Welcome to SaralStudy’s Weekly Current Affairs roundup for the week of 10th to 16th February. This week witnessed several noteworthy events shaping the political, economic, and scientific landscapes globally and nationally. From major government announcements and international developments to achievements in sports, technology, and culture, we’ve compiled all the essential updates to help you stay informed.
Weekly Current Affairs – 10 Feb to 16 Feb
Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or just want to stay updated with the latest happenings, this comprehensive summary has got you covered. Dive in and keep yourself ahead with the key highlights of this week!
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1. Jagannath Temple
Recently, Three Indian Cricketers visited Shree Jagannath temple before second ODI against England.
Brief Introduction of Sri Jagannath Temple
Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri is a historic Hindu temple located in the Puri of Odisha.
In this temple lord Jagannath is worshipped which is a form of Vishnu Ji(Lord Krishna) and is known for its unique architecture and rich history.
Mention of its geographical location in Puri:
Puri is located on the eastern coast of Odisha and is one of the four Dhams.
History:
Mythology of the establishment and construction of the temple: The establishment of the temple is attributed to King Indradyumna, who performed rigorous penance to get it built.
According to mythology, the idol of Lord Jagannath was made from a special neem tree.
Renovations and expansions done from time to time by various rulers:
The temple was renovated by many rulers, including the kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Architecture:
Structure and key features of the temple: The architecture of the temple is in the Kalinga style, which is a wonderful combination of grandeur and complexity.
Description of the main entrance (Singhadwar) and other gates: Singhadwar is the main entrance to the temple, which welcomes the devotees.
Significance of Neelchakra and Aruna Stambha:
Neelchakra, which is situated at the top of the temple, is a symbol of Lord Vishnu.
Main Deities:
Description of the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra: The temple houses unique wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Features of the idols and beliefs associated with them:
The specialty of the idols is that they are without hands, but still they are considered omniscient.
Festivals and Rituals:
Significance and Celebration Process of Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra, which is held every year, involves the three deities being taken on huge chariots.
Other major festivals like Snana Yatra, Nabakalebara etc:
Other festivals like Snana Yatra and Nabakalebara are also celebrated with great pomp in the temple.
Prasad and Mahaprasad:
Description of the Prasad prepared in the temple: Special Prasad is prepared in the temple, which is distributed among the devotees.
Tradition of Mahaprasad and its significance: Consumption of Mahaprasad is considered extremely meritorious for the devotees.
Other important temples and structures:
Mention of other small temples located in the temple complex: There are also many other small temples in the temple complex, which are dedicated to various deities.
Vimala Temple and its role in Shakta tradition:
The Vimala temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, is an important part of the Shakta tradition here.
Entry rules and darshan:
There are special rules for entering the temple, and it is open from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm.
Rules for non-Hindus and significance of Patit Pavan Dwar:
Entry is restricted for non-Hindus, but some people can have darshan with special permission.
2. Cyclone 2025
An important joint military exercise named “Cyclone 2025 ” between the special forces of India and Egypt has started in Rajasthan . This exercise is being conducted to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries and enhance tactical capabilities . It will held from February 10 to Febrauary 23.
Objective of the exercise
The main objective of “Cyclone 2025” is to promote cooperation between the special forces of India and Egypt. Through this exercise, the soldiers of both the countries will develop joint strategies to combat terrorism, natural disasters, and other security challenges .
Strategic cooperation: This exercise is an important opportunity to enhance tactical cooperation between the two countries.
Security challenges: Joint efforts are needed to combat terrorism and other security issues.
Duration of the exercise
This exercise will be conducted for a fixed period, which will include a variety of military activities. During the duration of the exercise, the special forces of both the countries will share each other’s experiences and techniques.
Participating forces
Several soldiers from the special forces of India and Egypt are participating in this exercise.
Special Forces of India: Special Forces of the Indian Army, who are trained in a variety of tactical operations.
Special Forces of Egypt: Special Forces of Egypt, who specialize in countering terrorism and other security challenges.
Activities of the exercise
A variety of activities will be conducted during “Cyclone 2025”, including:
Tactical operations: Soldiers of both countries will participate in tactical operations, which will include a variety of maneuvers.
Rescue operations: Rescue operations during natural disasters will be practiced, allowing soldiers of both countries to experience mutual cooperation .
Communication and coordination : Various technologies will be used to improve communication and coordination between soldiers.
Significance
The exercise “Cyclone 2025” symbolizes the growing military ties between India and Egypt.
Regional security : This exercise will contribute to regional security and stability , increasing trust and cooperation between the two countries .
