Context: The first shipment of Russian uranium was officially delivered to Bangladesh to fuel the nation's only nuclear power plant, Rooppur.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
It is being build on the eastern bank of the river Ganges, 160 km from Dhaka.
It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries.
International Atomic Energy Agency is supporting the South Asian country in the safe, secure and sustainable introduction of nuclear power.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
It is the intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
It was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.
It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
The IAEA’s Milestones Approach enables a sound development process for a nuclear power programme. It is a phased comprehensive method to assist countries that are considering or planning their first nuclear power plant.
Context: An international team of scientists has published a paper that outlines the impact of the prototype BlueWalker 3 satellite on astronomy.
About BlueWalker 3:
It is a prototype satellite, a part of a planned constellation of over a hundred similar satellites intended to deliver mobile or broadband services anywhere in the world.
The approximately 1.5-ton satellite will deploy a 10-meter diameter phased array antenna, comprising numerous identical sub-antenna modules with a total area of 64 square meters. These modules will connect directly to standard mobile phones.
It was launched into low-Earth orbit in 2022 by AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based company.
It is considered the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed in low-Earth orbit.
The satellite is among the brightest objects in the sky reaching a peak comparable to that of Procyon and Achernar, two of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Its remarkable brightness results from a massive phased-array antenna, making it appear like a giant mirror reflecting sunlight from Earth’s perspective.
Image Source: ast-science.com
Concerns:
Bluewalker 3’s large size and bright reflective surfaces could interfere with astronomical observations, as its light could be mistaken for stars or interfere with the ability to detect dimmer objects.
The satellite’s large size could block out a portion of the night sky, making it difficult for astronomers to observe certain objects.
It actively transmits at radio frequencies that are close to bands reserved for radio astronomy, which may hamperradio telescope observations.
Context: A recent study shows that in urban environments, ultrafine particles of 1 to 100 nanometers, can contribute up to 90% to the total particle number concentration. Largely originating from vehicle emissions, the nanoparticles can move from the respiratory system to other parts of the human body which has the potential to cause more chronic and acute illnesses.
Origin of nanoparticles
Nanoparticles occur naturally in the environment but the major nanoparticle pollutants arise due to Anthropogenic emissions.
Natural pollutants:
Sea emits aerosol of salt that ends up floating around in the atmosphere.
Smoke from volcanoes and fires contains a huge variety of nanoparticles.
Dust from deserts.
Trees emit nanoparticles of hydrocarbon compounds such as terpenes (which produce blue haze seen in forests).
Anthropogenic pollutants:
Majorly emitted by large industrial processes, power stations, jet aircraft, vehicles (powered by internal combustion engines) and household fuels.
Types of nanoparticlesemitted include- partially burned hydrocarbons (in soot), ceria (cerium oxide; from vehicle exhaust catalysts), metallic dust (from brake linings), calcium carbonate (in engine lubricating oils), and silica (from car tires).
Concentration of NPs can be influenced by Meteorology and other factors.
With the rise in relative humidity, coagulation of these particles results in their concentration becoming high.
Higher wind speed can result in the dispersion of these particles.
General facts about Nanoparticles:
Nanoparticles are extremely small particles that are sized between 1 and 100 nanometers.
Size: A nanometer is one billionth of a metre. The small size allows nanoparticles to have unique properties compared to larger particles.
Properties: Nanoparticles have unique optical, electrical, magnetic, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and quantum properties compared to bulk materials. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio also results in enhanced reactivity, solubility, and heat transfer.
Key examples include:
Iron oxide nanoparticles are superparamagnetic for data storage, while cobalt has high coercivity.
Nanoparticles make good catalysts due to their high surface reactivity.
Mechanical strength increases for nanoparticles of metals like Aluminium.
Ceramic nanoparticles strengthen composites.
Quantum effects dominate at the nanoscale.
Metal nanoparticles like gold and silver have vivid colours due to localised surface plasmon resonance.
Semiconductor quantum dots have tunable conductivity and fluorescence.
Application of Nanoparticles:
Medicine & Healthcare - Drug delivery, bioimaging, diagnostics, dental care, sunscreens, antimicrobial coatings.
Electronics - Nanoelectronics, sensors, data storage devices, quantum dot displays.
Energy - Solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, fuel additives, hydrogen generation and storage.
Environment - Pollutant degradation, water treatment, nano-filtration, catalytic converters.
Automotive - Fuel cells, lighter and stronger materials, advanced lubricants.
Aerospace - Lighter and stronger composites, structural health monitoring.
Defence - Lightweight soldier armour, surveillance, sensors, nanocoatings for equipment.
Concerns are associated with Nanoparticles:
Respiratory effects - Inhaled nanoparticles can deposit in lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, asthma, and lesions. Links to lung cancer have also been reported.
