Daily Current Affairs 23 January 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 23 January 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

Source: PIB
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Nagara style of temple architecture
3. Notable Examples of Nagara Style

Why in the News?

Constructed entirely using traditional and indigenous technology, emphasizing environmental conservation with 70% of the area left green.

News in Brief

• The Ram temple in Ayodhya is designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture.
• Constructed in the traditional Nagara style with a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of 161 feet.
• Includes five mandaps (halls): Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap.
• Houses the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (Shri Ram Lalla) in the main sanctum sanctorum and a Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor.
• four Mandirs Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan, and Bhagwan Shiv, along with Mandirs for Maa Annapurna and Hanuman.
• Surrounded by a Parkota (Rectangular compound wall) with a length of 732 meters and a width of 14 feet.
• Incorporates special bricks known as “Ram Shilas”.

Nagara style of temple architecture

• The Nagara style of temple architecture emerged sometime in the fifth century CE.
• The Nagar style of temple architecture is one of the prominent traditional architectural styles in India, primarily associated with the northern part of the country.
• It is characterized by its distinct features, including the shikhara or vimana (tower) structure, intricate carvings, and overall symmetry.
• The Nagar style is often contrasted with the Dravidian style, which is prevalent in South India.

Key Features of the Nagar style

• Shikhara or Vimana:
  • The most distinctive feature of the Nagar style is the tower or shikhara that rises above the main sanctum of the temple.
  • The shikhara is typically curved or ribbed and has a pyramidal shape, narrowing as it ascends.
• Mandapa:
  • Nagar style temples often have a pillared hall or mandapa, which serves as an entrance porch or assembly hall for religious and cultural activities.
  • The mandapa is usually situated in front of the sanctum and is supported by intricately carved pillars.
• Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum):
  • The inner sanctum or garbhagriha houses the main deity of the temple.
  • The sanctum is often square in shape and is surmounted by the shikhara.
• Amalaka and Kalasha:
  • The top of the shikhara may be adorned with an amalaka, which is a circular, ridged ornament.
  • A kalasha, a pot-like finial, is often placed atop the amalaka.
• Carvings and Sculptures:
  • Nagar style temples feature intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various deities, mythological stories, and ornamental motifs.
  • The outer walls of the temple are adorned with friezes and panels showcasing religious and secular themes.
• Symmetry:
  • Nagar temples are known for their symmetrical layout and design, with a focus on geometric precision in their architectural elements.
• Entrance Porch:
  • The entrance porch, often supported by pillars, leads to the mandapa and the sanctum.
• Common Materials:
  • Temples in the Nagar style are typically constructed using stone or, in some cases, brick.
• Examples of Nagar Style Temples:
  • Some well-known examples of temples in the Nagar style include the temples in Khajuraho, Bhojpur, and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
• Evolution:
  • The Nagar style has evolved over the centuries, with variations in different regions and periods. The architecture of these temples has been influenced by historical, cultural, and regional factors.

Notable Examples of Nagara Style

The Nagar style of temple architecture is associated with northern India, and there are several notable temples built in this style. Here are a few examples:

1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho:
   • Located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, this temple is part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Chandela dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, including depictions of various deities and sensuous sculptures.
2. Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho:
   • Another masterpiece in Khajuraho, the Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved temples in the Khajuraho complex. The temple’s shikhara (tower) is a prominent feature of the Nagar style.
3. Baijnath Temple, Bageshwar:
   • Located in Uttarakhand, the Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century. The temple complex includes a cluster of small shrines in the Nagar style, and it is situated on the banks of the Gomati River.
4. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi:
   • One of the most sacred temples for Hindus, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While the current structure has gone through several renovations, it reflects elements of the Nagar style in its architecture.
5. Bhojeshwar Temple, Bhojpur:
   • Located near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, the Bhojeshwar Temple is an incomplete temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was commissioned by Raja Bhoja in the 11th century. The temple features a massive lingam and exhibits elements of the Nagar style.
6. Chintamani Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho:
   • This Jain temple in Khajuraho is dedicated to Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. It is known for its sculptural details and architectural elements typical of the Nagar style.
7. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho:
   • This temple, part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most ornate temples in Khajuraho, showcasing intricate carvings and architectural features of the Nagar style.

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme

Source: Down To Earth
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Overview

1. About Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme
2. National Green Hydrogen Mission
3. About Green Hydrogen

Why in the News?

News: Rs 17,490 crore has been set aside for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, to bolster domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.

About Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme

• SIGHT is a subcomponent of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• To bolster domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
• Two distinct financial incentive mechanisms.
• Incentive for manufacturing of electrolysers
• Incentive for production of green hydrogen.
• Specific incentive schemes and programmes will continue to evolve as the Mission progresses.
• The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) would be the implementing agency.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• The Mission is to make India a global hub for producing, using, and exporting Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• It has an outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore from FY 2023–24 to FY 2029–30.

How it impact

• India’s Green Hydrogen production capacity is likely to reach 5 MMT per annum.
• It contributes to a reduction in dependence on the import of fossil fuels.
• Achievement of Mission targets is expected to reduce a cumulative ₹ 1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030.
• This will likely leverage over ₹8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs.
• Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted through the production and use of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen.

About Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, particularly through a process called electrolysis. Unlike conventional methods of hydrogen production that rely on natural gas or other fossil fuels, green hydrogen is considered environmentally friendly because it utilizes renewable energy to extract hydrogen from water.

Key aspects of green hydrogen

• Production Process:
  • Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, a process that involves splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
  • Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower, provide the electricity needed for electrolysis.
• Electrolysis:
  • Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through water, which causes the water molecules to dissociate into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The chemical reaction is represented as: 2H₂O + Energy → 2H₂ + O₂.
• Renewable Energy Sources:
  • Green hydrogen production relies on energy from renewable sources, ensuring that the entire process is free from carbon emissions if the electricity used comes from sustainable sources.
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Green hydrogen is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to hydrogen produced using fossil fuels because it does not generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions during production.
  • It can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it an essential component in efforts to combat climate change.
• Applications:
  • Green hydrogen has various applications, including being used as a clean fuel for transportation, energy storage, and as a feedstock for industries that require hydrogen as a raw material.
  • It is seen as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier with potential applications across multiple sectors.
• Challenges:
  • Despite its environmental benefits, green hydrogen faces challenges related to cost, efficiency, and infrastructure development.
  • The cost of renewable energy and electrolysis technology needs to decrease for green hydrogen to compete economically with hydrogen produced from conventional methods.
• Global Interest:
  • Green hydrogen has gained increased attention globally as countries and industries seek cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
  • Various countries have announced ambitious plans to invest in and promote the production and use of green hydrogen.
• Hydrogen Economy:
  • Green hydrogen is seen as a key component of a future hydrogen economy, where hydrogen plays a significant role in meeting energy needs while reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

• As technology advances and the cost of renewable energy continues to decrease, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
• It is viewed as a promising solution to address the challenges of climate change and achieve a more sustainable energy future.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Source: PIB
GS I: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

Overview

1. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Why in the News?

President of India paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary January 23, 2024 which is being celebrated as Parakram Diwas.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

• He was a prominent Indian nationalist leader and one of the key figures in the struggle for India’s independence from British rule.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s contributions to India’s independence movement and his charismatic leadership continue to inspire people in India and around the world.

Details about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

• Early Life:
  • He was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, India.
  • He came from a prominent Bengali family with a history of civil service and political involvement.
• Education:
  • Bose studied at Cambridge University in England and cleared the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1920.
  • However, he resigned from the civil service in 1921, following his strong opposition to British colonial policies.
• Political Career:
  • Bose joined the Indian National Congress and became a prominent leader in the early 1920s.
  • He served as the Mayor of Calcutta in 1930.
  • However, due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership, Bose resigned from the party in 1939.
• Formation of Forward Bloc:
  • In 1939, Bose formed the Forward Bloc, a left-wing group within the Indian National Congress, to seek India’s immediate independence.
  • He advocated radical methods to achieve this goal.
• Escape to Germany and Japan:
  • During World War II, Bose sought international support for India’s independence and sought the help of Axis powers.
  • He escaped house arrest in 1941 and traveled to Germany and then to Japan.
• Formation of the Indian National Army (INA):
  • In 1943, Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) in collaboration with the Japanese, to liberate India from British rule.
  • The INA played a crucial role in the Burma Campaign against the British.
• “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom”:
  • Netaji coined this famous slogan to motivate his supporters and soldiers in the fight for India’s independence.
• Disappearance and Controversies:
  • Netaji’s death remains a subject of controversy. According to the official version, he died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.
  • However, some various theories and claims suggest he might have survived and lived in different places under assumed identities.
• Legacy:
  • He is remembered as a valiant freedom fighter and a charismatic leader who played a significant role in the struggle for India’s independence.
  • His legacy is celebrated annually on his birthday, January 23, which is observed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti in India.
    

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