Current Affairs – October 06-07, 2024

{Prelims – A&C} Prakrit & Pali

• Context (IE): Prakrit and Pali languages were given the status of Classical languages.

Prakrits: language of the people

• The term ‘Prakrit’ comes from ‘Prakriti’, meaning ‘source’ or ‘origin’. According to most scholars, the Prakrits are said to have sprung from Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and later Hindu literature.
• There is no one Prakrit language. Rather, Prakrit generally refers to a group of closely related Indo-Aryan languages. Historian A L Basham wrote in his classic The Wonder that Was India (1954): “By the time of the Buddha, the masses were speaking languages which were much simpler than Sanskrit”.

Some notable Prakrits include

Magadhi

• Official language of the Mauryan court and the language of the Magadha people (present-day Bihar).
• The Ashokan edicts were composed in this language. This language would find wide use in Eastern India and later evolved into modern-day languages such as Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and the Bihari languages (Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili), among others.

Ardhamagadhi

• Literally, “half-Magadhi” was a later variation of the Magadhi language used by Jain scholars.

Shauraseni

• Used in North and Central India. In Sanskrit plays, the speech of women and people from the lower classes was often denoted in this Prakrit, which later evolved into Hindustani, Punjabi, and other languages of the Hindi group.

Pali: language of the Buddhist canon

• Pali has traditionally been identified with Magadhi Prakrit, with the word ‘pali’ meaning “lines or series”.
• Pali is the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon.
• After Theravada Buddhism declined in India, Pali survived as an ecclesiastical language in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where this Buddhist school continued to prosper.

Tipitaka (“three baskets”) of Buddhism in Pali

• Vinaya Pitaka: Dealing with rules or discipline of the Buddhist sangha (monastic order).
• Sutta Pitaka: The largest basket comprising discourses and sermons of the Buddha himself, as well as some religious poetry.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: The basket that further elaborates on Buddhist philosophy.

{Prelims – Agri} Anna Darpan

• Context (PIB): Food Corporation of India (FCI) will transform its existing ‘Depot Online System’ into a microservices-based integrated supply chain management system called `Anna Darpan.’

• M/s Coforge Limited shall be responsible for the end-to-end design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the ANNA DARPAN system.

Features of Anna Darpan

• Improved Efficiency: Streamlining processes to optimise performance across the supply chain.
• Interactive and User-Friendly UI Design: Creating an intuitive interface that enhances user interaction.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Integration with Internal and External Systems: Facilitating smooth interoperability with other systems within and outside FCI.
• Merger of Existing Internal Systems: Optimising current applications to improve efficiency.
• Mobile-First Approach: Prioritizing mobile accessibility to ensure anytime, anywhere access.

{Prelims – Bio – Diseases} Ultrasound Method to Detect Cancer

• Context (TH): Recently, Scientists found a way to detect cancer with ultrasound waves.

How do Ultrasound Waves Work to Detect Cancer?

• Mechanism: Ultrasound waves use high-frequency sound waves to take images of the inside of the body.
• Non-invasive Nature: Unlike traditional biopsies, ultrasound does not require incisions or needles.
• Real-Time Imaging: Provides real-time images, allowing for immediate analysis and diagnosis.

Advantages of Ultrasound-Based Biopsies

• Pain Reduction: Significantly reduces or eliminates pain associated with traditional biopsies.
• Lower Risk: Minimises the risk of infection and other complications.
• Quick and Efficient: Faster procedure with immediate results, reducing patient anxiety and wait times.

How is Ultrasound Better than the Older Detection Method?

• Pain and Discomfort: Traditional biopsies can cause significant pain and discomfort.
• Risk of Complications: Invasive procedures carry risks such as infection and bleeding.
• Anxiety: The fear of pain and complications can deter patients from undergoing necessary biopsies.

{Prelims – Bio – Diseases} WHO approves first mpox diagnostic test**

• Context (TH): WHO has listed the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic under its Emergency Use Listing procedure (EUL).

• It accelerates the availability of life-saving medical products, such as vaccines, tests, and treatments.

