August 14, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Sant Ravidas: The Mystic Saint | Explained
On August 11, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. This event marked a significant occasion as the Prime Minister performed the 'Bhoomi Poojan' at the Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial Sthal. The endeavor to establish a temple in honor of Sant Ravidas not only highlighted his enduring legacy as a spiritual luminary and social reformer but also underscored the continued resonance of his teachings in contemporary times.
Highlights of the Day
1. Several States Hold Back on Signing Crucial MoU for Education Funds Amidst Funding Concerns
Fourteen States and Union Territories, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, are yet to sign a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) and access funds totaling nearly ₹13,000 crore over three years. The MoU, tied to the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, has faced opposition from some states due to the requirement that 40% of the budget be contributed by the states themselves. Despite this, discussions are ongoing to address concerns and emphasize the NEP's importance. PM-USHA aims to enhance higher education quality, infrastructure, accreditation, and employability, prioritizing equity and access [1].
2. Last Remnant of Traditional Clay Huts: A Glimpse into Malaiyali Tribe's Evolution
More than 200 years ago, the Malaiyali tribe settled atop Yelagiri hill, constructing traditional clay huts for shelter, storage, and farming. Today, only one aged hut remains among newer homes, symbolizing the tribe's transition to modern living. Owned by Govinthasamy, a tribesman and former panchayat member, this hut highlights the tribe's evolution from foraging to cultivation. Built with red clay on a teak wood frame, the hut features a cow dung-waxed thatched roof and stilt-like structure to combat flooding and rodents. While evolving circumstances led to a modern lifestyle, the preserved hut offers insights into the tribe's rich heritage [2].
3. Indian Navy Set to Launch Project 17A Frigate 'Vindhyagiri' to Enhance Naval Capabilities
Indian Navy's President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A frigate, on August 17 at Kolkata's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited. This frigate, named after a Karnataka mountain range, is the sixth in the Project 17A series, aiming to enhance stealth, weaponry, and sensors compared to its predecessor, the Shivalik Class frigates. The launch represents India's commitment to advancing its naval heritage alongside indigenous defense capabilities. The Project 17A initiative involves constructing four ships by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, with strong reliance on indigenous suppliers [3].
4. RBI Partners with McKinsey and Accenture for Advanced AI-Based Regulatory Supervision
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is collaborating with McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd India to enhance regulatory oversight over banks and NBFCs. The central bank aims to utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning for supervisory functions. The RBI had previously invited consultants to use advanced analytics for generating supervisory inputs and awarded a ₹91 crore contract to McKinsey and Accenture. While already using AI and ML, the RBI seeks to optimize these technologies to identify attributes for improved supervisory inputs. The RBI's jurisdiction covers various financial institutions including banks, NBFCs, and credit information companies [4].
5. ISRO's Aditya-L1 Mission: India Prepares to Study the Sun's Mysteries Amid Chandrayaan-3 Excitement
ISRO readies for a Sun study mission, Aditya-L1, while Chandrayaan-3 buzz grows. The Indian Space Research Organisation has assembled the spacecraft at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, delivering it to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on August 14, 2023. Aditya-L1 will orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1, offering a continuous view of the Sun. Equipped with seven payloads, it aims to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona, aiding in understanding space weather dynamics, particle propagation, and more. Expected to launch by PSLV, the mission is set for August-end or September, following recent PSLV-C56 success [5].
Source: The Hindu | Mint | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding the "United Nations Security Council" (UNSC):
I. The UNSC has five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly.
II. The primary responsibility of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security.
III. The President of the UNSC is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Select the correct combination of statements:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding the "Right to Information" (RTI) Act in India:
I. The RTI Act was enacted in 2005 to provide citizens with the right to access information held by public authorities.
II. The Act applies to both central and state government institutions.
III. Under the Act, citizens can seek information related to private companies and individuals as well.
Select the correct combination of statements:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q3: The "Montague-Chelmsford Reforms" of 1919 were related to:
a) Educational reforms in colonial India.
b) Administrative and constitutional reforms in colonial India.
c) Economic reforms in colonial India.
d) Land reforms in colonial India.
Q4: The term "Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)" is most commonly associated with which conflict?
a) Cold War
b) World War II
c) Korean War
d) Vietnam War
Q5: Which Indian river is known as the "Dakshin Ganga" or "River of the South"?
a) Yamuna
b) Godavari
c) Narmada
d) Cauvery
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of renewable energy. Analyze benefits, challenges, policies for integration, tech advancements, job creation, and examples of successful projects. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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