14 Aug | UPSC Current Affairs: Arangetram, Lunisolar Calendar, Tungabhadra Reservoir, and More

UPSC GS 1

Arangetram: Bharatanatyam

• News: A 13-year-old student made history by performing Bharatanatyam “Arangetram” in China, marking a significant milestone for the ancient Indian dance form.
• Arangetram – It is Bharatnatyam’s graduation ceremony. 
• Bharatanatyam
• Origin and Age:
  • • Bharatanatyam, originating from Tamil Nadu, is the oldest of the contemporary classical dance forms and is over 2000 years old.

• Historical References:
  • • The dance form is detailed in Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra (200 BCE to 200 CE).
    • Historical references also appear in Tamil epics such as Silappatikaram (c. 2nd century CE) and Manimegalai.
    • Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is a key source for the study of Bharatanatyam’s technique and grammar.
• Etymology:
  • • The name “Bharatanatyam” derives from the combination of ‘Bharata’ and ‘Natyam’.
    • In Sanskrit, ‘Natyam’ means dance, while ‘Bharata’ is a mnemonic that stands for ‘bhava’ (emotion), ‘raga’ (melody), and ‘tala’ (rhythm). The name signifies a dance form expressing these elements.
• Historical Development:
  • • Bharatanatyam was initially nurtured in temples by the Devadasis, who were temple servants.
    • The dance was later patronized by princely courts, notably under the Chola and Pallava kings.
    • It shares many dance poses with ancient Shiva sculptures, such as the Tandava-dancing Shiva as Nataraja depicted in the 7th-century Badami cave temples.

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Earliest Lunisolar Calendar

• News: A researcher from the University of Edinburgh has uncovered the earliest lunisolar calendar at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in Turkey.
• Site of the Discovery:
  • • The calendar was discovered at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in southern Turkey renowned for its temple-like enclosures. 
    • This discovery enhances the site’s significance as a major archaeological landmark.

• Significance of the Calendar: 
  • • The calendar documents a major astronomical event: a comet impact that occurred around 13,000 years ago. 
    • This impact is believed to have triggered a 1,200-year ice age and contributed to the extinction of many large animals.
• Carvings on the Pillars: 
  • • The pillars at Göbekli Tepe feature detailed carvings, including V-shaped markings. These carvings are thought to record the date and details of comet fragments striking Earth around 10,850 BC. 
    • The V-shaped symbols are believed to represent days in a lunisolar calendar.
• Cultural and Historical Impact:
  • • The carvings indicate that ancient people were capable of observing and recording celestial movements, including the sun, moon, and constellations. 
    • This suggests they tracked seasonal changes and significant events with sophisticated astronomical knowledge

Tungabhadra Reservoir

• News: One of the gates of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka was washed away recently due to the snapping of chain link.
• Overview:
  • • The Tungabhadra Reservoir, also known as the Tungabhadra Dam, is a multipurpose dam located near Hospet in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India.
    • It spans the Tungabhadra River, a major tributary of the Krishna River.
• Construction and Design:
  • • Built in 1953, it is a joint project between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
    • The dam is constructed with stone and earth, extending approximately 2.4 kilometers in length and standing 49.39 meters tall.

• Purpose:
  • • The primary functions of the dam are water storage for irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
• Capacity and Storage:
  • • The reservoir has a gross storage capacity of around 3.7 billion cubic meters (131 TMC ft).
    • Its catchment area covers approximately 28,177 square kilometers.
    • The reservoir supports irrigation for over 1.2 million acres of farmland in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Hydroelectric Power Generation:
  • • The dam includes a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 72 MW.
    • The electricity generated supports regional electrification and industrial development.
• Environmental and Social Impact:
  • • The reservoir is crucial for the agrarian economy, aiding in the cultivation of crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
    • It supports diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the local ecosystem, but its construction caused displacement of communities and environmental changes.
• Tourism and Cultural Significance:
  • • The reservoir is a popular tourist attraction, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the historic Vijayanagara ruins at Hampi.
    • Its serene waters, lush greenery, and surrounding hills make it a favored spot for picnics and relaxation.
• Challenges and Future Prospects:
  • • The reservoir faces issues such as siltation and water management.
    • There is a need for modernizing irrigation infrastructure to ensure its long-term sustainability and continued benefits to the region

Gotipua Dance

• News: Gotipua child artistes, who experience the world as their stage and applause as a constant companion, face an uncertain future when they hit puberty, leaving them without skills required for a job.
• Overview:
  • • Gotipua is a traditional folk dance from Odisha and is considered the precursor to the classical Odissi dance form.
    • The term “Gotipua” comes from the Odisha language, where “Goti” means “single” and “Pua” means “boy.”
• Training and Performance:
  • • Children are trained in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics within gurukuls or akhadas.
    • They dress as girls and perform at temple festivals, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies.

