Bodh Gaya Temple Latest News

Buddhist monks under the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) have been protesting since February 2024, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949.

What is the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949?

• The Act established an eight-member management committee to oversee the temple.
• Equal representation was given to Hindus and Buddhists, but the District Magistrate (DM) was made the ex-officio chairperson.
• Since the DM historically came from the Hindu community, this created a perceived Hindu majority in temple administration.
• Buddhist organizations have long demanded full control over the temple, calling it Bodh Gaya Mahavihara.

Historical Background of the Dispute

• Ancient Period: Emperor Ashoka built the original temple at Bodh Gaya in the 3rd century BCE. It remained a Buddhist religious center until the Pala dynasty.
• Medieval Period (13th Century):
  • Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion led to the decline of Buddhism in India.
  • 1590: A Hindu monk established the Bodh Gaya Mutt, leading to Hindu control over the temple.
• Colonial Period: British-era records refer to Bodh Gaya as a Hindu-controlled site.
• Post-Independence (1949): The Bihar Assembly passed the BTA to formalize temple management, transferring control to the new committee instead of a single Hindu authority.

Government Interventions

• The BTA, 1949, was passed to resolve ongoing disputes between Hindu and Buddhist religious heads.
• 2013 Amendment: The Bihar government amended the rule, allowing the ex-officio chairman (DM) to be from any faith.
• Early 1990s: Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav drafted the Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Bill, aiming to transfer temple management to the Buddhist community.
  • The Bill prohibited Hindu idol immersions near the temple and Hindu marriages inside the premises.
  • However, it was never passed and remains in cold storage.

About the Mahabodhi Temple Complex

• The Bodh Gaya Temple is one of the four most sacred sites of Buddhism, marking the location where Buddha attained Enlightenment (Bodhi) along with:
  • Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace)
  • Sarnath (Buddha’s first sermon)
  • Kushinagar (Buddha’s parinirvana
• Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Niranjana River.
• The temple is one of the oldest surviving brick structures in India.
• Originally built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the present structure dates to the 5th–6th centuries CE.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Architectural Features

• Grand Temple: A 50-meter-high pyramidal shikhara (tower) with intricate engravings and arch motifs.
• Four smaller towers, each topped with an umbrella-like dome, surround the central temple.
• Sacred Bodhi Tree: Believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.
• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): A stone slab marking the exact spot where Buddha meditated.
• Temple Shrine: Houses a yellow sandstone statue of Buddha, encased in glass.
• The 4.8-hectare complex includes ancient shrines and modern Buddhist structures built by devotees.

Bodh Gaya Temple FAQs

Q1. Why is the Bodh Gaya Temple important?
Ans. It is the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, making it one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Q2. What is the architectural style of the Mahabodhi Temple?
Ans. The temple is built in the Gupta architectural style with a pyramid-shaped spire and intricate carvings.

Q3. Is Bodh Gaya a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Ans. Yes, the Mahabodhi Temple Complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Q4. What are the key attractions in Bodh Gaya?
Ans. The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple, Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and Animesh Lochana Chaitya.

Source: TH

Green Credits Latest News

The Green Credit Programme (GCP), launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), was rolled out despite concerns from the Law Ministry regarding its legal validity.

What is Green Credit (GC)?

• Green Credit (GC) is a unit of incentive provided for engaging in environmentally positive activities.
• These credits can be traded on a dedicated exchange, similar to carbon credits.
• The Green Credit Programme (GCP) operates under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

 Green Credit vs Carbon Credit

Implementation of the Green Credit Programme (GCP)

• The Environment Ministry launched the Green Credit Programme (GCP) to enhance forest cover, promote sustainable practices, and incentivize pro-environmental actions.
• Who can earn Green Credits?
  • Individuals, communities, and industries that engage in eco-friendly activities.
  • Examples include:
    • Afforestation & reforestation
    • Water conservation
    • Sustainable agriculture
• How does it work?
  • Participants receive tradable Green Credits for their contributions.
  • These credits can be sold to industries that need to fulfill environmental obligations (e.g., compensatory afforestation).
• Green credits can be traded on a domestic platform, enabling entities to meet their legal obligations, such as compensatory afforestation for industrial projects.
• Since its launch, 384 entities, including 41 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, and NTPC Ltd, have registered under the scheme.

Green Credits FAQs

Q1. What is the Green Credit Program?
Ans. It is an initiative by the Indian government to incentivize environmental actions through a market-based credit mechanism.

Q2. How does the Green Credit Program work?
Ans. Entities earn credits for activities like afforestation, water conservation, and waste management, which can be traded or used for compliance purposes.