Global Challenges : Combatting terrorism and other global challenges requires joint efforts, and this exercise is an important step in this direction .
Conclusion
Exercise ” Cyclone 2025 ” is an important opportunity to enhance cooperation between the Special Forces of India and Egypt . This exercise will not only strengthen military ties between the two countries , but will also contribute to regional and global security .
In the future, more such exercises are likely to be held , which will further enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries . Thus, “Cyclone 2025” is an important step that will help enhance cooperation and strategic capabilities between India and Egypt .
3. R-37 Missile
The R-37M missile developed by Russia, known by the NATO reporting name AA-13 Axehead, is a long-range air-to-air missile. This missile is specially designed to destroy enemy fighter aircraft and drones beyond visual range (BVR). This missile can prove to be an important strategic weapon for the Indian Air Force, especially when it comes to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and China .
Development of R-37M Missile
The R-37M missile is developed from the earlier R-33 missile. It is designed to target high-value targets such as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), tanker aircraft, and other support platforms. Thus, it keeps the launching aircraft out of the range of enemy fighter aircraft.
Features
Following are some of the key features of the R-37M missile
Weight and Size: This missile weighs around 510 kg and has a length of over 4 meters. Its warhead weighs 60 kg.
Guidance System: The R-37M’s guidance system is a combination of inertial navigation with mid-course update, active radar homing head, and semi-active radar guidance for the terminal phase.
Range : This missile can reach a range of 300 to 400 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles in service in the world.
Speed: Its speed can reach hypersonic levels, up to Mach 6. This is important for intercepting fast-moving targets.
Advantages of R-37M Missile
The R-37M missile has several advantages making it an important weapon for the Indian Air Force.
Ability to hit targets from a distance : Its long range and high speed give it the ability to destroy enemy aircraft from a distance .
Safety: This missile keeps the launching aircraft out of the range of enemy aircraft, increasing the safety of the pilots .
Strategic Advantage: By using the R-37M, the Indian Air Force can increase its strategic advantage, especially when it comes to regional security .
Future Prospects
With the R-37M missile , the strategic capabilities of the Indian Air Force will be further strengthened . This missile will not only help in meeting the current security challenges but will also help in being prepared for potential threats in the future.
International Cooperation: Such technologies will also promote strategic cooperation with other friendly countries of India, thereby improving regional security.
Research and Development : The development of advanced missiles like the R-37M will also boost defence research and development in India , thereby increasing the country’s self-reliance.
Conclusion
The R-37M missile is an important strategic weapon for the Indian Air Force, which not only provides the ability to destroy enemy aircraft but also strengthens the strategic position of the Indian Air Force . Its long range , high speed and advanced guidance system make it a unique and effective missile .
Thus, the induction of the R-37M missile into the Indian Air Force is not only important from a security point of view, but it will also help in maintaining regional stability and strategic balance . In the future, such advanced technologies will further enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, enabling it to emerge as a major power in the region .
FAQs
Question 1: What is the R-37M missile?
Answer : The R-37M is a long-range air-to-air missile developed by Russia .
Question 2: What is the range of the R-37M missile ?
Answer: The R-37M missile has a range of 300 to 400 kilometers.
Question 3 : What is hypersonic speed ?
Answer : Hypersonic speed refers to speeds that are five times or more than the speed of sound (Mach 5)
4. Quipu
Recently astronomers have discovered a new superstructure, named ‘Quipu’. This structure is divided into groups and superclusters of galaxies. The Quipu is about 1.3 billion light years long and consists of about 70 galaxy superclusters. It is the largest structure known in the universe, surpassing earlier record holders in terms of its length.
Features of Quipu
Following are some of the key features of the Quipu
Size and mass : The Quipu is 1.3 billion light years long, which is 13,000 times the length of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Its mass is about 200 quadrillion solar masses, making it several million times heavier than a single galaxy.
Structure : Its name is inspired by the Incan counting system, which used knotted ropes. The structure of the Quipu consists of a long central filament and several branched filaments.
Temporary status: Scientists believe the quipu will not last forever. It will eventually break up into smaller, collapsing units. It is described as a “temporary structure” that will change over time
Importance of Quipu
The study of quipu can help refine cosmic models. It can provide new insights about galaxy evolution and large-scale cosmic dynamics.
Galaxy evolution: The study of quipu can provide important information about the evolution of galaxies.
Cosmic dynamics: This structure can be helpful in understanding the expansion of the universe and other cosmic phenomena.
Future Prospects
The study of Quipu will not only help us understand the present cosmic structures but it can also provide new information about the evolution of galaxies and cosmic events in the future.
