UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 13th January 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Nashik’s Kalaram Mandir: Religious and Social Significance

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The Kalaram Mandir, located on the banks of the Godavari in Nashik’s Panchavati area, has recently garnered attention with visits from prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister.

• This temple, steeped in historical, religious, and social significance, has been a focal point for major political and social movements in India.

Kalaram Mandir’s Legacy

• Temple’s Name and Idol: The temple gets its name from the black statue of Lord Ram (‘Kala Ram’ means ‘Black Ram’). The sanctum sanctorum houses statues of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman.
• Construction and Features: Built-in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, the temple features 14 steps representing Ram’s years of exile and 84 pillars symbolizing the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism.
• Historical Significance: The temple is renowned for its association with the epic Ramayana, where Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, is said to have spent time during their exile.

Panchavati’s Role in the Ramayana

• Significance in the Epic: Panchavati, the area where the temple is located, is significant in the Ramayana. It’s believed to be the site where Sita was abducted by Ravan, leading to the epic war in Lanka.
• Name Origin: The name ‘Panchavati’ is derived from the presence of five banyan trees, making the region auspicious according to the epic.

Temple as a Site of Social Reform

• Dalit Satyagraha: In 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane (Sane Guruji) led a historic agitation at the Kalaram Mandir, demanding temple entry rights for Dalits.
• Ambedkar’s Protest: The protest involved a sit-in outside the temple, with participants singing songs and raising slogans for equality.
• Continued Relevance: The temple remains a symbol of the struggle for Dalit rights, highlighted by Uddhav Thackeray’s plan to visit on the day of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya.

Political Significance

• Recent Political Visits: The temple has seen visits from major political figures, reflecting its continued relevance in contemporary politics and social issues.
• Symbol of Unity and Equality: Leaders visiting the temple often emphasize its role in symbolizing unity and the fight for social justice in India.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Houthi Rebels and Regional Dynamics

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

The United States and the United Kingdom have initiated military strikes against Houthi groups in Yemen on January 11.

• This action is a response to the Houthis’ continued aggression towards maritime vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route.

Background of the Conflict

• Houthi Attacks on Shipping: Since November 2023, Houthi forces have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
• Israeli-Hamas Conflict: The Houthis’ actions are in response to the Israeli military’s bombardment of Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties.

Houthi Group and Regional Dynamics

• Who Are the Houthis?: The Houthis are a Shia militant group engaged in the civil war in Yemen, controlling significant parts of the country, including the capital Sana’a.
• Regional Rivalries: The conflict reflects long-standing regional rivalries, with Iran backing the Houthis and Saudi Arabia supporting the Yemeni government. The Houthis’ involvement in the Israel-Hamas war is also seen as part of these broader regional dynamics.

Concerns for Global Trade

• Impact on World Trade: Approximately 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, making the security of this route critical.
• Alternative Routes: Due to safety concerns, some ships have been rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to increased transit times and fuel costs.

Implications for the Region

• Operation Prosperity Guardian: Launched by the US, this coalition aims to ensure maritime security in the region, but partner countries have shown reluctance to contribute significantly.
• Risks of Wider Conflict: There are concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Israel and Gaza, with the potential for unpredictable outcomes in the Middle East.
• Impact on Yemeni Peace Negotiations: The strikes may affect ongoing peace negotiations in Yemen, mediated by Oman and the United Nations.

Source: The Hindu

What happened in Bhutan’s elections?

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

In a significant political development, Tshering Tobgay and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in Bhutan’s recent runoff election, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s young democracy.

• Bhutan’s election not only reflects the evolving political dynamics within but also has broader implications for the region, particularly in terms of Bhutan’s relations with India and China.

Bhutan’s Democratic Evolution

• Fair Elections: Unlike some neighbouring countries, Bhutan’s elections have been largely free from tampering or political violence.
• Monarchy to Democracy: Since transitioning from a monarchy to a parliamentary democracy in 2008, Bhutan has seen its democratic processes evolve, with increased party participation and voter choice.
• Challenges: Despite progress, concerns about media censorship and discrimination against minorities persist.

Economic Context of the Elections

• Economic Challenges: Bhutan faces economic difficulties, including a struggling tourism sector, high youth unemployment, and significant emigration for better opportunities.
• Tobgay’s Economic Focus: Tobgay’s campaign centred on addressing these economic issues, promising investment and solutions to curb the emigration trend.

