Welcome to our monthly current affairs update for August 2023. In this ever-changing world, staying informed about the latest events, trends, and developments is crucial. This month, we’ll take you on a journey through the most significant and noteworthy happenings across the globe. From politics to technology, from culture to the environment, we’ll cover it all. Join us as we explore the stories shaping our world and the issues that demand our attention. Our goal is to provide you with a concise and insightful overview of the events that are shaping our times, enabling you to engage in informed conversations and make well-informed decisions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the whirlwind of current affairs for this month.
Seethakali folk art (Kerala)
In News:
The Perinad Seethakali Sangham member group is all set to perform outside Kerala for the first time.
About:
- Seethakali is a traditional folk-dance drama from Desinganad, Kerala, primarily during the Onam festivities.
- It is believed to have originated at Perinad in the Kollam district of Kerala.
- The performance is carried out by Dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya communities.
- The art form is based on certain episodes taken from the epic Ramayana.
- The performance portrays the tale of Sita’s journey, from vanayatra (exile to the forest) to Sita’s andardhanam (descend into the earth).
Key Features:
- The art form is a blend of songs, storytelling and fast movements.
- It is accompanied by instruments such as ganjira, manikatta, chiratta and kaimani.
- The costumes and the make-up are loud and eye-catching.
- The characters of Rama and Laxmana appear in green since the color is used to represent gods and goddesses in Kathakali.
- Story conveyed through folk-style songs influenced by Vallappaattu Kuthirappaattu, and Rakshasappattu
- Includes key characters like Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Ravan, Hanuman
- Reason for decline: Seethakali songs were orally transmitted from one generation to the next, which led to a pause in the tradition.
FIDE Chess World Cup 2023
In News:
Recently, In the FIDE World Cup finals, Magnus Carlsen secured his first-ever title, defeating Indian chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa in Baku, Azerbaijan.
About:
- The World Cup 2023 is organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the governing body of chess in the world.
- It’s constituted as a non-governmental institution.
- FIDE currently has its headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland), but it was initially founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens Una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”).
FIDE World Cup:
- The FIDE World Cup, established in 2000 by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), encompasses various iterations.
- Since 2005, it’s been a 128-player single-elimination chess tournament, a vital part of the World Chess Championship qualification.
- The format includes 7 rounds of “mini-matches” with 2 games each, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreaks if needed. The final consists of 4 games before tiebreaks.
More About the News:
- Praggnanandhaa has become the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to reach a World Cup final.
- Praggnanandhaa’s spirited performance earned him a spot in the prestigious Candidates Tournament, despite his loss.
- He achieved significant victories such as winning the World Youth Chess Championship (under-18) in 2019 and emerging victorious in the Asian Continental Chess Championship (open) in 2021.
More Information:
- World Chess Championship: It determines the world champion in chess. Ding Liren (China) won the 2023 championship, defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, while Magnus Carlsen opted not to defend his title.
- Candidates Tournament: It has been organized by FIDE since 1950 and determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship. The winner faces the reigning World Champion. Historically held triennially until 1992, since 2013, it follows a 2-year cycle.
Vast megalithic site in Kerala
In News:
A recent archaeological salvage excavation conducted by the State Archaeology Department at Nagaparamba, Kuttippuram village, near Tirunavaya, Kerala, has led to the discovery of a large number of megalithic hat stones.
About:
- Hat stones, popularly called Thoppikkallu in Malayalam, are hemispherical laterite stones that were used as lids on burial urns during the megalithic period.
Key Findings:
- The team found numerous megalithic burial sites and relics, including a unique rock-cut laterite burial chamber, during the pipeline work that prompted the excavation.
- This site yielded a large number of earthen urns and distinctive iron implements, shedding light on the culture and life of people who inhabited the area over 2,000 years ago.
- Ashes were discovered within the urns and beneath the hat stones, which is different from the more common occurrence of cremated bones. This suggests unique mortuary practices at this site.
