Daily Prelims Notes 7 July 2024

July 7, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

7 July 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Include automobile firms in the Right to Repair Portal

Sub: Schemes

Initiative Overview

Purpose: The Right to Repair Portal India aims to empower consumers by providing easier access to repair information for products, particularly focusing on automobiles.
Meeting Focus:
- Participants: Automobile associations and firms were invited to discuss participation in the portal.
- Concerns Addressed: Issues such as restricted access to repair tools, high service costs, and delays were highlighted.
Chairperson: The meeting was chaired by Department of Consumer Affairs(DoCA), who emphasized the importance of democratizing repair manuals and fostering a supportive ecosystem for third-party repair services.

Proposed Measures

Democratization of Repair Information:
- Ensuring easier access to repair manuals and instructional videos for consumers.
Repairability Index:
- Proposal to introduce a “repairability index” for vehicles to inform consumers about the lifespan of products and ease of repair.
Circular Economy Contribution:
- The portal aims to contribute to a circular economy by enabling consumers to repair products, thus reducing waste and environmental impact.

Right to Repair Portal

Access to Product Manuals:
- Manufacturers are required to share detailed product manuals on the portal. This empowers consumers to repair their products themselves or through third-party repair services, reducing dependency on original manufacturers.
Covered Products:
- Initially, the portal will cover a wide range of products including mobile phones, electronics, consumer durables, automobiles, and farming equipment.
Consumer Empowerment:
- It enables consumers to repair and modify their products without being compelled to use manufacturer-specific services. This includes access to tools, components, and software necessary for repairs.
International Context:
- India joins countries like the US and the UK in providing such consumer rights, aligning with global practices that prioritize consumer choice and sustainability.
Benefits:
- Cost Savings: Consumers can save money by opting for repairs rather than replacements or expensive manufacturer services.
- Circular Economy: Enhances product lifespan, promotes maintenance, re-use, upgrades, recyclability, and improves waste management practices.
Government Initiative:
- The initiative is part of India’s commitment to promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, aligning with global efforts towards a circular economy.

2. Proposal forward by French economist Gabriel Zucman of Minimum Annual Tax

Sub: Economy

Sec: Fiscal Policy

The proposal put forward by French economist Gabriel Zucman revolves around imposing a minimum annual tax of 2% on individuals with wealth exceeding $1 billion.

Proposal Overview

Annual 2% Tax on Billionaires:
- Gabriel Zucman recommends a global minimum tax standard where individuals holding wealth above $1 billion would be required to pay annually 2% of their total wealth.
- This tax is aimed at ensuring effective taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) globally.
Revenue Potential:
- It is estimated that such a tax could generate $200-$250 billion annually globally from approximately 3,000 individuals.
- If extended to cover individuals with a net worth exceeding $100 million, it could add $100-$140 billion annually in global tax revenue.
Rationale:
- Ultra-high-net-worth individuals currently benefit from very low effective tax rates, ranging between 0% and 0.5% of their wealth.
- The proposal aims to address wealth concentration and ensure fair contributions towards public goods and services.
- Progressive taxation is seen as crucial for social cohesion, trust in governance, and funding essential investments such as climate action.

Relevance to India

Wealth Inequality: India has seen significant wealth concentration at the top, with the top 1% holding substantial shares of income and wealth.
Potential Revenue: A proposed ‘super tax’ on the wealthiest families in India could yield significant revenue, enhancing fiscal capacity for essential social expenditures.

3. A cavernous palimpsest

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Chandravalli Cave Complex:

Located in Chitradurga district, Karnataka.
Known as Ankali Math, named after a saint from Ankalagi in Belagavi district.
Approximately three km from Chitradurga fort.
Accessible through a narrow entrance, requiring a powerful torch for visibility.
The region is a valley formed by three hills, Chitradurga, Kirabanakallu and Jolagudda.

Historical Significance:

Believed to be a meditation site and Gurukul by the saint and his followers.
Excavations have revealed artefacts such as coins, painted bowls, and earthen pots from the Hoysala, Satavahana, and Vijayanagara dynasties.
Contains a rock inscription of Mayurasharma, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, dating back to AD 450.
Evidence of connections with Rome and China through coins found at the site.
Walls adorned with paintings made from organic paint.

Features:

The cave complex includes several chambers: a puja place with a shiva linga, a drawing room, a bedroom, and a water outlet connected to an internal tank.
Some chambers are extremely dark, necessitating the presence of a guide to avoid getting lost.