New Dimensions of Research: The study of giant structures like Quipu can open new dimensions of research in astronomy. This will help scientists understand the various stages of the evolution of the universe.
Relationship between planets and galaxies: This structure can also be helpful in understanding the relationship between galaxies, which will help us know how galaxies interact with each other.
Conclusion
The discovery of Quipu has given a new direction to the field of astronomy. It is not only the largest structure in the universe but it will also play an important role in the study of galaxy evolution and cosmic dynamics.
The discovery of Quipu has deepened our understanding of the structure of the universe and the evolution of galaxies. This giant structure is not only important for its size, but it will also play an important role in the study of cosmic dynamics and galaxy evolution.
In the future, the study of structures like Quipu will help us understand the mysteries of the universe and help us know how these giant structures change over time.
Thus, the discovery of Quipu is an important milestone in the field of astronomy, providing us with new information about the universe.
FAQs related to Quipu
Question 1: What is a galaxy?
Answer: A galaxy is a system of massive stars, gas, dust, dark matter, and other celestial objects bound together by gravity .
Question 2: What is a light year ?
Answer: A light year is the distance that light travels in one Earth year. One light year is equal to about 6 trillion miles (9 trillion km) .
Question 3: What is solar mass?
Answer: Solar mass (M☉) is a unit of mass used in astronomy, which is equal to the mass of the Sun. It is approximately 2 × 10³⁰ kilograms.
5. Pradhan Mantri Ajneya Abhudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY)
Pradhan Mantri Ajneya Abhudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a 100% centrally aided scheme aimed at reducing poverty among Scheduled Castes (SC) communities . The scheme focuses on generating additional employment and improving socio-economic indicators in SC-dominated villages through various initiatives.
Evolution of PM-AJAY Yojana
The PM-AJAY scheme is an amalgamation of three centrally aided schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
- Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
- Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrlas Yojana (BJRCY)
These schemes aim to integrate the development of Scheduled Castes and empower them socio-economically.
Objectives of PM-AJAY Yojana
The following are the major objectives of the PM-AJAY scheme:
- Income Augmentation: To increase the income of the target population through various income generating schemes, skill development and infrastructure development.
- Poverty Reduction: To reduce poverty among the target population and bring them above the poverty line.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the eligibility criteria to avail benefits under the PM-AJAY scheme:
- Scheduled Caste persons living below the poverty line: People who live below the poverty line are eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.
- Infrastructure Development: Villages which have 50% or more SC population are eligible to receive grants under this scheme.
Implementation of the Scheme
The PM-AJAY scheme is being implemented from 2021-22 as three components:
- Development of SC-dominated villages into ‘Adarsh Gram’: This component focuses on the overall development of villages of Scheduled Castes.
- Grants for District/State Level Projects: This component provides grants for socio-economic upliftment of SC communities.
- Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions: This component focuses on developing the infrastructure required for higher education.
Benefits of PM-AJAY Yojana
PM-AJAY Yojana has many benefits, which are helpful in the development of Scheduled Castes:
- Economic Empowerment: This scheme will help to economically empower the people of Scheduled Castes.
- Development of Education: Construction of hostels for higher education will be helpful in increasing the level of education.
- Social Inclusion: This scheme will promote social inclusion, so that people of Scheduled Castes can make their mark in the society.
Future Prospects
The implementation of the PM-AJAY scheme will open up new possibilities in the development of Scheduled Castes.
- Sustainable Development: This scheme will help in achieving the goals of sustainable development, improving the standard of living of SC communities.
- Change in Society: Important steps are being taken towards bringing social change through the scheme, which will make the SC communities experience equality in society.
Thus, PM-AJAY scheme is a significant step that brings a new hope towards inclusive growth and poverty alleviation for the Scheduled Castes.
Conclusion
The PM-AJAY scheme is an important initiative for the development and poverty alleviation of Scheduled Castes. This scheme not only promotes economic empowerment but is also helpful in improving social inclusion and education levels.
Through this scheme, the government has paved the way for an inclusive development for the Scheduled Castes, allowing them to make their mark in society and become economically self-reliant.
FAQs related to PM-AJAY Yojana
Q1: What is PM AJAY Yojana?
Answer: It is a centrally aided scheme, launched in 2021-22 by merging three existing schemes, including Adarsh Gram, Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan and Babu Jagjivan Ram Hostel Scheme.
Q2: What are the objectives of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana?
Answer: The scheme aims to bring about holistic development of villages dominated by Scheduled Castes.
Q3: What does Below Poverty Line mean?
Answer: Below Poverty Line (BPL) is a standard used by the Indian government to identify individuals or families who live below the poverty line and are most in need of assistance.
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