Cardiovascular toxicity - Nanoparticles like PM2.5 can enter bloodstream and damage blood vessels and heart tissue, leading to thrombosis, arrhythmia and myo-cardiac cell death.
Skin penetration - Nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens may be absorbed through skin, entering bloodstream. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused DNA damage in mice's skin.
Bioaccumulation up food chain - Nanoparticles concentrate in algae/plankton, get absorbed by fish/animals which are later consumed by humans, leading to biomagnification.
Water contamination - Release of nanoparticles into rivers, lakes and groundwater from product waste. Can be toxic to aquatic life. Difficult to filter out nanoparticles.
Soil pollution - Accumulation in sewage sludge applied as fertilizer. Runoff from landfills. Alters microbial communities in soil.
Air pollution - Nanoparticle emissions into the air, leading to reduced air quality.
Context: With the monsoon setting in, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Department (USDMA) will do a vulnerability study of 13 glacial lakes, five of them in “high-risk zone”. The study aims to provide data to help avoid calamities such as lake outbursts.
Glacial Lake
A glacial lake is a body of water that originates from a glacier. It typically forms at the foot of a glacier but may form on, in, or under it.
Types - Lakes form when meltwater ponds and this can happen on the ice surface (supraglacial lakes), in front of the ice (proglacial lakes), or even underneath the ice (subglacial lakes).
Glacial Lake outburst Flood (GLOF)
GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes — large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake.
The more the glacier recedes, the bigger and more dangerous the lake becomes.
Such lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. In case the boundary around them breaks, huge amounts of water rush down the side of the mountains, which could cause flooding in the downstream areas — this is referred to as a GLOF event.
Experts often attribute GLOFs to climate change and the increase of anthropogenic footprints on glaciers.
Reasons for GLOF
GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement.
Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water.
GLOFs can unleash large volumes of water, sediment, and debris downstream with formidable force and velocity. The floodwaters can submerge valleys, obliterate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings, and result in significant loss of life and livelihoods.
Impact
When a glacial lake bursts, its water flows into downstream areas at extreme speed. This causes massive damage to the infrastructure. GLOFs remain a persistent threat to downstream communities and infrastructure, besides flora and fauna.
In June 2013, Uttarakhand received an unusual amount of rainfall leading to the melting of the Chorabari glacier and the eruption of the Mandakini river. The floods affected large parts of Uttarakhand. Reportedly, the worst hit was the Kedarnath valley in Uttarakhand, as the flood left behind a death toll of more than 5,000.
Guidelines on Risk Reduction
Identifying Potentially Dangerous Lakes:
Potentially dangerous lakes can be identified based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions.
Use of Technology:
Promoting use of Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery (a form of radar that is used to create two-dimensional images) to automatically detect changes in water bodies, including new lake formations, during the monsoon months. Methods and protocols could also be developed to allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space.
Channeling potential floods:
To manage lakes structurally, the NDMA recommends reducing the volume of water with methods such as controlled breaching, pumping or siphoning out water and making a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam.
Uniform Codes for Construction Activity:
Developing a broad framework for infrastructure development, construction and excavation in vulnerable zones. There is a need to accept procedures for land use planning in the GLOF-prone areas.
Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS):
The number of implemented and operational GLOF EWS is very small, even at the global scale. In the Himalayan region, there are three reported instances (two in Nepal and one in China) of implementation of sensor- and monitoring-based technical systems for GLOF early warning.
Training Local Manpower:
Apart from pressing specialized forces such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), ITBP and the Army, NDMA has emphasized the need for trained local manpower. It has been observed that over 80% of search and rescue is carried out by the local community before the intervention of the state machinery and specialized search and rescue teams. The local teams could also assist in planning and setting up emergency shelters, distributing relief packages, identifying missing people, and addressing the needs for food, healthcare, water supply etc.
Comprehensive Alarm Systems:
Besides classical alarm infrastructure consisting of acoustic alarms by sirens, modern communication technology using cells and smartphones can complement or even replace traditional alarm infrastructure.
In 2020, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued detailed guidelines on how to reduce and deal with disasters caused by GLOFs/Glacial Bursts.
NDMA guidelines suggest that risk reduction can be done by identifying and mapping potentially dangerous lakes, taking structural measures to prevent their sudden breach, and establishing mechanisms to save lives and property in times of a breach.
Vulnerable glacial lakes in Uttarakhand:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states that can potentially be breached because of heavy rainfall.
Thirteen of them are in Uttarakhand.
Five highly sensitive glacial lakes fall into the ‘A’ category. These include Vasudhara Tal in the Dhauliganga basin in Chamoli district, and four lakes in Pithoragarh district — Maban Lake in Lassar Yangti Valley, Pyungru Lake in the Darma basin, an unclassified lake in the Darma basin, and another unclassified lake in Kuthi Yangti Valley.