Current State:

The cave complex is maintained by Murugharajendra Math.
The area is kept clean and free of illegal activities largely due to the personal initiative of local guides.
Maintenance has suffered due to the arrest of the senior head of the math.
Guides depend on income from weekend tourists.

Source: TH

4. Sri Lanka to lift the ban on foreign research vessels next year

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Sri Lanka will allow foreign research vessels to call at its ports starting 2025.
Sri Lanka will not block vessels from specific countries like China, stating the need for uniform rules.
Earlier Sri Lanka blocked two vessels of China- Shi Yan 6 and Yuan Wang 5.

Details:

In January 2024, Sri Lanka banned foreign research vessels after India and the US raised concerns over Chinese vessels’ visits.
Sri Lankan ports have become focal points for strategic interests among global powers.

Key Players and Investments:

China: Announced a $400 million investment in a logistics complex at Colombo Port.
India: Strengthening maritime security cooperation with Sri Lanka, including a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the revival of the Colombo Security Conclave.
U.S.: Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investing $553 million in the West Container Terminal project at Colombo Port.
Japan: Providing Sri Lanka with a vessel equipped with underwater sonar to enhance oceanographic survey capabilities.
Technical Collaboration: The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Virginia Ports Authority (VPA) signed a pact for the exchange of expertise and technical collaboration.

What is the Official Creditor Committee (OCC)?

OCC is a group formed to represent the collective interests of creditors during the debt restructuring or bankruptcy process of a debtor, typically a corporation or sovereign entity.
The OCC is often appointed in formal insolvency proceedings, such as those under the jurisdiction of bankruptcy courts, to ensure that the creditors’ interests are protected and that the restructuring plan is fair and equitable.
This term OCC is used more generally to describe any ad-hoc committee formed to represent official creditors during debt restructuring negotiations.
It does not refer to a single, permanent organization but rather to various committees that might be formed for specific cases.

About:

The OCC that has signed a deal with Sri Lanka recently refers to a specific ad-hoc group of official bilateral creditors, often formed to address the debt restructuring needs of a particular country.
It was formed in May 2023 with the aim of simplifying Sri Lanka’s debt negotiations after the country defaulted on its external debt, in the wake of an unprecedented financial crash in 2022.
Members
- The OCC is a platform comprising 17 countries including India and members of the Paris Club such as Japan, that have extended loans to Sri Lanka.

Headquarters

While not a permanent entity with a fixed headquarters, meetings for this OCC would typically be held in Paris, especially if coordinated with the Paris Club, which has its secretariat there.

Role and Function

The OCC’s primary role is to negotiate and coordinate the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s external debt, ensuring a fair and sustainable resolution for the country’s debt crisis.

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC):

The CSC was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- It welcomed Mauritius as a fourth member at the fifth meeting of national security advisers.
- Bangladesh and Seychelles attended as observers and have been invited to join the group.
Envisaged Goal: The fifth meeting of national security advisers of the CSC identified key areas of cooperation to enhance and strengthen regional security in the following five pillars:
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Countering Terrorism and Radicalization
- Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime
- Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Source: TH

5. Hepatitis A vaccination will be cost-effective in Kerala: study

Sub : Science and tech

Sec: Health

Hepatitis A virus:

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness.
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.
Almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A with a lifelong immunity. However, a very small proportion of people infected with hepatitis A could die from fulminant hepatitis.
The risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with a lack of safe water and poor sanitation and hygiene (such as contaminated and dirty hands).
A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A.
Risk factors include:
- poor sanitation;
- lack of safe water;
- living in a household with an infected person;
- being a sexual partner of someone with acute hepatitis A infection;
- use of recreational drugs;
- sex between men; and
- travelling to areas of high endemicity without being immunized.

Epidemiological Transition of Hepatitis A in Kerala:

With better sanitation and hygiene, Hepatitis A infection is transitioning from early childhood to adolescents and young adults.
In young children (under six), the infection is mild and often asymptomatic.
In older children and adults, the infection is symptomatic and can lead to severe health issues, including liver injury and death.

Outbreaks and Current Situation:

Kerala has experienced regular hepatitis A outbreaks over the past two decades, with annual occurrences since 2017.
The 2024 outbreak is the largest, with over 2,400 cases and 18 deaths reported by May 30, 2024.
Most cases this year are from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam districts.

