In today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and economic landscape of India. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.
Investment Under PLI Schemes
Tag: GS-3 Trade and Industrial Growth
In News: As of November 2023, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes have attracted investments exceeding Rs. 1.03 lakh crore.
Key Achievements of the PLI Scheme
- Export Milestones
- Exports exceeding Rs. 3.20 lakh crore across various sectors.
- Major contributions from Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, and Telecom & Networking products.
- MSME Inclusion
- 176 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) benefit from PLI in sectors like Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles, and Drones.
- Incentive Disbursement
- Disbursement of approximately Rs. 4,415 crore under PLI Schemes for eight key sectors.
- Sectors include Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom & Networking Products, Food Processing, and Drones & Drone Components.
- Import Reduction in Pharma
- Significant decrease in Pharma sector imports of raw materials.
- Indigenous production of unique intermediate materials and bulk drugs, including Penicillin-G.
- Medical Device Production
- Commencement of production for 39 Medical Devices, such as CT-Scan, MRI, Dialysis Machine, etc.
- Enhanced self-reliance in critical healthcare equipment.
- Telecom Sector Impact
- 60% import substitution achieved in the Telecom sector.
- Sales of Telecom & Networking Products by PLI beneficiary companies show substantial growth in FY 2023-24.
- Drone Industry Growth
- Significant impact on the Drone industry with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 90.74%.
- Boost to innovation and investment in the drone sector.
- Food Processing Impact
- Increased sourcing of raw materials within India under the PLI Scheme for Food Processing.
- Positive impact on the income of Indian farmers and MSMEs.
- Global Recognition and Export Diversification
- Enhanced brand visibility for Indian products in international markets through effective branding and marketing.
- Transformation of India’s export basket from traditional commodities to high-value-added products.
- Mobile Phone Production and FDI Boost
- Over 125% increase in mobile phone production; ~4 times increase in exports since FY 2020-21.
- ~254% rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM).
Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)
- Scheme Inception and Expansion
- Launched in March 2020 targeting three industries initially: Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing, Electrical Component Manufacturing, and Medical Devices.
- Currently active in 14 key sectors spanning manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, telecom, electronics, and more.
- Objective and Mechanism
- Aims to scale up domestic manufacturing, increase import substitution, and generate employment.
- Companies receive financial incentives based on a percentage of their revenue over up to five years for manufacturing in India.
Concerns Regarding the PLI Scheme
- Competition and Market Dynamics
- Potential for price wars and market distortions affecting profitability.
- Compliance and Reporting Burden
- Administrative costs and delays due to extensive documentation requirements.
- Assembly vs. Value Addition
- Lack of differentiation between assembly and true value addition may hinder innovation.
- Low-Value Goods Production
- Prevalence of low-value goods production; emphasis on high-value goods needed for global competitiveness.
- Research and Development
- Inadequate attention to Research and Development in export-oriented policies.
- Implementation and Coordination Issues
- Inconsistency and confusion in implementation due to involvement of multiple ministries and departments.
Way Forward
- Market Impact Assessment
- Thorough assessment to anticipate distortions; implement safeguards against unhealthy competition.
- Documentation Streamlining
- Simplify documentation requirements to reduce administrative burdens.
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
- Integrate stringent assessments into the scheme to address concerns related to pollution, land acquisition, and labor rights.
- Value Addition and Innovation
- Introduce criteria incentivizing high-value addition and innovation.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with stakeholders on issues related to pollution, land acquisition, and labor rights.
- Inter-Ministerial Collaboration
- Foster collaboration among ministries for consistent policy enforcement.
- Research and Development Incentives
- Introduce additional incentives for companies investing in research and development.
- Establishment of Innovation Fund
- Set up a dedicated fund to support innovative projects and technologies.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2023) Q. Consider, the following statements: Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: (d) Exp:According to the recent WTO’S Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report, India accounts for 1.8 % of global exports of goods. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.The ‘Production Linked Initiative’ (PLI) scheme offers companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in India. It aims to attract foreign companies to set up units in India while encouraging local companies to expand their manufacturing units, generate more employment, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. Mains (2013) Q. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. Mains (2017) Q. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports Mains (2015) Q. The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. |
Source: PIB
Emerging Security Trends or Challenges in the Region: Iran-Pakistan Strikes
Tag: GS-2 IR
In News: The reciprocal missile strikes between Iran and Pakistan, coupled with assaults on Indian shipping in the Red Sea, underscore the interconnected concerns of the subcontinent and the Gulf.