• Origin:
  • • Historically, female dancers known as Devadasis or Maharis served temples in Odisha, devoted to Lord Jagannath.
    • With the decline of Mahari dancers during the reign of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev, boy dancers emerged to continue the tradition.
    • Gotipua Dance evolved to be more precise and systematic in its current form.
• Performance Elements:
  • • Vandana: A prayer to God or a guru.
    • Abhinaya: Enactment of a song.
    • Bandha Nritya: Features acrobatic postures demonstrating physical prowess, requiring great agility and flexibility. It is typically performed during adolescence and becomes increasingly challenging with age.
• Musical Accompaniment:
  • • The dance is supported by the mardala (a type of pakhawaj), gini (small cymbals), harmonium, violin, and flute.

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Saint Martin’s Island

• News:   According to sources, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina could have continued to remain in power if she had given Bangladesh’s “St Martin’s Island and Bay of Bengal to America”.
• Location:
  • • The island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
    • It is situated nine kilometers away from the southern tip of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula.

• Geography:
  • • The island is 7.3 kilometers long, mostly flat, and sits at an elevation of 3.6 meters above mean sea level.
    • It is Bangladesh’s only coral island, with reefs located 10-15 kilometers to the west-northwest.
    • The island serves as a breeding ground for sea turtles.
• History:
  • • The island was once part of the Teknaf peninsula around 5,000 years ago but gradually became submerged.
    • Approximately 450 years ago, the southern suburbs of the present-day St Martin’s Island resurfaced, with the northern parts rising above sea level in the following century.
    • Arab merchants were among the first settlers on the island in the 18th century, initially naming it “Jazira” and later changing it to “Narikel Jinjira” or “Coconut Island.”
    • In 1900, British India annexed the island during a land survey, where some Bengali and Rakhine fishermen had settled.
    • During British occupation, the island was named St Martin’s Island after the Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong, Martin.
• Strategic Military Importance:
  • • St Martin’s Island holds significant strategic value due to its location near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
    • A military base on the island would offer unparalleled oversight of the Bay of Bengal and allow for surveillance of Chinese investments and activities in the region around the Strait of Malacca.
    • The island’s location also facilitates the potential monitoring of trade and military activities, making it a highly sought-after asset for global powers like the United States.
• Economic Contribution:
  • • St Martin’s Island falls within Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which grants access to valuable marine resources such as fish, oil, and gas.

UPSC GS 2

India Rankings 2024

• News:  Union Minister for Education recently released the India Rankings 2024, based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) established by the Ministry of Education in 2015.
• Participation:
  • • This year’s India Rankings saw a significant increase in participation, with 10,885 institutions compared to 5,543 the previous year.
• Expanded Categories:
  • • The India Rankings 2024 introduced three new categories: State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities.
    • This expansion brings the total ranking portfolio to 16 categories and subject domains.

• Employability Focus:
  • • The rankings emphasized employability skills as a key parameter.
• Evaluation Criteria Changes:
  • • The faculty-to-student ratio requirement was updated: medical institutes now need a ratio of 1:10 (previously 1:15), and state government universities need a ratio of 1:20 (previously 1:15).
    • Institutions were assessed on five broad parameters: teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception.
• Top Institutions:
  • • IIT Madras retained its 1st position in the Overall Category for the sixth consecutive year.
    • Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru topped the Universities Category for the ninth consecutive year.
    • IIM Ahmedabad maintained its top position in the Management category for the fifth consecutive year.
    • AIIMS New Delhi secured the top position in the Medical category for the seventh consecutive year.
    • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia also featured among the top universities.
• Participation Growth: 
  • • The number of unique institutions participating in the rankings increased from 2,426 in 2016 to 6,517 in 2024.
    • Total applications rose from 3,565 in 2016 to 10,845 in 2024.
• New Category Leaders:
  • • Anna University, Chennai topped the newly introduced State Public Universities category.
    • IGNOU, New Delhi led the Open Universities category.
    • Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune ranked first in the Skill Universities category.
• Recognition of Excellence: 
  • • The rankings align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, acknowledging excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and graduation outcomes among Indian higher education institutions.

Model Solar Village

• News: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued the guidelines for the rolling out of the “Model Solar Village” under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Model Solar Village:
  • • Objective: The Model Solar Village initiative aims to establish one model solar village per district across India to promote solar energy adoption and enable village communities to become self-reliant in meeting their energy needs.
    • Funding: A total of ₹800 crore has been allocated for this scheme, with ₹1 crore provided to each selected Model Solar Village.

• Criteria for Selection:
  • • The village must be a revenue village with a population of over 5,000 (or 2,000 for special category states).
    • Villages are selected through a competitive process, based on their overall distributed renewable energy (RE) capacity installed 6 months after being declared a potential candidate by the District Level Committee (DLC).
    • The village with the highest RE capacity in each district receives a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore.
• Implementation: 
  • • The scheme will be executed by the State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agency under the supervision of the District Level Committee (DLC).
• PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: 
  • • Objective: This scheme provides 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries, with a total investment of ₹75,000 crores.
    • Target: The goal is to electrify 1 crore households.
    • Incentives: Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems within their jurisdictions.

