UPSC: Goddess Skandamata, Rani Durgavati, TTDI, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Goddess Skandamata

News: Prime Minister Modi has prayed to Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri.
Definition:
- - Goddess Skandamata is the goddess of patience, purity, and peace.
  - Skandamata mounts on a lion.
  - According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Skandamata is the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Lord Kartikeya.

- - She is often depicted holding her son Skanda in her lap.
  - The colour of Mother Skandamata is completely white and she sits on a lotus flower, due to which she is also called Padmasana.

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Chenchu Tribe

News: The Chenchus of Penukumaduguh have got less work opportunities under the MGNREGA.
About the Chenchu Tribe:
- - The Chenchus are an indigenous tribe residing in the Nallamala Hills, located within the Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe in the state.
  - Their ancestry is linked to Lord Malikarjuna of the Srisailam temple. While primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, smaller populations of Chenchus also exist in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

Social Structure and Living Patterns:
- - The Chenchus live in small settlements called “Penta,” consisting of clusters of huts organized around kinship ties.
  - These villages are governed by a village elder known as the “Peddamanishi,” whose decisions hold the highest authority within the community.
Traditional Occupation:
- - Historically, the Chenchus depend on hunting for their sustenance. They hunt deer, wild boar, rabbits, wild cocks, and birds using bows and arrows.
  - They also gather forest products such as roots, tubers, fruits, beedi leaves, mahua flowers, honey, gum, tamarind, and green leaves, which they sell to traders or government cooperatives.
Livelihood:
- - Apart from hunting and gathering, the Chenchus make leaf cups and plates from tobacco leaves.
  - They also sell tamarind and mahua flowers, which are popular in local markets. Honey is particularly significant in their diet and livelihood.
Marriage Customs:
- - Chenchu society is organized into clans, with 26 distinct gotras. Marriages within the same gotra are forbidden.
  - Known as “Pelli,” marriages are either arranged by elders or based on the choice of the individuals.
  - The maternal uncle plays a key role in the wedding ceremony by conducting the ‘sampradaan’ (handing over the bride).
Religion and Beliefs:
- - The Chenchus primarily worship Bhagwan Taru, the sky god, and Garelamai Sama, the forest goddess who protects them.
  - They also revere other deities such as Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and the Goddess of Fire.
Language:
- - The Chenchu people speak dialects of the Chenchu language, including Chenchucoolam, Chenchwar, Chenswar, and Choncharu, all of which bear a strong Telugu influence.

Lake Kivu

News: A boat carrying scores of passengers capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo recently.
- Location: Lake Kivu is one of East Africa’s Great Lakes, straddling the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on its western side and Rwanda on its eastern side.
Significance:
- - It is Rwanda’s largest lake and ranks as the sixth largest lake in Africa.
  - The lake is located within the Albertine Rift, which is part of the western branch of the East African Rift system.

Geography:
- - Lake Kivu sits at an elevation of 1,460 meters above sea level and covers an area of 1,040 square miles (2,700 square kilometers).
  - About 58% of the lake’s waters lie within the DRC, with the remaining portion in Rwanda.
  - The lake stretches 90 kilometers in length and is 50 kilometers wide.
Depth and Physical Features:
- - It has a maximum depth of 475 meters and an average depth of 220 meters.
  - Its irregular shoreline is dotted with inlets, peninsulas, and numerous waterfalls.
Hydrology:
- - The lake drains into the Rusizi River, which flows southward and ultimately empties into Lake Tanganyika.
Notable Feature:
- - Idjwi Island, the world’s tenth-largest inland island, is located within Lake Kivu.