Iran-Pakistan Strikes: Impact and Global Response
- Military Escalation
- Iran and Pakistan launch missiles and drones, resulting in 11 casualties.
- Targeting of militant groups on both sides of the border.
- Diplomatic Fallout
- Pakistan denounces the attack as a violation of its airspace.
- Recall of ambassador, suspension of high-level visits.
- Retaliatory Strikes by Pakistan
- Precision strikes in Iran targeting Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.
- Use of killer drones and rockets against identified terrorist groups.
Global Reactions to the Strikes
- U.S. Condemnation
- United States condemns Iranian strikes in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria.
- Accusation of violating the sovereignty of multiple countries.
- Chinese Mediation Offer
- China offers to play a constructive role in easing tensions.
- Calls for restraint and avoidance of escalation by Pakistan and Iran.
- Russian Caution
- Russia urges maximum restraint, emphasizing diplomatic solutions.
- Warns against playing into the hands of those seeking regional chaos.
- Concerns from India
- India acknowledges the matter between Iran and Pakistan.
- Maintains a zero-tolerance position toward terrorism.
- Turkey’s Call for Friendship
- Turkey emphasizes resolution based on friendship and brotherhood.
- Emphasis on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Taliban’s Diplomatic Approach
- Taliban suggests resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
- Advocates for peaceful solutions between the two nations.
Security Trends and Concerns in the Region
- Fragility of Pakistan’s Borderlands
- Baloch lands prone to smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and political militancy.
- Vulnerabilities exploited by third parties.
- Regional Power Dynamics
- Deepening conflict between Iran, Arab neighbors, and Israel.
- Trans-border interventions influencing regional stability.
- Geopolitical Significance of Balochistan
- Strategic location at the mouth of the oil-rich Gulf.
- Involvement in the new great game due to its geopolitical importance.
- Pakistan’s Balochistan Dilemma
- Challenges in handling long-standing unrest aggravated by Beijing’s presence.
- Gwadar’s role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor complicates matters.
- Afghanistan-Iran Relations
- Historical issues between Afghanistan and Iran exacerbated under the Taliban.
- Differences over ideology, minority rights, border management, and transboundary rivers.
- Taliban’s Role in the Region
- Taliban government in Kabul takes a forceful stance toward Pakistan.
- Potential expansion of influence and alliances in the Gulf.
Concerns for the Region
- Escalating Tensions
- Tit-for-tat attacks raise tensions in an already volatile region.
- Complications amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas and targeting of merchant ships by Yemen’s Houthis.
- India’s Deep Concerns
- Baloch frontier’s fragility, China’s strategic presence, and India’s rising stakes in the Middle East.
- India’s evolving Middle East policy amid threats to its commercial lifelines.
- Rethinking Security Assumptions
- Cross-border attacks highlight a changing region, prompting India to reassess its security assumptions.
- Deployment of warships to protect commercial interests in the Arabian Sea.
Source: IE
Infrastructure Push in Kerala
Tag: GS-3 Infrastructure
In News: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated three projects in Kochi, Kerala: the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Inauguration of Three Key Projects in Kerala
- New Dry Dock (NDD)
- Length of 310 meters, constructed to international standards.
- Capable of handling aircraft carriers twice the size of INS Vikrant.
- Showcases India’s engineering prowess and project management capabilities.
- International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF)
- India’s first fully developed ship repair ecosystem.
- Represents a 25% capacity addition to the national ship repair industry.
- Investment of ₹970 crores to enhance ship repair capabilities and establish a global hub.
- LPG Import Terminal for IOCL
- Inauguration of an LPG Import Terminal at Kochi.
- Connected to Multi-User Liquid Terminal Jetty through a 3.5 km Cross Country Pipeline.
- Aims for a turnover of 1.2 million metric tons per annum, benefiting households and businesses.
Significance of the Projects
- Strategic Vision for Maritime Development
- Aligns with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’ vision and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Aims to elevate Kochi into a prominent Maritime Cluster and Global Hub for Green Ship.
- Investment and Employment Boost
- Projects target a significant investment of Rs 45,000 Crores.
- Anticipates generating employment for over 50,000 people in the maritime sector.