Context: The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Alexei Ekimov, Louis Brus, and Moungi Bawendi for their work on quantum dots.
Basic background:
Fundamental facts of Chemistry:
Every element exhibits specific properties determined by the number of electrons in its atoms and the distribution of these electrons around the nucleus.
So, every piece of a pure element exhibits the same properties regardless of its size.
Particles in the nanoscale range behave slightly differently from larger particles of the same element. E.g., A nanoparticle of gold (sizes in the range of 1 to 100 billionth of a metre) displays properties different in some respects from larger particles of gold.
Reasons for deviation: This is because when the size of the particles is reduced to the nanoscale, electrons in the atoms find themselves squeezed or constrained in a small space giving rise to quantum effects.
The Nobel-winning research:
The scientists were independently successful in developing efficient methods to produce nano-sized particles that behaved slightly differently than larger particles of the same element. These nanoparticles with special properties were called quantum dots.
Quantum dots:
Quantum dots are tiny particles or nanocrystals of semiconducting material with a diameter in the range of 2–10 nm (10–50 atoms).
QDs are nanosized in all three dimensions and are made from a semiconductor such as Silicon.
They behave like artificial atoms, as they can have a fixed number of electrons in a confined space, leading to unique properties that are size-dependent.
QDs exhibit special properties when they interact with light.
In general, the colour of any material depends on the wavelengths of the light spectrum absorbed or reflected by the material.
However, quantum dots made from the same material will re-emit/give out different colours of light depending on their size. The biggest quantum dots produce the longest wavelengths (and lowest frequencies), while the smallest dots make shorter wavelengths (and higher frequencies).
Applications:
Bioimaging: QDs are considered to be superior to traditional organic dyes and can be used in bioimaging.
QDs are 20 times brighter and 100 times more stable than traditional fluorescent dyes.
Unlike organic dyes, which operate over a limited range of colours and degrade relatively quickly, quantum dyes are very bright, can be made to produce any colour of visible light, and last indefinitely as they are photostable.
Bio-sensors: QD sensors can detect the presence of pathogens in food or water, or monitor the levels of pollutants in the environment.
QDs exhibit specific optoelectronic properties. They can be used for fluorescence imaging where quantum dots are injected into the body, which when encounters a cancer cell, attaches to it. When a light of a certain frequency is shined, QD lights up and doctors can exactly target these cells.
QDs can be targeted at single organs much more precisely than conventional drugs, reducing the side effects characteristic of untargeted, traditional chemotherapy.
Because of their nano size; they possess a large surface area ensuring higher drug loading capacity and can tag the nanocarriers in biological systems.
Optical applications:
Due to their unique optical properties, QDs could be used to make smaller and more efficient image sensors like CMOS sensors.
QDs can be used in computer screens and displays due to their important advantages:
QLEDs are capable of emitting all colours depending on their size. Thus, they provide high-definition, brighter and more colourful displays. Quantum dots are brighter than organic LEDs (OLEDs).
QDs produce light themselves and need no backlight which makes them energy efficient.
Photovoltaic devices: QDs have the potential to boost the efficiency of silicon photovoltaic cells.
Photonics: QDs are best suited for photonics-based computing capable of achieving high speeds.
Context: According to a report released by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the nation's top drug regulator, at least five batches of cough and allergic rhinitis syrups from two Indian manufacturers have been found to contain higher than permissible levels of contaminants - diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.
About Ethylene glycol and Di Ethylene Glycol (DEG)
Ethylene glycol and Di Ethylene Glycol (DEG) are colourless, odourless, sweetish-tasting substances that are mostly used for industrial purposes ranging from antifreeze formulations to brake fluids, paints, plastics etc. The pharmaceutical grade can be used for medicines and consumer products in the quantity that is recommended.
Note: According to the WHO, the accepted safety level for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol is no more than 0.10%. ** The two contaminants are known to be toxic in humans and can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, and acute kidney injury that may result in death especially in children.
About Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO)
Established: 2005
Work under: Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Headquarter: New Delhi
Functions:
It is assigned duties under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice with a view of bring about the uniformity in the enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Further CDSCO along with state regulators, is jointly responsible for grant of licenses of certain specialized categories of critical Drugs such as blood and blood products, I. V. Fluids, Vaccine and Sera.
Note: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is a government regulatory agency that controls the prices of pharmaceutical drugs in India.
Context: The Members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the Nobel Prize winners in Physics for 2023 for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.
Nobel Prize in Physics:
France’s Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz and French-Swedish Anne L’Huillier won the Nobel Prize in physics for experimental methodsthat generate pulses of lightmeasured in the attosecond (10-18 seconds) that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules using attosecond spectroscopy.