Megaliths:
- Megaliths, large stones used to construct prehistoric structures and monuments, provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations and burial practices.
- These stones were either erected individually or in combination with others to create significant structures.
- They can be categorized into two main types: those used for burial purposes and those erected as commemorative memorials.
- In India, archaeologists trace the majority of the megaliths to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC).
- In India, these are concentrated in the states of Maharashtra (mainly in Vidarbha), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Tirunavaya
- It is the land of ancient Mamankam.
- It is situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha river; it is a place of historical importance.
- In olden days, Mamankam a grand assembly of rulers was held once in 12 years here.
Ancient Mailara cult in coastal Karnataka
In News:
The recent discovery of two sculptures, which resembles one belonging to 15th century A.D. and another to 17th century A.D., at Basrur, near Kundapura, in Udupi district has proved that the ancient Mylara cult existed in the coastal region.
Sculptures found:
- One sculpture was found in a well at Basrur and depicts a royal hero on a horse holding a sword and a bowl in his hands. This unique piece lacks the usual Mylaladevi figure on the horse’s back. The sitting posture of the horse is unusual and dates it to the 15th century A.D.
- The second discovery is a small stone tablet depicting Mailara and Mylaladevi both mounted on an ornate horse while holding swords in their right hands. This relief, found in a tank during dredging, is in side profile and appears to be from the 17th century.
Mailara Cult:
- The Mailara cult is a religious tradition centred around the worship of a folk deity named Mailara, who is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
- This cult is prevalent in parts of southern India, particularly in the Deccan region, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- The cult has its own unique rituals, practices, and beliefs that have developed over time.
- Mailara is often associated with other regional deities like Mallanna in Andhra Pradesh and Khandoba in Maharashtra.
- The cult has a diverse following that includes people from various castes and occupations, ranging from agricultural and pastoral communities to martial groups.
Basrur:
- Basrur was a significant trading city during the Medieval period, with trading guilds like Uhayadesi and Nanadesi playing active roles.
- This environment fostered various cults, including the popular Mylara cult that was widespread in the Deccan region.
Karnail Singh Isru
In News:
On India’s Independence Day, Punjab Chief Minister paid homage to activist Karnail Singh Isru, who died on the same day in 1955 while participating in the Goa Liberation Movement.
About:
- Karnail Singh Isru was born on September 9, 1930, in the Chak 30 village of the Lyallpur district that is now in Pakistan.
- He joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and became part of the Goa Liberation Movement, which aimed to hoist the Indian flag in Goa.
- Isru left his home to join the movement without informing his family and was part of a group of Satyagarhis led by Sahodrabai Rai.
- However, upon entering Patradevi village in Goa, Portuguese forces opened fire, and Isru was fatally shot in the chest at the age of 25.
- Goa was eventually annexed by India in 1961 through Operation Vijay.
| Goa Liberation Movement: |
| Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 when Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the forces of Bijapur’s sultan, Yusuf Adil Shah. Goa started to witness an upsurge of nationalist sentiment against colonial rule in the early 20th Century. Leaders such as Tristão de Bragança Cunha, celebrated as the father of Goan nationalism, founded the Goa National Congress at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1928. In 1946, the socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia led a historic rally in Goa that gave a call for civil liberties and freedom, and eventual integration with India, which became a watershed moment in Goa’s freedom struggle. |
Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua
In News:
Recently, President Droupadi Murmu, during her address on the eve of Independence Day, paid tribute to women freedom fighters. She mentioned two notable figures – Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua.
Matangini Hazra:
- She was born in 1869 in a village near Tamluk, West Bengal.
- She was married at a young age and became widowed by 18.
- After her husband’s death, she dedicated herself to social causes and became deeply involved in the Nationalist movement, supporting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.
- She participated in various protests, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Salt March.
- During the Quit India Movement in 1942, at the age of 73, she led a large procession of around 6,000 protesters, advocating for the takeover of the Tamluk police station.
