17 Feb 2025 Current Affairs

Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

India is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical and cultural sites, but these treasures are under serious threat due to climate change and human activities.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining these monuments.

Role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Established in 1861, the ASI oversees 3,698 protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958).

ASI’s key responsibilities include:

Conservation and Restoration: Regular maintenance of temples, forts, tombs, churches, palaces, and prehistoric sites.
Preventive Measures: Addressing threats from climate, pollution, encroachments, and structural instability.
Monitoring and Research: Studying the impact of environmental changes on monuments.
Legal Enforcement: Ensuring monuments are protected from illegal activities and misuse.

Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Heritage

Climate change poses significant threats to India’s cultural heritage:

Rising Sea Levels: Coastal heritage sites like the Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) are at risk from saltwater intrusion and erosion.
Extreme Heat and Droughts: Heatwaves and changing weather patterns affect the stability of ancient structures, especially those made from sandstone and limestone.
Heavy Rains and Strong Winds: Increased rainfall and cyclones lead to water damage and erosion in forts, palaces, and cave temples.
Air Pollution: Pollution has severely affected monuments like the Taj Mahal, turning its marble yellow due to high sulfur dioxide levels in the air.

Government Measures to Protect Heritage Sites

To counter these challenges, the government and ASI have adopted several measures:

Increased Funding for Conservation: The budget for ASI’s preservation work has increased by 70% in recent years.

2.Climate-Resilient Conservation Methods: ASI has adopted scientific preservation techniques to protect monuments.

Automated Weather Stations (AWS): Installed in collaboration with ISRO to monitor temperature, wind, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure at heritage sites.
Air Pollution Monitoring Labs: Set up near monuments like Taj Mahal (Agra) and Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad) to track pollution levels.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: ASI works closely with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and UNESCO to develop strategies for disaster management of cultural sites.

6.Strengthening Legal Protection: Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958), monuments are protected from encroachment and misuse.

Way Forward

To ensure the long-term protection of India’s cultural heritage, it is essential to:

Engage Local Communities: Involve local communities in conservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Raise Public Awareness: Organize educational programs and campaigns to educate people about the importance of protecting monuments.
Leverage Advanced Technology: Use AI, 3D mapping, and drone surveillance to document and restore historical sites.
Enforce Stricter Laws: Implement stricter laws and harsher penalties for encroachments and defacement.

Which of the following is NOT a primary responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

Conservation and Restoration of historical sites.
Preventive measures to address threats to monuments.
Developing new architectural designs for modern buildings.
Legal enforcement to protect monuments from misuse.

Answer: c) Developing new architectural designs for modern buildings.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Minimum Price for Paddy Residue to Curb Stubble Burning

A parliamentary panel has suggested establishing a minimum price mechanism for paddy residue, similar to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, to discourage farmers from burning crop residue in the fields.

Why is Stubble Burning a Concern?

Stubble burning, a practice primarily prevalent in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, results in severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, causing smog and high PM2.5 levels, worsening respiratory diseases. It also harms soil fertility, increases dependence on chemical fertilizers, and contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases.

Why Do Farmers Burn Stubble?

Time constraints between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing.
High costs of alternative methods, despite subsidies.
Lack of a fixed market price for selling paddy straw.
Limited awareness and inadequate incentives.

Key Recommendations:

Minimum Price for Paddy Residue: A mechanism should be set up to benchmark and notify minimum prices annually before the Kharif harvest season. The price should cover farmers’ collection costs, including labor and machinery expenses.

Subsidies: The government should subsidize machinery like happy seeders, rotavators, and mulchers for in-situ paddy straw management.

Promotion of Short-Duration Paddy Varieties: State governments should discourage long-duration paddy varieties like PUSA 44 and promote short-duration alternatives.

Developing a National Bioenergy Policy: A unified national policy to integrate agricultural residue into bioenergy production.

Others: Address ex-situ crop residue management costs, provide financial incentives, improve supply chain infrastructure, and raise awareness among farmers to ensure economic viability and environmental sustainability.

What is the primary purpose of the parliamentary panel’s recommendation to establish a minimum price mechanism for paddy residue?

To increase the income of farmers.
To encourage farmers to burn crop residue.
To discourage farmers from burning crop residue.
To support the use of chemical fertilizers.

Answer: (C) To discourage farmers from burning crop residue.

