Prelims Focus – 28th March 2024

SaaS

Recent News:

In the current SaaS market, many firms are facing challenges due to a decline in sales and delayed purchases. One of the main challenges they are facing is finding innovative ways to differentiate themselves.

Details:

• Software as a Service (SaaS) is a licensing model where users can access applications through external servers on a subscription basis. 
• It allows users to access programs over the internet without having to install the software on their own computers. Some examples of SaaS include Salesforce, Google Workspace apps, Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Trello, Netflix, Zoom, Zendesk, and DocuSign.
• Business applications such as file sharing, email, calendars, customer retention management, and human resources are easily implemented, updated, and debugged through Software as a Service (SaaS), which is cost-effective as users pay for SaaS instead of purchasing multiple software licences. 
• SaaS allows users to access the software through a web browser from multiple locations, as it works through a cloud delivery model where vendors host applications and data on their own servers or utilise third-party cloud providers. 
• SaaS vendors also manage platforms and grant customer access through web browser user registration and login, typically using a multi-tenant model where a single version of the solution is provided to individual subscribers.

Kalyana Chalukya dynasty

Recent News:

A neglected 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty was found in Gangapuram, Mahabubnagar district. Archaeologists discovered the inscription near Chowdamma Temple while conducting a heritage preservation project. The inscription, dated June 8, 1134 CE, documents the exemption of toll taxes for a temple lamp.  

Details:

• The Chalukyas ruled the central Indian plateau of Deccan from the 6th to the 12th centuries. 
• They consisted of three dynasties: the Chalukyas of Badami, the Chalukyas of Kalyani, and the Chalukyas of Vengi. 
• The Western Chalukya Empire, also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas, was primarily a Kannadiga dynasty that was named after its capital city of Kalyani. 
• It was founded by Tailapa II and reached its peak under Vikramaditya VI. 
• They expanded their territories by defeating the Cholas and minted gold coins called pagodas. 
• The Chalukyas made significant contributions to literature and architecture, with their temples being known for their religious and secular themes. 
• Notable temples include the Mallikarjuna temple, Siddeshwara temple, and Kalleshwara temple.

START Programme

In News: The Space science and Technology Awareness Training (START) 2024 programme is conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Objective: To appeal to the children to the fields of space science and technology.
• Feature: The training modules will include introductory level topics on various verticals of area science and technology.
  • There will be classes on Indian space exploration programmes and research opportunities.
• Eligibility: Post-graduate college students and last year undergraduate college students of physical sciences and technology analyzing in instructional institutes, universities and colleges within India are eligible to be considered for the training.

India Supported Philippines on SCS

In News: India’s External Affairs Minister supported the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty during his visit to Manila.

• Historically, Indian influences reached the Philippines by the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires, contributing to the early Philippine subculture, religion, and language.
• The presence of numerous phrases with Sanskrit roots in Tagalog (the nearby language) and objects consisting of the Laguna Copper Plate inscription, the oldest artifact determined in the Philippines derived from Pallava script; the golden statue of Agusan Tara; and the localised version of Indian epic Ramayana (Maharadia Lawana) testify to the historical links between the two nations.
• The bilateral relations between India and the Philippines have varied into political-security, trade and commerce, and people-to-people realms.
• The two nations have agreed to enlarge their ties in sectors like civil aviation, fintech, training, defence, and security.
• Common Interest in the Indo-Pacific: India and the Philippines share a common hobby inside the Indo-Pacific, envisioning it as free, open, and inclusive.

Monuments of National Importance (MNI)

In News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 protected monuments as they have ceased to be of “national importance”.

• • The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958 (amended in 2010), offers for the assertion and conservation of historic and ancient monuments and archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
    • Uttar Pradesh (745 monuments/sites) has the highest number.

• Declaration:
• • After considering the perspectives/objections acquired in the stipulated period, the Central Government might also declare the historical monument to be of national importance through publishing a notification in the official gazette.
  • Once a monument or a site is said to be MNI, their safety and security is the obligation of the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture.
  • ASI undertakes the conservation, renovation, and upkeep of MNI at some stage in the country.
• The 100 meter radius of the monument is then taken into consideration as a ‘prohibited location’ in which there may be a ban on construction activities. Further 20 meters (i.e 100+200 meters) are considered a ‘regulated area’ in which there are policies on production.
• The ASI additionally has the power to delist monuments it deems to “have ceased to be of country wide significance” under Section 35 of the Act. Once a monument is delisted, the ASI becomes no longer accountable for protecting those monuments.

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