UPSC: Ahom Moidams, MERCOSUR, Dark Oxygen, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Ahom Moidams

News: Ahom ‘Moidam’ in Assam has been included in UNESCO World Heritage List.
More on News:
- - Moidams of Assam is the first site from the North East that has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category.
  - Moidams of Assam has become the 43rd property from India to be included in the prestigious index.
  - After Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s third World Heritage site.
Definition:
- - The Moidams (also known as Maidams) are the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled from the 13th century to the 19th century.
  - The word Moidam is derived from the Tai word Phrang-Mai-Dam or Mai-Tam.
  - Phrang-Mai means to put into the grave or to bury and Dam means the spirit of the Dead.
Comparison:
- - These burial mounds are comparable to the royal tombs of ancient China and the Pyramids of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

Charaideo:
- - The Moidams are located in Assam’s Charaideo district, more than 400 km east of Guwahati.
  - Charaideo was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty, founded by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253.
Burial Practices:
- - Initially, the Ahom rulers practiced mound-burial for their royals.
  - After the 18th century, they adopted the Hindu method of cremation, entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Moidam at Charaideo.
  - The Ahom kings used to be buried along with their treasures including articles of their day to day use, i.e. cloths, ornaments, weapons etc.
  - The practice of burying alive was banned by King Rudra Singha.
Geographical Spread:
- - With the shift of the Ahom capital south and eastwards, Moidams have been found in various regions including Northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Northern Burma, Southern China, and Northeast India. This distribution marks the region where Tai-Ahom culture prevailed.
Ahom Rule:
- - The Ahom rule lasted for approximately 600 years until the British annexed Assam in 1826.
  - Traditionally and culturally the Ahoms are members of the Great Tai (Tai-Yai) group of peoples.
  - Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha was the first king or Chao-pha or Swargadeo (Lord of the heaven) of the Ahom Dynasty, who established the first Ahom capital at Cherai-doi or Charaideo.
  - The first king of the Ahoms Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha was buried at Charaideo.
  - The Ahom kings appointed a special officer, Changrung Phukan for the construction and maintenance of all the civil works including Royal Moidams.
  - Changrung Phukan was one of the nine Phukans of the highest rank.
UNESCO World Heritage List:
- - A World Heritage site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
  - World Heritage sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance.

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UPSC GS 2

MERCOSUR

News: Recently, Bolivia became fulltime member of MERCOSUR groupings.
Definition:
- - MERCOSUR, short for Mercado Común del Sur (Southern Common Market), is an economic and political bloc in Latin America.
Founding Members:
- - Initially established by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Bolivia and Venezuela joined later, though Venezuela has been suspended since December 1, 2016.
Creation:
- - Formed in 1991 through the Treaty of Asunción, aimed at enabling the free movement of goods, services, and production factors among member nations.

Objectives
- - Economic Integration: Promotes the integration of economies and encourages free trade among its member countries.
  - Free Trade: Facilitates the free exchange of goods, services, and people across member states.
Decision-Making Body:
- - The Common Market Council serves as the primary decision-making forum, focusing on coordinating foreign and economic policies.
Languages:
- - Spanish and Portuguese are the official working languages of MERCOSUR.
International Relations
- - Trade Agreement with India: India and MERCOSUR signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2004, enhancing economic relations with one of the world’s largest trade blocs.
Headquarters: Located in Montevideo, Uruguay.

UPSC GS 3

Immunity for the President and Governors

News: A three-judge bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, is deliberating a case challenging the absolute ‘criminal immunity’ granted to the President and Governors under Article 361 of the Indian Constitution.
Immunity Provisions for the President and Governor under Article 361 of the Constitution:
Article 361(1)
- - Non-Answerability: The President or Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of their powers and duties.
  - Exception: Conduct may be reviewed by a court, tribunal, or body appointed by Parliament for investigating a charge under Article 61 (violation of the Constitution).
  - Lawsuits Against Government: Immunity does not prevent individuals from suing the Central or State Government.
Article 361(2
- - Criminal Proceedings: No criminal proceedings can be initiated or continued against the President or Governor during their term in office.
Article 361(3)
- - Arrest and Imprisonment: No court can issue a process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President or Governor during their term in office.
Article 361(4)
- - Civil Proceedings: No civil proceedings against the President or Governor for actions done in their personal capacity can be initiated during their term of office, unless two months’ written notice has been given.