Electron movements in atoms and molecules are so rapid that they are measured in attoseconds. An attosecond is to one second as one second is to the age of the universe.
Basic background:
Analogy: In our everyday lives, we are unable to observe the processes completely that happen fast. For example, when a bullet is fired at an apple, we see the outcome — a smashed apple — but are unable to capture the entire process which takes barely a few milliseconds. However, a camera having a very high shutter speed makes it possible to see every step of the bullet piercing the apple and coming out of it, destroying the apple in the process.
Dynamics at Atomic scale: At atomic and subatomic levels, processes (movement of electrons, or energy dynamics) happen at an incredibly fast rate, i.e., they take just a few picoseconds (a trillionth of a second, or 10-12 seconds) or femtoseconds (10-15 seconds). To observe these processes, scientists use unimaginably short pulses of light, like using extremely high shutter-speed cameras. But then they hit a barrier.
Existing challenges at sub-atomic scale:
To observe any process, measurement must be made at a pace quicker than the rate of change.
Light pulses which are the only plausible tool to capture processes at the atomic level cannot be made indefinitely shorter.
Light consists of waves or vibrations in an electromagnetic field. The shortest possible pulse would have to be at least one cycle long, equivalent to its wavelength.
Attoseconds science:
Femtosecond pulses have enabled scientists to observe the processes happening at the atomic or molecular level.
But at the sub-atomic level, dynamics of sub-atomic particles happen even faster, at the level of attoseconds. Ex. Dynamics of electrons are 100 to 1,000 times faster than that of an atom. (Lower the inertia, faster the dynamics).
These femtosecond pulses were longer than the sub-atomic motion that was happening in a matter of attoseconds and the production of shorter pulses of light, in the attosecond range, did not seem possible.
So, Scientists were unable to glimpse the motion of electrons with existing technologies, as for a long time, femtosecond ‘photography’ was considered the limit.
Nobel-winning research:
The works of Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier made it possible to observe phenomena happening at the timescale of Attoseconds as they demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes at which electrons operate.
Working independently, the scientists devised experimental methods by mixing lights of different wavelengths to produce attosecond pulses of light which can enable the exploration of electron-dynamics in matter.
The observation of every step of a process is necessary to fully understand it.
It has made it possible to examine the rapid moves or changes in sub-atomic scales and allows scientists to control the process by tweaking the intermediate steps and obtaining desired results.
Potential Applications:
Attosecond science has potential applications in a variety of areas, from electronics to medicine, across disciplines in physics, chemistry and biology.
In Electronics:
Help to measure the time it takes for an electron to be tugged away from an atom and to examine how the time this takes depends on how tightly the electron is bound to the atom’s nucleus.
Reconstruct how the distribution of electrons oscillates from side to side in molecules and materials, earlier the distribution of electrons could only be measured as an average.
Test internal processes of matter and identify different events.
Attosecond physics can enable us to understand and control how electrons behave in a material.
Help in designing more efficient electronic gadgets.
In Medicine:
Attosecond pulses can be used to identify different molecules, such as in medical diagnostics. Study molecular-level changesin blood to identify diseases.
Krausz group has developed a new in vitro diagnostic analytical technique to detect characteristic molecular traces of diseases in blood samples. This technique allows monitoring of many molecules at the same time and the radiation is non-ionising and therefore not harmful.
Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) approved the R21/MatrixM malaria vaccine, which has beenjointly developed by the University of Oxford (Jenner Institute) and the Serum Institute of India.
Technology Used :
The Vaccine was developed using Novavax’s adjuvant technology.
Adjuvant technology
An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine. In other words, adjuvants help vaccines work better.
Adjuvants help the immune system better recognize what’s in a vaccine and remember it longer, increasing the amount of time that a vaccine may offer protection.
Adjuvanted vaccines can cause more local reactions (such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site) and more systemic reactions (such as fever, chills and body aches) than non-adjuvanted vaccines.
Novavax’s adjuvant technology
Matrix-M adjuvant comes from saponins, naturally occurring compounds in the bark of the Quillaja saponaria (Soapbark) tree, commonly found in Chile.
Recommending Authority
Recommended after detailed scientific review by the WHO’s independent advisory body, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG)
Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) - The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization was established by the Director-General of the World Health Organization in 1999 to provide guidance on the work of WHO. SAGE is the principal advisory group to WHO for vaccines and immunization.
SAGE is comprised of 15 members, who serve in their personal capacity and represent a broad range of disciplines encompassing many aspects of immunization and vaccines.
Members are recruited and selected as acknowledged experts from around the world in the fields of epidemiology, public health, vaccinology, paediatrics, internal medicine, infectious diseases, immunology, drug regulation, programme management, immunization delivery, health-care administration, health economics, and vaccine safety.
