Current Affairs – 16th Feb 2024

Articles Covered:

  1. Kotravai sculpture from Pallava period unearthed near Ulundurpet
  2. Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Hands Over Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest
  3. Assam’s unique Kaji Nemu gets status of state fruit Ministry of Social Justice & Brahma Kumari’s Launched NMBA Vehicle For Delhi-NCR
  4. India-UAE MoUs Link UPI With UAE’s AANI For Instant Payment
  5. Jardiance or empagliflozin approved for the treatment of adults with chronic kidney disease in India
  6. Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train ‘Dream of the Desert’ Set to Launch First In The Middle East
  7. Hammer thrower Rachna gets 12-year ban for doping
  8. Marine heatwaves in Arctic shows worrying trend since 2007, marginal seas more vulnerable: Study
  9. Kanha tiger relocated to Mukundpur Safari

Kotravai sculpture from Pallava period unearthed near Ulundurpet

“The idol is depicted with eight hands, indicating its origin in the eighth century during the Pallava period.”

Pallava Dynasty:

  1. The Pallava Dynasty was a famous power in South Indiathat existed between the 3rd and 9th Centuries. 
  2. They ruled the northernparts of Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, with Kanchipuram as their capital.
  3. The Pallavas supported Buddhism, Jainism, and the Brahminical faithand were patrons of music, painting, and literature.

Origin:

  • Pallava Dynasty was earlier feudatories of Andhra Satavahanas. Pallavas grew to be autonomoussubsequent to their decline at Amaravati.
  • They progressively moved southward and instituted their capital at Kanchipuram in the 4th century CE. 
  • The ruleof Mahendravarman I(571 – 630 CE) and Narasimhavarman I (630 – 668 CE) witnessed the augment in the wealth and vigour of the Pallava realm.

Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang portrays Bodhidharma, the founder of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China, as a prince of the Pallava empire. Tsang traveled to Kanchipuram during the Pallava era and praised their benevolent decrees.

Architecture:

  1. The Pallava Dynasty was typically distinguished for their benefaction of Dravidian architecture.
  2. They were the most noted for temple architecture. They were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples.
  3. The most noted architectural accomplishments of the Pallavas are atMahabalipuram, which, under the Pallava reign, became an important centre of art, architecture, and literature.
  4. The Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuramand the Shore Temple were built by Narasimhavarman II.
  5. Of all the temples, Kailasanatha and Vaikuntaperumalare best known for their architectural virtues.
  • The Vaikuntaperumal shrine is a multi-storied temple built in the 8th century A.D and is acknowledged for the sculptures illustrating the history of the Pallavas.
  • Religion: They adopted the local religion Shaivism, and became Dravidians.
  • Combats of the Pallava Dynasty:
  • Throughout their supremacy, they were in steady conflict with both the Chalukya Dynasty in the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas in the south.
  • The Pallavas were occupied in continuous combat with the Chalukyas of Badami and lastly concealed by the Chola kings in the 8th century CE.

Decline:

  • The rise of Rashtrakutas had seen the decline of the Pallava Dynasty.
  • Vijayalaya, the Chola King, completely overpowered Aparajitavarman, the last Pallava King,in 897 AD.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Hands Over Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest

Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur hands over Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, Hungary.

  • Ceremony held at Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi celebrates chess as an intellectual sport.
  • Friendly chess game featuring Vishwanathan Anand, Anurag Thakur, Arkady Dvorkovich, and Judit Polgár precedes the torch handover.
  • Thakur reflects on chess as India’s intellectual legacy, teaching patience, resilience, and strategic mastery.
  • 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai 2022 attracted 2500 players and 7000 participants worldwide.
  • Inaugural Chess Olympiad Torch Relay initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2022.
  • Budapest awaits the 45th Chess Olympiad, promising another celebration of international friendship and strategic minds.

Assam’s unique Kaji Nemu gets status of state fruit

The Assam government declared the GI-tagged ‘Kaji Nemu’ (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit. Elongated and oblong compared to other lemon varieties, Kaji Nemu is popular for its unique aroma and health benefits. It has been traditionally associated with the Assamese cuisines.

Kaji Nemu

  • It is elongated and oblong compared to other lemon varieties.
  • It is popular for its unique aroma and health benefits. It has been traditionally associated with Assamese cuisines.
  • The fruit had been exported to several countries, including to the Middle East..
  • With its unique aroma and antioxidant properties, the Assam lemon enriched the local cuisines.
  • The oval-shaped Kaji Nemu is a lot juicier than other lemon varieties. Kaji Nemu is majorly used in culinary and commercial purposes, and it is extensively used for its medicinal properties.
  • Cultivation: It is grown in almost all the districts of the state, and is available throughout the year.
  • The fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients, boosting health
  • Assam has as many as 16 species and 52 varieties hybrids of citrus.
  • Kaji Nemu’ (Citrus Limon) bears GI Geography Indication tag in 2019, is linked to Assamese food.

