UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 6th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Rakhigarhi

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in  News?

The NCERT recently made revisions to the history syllabus for Class 12 students, emphasizing that Harappans resided in Rakhigarhi.

About Rakhigarhi:

• Location: Situated in the Hisar district of Haryana, Rakhigarhi is just 27 km away from the Ghaggar river in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.
• It stands as one of the oldest and largest cities of the subcontinent's earliest known Bronze Age urban culture—the Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization, dating back to around 6500 BCE.
• Among the five major townships of the Harappan civilization on the Indian sub-continent, Rakhigarhi is one, with the others being Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ganveriwala in Pakistan, and Dholavira in India.

Findings:

• The site comprises seven identified archaeological mounds.
• Rakhigarhi predominantly shows evidence of occupation during the Early and Mature Harappan periods, being abandoned entirely during the Late Harappan period.
• Excavations unveiled the mature Harappan phase, displaying a planned township with mud-brick and burnt-brick houses, along with a sophisticated drainage system.
• The ceramic industry at Rakhigarhi included red ware, featuring various items like dish-on-stand, vase, jar, bowl, beaker, perforated jar, goblet, and handis.
• Noteworthy discoveries include animal sacrificial pits lined with mud bricks, as well as triangular and circular fire alters on the mud floor, indicating the Harappan ritual system.
• An important find is a cylindrical seal bearing five Harappan characters on one side and an alligator symbol on the other side.
• Several extended burials have been unearthed, likely from a much later period, possibly the medieval era.

Source: The Hindu

Ramapo Fault

Why in News?

An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 recently struck New York City in a rare event. The Ramapo Fault located in the Appalachian Mountains near New Jersey is being considered as a potential cause of this earthquake.

About Ramapo Fault

• Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust that enable the movement of tectonic plates, leading to earthquakes.
• The Ramapo Fault originated from tectonic activity linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea during the Mesozoic Era.
• Primarily a right-lateral strike-slip fault, it formed due to horizontal movement along the fault line caused by the ongoing motion between the North American and Eurasian plates.
• Although not as seismically active as faults in other areas, the Ramapo Fault has experienced earthquakes in the past and poses a potential seismic hazard.

Geographical Distribution

• The fault spans across three states in the northeastern United States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
• It traverses various topographic features such as rift valleys, hills, and ridges, showcasing the diverse geological history of the region.
• Intersecting with the Appalachian Mountains, it influences the overall topography of the surrounding areas.

Source: Times Now

Sannati Buddhist Stupa

Subject: Art and Culture

• About Sannati Buddhist Stupa:

  Sannati is a small village situated on the banks of the River Bhima in Chittapur Taluka of Kalaburagi (Gulbarga).

• Excavations at Kanaganahalli:

  In 1994, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) initiated excavations at the nearby village of Kanaganahalli, revealing remarkable artifacts.

• Key Findings:

  • The Maha Stupa has a diameter of 22m and a height of 17m, displaying intricate ornamentation and architectural magnificence.
  • One notable discovery was a stone sculpture portraying Emperor Ashoka, accompanied by his queens and attendants, providing a rare insight into Mauryan history.
  • This stone portrait, bearing the inscription 'Raya Asoko' in Brahmi, is believed to be the sole remaining image of the Mauryan Emperor.
  • Moreover, more than 250 Brahmi inscriptions were found, along with dome slabs in the Prakrit language recounting Jataka stories, and drum slabs embellished with Dharma-Chakras.
  • The inscriptions indicate that the site, known as Hama Chaitya, was supported by both the Hinayana and Mahayana branches of Buddhism between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Washington Treaty

Why in News?

NATO Foreign Ministers recently gathered at NATO Headquarters to mark 75 years since the signing of the Washington Treaty.

• The Washington Treaty, also known as the North Atlantic Treaty, serves as the foundation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• It was signed in Washington D.C. in 1949 by the 12 founding members of NATO.
• The treaty draws its authority from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of independent states to individual or collective defense.
• Central to the treaty is the concept of collective defense, outlined in Article 5, which obligates member states to defend each other, fostering a sense of unity within the Alliance.
• Comprising only 14 articles, the treaty offers flexibility in various aspects. Despite evolving security landscapes, the original treaty has remained unchanged, allowing each member to apply its provisions according to their capacities and situations.

Key Facts about NATO

• NATO is a military alliance established through the North Atlantic Treaty and currently consists of 32 member countries from North America and Europe.
• Its primary objective is to ensure the freedom and security of its Allies through political and military strategies.
• Operational as a system of collective defense, NATO members commit to mutual defense in the event of an external attack.
• Article 5 of the Washington Treaty stipulates that an attack on one ally is considered an attack on all members of the alliance.

Functions

• Political: NATO plays a significant role in promoting democratic values, facilitating member consultations on defense and security matters, fostering trust, and ultimately working towards conflict prevention.
• Military: While prioritizing diplomatic resolutions, NATO possesses the military capability to conduct crisis-management operations if diplomatic efforts prove ineffective.

Additional Aspects

• Aside from its core principle of collective defense and fundamental values, NATO operates based on consensus decision-making, emphasizes the importance of consultations, and upholds a defensive stance with flexibility.