Impact of Improved Sanitation:

Better sanitation and hygiene have reduced early childhood infections, leaving older individuals more vulnerable.
Infected children develop lifelong immunity, which is lacking in those who were not exposed early due to improved conditions.

Vaccination:

Vaccination is proposed as a solution to reduce outbreaks and health expenditures.
A study in PLOS ONE recommends vaccinating children aged one year and adolescents aged 15 years.
Vaccines considered:
- Live, attenuated vaccine: Requires one dose.
- Inactivated vaccine: Requires two doses.

Challenges and Recommendations:

High vaccination coverage (90%) is necessary to achieve benefits, currently met only for infants.
Adolescents are harder to vaccinate as they fall outside the universal immunization program.
Suggested strategy: School-based vaccination and effective campaigns for adolescents.

Source: TH

6. Extinct humans occupied the Tibetan plateau 160000 years ago

Sub: Science and tech

Sec : Msc

About Denisovans:

Extinct ancient humans, contemporary with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Known to interbreed with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Rare remains make detailed knowledge about them scarce.
Denisovan Activities:
- Hunted and butchered various animals.
- Consumed meat and bone marrow.
- Used bones to produce tools.

Discovery of Denisovan Remains in Tibetan Cave- Research Details:

Sample Size: Over 2,500 bones were analyzed.
Location: Baishiya Karst Cave, Tibetan Plateau.
Identification Method: Novel technique using bone collagen differences.
Findings: Bone remains in Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau indicate Denisovans survived for millennia.

Key Discoveries:

Rib Bone: Identified as belonging to a Denisovan individual.
Dating: The layer dated between 48,000 and 32,000 years ago, during early human dispersal across Eurasia.
Climate Adaptation: Lived through cold periods and a warmer interglacial period from 200,000 to 40,000 years ago.

Animal Remains:

The majority are from blue sheep (bharal), wild yaks, equids, extinct woolly rhinos, and spotted hyenas.
Included small mammals (marmots) and birds.

Significance:

Insights into Denisovan survival and adaptation in high-altitude and fluctuating climates.
Enhanced understanding of their lifestyle and interaction with the environment.

Source: TH

7. How to manage ‘brain-eating amoeba’ cases

Sub : Science and tech

Sec : Health

Context:

Four cases, including three deaths, of the rare, but fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Kerala.
First detected in Alappuzha in 2016, with subsequent cases in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Alappuzha.

About Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM):

Cause: Naegleria fowleri, a “brain-eating amoeba” found in warm freshwater and poorly maintained pools.
Infection: Enters through the nose, reaching the brain and causing fatal tissue destruction.
Transmission: Not person-to-person or through swallowing contaminated water.
Symptoms:
- Early: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting.
- Later: Stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention, loss of balance, hallucinations, coma, and usually death within 5 days (1-18 days).
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Detection: PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Precautions: Hold nose or wear nose clips while jumping/diving into fresh water, keep head high, avoid digging in shallow waters, use distilled or boiled water for nasal clearing.
- Treatment: Following CDC guidelines, using drugs like miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B.

Preventive Measures:

Guidelines: Special guidelines for treatment formulated.
Advice: Avoid swimming in stagnant water, use swimming nose clips, and keep water resources clean.
Water Management: Chlorination of water in pools and theme parks.

Source: TH

8. Coffee prices soar in India as El Nino-induced drought impacts production in major coffee-growing areas worldwide

Subject: Geography

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

Robusta coffee bean prices in India have surged to Rs 10,000 per 50 kg bag from the usual Rs 4,000-5,000, equalling premium Arabica prices.
Arabica is considered superior to Robusta for its creamy layer.

Reasons for Price Increase:

Global Production Drop:
- Major producers like Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Columbia, Ethiopia and others have reported significant production drops due to
- Worsening drought conditions linked to El Nino have exacerbated the issue.
- Specific Drops:
  - Vietnam: Production down by 20%, worst drought in a decade, prices increased by 15%.
  - Brazil: Production was down by 15%, and costs increased by 40% in some areas.
Increased Demand:
- High demand for exports has driven up prices.
- Indian coffee’s unique taste due to shade-grown, mixed cropping patterns has boosted its demand.
Additional Factors:
- Increasing labour and input costs have contributed to the price rise.
- Losses due to human-wildlife conflicts have impacted production.

