Prelims Focus 20th July 2024

Mashko Piro

In News: Indigenous rights NGO Survival International has released rare pictures of the Mashco Piro tribespeople, one of the world’s 100-odd uncontacted tribes.

• • They are Nomadic hunter-gatherers who inhabit the far off areas of the Amazon rainforest. 
  • They stay in Manú National Park within the Madre de Dios Region in Peru.
  • The Mashco-Piro tribe speaks a dialect of the Piro language.

• Amazon Rain Forests

• • Location: The location belongs to nine international locations of the South American continent.
    • It is bounded by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian valuable plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
  • Area Covered: The majority of the forest, 60%, is in Brazil, accompanied by Peru with 13%, Colombia with 10%, and with minor amounts in Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.

Thangka Art

In News: Efforts are undertaken to raise awareness about Thangka art at Delhi’s Majnu Ka Tila.

• It is a Tibetan artform traditionally created on rich cotton or silk applique. 
• The elaborate shares depict the life of Buddha or other Buddhist deities and influential Lamas and serve each as devotional items and coaching tools. 
• The paint includes water-soluble animal glue, which can be sourced from minerals and natural materials.
• In Nepal, 24-carat gold is applied to make the piece more elegant. 
• The production manner is regularly defined as a non secular exercise, regarding purification rituals and is followed by recitation of mantras. 
• Many contemporary Thangka artists try to innovate with current issues, which includes mandalas, to make it extra attractive and relatable to global audiences.

Project ASMITA

In News: The Ministry of Education and UGC have initiated a project to create 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years. The ASMITA project, initiated by Sanjay Murthy, aims to enhance study materials in Indian languages through translation and academic writing. It is a joint effort between the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a committee focused on promoting Indian languages in the education sector.

• • Overview of Project ASMITA: Project ASMITA is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls and reducing child marriage in India. The project, implemented by various organizations across different states, focuses on educating girls about their health, rights, and the consequences of child marriage.

• Key Components of Project ASMITA

• • Education and Awareness: Project ASMITA emphasizes the importance of educating girls about their rights and the negative impacts of child marriage. Through workshops, training sessions, and community outreach programs, the project aims to raise awareness and empower girls to make informed decisions about their future.
  • Legal Interventions: The project also works closely with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure that child marriage cases are reported and addressed promptly. By strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, Project ASMITA aims to create a deterrent against child marriage.
  • Community Engagement: Engaging with community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders is crucial for the success of Project ASMITA. The project organizes awareness campaigns, street plays, and other activities to sensitize the community about the importance of girls’ education and the need to prevent child marriage.
• Impact of Project ASMITA: While specific data on the impact of Project ASMITA is limited in the provided search results, the project has been recognized as a serious endeavor to educate young girls about the threat of sexual exploitation and the consequences of child marriage. The project’s focus on education, legal interventions, and community engagement has the potential to bring about significant changes in attitudes and behaviors related to child marriage.

Miyawaki forests

In News: Different techniques, such as layered plantations, Miyawaki forests, and aquatic forests, could be used to optimize land use in Delhi, according to L-G V K Saxena’s announcement. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor met with officials to discuss the progress of planting trees and creating green spaces in the city.

• • Miyawaki forests are a revolutionary afforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the early 1970s. 
  • This method focuses on creating dense, fast-growing forests using native plant species, designed to mimic the structure and biodiversity of natural forests. 
  • The Miyawaki method has gained global popularity for its effectiveness in restoring ecosystems, improving air quality, and enhancing urban green spaces.

• Benefits of Miyawaki Forests

• • Rapid Growth and Carbon Sequestration: Miyawaki forests are known for their rapid growth, achieving a mature forest structure in as little as 20 to 30 years, compared to the 150 to 200 years typically required for natural forests to mature. This quick establishment makes them effective for carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change.
  • Biodiversity Enhancement: The method promotes a high level of biodiversity, with Miyawaki forests supporting up to 100 times more biodiversity than traditional plantations. The diverse plant community creates a balanced ecosystem, attracting various pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Urban Revitalization: Miyawaki forests can be established in urban areas, transforming grey spaces into vibrant green habitats. These forests improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and provide recreational spaces for communities, enhancing overall well-being.
  • Soil and Water Management: The dense vegetation of Miyawaki forests helps prevent soil erosion and manage water runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. The roots of the plants stabilize the soil, promoting healthier land use practices.

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