Rani Durgavati

News: Madhya Pradesh cabinet recently approved the formation of a panel to develop a memorial and garden dedicated to Gond queen Rani Durgavati for Rs 100 crore.
Background:
- - Rani Durgavati (1524–1564) was a descendant of the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba and the queen of the Gond kingdom of Garha-Katanga.
  - She was born on 5th October 1524 in the family of the famous Chandel ruler, Keerat Rai.
Chandela Dynasty:
- - The Chandela dynasty is renowned for the valor of King Vidyadhar, who successfully defended his kingdom against Mahmud Ghazni’s invasions.
  - The dynasty is also known for its architectural marvels, such as the temples of Khajuraho and the fort of Kalinjar, reflecting their love for art and sculptures.
Birthplace: Rani Durgavati was born in Kalinjar (Banda, U.P.), a prominent fort in medieval India.
Marriage and Alliance:
- - In 1542, she married Dalpatshah, the eldest son of King Sangramshah of the Gond Dynasty, forming a close alliance between the Chandela and Gond dynasties.
  - In 1545, she gave birth to her son, Vir Narayan.
Assumption of Power:
- - After Dalpatshah’s death in 1550, Rani Durgavati assumed control of the Gond kingdom as Vir Narayan was too young to rule.
  - She was assisted by two ministers, Adhar Kayastha and Man Thakur, in managing the administration effectively.
Strategic Move:
- - She shifted the capital from Singaurgarh to Chauragarh, a strategically important fort located in the Satpura hill range.
  - Trade flourished during her reign, leading to prosperity among her people.

Territorial Expansion:
- - Following in the footsteps of her husband’s predecessors, Rani Durgavati expanded her kingdom and unified Gondwana (Garha-Katanga) with bravery, generosity, and political acumen.
  - She successfully defended her territory from Sultan Baz Bahadur of Malwa.
Conflict with the Mughals:
- - In 1562, after Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur and annexed Malwa, the borders of Gondwana came into contact with the Mughal Empire.
  - Rani Durgavati is most remembered for her courageous defense of Gondwana against the Mughal forces.
Legacy:
- - Despite her eventual defeat, Rani Durgavati is celebrated as a brave warrior who fought valiantly against the Mughal Empire, embodying the spirit of resistance and leadership.

UPSC GS 2

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

News: In alignment with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has planted a staggering 1,46,675 saplings across its operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Campaign Overview: Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam was Initiated by the Central Government on World Environment Day, 5th June 2024.
Led by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in partnership with State Governments and Union Territories.
Objective: The campaign encouraged citizens to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers, fostering both ecological conservation and a sense of familial respect.
Goals:
- - 80 crore trees to be planted by September 2024.
  - 140 crore trees to be planted by March 2025.
Strategy: Utilizing a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach, the campaign seeks to involve citizens, communities, and local authorities in a nationwide effort to enhance India’s green cover.
Campaign Activities:
- - Distribution of saplings.
  - Awareness initiatives and events where individuals plant trees in honour of their mothers.
Broader Significance: The campaign ties environmental awareness with personal and cultural values, encouraging a deeper connection to nature.
Focus Areas: The initiative also concentrated on combating land degradation and restoring degraded lands through widespread tree plantation efforts.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL):
- - South Eastern Coalfields Limited is a Government of India Undertaking and a Miniratna Company.
  - South Eastern Coalfield Limited’s Gevra mine is the largest coal mine in India.

National Agriculture Code (NAC)

News: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
About the National Agriculture Code (NAC):
- - The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing the National Agriculture Code (NAC), aiming to set standardized guidelines for the entire agricultural cycle.
  - These standards will cover essential aspects such as field preparation, crop selection, irrigation, harvesting, storage, and modern areas like natural and organic farming.
Implementation Strategy:
- - BIS has developed a strategic framework, forming 12-14 working panels composed of university professors and R&D organizations to address specific areas of agriculture.
Purpose and Guidance:
- - The NAC will serve as a reference guide for farmers, agricultural universities, and field officials, ensuring consistent best practices across the agriculture sector.
Need for NAC:
- - Currently, BIS sets standards for agricultural machinery and inputs (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides), but there are no standards for critical practices like field preparation, irrigation, and water management, making the NAC essential.
Structure of the NAC:
- - Part 1: General principles applicable to all crops.
  - Part 2: Crop-specific standards for major crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
NAC Coverage:
- - The NAC will cover the entire agricultural cycle, including crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil and plant health management, harvesting, post-harvest operations, and sustainability practices.
  - Standards for inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and storage will be included. Emerging areas such as natural farming, organic farming, and IoT applications in agriculture will also be addressed.
Objectives of NAC:
- - Comprehensive Code: Develop a national code to standardize agricultural practices based on agroclimatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity.
  - Quality Culture: Encourage a culture of quality standards in Indian agriculture, providing guidelines for policymakers and regulators.
  - Decision-Making Guide: Serve as a reference for farmers to make informed decisions about agricultural techniques.
  - Integration: Align Indian agricultural standards with recommended best practices.
  - Smart Farming: Focus on broader agricultural issues such as smart farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
  - Capacity Building: Support the growth of agricultural extension services and civil society organizations through capacity-building initiatives.