Indian Coffee Production:

Indian coffee is said to be the finest coffee grown in the shade rather than in direct sunlight anywhere in the world.
The two well-known species of coffee grown are the Arabica and Robusta.
Regions: Predominantly in Karnataka’s Kodagu (Coorg) region (70% of India’s coffee), also in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Other coffee-producing regions: Non-traditional areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on the eastern coast of the country and a third region comprising the states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of Northeastern India.
Almost 80% of Indian coffee is exported; 70% is bound for Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Greece, Netherlands and France. Italy accounts for 29% of the exports.

Coffee production globally:

Globally top producers: Brazil (29%), Vietnam (18%) and Indonesia (7%), Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Peru and India.

Source: DTE

9. DRDO unveils Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar

Sub : Science and tech

Sec : Defence

India’s Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar:

The prototype of India’s indigenous light tank, Zorawar, is ready and was unveiled on July 6.
Developers: Jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Specifications and Capabilities:

Engine: Currently powered by a Cummins engine, with DRDO working on developing a new domestic engine.
- DRDO is developing a new 1400 HP engine for the Arjun Mk1A main battle tank and a new power pack for the light tank.
Designed to operate in extreme weather conditions and high-altitude areas along India’s northern border.
Weighs less than 25 tonnes, ensuring it can be transported by air and providing high tactical and operational mobility.
Design Features:
- Built in a modular fashion to accommodate future upgrades.
- Capable of firing at high angles and performing limited artillery roles, making it a versatile and agile weapon platform.

Strategic Context:

Deployment Need: The need for a light tank was felt during the standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, particularly for operations at high altitudes like 15,000 feet.
Chinese Deployments: China has deployed modern light tanks and armoured vehicles along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh since 2020.

Source: TH

10. Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar

Sub : History

Sec : Art and Culture

Context: Recently the Odisha government formed a new panel to monitor the opening of Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar (Treasury) by dissolving the old panel.

What is Ratna Bhandar(Treasury)

Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar
- The Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple houses precious ornaments dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
- These ornaments have been donated by devotees and erstwhile kings over centuries, making them historically significant.
Structure of the Ratna Bhandar
- The Ratna Bhandar consists of two chambers:
  - Bhitar Bhandar (Inner Chamber): This chamber has not been opened for the past 38 years.
  - Bahara Bhandar (Outer Chamber): Ornaments are regularly fetched from this chamber for use in rituals and festivals.
Current Issues and Demands
- Demand for Opening: There is a growing demand to open the Ratna Bhandar due to concerns about the structural integrity of the inner chamber.
- Reasons for Concern: Apprehensions about cracks in the walls of the inner chamber have prompted fears that these structural issues could jeopardise the safety of the priceless ornaments stored within.
Involvement of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Role of ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India, which oversees the temple’s preservation, has requisitioned access to the Ratna Bhandar.
- Purpose: ASI aims to assess, repair, and conserve the chamber to ensure the safety and preservation of both the structural integrity and the valuable ornaments.
Significance and Cultural Importance
- Cultural Heritage: The ornaments stored in the Ratna Bhandar represent not only religious significance but also cultural and historical heritage.
- Preservation Efforts: Opening and repairing the Ratna Bhandar are seen as crucial steps to safeguard this heritage for future generations.

What are the Key Facts about Jagannath Temple?

Introduction to Jagannath Temple
- Location: The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha, India.
- Deities: It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Krishna), accompanied by his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Historical Background
- Foundation: The temple dates back to the 12th century and is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
- Architectural Style: Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, known for its pyramid-like spire (shikhar) and intricate carvings.
Structure and Layout
- Main Temple: The main temple structure, called the “Deula”, houses the sanctum sanctorum where the deities are enshrined.
- Surrounding Complex: The temple complex is enclosed by a high fortified wall known as the “Meghanada Pacheri”.
Rituals and Festivals
- Rath Yatra: The annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) is the most famous festival, where the deities are placed on grand chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri.
- Daily Rituals: Elaborate rituals are performed daily, including offering of food (bhog), aarti, and various sevas (services) to the deities.
Administration and Custodianship
- Administration: The temple is managed by a body known as the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
- Custodianship: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plays a role in the preservation and conservation of the temple’s architectural heritage.

11. NRC in Manipur

Sub : Science and tech

Sec : Defence

Context: Recently the Kuki community of Manipur welcomed the Implementation of NRC if done under strict supervision of the Supreme Court.

