After 61 years, four-ringed butterfly resurfaces in India

• Butterfly Species:The Great Four-Ring (Ypthima cantliei), a butterfly belonging to the Satyrinae subfamily, has been rediscovered in India after 61 years.
• Historical Records:The species was last recorded in Margherita, Assam, in 1957.
• Location:The butterfly was observed in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal
• Publication: The findings were published by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
• Namdapha National Parkspans 1,985 sq. km in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India''s easternmost tiger reserve, bordering Myanmar. It has an elevation range from 298.7 meters to 4,498.8 meters above sea level.
• Appearance: The butterfly features dull brown-grey wings with three yellow-ringed eye spots (ocelli) on the hind wing and a large bipupilled apical ocellus with an obscure yellow ring on the forewing.
• Genus Ypthima:Part of the Nymphalidae family, which includes around 6,000 butterfly species. India has 35 Ypthima species, with 23 found in the northeast.
• Global Diversity:Highest Ypthima diversity is in China (Yunnan and Sichuan), with significant numbers also in Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Virupaksha temple in Hampi 

Location: Hampi, Karnataka, India.

Significance:

• One of the oldest and most historically significant temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• It is part ofthe Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNSC world heritage site.
• It is situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river.

Historical Background

• Period of Construction:Originally constructed in the 7th century during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty, with major expansions and renovations during the Vijayanagara Empire (14th to 17th centuries).
• Dynasty:Prominently associated with the Vijayanagara Empire under King Devaraya II and other rulers.

Architectural Features

• Style:Dravidian architecture.
• Main Components:
• Sanctum (Garbhagriha):Houses the primary deity, Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva).
• Vimana:The tower above the sanctum, typically square or rectangular in shape.
• Mandapa:Pillared hall or portico in front of the sanctum.
• Raya Gopura:The main entrance tower, elaborately decorated.
• Intricate Carvings:Features detailed sculptures and carvings depicting Hindu mythology, including various deities and mythological scenes.
• Sculptures:Notable for its detailed and elaborate sculptures, including representations of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.
• Inscriptions:Contains several inscriptions that provide valuable historical information about the Vijayanagara Empire.

39% TB cases found during T.N. TB survey had no symptoms

Tamil Nadu TB Survey Highlights:

• Survey:Conducted from February 2021 to July 2022, involving 130,932 participants.
• Results:Identified 244 TB cases; 92.6% had abnormal chest X-rays, but only 54.5% reported symptoms.
• Diagnostic Efficiency:Molecular tests (CBNAAT) detected 91.8% of cases, whereas smear microscopy detected 50.4%.
• Key Finding:39% of TB cases were asymptomatic, stressing the need for chest X-rays in screening.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectionspread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
• It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen), glands, bones and nervous system.
• TB is a potentially serious condition, but it can be cured if it''s treated with the right antibiotics.

Symptoms of TB

• Persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody,
• Weight loss,
• Night sweats,
• High temperature,
• Tiredness and fatigue,
• Loss of appetite,
• Swellings in the neck.

Current Status of TB Burden in India

• India has notified a record 25.5 lakh TB patients in 2023. (More than 8.4 lakh patients were notified by the private healthcare sector). This is a 21-fold increase from 2013 notified level.
• According to WHO’s Global TB report 2021, with 25.9 lakh TB cases, India is home to 25% of the global tuberculosis cases.

Government’s steps for Eliminating TB in India

• Introduction of CB-NAAT and TureNat for TB detection:The government has increased access to more accurate molecular diagnostic tests like CB-NAAT and TureNat. The government has implemented a universal drug susceptibility test, which use the antibiotic susceptibility of the mycobacterium is determined for all newly diagnosed cases.
• Injectable kanamycin for TB elimination, which caused kidney failure and deafness, has been replaced by Bedaquiline and Delamanid. These new pharmaceuticals have also been included in the new National List of Essential Medicines, giving the government the authority to control their market pricing.

