Today's Brief 15/07/2024
- Smriti IASxp
- Jul 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Youtube English: https://youtu.be/U-Cv0l9Wa50?si=9BINUVznYvTElI6b
Youtube Hindi:
1.Jagannath Puri Temple(GS-1): located in Puri, Odisha, India, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been established in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. However, some legends suggest that it was built much earlier.
Architecture: The temple is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture, characterized by its towering spire (Shikhara) and intricately carved sculptures. The main temple complex is surrounded by a high wall known as Meghanada Pacheri.
Deities: The principal deities worshipped in the temple are Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. The idols are made of wood and are ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years in a ritual called Navakalevara.
Rath Yatra: The temple is famous for the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), during which the deities are placed on huge, elaborately decorated chariots and pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri. This festival attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world.
Mahaprasad: The temple kitchen is known for preparing Mahaprasad, a large variety of food offerings cooked in traditional methods and served to the deities. The food is later distributed to devotees and is considered highly sacred.
Cultural Influence: The Jagannath Temple is not just a religious site but also a cultural symbol of Odisha. Its influence is seen in various art forms, music, dance, and literature in the region.
Rituals and Practices: The temple follows a strict schedule of daily rituals and ceremonies, including offerings, prayers, and various festivals throughout the year. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises, but they can view the temple from the nearby rooftop of the Raghunandan Library.
Legends and Myths: Numerous legends and myths are associated with the temple, including stories about the mysterious origin of the deities and miraculous events that have taken place in and around the temple.
The Jagannath Puri Temple remains a vital pilgrimage site and a testament to India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
2.CHAPEA Project (GS-3): CHAPEA stands for Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog.
It's a series of year-long simulations designed to mimic the conditions of living on Mars.
The primary goal is to understand the challenges humans might face during a long-duration mission to the Red Planet and to develop strategies to mitigate those challenges.
Key aspects of the CHAPEA project:
Isolated Habitat: The crew lives in a 1,700 square foot habitat, isolated from the outside world to replicate the isolation of Mars.
Simulated Mars Environment: The habitat is designed to resemble a Martian environment, including simulated Martian soil and a red, rocky landscape.
Simulated Spacewalks: The crew conducts simulated spacewalks in a separate area to experience the challenges of extravehicular activities.
Data Collection: The project collects data on physical and mental health, performance, and interpersonal dynamics to understand the impact of long-term isolation and confinement.
The first CHAPEA mission:
Duration: Completed a year-long mission on July 6, 2024.
Crew: Four volunteers lived and worked in the simulated Martian environment.
Findings: Preliminary data suggests that the crew experienced a range of physical and psychological challenges, including sleep disturbances, mood changes, and interpersonal conflicts.
Future missions:
Two more CHAPEA missions are planned for 2025 and 2026.
Building on knowledge: Each mission will incorporate lessons learned from previous missions to refine the simulation and gather more data.
By studying the challenges faced by the CHAPEA crew, NASA aims to develop strategies to ensure the health and well-being of astronauts on future Mars missions.
3.Ozempic and Weight loss Effects(GS-3): is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. However, it has gained significant attention for its potential weight loss benefits.
How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Appetite Suppression: Ozempic helps reduce appetite by mimicking a hormone that signals fullness to the brain.
Slowed Digestion: It slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness for a longer duration.
Weight Loss Results
While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, it's important to note:
Individual Variation: Results vary from person to person.
Combination Approach: Combining Ozempic with a healthy diet and regular exercise often yields better results.
Not a Magic Pill: It's not a substitute for lifestyle changes.
Potential Side Effects: Like any medication, Ozempic can have side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Tirzepatide: A Promising Treatment for Weight Loss
Tirzepatide is a medication that has shown remarkable potential for weight loss. It's a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Appetite Suppression: By mimicking the actions of GLP-1, tirzepatide helps reduce appetite and food cravings.
Improved Blood Sugar Control: It regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and reducing glucagon release.
Slower Digestion: By mimicking the actions of GIP, it slows down digestion, leading to a feeling of fullness.
Weight Loss Benefits
Significant Weight Loss: Clinical studies have demonstrated substantial weight loss with tirzepatide, often exceeding 20% in some cases.
