Current Affairs – January 09, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Music} Tabla and its evolution

• Context (IE): The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain reignites discussions on the tabla’s origins and evolution in Hindustani classical music.

  

  Source: TH

Instrumental details of Tabla

• Structure: Comprises two drums- dayan (right-hand drum, wood) and bayan (left-hand drum, metal).
• Tuning: Dayan is tuned to the tonic note of the melody.
• Material: Membranes consist of goat skin with ‘syahi’ (black paste) for tonal quality.
• Playing Technique: Utilizes intricate finger and palm movements for complex rhythmic patterns.

Origins and Evolution of Tabla

• Etymology: The word ‘tabla’ derives from the Arabic word ‘tabl,’ meaning drum.
• Introduction Period: Originated around 250 years ago, as per Ustad Zakir Hussain. Not mentioned in Ain-i-Akbari (16th-century record by Abul Fazl), indicating its later emergence. Likely introduced during Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela (1719–1748).

• First Innovator: Siddhar Khan Dhadhi transformed the wrist-and-fingers technique of pakhawaj playing into the tabla technique.

Current Affairs

Connection with Classical Music

• Predecessor Instrument: The pakhawaj, used in the dhrupad genre.
• Transition to Khayal: Fusion of temple traditions with Sufi qawwali by 14th-century saint Amir Khusrau replaced drupad with Khayal for its improvisational nature.
• Role in Post-Dhrupad Era: Needed as a percussion partner for the evolving, softer & agile Hindustani music. Tabla is integral to khayal, thumri, ghazal, and instrumental performances.

Gharanas of Tabla

• Delhi Gharana: Known for clarity and simple compositions.
• Punjab Gharana: Mathematical complexity & intricate beats; has sub-gharanas like Talwandi & Naiwala.
• Lucknow Gharana: Expressive and melodious playing style.
• Banaras (Purab) Gharana: Rhythms suitable for Kathak dance; Heavily influenced by the pakhawaj.
• Farrukhabad Gharana: Versatile and balanced approach.
• Ajrara Gharana: Combination of Delhi and Lucknow styles.

Major Contributors to Tabla’s Popularity

• Historical Contributors: Ustad Alla Rakha, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan ‘Thirakwa,’ and Pandit Anokhelal Mishra.
• Modern Icon: Zakir Hussain and Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan popularised tabla globally as both an accompanying and solo instrument.
• Collaboration with Pandit Ravi Shankar brought global recognition.

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology} Impacts of Soapstone Mining

• Context (IE): Unregulated soapstone mining in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, has led to land subsidence.

Impacts

Environmental Impacts of Soapstone Mining

• Soil Erosion: Mining on lower slopes destabilises upper slopes, increasing erosion risks, especially in areas with loamy and loose soil during monsoons.
• Water and Air Pollution: Mining activities contribute to water scarcity, contamination, and air pollution due to a lack of proper management.
• Erosion Acceleration: Absence of green belts, retaining walls, and safety protocols worsens soil erosion and land degradation.
• Unregulated Practices: Semi-mechanized mining without defined policy limits leads to further environmental degradation.
• Lack of Safety Measures: No buffer zones or slope monitoring at mining sites, causing further destabilisation and environmental concerns.

Cultural Impacts in the Uttarakhand Case

• Traditional Kumaoni Bakhli houses have been damaged due to land subsidence.
• The Kalika Temple, a 10th-century site, faces structural cracks due to subsidence.

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} Indonesia’s Full Membership in BRICS

• Context (HT): Brazil announced Indonesia’s admission as a full member of BRICS.

Foundation Courses

Evolution of BRICS

• BRICS Formation: Established in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India & China as founding members.
• South Africa’s Entry: South Africa joined the bloc in 2010, expanding it to BRICS.
• Recent Expansions: In 2023, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE joined the group, with Saudi Arabia invited but not yet joined.
• Current Membership: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia.

Significance of Indonesia’s BRICS Membership

• Southeast Asia’s Largest Economy: Indonesia, the fourth-most populous nation globally, has the largest economy in Southeast Asia.
• A major boost to South-South Cooperation.

Other Countries Seeking BRICS Membership

• Formal Applicants: Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for BRICS membership.
• Interest from Other nations in joining the bloc, but specific names are not confirmed.

Impact of BRICS in the Geopolitical Context

• US Dollar Alternatives: Russia and China have explored alternatives to the US Dollar, although India remains an exception.
• Exclusion of the US: BRICS is a major international group that does not include the United States.
• US Concerns: Former US President Donald Trump warned BRICS against creating a new currency or supporting alternatives to the US Dollar.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} University Vice-Chancellors

• Context (IE): Recent debates around the selection of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in Indian universities highlight the tension between academic autonomy and govt control, alongside proposed reforms under the New Education Policy (NEP) and UGC regulations.
• The VC is the head and symbol of a university, bridging academic and administrative functions.