• Currently, samples must be sent to a laboratory for testing, and the patient and medics must wait days for the result. The Alinity m MPXV assay, a new PCR test that enables the detection of mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs will be pivotal in expanding diagnostic capacity.

Read More about Mpox.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Elephants census

• Context (IE): Data from an unreleased elephant census with new counting methods show a decline in their populations in large parts of India, especially in Southern West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha & Kerala.

Old counting methods

Total Direct Count

• Until 2002, elephants were counted in India by the “total direct count” method, which means a simple head count of sighted elephants that were sighted.
• According to the government official, this method has limited or no scientific basis for large landscapes.

Sample Block Counts

• Later, the “total direct count” method was modified to “sample block counts” or a survey of limited areas of 5 sq km each to maximise the probability of detecting & enumerating all elephants in that block.

Indirect Dung Count Method

• In 2002, the “indirect dung count method” was introduced in the southern states. The data were extrapolated to estimate elephant density in an area by factoring in the “defecation rate” of elephants.

New methodology

Harmonise Population Estimation Methods

• On the occasion of World Elephant Day (August 12) in 2021, the Environment Minister announced that the government would “harmonise population estimation methods along more scientific lines” by “converging elephant and tiger population estimation” for the first time.
• In this method, the entire forest area is divided into similar-sized cells or blocks (say, A, B, C, and D), where ground surveys are conducted to look for tiger signs such as pug marks, droppings, etc.
• The survey also assesses a range of “co-variates”, common variable factors such as the quality of vegetation, availability of prey, distance from water/ nightlight, degree of human disturbance, etc.
• The elephant hide has no unique markings like tiger stripes. So, elephant dung samples collected during ground surveys were analysed in the lab to identify unique elephants by differentiating individuals based on eleven microsatellite loci (genetic markers).

Read more about Elephant Corridors and Animal Diplomacy.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Halari Donkeys

• Context (TH): Halari donkeys are considered intelligent animals.

About Halari Donkeys

• Found in: Halar (Saurashtra) region of Gujarat, particularly in the Jamnagar and Dwarka districts.
• Status: Considered endangered, with a population of fewer than 500 individuals.
• Social Behaviour: Form close bonds with humans and often work closely with their owners.
• Appearance: Typically white, larger, and more resilient than donkey breeds.
• Its milk is known for its sweetness and is used to make milk powder and cosmetic products.

{Prelims – Envi} Greening of the Antarctic Peninsula

• Context (DTE): Vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula has increased over the past four decades.

Key Findings from the Study

• Vegetation Increase: The area covered by vegetation has expanded more than tenfold since 1986.
• Types of Vegetation: Predominantly mosses, lichens, liverworts, and associated algae.

Causes of Greening

• Rising Temperatures: The Antarctic Peninsula is warming faster than the global average.
• Extended Growing Seasons: Warmer temperatures allow vegetation to thrive during longer season.

Ecological Impacts

• Ecosystem Shifts: Increased plant life alters local ecosystems, potentially paving the way for more advanced plant species.
• Soil Formation: The vegetation growth contributes to soil formation, supporting further plant growth.
• Invasive Species: Warmer conditions and increased human activity raise the risk of non-native species establishing themselves.

{Prelims – Envi} Opposition to Proposed Gir ESZ

• Context (IE): MoEFCC published a draft notification proposing to notify 3,328 square kilometres around the Gir forest in Gujarat as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).

About Gir Protected area

• Only place outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.
• Gir protected area includes the Gir National Park, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across the Junagadh, Amreli and Gir Somnath districts in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region in its south. Kamleshwar Dam on Hiran River is called ‘lifeline of Gir’.
• The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Dhatarvadi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Ambajal and Raval.
• It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• Asiatic lion population increased from 327 in 2001 to 674 in 2020.