Previously the Meitei and Naga organisations have been demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens to check infiltration from Myanmar

About National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Definition and Historical Context
- Origin: Prepared after the Census of 1951 in Assam to document residents.
- Scope: Initially housed with Deputy Commissioners and later transferred to Police in the 1960s.
- Directive: Issued under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Implementation in Assam
- Purpose: Identify Indian citizens amidst migration from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- Scope: Currently exists only in Assam but may extend to other states.
- Similar Efforts: Nagaland creating the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants.
Updating the NRC
- Provisions and Eligibility
- Legal Basis: Updated under The Citizenship Act, 1955 and The Citizenship Rules, 2003.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Persons listed in NRC, 1951.
- Those in Electoral Rolls up to March 24, 1971.
- Descendants of eligible persons.
- Migrants from Bangladesh registered between January 1966 and March 1971.
- Indian Citizens who moved to Assam post March 24, 1971, with proof of residence.
Need for the NRC
- Identifying Infiltrators: Aims to identify and deport illegal immigrants living in India.
- Target: Primarily focuses on immigrants from countries other than Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
- Exclusions: Certain religious minorities from these countries are exempt under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Relationship with Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
- No Direct Link: CAA and NRC are separate but related in immigration policy discourse.
- CAA’s Focus: Grants citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.
Conclusion
- NRC’s Role: Essential for identifying Indian citizens and addressing concerns over illegal immigration.
- Controversies: Surrounds potential nationwide implementation and its implications for various communities.

12. Amendment to Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019

Sub : Polity

Sec : Constitution

Context: The Union Home Ministry is considering amendments to simplify the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), particularly focusing on Schedule 1A, which currently requires applicants to submit documents proving their citizenship from Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan.

Current Issues and Proposed Amendments

Document Requirements: Schedule 1A of the CAA mandates that applicants must furnish documents issued by any government agency in Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan to prove their eligibility for citizenship under Section 6B of the CAA.
Concerns Raised: Many applicants, especially in West Bengal, who migrated from Bangladesh lack these documents. This has created challenges in the application process.
Amendment Discussions: The government is considering amendments to Schedule 1A to facilitate easier application procedures.
- Officials have emphasised that the CAA is meant to be facilitative, allowing flexibility in document submission.
Implementation Flexibility: Authorities handling applications have been advised to process applications even if the required documents are not immediately available.
- Applicants can submit documents later, with officials recording them as ‘pending for processing’.

Statements and Perspectives

Facilitative Law: The CAA is described as a facilitative law aimed at providing citizenship to persecuted minorities. It emphasises understanding the spirit of the law while processing applications.
Role of Religious Institutions: It suggested that applicants could submit eligibility certificates issued by religious institutions certifying their faith in the absence of Schedule 1A documents.
Electoral Impact and Public Perception: The rollout of CAA Rules in March 2023 did not yield expected electoral benefits for BJP in West Bengal.
- There was confusion surrounding the application process, which was capitalised upon by political opponents.
Challenges and Misconceptions: There is a misconception that possession of voter ID cards or Aadhaar automatically grants citizenship.
- Many migrants facing religious persecution lack proper documentation, leading to challenges in employment and other bureaucratic processes.
Simplification and Security Concerns: While there is a call for simplifying rules, concerns about potential misuse by individuals from neighbouring countries changing their identities remain. Schedule 1A was initially introduced to prevent such misuse.

Significance

The ongoing discussions and proposed amendments to Schedule 1A of the CAA reflect efforts to streamline the citizenship application process for migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
The intent is to balance facilitating citizenship for persecuted minorities with ensuring security and verification measures are in place.
These developments are significant in addressing practical challenges faced by applicants and responding to public and political feedback, particularly in states like West Bengal.

About Citizenship Amendment Act 2019

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 introduced significant changes to India’s citizenship laws, specifically aimed at providing a path to Indian citizenship for certain religious minorities from neighbouring countries.

Key Features of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019

Eligibility Criteria
- The CAA amended the Citizenship Act of 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
- These migrants should have entered India on or before December 31, 2014, to be eligible for citizenship.
Definition of Illegal Migrants
- An illegal migrant is defined as someone who enters India without valid travel documents or stays beyond the permitted time under applicable law. Such individuals face potential prosecution, deportation, or imprisonment.
Exemption for Muslims
- The CAA explicitly excludes Muslims from its provisions, focusing exclusively on persecuted minorities from the specified countries.
Residency Requirement
- The residency requirement for eligible communities seeking Indian citizenship through naturalisation was reduced from 11 years to 6 years.
Legal Protections
- Members of the eligible communities are exempted from prosecution under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport Act, 1920, further facilitating their integration into Indian society.
Exceptions
- Certain regions are exempt from the amendments, including tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, as well as areas regulated by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
Consequences of Acquiring Citizenship
- Individuals granted citizenship under the CAA are deemed to be citizens of India from the date of their entry into the country.
- Legal proceedings related to their illegal migration or citizenship status are closed upon acquiring citizenship.
OCI cancellation Grounds
- The amendment also allows cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registrations if the OCI holder violates any law notified by the Indian government.