Headquarters

• NATO's headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.

Source: The Hindu

India's Abstention at U.N. Human Rights Council

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

India chose to abstain on a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and proposing an arms embargo on states.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• About UNHRC: The UNHRC is an inter-governmental body established within the United Nations system and is headquartered in Geneva since its inception in 2006 by the UNGA.
• Members: Comprising 47 States, the council is tasked with safeguarding and promoting human rights globally. These members are directly elected through secret ballot by the majority of the General Assembly.
• Tenure: Council members serve three-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms.
• Primary Functions:
  • Promoting Human Rights: The UNHRC works towards the promotion of human rights on a global scale.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: It investigates human rights violations worldwide and undertakes inquiries into alleged abuses.
  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR): A mechanism where member states review each other's human rights records.
  • Special Procedures: The council appoints experts to examine and address specific human rights issues.

India's Voting Behavior

• India's Stance: India supported three resolutions critical of Israel for various violations but abstained from the resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire and arms embargo on Israel.
• Significance: This decision was influenced by recent events in Gaza and concerns over the resolution's failure to condemn both parties involved.
• India's Belief: India advocates for condemning both parties involved in the conflict and emphasizes the importance of accountability based on actions taken. 

Source: Business Standard

GS-III

RBI Retail Direct Scheme

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is preparing to introduce a mobile app to simplify investments in the RBI Retail Direct Scheme.

About RBI Retail Direct Scheme

• Introduced in November 2021, this scheme allows individual investors to hold gilt accounts with the RBI and invest in government securities.
• Investors can purchase securities in primary auctions and trade securities via the NDS-OM platform.
• NDS-OM stands for Negotiated Dealing System - Order Matching system, functioning as RBI's electronic order matching system for government securities trading in the secondary market.
• Features provided to retail investors include:
  • Ability to open and maintain a 'Retail Direct Gilt Account.'
  • Access to government securities' primary issuances.
  • Access to NDS-OM platform.
• Eligibility
  • Retail investors can enroll in the scheme and maintain an RDG account if they possess:
    • A rupee savings bank account in India.
    • PAN, an officially valid KYC document, a valid email-ID, and a registered mobile number.
• Transaction Payments
  • Convenient transaction payments are facilitated through saving bank accounts via internet banking or UPI.
• Investor Services
  • Services include transaction and balance statements, nomination facility, pledge or lien of securities, and gift transactions.
  • No charges are levied for the services provided under the scheme.

Source: Indian Express

15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024

Why in News?

SJVN Limited has been honored with two prestigious awards at the 15th Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for their exceptional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

About CIDC Vishwakarma Awards

• The CIDC Vishwakarma Awards stand as a highly esteemed recognition within the construction sector.
• Initiated in 2005, these awards pay homage to Vishwakarma, the legendary architect and engineer in Hindu mythology, symbolizing craftsmanship, creativity, and construction skills.

Key Details about the Award

• Organizer: The awards are hosted by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), an organization established by the Government of India to foster the growth and progress of the construction industry.
• Categories:
  • Construction Projects: Commending exceptional projects in residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial construction sectors.
  • Construction Technologies: Recognizing innovative technologies and methods that enhance construction processes, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Construction Equipment: Acknowledging advancements in construction machinery, tools, and equipment.
  • Health, Safety, and Environment: Appreciating initiatives and practices focusing on worker safety, environmental protection, and sustainability in construction.
  • Individual Achievements: Celebrating the contributions of professionals and leaders who have significantly influenced the construction industry.
  • Others: Additional categories may include awards for sustainability, CSR initiatives, and emerging trends in construction.

Source: APN News

India's Green Hydrogen Push in the Transportation Sector

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently introduced the 'Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot Projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Transport Sector' under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

• The scheme has a budget of Rs. 496 Crores until the financial year 2025-26.

What is Green Hydrogen?

• Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources.
• It is environmentally friendly, emitting no carbon during consumption.
• It is identical to other forms of hydrogen except for its production method and emissions profile.

Scheme for Use of Green Hydrogen in the Transport Sector

• Main objectives include validating the feasibility of green hydrogen as a transportation fuel, assessing economic viability of green hydrogen vehicles, and demonstrating safe operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles and refueling stations.
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will oversee the scheme's implementation.
• Viability gap funding (VGF) will be provided based on project appraisal committee recommendations.

Advantages of Green Hydrogen in Transportation

• Hydrogen vehicles produce no carbon emissions, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles.
• Hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly promising for heavy-duty trucks due to its lighter weight compared to battery electric vehicles.
• India's push towards green hydrogen promises benefits such as reduced pollution, meeting climate goals, and potentially becoming a global hub for green hydrogen production.

Challenges to Large-Scale Adoption of Green Hydrogen in Transportation

• High production costs currently hinder the widespread use of green hydrogen in vehicles.
• Inadequate infrastructure, storage, transportation challenges, and safety concerns pose significant barriers to adoption.
• Ongoing advancements in battery technology may also impact the long-term viability of green hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Source: Indian Express