UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 9th February 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Context

A British author has published a book telling of the fictionalised story of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. He took accounts of the poet named Pampa Kampana, who witnessed Vijayanagara’s many victories and defeats. 

About Vijayanagara Kingdom

• The Vijayanagara kingdom has long been a subject of historical and political interest.
• From their capital, now known as Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the kings of Vijayanagara at the peak of their power ruled over a territory of more than 360,000 sq. km.
• Founded in 1336, the kingdom of Vijayanagara lasted for more than three centuries, a period in which it withstood multiple political stresses, and saw significant advances in art and economy.
• It was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the sub-continent.

Its foundation

• Over the course of its existence from 1336 to 1646, the kingdom saw various ups and downs.
• Founded by Harihara I of the Sangama dynasty, Vijayanagara expanded from a strategic position on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• By the 15th century, it had become a force to reckon with.

Rise under Krishna Deva Raya I

• The kingdom reached its peak under Krishna Deva Raya (reign 1509-1529).
• It is a period in which Vijayanagara enjoyed military superiority to its rival kingdoms such as the Bahmani Sultanate, the Golconda Sultanate and the Gajapatis of Odisha.
• At its peak, the kingdom stretched from Goa in the Konkan coast to parts of southern Odisha in the east and all the way to the very tip of the subcontinent in the south.

Why the Vijayanagara history is so much celebrated?

• Monetized economy: Coins were minted by the state as well as by merchant guilds using gold, silver, copper and brass, and their value depended on material weight.
• Control over key commodities: The Empire’s principal exports were pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, myrobalan, tamarind timber, anafistula, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, musk, ambergris, rhubarb, aloe, cotton cloth and porcelain.
• Maritime trade: While the economy of the kingdom was largely dependent on agriculture, trade thrived in its many ports on either coast. Traveller Abd al-Razzaq Samarqandi chronicled how the ports of Mangalore, Honavar, Bhatkal, Barkur, Cochin, Cannanore, Machilipatnam, and Dharmadam saw traders from Africa, Arabia, Aden, the Red sea, China and Bengal and also served as ship building centres.

Vijayanagara’s contributions to culture and architecture

(1) Literary development

• The Vijayanagar Empire was also known for its flourishing culture and literature.
• The court was home to many poets and scholars, who wrote in both Sanskrit and Kannada.
• The emperor Krishnadevaraya was himself a noted poet, authoring works such as the Amuktamalyada and the Jambavati Kalyanam.
• The Vijayanagar Empire also patronized the arts, which led to a flourishing of music, dance, and painting.

(2) Architectural development

• Vijayanagara’s capital Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, known for its sophisticated fortifications as well as innumerable temples and other architectural marvels.
• From accounts of foreign travellers, by the beginning of the 16th century, Hampi-Vijayanagara was probably the second largest urban settlement on the planet (after Beijing) and among the most prosperous.
• The most impressive architectural feat of the Vijayanagar Empire was the iconic Vitthala temple complex in Hampi.
• This complex consists of a temple dedicated to the god Vitthala, a large audience hall, and a stone chariot shrine.
• The Prasanna Virupaksha temple of Bukka I and the Hazara Rama temple of Krishna Deva Raya are striking examples of Vijayanagara’s characteristic style and intricate artistry.

Causes of its decline

• Military defeats: The first major defeat for the empire was the Battle of Talikota in 1565, in which the Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates. This major defeat drastically weakened the Vijayanagara Empire and led to a period of political instability and civil war.
• Economic disruption: This was further worsened by the Deccan Sultanates’ policy of destroying Vijayanagara’s economy and trade networks. This ultimately resulted in the loss of the empire’s political power and reduced its ability to defend itself from further attacks.
• Internal conflict: Other contributing factors included internal divisions between the ruling families and the rise of local governors who declared their independence.

Various travellers details of Vijayanagara kingdom

• Vasco da Gama: The first encounter with the Vijayanagara Empire by a European traveller was by the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who visited the kingdom in 1498, and was the first to recognize its wealth and power
• Nicolo Conti: The Italian traveller Nicolo Conti visited the kingdom in 1420 and documented his journey in a book titled “Viaggio in India”. He wrote about the grandeur of the cities and the wealth of the kingdom.
• Jan Huyghen van Linschoten: The Dutch traveller Jan Huyghen van Linschoten visited the kingdom in 1583 and wrote a book describing his journey titled “Itinerario”. He wrote about the impressive forts, the magnificent temples, the thriving markets and the grand palaces.
• Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: The French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier visited the kingdom in 1665 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier”. He wrote about the fine architecture, the grandeur of the palaces, and the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom.
• Robert Orme: The English traveller Robert Orme visited the kingdom in 1770 and wrote a book about his journey titled “Military Transactions in India”. He wrote about the size and scope of the empire, the grandeur of its cities and the advanced military technology used by the kingdom.