- Role of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
- CSL plays a crucial role in India’s resurgence as a major maritime player.
- Known globally for delivering autonomous electric barges to Norway.
- Positioned as a key contributor to India’s maritime industry with innovative technologies.
- National Pride and Environmental Impact
- Symbolizes national pride and engineering prowess.
- Expected to lead to logistic savings and reduced CO2 emissions, highlighting environmental responsibility.
- Alignment With Global Vision
- Emphasizes India’s commitment to global benchmarks and agreements.
- Supports the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (MEEEC) to strengthen the coastal economy.
- Future Plans for Maritime Infrastructure
- Outlines the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways’ plans.
- Includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, creation of ship repair clusters, and relaxation of trade conditions.
Measures to Strengthen the Infrastructure Sector
- Consistency in Policy/Regulatory Framework
- Address the lack of consistency and coherence in the tendering process.
- Focus on a holistic approach between the government and RBI for dealing with stressed assets.
- Reasonable User Charges
- Implement reasonable user charges to enhance infrastructure financing and financial viability.
- Encourage environmental sustainability and resource use efficiency.
- Autonomous Regulation of Infrastructure
- Move towards autonomous regulation of infrastructure to attract private sector participation.
- Multi-sectoral regulators can build regulatory capacity and prevent capture.
- Asset Recycling (AR) and BAM
- Explore Brownfield Asset Monetisation (BAM) to free up funds for greenfield investment.
- Utilize Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) or Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) models for efficient asset recycling.
- Utilizing Domestic Funds
- Utilize dormant domestic sources like India Pension Funds for infrastructure development.
- Learn from global practices in Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia on efficient usage of domestic funds.
Government Initiatives Related to Infrastructure
- PM Gati Shakti Scheme
- National Infrastructure Pipeline
- Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
- National Logistics Policy
- Dedicated Freight Corridors
- Sagarmala Projects
Source: TH
Market Monopoly and Laws in India
Tag: GS-3 Economy
In News: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has recently rejected a complaint accusing PVR, a prominent multiplex chain, of abusing its dominant market position.
Allegations and CCI’s Verdict
- Allegations against PVR
- PVR was accused of abusing its dominant market position by favoring films from influential production houses, creating barriers for independent filmmakers.
- PVR’s Defense
- PVR refuted the allegations, citing a lack of supporting evidence and contending that the complaint sought to influence film exhibition without legal obligation.
- CCI’s Verdict
- The CCI found no evident competition concerns, emphasizing the need for harm to competition to warrant regulatory intervention. It underscored the importance of preserving exhibitors’ autonomy unless competition is adversely affected.
Understanding Market Monopoly
- Market Monopoly Defined
- Market monopoly occurs when a single company or a group dominates and controls a substantial share of a specific market or industry.
- Key Features
- Single Seller or Producer: One entity exclusively provides a specific product or service.
- High Barriers to Entry: Significant obstacles prevent new competitors from entering the market.
- No Substitutes: Consumers have limited or no alternative options for the monopolistic company’s product or service.
- Market Power and Pricing Control: The monopoly has significant influence over market conditions, prices, and supply.
- Influence Over Supply: The monopolistic entity controls the quantity produced and adjusts supply to impact market conditions.
- Lack of Competition: Monopolies operate in an environment with no direct competition, potentially leading to reduced incentives for innovation.
India’s Approach to Market Monopoly Practices
- Competition Act, 2002
- The primary legislation addressing antitrust issues in India, promoting competition, preventing anti-competitive practices, and protecting consumer interests.
- Competition Amendment Bill, 2022
- A proposed amendment to strengthen the regulatory framework and enhance competition law enforcement.
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- The regulatory body responsible for enforcing competition provisions, investigating anti-competitive practices, and abuse of dominant positions.
- Competition Appellate Tribunal and NCLAT
- The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) replaced COMPAT, handling appeals related to competition matters.
International Initiatives Against Anti-Competitive Practices
- OECD Competition Committee
- Facilitates discussions and cooperation among member countries on competition-related issues.
- UNCTAD
- Provides guidance on competition policy and law, supporting countries in implementing effective competition frameworks.
- International Competition Network (ICN)
- A network of competition authorities worldwide, promoting communication and cooperation to address global competition challenges.
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Addresses competition policy through its Working Group on the Interaction between Trade and Competition Policy.
