Prelims Focus – 22nd April 2024

Panhala Fort 

Recent News:

The ASI Mumbai Circle observed World Heritage Day at Panhala Fort.

Details about the Fort:

Panhala Fort is a significant historical fortress located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the town of Panhala in the Kolhapur district. 

• History: Panhala Fort has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It was originally built by the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II and later expanded by various rulers, including the Yadavas, Bahamanis, Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and the Marathas under Shivaji Maharaj.
• Strategic Location: The fort is strategically positioned on a hill at an elevation of about 845 metres above sea level, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. Its location made it an important stronghold for controlling the trade routes and providing defence against invading armies.
• Architecture: The architecture of Panhala Fort reflects a blend of various styles from different periods of its history. It features ramparts, bastions, gateways, and several structures including a palace, granaries, temples, and water tanks. The fortifications are extensive, covering a large area.
• Significance: Panhala Fort holds great historical significance due to its association with several notable events and figures. It served as a refuge for Shivaji Maharaj during his early struggles against the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur. The famous meeting between Shivaji and Afzal Khan took place near Panhala Fort.

Overall, Panhala Fort stands as a testament to Maharashtra’s rich historical heritage and serves as a reminder of its glorious past as a centre of power and culture during different periods of history.

Indelible Ink

Recent News:

As the Lok Sabha elections are coming soon, the iconic emblem of Indian elections is evident everywhere – a left hand displaying only its index finger, adorned with a dark purple indelible ink mark.

Details about the Indelible Ink

• Composition: Indelible ink is typically made from a mixture of silver nitrate and a solvent, often alcohol or water. The ink is designed to be permanent and resistant to fading, washing, and other attempts to remove it.
• Application: During elections, indelible ink is applied to the fingers or thumbs of voters after they have cast their ballots. A small amount of ink is usually applied to the skin using a brush or pen-like applicator. Once applied, the ink quickly dries and leaves a visible mark that cannot be easily removed.
• Purpose: The primary purpose of indelible ink is to prevent voter fraud by ensuring that individuals cannot vote multiple times in the same election. By marking voters with indelible ink, election officials can easily identify individuals who have already voted and prevent them from casting additional ballots.
• Effectiveness: Indelible ink is highly effective in preventing multiple voting and is widely used in elections around the world. Its permanence and resistance to removal make it a reliable method for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
• Regulation: The use of indelible ink is often regulated by election authorities to ensure consistency and fairness in the voting process. Guidelines may specify the type of ink to be used, the method of application, and other details to ensure its effectiveness.
• Public Confidence: The presence of indelible ink during elections helps to build public confidence in the electoral process by providing a visible and tangible deterrent against voter fraud. Voters can trust that their votes will count and that the election results will accurately reflect the will of the electorate.

World Craft City Programme

In News:  It was expected that the Srinagar of Indian UT of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its unique and high-quality craftwork, to be on the list of World Craft Cities.

• It establishes a dynamic community of craft cities throughout the globe, released in 2014 by World Crafts Council International (WCCI), aligning with the principles of the innovative economy.
• It aims to focus on craft information, encourage government aid, foster innovation and tourism, and facilitate knowledge exchange among the selected cities featured on its platform.

Longevity India Initiative

In News: Recently, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has launched the ‘Longevity India Initiative’ in order to extend human healthspan and tackle aging-related challenges.

• It brings together a multidisciplinary group of specialists from academia, industry, and healthcare to cope with complex challenges related to getting older.
• It by and large focuses on figuring out early disease indicators, investigating ageing biomarkers, and developing new therapeutics and technologies to aid healthy ageing.
• It seeks to enhance the information of aging via each essential and applied research, and to expand answers which can improve quality of life.

Vasuki Indicus

In News: Researchers at the IIT Roorkee have recently reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed on Earth.

• The fossils were discovered in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 meters and 15 meters long.
• Vasuki refers to the mythical snake frequently depicted around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva.
• The reptile existed 47 million years in the past at some point of time called the Middle Eocene, whilst Africa, India and South America had been one, conjoined landmass.
• It likely had a large and cylindrical body, hinting at a robust and powerful build and was as huge as Titanoboa, a large snake that once roamed the earth and is reportedly the longest ever acknowledged.
• Much like gift-day pythons and anaconda, Vasuki Indicus killed its prey by suffocation.

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