Dark Oxygen

News: Scientists have recently discovered a strange phenomenon, dubbed “dark oxygen” in the deep sea.
Definition:
- - Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced in complete darkness, thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, where sunlight cannot penetrate.
Significance of Discovery:
- - Previously, it was believed that oxygen production was solely dependent on photosynthesis, a process requiring sunlight.
  - Oceanic plankton, algae, and some bacteria, all of which perform photosynthesis, were thought to be the primary sources of oxygen in the ocean.
  - The discovery of oxygen production in the absence of light challenges this understanding.
Mechanism of Production:
- - In this scenario, oxygen is not produced by plants but rather comes from polymetallic nodules.
  - These nodules, resembling lumps of coal, can generate oxygen through electrochemical activity by splitting H₂O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, even without sunlight.
Key Facts about Polymetallic Nodules
- - Description: Polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese nodules, are rounded accretions found on the deep ocean floor. They are composed of various metals and minerals.

Composition:
- - Main Metals: Manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt
  - Other Elements: Traces of platinum, rare earth elements, lithium
Formation:
- - Process: Formed over millions of years through a gradual accumulation of concentric layers around a central nucleus.
  - Central Nucleus: Can be a shell fragment, shark tooth, or basaltic rock.
Importance:
- - Economic Value: Metals in these nodules are crucial for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, mobile phones, wind turbines, and solar panels.
Geographic Distribution:
- - Locations: Predominantly found in the north-central Pacific Ocean, southeastern Pacific Ocean, and northern Indian Ocean.
  - Potential Resources: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean may contain enough nodules to meet global energy needs for decades.

Wind Demon

News: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled the country’s new air-to-surface missile dubbed “Wind Demon” at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.
Wind Demon Missile
- - The Wind Demon is an advanced air-to-surface cruise missile designed for precise and cost-effective long-range attacks.
  - It was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Launch Platforms:
- - Launch Options: Can be launched from helicopters or aircraft.
  - Target Capability: Effective against both mobile and stationary targets with pre-determined plans, requiring no operator intervention.

Range and Weight:
- - Range: Over 200 kilometers.
  - Weight: 140 kg.
Accuracy:
- - Circular Error Probable (CEP): Just 1 meter, indicating exceptional precision.
Operational Capabilities:
- - Altitude: Capable of flying at extremely low altitudes to minimize detection, disruption, and interception.
  - Speed Profiles: Offers multiple speed profiles (fast/slow/fast) to meet different tactical needs.
Day/Night Operations:
- - Seeker Technology: Equipped with an advanced electro-optical seeker with thermal capabilities, allowing operation in both day and night conditions.
Additional Features:
- - Laser Spot Tracking: Includes laser spot tracking capabilities for enhanced targeting accuracy.
  - Warhead: Weighs over 20 kilograms.
  - Control System: Features a Man-in-the-Loop control system for human oversight during critical phases of the mission.

Exercise Khaan Quest

News: The Indian Army contingent departed for the Multinational Military Exercise ‘Khaan Quest’ recently.
Overview:
- - Exercise KHAAN QUEST is a multinational military exercise focused on enhancing peacekeeping capabilities and fostering international collaboration among military forces.
Recent Edition:
- - Location: Mongolia.
  - Dates: June 19 to July 2, 2023.
Origins:
- - Initiated in 2003 as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces.
Evolution:
- - Became a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise from 2006 onwards. The 2023 edition marks the 21st iteration of the exercise.