UNICEF, the Secretariat of the GAVI Alliance, and WHO Regional Offices participate as observers in SAGE meetings and deliberations.
WHO also invites other observers to SAGE meetings, including representatives from WHO regional technical advisory groups, non-governmental organizations, international professional organizations, technical agencies, donor organizations and associations of manufacturers of vaccines and immunization technologies.
Additional experts may be invited, as appropriate, to further contribute to specific agenda items.
The Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG) – Formerly called Malaria Policy Advisory Committee, It was established in 2011 to provide independent advice to WHO to enhance the control and elimination of malaria.
It is an independent advisory group bringing together the world’s foremost experts on malaria, the MPAG provides strategic advice and technical input to WHO, and extends to all aspects of malaria control and elimination, as part of a transparent, responsive and credible process.
Other Participants
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP),
Context: The Supreme Court issued an order maintaining the current state of affairs regarding the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. An association of archakas, had contested reforms introduced by the government, which were perceived as an attempt to alter the hereditary system of appointing archakas in Agama temples.
More about the news:
The petitioners sought the annulment of the state government's orders, which paved the way for individuals trained in Agama Sastra, regardless of caste and gender, to assume the role of priests.
The petitioners alleged that the state government was illicitly trying to appoint non-believers as archakas, which they argued violated religious rights safeguarded by the Constitution.
They contended that expertise in the Agamas, which are significant religious practices, could not be acquired through a one-year certificate course offered by the government but required years of rigorous training under knowledgeable Gurus.
It pointed out that prominent Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples in Tamil Nadu were built according to Agamas and worship therein is as per Agamas.
It is well settled that a secular Government does not have the power to interfere with essential religious practices, as such a right is well protected under the Constitution of India. Agamas undoubtedly pertains to an essential religious practice, which cannot be tampered with by the Government”.
About ‘Archakas’ and ‘Yajakas’:
The term "Yajaka" finds its origins in the Sanskrit word "yaja," which encompasses the concepts of sacrifice. Those who actively partake in worship or sacrificial rites, along with those who support them, are collectively referred to as "Yajis."
"Yajanam" signifies the act of worship, while "yajamana" denotes the individual who sponsors and hosts the ritual with their patronage.
The practice of yaja dates back to the Vedic era.
The Yajurveda has given sacrificial prayers or formula. It stands as the second most significant Veda after the Rigveda.Anyone who engages in ritualistic worship of God is considered a Yajaka.
An "archaka" is someone who worships an "arca," which signifies an image of God.
In traditional Vaishnavism, an "arca" represents a living incarnation of God in the form of an image. This image may be crafted from various materials such as stone, wood, clay, gemstones, gold, silver, bronze, or alloys, but it is treated as an embodiment of God.
To become an archaka, individuals typically receive initiation or "Deekshai" and undergo sacred rituals, often guided by their Guru or Acharya, who is often their fathers. This initiation occurs at a tender age, typically between five and seven years, and is followed by rigorous Vedic education spanning a minimum of three years.
Subsequently, they undergo further training, lasting three to five years, to perform Poojas (ritual worship) and Homams (sacrificial fire ceremonies).Only after this extensive training do they assume the role of archakas.
Role of Archakas or Yajakas:
In Vaishnavism, an archaka is unequivocally considered an incarnation of Hari (God). This perspective is mirrored in Saivism as well.
Archakas occupy a paramount role in society as they ensure the proper worship of deities in accordance with scriptural guidelines.
By keeping the Deities content, they prevent misfortunes and calamities, fostering peace, prosperity, and the well-being of communities in the towns and villages where temples are located.
Scriptures emphasize that when priests perform worship with pure intentions and utmost sincerity, it brings abundant blessings to all.
Worship in Hinduism:
In Hinduism, devotees have the option to engage in worship of their chosen deities through two distinct approaches: external worship (bahya) involving specific rituals, prayers, and offerings, or internal worship (antah), which relies on mental visualization and spiritual connection.
The practice of mental worship, known as "manasa puja," is often regarded as more potent and profound in its effects. It entails invoking the divine presence within one's consciousness and devotion.
External worship can be performed by a devotee directly, without any intermediary, or indirectly with the guidance and assistance of a trained priest.
Traditionally, the responsibility of conducting worship ceremonies in Hindu temples falls upon individuals known as priests. These priests go by different titles such as "archakas" and "yajakas," depending on their specific roles and responsibilities within the temple.
In Vaishnava temples, the participation of a priest is typically indispensable for the worship of deities. The intricate rituals and customs involved in Vaishnava worship necessitate the expertise of a trained priest to ensure their proper execution.
