PRELIMS
DISCOVERY OF 15th CENTURY ANTIQUE LAMP AT ANANTAPADMANABHA TEMPLE
Syllabus: GS1 – History
Key Points:
Location: Anantapadmanabha Temple, Perduru, Udupi district, Karnataka.
Significance: The lamp contains Shaiva and Vaishnavaite sculptures, making it a rare syncretic artifact.
Date: Donated in 1456 A.D. as per stone inscription.
Shaiva Depiction: Lord Shiva as Nataraja performing Pralaya Tandava, accompanied by Parvati, Ganapati, Bringi, Khadga Ravana, Kumara.
Vaishnava Depiction: Brahma, Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Anantapadmanabha calming Shiva’s dance.
Cultural Highlight: Khadga Ravana seated on Goddess Mari, a locally revered deity.
ENHANCED ROCK WEATHERING (ERW) TECHNIQUE
Syllabus: GS1 – Geography & Environmental Science
Key Points:
Definition: Spreading finely crushed rocks (like basalt) on soil to accelerate natural weathering and capture COâ‚‚.
Process Output: Converts COâ‚‚ into bicarbonate and limestone.
Additional Benefits: Improves soil health, reduces acidic runoff.
Risks: Possible toxic heavy metals, incorrect carbon capture estimates leading to over-crediting.Current Scope: Projects in India, Brazil, USA gaining investor interest.
PARLIAMENT’s PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC)
Syllabus: GS2 – Governance
Key Points:
Established: In 1921, post Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
Members: 22 total (15 LS + 7 RS), elected by proportional representation. No ministers allowed.
Chairperson: Appointed by Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Role: Examines CAG audit reports, ensures Parliament-approved funds are used correctly.
Recent Issue: Criticized CGHS for ignoring outdated drug procurement policies.
EPFO AUTO CLAIM LIMIT RAISED
Syllabus: GS2 – Governance / Welfare Schemes
Key Points:
Organisation: EPFO (under Ministry of Labour & Employment).
Change: Auto-settlement limit increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
Purpose: To facilitate quicker disbursal of EPF funds for medical, marriage, housing, education.
Context: Auto-settlement introduced during Covid-19.
CANDIDA TROPICALIS — FUNGAL THREAT
Syllabus: GS2 – Health
Key Points:
Pathogen Type: Fungal infection; high mortality (55–60%).
Resistance: Gained resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole.
Treatment Category: Belongs to azole antifungals.
Concern: Rise in drug-resistant fungal infections.
