January 22, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Bhakti Movement | Explained
In Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the seventh and eighth centuries, the Bhakti movement got its start. Later, it moved to Maharashtra and Karnataka before making its way to North India in the fifteenth century. The 15th and 17th centuries saw the height of the Bhakti movement. The individuals listed below spearheaded the Bhakti movement in their individual states.
Highlights of the Day
1.NISAR Earth Observation Mission: Launch Set for Early 2024 with Unprecedented Data Access and Collaborative Potential
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, set for an early 2024 launch, has completed final tests, with only acoustic tests pending. NISAR's unique low earth orbit design will provide an enormous volume of high-resolution data, benefiting various applications such as forest management, agriculture monitoring, and disaster mitigation. The open science and data policy allows immediate public access to processed data. The mission, equipped with L-Band SAR from NASA and S-Band payload from ISRO, will revolutionize earth observation, offering consistent data for understanding changes in ecosystems, ice mass, and natural hazards. NASA and ISRO express strong interest in continued collaboration[1].
2. Vanishing Voices: The Struggle to Preserve Madhika, a Unique Language in Kookanam
The Chakaliya community in Kookanam, near Karivellur, faces the imminent loss of Madhika, a unique language blending Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The last fluent speakers, K.P. Narayanan and his niece Rajputhri, fear its extinction, as younger generations prefer mainstream languages like Malayalam. The community, once nomadic worshippers, faced social stigma, hindering language preservation. Social activist Muraleedharan Karivellur attributes Madhika's neglect to discrimination against the Chakaliya community, leading to disinterest in preserving their linguistic heritage. The language, with no script and limited documentation, is at risk of fading into oblivion[2].
3.Unraveling the Enigma: The Mpemba Effect and the Intricate Dance of Hot and Cold Water
The Mpemba effect, observed since Aristotle's time, reveals that hot water can freeze faster than cold water. Though explanations vary, some propose microbubbles aid heat transfer, while others point to enhanced convection and evaporation in warmer water. Frost may act as an insulator, slowing heat loss, and compounds like calcium carbonate could impact freezing points. The phenomenon's complexity intrigues scientists, as consensus on its causes remains elusive. Ongoing research delves into the intricate interplay of these physical mechanisms[3].
4.Unintended Ecological Consequences: Mosquitofish Release in India for Disease Control
In response to the increasing threat of mosquitoborne diseases affecting over 40 million people annually in India, various government and nongovernmental organizations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have released mosquitofish into local water bodies for biological mosquito control. However, the unintended consequences of introducing non-native species, such as Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, have led to ecological imbalances, endangering native fauna and freshwater ecosystems. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively involved in addressing mosquitoborne diseases, emphasizing the need for effective and sustainable strategies in mosquito management[4].
5. One Nation One Election Committee: 81% Citizen Support for Simultaneous Polls
The Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee on "One Nation One Election" has received over 20,000 responses from citizens, with 81% affirming the idea of simultaneous elections, according to a Law Ministry statement. The committee, which recently held its third meeting, has invited suggestions from 46 political parties, with 17 responses received so far. The Election Commission's views were also noted. The committee, chaired by President Kovind, is consulting with legal experts, former judges, and representatives of business and legal bodies. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27. The "One Nation One Election" proposal has faced opposition from some quarters[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Inter-State Council of India:
I. The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body.
II. The Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories are members of the Inter-State Council.
III. The Inter-State Council is chaired by the Union Home Minister of India.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) II and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Which of the following statements about the Great Rann of Kutch is correct?
I. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert.
II. It is the largest salt desert in the world.
III. The Asiatic wild ass, also known as the Indian wild ass, is found in the Great Rann of Kutch.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements about the Rashtrakuta Dynasty:
I. The Rashtrakutas ruled a vast empire in Deccan and parts of central India.
II. The Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was built during the Rashtrakuta period.
III. The Rashtrakuta Dynasty was contemporaneous with the Chola and Chalukya Dynasties.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: What does the term ‘Liquidity Trap’ signify in the field of economics?
a) An economic situation where interest rates are very high
b) A situation where consumers hoard cash instead of spending or investing
c) A condition of excessive government spending
d) A sudden increase in the money supply
Q5: The concept of ‘Double Jeopardy’ in legal terms refers to:
a) Being tried for the same offense twice
b) Having two charges for a single offense
c) Having two legal representatives in court
d) Being charged for two separate offenses simultaneously
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the influence of the Bhakti movement on the status and participation of women in medieval Indian society. Provide examples of women Bhakti saints and analyze the ways in which the movement contributed to social changes and empowerment for women.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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