PRELIMS
Chola Legacy
Why in News: Why in News:
PM Modi honoured Chola emperors Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola I, released a commemorative coin, and announced statues in their honour, highlighting their legacy as inspiration for a developed India.
From the News:
- PM’s Message: Emphasised Cholas’ military, administrative, naval, and economic achievements as an inspiration for modern India.
- Commemorative Coin: Released in honour of Rajendra Chola I.
- Monuments: Grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola to be installed in Tamil Nadu.
- Historical Reference: Mentioned Operation Sindoor as a modern example of India’s decisive national security response.
Chola Dynasty Highlights:
- Founder: Vijayalaya Chola (9th century CE).
Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 AD)
- Most celebrated Chola ruler; expanded empire through naval expeditions.
- Conquered: West Coast, Sri Lanka (named north part Mummidigonda Cholamandalam), Maldives.
- Defeated Cheras in Battle of Kandanur Salai.
- Successful against Western & Eastern Chalukyas; installed Shaktiverma on Vengi throne.
- Built dam across Kaveri River.
- Devout Shaivite; built Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjore (1010 AD).
- Titles: Mummidi Chola, Jayankonda, Sivapadasekara.
- Abdicated throne in favour of Rajendra Chola I.
Rajendra Chola I (1012–1044 AD)
- Led successful northern expedition (1023 AD); defeated Mahipala I of Bengal.
- Founded Gangaikondacholapuram; built Rajesvaram Temple.
- Famous for naval expedition to Kadaram (Srivijaya, Indonesia) – earned title Kadaramgonda.
- Annexed entire Sri Lanka.
- Called Bay of Bengal – Cholamandalam.
- Patron of education – earned title Pandita Chola.
- After his death, 3 successors died in quick succession.
Other important points
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Capital of Chola empire under Rajendra Chola I.
- Cholagangam Lake – Artificial lake built by Rajendra Chola I.
- Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival – Marks the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I.
- Brihadisvara Temple – Built by Rajaraja Chola I; UNESCO site.
- Chola Naval Expansion – Included expeditions to Southeast Asia.
- Uttaramerur Inscriptions – Provide evidence of Chola local self-governance.
NASA’s TRACERS Mission
Why in News: NASA launched the TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission to study magnetic reconnection and Earth’s magnetosphere.
- Launch Vehicle & Site: Launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
- Mission Objective: To observe magnetic reconnection in Earth’s polar cusps—funnel-shaped areas where solar wind enters the magnetosphere.
- Orbit: Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit.
Key Phenomena Studied:
- Magnetic reconnection (triggers auroras, satellite/GPS disruptions)
- Interaction between solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field
Scientific Method: Dual-satellite measurement of magnetic and electric fields to analyze reconnection speed and dynamics.
Mission Duration: 12 months.
National Medical Commission Guidelines on Live Surgery Broadcasts
Why in News: NMC issued detailed guidelines to regulate live surgery broadcasts, focusing on patient safety, ethical compliance, and educational value.
Purpose: Only for medical education; no commercial gain, self-promotion, or endorsement of products/hospitals allowed.
Preferred Alternatives: Recorded surgeries, wet labs, cadaveric, or simulation-based training for high-risk or complex cases.
Patient Consent:
- Must be medically fit and well-informed.
- Informed written consent with right to withdraw anytime.
- No financial inducement; patient must be insured; complications managed free of cost.
Operational Guidelines:
- Conducted in accredited hospitals with complete facilities.
- Surgeon may give step-wise commentary but no interaction with audience during surgery.
- Moderator may explain procedures separately.
Ethical Safeguards:
- No surgeon glorification or patient identity disclosure.
- Unedited recordings to be preserved for 2 years.
Oversight and Permissions:
- Dean’s approval for govt hospitals; State Medical Council approval for private setups.
- Foreign doctors need clearance from Ethics Board + State Council.
- Apex committee to monitor adherence.
Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Why in News: Growing global use (1.6 lakh+ recipients) of DBS, expanding clinical applications, and increasing attention in neurotechnology discussions.
- What: DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to deliver electrical impulses and regulate abnormal activity.
- Used For: Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, OCD; under trial for epilepsy and severe depression.
- How It Works: Alters abnormal neuron activity by adjusting brain circuitry without destroying tissue — reversible and adjustable.
Key Features:
- Works like a brain pacemaker.
- Programmable externally.
- Effects reversible by turning off device.
- Targets faulty brain signals.