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV)

• News: Lack of transparency in the utilisation of funds, weak infrastructure, shortage of teachers, low salaries are among the challenges identified in an evaluation of 254 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). 
• Launch and Purpose: 
  • • The KGBV Scheme was launched by the Government of India in August 2004.
    • It aims to establish residential schools at the upper primary level for girls from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Minority Communities in challenging areas.
• Implementation:
  • •  KGBVs are set up in educationally backward blocks (EBBs) where female rural literacy is below the national average and the gender gap in literacy is above the national average.
• Reservation and Priority:
  • •  The scheme mandates a minimum of 75% reservation for girls from SC, ST, OBC, or minority communities. 
    • The remaining 25% of seats are prioritized for girls from families below the poverty line (BPL).
• Objective: 
  • • The primary goal of KGBV is to ensure access to quality education for girls from disadvantaged groups by establishing residential schools at the upper primary level.
• Scope: 
  • • Target Areas: The scheme focuses on areas with:
      • High tribal population
      • Low female literacy and/or a significant number of out-of-school girls
      • High concentrations of SC, OBC, and minority populations
      • Many small, scattered habitations lacking schools
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • • • Girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities
      • Girls from BPL families
      • Girls aged 14 to 18 years
      • Girls in areas with low female literacy
      • Exceptional cases include girls in difficult circumstances who have been unable to complete primary education
• Merger and Expansion: 
  • • Merger with SSA: KGBV was merged with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in the 12th Plan, effective from April 1, 2007.
    • Incorporation into Samagra Shiksha: SSA was absorbed into the Integrated Scheme of School Education, Samagra Shiksha, from 2018-19. The scheme now provides for upgrading existing KGBVs from upper primary to senior secondary levels, with capacities of 150-250 girls.
• Current Provision: 
  • • Residential Schools: The scheme ensures that at least one residential school for girls from Classes VI to XII is available in every EBB.

UPSC GS 3

Canine Distemper

• News: Stray dogs in villages within two kilometre radius of the Corbett Tiger Reserve’s boundaries in Uttarakhand will be vaccinated against the canine distemper virus.
• Overview:
  • • Canine distemper is a severe and contagious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).
    • It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.

• Risk Factors:
  • • All dogs are at risk, particularly puppies younger than four months and those unvaccinated against CDV.
    • CDV can also infect ferrets and a variety of other mammals, mainly carnivores such as wild canines (e.g., foxes and wolves), raccoons, and skunks. 
    • Cats can become infected but are rarely symptomatic.
• Transmission:
  • • The virus spreads through direct contact or airborne exposure.
    • It does not persist long in the environment and can be destroyed by most disinfectants.
    • Infected dogs can shed the virus for several months, posing a risk to other dogs.
• Symptoms:
  • • Once infected, the virus rapidly spreads throughout the body, weakening the immune system and making the dog vulnerable to secondary infections.
    • Symptoms can affect the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal (GI) system, and central nervous system.
    • Common signs include coughing, fever, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, disorientation, tremors, twitches, and seizures.
• Treatment and Prevention:
  • • There is no cure or approved antiviral drugs for canine distemper.
    • Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent the disease.

Collision Avoidance System (CAS)

• News: Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is the technology that keeps vehicles from bumping into each other. 
• Definition: 
  • • A Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is a safety technology designed to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions in vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other modes of transportation.
• Key Components:
  • • Sensors and Detection: CAS uses various sensors such as radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to detect obstacles or other vehicles.
    • Processing Unit: An onboard computer processes sensor data to assess collision risk by analyzing speed, distance, and trajectory of detected objects.
    • Warning System: The system alerts the driver or pilot of an imminent collision through audible alarms, visual warnings, or haptic feedback (e.g., vibrating the steering wheel or seat).
    • Automatic Action: In advanced systems, if the driver or pilot does not respond to warnings, CAS can take automatic actions such as applying brakes, steering away from obstacles, or adjusting speed.

• Types of CAS: 
  • • Automotive CAS: Includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
    • Aviation CAS: Features Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
    • Marine CAS: Includes Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) to detect and track other vessels to avoid sea collisions.
• Benefits: 
  • • Enhanced Safety: CAS reduces the likelihood of accidents by providing early warnings and automatic interventions.
    • Driver/Pilot Assistance: Aids in situations where human reaction time may be insufficient.
    • Insurance and Liability: Vehicles and aircraft with CAS may enjoy lower insurance premiums due to reduced risk.
• Challenges: 
  • • Sensor Limitations: CAS effectiveness can be affected by poor weather conditions, sensor malfunctions, or false positives.
    • Driver/Pilot Over-reliance: There is a risk that users may become overly dependent on the system and not remain vigilant.
• Future Development: 
  • • Integration with Autonomous Systems: CAS is crucial for fully autonomous vehicles, where collision avoidance will be entirely managed by the vehicle’s systems.
    • Improved Algorithms: Advances in machine learning and AI are expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of CAS.