NAMASTE Scheme

The NAMASTE (National Action for Manual Scavenging System Transformation) scheme is designed to ensure zero fatalities and make the sanitation sector safer for workers. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E), Dr. Virender Kumar visited Jammu recently. On the occasion, he distributed Ayushman health cards and PPE kits to Safai Mitras under the flagship NAMASTE Scheme

NAMASTE Scheme Objectives:

Zero Fatalities: The primary aim is to eliminate fatalities among sanitation workers.
Skilled Workforce: Ensuring all sanitation work is performed by skilled workers.
Elimination of Contact: Eliminating direct contact with human faecal matter.
Worker Collectivization: Promoting the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to empower sanitation workers.

Key Features of NAMASTE:

Identification of Workers: Identification of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).

Training: Providing occupational training for workers.

PPE Kits: Distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.

Health Insurance: Offering health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Financial Support: Providing financial support to promote mechanization and enterprise development.

Combating Manual Scavenging: The NAMASTE scheme helps address the manual scavenging problem by promoting mechanization. The scheme also facilitates training to sanitation workers.

Government Support:

The government is actively pursuing legislative measures to support sanitation workers.
These measures include the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill.
There are also provisions for compensation to families of sanitation workers who have died while performing their duties.
The Act also provides protection to sanitation workers under the Scheduled Castes, ensuring their rights and dignity.

The NAMASTE scheme also aims to:

Promote the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
Eliminate the need for mechanization in the sanitation sector.
Enhance the skills of sanitation workers and make the sanitation sector safer.
Reduce the compensation given to families of sanitation workers who have died on duty.

Answer: (C) Enhance the skills of sanitation workers and make the sanitation sector safer.

Explanation: The text mentions the provision of health insurance, financial support, and PPE kits under the NAMASTE scheme.

BrahMos NG Cruise Missile

India is advancing its BrahMos cruise missile program with the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system, scheduled for production starting 2027-28.
The first flight tests are expected next year.
The BrahMos NG aims to enhance the capabilities of its predecessor while being lighter and more compact.

Key Features of BrahMos NG:

Effective Range: Maintains a range of 290 km.
Compact Design: Designed to fit smaller delivery systems.
Weight and Dimensions: Weighs approximately 1.6 tonnes and is 6 meters long (compared to the older version’s 3 tonnes and 9 meters).
Advanced Features: Features a reduced radar cross-section and a homemade seeker with AESA radar technology.

Compatibility and Deployment:

The BrahMos NG is designed to be compatible with the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
Its compact design enables deployment across a wider range of military assets.

International Interest and Export:

India has already supplied three batteries of the BrahMos system to the Philippines.
A new export deal with Indonesia, valued at approximately USD 450 million, is in advanced negotiations.
Indonesia would be the second foreign buyer of the BrahMos system after the Philippines.

Technological Advancements and Future Prospects:

BrahMos NG’s advanced stealth features and versatility make it suitable for various combat scenarios.
It is designed for improved performance against electronic countermeasures and can be launched from multiple platforms, including torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems.
India is advancing its BrahMos cruise missile program with the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system, scheduled for production starting 2027-28.
The first flight tests are expected next year.
The BrahMos NG aims to enhance the capabilities of its predecessor while being lighter and more compact.

Key Features of BrahMos NG:

Effective Range:Maintains a range of 290 km.
Compact Design:Designed to fit smaller delivery systems.
Weight and Dimensions:Weighs approximately 1.6 tonnes and is 6 meters long (compared to the older version’s 3 tonnes and 9 meters).
Advanced Features:Features a reduced radar cross-section and a homemade seeker with AESA radar technology.
Compatibility and Deployment: The BrahMos NG is designed to be compatible with the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Its compact design enables deployment across a wider range of military assets.
International Interest and Export: India has already supplied three batteries of the BrahMos system to the Philippines. A new export deal with Indonesia, valued at approximately USD 450 million, is in advanced negotiations. Indonesia would be the second foreign buyer of the BrahMos system after the Philippines.
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects: BrahMos NG’s advanced stealth features and versatility make it suitable for various combat scenarios. It is designed for improved performance against electronic countermeasures and can be launched from multiple platforms, including torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems.

What is a primary advantage of the BrahMos NG compared to its predecessor?

(A) Increased effective range.

(B) Larger size and weight.

(D) Lighter weight and more compact design.

Answer: (D) Lighter weight and more compact design.

Explanation : The text explicitly states that the BrahMos NG aims to be lighter and more compact than the older version, allowing it to be used with a wider range of systems.

Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Initiative

The United Nations launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in 2022 with the goal of implementing effective early warning systems (EWS) by the end of 2027.
The initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations from hazardous weather and climate events.

Funding Landscape for Early Warning Systems:

Increased Funding: Funding for early warning systems reached unprecedented levels in 2023.
Uneven Distribution: Investment is not evenly distributed. Five countries (China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia) account for 54% of national EWS investments.
Funding Gaps: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face funding gaps.
Global Observatory: The Global Observatory for Early Warning System Investments, launched in December 2024, tracks and optimizes these investments.

