7 Oct | UPSC Current Affairs: Goddess Skandamata, Chenchu Tribe, Lake Kivu, Rani Durgavati, TTDI, and More

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).