Daily Current Affairs
To the Point Notes
1:The Great Stupa of Sanchi
Context:
- External Affairs Minister visited replica of East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa at Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin.
About Stupas:
- Buddhist commemorative monuments containing sacred relics of the Buddha or other venerable saints.
- Hemispherical structure with origins in pre-Buddhist burial mounds.
Great Stupa of Sanchi:
- Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
- One of the oldest standing stone structures in India.
- Believed to be built over Buddha’s relics.
- Surrounded by a railing and four gateways with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Buddha’s life.
- UNESCO World Heritage site.
Symbolism:
- Main body symbolizes the cosmic mountain.
- Topped by a ‘harmika’ holding the triple umbrella (‘chhatraveli’) representing the three jewels of Buddhism.
Construction:
- Most recent construction dates back to the 12th century CE.
- Original stupa is a plain hemispherical structure.
- Ornamental gateways or toranas make it instantly recognizable.
2: Nano DAP vs Conventional Granular Fertilizer
Context:
- Government of India promoting nano DAP as an alternative to imported granular DAP.
What is Nano DAP:
- Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is a fertilizer containing phosphorus and nitrogen.
- Nano DAP, launched by IFFCO in 2023, is a unique liquid fertilizer product containing nanoparticles of DAP.
Key Differences:
- Nano DAP is liquid form, logistically easier to manage, and more cost-effective than granular DAP.
- A 500 ml bottle of nano DAP covers one acre of land, while a 50 kg bag of granular DAP is needed for the same area.
Benefits of Switching to Nano DAP:
- Reduces import dependency (India imports 6-7 million tonnes of DAP annually).
- Eases India’s subsidy burden (estimated at Rs 1.88 lakh crore in FY 2024).
Concerns:
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists found substantial decrease in wheat crop yield with nano DAP use compared to granular DAP.
Key Points:
- Nano DAP is a promising indigenous alternative to imported granular DAP.
- Offers logistical and cost advantages.
- Potential to reduce import dependency and ease subsidy burden.
- However, concerns remain about its effectiveness in enhancing crop yields.
3: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-Based Toll Collection System
Context:
- Government plans to implement GNSS-based toll collection system starting April 2025.
About GNSS-Based Toll Collection:
- Expected to replace the existing FASTag system.
- Vehicles with GNSS equipment can travel up to 20 km for free each day on national highways and expressways.
- Charges based on actual distance traveled (unlike fixed tolls of FASTag).
Implementation:
- MoRTH has amended National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 to incorporate GNSS-based toll collection.
- Dedicated GNSS lanes will be created.
- Initially, both GNSS and FASTag systems will operate simultaneously.
- Vehicles without GNSS using these lanes will face double the toll.
Importance:
- GNSS lanes will reduce congestion at toll plazas by allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping.
- Vehicles will need a special on-board unit (OBU) to use GNSS, which may eventually come factory-installed.
Do You Know?
- GNSS includes constellations of Earth-orbiting satellites, ground control stations, and receivers.
- GNSS is used in various forms of transportation, including space stations, aviation, maritime, rail, road, and mass transit.
4: Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Context:
- Nagaland State Government approves implementation of ILP in Chumoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur districts.
About ILP:
- Official travel document required for Indian citizens from outside certain protected states to enter these areas for a limited period.
- Established under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, to protect British commercial interests.
- Now aims to safeguard tribal cultures in northeastern India.
- System updated post-independence to use “Citizen of India” instead of “British subjects.”
- Various types of ILPs exist, including tourist ILPs (routinely issued).
States Requiring ILP:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Manipur
5: Retail Inflation
Context:
- India’s retail inflation in August 2024 fell below RBI’s 4% target for the second time in five years.
Key Points:
- RBI’s inflation target is 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2 percentage points.
- Urban inflation fell to 3.14% in August 2024 from 6.59% in August 2023.
- Rural inflation fell to 4.16% in August 2024 from 7.02% in August 2023.
Retail Inflation:
- Increase in prices of goods and services purchased by consumers.
- Measured using Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Rising retail inflation affects household budgets and purchasing power.
- Low or negative retail inflation indicates slower economic activity or declining prices.
- Measured as percentage change in CPI compared to the same period the previous year.
- Deflation is negative inflation.
- Central Bank (RBI) closely monitors retail inflation for price stability.
- CPI is a macroeconomic indicator of inflation, used for inflation targeting, inspecting price stability, and as a deflator in national accounts.
6: Exercise Eastern Bridge VII
Context:
- 7th edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge between Royal Oman Air Force and Indian Air Force began in Oman.
About Exercise Eastern Bridge:
- First edition held in Oman in 2009.
- Aims to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding, and enhance collaboration in diverse scenarios.
- Includes complex aerial maneuvering, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and logistical coordination.
- Reflects evolving defense needs and strategic interests of both nations.
7: Exercise AL NAJAH
Context:
- 5th edition of India-Oman joint military Exercise AL NAJAH began in Salalah, Oman.
About Exercise AL NAJAH:
- Held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
- Last edition conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan.
- Aims to enhance joint military capability for counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of UN Charter.
- Allows both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
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