Ministry Of Social Justice & Brahma Kumaris Launched NMBA Vehicle For Delhi-NCR

  1. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Brahma Kumaris launched NMBA Vehicle in Delhi-NCR on Feb 14, 2024.
  2. Dedicated toNasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), the vehicle aims to raise awareness about drug abuse.
  3. An MoU signed on March 4, 2023, involved Brahma Kumaris in spreading NMBA awareness, targeting youth, women, and students.
  4. Substance abuse poses health and societal challenges, impacting families and communities.
  5. Alcohol, cannabis, and opioids are commonly used psychoactive substances in India, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
  6. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)financially supports initiatives for prevention, capacity building, and rehabilitation.
  7. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)focuses on creating awareness, particularly in educational institutions, engaging communities for active participation.

India-UAE MoUs Link UPI With UAE’s AANI For Instant Payment

  1. India and UAE exchange multiple MoUs, strengthening ties and cooperation between the two nations.
  2. Key MoU includes the interlinking of instant payment platforms –UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) – for seamless cross-border transactions.
  3. Bilateral Investment Treaty agreement aims to promote investments, building upon the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
  4. Cooperation in digital infrastructure projects focuses on sharing technical knowledge and expertise in the digital sector.
  5. MoU in the energy sector emphasizes collaboration in electrical interconnection and trade, contributing to energy security.
  6. Agreements on heritage, museums, and national archives aim to strengthen cultural ties between India and the UAE.
  7. Financial sector cooperation involves interlinking domestic debit and credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE)– for universal acceptance.
  8. Strengthening the energy partnership includes discussions on long-term LNG contracts and the UAE’s role as a source of crude oil and LPG for India.
  9. Infrastructure development agreements enhance port infrastructure and connectivity, facilitating smoother logistics and transportation.

Jardiance or empagliflozin approved for the treatment of adults with chronic kidney disease in India

The approved 10 mg tablets are expected to reduce the risk of sustained decline in patients with end-stage kidney disease

Recently, CDSCO has approved Boehringer Ingelheim’s anti-diabetic drug for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in India.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • It means when kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should.
  • Main Risk factors:Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure.
  • CKD Burden in India: An estimated 33 million adults live with CKD in India.

Jardiance Drug Efficacy

  1. Reduce the risk of sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) which is done to check how well the kidneys are filtering, and end-stage kidney disease.
  2. Reduce Cardiovascular death(Earlier, it was approved only for the treatment of heart failure.)
  3. Reduce Hospitalizationof Adults with CKD.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): 

  • It is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India regulates the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs including vaccines & the medical devices industry.
  • Regulation: Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 & New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  • Headed by: Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.

Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train ‘Dream of the Desert’ Set to Launch First In The Middle East

  • Saudi Arabia is set to unveil its inaugural luxury train, the“Dream of the Desert,”making it the first of its kind in the region.
  • The 800-mile expedition begins in Riyadh, heading northwest to theJordanian border. Stops include UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural landmarks like Ha’il and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve.
  • Developed through a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and the Italian Arsenale Group, the train features 40 custom-designed cars accommodating 82 passengers. Amenities include a fine dining restaurant, lounge bar, and sleeping quarters, blending Saudi tradition with sophistication.
  • The train’s maiden voyage is scheduled for 2025, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and luxury.
  • The launch signifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global tourism, with plans for substantial investments. Dream of the Desert aims to position the country as a major player in the travel industry by appealing to those seeking cultural experiences and luxury.
  • In an era dominated by mass tourism, this luxury train offers a nostalgic escape, encouraging passengers to savor the journey. Dream of the Desert seeks to redefine the art of travel, providing a captivating blend of elegance, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Hammer thrower Rachna gets 12-year ban for doping

  • Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna Kumari faces a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping rule violation.
  • Kumari tested positive for multiple anabolic androgenic steroids in out-of-competition and National Games samples.
  • The severe penalty reflects the commitment of Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to maintain fairness and integrity.
  • Nirmala Sheoran, a quarter-miler with a history of doping, receives an eight-year ban for her second offense.
  • Sheoran tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids and testosterone, known performance-enhancing substances.
  • These decisions emphasize the authorities’ zero-tolerance policy towards doping, reinforcing the importance of clean sport principles for athletes and support personnel.

Marine heatwaves in Arctic shows worrying trend since 2007, marginal seas more vulnerable: Study

Arctic Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) Characteristics

  • There have been 11 MHW events in the Arctic from 2007 to 2021, characterized by prolongedHIGH SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE
  • These events coincide with recorddeclines in ARCTIC SEA.
  • In 2022, the Arctic saw severe and extreme marine heatwaves in the Laptev and Beaufort seas from spring to autumn,according to the State of the Global Climate 2022 report.