Judgements Related to Market Monopoly in India
- CCI v. SAIL, 2010
- The Supreme Court upheld CCI’s order to investigate SAIL for anti-competitive practices in supplying rails to Indian Railways.
- CCI v. Google LLC & Ors, 2021
- CCI appealed against Karnataka HC’s order, investigating alleged anti-competitive practices by Google in India’s smart TV and Android app store markets.
The Way Forward
- Continuous Review of Antitrust Laws
- Regularly review and strengthen antitrust laws to adapt to evolving market dynamics.
- Empower Regulatory Authorities
- Provide adequate funding and empowerment to regulatory authorities like the Competition Commission to effectively enforce antitrust laws.
- Transparent M&A Review Processes
- Ensure transparent and efficient processes for reviewing mergers and acquisitions to prevent the creation or strengthening of monopolies through consolidation.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2012) Q. With reference to ‘consumers’ rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing. 2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid. 3. In case of death of consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c) |
Source: MC
Incremental Increase in Saltwater Crocodile Population at Bhitarkanika
Tag: GS-3 Environment and Conservation
In News: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, celebrated for its rich and varied ecosystem, has recorded a modest rise in the count of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) during the 2024 annual census.
Key Points About Saltwater Crocodiles
- Size and Ranking
- The saltwater crocodile holds the title of being the largest among all crocodilians and the world’s largest reptile.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller than their male counterparts, typically reaching a maximum length of 2.5 to 3 meters.
- Salinity Tolerance
- Saltwater crocodiles exhibit a high tolerance for salinity, predominantly inhabiting coastal waters and river proximity. They are also found in freshwater near rivers and swamps.
- Communication Methods
- Saltwater crocodiles employ various sounds for communication, including barking, hissing, growling, and chirps.
- Geographical Distribution
- Found in tropical to warm temperate latitudes within the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans.
- Preferred Habitat
- Saltwater crocodiles primarily inhabit mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems.
- Diverse Diet
- Juvenile saltwater crocodiles consume small insects, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small fish.
- Adults prey on a range of animals, including crabs, turtles, snakes, birds, buffalo, wild boar, and monkeys.
- Hunting Strategy
- Saltwater crocodiles employ a stealthy approach, hiding in the water with only their eyes and nose exposed.
- They swiftly lunge at prey, often dispatching it with a single snap of their powerful jaws. The prey is then dragged underwater for easier consumption.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Classified as “Least Concern.”
- Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
- CITES: Included in Appendix I/II.
Source: DTE
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Tag: GS-3 Health
In News: A recent Scientific Reports study investigated the association between migraine and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Definition
- IBD refers to chronic inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract, presenting as long-standing disorders.
- Severity Variation
- IBD ranges from a mild condition for some individuals to a debilitating illness with potential life-threatening complications for others.
- Types of IBD
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Involves inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Crohn’s Disease
- Characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract lining, often affecting deeper layers.
- Primarily impacts the small intestine but can extend to the large intestine and, less commonly, the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Indeterminate Colitis IBD
- Describes IBD with features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Causes
- The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it results from a weakened immune system.
- Possible causes include incorrect immune responses to environmental triggers like viruses or bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
- There’s a genetic component; individuals with a family history of IBD are more prone to this immune response.
- Symptoms
- IBD manifests various issues in the colon and rectum and can affect other body parts.
- Common symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Flare-ups with symptoms may alternate with periods of remission.
- Treatment
- While there is no cure for IBD, various therapies can reduce inflammation and address symptoms.
- Treatment approaches encompass medications, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system.
Source: NM
Isopods
Tag: GS-3 Environment
In News: A novel isopod, a type of crustacean, was officially identified as a new species belonging to the Booralana genus by an international group of marine biologists.
About Isopods
- Taxonomic Classification
- Isopods are an order of invertebrates within the greater crustacean group, which includes animals like crabs and shrimp.
- Diversity and Species Count
- Scientists estimate that there are approximately 10,000 species of isopods, all belonging to the order “Isopoda.”
- They exhibit a wide distribution, inhabiting diverse habitats worldwide, ranging from mountains and deserts to the deep sea.
- Features
- Isopods are among the most morphologically diverse crustacean groups, displaying a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from micrometers to half a meter in length.
- While isopods may differ in appearance, they share common features, including two pairs of antennae, compound eyes, and four sets of jaws.