Appointment of VCs

• UGC Guidelines for Selection Criteria: Minimum 10 years as a professor or equivalent experience in academia, research, or administration, thus allowing distinguished professionals from public administration, industry, or public policy with academic contributions to apply.
• The state or central government appoints VCs based on recommendations from a selection committee consisting of experts, often including educationists, academicians, and officials from the government.
• The appointed VCs serve a term of 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Government’s Role and Impact on Autonomy

• Central Universities: VCs are appointed by the President of India on the advice of Central govt.
• State Universities: Appointments are made by the Governor, often influenced by state governments.
• Statutory Limitations: SC ruling (2023) states the President acts as a statutory authority, not a constitutional head, in appointments.
• Global Comparison: In 55% of Asian universities, VCs are government-appointed; in only 27%, universities have autonomy; Western universities enjoy greater freedom in selecting their VCs.

Challenges in VC Selection

• Political Interference: Decisions are often influenced by expediency rather than merit.
• Overregulation: Indian higher education is highly regulated, restricting flexibility in VC appointments.
• Limited Global Recognition: Despite having academic VCs, no Indian university ranks in world’s top 100.
• Opacity: Advertisement-based applications bring inclusivity but attract unsuitable candidates.
• Top-Down Approach in Draft UGC Regulations: Search committees dominated by government/UGC nominees limit university autonomy.

Be Prelims Ready!

Prominent Non-Academic VCs in India

• Civil Servants and Diplomats: G. Parthasarathy (JNU), K.R. Narayanan (JNU), and Hamid Ansari (AMU).
• Military Leaders: Generals MA Zaki & ZU Shah served as successful VCs of Jamia Millia Islamia and AMU.

Recommendations

• Ideal Composition of the Search Committee: Suggested committee structure includes: Three members from the university; One nominee from UGC; One nominee from the President/Chief Justice (central universities) or Governor (state universities).
• Inclusive Eligibility: Broaden eligibility to include accomplished individuals from diverse fields.
• Nominations-Based System: Invite recommendations from VCs, public intellectuals, and judges for transparency and quality.
• Autonomy: Allow universities more say in VC selection, fostering student-centric governance.
• Balancing Control: Limit governmental influence while retaining oversight for fairness.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Bijapur Maoist Attack

• Context (IE): The recent Maoist attack in Kutru forests of Bijapur underscores security lapses in Maoist-affected regions of Chhattisgarh, resulting in 9 deaths.
• Mine-Protected Vehicle (MPV) was blown up during return from an operation in the Abujhmad region.

Abujhmad: A Maoist Stronghold

• Geographical Spread: ~4,000 sq km in Bastar region, spanning Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Dantewada.
• Challenges: Difficult terrain, lack of road infrastructure, and administrative absence.
• Transit Corridor: Facilitates Maoist movement between Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
• Indravati National Park: Key hideout and operational base for Maoists.

Limitations of MPVs

• Ineffective against Maoist-triggered IEDs with 20-70 kg explosives. 50 kg IED blast in Sukma (2018) destroyed a CRPF MPV, killing all occupants.
• Design Flaw: Best suited for urban warfare; limited protection in jungle terrains.

Maoist Attack Strategies

• Jan Militia: Local villagers providing intelligence and logistical support.
• IED Placement: Rigging roads with IEDs, often buried under metalled roads.
• Jungle Wires: IED wires running up to 100 meters inside forests for remote triggering.
• Ambush Tactics: Wait for forces based on reliable intelligence about their movements.

Previous Attacks in Maoist Zones

• Chintalnar Massacre (2010): Ambush due to return on the same route; 76 CRPF soldiers killed.
• Jhiram Ghati Attack (2013): No road opening exercise; 27 killed, including senior Congress leaders.
• Bheji Attack (2017): Road Opening Parties (ROP) vulnerability; 13 CRPF personnel killed.
• Dantewada (2023): Ignored signs of Maoist presence; 10 killed.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Followed by the Forces in Maoist Zones

• Avoiding Vehicles: Preference for cross-country movement by foot or bike.
• Unpredictable Movements: Avoid using the same route during return trips.
• Road Opening Parties (ROP): Conduct ROP before vehicular movement.
• Use of Civilian Vehicles: Minimize chances of detection.
• Surveillance: Reliance on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and technical intelligence.
• Situational Decisions: SOPs adapted based on real-time challenges.

{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} ISRO’s CROPS

• Context (IE): ISRO has achieved a significant milestone with the successful germination of at least three of the eight cowpea cowpea seeds in space under its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment.

Highlights of the CROPS Mission

• CROPS, developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is ISRO’s first biological experiment to grow plants in space under microgravity conditions.
• Launched aboard PSLV-C60 mission, CROPS utilized the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM)-4 platform to cultivate cowpea seeds in a controlled environment with active thermal management.