UPSC GS 3

Hammerhead Shark

News: Stunning shovel-shaped hammerhead shark species have been discovered in the Atlantic Ocean.
Definition:
- - Hammerhead sharks, known for their uniquely shaped heads, belong to the Sphyrnidae family.
  - Their flattened, hammer- or shovel-shaped heads, referred to as ‘cephalofoils,’ are a distinct characteristic.
Head Structure:
- - The cephalofoil design enhances their 360-degree vision.
  - It also improves their hunting efficiency.

Species:
- - There are nine species of hammerhead sharks, each differing in length.
  - The largest species is the great hammerhead, which can grow up to 20 feet long.
Distribution:
- - Hammerhead sharks inhabit tropical and temperate waters, typically near coastlines and continental shelves.
  - They may migrate seasonally, moving towards the equator in winter and towards the poles in summer.
  - During El Niño events, they can travel hundreds of kilometers beyond their usual range.
Physical Features:
- - Their upper bodies range in color from greyish-brown to olive-green, while their undersides are white.
  - They possess sharp, triangular, serrated teeth, akin to the edge of a saw blade.
  - Hammerheads have special sensory organs on their heads that help detect prey in the ocean.
Reproduction and Lifespan:
- - Hammerhead sharks are viviparous, giving birth to live young after carrying fertilized eggs inside their bodies.
  - They have a lifespan of 20-30 years.
Thermoregulation:
- - Being exothermic, hammerhead sharks rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature.
Conservation Status: All species, except Sphyrna gilberti, are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

Very Short Range Air Defence System

News: India conducted three successful flight tests of a very short range air defence missile system at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing ranges.
Definition: The Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short distances.
Development:
- - VSHORADS has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
  - The development was done in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners.

Key Features:
- - The missile and launcher have been highly optimized for easy portability, requiring minimal personnel for operation.
  - It incorporates advanced technologies, such as a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics.
  - The missile is powered by a dual-thrust solid motor and has a range of up to 6 km.
Deployment:
- - As a lightweight, man-portable system, VSHORADS can be quickly deployed, particularly in mountainous regions.
  - It is especially useful in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, including Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

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Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024

News: India has been ranked 39th among 119 countries in the latest TTDI 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum.
Definition:
- - First introduced in 2022, the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) benchmarks and measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the Travel & Tourism (T&T) sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country.
  - The index is a direct evolution of the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which has been published biennially since 2007.
Published by: The report has been published by the World Economic Forum.

India’s Position: India ranks 39th out of 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
Key Areas of Improvement for India: India has made notable progress in several areas, particularly in the prioritization of travel and tourism, safety and security, and health and hygiene.
Government of India’s Initiatives: The Indian government views tourism as a crucial sector for fostering social inclusion, generating employment, and driving economic growth.
- - Tourism plays a central role in India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047.
Measures to Enhance Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):
- - Key efforts to boost FTAs include the promotion of adventure and niche tourism.
  - The government has simplified the availability of e-visas and introduced a 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline.
  - On World Tourism Day 2024, the launch of initiatives like ‘Paryatan Didi’ and ‘Paryatan Mitra’ aims to enhance the hospitality experience for tourists.

Domestic Tourism Initiatives:
- Several programs have been introduced to boost domestic tourism, such as Dekho Apna Desh, the PRASHAD Scheme, the Vibrant Village Programme, SWADESH 2.0, and the Regional Connectivity Scheme (Udaan).