However, in Saiva temples, devotees have more flexibility. They can choose to worship the deity directly, engaging in rituals and prayers without the need for a priest's involvement, or they may opt to receive guidance and assistance from a temple priest, depending on their personal preferences and beliefs.
Agamas and Tantras:
The Agamas are a compilation of diverse Tantric texts and scriptures from various Hindu schools. The term "Agama" translates to tradition or passed-down knowledge.
The term "Agama" signifies "that which has come to us," reflecting its transmission across generations, and "Tantra" means "that which protects with detail."
The Agamic and Tantric texts fall into three primary categories: Vaishnava Agamas, Saiva Agamas, and Sakta Tantras, though this classification is not exhaustive. Vaishnava and Saiva texts are typically called Agamas, while Tantra is often associated with Sakta texts. However, technically, Tantra is an integral part of Agama, and these terms are often used interchangeably.
These Agama texts encompass a wide range of subjects, including cosmology, philosophy, meditation techniques, yoga, mantras, temple construction and deity worship.
They are available in both Tamil and Sanskrit languages.
Although Agamic traditions are often associated with Tantrism, the term "Tantra"specifically refers to Shakta Agamas.
The Agama literature is extensive, comprising 28 Shaiva Agamas, 64 Shakta Agamas (also known as Tantras), and 108 Vaishnava Agamas(also called Pancharatra Samhitas), along with numerous Upa-Agamas.
The origin and chronology of Agamas remain uncertain, with some possibly of Vedic origin and others not. While some scholars suggest they date back to over 1100 BCE, epigraphical and archaeological evidence indicates their existence during the Pallava dynasty era in the middle of the 1st millennium CE.
It's important to note that Hindu Agama texts contain passages challenging the authority of the Vedas while asserting that they reveal the Vedas' true essence.
Additionally, the Agamic literary genre can also be found in Sramaṇic traditions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
The Agamas outline three essential requirements for a place of pilgrimage:
Sthala (temple location),
Tirtha (temple water tank), and
Murti (deity image)
They provide detailed rules for Silpa, the art of sculpture, including quality standards for temple locations, types of images, materials, dimensions, proportions, air circulation, and lighting within the temple complex.
Daily worship rituals at temples follow Agama-set rules.
Agamas and Tantras are profound sources of wisdom that enrich and guide various aspects of Hindu spiritual and cultural life.
Context: The Pink Bollworm pest has infected the Cotton Crop in the states of Haryana and Rajasthan.
Pink Bollworm
Pink Bollworm is considered possibly the most destructive peston cotton worldwide.
It is native to India but is now found in nearly all the cotton-growing countries of the globe.
Description: The larvae have distinctive pink bands, and the larval stage, is the most destructive and identifiable stage. The adults are small moths about 3/8 inch long.
Threat:
Adults lay eggs on cotton bolls; once hatched, the larvaeburrow into the developing fruits (bolls) of cotton plants, eat the seeds and damage the fibres of the cotton.
The damage affects both the weight and quality of the harvested bolls containing the lint fibre and seeds inside, thus, reducing both the yield and quality.
When the larvae mature, they cut out the boll and drop to the ground and cocoon near the soil surface.
The larvae can also survive in the seed after the ginning process and if the seed is not fumigated, they will emerge from the stored seed the next spring.
Apart from cotton, they can also attack hibiscus and okra.
What’s the issue?
The Pink Bollworm (PBW) infestation has been common in the cotton belt of northern Rajasthan, Haryana and Southwestern Punjab since 2021. However, the damage reported is much more widespread and serious in 2023.
The Bt cotton – which incorporates genes from a soil bacterium that codes for proteins toxic to the American bollworm – haslost its efficacy against the Pink Bollworm.
The pink bollworm infestation is higher this year because of early rains making it conducive for the worms to grow and fester.
Bt Cotton:
Bt cotton is a genetically modified pest-resistant plant cotton variety modified by the insertion of one or more genes (Cry1 Ac) from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis.
Strains of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produce toxins that are harmful to a variety of insects and it has been found to combat American bollworm – moth larvae that commonly attack cotton crops.
Bt cotton is India's first transgenic crop formally approved for commercial cultivation in 2002.
Aim of introducing Bt cotton to India was to reduce the amount of insecticide needed in farming cotton.
Benefits: Reduction in production cost, increase in profit, reduced farming risk and improved economic outlook for cotton, does not harm non-target beneficial insects, helpful in improving wildlife population, reduced run-off of insecticides and air pollution.
Context:On the occasion of Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary on September 28th, it is pertinent to delve into his perspective on the theme of India's G20 presidency, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." This theme reflects the idea that the world is one family, and it carries significant relevance in the context of India's global leadership role within the G20.