Q3. What is the difference between Green Credits and Carbon Credits?
Ans. Green Credits cover a broader range of environmental actions, while Carbon Credits specifically address greenhouse gas emissions.

Q4. Which ministry is responsible for the Green Credit Program?
Ans. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees the program.

Source: IE

Tonga Latest News

A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake recently hit near Tonga, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific island country.

About Tonga

• Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, also called Friendly Islands, is an archipelago composed of 169 islands, of which only 36 islands are inhabited, and is located in the South Pacific Ocean. 
• It lies south of Samoa, east of Fiji, and just north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Tonga’s western islands are volcanic (four with active volcanoes) and sit well above sea level. Those to the east are coral and are more low-lying.
• The three largest islands are Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u, with Tongatapu being the most populated.
• The capital, Nuku‘alofa, is on the island of Tongatapu.
• Due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga experiences relatively frequent volcanic activity.
• A former British protectorate, Tonga became fully independent in 1970, although it was never formally colonised.
• Political System: It is a constitutional monarchy.
• Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth and of the United Nations.
• Language: Tongan, English
• Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
• Economy: Tonga has no strategic or mineral resources, and relies on agriculture, fishing and the money sent home by Tongans living abroad.

Tonga FAQs

Q1. Where is Tonga located?

Ans. South Pacific Ocean

Q2. What is the capital of Tonga?

Ans. Nuku‘alofa

Q3. Tonga was previously a protectorate of which country?

Ans. United Kingdom

Source: IT

Sarhul Festival Latest News

The Sarhul Festival, celebrated by Adivasi communities in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region, marks the arrival of spring and the new year.

What is Sarhul?

• Meaning: Sarhul means “worship of the Sal tree” and signifies the union of the Sun and the Earth, which is essential for life.
• Nature worship: The Sal tree is considered sacred, believed to be the abode of Sarna Maa, the village deity.
• Three-Day Festival:
  • Day 1 – Preparations begin, with homes and Sarna Sthals cleaned, Sal flowers gathered, and the village priest (pahan) observing a strict fast.
  • Day 2 – Main rituals are performed at Sarna Sthals (Sacred Groves), including sacrifices, prayers for prosperity, and cultural performances.
  • Day 3 – Concludes with a community feast, featuring Handia (rice beer), ceremonial fishing, and traditional Adivasi cuisine.
• Sarhul across regions:
  • The festival is celebrated by several tribes, including the Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho.
  • Anthropologist Sarat Chandra Roy (1928) noted that Sarhul evolved from a hunting-based ritual to an agricultural festival, reflecting changes in Adivasi life.
  • Due to historical migration, Sarhul is now celebrated in Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Sarhul and Its Political Significance

• 1960s: Baba Karthik Oraon, an Adivasi leader advocating for tribal rights and cultural preservation, initiated a Sarhul procession in Ranchi.
• Modern Processions: Over the last 60 years, Sarhul processions have become larger, with Siram Toli Sarna Sthal in Ranchi becoming a focal point.
• Assertion of Tribal Identity:
  • Adivasi communities use the festival to reaffirm their distinct identity.
  • Some groups demand official recognition of the Sarna religion in India's caste census.
  • Others, influenced by Hindu organizations, argue that Adivasis are part of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism).

What Are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred Groves are small forest patches protected by local communities due to their religious and cultural significance.
• These groves serve as biodiversity hotspots, preserving rare plant and animal species.
• Human activities such as hunting and deforestation are restricted, while sustainable practices like honey collection and deadwood gathering are permitted.

Sacred Groves Across India

• Successful Example: Piplantri Village, Rajasthan
• Unique Initiative: 111 trees planted for every girl child born.
• Impact: Boosted local income, reduced female foeticide, and empowered women’s self-help groups.

Sarhul Festival FAQs

Q1. What is Sarhul?
Ans. Sarhul is a tribal festival celebrated in Jharkhand and parts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, marking the worship of nature and the arrival of spring.

Q2. Which communities celebrate Sarhul?
Ans. It is primarily celebrated by the Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes.

Q3. What is the significance of Sarhul?
Ans. It signifies the worship of trees, ancestors, and nature, reinforcing the deep ecological and cultural ties of the tribal communities.

Source: IE

Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project Latest News

National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Private Limited (NHPC) recently announced the successful completion of the trial run for Unit 2 (200 MW) of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh.

About Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project

• The Parbati Hydroelectric Project (Stage II) is a run-of-the-river project under construction in Sainj, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
• It proposed to harness the hydro potential of the lower reaches of the Parbati River (major tributary of the Beas River). 
• The river is proposed to be diverted with a concrete gravity dam at Village Pulga in Parbati Valley through a 31.52 km long head race tunnel and the power house shall be located at village Suind in Sainj Valley.
• Total Capacity: 800 MW (four units of 200 MW each)
• Once fully commissioned, the Parbati-II project is expected to generate approx. 3,074 million units (MU) of electricity annually.
• The project is being developed and currently owned by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Private Limited (NHPC). The company has a stake of 100%.
• The Parbati-II project was initiated in 2003 and was originally scheduled for commissioning in 2010. 
• However, it faced continuous delays due to various challenges, including tunnelling issues, water and silt seepage, flash floods, cloudbursts, and adverse geological conditions.

Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1. Where is the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans. Himachal Pradesh

Q2. Which river's hydro potential is being harnessed in the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project?

Ans. It proposed to harness the hydro potential of the lower reaches of the Parbati River (major tributary of the Beas River). 

Q3. What is the total installed capacity of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project?

Ans. 800 MW

Source: CNBC

INIOCHOS-25 Latest News

Aiming to hone skills against a dozen other counterparts, including the US, Israel, and France, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25.

About INIOCHOS

• It is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by Greece's Hellenic Air Force.
• It serves as a platform for air forces to hone their skills, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties. 
• INIOCHOS-25:
• It will take place at Andravida Air Base in the historic region of Elis, Greece.
• It will integrate multiple air and surface assets from fifteen countries under realistic combat scenarios, designed to simulate modern-day air warfare challenges.
• The IAF contingent will include Su-30 MKI fighters, along with combat-enabling IL-78 and C-17 aircraft.
• Apart from the Hellenic Air Force and the IAF, the participants include France with the M-2000, Israel with G-550, Italy with Tornado, Montenegro with B-412, Poland with F-16, Qatar with F-15, Slovenia with 2 PC-9, Spain with F-18, the UAE with M-2000/9, and the US with F-16, KC-46, and KC-135.
• It will provide an opportunity to train in planning and executing combined air operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and gain insights into operational best practices. 

INIOCHOS-25 FAQs

Q1. What is INIOCHOS?

Ans. A biennial multinational air exercise hosted by Greece.

Q2. What is the main objective of the INIOCHOS exercise?

Ans. To enhance aerial combat skills and tactical knowledge exchange.

Q3. Which aircraft will the Indian Air Force (IAF) deploy for INIOCHOS-25?

Ans. Su-30 MKI, IL-78, and C-17

Source: NDTV

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Latest News

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an urgent appeal for over $100 million to assist the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar recently.

About International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

• It is the world’s largest humanitarian network.
• Founded in 1919, the Geneva-based Federation brings together 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and some 100 million volunteers.
• The IFRC’s mission is to improve the situation of the most vulnerable, coordinating emergency international assistance to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, including the forcibly displaced, and in health crises.
• The Federation also helps vulnerable communities to overcome crises and become more resilient through disaster preparedness activities.
• Its mandate includes strengthening the capacities of its member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to conduct effective emergency relief, disaster preparedness, and health and community care programmes. 
• It also represents these societies at an international level.
• The IFRC also has programs addressing the humanitarian consequences of rapid urbanization, climate change, violence and migration. 
• Funding: Voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, corporate donors, and the public.
• Relationship with ICRC: Works alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which focuses on humanitarian law and aid in conflict zones.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies FAQs

Q1. Who was the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?

Ans. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded by Henry Dunant, a Swiss humanitarian.

Q2. What is the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?

Ans. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network dedicated to providing aid and relief during emergencies, conflicts, and disasters. I

Q3. Where is the headquarters of the IFRC located?

Ans. Geneva, Switzerland

Source: TP

Deep Sea Mining Latest News

A new study published in Nature titled "Long-term Impact and Biological Recovery in a Deep-Sea Mining Track" has revealed that a strip of the Pacific Ocean seabed mined over 40 years ago has still not recovered.

Why in the News?

• The study, conducted by Britain’s National Oceanography Centre, found long-term sediment changes and a decline in populations of larger organisms in the mined area.
• This comes amid growing global calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining, with 36 countries recently discussing the issue at a United Nations International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica.

What is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining involves the extraction of mineral deposits and metals from the ocean seabed. It is categorized into three types:

• These minerals are crucial for battery production, renewable energy technologies, and electronics like mobile phones and computers.
• Mining technology is still evolving, with companies developing:
  • Massive pumps to vacuum materials from the seabed
  • AI-based deep-sea robots to extract nodules
  • Advanced machinery for mining near underwater mountains and volcanoes
• Governments and corporations view deep sea mining as a strategic necessity due to depleting onshore reserves and increasing demand for critical minerals.