- In the ensuing clash with British authorities, she was shot and killed.
Kanaklata Barua:
- She was a young martyr of the Quit India Movement.
- At just 17 years old, she led the Mrityu Bahini, a group of freedom fighters, in an attempt to hoist the Tricolour at the Gohpur police station in Assam on September 20, 1942.
- Despite her age, she was determined to lead the procession, and her brave efforts left a lasting impact.
- During the confrontation with the police, she was shot and killed while holding onto the flag.
- In 2020, a Coast Guard vessel was named after her as a tribute to her bravery.
Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras
In News:
President of India approves Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces and CAPF Personnel on the eve of the 77th Independence Day.
About Kirti chakras and Shaurya Chakras:
Kirti Chakras:
- It is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India which is conferred for exceptional acts of bravery and sacrifice recognizing outstanding courage and selflessness in adverse situations.
- It is also awarded posthumously to individuals who sacrificed their lives for the greater good showing extraordinary dedication to duty and willingness to risk all.
- It has been awarded to Central Reserve Police Force personnel for anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh (April 2021).
- This year, it has been awarded to four recipients, including Dilip Kumar Das, Raj Kumar Yadava, Bablu Rabha, and Sambha Roy.
Shaurya Chakras:
- It is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award in India which honours exceptional acts of bravery and courage in non-operational circumstances.
- It is awarded to individuals either alive or posthumously from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF recognizing their valour and resolute spirit in challenging situations.
- These awards acknowledge acts of bravery that inspire and uplift society and motivates others to emulate the same level of courage and dedication.
- It also provides a platform to express national gratitude and pride besides encouraging a sense of duty and responsibility among armed forces and security personnel.
- Overall, Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras highlight the human spirit’s capacity to rise above adversity and danger, demonstrating the essence of true patriotism and heroism.
Tamil Palm manuscripts: Gnanamuyarchi
In News:
Recently, Palm manuscripts from the 18th Century titled Gnanamuyarchi have been discovered in an Armenian monastery in Northern Itlay.
About:
- A manuscript is a handwritten or typewritten document, usually historical or literary in nature, before the age of printing. For example, ancient religious Sanskrit texts written on palm or birch leaf.
More in News (About Gnanamuyarchi)
- The manuscript could be a copy of the first Tamil translation of Spiritual Exercise, written by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century.
- The translation was mostly done by Michele Bertoldi, known in Tamil as Gnanaprakasasamy.
- The manuscript was initially misclassified as ‘Indian Papyrus Lamulic Language–XIII Century,’ unaware that they were written in Tamil.
- The monastery authorities think the manuscripts might have been brought to Italy by Armenians in Chennai.
Adichanallur archaeological site (Tamil Nadu)
In News:
Recently, Union Finance Minister laid the foundation stone for the ‘Iconic Site Museum’ at the Adichanallur site.
About:
- Adichanallur is an ancient and historical Iron-age burial site located in Thoothukudi District Tamil Nadu, set along the banks of the Tamirabarani (Porunai) river.
- It holds significance in showcasing the megalithic culture.
- It is one of the five sites selected as ‘Iconic sites’ in the budget 2020-21 for development.
- Other sites are Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP), Dholavira (Gujarat), and Shivsagar (Assam).
Other significant initiatives are:
- Development of ‘Panchtheerth’ sites based on Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life.
- Construction of the National War Memorial and National Police Memorial in Delhi
- Establishment of ten new Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums
- Heritage sites like Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath Temple have been revitalized.
- Tourism circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, such as the Buddhist, Ramayana, Coastal, Desert, and Himalayan Circuits, are being established.
- Over 3 lakh manuscripts containing over 3 crore pages have been digitized for knowledge preservation.
- Plans for a new National Museum in Delhi with 950 rooms spread across the North and South Blocks have been announced.
- ‘Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya’ has been established to honour every Prime Minister of India since Independence.