Improved Metabolic Health: Along with weight loss, it can improve other health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
4.Population In England And Wales Rises By Most In 75 Years:
Record immigration caused the population of England and Wales to rise by 610,000 to 60.9 million in mid-2023, the largest annual increase in 75 years, official data showed on Monday.
What statisticians term ‘natural’ population growth – the difference between births and deaths – fell to just 400, the lowest since 1978, while net international migration rose to 622,000, up from 548,500 in the previous 12 months.
Population Increase:
The population of England and Wales rose by 610,000 to 60.9 million in mid-2023.
This is the largest annual increase in 75 years.
Natural Population Growth:
'Natural' population growth (difference between births and deaths) fell to just 400, the lowest since 1978.
Net International Migration:
Net international migration rose to 622,000, up from 548,500 in the previous 12 months.
Internal Migration:
A net 13,800 people moved from England and Wales to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Historical Comparison:
The population increase is the largest since 1948, when a post-World War Two baby boom and returning military personnel caused a rise of 1.5 million.
United Kingdom Population:
The population for the whole United Kingdom was 67.6 million in mid-2022.
Data for 2023 is not yet available.
Economic Output:
Economic output has not kept up with the rising population.
GDP per head in 2023 was 0.7% lower than a year earlier, based on provisional population figures.
Net Migration Trends:
Net migration to the United Kingdom hit a record 764,000 in 2022.
It fell 10% to 685,000 in 2023 but is more than double its level in 2015, just before the Brexit referendum.
Immigration Reduction Goals:
Reducing immigration was a key goal for many Britons who voted to leave the European Union.
Both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour Party pledged to reduce net immigration.
Visa Policy Changes:
Post-Brexit changes to visas reduced the number of EU migrants to Britain.
New work visa rules led to a surge in immigration from India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, often to fill health and social care vacancies.
The government tightened rules at the end of last year to stop low-paid social care workers from bringing dependents.
5.India’s Exports Surpass $200 Billion In Q1, Government Confident Of Reaching $800 Billion Annual Target:
Export Milestone:
India's exports in the first quarter of 2024-25 (April-June) crossed the USD 200 billion mark.
The government is optimistic about reaching the full-year target of USD 800 billion.
Commerce Secretary's Statement:
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed confidence in reaching the full-year goal during the release of June’s trade data.
June Trade Data:
India’s overall exports in June reached $65.47 billion, a 5.4% increase year-on-year.
Merchandise exports rose to $35.20 billion from $34.32 billion.
Services exports increased to $30.27 billion from $27.79 billion.
Import Increase:
Overall imports in June rose by 6.3% to $73.47 billion compared to the same period last year.
Record Exports in 2023-24:
India registered record exports of $778 billion in the financial year 2023-24, slightly higher than the previous year’s $776.3 billion.
Factors Contributing to Growth:
The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme across various sectors has enhanced India’s global competitiveness and integration into global supply chains.
Key Export Destinations:
Significant increases in exports to countries such as China, Russia, Iraq, UAE, and Singapore.
Other important export destinations include the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
Improvement in Trade Deficit:
Despite positive export figures, India’s overall imports declined from $898.0 billion in 2022-23 to $853.8 billion in 2023-24.
The trade deficit narrowed significantly from $121.6 billion to $75.6 billion over the same period.
6.Saushrutam 2024: was a significant event organized by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi to commemorate the legendary surgeon Sushruta, often referred to as the "Father of Surgery". It was held on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti, which is celebrated annually on July 15th.
Key Highlights of Saushrutam 2024:
Second National Seminar: This was the second edition of the Saushrutam Shalya Sangoshti.
Live Surgical Demonstrations: The event featured live demonstrations of complex surgical procedures, providing a platform for aspiring Ayurvedic surgeons to learn from renowned experts.
Integration of Ayurveda and Modern Surgery: The seminar focused on integrating Ayurvedic principles with contemporary surgical techniques.
Celebration of Sushruta's Legacy: The event paid homage to Sushruta's invaluable contributions to the field of surgery.
By hosting Saushrutam 2024, AIIA showcased its commitment to advancing Ayurvedic surgery and promoting its integration with modern medical practices.
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