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PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS (DATE: 18-05-2023)

CULTURE
1 SIT TO PROBE TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE INCIDENT

❖ Maharashtra govt has constituted SIT to probe Trimbakeshwar temple incident.

❖ SIT will probe a recent incident in which a
group of people from minority community 12 JYOTIRLINGAS IN INDIA
allegedly attempted to ‘forcibly’ enter ❖ Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gir, Gujarat
Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik. ❖ Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra
ABOUT TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE Pradesh
❖ Trimbakeshwar temple is the abode of one of ❖ Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, MP
the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. ❖ Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khandwa, MP
✓ A Jyotirlinga is a representation of Lord ❖ Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand
Shiva in Hinduism. ❖ Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
❖ Temple is located at foothills of mountain ❖ Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram,
Bramhagiri, from which river Godavari flows. Tamil Nadu
❖ It was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji ❖ Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
Bajirao (1740-1760) on the site of an old ❖ Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, UP
temple. ❖ Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nasik, Maharashtra
❖ The sanctum, internally a square and ❖ Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
externally a stellar structure, houses a small ❖ Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad,
Shivaling – Tryambaka. Maharashtra
❖ The temple is built of black stone in the Nagara
style of architecture is enclosed in a spacious courtyard.

ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

❖ It became popular in northern India.
❖ An entire temple is built on a stone platform called “Jagati” with steps leading up to it.
❖ The temple does not usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
❖ The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.
❖ Amalaka or Kalash is installed on Shikhara.
❖ The ‘latina' or rekha-prasada, Phamsana and valabhi are important types of Nagara style of architecture.
❖ Prominent examples- Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Madhya Pradesh, Sun temple at Konark, and Ossian
temple, Gujarat.

CULTURE
2 KHASI TRIBE

❖ Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) order not to issue a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to any
Khasi person who adopts the surname of her or his father has triggered a war of words in matrilineal
Meghalaya.
ABOUT KHASI TRIBE
❖ The Khasis, numbering about 1.39 lakh, are one of the three indigenous matrilineal communities in the
Meghalaya.
✓ The other two are Garos and Jaintias.
❖ Khasi traditions-
✓ Khasis follow a matrilineal system of inheritance and youngest daughter or “Ka Khadduh” inherits
the property.
✓ After marriage, husbands live in the mother-in-law's home.
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✓ The mother's surname is taken by children.

✓ The birth of a girl is celebrated while the birth of a son is simply accepted.
✓ There is no social stigma attributed to a woman remarrying or giving birth out of wedlock as the
"Khasi Social Custom Lineage Act" gives security to them.
✓ Child care is the responsibility of mothers or mothers-in-law.
❖ Khasis are now mostly Christians but before that, they believed in a Supreme Being, The Creator – U Blei
Nongthaw.

SOCIAL- HEALTH
3 ENDOSULFAN

❖ The Supreme Court recently transferred to Kerala High Court the responsibility of monitoring the
measures taken by the State to provide medical and palliative care for victims of endosulfan
contamination.
❖ Advocates representing Kerala govt reported that ₹5 lakh compensation has been provided to almost all of
the 3700 victims.
ABOUT ENDOSULFAN
❖ Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide which was first introduced in the 1950s and is commonly
known by its trade name Thiodan.
❖ It is sprayed on crops like cotton, cashew, fruits, tea, paddy, tobacco etc. for control of pests such as
whiteflies, aphids, beetles, worms etc.
❖ Supreme Court banned its production and distribution in 2011.
❖ Endosulfan is a known carcinogen, neurotoxin and genotoxin (damages DNA).
✓ Health effects include neurotoxicity, late sexual maturity, physical deformities, poisoning, among
others.
❖ Endosulfan is listed under both the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent and the
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Rotterdam convention (1998) Stockholm convention (2001)

It aims to promote cooperation and The convention aims to reduce the
responsibility sharing measures concentration of persistent organic
amongst different countries dealing pollutants (POPs) which are chemical
with trade in hazardous chemicals and substances that not only remain in the
pesticides. atmosphere for longer periods but also
PIC, Prior Informed Consent is the possess the ability to bio-accumulate.
main feature of the convention. The convention listed 12 POPs as ‘dirty
dozen’-aldrin, chlordane, DDT,
PIC facilitates information exchange dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor,
about nature and trade-related hexachlorobenzene, mirex,
information amongst the party polychlorinated biphenyls,
members and is legally binding on the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins,
party members. polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and
ECONOMY toxaphene.
4 SANCHAR SAATHI PORTAL

❖ Ministry of Communications launched a Citizen Centric Portal named Sanchar Saathi Portal to fulfill vision
of safe and secure communication under Digital India programme.
❖ Through this portal, people will be able to block, track and check genuineness of a used device before
buying them.
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❖ The portal has been developed by C-DoT under the Department of Tele-communications (DoT).
❖ It will enable citizen with following 3 modules-
✓ CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): It enables the tracking and blocking of lost or stolen
phones anywhere in the country.
✓ Know your mobile connections: It allows users to check the number of mobile connections issued
in their name by logging in using their mobile number.
✓ ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition) powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber
Verification) - to identify fraudulent subscribers.
❖ The portal and its reforms aim to enhance transparency, security, and accountability in the telecom sector.

ENVIRONMENT
5 MERI LIFE APP LAUNCHED

❖ Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched “Meri LiFE” app to encourage
and facilitate youth participation in combating climate change.
✓ “LiFE” stands for Lifestyle for environment movement.
❖ It aims to showcase the power of citizens, especially young people, in saving the environment by
emphasizing the impact of simple actions in daily lives.
❖ App has 5 themes- Save Energy, Save Water, Reduce Single Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems
and Adopt Healthy Lifestyle.
❖ MoEF&CC has developed two dedicated portals i.e.-
✓ Mission LiFE Portal provides open access to over 100 creative videos, and knowledge materials
created by Ministry.
✓ Meri LiFE Portal enables ministries and institutions to upload event reports and track progress of
ongoing mass mobilisation drive.