- The body of all isopods is segmented into seven parts, each equipped with its pair of walking legs.
- Abdominal Structure
- Isopods possess a short abdominal section consisting of six segments known as “pleons.”
- One or more of these pleon segments may be fused into a tail section.
- Each pleon includes biramous (branching in two) limbs called “pleopods” that serve for both swimming and respiration.
- Habitats and Distribution
- About half of the known isopod species inhabit the ocean, while others reside in coastal and shelf waters. They move on the seafloor or dwell in plants.
- Most isopods are free-living, but some marine species exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on other animals for sustenance.
Source: PO
Guruvayur Temple
Tag: GS-1 Art and Culture
In News: During his two-day visit to Kerala, the Prime Minister recently visited the Sreekrishna Temple in Guruvayur to offer prayers.
About Guruvayur Temple**
- Overview
- Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, often referred to as the Dwarka of the South, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in the youthful form of Lord Krishna.
- Location
- Situated in the small town of Guruvayur, within the Thrissur District of Kerala.
- Historical Roots
- While the earliest temple records trace back to the 17th century, ancient literary texts and legends suggest the temple’s existence for approximately 5000 years.
- Deity
- Lord Krishna, known as Guruvayoorappan, holds the central deity status in this temple.
- Architectural Style
- The temple follows the traditional Kerala architectural style.
- Reconstruction
- The central shrine underwent a reconstruction in 1638 C.E.
- Key Structures
- Notable structures within the temple premises include Nalambalam (encircling the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepastambam (pillar of lights).
- Ancient Murals
- The sanctum sanctorum’s wall is adorned with ancient 17th-century murals.
- Dwajasthamba
- A prominent sight is the Dwajasthamba, a 70-feet tall flagstaff fully covered with gold.
- Unique Offering – Thulabharam
- One of the temple’s distinctive rituals is Thulabharam, where devotees are weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery, and coconuts equivalent to their weight on a giant pair of scales.
- Elephant Population
- The temple is renowned for housing a significant population of captive male Asian elephants.
- Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
- The nearby Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary is home to 56 elephants closely associated with the temple.
Source: TH
Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
Tag: GS-3 Environment
In News: Following the deer relocation from Cuttack, the Odisha state government is considering the introduction of Sambar and Gaur (bison) into the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location
- Situated in the Khurda district of Odisha, this sanctuary represents the north-eastern boundaries of the Eastern Ghats.
- Biodiversity
- Home to a variety of threatened wild animals and birds, the sanctuary obtained its status in 1982.
- Climate
- The climate in the region is tropical, featuring three distinct and well-marked seasons: summer, rainy season, and winter.
- Vegetation
- The flora is moderately diverse, displaying a mix of evergreen and deciduous elements.
- Classified under the semi-evergreen forest zone, the original character of the vegetation has been altered by the interplay of biotic factors.
- Notable Flora
- Dhaman (Grewia Tiliaefolia), Bankapasia (Kydia calycina), Jamu (Syzyggium Cuminii), Gandhana (Premna mucronata), Kansa (Hymenodictyon excelsum), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Marua (Vitex pinnata), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Karanja, Thorny bamboo, etc.
- Fauna
- The sanctuary hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, Chital, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena, and various other mammals.
Source: IE
Jagannath Temple
Tag: GS-1 Art and Culture
In News: The Chief Minister of Odisha recently revealed an expansive heritage corridor encircling the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
About Jagannath Temple
- Location
- Situated in Puri, Odisha, the Jagannath Temple is renowned as one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples globally.
- Deity Dedication
- Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
- Historical Origin
- Believed to have been constructed during the rule of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, from the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century.
- Spiritual Significance
- Known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha,’ where the presence of Lord Jagannath is believed to nullify the power of ‘Yama,’ the god of death, according to Hindu beliefs.
- Architectural Style
- Exhibits Kalinga architecture, a distinctive style prevalent in the Odisha region.
- Main Structure
- The temple’s central structure, the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
- Ratha Yatra Festival
- A Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath, held in Puri, Odisha.
- Commemorates Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha Temple through Mausi Maa Temple near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
- The famous Rath Yatra festival begins on the second day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July) and lasts for nine days.
- During this festival, the deities are taken out of the Jagannath Puri Temple and placed on three massive chariots.
Source: TH
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