More about the news:
The success of India in garnering consensus in the joint declaration of the G20 was seen as a pivotal moment in the country's ascendancy on the global stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this achievement, emphasizing that India's vision was not merely a slogan but a comprehensive philosophy deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
He highlighted that the world was taking note of India's human-centric model of development, one that prioritizes inclusivity both domestically and internationally.
The G20 declaration explicitly expressed concern about religious hatred and called for an end to the trust deficit, advocating for an era of cooperation.
Bhagat Singh's views on the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’:
In his early years, Bhagat Singh was captivated by the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, envisioning a world united as one family bound by love and mutual respect.
His essay 'Vishwa Prem,' published in the Hindi weekly ‘Matwala’ in 1924, reflects his contemplation on the social and political hurdles obstructing the realization of this dream.
Bhagat Singh posed a thought-provoking question and grappled with various complex issues, including communalism, hatred, violence, oppression, poverty, untouchability, and casteism.
He highlighted the disturbing reality that mere religious affiliation had become a sufficient reason for enmity between religious groups.
Bhagat Singh firmly advocated for the elimination of divisive elements, such as the distinction between the touchable and untouchable communities.
In his influential essay 'Why I am an Atheist,' Bhagat Singh showcased his rational and critical thinking.
He suspected that some self-proclaimed social reformers held superficial political stances.
He didn't hesitate to criticise prominent figures like Madan Mohan Malviya, questioning their sincerity in eradicating untouchability.
He asked whether those who loudly proclaimed universal brotherhood genuinely aimed to bring about such a transformation.
About Bhagat Singh:
Bhagat Singh, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence, played a crucial role in the fight against British colonial rule. His early life, evolution as a revolutionary, and lasting legacy are all integral parts of his story.
Bhagat Singh's Birth and Education:
Born on September 28, 1907, in Lyallpur, which is now in Pakistan, Bhagat Singh's upbringing was steeped in the atmosphere of patriotic fervour.
He received his education at the Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School and National College in Lahore.
These institutions were closely associated with Arya Samaj and the freedom movement, exposing Bhagat Singh to the ideals of Indian independence from a young age.
Family Influence on His Ideals:
Bhagat Singh's family played a pivotal role in shaping his political consciousness.
His father and uncle, Ajit Singh, were actively involved in progressive politics, participating in significant events like the Canal Colonization Bill agitation in 1907 and the Ghadar Movement of 1914–1915.
Entry into National College and Ideological Shift:
Gandhi had urged Indian students to boycott educational institutions subsidized by the British government.
Bhagat Singh's journey into the freedom movement began to take a more radical turn during this time.
Bhagat Singh's contributions to the Freedom Movement:
Initial Support for Non-Cooperation:
Initially, Bhagat Singh aligned himself with Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Cooperation Movement.
However, his perspective shifted when Gandhi withdrew the movement following the Chauri Chaura incident.
This incident led Bhagat Singh to embrace revolutionary nationalism as a means to achieve India's independence.
Influence of Tragic Events:
Tragic events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and the violence against unarmed Akali protestors at Nankana Sahib in 1921 deeply affected Bhagat Singh's worldview, fuelling his determination to free India from British rule.
Association with Revolutionary Groups:
In 1924, Bhagat Singh became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association, founded by Sachindranath Sanyal.
He formed a close bond with Chandra Shekhar Azad, the main organizer of the association.
Bhagat Singh's commitment to the cause led him to establish the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1926, aiming to mobilize peasants and workers against British rule.
Role in "Kirti" and HSRA:
Bhagat Singh also contributed to the monthly magazine "Kirti" published by the 'Workers and Peasants Party.' For a year, he served on the editorial board of "Kirti."
In 1928, he, along with Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
Bhagat Singh's Revolutionary Activities:
Bhagat Singh 4th from from the right
Shift Towards Armed Revolution:
Bhagat Singh's association with HSRA introduced him to the philosophy of armed revolution.
His commitment to the cause led to his arrest in 1927, initially for his association with the Kakori Case and an article published under the pseudonym Vidrohi.
Involvement in the Saunders Case:
The tragic death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission in 1928 marked a turning point.
In an unfortunate case of mistaken identity, Bhagat Singh and his associates assassinated J.P. Saunders, leading to the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
Central Assembly Bombing:
In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Assembly at Delhi, accompanied by pro-revolutionary slogans.
Their intention was not to cause harm but to make the ‘deaf hear’. Both were arrested without resistance, using the trial as a platform for their revolutionary message.
The Trial and Death of Bhagat Singh:
Hunger Strike for Political Prisoners:
During their trial in 1929, Bhagat Singh and his comrades initiated a hunger strike in Lahore prison to demand better conditions for political prisoners.
Their strike garnered widespread support from leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru.
Sentencing and Execution:
Despite widespread appeals, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were sentenced to death.