13. Discovery of the World’s Oldest Figurative Cave Painting

Sub : History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context: Researchers have recently unveiled a groundbreaking discovery in the field of archaeology: the world’s oldest known figurative cave painting, dating back an astonishing 51,200 years.

About the new discovery

Discovery and Age of the Painting
- The world’s oldest known figurative cave painting, located in Leang Karampuang cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been dated to 51,200 years ago.
- This discovery surpasses the previously oldest known cave art, a pig painting from Leang Tedongnge, Indonesia, by over 5,000 years.
Description of the Painting
- The painting depicts a red-pigmented scene featuring a wild pig with its mouth open.
- Surrounding the pig are three figures that are part-human and part-animal (therianthropes).
- The figures are depicted in dynamic poses, suggesting action and storytelling.
Significance of the Painting
- The painting suggests a deeper origin of figurative art among modern humans (Homo sapiens) than previously recognized.
- It highlights a culture of storytelling through visual art in the Late Pleistocene era, much earlier than similar scenes found in Europe.
Methodology: New Dating Technique
- The dating was performed using uranium series (U-series) analysis of calcite deposits overlying the rock art in limestone caves.
- Laser beams were used to analyse the ratio of uranium to thorium isotopes, allowing precise dating of the paintings.
- This technique provided more accurate dating compared to previous methods, revealing the painting’s true age.
Implications and Further Research
- The discovery challenges previous notions about the timeline and sophistication of early human art.
- It underscores the importance of scientific methods in archaeological research, providing insights into ancient human cultures and their artistic expressions.
- Further exploration and dating of similar sites could provide additional understanding of early human creativity and cultural development.

Prehistoric paintings In India

Discovery of Prehistoric Cave Paintings in India
- Prehistoric cave paintings dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic era have been discovered worldwide.
- In India, the earliest reported paintings date to the Upper Palaeolithic times, predating the discovery of Altamira in Spain.
Early Explorations and Archaeologists
- In 1867-68, Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle discovered the first prehistoric rock paintings in India.
- Renowned archaeologists such as Cockburn, Anderson, Mitra, and Ghosh further unearthed numerous sites across regions like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
Characteristics of the Paintings
- The paintings feature stick-like human figures, animals such as long-snouted creatures, foxes, and multi-legged lizards.
- Geometric patterns in white, black, and red ochre are also commonly depicted.
Notable Sites and Examples
- Lakhudiyar, near Almora, hosts rock shelters along the River Suyal adorned with these prehistoric paintings.
- Scenes include hand-linked dancing human figures, showcasing early artistic expression and social activities.
- Superimposed paintings reveal layers of black, red ochre, and white, indicating successive periods of artistic activity.
Other Forms of Artistic Expression
- Engravings on slabs were discovered in Kashmir, offering additional insights into prehistoric artistic practices.
- Granite rocks in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh feature paintings in white, red ochre, or combinations thereof at sites like Kupgallu, Piklihal, and Tekkalkota.
Significance and Cultural Insights
- These discoveries provide a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and artistic capabilities of prehistoric humans in India.
- They underscore the universality of early human creativity and the development of symbolic communication through art.

14. Abhaya Mudra

Sub : History

Sec : Art and Culture

Context: In his first speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi talked about the abhaya mudra. This is a gesture where the hand is raised with an open palm, symbolizing reassurance and freedom from fear.

He mentioned that this gesture is commonly seen in depictions of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, and is also found in Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.

About Abhaya Mudra

The Abhaya Mudra is a gesture where the hand is open and facing outward, often seen as a signal to stop.

It’s known as the “fearlessness gesture,” derived from the Sanskrit word “abhaya,” meaning fearlessness.

Symbolically, it represents protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. In yoga, it’s believed to foster courage and reduce fear and anxiety.