ABOUT MISSION LIFE

❖ The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Indian Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change
Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
❖ The LiFE Movement aims to utilize the power of collective action and nudge individuals across the world
to undertake simple climate-friendly actions in their daily lives.
❖ Additionally, it also seeks to leverage the strength of social networks to influence social norms surrounding
climate.
❖ The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3).

ECONOMY
6 COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA (CCI)

❖ IAS Ravneet Kaur has become the first woman chairperson of CCI.
ABOUT COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
❖ CCI was established by Central Government in 2003 as a statutory body under Competition Act, 2002.
❖ The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) was repealed and replaced by the
Competition Act, 2002, on the recommendations of the Raghavan committee.
❖ HQ -New Delhi
❖ It aims to eliminate practices having adverse effects on competition, promote and sustain competition,
protect interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in markets of India.
❖ CCI consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by Central Government.
❖ It is an affiliated office with Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

REPORT/INDICES
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7 ‘INCENTIVISING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ANTIBACTERIAL TREATMENTS 2023’

REPORT

❖ ‘Incentivising the Development of New Antibacterial Treatments 2023’ Report was recently released by
World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with Global AMR R&D Hub.
ABOUT ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE
❖ AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi become resistant to
antimicrobial treatments to which they were previously susceptible.
❖ Reasons of increasing AMR:
✓ Improper consumption of antibiotics due to lack of awareness;
✓ Excessive use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming etc.
✓ Contamination around pharmaceutical Global AMR R&D Hub is a partnership of
manufacturing sites releasing large countries, non-governmental donor organisations
amounts of active antimicrobials into the and intergovernmental organisations to address
environment challenges and improve coordination and
Major findings collaboration in global AMR R&D using One Health
❖ AMR is among top 10 global public health threats approach.
that humanity faces, associated with deaths of
4.95 million people in 2019.
❖ 1 in 5 of deaths caused by AMR occurred in children under age of 5.
❖ AMR could cost the world’s economy USD 100 trillion by 2050, if no action is taken.

PERSON IN NEWS
8 ROBERT LUCAS

❖ Chicago University economist and Nobel laureate Robert E Lucas, 85, passed away recently.
❖ He won the Nobel Prize in 1995 for his work on rational expectations and efficacy of government
intervention in economy.
❖ He argued that if people are rational, which is assumed in microeconomics, then government intervention
will only have an impact on prices and inflation if it is unexpected or unpredictable.
❖ Otherwise, people adjust their expectations for future inflation as soon as policy is announced and it then
has no impact on prices as well as the inflation.
❖ His research was seen as a direct confrontation with Keynesian economics, which said that with other
factors constant, government spending can lead to a rise in output.

DAYS TO REMEMBER
9 WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY 2023- 17TH MAY

❖ World Hypertension Day 2023 was observed on May 17th.

❖ This annual event aims to raise awareness about hypertension, its causes, and the importance of
prevention and management.
❖ Theme- ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.’

DAYS TO REMEMBER
10 INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2023- MAY 18TH

❖ International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18th.

❖ The theme for this year's International Museum Day is “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”.
❖ Museums can contribute to goals of sustainability and wellbeing by gathering, conserving, and showcasing
artifacts that narrate the history of our planet and its diverse life forms.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements:

1. Trimbakeshwar temple is the abode of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
2. Khasi tribe’s major chunk of population is found in Mizoram.
3. Endosulfan is sprayed on crops like cotton, cashew, fruits, tea, paddy etc.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

A. 1 & 2 only
B. 2 & 3 only
C. 1 & 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: C

2. Consider the following statements:

1. The Trimbakeshwar temple is built of black stone in the Dravidian style of architecture.
2. The eldest daughter or “Ka Khadduh” inherits the property in a Khasi household.
3. Supreme Court banned production and distribution of endosulfan in 2021.

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

A. 1 & 2 only
B. 2 & 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: D

3. Consider the following statements:

1. Sun temple at Konark is an example of Nagara Style of Architecture.
2. As per matrilineal tradition of Khasi tribe, the mother's surname is taken by children.
3. Endosulfan is listed under both the Rotterdam Convention and Stockholm Convention.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

A. 1 & 2 only
B. 2 & 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: D

4. Consider the following statements:

1. 1. Sanchar Saathi Portal was launched recently by Ministry of Electronics and IT .
2. It has been developed by C-DoT under the Department of Tele-communications.

Which of the following statements is/ are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
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D. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: B

5. Consider the following statements:

1. “Meri LiFE” app aims to encourage and facilitate youth participation in combating climate change.
2. It has been launched by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Which of the following statements is/ are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

6. Consider the following statements:

1. Smt. Ravneet Kaur has become the first woman chairperson of CCI.
2. Competition Commission of India is an affiliated office with Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Which of the following statements is/ are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: C

7. ‘Incentivising the Development of New Antibacterial Treatments 2023’ Report has been released by-
A. G20
B. World Bank
C. United Nations Environment Programme
D. World Health Organization

ANSWER: D

8. Robert E Lucas, who passed away recently, won the Nobel Prize for ______ in 1995.
A. Medicine
B. Peace
C. Chemistry
D. Economy

ANSWER: D

9. World Hypertension Day 2023 was observed on

A. May 15th
B. May 16th
C. May 17th
D. May 18th
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ANSWER: C

10. The theme for International Museum Day 2023 is-

A. Museum for future
B. Museums, Sustainability and Well-being
C. Museum- learnings from past
D. None of the above

ANSWER: B