The execution was carried out on March 23, 1931, a day ahead of the scheduled date, at Lahore Jail.
March 23 is observed as Martyrs' Day, paying tribute to him and fellow freedom fighters.
Individual Heroism vs. Mass Movement
Bhagat Singh initially believed in individual heroism but later realized the need for a broad-based mass movement to effectively challenge the British Empire.
Renowned quotes by Bhagat Singh:
Bombs and pistols do not make a revolution. The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting stone of ideas.
But mere faith and blind faith is dangerous: it dulls the brain and makes a man reactionary.
Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birthright of all. Labour is the real sustainer of society.
Works of Bhagat Singh: ‘Why I Am an Atheist’; ‘Ideas on freedom, liberty and revolution: Jail notes of a revolutionary’; ‘Ideas of a Nation’; ‘To Young Political Workers.
Context: As per the statistics with the Union Rural Development Ministry in the ongoing financial year, less than 14% of the amount flagged by the social audit units has been recovered so far.
Rule 4 of Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011 stipulates that each State Government shall identify or establish an independent organization, “Social Audit Unit” (SAU) to facilitate conduct of the Social Audit of MGNREGS works.
This Social Audit Unit may be either a Society or a Directorate, independent of the implementing departments/agencies.
The work may also be outsourced to an outside agency, preferably an NGO which is not involved in the planning and implementation of the Scheme but possesses adequate experience of having worked in rights and entitlement-based programmes.
Effectiveness of Social Audit Units under MGNREGA
Poor Recovery: As per the statistics available with the Union Rural Development Ministry in the ongoing financial year, less than 14% of the amount flagged by the auditors has been recovered so far.
In 2022-23, the recoverable amount was ₹86.2 crore, but only ₹18 crore (20.8%) was recovered.
In 2021-22, ₹171 crore was flagged, but only ₹26 crore (15%) was recovered.
Financially Satrved Units: Social audit units which does not have adequate funds and are working without training or adequate personnel.
Ineffective role of SAU: The social audit unit’s sole responsibility is to flag cases of malpractice. Recovering the money, and reprimanding the officials responsible, is up to the State governments.
Weaponisation by Union: The Union government has weaponised the lack of social audits and low recovery rate to withhold funds for MGNREGS for the States. For example, units in Karnataka and Bihar have not got funds for nearly two years now.
Credibility Concerns: The consistent low recovery rates and challenges in the audit process raise credibility concerns about the entire MGNREGS program.
Imbalance in Monitoring: Certain states consistently report "zero number of cases" and "zero recoveries” e.g., Gujarat, Goa etc. While there are other States such as Telangana, where an active social audit unit has flagged several cases, but the recovery rate remains low.
Social Audit
‘Social Audits’ are a means of continuous public vigilance and to ensure public accountability in the implementation of projects, laws and policies.
Social Audit examines the impact of specific governmental activities on certain sections of society.
The objective of Social Audit is to ensure public accountability in the implementation of projects, laws and policies.
It is a continuous process of public vigilance and serves as a forum for ensuring transparency in the process of administration and decision making, accountability of PRI representatives and officials and serves the purpose of grievance redressal.
Social Audit has the following dimensions:
As a continuous and ongoing process, involving public vigilance and verification of quantity and quality of works at different stages of implementation; and
A process is to be conducted in every Gram Panchayat (GP) at least once in six months, involving a mandatory review of all aspects.
MGNREGA and Social Audit
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provides for a central role to ‘Social Audits’ as a means of continuous public vigilance.
An innovative feature of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is that it has institutionalized ‘Social Audit’ as a means of continuous public vigilance (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, Section 17).
Social Audits are periodic assemblies convened through Gram Sabhas where
All the details of a project are scrutinized.
Are a continuous process of public vigilance.
Serve as a forum for ensuring transparency in the process of administration and decision making.
Ensure accountability of PRI representatives and officials.
And Serve the purpose of grievance redressal.
Provisions
The Government of India (GOI) notified new provisions of social audit in Schedule - I of the Act.
The GOI through its order instructed the States for enforcement of provisions of social audit under the act.
The order required the States to direct the District Programme Coordinators to complete the social audits of all the works undertaken in the Gram Panchayats of the districts as per the new provisions of social audit as notified in Schedule - I of the act and enter the information related to the social audits in the prescribed formats in NREGA MIS.
The GOI also instructed the States to ensure that the districts prepare for conducting social audits in advance and put up their social audit calendar on the NREGA website.
Strengthening the independence and capacity of social audit units, addressing political pressures, and ensuring adequate funding are crucial steps to enhance the program's effectiveness through social audit units and credibility. Additionally, greater transparency and accountability measures should be put in place to mitigate corruption within the scheme.