Rath Yatra ,Puri , Odisha
In News:
Recently, Panel for allowing ASI to carry out an inspection of Puri temple treasury during 2024 rath yatra.
About:
- During the upcoming 2024 rath yatra, the Jagannath Temple Management Committee has put forth a recommendation to permit the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct an inspection of the Ratna Bhandar, which is the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple situated in Puri.
- This decision carries considerable weight as it comes in response to mounting pressure directed at the Odisha government to unlock the treasury. Inside the Ratna Bhandar, there is believed to be a collection of valuable jewelry and precious gemstones.
- Positioned along the eastern coastline of Odisha, the Jagannath Temple in Puri holds immense significance. It stands as a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s construction was initiated by King Indradyumna of Avanti, reflecting the distinctive Kalinga architectural style. This construction endeavor reached completion in the year 1161 CE.
Jagannath Temple
- The origins of the temple can be traced back to the 12th century, attributed to the efforts of King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva from the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- Recognized as the ‘Yamanika Tirtha,‘ the Jagannath Puri temple holds a distinctive significance in Hindu beliefs. This designation stems from the notion that the presence of Lord Jagannath in Puri neutralizes the dominion of ‘Yama,’ the deity associated with death.
- Once referred to as the “White Pagoda,” this temple holds a prominent place within the Char Dham pilgrimages, which encompass Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, and Rameswaram.
- The temple features four entryways: the primary entrance, known as the Eastern ‘Singhdwara,‘ is adorned with a pair of reclining lions; the Southern ‘Ashwadwara’; the Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara’; and the Northern ‘Hastidwara.‘ Each gate boasts intricate carvings corresponding to distinct divine forms.
- At the temple’s threshold stands the Aruna stambha, also recognized as the sun pillar, originally located at the Sun Temple in Konark.
Aadi Perukku 2023
In News:
Recently, Tamil Nadu celebrated the Aadi Perukku 2023 festival.
About:
- Aadi Perukku is a significant festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu to express gratitude for the monsoon season and the life-sustaining properties of water.
- Aadi Perukku, is also known as Pathinettam Perukku.
- Falling on the 18th day of the Aadi month in the Tamil Calendar, this festival marks the onset of the monsoon season, which brings increased water levels to the rivers and benefits sowing and vegetation.
- It is considered the ideal time to sow, plant seeds and take up other forms of vegetation.
- During Aadi Perukku, people gather near the banks of rivers, especially the Kaveri River, to perform rituals and offer prayers.
- On this auspicious day, Mother nature is worshipped in the form of Amman deities.
UNESCO heritage danger list
In News:
Recently, experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have stated in a new report that the Italian city of Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger.
About:
- Venice has been grappling for years with too many tourists and the effects of climate change.
- The city has been grappling with these issues for years, leading to deterioration and damage to its cultural and environmental attributes.
- Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine are also recommended to be put on the danger list this year.
List of World Heritage in Danger:
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) compiles the list of World Heritage in Danger.
- The list highlights a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are threatened due to factors like armed conflict and war, earthquakes and other natural disasters, pollution, poaching, uncontrolled urbanisation and unchecked tourist development.
- UNESCO also sets certain guidelines and criteria under the 1972 World Heritage Convention, which decide, whether or not, a property is faced with specific and proven imminent danger or threat.
| UNESCO |
| It is specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). The constitution, which entered into force in 1946, called for the promotion of international collaboration in education, science, and culture. Parent Organisation – United Nations Economic and Social Council The primary goals of UNESCO are to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, and culture, and to promote sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. Permanent headquarters: Paris, France. |
GI Tags of Tamil Nadu
In News:
Recently, Tamil Nadu’s Jaderi ‘namakatti’, chedibutta saree and Kanniyakumari Matti banana got GI tag.
About:
- Geographical Indication or GI is a tag used on products, natural or man-made, associated with a particular region or geographical location in a country.
- GI tag can be given to a wide range of products – agricultural, handicraft, foodstuff, or manufactured goods.