         (source- The Hindu)

UCC to be implemented before state''s Foundation Day, says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen. To ensure equality before the law by providing a single legal framework for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Constitutional Basis:

Article 44: Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution states: “The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.”

Current Status:

• Personal Laws:India has diverse personal laws for different communities:
• Hindu Law: Includes Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Hindu Succession Act (1956), and others.
• Muslim Law:Includes Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act (1937), etc.
• Christian Law: Includes Indian Christian Marriage Act (1872), Indian Divorce Act (1869), etc.
• Parsi Law:Includes Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act (1865), etc.

Arguments for UCC:

• Equality and Justice:A single set of laws would eliminate discrimination based on religion and ensure equal treatment.
• National Integration: Promotes a sense of unity and national integration by providing a common legal framework.
• Simplification: Simplifies legal processes and reduces legal complexities associated with diverse personal laws.

Arguments Against UCC:

• Cultural Diversity:Concerns that UCC might undermine the cultural and religious diversity of India.
• Religious Freedom:Fears that it might infringe on the rights of religious communities to practice their personal laws.
• Political Sensitivity:Sensitive nature of personal laws in India makes it a contentious issue, leading to political and social opposition.

Legislative and Policy Developments:

• Law Commission Reports: Various reports have recommended the implementation of UCC, with the 22nd Law Commission Report (2018) suggesting gradual reforms.
• Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017): The Supreme Court declared the practice of triple talaq as unconstitutional and violative of the dignity and equality of Muslim women. It also recommended that the Parliament should enact a law to regulate Muslim marriages and divorces.
• Government Stance: Different governments have shown varying degrees of commitment to the implementation of UCC, with some prioritizing reforms in specific areas rather than a complete overhaul.

Centre aims to reduce debt-GDP ratio by 1 percentage point annually till it reaches 50%

Debt-to-GDP Ratio: The Indian government’s debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to reach 56.8% in FY25, up from 49.3% in FY19. The increase is attributed to heightened government spending on infrastructure, social schemes, and pandemic relief measures, which have significantly escalated the national debt.

Reduction Strategy

• Target Reduction: The Union government plans to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio by 1 percentage point annually until it reaches a target of 50%. Post this threshold, the reduction rate will be moderated to 0.5 percentage points per year.
• Objective: The goal is to achieve a more sustainable level of debt that balances fiscal responsibility with economic growth, ensuring that fiscal space remains available for potential future crises.

Fiscal Policy and Growth

• Trade-offs: Reducing the fiscal deficit aggressively could potentially affect economic growth. The government aims to balance fiscal consolidation with growth imperatives, ensuring that reductions in debt do not unduly constrain economic expansion.
• Investment Needs: India’s high growth potential necessitates continued investment. A reduced debt-to-GDP ratio will help sustain higher levels of investment without leading to excessive debt burden.

Impact on Credit Ratings

• Ratings: India’s sovereign credit ratings are currently BBB- (S&P and Fitch) and Baa3 (Moody’s). A sustained reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio could lead to an upgrade in credit ratings, which would lower borrowing costs and enhance fiscal stability.
• Agency Reports: Fitch has indicated that sustained fiscal consolidation could positively influence India''s credit rating outlook. S&P Global recently revised India’s outlook to positive, raising hopes for a potential upgrade.

State Fiscal Responsibilities

• State Debt: States are expected to maintain a fiscal deficit target of 3% of GDP. The combined debt-to-GDP ratio for the Centre and states is projected to stabilize around 70%.
• Investment Constraints: High government debt could limit investible surplus, potentially crowding out private sector investments. This scenario necessitates careful management to avoid negative impacts on private investment and economic growth.

PM Modi Extends Condolences on the Passing of classical dancer Dr. Yamini Krishnamurthy

One of India''s first classical dancers was Yamini Krishnamurthy. She has received training in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, two contrasting dancing styles. She was born in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, on December 20, 1940.

