    What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

    1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
    2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
    3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislative does not have to vote.
    4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 3 and 4 only
    3. 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Helium Stars: A Breakthrough in Astrophysics

    helium star

    Introduction

    • Astronomers have triumphantly uncovered a rare class of stars, known as helium stars, after a decade-long quest.
    • Led by Dr. Maria Drout from the University of Toronto, astronomers embarked on a collaborative mission to decipher the mysteries of these elusive cosmic entities

    Helium Stars: An Overview

    • Helium stars, also known as helium-burning stars, are a stage in the evolution of certain types of stars.
    • These stars are typically more massive than the Sun and have exhausted the hydrogen fuel in their cores, leading to a contraction and subsequent heating of the core.
    • As a result, helium fusion begins in the core, where helium nuclei fuse to form heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen.
    • This fusion process releases energy, causing the star to expand and become more luminous.
    • Helium stars represent an intermediate stage in stellar evolution between main-sequence stars and later stages such as red giants or supernovae.

    Key Findings and Insights

    • Spectral Analysis: Rigorous spectral analysis conducted from 2017 to 2024 unveiled distinct classes of helium stars based on hydrogen content, providing profound insights into their evolutionary trajectories.
    • Computational Modeling: Advanced computational modelling techniques yielded crucial data on surface temperatures and gravitational forces, enriching our understanding of helium stars’ properties.
    • Surface Conditions of Class 1 Stars: Further investigations into Class 1 helium stars revealed intriguing surface conditions. The team utilized computer modelling to determine surface temperature and gravity, finding them to be approximately 20 times hotter than the Sun and possessing surface gravity about 1,000 times stronger than Earth’s.

    Significance of the Findings

    • Hydrogen-Deficient Supernovae: A pivotal breakthrough in the discovery of helium stars was the elucidation of hydrogen-deficient supernovae, perplexing phenomena that puzzled scientists for decades.
    • Binary-Star Interactions: Gravitational interactions within binary star systems played a crucial role in unmasking the helium-rich surfaces of these stellar anomalies.

    Implications for Astrophysics

    • Cosmic Laboratories: Helium stars serve as invaluable cosmic laboratories, offering unprecedented opportunities to explore the intricacies of stellar evolution and binary star dynamics.
    • Frontiers of Research: Their discovery opens new frontiers in astrophysical research, unraveling mysteries surrounding heavy element formation and gravitational wave generation.

  • Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Sugarcane

    Introduction

    • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ₹340/quintal as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2024-25 at sugar recovery rate of 10.25%.
    • This is about 8% higher than FRP of sugarcane for the current season 2023-24.

    Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Explained

    • Legal Framework: FRP is established under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966.
    • Minimum Payment: It denotes the minimum price obligated to be paid by sugar mills to farmers for their sugarcane produce.
    • State Agreed Price (SAP): States have the authority to determine their SAP, typically higher than the FRP.
    • The fixation of FRP considers various factors, including:
    1. Cost of sugarcane production,
    2. Return from alternative crops,
    3. Consumer sugar prices,
    4. Sale price of sugar,
    5. Sugarcane-to-sugar recovery rate,
    6. Income from by-products (e.g., molasses, bagasse),
    7. Adequate profit margins for sugarcane growers.

    Determining Sugarcane Prices

    • Central Determination: FRP is set by the Central Government based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and endorsed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
    • State Role: States announce SAP, often surpassing the FRP.

    Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for Sugar

    • Market Dynamics: Sugar prices fluctuate based on market demand and supply.
    • Introducing MSP: To safeguard farmers’ interests, MSP for sugar was introduced in 2018.
    • Components Considered: MSP incorporates elements of FRP for sugarcane and the minimal conversion cost of efficient mills.

    Basis of Price Determination

    • Transition from SMP to FRP: In 2009-10, FRP replaced the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane.
    • Consultative Process: The Central Government, in consultation with state authorities and sugar industry associations, determines the sugarcane price based on CACP recommendations.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

    Q. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the:

    (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

    (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices

    (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture

    (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

     

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  • ISRO’s CE20 Cryogenic Engine ready for Gaganyaan Missions

    ce20 cryogenic engine

    Introduction

    • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its quest for human spaceflight with the successful human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine.
    • The ground qualification tests, conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, have been successfully completed, validating the CE20 engine for the Gaganyaan programme.

    What is Cryogenic Engine?

     

    • It is a type of rocket engine that operates on cryogenic (extremely low-temperature) fuels and oxidizers, typically liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
    • They are highly efficient due to the high energy density of cryogenic fuels.
    • They provide greater thrust compared to traditional rocket engines, making them suitable for launching heavy payloads into space.
    • They are commonly used in the upper stages of space launch vehicles, where they propel payloads from initial launch phases into desired orbits.
    • They operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C (-238°F) for liquid hydrogen and below -183°C (-297°F) for liquid oxygen.

    About CE20 Cryogenic Engine

    • It has been designed and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a subsidiary of ISRO.
    • It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to feature a gas-generator cycle.
    • It is one of the most powerful upper-stage cryogenic engines in the world.
    • This engine develops a nominal thrust of 186.36 kN in vacuum.