About Eco Sensitive Zone

• National Environment Policy of 2006 defined Eco-Sensitive Zones “as areas/zones with identified environmental resources having incomparable values which require special attention for their conservation”.
• The concept of ESZ was conceived during the XXI meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife in 2002, when the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002 was adopted.
• There are some restricted, regulated and permitted activities are placed under the ESZs:
  • Restricted: Commercial mining, stone quarrying, large hydroelectric projects, polluting industries, brick kilns, etc. are prohibited. No new commercial construction of any kind is permitted within one KM from the boundary of the Protected area or up to extent of the Eco-Sensitive Zone whichever is nearer. However, there is no restriction on local people’s undertaking construction on their land.
  • Regulated: Commercial establishment of hotels, resorts, small-scale non-polluting industries and the construction of civic amenities are regulated.
  • Permitted: Rainwater harvesting, organic farming, horticulture practices etc.
• As per National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as ESZ. However, its size can vary depending on the location and specific needs of the protected area.
• Forest departments of respective state governments are supposed to prepare site-specific ESZ proposals for each protected area within their respective states and then forward them to the MoEFCC.
• MoEFCC seeks the concerned state’s response to such objections. Then, based on the recommendation of an expert committee of ESZ of the MoEFCC, the ministry issues a final ESZ notification.

Read more about others Gujrat National Parks.

{Prelims – IE} B Ready (Business – Ready) Index

• Context (MC): The Indian government aligns state business readiness rankings with the upcoming World Bank’s B-READY index.

About Business- Ready Index

• It replaces the Ease of Doing Business rankings, discontinued in 2021 due to irregularities.
• It will quantitatively assess the business environment across global economies. The index will be published annually and focus on three pillars: regulatory framework, public services, and efficiency.
• It integrates digitalisation, environmental sustainability, and gender equality into each indicator, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking business evaluation.
• It tracks ten parameters covering a firm’s lifecycle from starting, operating, closing & reorganising.
• It will expand in three phases, initially covering 54 economies and reaching up to 180 countries by 2026.

{Prelims – In News} 100 years of Surrealism

• Context (IE): The year 2024 marks 100 years of Surrealism, an art and literature movement. It emerged in Europe between World Wars I and II in the early 20^th century.

• It aims to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind by juxtaposing irrational and dream-like images. The term was coined by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire.
• Prominent artists associated with Surrealism include Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and André Breton.
• It grew principally out of the earlier Dada movement.

Key characteristics of Surrealism

• Dream-like scenes: Often illogical and fantastical, resembling the imagery found in dreams.
• Unexpected juxtapositions: Combining unrelated elements in surprising ways.
• Automatic writing & drawing: Techniques bypass rational thought and tap into the unconscious mind.

{Prelims – In News} MIDORI Prize

• Context (DTE): The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024 has been awarded to Vera Voronova from Kazakhstan and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos from Peru.

About MIDORI Prize

• Established by: AEON Environmental Foundation with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• For: Recognise individuals for outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation & sustainability.
• Award Frequency: Biennial (every two years).
• Prize: $100,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque for each recipient.
• Selection Criteria: Efforts in global biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, species recovery, and sustainable community development.

{Prelims – S&T – Space} Europe’s LUNA Analog Facility

• Context (IE): Europe has unveiled the LUNA Analog Facility, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

• The facility aims to prepare astronauts, scientists, and engineers for future lunar missions by providing a realistic environment for testing technologies and conducting research.

Key Features of the LUNA Facility

• Artificial Regolith: Uses volcanic soils to simulate lunar soil.
• Lighting Simulation: Special lights mimic the Moon’s sunlight.
• Gravity Simulation: Engineers are developing systems to simulate lunar gravity.

Read More > Earth’s Temporary Mini-Moon Mission.

{Prelims – Space} 5 asteroids pacing towards Earth

• Context (IE): NASA Jet Propulsion Lab reported that five asteroids are speeding towards Earth.

Some Examples of Asteroid Missions

• Dawn was NASA’s first truly interplanetary spaceship. The mission featured extended stays at two very different extraterrestrial bodies:  giant asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres.
• OSIRIS-APEX is a mission to study the physical changes to asteroid Apophis that will result from its rare close encounter with Earth in April 2029.
• As part of the world’s first test of asteroid deflection, Hera (European Space Agency) will perform a detailed post-impact survey of the target asteroid, Dimorphos – the orbiting moonlet of a binary asteroid system known as Didymos.
• Psyche mission of NASA will explore asteroid 16 Psyche (Believed to be metallic core of a dead planet).

Read more about Asteroid.