India’s Role and Regional Implications

• India-Bhutan Relations: India remains Bhutan’s largest donor and ally, playing a crucial role in Bhutan’s economic recovery and infrastructure development.
• Hydroelectric Potential: Bhutan’s untapped hydroelectric resources present opportunities for energy trade with India.
• China Factor: Recent years have seen heightened tensions between India and China over Bhutan, especially in the disputed Doklam region.
• Tobgay’s Pro-India Stance: Tobgay is perceived as pro-India, which aligns with India’s strategic interests in the region. His election has been positively received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 Conclusion

• Tshering Tobgay’s election victory in Bhutan is a testament to the country’s maturing democracy and its ability to navigate complex economic and geopolitical challenges.
• As Bhutan continues to balance its relationships with major powers like India and China, Tobgay’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s future trajectory, both domestically and in the broader South Asian context.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Himalayan Wolf Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a distinct lupine species inhabiting the Himalayas, has recently been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.

• This classification highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique predator.

About Himalayan Wolf

• Taxonomic Status: Long a subject of taxonomic ambiguity, the Himalayan Wolf has been confirmed as a genetically unique lineage of wolves.
• Population Estimate: The IUCN Red List estimates the population of mature individuals to be between 2,275 and 3,792, acknowledging the uncertainty of this figure.
• Geographical Range: The Himalayan Wolf is found across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and extends across the Tibetan Plateau.
• Population in India: In the Indian Himalayas, the population is estimated to be between 227 and 378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, with potential small populations in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

Conservation Challenges

• Habitat Decline: The species faces a continuing decline in habitat quality and extent.
• Conflict with Livestock: Livestock depredation conflicts are significant, exacerbated by habitat modification and depletion of wild prey.
• Hybridization Threats: Increasing populations of feral dogs in regions like Ladakh and Spiti pose a threat of hybridization.
• Illegal Hunting: The Himalayan Wolf is hunted illegally for its fur and body parts, contributing to its declining numbers.

Conservation Strategies Proposed

• Habitat and Prey Restoration: Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes, and establishing wildlife habitat refuges.
• Improved Livestock Management: Enhancing livestock guarding methods, including predator-proof corral pens, sustainable herding practices, and holistic management practices.
• Feral Dog Population Management: Addressing the growing challenge of feral dogs that threaten the Himalayan Wolf through hybridization.
• Trans-boundary Conservation Efforts: Collaborative efforts among range countries for research, monitoring, and conservation.
• Herding/Pasture Management: Improving practices in regions where wolves are heavily dependent on livestock, such as in Ladakh.
• Inclusion in Conservation Programs: Incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programs to promote public acceptance and reduce persecution.

Source: DTE

New Generation Akash missile

Subject: Defence and Security

Why in News?

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About New Generation Akash missile:

• It is surface-to-air new generation missile.
• The missile intercepted the high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude.
• The test has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of a missile with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar and command, control and communication system.
• This was the first trial of the missile against a live target, which was successfully intercepted and destroyed. 
• Features
  • It is a new generation state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to destroy high manoeuvring low radar cross section agile aerial threats.
  • This advanced variant comes with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-function radar that features all three functions - search, track and fire control in one platform.
  • It can defend an area 10 times better compared to any short-range SAM and is capable of engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously.
  • It can strike targets up to 40 km as against the earlier variant’s maximum range of 30 km.

Source: PIB

Cervical cancer

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

In a bid to reduce cases of cervical cancer, the government is likely to roll out an immunisation campaign against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the second quarter of the year.

About Cervical cancer:

• It starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb).
• In a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
• Causes
  • Various strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.
• When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from harming.
• Types of HPV Vaccines available
  • Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11). 
  • Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only.
  • Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

How does the vaccine prevent cancers?

• The quadrivalent vaccines, including the Serum Institute of India’s Cervavac, prevent the entry of four of the most commons types of HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11 thereby preventing infections, genital warts, and eventually cancer.
• The indigenously developed, cheaper Cervavac will be used in the government campaign.
• At least 14 HPV types have been identified to have the potential to cause cancer. Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are considered to be the most oncogenic, causing about 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases globally.
• The vaccine has to be administered in adolescent girls before they are sexually active. This is because the vaccine can only prevent the entry of the virus.
• Prevention
  • Boosting public awareness, access to information and services are key to prevention and control across the life course.
  • Being vaccinated at age 9–14 years is a very effective way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
  • Screening from the age of 30 can detect cervical disease, which when treated, also prevents cervical cancer.

Source: Indian Express