    Key Highlights of Ground Qualification Tests

    • Thorough Evaluation: The CE20 engine underwent extensive testing, including evaluation under nominal and off-nominal conditions related to thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
    • Hot Firing Tests: Four engines underwent a total of 39 hot firing tests, accumulating a cumulative duration of 8,810 seconds, surpassing the minimum human rating qualification standard requirement of 6,350 seconds.

    Update on First Unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) Mission

    • Mission Objectives: The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew of three members into a 400 km orbit for a 3-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth with a landing in Indian sea waters.
    • Acceptance Tests: ISRO has completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, scheduled tentatively for the second quarter of 2024.
    • Engine Specifications: The flight engine, which will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle, boasts a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes and a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds.

  • Kapilvastu Relics of Buddha

    Kapilvastu Relics

    Introduction

    • India will showcase some relics of Lord Buddha, currently in its possession, in Thailand from February 22 to March 18.

    Kapilvastu Relics: Details

    • Designation: The relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana are known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics.’
    • Origin: These relics, comprising 20 bone fragments, have been preserved at India’s National Museum.
    • Discovery: They were recovered in 1898 from a site in Bihar believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu. It was an inscribed casket found at the stupa site in Piprahwa (near Siddharthnagar in UP) that helped identify Kapilavastu.
    • Age: Dating back to the 4th or 5th Century BC, these relics were discovered in Bihar’s Piprahwa, believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu.
    • Excavation Details: The ASI unearthed these relics during excavations conducted from 1971 to 1977, discovering two inscribed steatite stone caskets containing 12 and 10 sacred relics, respectively.

    Public Display in Thailand

    • Previous Exhibitions: Portions of these relics were earlier exhibited in Sri Lanka (1976, 2012), Mongolia (1993, 2022), Singapore (1994, 2007), South Korea (1995), and Thailand (1995).
    • Construction of Pagoda: The Thai government has built a special pagoda in Bangkok to enshrine the relics during the exhibition.

    Significance of Display: Promotion of Indian Diplomacy

    • Diplomatic Achievement: This event signifies a diplomatic achievement for India, strengthening ties with Thailand and promoting cultural exchange.
    • Buddhist Circuit Development: The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Look East’ policy and emphasizes the promotion of soft power through cultural exchanges.
    • Past Engagements: India previously sent the relics to Mongolia in 2022 and Sri Lanka in 2012, showcasing its commitment to fostering cultural and spiritual ties.

  • Microscopic Realm: Nanoplastics in Bottled Water

    Introduction

    • A recent study conducted by scientists at Columbia University sheds light on the pervasive presence of micro- and nano-plastics in bottled water, with nano-plastics comprising a staggering 90% of the detected particles.

    What are Nanoplastics?

    • Definition: Nanoplastics, measured in billionths of a metre, are minuscule particles that evade detection by the naked eye, posing challenges for identification and quantification.
    • Comparative Analysis: Smaller than microplastics, nano-plastics exemplify dimensions that are 70 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, rendering them inconspicuous yet ubiquitous.

    Key Findings

    • Elevated Concentration: Bottled water contains approximately 2.4 lakh micro- and nano-plastic particles per litre, highlighting a significant underestimation of plastic concentration compared to previous assessments.
    • Dominance of Nanoplastics: Nano-sized particles, previously overlooked by conventional imaging techniques, emerge as the predominant component, constituting 90% of the total plastic population.
    • Complex Particle Dynamics: Analysis reveals a diverse array of plastic compositions, shapes, and sizes, elucidating the intricate interplay between different plastic types within the aquatic environment.

    How were they assessed?

    • Challenges in Analysis: Nanoplastics pose analytical challenges due to their diminutive size and the limitations of existing diagnostic methods.
    • Innovative Approach: Researchers utilize a custom hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) imaging platform to overcome these challenges, enabling detailed molecular analysis at the single-particle level.
    • Raman Scattering Principle: SRS microscopy leverages the Raman Effect, allowing for the identification of plastic particles based on their unique spectral signatures.

    What is Raman Effect?

    raman

    • Discovered by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928, it describes the scattering of light by molecules, resulting in a shift in wavelength due to energy exchange.
    • Raman Effect occurs spontaneously when light interacts with matter, causing a small fraction of light shift to longer or shorter wavelengths.
    • SRS is a controlled process where two laser beams with different frequencies interact with a material, amplifying the Raman signal.
    • Unlike the weak signal of the Raman Effect, SRS involves amplifying the Raman signal by the presence of pump and Stokes laser beams.
    • SRS find applications in various fields such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and chemical analysis, with SRS offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity due to its controlled nature.
    • India celebrates National Science Day on February 28 each year to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928

    Implications

    • Environmental Significance: The study underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, with microplastics infiltrating ecosystems worldwide, including bottled water sources.
    • Biological Impact: Sub-micrometre plastic particles pose potential health risks, as they can traverse biological barriers and accumulate within living organisms.
    • Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced imaging technologies enhances our understanding of nanoplastic dynamics, facilitating more accurate assessments of plastic pollution levels.

    Try this question from CSP 2017

    Q.Which Indian astrophysicist and Nobel laureate predicted rapidly rotating stars emit polarized light?

    (a) Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

    (b) CV Raman

    (c) Ramanujan

    (d) Amartya Sen

     

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