KPSC sUTRAS

NEWS – 10 MAY 2024 • Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin, recipients of the 2024 World Food Prize, are honored for their pivotal roles in creating a global seed vault to protect agricultural diversity. Their initiative, initiated around 2004, aimed to safeguard over 6,000 crop varieties from political and environmental threats, contributing significantly to addressing global hunger. They will share a USD 500,000 award for their critical work in advancing crop biodiversity • The recent study revealed that dice snakes have a unique defense mechanism of faking their own death when attacked by predators, employing a theatrical display that includes oozing "mouthfuls" of blood. These nonvenomous snakes, also known as water snakes, are mainly found in Eurasia, including Egypt, and prefer habitats near water bodies and grasslands. Despite their interesting behavior, they face threats such as habitat loss, pollution, roadkill, persecution, and collection for the pet trade, although their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List is currently "Least Concern." • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently organized a groundbreaking initiative called the "Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint," bringing together 15 startups, academia, and research institutions. This collaborative effort focused on deep-tech rapid ideation and solution development to pave the way for a future-ready telecom ecosystem. The initiative aimed to leverage collective strengths, foster holistic solutions, and create market opportunities, with a strong emphasis on advancing towards 6G technology. This pioneering effort reflects DoT's commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering industry collaboration, positioning India's telecommunications sector for global leadership in the 5G era and beyond. • Karnataka is intensifying efforts to tackle the annual loss of 70-75 lives due to lightning strikes, driven partly by climate change. Recent data shows a potential escalation in cases, with 17 incidents reported since April compared to last year's 66 cases. Most fatalities occur in rural areas, affecting farmers, cattle grazers, fishermen, laborers, and children. Men face a higher risk due to their exposure during outdoor activities. The government is implementing preventive measures, including awareness campaigns and identifying vulnerable regions, particularly in North Karnataka. • The 'Bandipur Yuva Mitra' initiative, launched in 2023 with a focus on villages near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, has secured a spot in the Indian Book of Records. The program aims to engage local stakeholders for effective conservation by adopting a learning-by-exploring approach for underprivileged students. It involves over 800 government schools, 30 colleges, benefiting around 10,000 students annually. The program's community engagement and partnerships involve a 'Teacher to child, child to child, child to parents, parents to community' approach and include collaboration with UNDP, UNEP, and other donors for realizing Sustainable Development Goals. • Google DeepMind has launched AlphaFold3, its latest version of the AlphaFold AI model, with a focus on improving drug discovery and disease targeting. Key features include precise molecular mapping, accurate prediction of protein interactions, generation of 3D molecular structures, and modeling chemical modifications. The impact includes reduced time and cost in developing treatments, a free online tool for testing hypotheses (AlphaFold server), and improved accessibility for non-commercial researchers since 2021, fostering collaboration and innovation in the scientific community.

• The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has developed a biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum (2% WP), registered against foot rot in Basmati rice crops. Foot rot is caused by Fusarium verticillioides, spreading through roots and causing yellowing and drying of seedlings. Current management practices include preventive measures and chemical treatments like Trichoderma harzianum and Sprint 75 WS. PAU's biocontrol agent is eco-friendly, effective, and developed through joint efforts, reducing yield loss and soil toxicity, with successful experimental results.

BASAVANNA DECLARED CULTURAL ICON OF KARNATAKA Basavanna was born in 1105 CE in the town of Bagewadi in present-day Karnataka, India. His family belonged to the Brahmin community, and he received an education in Sanskrit and sacred texts. Basavanna, also known as Basaveshwara, made significant contributions to various aspects of society, philosophy, and culture during the 12th century in Karnataka, India. His teachings and initiatives continue to influence the socio-religious fabric of the region. Formation of Lingayat Sect: Basavanna played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Lingayat sect, also known as Virashaivism. This sect rejects the caste system and emphasizes devotion to Lord Shiva as the universal god. Lingayats follow the teachings of Basavanna and consider him one of their founding saints Advocacy for Social Equality: One of Basavanna's primary contributions was his strong opposition to the caste system. He advocated for social equality, emphasizing that one's worth should be based on individual qualities and not on birth. Basavanna actively worked towards breaking down social barriers and promoting a society where people from all backgrounds could come together in devotion Anubhava Mantapa (The Hall of Spiritual Experience): Basavanna, along with his contemporaries, established the Anubhava Mantapa, a platform for intellectual and spiritual discussions. It served as a center for promoting social justice, equality, and religious tolerance. The Anubhava Mantapa became a space where individuals from various castes and backgrounds could engage in open dialogue and discuss spiritual and philosophical ideas Vachana Literature: Basavanna's teachings are encapsulated in the form of Vachanas, a unique genre of Kannada poetry. These Vachanas are characterized by their simplicity, directness, and accessibility to people from all walks of life. Through the Vachanas, Basavanna conveyed his philosophical ideas, devotion to Lord Shiva, and messages of social justice and equality Ishtalinga Worship: Basavanna introduced the concept of Ishtalinga, an abstract form of Shiva, to be worn on the body as a symbol of divine presence. Ishtalinga worship became a central tenet of Lingayatism, emphasizing a personal connection with the divine. This form of worship promoted the idea that everyone, irrespective of caste or social status, could have a direct and unmediated relationship with God Women Empowerment: Basavanna spoke out against the mistreatment of women and advocated for their empowerment. He emphasized gender equality and the importance of treating women with respect and dignity. Basavanna's teachings laid the foundation for a more inclusive and egalitarian approach towards women in society Political Contributions: Basavanna served as the Chief Minister (Rajacharya) in the court of Kalachuri King Bijjala II. During his tenure, he implemented policies aimed at social justice and the welfare of the marginalized. His political influence was directed towards creating an environment of fairness and equity, aligning with his philosophical principles. Literary Legacy: The Basava Purana, written by the 13th-century poet Pampa, narrates the life and teachings of Basavanna. This literary work serves as a valuable source for understanding his contributions and the impact of his philosophy "Kayaka" in the context of Basavanna's teachings refers to the concept of righteous and selfless work or labor. Basavanna emphasized the importance of "Kayaka" as a means of spiritual practice and a way to serve society. The concept of "Kayaka" is an integral part of Lingayat philosophy, promoting the idea that individuals should engage in productive work with a sense of dedication, humility, and devotion to the divine.

India's Solar Power Achievement: • In 2023, India became the world’s third-largest solar power producer, surpassing Japan by generating 113 billion units (BU) compared to Japan’s 110 BU. • India climbed from ninth place in 2015 to achieve this milestone, with solar energy contributing 5.8% to its total electricity production. • Globally, solar energy grew by 5.5% in 2023, with top countries like China, the United States, Brazil, and India driving 75% of this growth. • Solar power is rapidly expanding globally, outpacing coal in new electricity additions by over twofold in 2023, and India saw a seventeen-fold increase in solar generation from 2015 to 2023. • Solar energy is projected to play a key role in decarbonizing electricity, with forecasts indicating a rise to 22% of global electricity generation by 2030. • India aims to triple its renewable capacity by 2030, but surpassing the United States in solar production would require a substantial increase in capacity. • Clean electricity production is crucial for reducing carbon emissions, meeting rising energy demand, and decoupling economic growth from emissions.