Indian Army Involvement:
- - Contingent: Consists of 40 personnel, primarily from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with members from other Arms and Services.
  - Gender Representation: Includes one woman officer and two women soldiers.
Aim:
- - To prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational context, enhancing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Practiced Drills:
- - Establishment of Check Points: Static and mobile check points.
  - Cordon and Search Operations: Techniques and strategies for effective search and control operations.
Benefits:
- - Interoperability: Facilitates better coordination and understanding among participating countries’ forces.
  - Camaraderie: Promotes mutual respect and camaraderie among soldiers from different nations.

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Listeria Monocytogenes

News: Cases of listeriosis, spread by the bacteria known as listeria monocytogenes, have led to four deaths so far in the US and Canada.
Listeria:
Scientific Name: Listeria monocytogenes.
Sources: Found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage, and animal/human feces.
Listeriosis:
Definition: An infection caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria.
Symptoms of Listeriosis:
- - May include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Vulnerable Groups:
- - Compromised Immune Systems: People with weakened immune systems.
  - Pregnant Persons: Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis, risking pregnancy loss, premature birth, or severe infection in the newborn.
  - Elderly: Individuals aged 65 and above are at higher risk, with a median age of 75 in U.S. outbreaks.
Risky Foods:
- - Milk and Dairy Products: Particularly soft cheeses.
  - Raw Sprouts and Deli Meats: Including hot dogs.
  - Smoked Seafood.
Treatment:
- - Initial Treatment: Often involves antibiotics for symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
  - Invasive Listeriosis: Requires more intensive treatment if the infection spreads beyond the intestines, often with a higher need for medical intervention.

Sea Urchins

News: Sea urchins fed waste cabbage to spare Japan’s seaweed forests.
Group: Marine invertebrates belonging to echinoderms, a group also including starfish and sea cucumbers.
Characteristics: Known for their spiny skin.
Habitat: Found in various marine settings such as rocky shores, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms.
Living Conditions: Inhabit the ocean floor, typically on hard surfaces. They use tube feet or spines for movement.
Appearance:
- - Body Shape: Spherical to somewhat flattened with spiny exteriors.
  - Largest Species: Sperostoma giganteum, found in deep waters off Japan.

Features:
- - Body Structure: Globular with a radial arrangement of organs, featuring five bands of pores from mouth to anus.
  - Tube Feet: Slender, extensible, and often equipped with suckers.
  - Exoskeleton: Hard test made of interlocking plates or ossicles, covered with movable spines.
  - Additional Structures: Pedicellariae (pincerlike organs) and long, movable spines that may contain poison glands.
Food Habit:
- - Diet: Herbivorous, primarily feeding on algae and plant material.
  - Feeding Mechanism: Utilize Aristotle’s lantern, a specialized mouthpart, to scrape algae and other food from rocks or the seafloor.

Ketamine Pill

News: A new tablet that slowly releases the drug ketamine can ease treatment-resistant depression.
Purpose: Used by doctors as an anesthetic to prevent pain during surgeries.
Alternative Name: Ketalar.
Mechanism of Action:
- - Neurotransmitter Interaction: Blocks the NMDA receptor for glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that facilitates neuron communication.
  - Derived From: Phencyclidine (PCP).
  - Effects: Reduces pain transmission in the spinal cord and activates reward pathways in the brain.

Properties:
- - Type: Dissociative anesthetic with psychedelic properties.
  - Use: Administered under strict medical supervision for anesthesia and treatment of depression.
Medical Uses:
- - Therapy: Effective for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, and drug/alcohol problems.
Potential Side Effects:
- - Physical Effects: Agitation, depression, cognitive issues, unconsciousness, and memory loss.
Regulation in India:
- - Schedule X Drug: Ketamine is tightly controlled and monitored on a case-specific basis by prescribing doctors.