Decrease in Ice Cover:

  1. The perennial sea ice cover over the Arctic Ocean, known to reflect solar radiation, has seen a marked decrease in both summer and winter since the mid-1990s.
  2. Since 2007, there has been a pronounced regime shift from a thicker and deformed ice coverto a thinner and more uniform one.
  3. The thin ice is less durable and melts more quickly, allowing incoming solar radiation to warm the water’s surface.

Drivers of Arctic MHWs:

  • Arctic MHWs primarily occur over marginal seas, including the Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas.
  • These regions are characterized by shallow mixed-layer depthsand predominantly first-year ice cover, creating conditions conducive to MHW development.
  • First-year ice refers to seaice that forms and grows during a single winter season and typically melts away completely during the following summer melt season.
  • Abrupt sea ice retreat is another concernas it could trigger marine heatwave events.

Impact of GreenHouse Gas (GHG):

  1. Without GHGs, marine heatwaves exceeding 5°C couldn’t happen.
  2. GHGs are a sufficient cause for moderate marine heatwaves, with a 66-99% probability.

Long-Term Trends:

  1. There is a pronouncedlong-term warming trend in the Arctic, with SST increasing at a rate of 1.2°C per decade from 1996 to 2021.
  2. Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the frequency of extreme SST events in the eastern Arctic marginal seas.

Concerns:

  • The study warned of dramatic consequences of Marine heatwaves like impact on food chains, fish stocks and reduction of overall biodiversity.

Technique Used in the Study:

  1. The study employs anExtreme Event Attribution (EEA) technique to assess the role of GHGs forcing in Arctic MHWs.
  2. The EEA technique determines the extent to which human-induced climate change influencesthe likelihood and severity of specific extreme weather events.

Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

  1. An MHW is an extreme weather event. It occurs when the surface temperature of a particular region of the sea rises to 3 or 4 degree Celsius above the average temperature for at least five days.
  2. According to the NOAA, MHWs can last for weeks, months or even years.

Impacts:

  • Impact on Ocean:An increase of 3 or 4 degrees Celsius in average temperatures can be catastrophic for marine life.
  • MHWs along the Western Australian coast in 2010 and 2011 caused some “devastating” fish kills, the sudden and unexpected death of many fish or other aquatic animals over a short period and mainly within a particular area.

MHWs destroyed kelp forests and fundamentally altered the ecosystem of the coast.

Kelps usually grow in cooler waters, providing habitat and food for many marine animals.

  1. Leading to Coral Bleach: In 2005 high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean led to a massive coral bleaching event.
  2. Corals are very sensitive to the temperature of the water in which they live. When water gets too warm, theyexpel the algae known as zooxanthellae, living in their tissues, causing them to turn entirely white. This is called coral bleaching.
  3. Impact on Humans: Higher Ocean temperatures, which are associated with MHWs, can makestorms like hurricanes and tropical cyclones stronger.
  • With warmer temperatures, therate of evaporation escalates and so does the transfer of heat from the oceans to the air. When storms travel across hot oceans, they gather more water vapour and heat.
  • This results in more powerful winds, heavier rainfall and more flooding when stormsreach the land — meaning heightened devastation for humans.

Kanha tiger relocated to Mukundpur Safari

A male tiger from the Kanha Tiger Reserve has been relocated to Mukundpur Safari in Satna due to concerns regarding its behavior, particularly its tendency to approach humans, making it unsafe for release into the wild.

Kanha Tiger Reserve:

Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha National Park, is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh.

Location:

  • It is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is nestled in the Maikal rangeof Satpuras, the heart of India, that forms the central Indian highlands.
  • Kanha National Park was created on June 1, 1955, and in 1973 was made the Tiger Reserve.
  • It sprawls over an area of 940 square kilometres.
  • Habitat: It is characterised mainly by forested shallow undulations, hillswith varying degrees of slopes, plateaus, and valleys.
  • The forest depictedinthe famous novel by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, is thought by some to be based on jungles, including this reserve.
  • It is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot,“Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”.

Flora: It is primarily a moist Sal and moist mixed deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, and Lendia flourish.

Fauna:

  1. The park has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog.
  2. The Park is respected globally for saving the Barasingha(the state animal of Madhya Pradeshfrom near extinction and has the unique distinction of harbouring the last world population of this deer species.

December, 2023, ‘Cheetah Safari’ will now be built in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. This will be the country’s first ‘Cheetah Safari’.

Key Points

  1. A letter was sent to the Central Zoo Authority for permission to make ‘Cheetah Safari’ in Kuno National Park, on which in-principle approval has now been received. Like the ‘White Tiger Safari’ of Mukundpur, tourists here will also be able to enjoy cheetah safari.
  2. An interpretation centre will also be built in Kuno National Park, so that tourists can visit and get information about cheetahs. Besides, tourists will also be told about various animals, birds etc. available in Kuno National Park.
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