This gesture is prevalent in many South Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It holds particular significance in Thailand and Laos, often associated with depictions of the walking Buddha.

According to a Stanford University newsletter, the open palm gesture likely originated as a natural sign of good intentions, used since prehistoric times to propose friendship or peace.

In ancient times, it also symbolises power, such as the “magna manus” of Roman Emperors, who used the gesture to both legislate and grant peace.

The gesture appears to have evolved from a universal form of human communication, eventually becoming integrated into major South Asian religions.

Religious significance in Buddhism

According to legend, there was a moment when Devadatta, Buddha’s jealous cousin, attempted to kill him by releasing a rampaging elephant.
In response, Buddha calmly displayed the Abhaya Mudra, an open-palm gesture.
This gesture instantly pacified the elephant, demonstrating Buddha’s ability to calm not only the animal but also to dispel fear itself.
Thus, the Abhaya Mudra in Buddhism symbolises both the calming of the senses and the absence of fear, illustrating Buddha’s teachings on fearlessness and inner peace.

Some other Mudras

In Buddhism, there are five primary mudras, each carrying deep symbolic meaning:

Abhaya Mudra: This mudra is associated with Amoghasiddhi, the fifth Dhyani-Buddha. It symbolises peace, reassurance, and protection. The gesture is performed with either the right hand or both hands, fingers outstretched, palms facing the viewer.

Dharmachakra Mudra: Linked to Vairochana, the first Dhyani-Buddha, this mudra signifies the moment when Buddha delivered his first sermon after Enlightenment. It forms a circle with the thumb and index finger touching, representing the Wheel of Dharma. The remaining fingers are extended.

Bhumisparsha Mudra: Also known as the “earth touching mudra,” it symbolises Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree. Associated with Akshobhya, this mudra shows the seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand, fingers extended downward.

Varada Mudra: Associated with Ratnasambhava, the third Dhyani-Buddha, this mudra is known as the “boon-granting” gesture. It is performed with the left hand, palm facing outward and downward, symbolising generosity and compassion.

Dhyana Mudra: Meaning “meditation,” this mudra is associated with Amitabha, the fourth Dhyani-Buddha. It is performed in a seated meditation posture (padmasana), with both hands resting on the lap or thigh, palms facing upward, and right hand over the left, fingers fully extended.

These mudras play significant roles in Buddhist iconography, representing different aspects of Buddha’s teachings and spiritual qualities.

15. Abdul Hamid

Sub : History

Sec : Modern India

Context: Recently Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the native village of Hamid, Dhamupur, where he released a book on Hamid titled ‘Mere Papa Paramvir’ and another book titled ‘Bharat ka Musalman’.

Background of Abdul Hamid

Birth: Born on July 1, 1933.
Service: Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) in the 4th Grenadiers Battalion of the Indian Army.

Battle of Asal Uttar: Overview and Context

Date: Fought between September 8 to September 10, 1965, during the India-Pakistan War of 1965.
Location: Near Khem Karan in Punjab, close to the India-Pakistan border.
Pakistani Offensive: Pakistan’s 1 Armoured Division launched an offensive to capture Khem Karan and cut off parts of Punjab, including Amritsar, from India.

Indian Response and Strategic Moves

Initial Surprise: India’s 4th Mountain Division, near Khem Karan, initially fell back in the face of the Pakistani offensive.
Leadership and Defence Strategy: Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, Western Army Commander, advised a stout defence at Asal Uttar and moved the 2nd Armoured Brigade to counter Pakistani tanks.
Outcome: The battle resulted in heavy losses for Pakistan, including 97 Patton tanks and the surrender of an entire armoured regiment and its commanding officer.

Abdul Hamid’s Heroic Contribution

Role and Actions: Serving with the 4th Grenadiers Battalion, Hamid led a detachment of Recoilless Guns near Chima village, tasked with hunting enemy tanks.
Bravery and Sacrifice: On September 10, Hamid engaged and destroyed four Pakistani Patton tanks at close range, disabling one despite coming under fire from another tank.
Recognition: Posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

Legacy and Commemoration

War Memorial: The site of Hamid’s death is now a war memorial.
Tribute: A captured Pakistani Patton tank stands at the memorial’s entrance, turret down, honouring the bravery of Indian soldiers in the Battle of Asal Uttar.

It encapsulates the bravery and strategic significance of Abdul Hamid’s actions during the Battle of Asal Uttar, highlighting his role in India’s successful defence against Pakistani forces during the 1965 war.