Source: The Hindu

Context

By studying juniper timbers, researchers from Cornell University & Cyprus Institute found that series of droughts may have precipitated Hittite empire's collapse.

About Hittites:

• Hittites, were members of an ancient Indo-European people who appeared in Anatolia (also known as Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey )at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE.
• The Hittite language was a member of the Anatolian branch of the Indo-European language family.
• The Hittite economy was based on agriculture, with the main crops being emmer wheat and barley.
• Although their civilization thrived during the Bronze Age, the Hittites were the forerunners of the Iron Age and were manufacturing iron artifacts from as early as the 14th century BCE.
• The Hittites were famous for their skill in building and using chariots.

Hittite empire:

• Between 1400 and 1200 B.C.E. the Hittites established one of the great empires of the ancient Middle East.
• The Hittite empire, with its capital at Bogazköy (also called as Hattusas), was the chief power and cultural force in Western Asia from 1400 to 1200 BC.
• The head of the Hittite state was the king, but other officials exercised independent authority over various branches of the government.
• After c. 1180 BCE, the empire came to an end during the Bronze Age collapse and splintered into several independent “Neo-Hittite” city-states, some of which survived until the 8th century BCE.

Source: Indian Express

Sarna Religion of the Tribals

Context

West Bengal Assembly has tabled a motion to recognize Sarna Religion of the tribals and have a Sarna Code.

Sarna Religion

• The followers of Sarna faith believe pray to nature.
• The holy grail of the faith is “Jal (water), Jungle (forest), Zameen (land)” and its followers pray to the trees and hills while believing in protecting the forest areas.
• Jharkhand has 32 tribal groups of which eight are from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
• While many follow Hindu religion, some have converted to Christianity — this has become one of the planks of demanding a separate code “to save religious identity”— as various tribal organisations put it.

Demand for Sarna Code

• Tribal groups in the region have long demanded the Sarna code, a separate religious classification in the census, recognising their status as independent religious communities.
• It is believed that 50 lakhs tribal in the entire country put their religion as ‘Sarna’ in the 2011 census, although it was not a code.
• The resolution will seek a special column for followers of the Sarna religion in the Census, 2021.
• At present, they are not classified as a separate entity.

Politics around the tribe

• Many of the tribals who follow this faith have later converted to Christianity—the state has more than 4% Christians most of whom are tribals.
• Some who still follow the Sarna faith believe the converted tribals are taking the benefits of reservation as a minority, as well as the benefits, are given to Schedule Tribes.
• They also believe that benefits should be given specifically to them and not to those who have converted.

What sense does a separate code make?

• The protection of their language and history is an important aspect of tribals.
• Between 1871 and 1951, the tribals had a different code. However, it was changed around 1961-62.
• Experts argue that when today the entire world is focusing on reducing pollution and protecting the environment, it is prudent that Sarna becomes a religious code as the soul of this religion is to protect nature and the environment.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Expunging Un-Parliamentary Speeches from Records

Context

Portions of a politicians’ speech delivered in Lok Sabha have been expunged — or removed — from the records of Parliament by the orders of the Speaker.

Constitutional immunity for parliamentary speeches

• Under Article 105(2) of the Constitution, “no Member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said…in Parliament or any committee thereof”.
• However, MPs don’t enjoy the freedom to say whatever they want inside the House.
• The speech of MPs is subject to the discipline of the Rules of Parliament, “good sense” of its Members, and the control of proceedings by the Speaker.
• These checks ensure that MPs cannot use “defamatory or indecent or undignified or unparliamentary words” inside the House.

How should Parliamentary Speeches be?

• The Indian Parliament has a code of conduct which requires all members to speak in a civil and courteous manner.
• Un-parliamentary speeches are not tolerated and offenders can be suspended or even expelled from the house.
• The Speaker has the power to expunge any un-parliamentary speech from the record of the House and from the transcripts of the proceedings.

Disciplinary action against unruly speeches

• The Lok Sabha Speaker has the power to expunge any un-parliamentary speech made in the House.
• The Speaker can also refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for further action.
• The Speaker can also refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for further action which may include imposing fines and imprisonment for a period of up to six months.
• The Speaker may also order the offender to apologize to the House.
• Similar is the procedure with the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

What is the expunging of speeches?

• The expunging of certain words, sentences, or portions of a speech from the records is fairly routine procedure, and is carried out in accordance with laid down rules.
• The decision on which parts of the proceedings are to be expunged lies with the Presiding Officer of the House.