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, India. It derives its name from the village of Kuchipudi in the Krishna district, where it was traditionally performed. It is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and vibrant expressions, combining both dance and drama.

Historical Background

• Origins:Kuchipudi has ancient roots, influenced by the traditional dance-drama performances of the region. It evolved from a combination of devotional dances and theatrical performances.
• Development:In the 20th century, it was popularized and codified by dancers like Vedantam Lakshminarayana Sastry and later by Vempati Chinna Satyam, who were instrumental in modernizing and bringing the dance form to a wider audience.
• People learned this classical dance from generations through the Guru-Shishya Parampara

Features

• Performance Style:Kuchipudi features a blend of expressive storytelling and elaborate choreography. It often incorporates elements of drama and mime.
• Dance Forms:Includes solo and group performances, with intricate footwork and fluid movements. The dance is typically performed to Carnatic music.
• Costumes and Makeup:Performers wear traditional silk costumes, and makeup includes elaborate designs to enhance expressions and portray different characters.
• Themes:The repertoire includes mythological and devotional themes, often depicting stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Repertoire:Traditional performances include "Bhama Kalapam," "Tarangams," and "Varnams," showcasing a range of emotions and stories.

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating from Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling. It evolved from the ancient dance-drama tradition known as "Sadir," performed in temples as a form of devotion.

Historical Background

• Ancient Roots:Bharatanatyam has roots in the Natya Shastra, an ancient treatise on performing arts attributed to the sage Bharata Muni. The dance form has been practiced for over 2000 years.
• Temple Dance Tradition:Traditionally performed by Devadasis (temple dancers), it was both a religious offering and an art form.
• Several texts beginning with Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra(200 BCEE. to 200 C .E.) provide information on this dance form.
• Historical references to dance are found in the Tamil epics Silappatikaram (c. 2nd century CE) and Manimegalai.
• The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvarais one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.

Features

• Performance Style:Bharatanatyam is characterized by its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial expressions (abhinaya).
• Dance Forms:Includes solo performances (margam) and group dances, typically set to Carnatic music.
• Costumes and Makeup:Performers wear traditional silk sarees with intricate jewelry. Makeup is elaborate, emphasizing facial expressions.
• Themes:The dance form covers a range of themes including mythological stories, devotional hymns, and folklore. It often portrays narratives from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Structure:The performance usually begins with an Alarippu (invocatory piece), followed by Jatiswaram (pure dance), Varnam (dance with expressive elements), Padams (expressive pieces), and ends with Tillana (rhythmic dance) and Shloka (closing piece).

India assures Taiwan of policy stability in semiconductor sector

(source- Indian express)

• Tata Electronics is collaborating with Taiwanese chipmaker Power chip Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (PSMC) for India’s first commercial semiconductor fab.
• PSMC’s role is limited to providing technology support, with no equity stake in the project.

Taiwan’s Semiconductor Leadership:

• Taiwan is a major player in the global semiconductor industry, with leading firms such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC).
• Taiwan produces over 90% of the world’s advanced chips used in electronics, including smartphones, data centers, and AI technologies.

India’s Semiconductor Incentive Plans

• India’s strategy includes boosting various aspects of the semiconductor ecosystem: packaging, assembly, testing (ATMP and OSAT units), and full-scale foundries.
• Aims to create a robust semiconductor manufacturing base within the country.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Taiwanese firms are cautious due to perceived gaps in India’s policy support and investment incentives.
• Despite incentives, Taiwanese firms have yet to commit to significant investments in India’s semiconductor sector.

Key Details on Semiconductor Chips-

• It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) which serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits.
• These chips can contain billions of microscopic switches on a chip smaller than a fingernail.
• The basic component of a semiconductor chip is a silicon wafer etched with tiny transistors that control the flow of electricity according to various computational instructions.
• It performs various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.
• They are a critical part of almost every modern electronic device, including smartphones, computers, and integrated circuits.