Financial Imbalance in EWS Investments:

Loan Dependency: Only 25% of reported EWS financing comes from grants, with the remaining 75% sourced from loans and credits.
This financial imbalance poses challenges for sustainability.

Project Overview and Global Reach:

Project Coverage: As of February 2025, the observatory documented 329 projects across 127 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
Project Status: 276 projects are ongoing, with 53 in the pipeline.
Major Financiers: The World Bank and the Green Climate Fund are among the major financing institutions involved.
Prioritization: The initiative seeks to prioritize resources for the most vulnerable communities.

Collaboration and Technological Integration:

International Collaboration: The observatory will deepen collaboration with international finance institutions.
AI Integration: It will leverage artificial intelligence to improve analytical capabilities.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making: This integration aims to categorize EWS funding more precisely and support evidence-based decision-making.

Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems:

MHEWS Coverage: A 2024 report on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) found that half of the countries in most regions have established MHEWS.
Regional Variance: The Asia and Pacific region leads with 67% coverage, while the Americas and Caribbean lag behind at 40%.

Urgency of Addressing Funding Gaps:

Critical Deadline: As the 2027 target approaches, addressing funding gaps is crucial for the success of EW4All.
Equitable Access: Equitable access to financial resources is vital to ensure EWS reach those in need.
Mitigation of Impacts: This is vital to mitigate the impacts of climate change and save lives.

Which of the following statements best describes the primary challenge facing the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative as the 2027 deadline approaches?

The lack of technological advancements in early warning systems.
The uneven distribution of funding, with a significant reliance on loans and credits, particularly impacting vulnerable nations.
The absence of international collaboration among financial institutions.
The lack of projects implemented across different regions.

Answer: (B) The uneven distribution of funding, with a significant reliance on loans and credits, particularly impacting vulnerable nations.

Explanation:

The text highlights the following key issues:

Uneven Funding: The text emphasizes the uneven distribution of EWS funding, with a few countries receiving the majority.
Loan Dependency: The high percentage of funding coming from loans/credits is presented as a challenge.
Impact on Vulnerable Nations: The funding gaps faced by SIDS and LDCs are explicitly mentioned, stressing the impact on those most at risk.
2027 Deadline: The “Urgency of Addressing Funding Gaps” section clearly states that addressing these funding issues is crucial for the initiative’s success as the 2027 target date approaches.

The President of India Inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav – 2025

The Aadi Mahotsav 2025, a flagship initiative of the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), was inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
The festival, which will run from February 16 to 24, 2025, showcases the diverse culture, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce of India’s tribal communities.
Key Highlights of Aadi Mahotsav 2025
- Over 600 tribal artisans from 30 states and union territories will participate
in the festival.
- 500 performing artists will showcase mesmerizing tribal dance forms, including Chhau Dance, Kalbelia Dance, Gaur Mariya Dance, Siddhi Dhamal Dance, and Angi Ger Dance.
- 25 tribal food stalls will offer indigenous cuisines from different regions, providing a unique culinary experience.
- The festival will feature live painting sessions, interactive sessions with artisans, and state and international pavilions showcasing unique tribal crafts.
Empowering Tribal Artisans and Entrepreneurs
Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu emphasized the significance of Aadi Mahotsav in empowering tribal artisans and entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of education in the development of tribal society, citing the example of over 1.25 lakh tribal children being provided school education through Eklavya model residential schools.
Transformative Initiatives for Tribal Welfare
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has launched transformative initiatives for the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These include:
- PM-JANMAN Abhiyan, with a budget of ₹24,000 crore, ensuring doorstep delivery of essential services.
- Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, with a budget of ₹80,000 crore, focusing on connecting tribal villages to roads and mobile networks, providing permanent housing, and ensuring tribal citizens benefit from government welfare schemes.
Support from Union Ministers
- Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, commended the festival, stating that it is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities.
- Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, highlighted the festival’s economic impact, stating that it strengthens the livelihoods of tribal artisans by providing access to national and international markets.
Global Recognition
- Aadi Mahotsav 2025 has garnered international attention, with delegations from Sri Lanka and Indonesia participating in the festival.
- The event has also seen the signing of MoUs with design institutes, corporate houses, and e-commerce platforms, further expanding opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs.
A Movement for Tribal Empowerment
Aadi Mahotsav is more than just a festival – it is a movement fostering economic self-reliance, cultural preservation, and social empowerment for India’s tribal communities. By bridging tradition with modernity, the event ensures that tribal India’s invaluable contributions are recognized, respected, and celebrated globally.