- GI tag is an acknowledgment of the intellectual property of the product.
Jaderi namakatti:
- Clay sticks with white colour, finger-like shape, and smooth texture.
- Made by Jaderi Tiruman (Namakatti) Producers Society in Jaderi, Tiruvannamalai district.
- Place/Origin: Village of Jaderi, Tamil Nadu
Kanniyakumari Matti banana:
- Traditional table banana with medicinal value, highly fragrant, sweet with a sub-acid flavour, and powdery nature.
- Place/Origin: Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu
Chedibutta saree:
- Handloom saree made from art silk and cotton mix fabric, featuring the iconic “plant and flower” motif on the border and pallu.
- Woven by skilled Sowrashtra weavers.
- Place/Origin: Veeravanallur town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
More Information:
- In addition to these, seven other products from different regions of India (Agra leather footwear, Rajasthan’s Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting, Kashmir’s Mushqbudji rice, Bihar’s Marcha Rice, Jammu Kashmir’s Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft, Agsechi Vayingim (Agassaim Brinjal) of Goa, Sat Shiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) also known as Okra, is a vegetable crop of Goa) also received GI tags.
SDCs to Promote Tribal Culture
In News:
Recently, The Odisha government has implemented the Special Development Councils (SDCs) initiative to preserve and promote tribal culture while ensuring economic development.
About:
- The Odisha government launched the Special Development Councils (SDCs) initiative in 2017 for preserving, promoting, and popularising tribal culture.
- This is an active effort to preserve the culture and heritage of 62 tribes in the State under one umbrella.
- The scheme, which covered nine tribal-dominated districts has now been expanded to 23 districts covering more than 84 lakh tribal people.
- The SDCs focus on identifying and promoting important cultural markers of tribal identity, such as language, sacred groves, and tribal artisans.
- Over 21 tribal proficiency centres have been established to educate about tribal culture and dialect.
- More than 4,500 sacred groves are being conserved.
- Artisan ID cards have been issued to over 40,000 tribal artisans to preserve culture and create employment opportunities.
- Ensuring cultural context is considered in the development projects.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (626 to 680 AD)
In News:
Recently, PM Narendra Modi recalled the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on the occasion of Ashura.
About:
- Hazrat Imam Hussain was a grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muhammad’s daughter Fatima.
- He is the third Imam of Shia Islam after his brother, Hasan, and before his son, Ali.
- He is highly revered for his stand against injustice and tyranny.
Ashura:
- It is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, observed on the 10th day of Muharram.
- It marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his followers in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
- Significance:
- The annual commemoration of Ashura is a time for Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Imam Hussain and the values he stood for.
- It is an occasion for renewing the commitment to the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity that Imam Hussain sacrificed his life for.
- It holds deep religious and spiritual significance for Muslims, especially the Shia community.
FAQs on Monthly Current Affairs – August 2023
Q1: What are monthly current affairs?
A1: Monthly current affairs refer to the latest and most significant events, developments, and news stories that have occurred within a particular month. These events encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, culture, and more. They are a reflection of the dynamic nature of our world and provide a snapshot of what’s happening globally or within a specific region during a given month.
Q2: Why are monthly current affairs important?
A2: Monthly current affairs are important for several reasons:
- Informed Citizenship: Staying updated with monthly current affairs is crucial for informed citizenship. It empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions, including voting in elections, advocating for causes, and engaging in meaningful discussions about societal issues.
- Professional Relevance: Professionals, such as journalists, policymakers, and business leaders, need to be aware of current affairs to make strategic decisions, create informed content, and respond to changes in their respective fields.
- Academic and Competitive Exams: Many academic institutions and competitive exams assess students’ knowledge of current affairs, making it essential for academic and career success.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding current events helps individuals appreciate and understand different cultures, societies, and global interconnections.
- Safety and Preparedness: Some current affairs, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, can directly impact personal safety and require timely awareness and preparedness.
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