- COFFEE – TABLE BOOK – SAMAYAPURAM MARIAMMAN TEMPLE (ART AND CULTURE)
- The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is a significant religious site located near Tiruchi (Tiruchirappalli) in Tamil Nadu, India.
- History – Ancient Origins: The temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old.
- Goddess Mariamman: The presiding deity, Goddess Mariamman, is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Mahakali, Adi Shakti, or Nishumbha Sudhini.
- Architecture – Dravidian Style: characterized by its towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings and pillars, mandapams (halls), and spacious courtyards.
- The main sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Mariamman, which is made of sand and clay. This unique aspect signifies the goddess’s connection to the earth and nature
2. SC ORDERS FORMATION OF PANEL TO APPOINT VC’S OF STATE RUN UNIVERSITITES IN BENGAL (NATIONAL)
- The Supreme Court’s decision to constitute a search-cum-selection committee for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) in State-run universities in West Bengal is a significant development.
- This move aims to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Governor and the State government regarding these appointments.
- Background: – Conflict: The appointment of V-Cs has been a contentious issue in West Bengal, with disagreements between Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and the State government.
- Supreme Court’s Intervention: To address this, the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a search-cum-selection committee headed by former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit.
- Key Points: – Search-cum-Selection Committee:
- Headed by: Former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit.
- Purpose: To fast-track the appointment process of V-Cs in State-run universities.
- Implications: – Autonomy and Fairness: The committee is expected to ensure a fair and transparent selection process, maintaining the autonomy of educational institutions.
- Resolution of Conflict: This move is likely to ease the ongoing tension between the Governor and the State government, providing a structured and unbiased mechanism for appointments.
- Political Reactions: State Government: Education Minister Bratya Basu welcomed the order, indicating a victory for democratic processes.
3. RAILWAY BOARD’S PITCH FOR EUROPEAN SYSTEM PUT OFF KAVACH ROLLOUT (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
- European Train Control System (ETCS).
- ETCS is a signaling, control, and train protection system designed to replace the many incompatible safety systems currently used by European railways
- It is a key component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)
- Key Features of ETCS
- Levels of Operation: ETCS Level 1: This level involves the use of fixed signaling equipment and trackside signals. It provides intermittent communication between the train and trackside equipment.
- ETCS Level 2: This level uses continuous communication between the train and the Radio Block Centre (RBC) via GSM-R (a railway-specific mobile communication standard). It eliminates the need for trackside signals and allows for real-time train control and monitoring.
- ETCS Level 3: This level further enhances the system by using train integrity monitoring, allowing for moving block operations, which can increase line capacity and efficiency.
- Safety and Interoperability: Safety: ETCS is designed to enhance safety by preventing train collisions, over-speeding, and signal passing at danger (SPAD).
- Interoperability: ETCS ensures interoperability across different countries and railway networks in Europe, allowing trains to cross borders without changing signaling systems.
- Components: Onboard Equipment: Includes the European Vital Computer (EVC), driver-machine interface (DMI), and various sensors and antennas. • Trackside Equipment: Includes balises (transponders), lineside electronic units (LEUs), and Radio Block Centres (RBCs).
4. CENTRE SET TO TWEAK CRITERIA FOR CLASSICAL LANGUAGE STATUS (ART AND CULTURE)
- Classical Languages in India – Classical languages in India are those that have a rich heritage and history, and have significantly contributed to the cultural and literary traditions of the country.
- The status of a classical language is granted by the Government of India based on specific criteria
- Criteria for Classical Language Status
- The criteria for according classical language status, as per the Ministry of Culture, are:
- Antiquity: The language must have a recorded history of at least 1500-2000 years.
- Rich Heritage: The language should have a rich and diverse body of ancient literature and texts.
- Originality: The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
- Distinct Identity: The language should have a distinct identity and should not be a dialect of another language. Benefits of Classical Language Status Once a language is recognized as a classical language, it receives several benefits aimed at promoting and preserving its heritage
- 1. Awards and Scholarships: The Ministry of Education institutes two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the language.
- 2. Centre of Excellence: A centre of excellence for studies in the language is established.
- 3. Professional Chairs: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is requested to create a certain number of Professional Chairs in Central universities for the language.
- Current Classical Languages in India As of now, the following languages have been accorded classical status:
- Tamil (2004)
- Sanskrit (2005)
- Kannada (2008)
- Telugu (2008)
- Malayalam (2013)
- Odia (2014)
- Recent Developments
- The Union government has decided to tweak the criteria for granting classical language status. The Linguistics Expert Committee of the Culture Ministry submitted a report on October 10, 2023, suggesting changes to the criteria. A Gazette notification of the new criteria will be issued after Cabinet approval.
- Languages Under Consideration Several languages are currently under consideration for classical status, including:
- Marathi: There has been a strong demand for Marathi to be recognized as a classical language.
- The Pathare committee, constituted by the Maharashtra government, concluded that Marathi fulfills all parameters for classical status.
- Bengali
- Assamese
- Maithili
5. JAPAN, PHILIPPINES SIGN DEFENCE PACT AMID CHINA CONCERNS (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)
- The Reciprocal Access Agreement, which allows Filipino forces to enter Japan for joint combat training, was signed by Philippine Defence Secretary and Japanese Foreign Minister in Manila.
- It would take effect after ratification by the countries’ legislatures.
- The key defence pact will allow the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in Philippine
- Note that Philippines came under brutal Japanese occupation in the Second World War but is now building an alliance with Tokyo ○ Both nations now face an increasingly assertive China.
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- The Chief Minister launched the program Aruyir – All Life Savers to impact basic life-saving training to all
- India has become the world’s third largest domestic aviation market after the U.S and China.