What are the rules on expunging from the record?

• Rule 380 (“Expunction”) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha states the procedure for removal of a speech from the records.
• Rule 381 says: The portion of the proceedings of the House so expunged shall be marked by asterisks and an explanatory footnote shall be inserted in the proceedings as follows: ‘Expunged as ordered by the Chair’.”

What happens after a word has been expunged?

• Expunged portions of the proceedings cease to exist in the records of Parliament, and they can no longer be reported by media houses, even though they may have been heard during the live telecast of the proceedings.
• However, the proliferation of social media has introduced challenges in the watertight implementation of expunction orders.

Way forward

• Parliamentary speeches should be polite, respectful and dignified, avoiding any kind of personal attacks or slurs.
• They should focus on the issue at hand, avoiding any kind of partisan rhetoric.
• No offensive language should be used and all debates should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
• As a rule, all speakers should show due consideration for their colleagues and refrain from any kind of personal criticism.
• They should stick to the facts and avoid unsubstantiated claims. Parliamentary speeches should be concise, clear and fact-based.
• Finally, all speakers should remain mindful of their role as representatives of the people and should strive to maintain the highest standards of public discourse.

Source: PIB

Context

The Lok Sabha began a discussion on the general Budget but the House had to be adjourned before the scheduled time due to lack of quorum.

What is Quorum?

• Quorum is the minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly necessary to conduct the business of that assembly.
• Article 100 of the Indian Constitution states that the quorum to constitute a meeting of either House of Parliament shall be one-tenth of the total number of members of that House.
• This means that the quorum of Lok Sabha (Lower House) is 55 and that of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) is 25.

Who decides the Quorum?

• The quorum is usually decided at the beginning of the session and if it is not present when a vote is taken, the vote is invalid.
• In the event of inadequate quorum, the Speaker or the Chairman can adjourn the House or suspend the sitting till the quorum is present.

Challenging a Quorum

• Furthermore, the quorum can be challenged by any member of the House.
• In the event that the quorum is challenged, the Speaker or the Chairman can direct that a count of the members present be taken.
• If the quorum is not present, the House is adjourned. However, if the quorum is present, the business of the House is resumed.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

What is the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)?

Context

The indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to be tested again with some changes suggested by the Army.

About Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM):

• QRSAM is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile system designed to protect moving armoured columns from aerial attacks.
• It was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 
• The entire weapon system is configured on highly mobile platforms and is capable of providing air defence on the move.
• Range: 30 km
• It is propelled by Single Stage Solid Rocket Motor.
• It can engage 6 targets simultaneously.

Source: Indian Express

Context

Astronomers have recently spotted a ring around a Pluto-sized dwarf planet called Quaoar in the outer reaches of the solar system.

Key facts about Quaoar:

• Quaoar is a dwarf planet that’s located in the Kuiper Belt at the solar system’s edge.
• It is about 697 miles wide (1,121 kilometers).
• It is roughly one-twelfth the diameter of Earth, one-third the diameter of the Moon, and half the size of Pluto. 
• Quaoar is greater in volume than all known asteroids combined. 
• Quaoar has its own moon, the 100-mile-wide (160 km) Weywot.
• Its surface is moderately red and composed of low-density ices mixed with rock.
• It takes about 288 years for Quaoar to go once around the sun in a roughly circular orbit.

What is Kuiper Belt?

• Kuiper belt, also called the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt, is a flat ring of small icy bodiesthat revolve around the Sun beyond the orbit of the planet Neptune. 
• There are millions of these icy objects, collectively referred to as Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) or trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), in this belt.
• The Kuiper Belt is a region of leftovers from the solar system's early history.
• It is thought to be the source of most of the observed short-period comets, particularly those that orbit the Sun in less than 20 years.

Source: Indian Express

What is the Vikas Engine?

Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested the throttling of Vikas, its workhorse launch-vehicle engine.

About Vikas Engine:

• VIKAS (an acronym for Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai) engine is a family of liquid-fuelled rocket engines conceptualized and designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO in the 1970s.
• The early productions involved imported French components, which were later replaced by domestically produced equivalents.
• These engines are deployed for ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series of expendable launch vehicles for space launch use. 
• The fuel load of the Vikas engine is 40 tonnes for the PSLV, GSLV Mark I and II, and 55 tonnes for the GSLV Mark III.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC):

• The LPSC is a research and development center functioning under ISRO.
• It is the center for the design, development, and realization of liquid propulsion stages for ISRO's Launch Vehicles.
• LPSC activities and facilities are spread across its two campuses: LPSC, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and LPSC, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Source: PIB