Significance of the CROPS Experiment

• Understanding Microgravity Effects: The experiment offers insights into plant adaptation and growth in a microgravity environment.
• Sustainable Deep-Space Exploration: Essential for developing life-support systems for long-duration missions, including Mars expeditions.
• Advancing Astrobotany: Establishes India’s capability to grow food in extraterrestrial conditions, contributing to global research on space agriculture.

Future Applications of CROPS and Space Agriculture

• Food Security in Space: Data from CROPS can guide the development of sustainable agricultural systems for astronauts on extended missions.
• Readiness for Mars and Beyond: Facilitates India’s preparation for Mars colonisation and long-term space habitation goals.

{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} New ISRO Chairman Takes Charge

• Context (TH | ET): V. Narayanan, a veteran rocket propulsion expert, is set to assume the role of ISRO Chairman for a two-year term, succeeding S. Somanath

Key Highlights of Dr. V. Narayanan’s Profile

• Background: Born into a humble farming family in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, he pursued education in Tamil-medium schools and excelled academically.
• Educational Achievements: Alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur with an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering (first rank) and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.
• Professional Experience: Over 40 years of rocket and spacecraft propulsion expertise, contributing to India’s self-reliance in cryogenic propulsion technology.
• ISRO Tenure: Joined ISRO in 1984, worked in Solid Propulsion (VSSC), and became Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in 2018.

Appointment Process of ISRO Chairman

• Post Designation: The ISRO Chairman also serves as the Secretary (Department of Space) and ex-officio Chairman of the Space Commission.
• Term: Typically, three years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier, with the possibility of extension.
• Recommendation: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) recommends candidates based on expertise and leadership in space science and technology.
• Approval Process: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approves the selected candidate’s name after thorough vetting & consultation.

Milestones and Achievements under Dr. Narayanan

• Cryogenic Technology: India became one of six countries to master cryogenic propulsion under Dr. Narayanan’s leadership.
• Space Economy: Advocating for India’s rightful share in the global space market.
• Recognition of Strength: Establishing mutual respect among global spacefaring nations through technological and scientific excellence.
• Key Missions:
  • Cryogenic technology for Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 missions.
  • Propulsion roadmap for 2017-2037 to advance ISRO’s technological self-reliance.

Major Responsibilities of ISRO under Dr. Narayanan

Key Missions in 2025

• GSLV Mk-II/IRNSS–1K Mission: Launch scheduled for January-end.
• Gaganyaan (G1) Uncrewed Flight: Validation of critical technologies for India’s first human spaceflight.
• Commercial Launches: Utilising LVM3 for international payloads.

Long-Term Projects

• Chandrayaan-4: Follow-up lunar exploration.
• Space Station Development: Bharatiya Antariksha Station project.
• Interplanetary Missions: Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) and a second Mars mission.
• Future Key Projects: SpaDeX experiment, vital for Chandrayaan-4 & space station construction.

Narayanan’s Vision & Priorities/ Opportunities for ISRO

• Strengthening Space Economy: Boosting India’s space economy and enhancing its global standing in space technology by leveraging mutual strengths and capabilities
• Technological Development: Creating technologies for space exploration & commercial applications.
• Expanding Global Share: Increasing India’s share in the global space economy from 2% to 10%.
• Societal Applications: Growing satellite infrastructure for communication, navigation, and earth observation to meet India’s strategic needs.
• Private Sector and Startups: Enabling private sector involvement and startups to enhance satellite manufacturing and launch capabilities.

Challenges for ISRO

• Overseeing High-Stakes Missions: Managing a packed schedule of complex and crucial space missions.
• Scaling Private Sector Involvement: Expanding private sector participation to meet growing satellite deployment needs.
• Human Spaceflight: Enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and deep-space exploration.

{Prelims – In News} General Zorawar Singh Kahluria

• Context (IE): Shivaji Maharaj’s statue on the banks of the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh created controversy, suggesting the installation of a statue of legendary Dogra warrior Zorawar Singh.

• He was an extraordinary general, a wazir of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu (a feudatory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of Khalsa Raj in Punjab.
• Zorawar Singh captured Ladakh and made forays deep into Tibet during the 1800s.

{Prelims – In News} Kookaburras

• Context (IE): The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), which Australia won for the first time since 2014-15, saw pacers set the tone with a significant role of Kookaburra cricket balls.

• It is bowler-friendly, unlike the white balls used for limited-overs cricket, which offer less swing.
• Extra lacquer was applied to ensure the ball stayed harder for longer, which meant longer seam movement. The ridge, sitting below the seam’s stitches, helps it stay intact for longer.

{Prelims – In News} Winter Foods in News

• Context (IE): From Kashmir to Kerala, each region brings forth a unique winter culinary tradition.