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• About ISA
  • Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • Came into force in 1994 and became fully operational in 1996.
  • Headquarters – Kingston, Jamaica.
• Functions of ISA
  • Regulates and manages mineral-related activities in international seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction.
  • Grants licenses for deep-sea exploration and mining.
  • Ensures environmental protection while overseeing resource utilization.
  • ISA recently held a council meeting with 36 countries to discuss whether mining companies should be allowed to extract minerals from the ocean floor.

Deep Sea Mining FAQs

Q1. What is Deep Sea Mining?
Ans. It is the extraction of minerals and metals from the ocean floor, including polymetallic nodules, sulphides, and cobalt-rich crusts.

Q2. Which international body regulates Deep Sea Mining?
Ans. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

Q3. Why is Deep Sea Mining controversial?
Ans. It poses environmental risks such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and disruption of oceanic ecosystems.

Q4. What are India's efforts in Deep Sea Mining?
Ans. India is developing deep-sea mining technology under the Deep Ocean Mission and has an exploration contract with the ISA for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.

Source: IE

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest Department, has reported 63 new species of odonates, butterflies, and birds in the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

• It lies in the Malappuram district in Kerala.
• Spanning approximately 227.97 sq.km, the sanctuary is situated on the western slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.
• The forest areas of Karimpuzha WLS forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), recognized under the Man and Biosphere Programme of UNESCO. 
• Karimpuzha WLS shares a boundary with Mukurthi NP (Tamil Nadu) on the eastern side and Silent Valley NP (Kerala) on the southern side.
• The name ‘Karimpuzha’ is derived from the Karimpuzha River, a tributary of the River Chaliyar.
• The sharp topographical gradient of the hills ranging from 40 m to 2550 m is the primary reason for the unique biodiversity of the Karimpuzha WildLife Sanctuary.
• The area merges with landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Steep hills, deep valleys, marshy lands, grasslands, and shola forests with hillocks, and perennial water sources combined with altitudinal variations make it an ideal habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
• The nomadic tribes, Cholanaikans, Cavemen of Kerala, are living inside the Karimpuzha WLS. 
  • They are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by the Government of India. 
• Flora: It is the state’s only forest stretch where seven forest types found in the state are all present, including evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, sub-tropical hill forest, sub-tropical savannah, montane wet temperate forest and montane wet grasslands. 
• Fauna: It is home to a variety of fauna endemic to the Western Ghats, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, slender loris, tiger, gaur. 

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. In which Indian state is the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans. Kerala

Q2. Which national parks share a boundary with Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Silent Valley National Park and Mukurthi National Park

Q3. What is a major reason for the high biodiversity in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Sharp topographical gradient and diverse forest types.

Source: TH

Centrifuge Latest News

Iran’s uranium enrichment program has drawn global attention, with thousands of advanced centrifuges being deployed.

Why in the News?

• Centrifuges play a crucial role in uranium enrichment, which is necessary for nuclear powergeneration and weapons development.
• Natural uranium contains 99.3% U-238 and only 0.7% U-235. Since only U-235 is fissile, it must be enriched for use in reactors and weapons.
• Nuclear power reactors require uranium with 3-20% U-235, while nuclear weapons need 90% enrichment.
• Iran’s uranium enrichment program has drawn global attention, with thousands of advanced centrifuges being deployed.

What is a Centrifuge?

• A centrifuge is a device that separates substances based on density using centrifugal force.
• Used extensively in scientific research, medical applications, and nuclear technology.

How Centrifuges Work in Uranium Enrichment

• Uranium conversion: Uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) gas.
• Centrifugation process: UF₆ gas is introduced into high-speed centrifuges spinning at 50,000 RPM (revolutions per minute).
  • Heavier U-238 isotopes move outward, while lighter U-235 isotopes concentrate towards the center.
• Gradual Enrichment: The U-235-rich fraction is transferred to additional centrifuges to increase purity further.
  • Over multiple separation stages, uranium is enriched to the desired levels.

Key Components of a Centrifuge

• Rotor: The spinning component that creates centrifugal force.
• Chamber: Holds the uranium gas for separation.
• Material: Typically made of carbon fiber or other lightweight yet strong materials to withstand high speeds.

Centrifuge FAQs

Q1. What is a centrifuge?
Ans. A centrifuge is a device that uses rotational force to separate components of a mixture based on density.

Q2. What are the uses of centrifuges?
Ans. They are used in medical labs, industrial processing, nuclear enrichment, and space research.

Q3. How are centrifuges used in nuclear technology?
Ans. They enrich uranium by separating uranium-235 from uranium-238 for nuclear reactors or weapons.

Q4. What is the difference between gas and ultracentrifuges?
Ans. Gas centrifuges are used for nuclear enrichment, while ultracentrifuges are used for high-speed separation in biological and chemical research.

Source: TH