Prelims Focus 4th July 2024

District Mineral Foundation

In News: Recently District Mineral Foundation Gallery Inaugurated At Shastri Bhawan In New Delhi.

• District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) are non-income trusts established by nation governments in districts stricken by mining sports. 
• Legal Basis: Introduced in 2015 via an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• Objective: To paintings for the interest and benefit of people and regions impacted by mining-related operations.
• Funding: DMFs are funded through a portion of the royalty paid with the aid of mining leaseholders, contributions from the state government’s finances, and donations from private organizations.
• Implementation: DMFs are governed via a Board of Trustees, which includes representatives from the country authorities, district management, local groups, and professionals. The Board formulates and approves projects under PMKKKY and other schemes.

Colombo Process

In News: India chaired its first meeting as Chair of the Colombo Process at the Permanent Representative Level Meeting in Geneva.

• It is a Regional Consultative Process comprising 12 Member States from Asia, which primarily serve nations of foundation for migrant employees. 
• It affords an vital platform for consultations at the control of remote places employment and contractual labour. 
• It is non-binding and decision-making is by consensus. 
• It is coordinated through Permanent Missions of Member States in the UN in Geneva.’
• India has been a member of Colombo Process since its inception in 2003.
•  In May 2024, India assumed the chair of the Colombo Process for the first time since inception.

Abhaya Mudra

In News: During his first speech as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi mentioned the abhaya mudra, a hand gesture representing comfort and fearlessness. The abhaya mudra is a common gesture seen in depictions of various religious figures such as Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, as well as in Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.

• Abhaya Mudra is a hand gesture with an open palm facing outward, typically seen as a sign to halt or cease. 
• The gesture is called the “fearlessness gesture” because it comes from the Sanskrit word “abhaya” which means fearlessness. Symbolism in yoga represents protection, peace, and the elimination of fear, promoting courage and reducing anxiety. 
• Walking Buddha is a common practice in South Asian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, with a particular significance in Thailand and Laos. 
• The open palm gesture is believed to have originated as a way to show good intentions and peace, dating back to prehistoric times, according to a Stanford University newsletter. 
• In ancient times, the raised hand gesture symbolized power and authority, as shown by Roman Emperors using it to make laws and establish peace at the same time. 
• The gesture seems to have originated as a common method of communication among humans and was later incorporated into prominent religions in South Asia.

Palm tree planting to combat lightning

In News:  Odisha, a state in India, has resorted to planting palm trees as a unique measure to combat lightning-related deaths. The district administration of Jagatsinghpur has implemented this idea, as the number of deaths from lightning strikes is much higher than other natural disasters in the region.

• The rationale behind this initiative is that palm trees can provide protection against lightning strikes. When lightning strikes, it tends to follow the path of least resistance, which is often the tallest object in an area. By planting palm trees, the administration aims to create a network of taller objects that can attract lightning strikes and divert them away from people and structures.
• However, it’s important to note that planting palm trees near thatched roof structures can pose risks, as the lightning strike may travel through the tree and into the building. Therefore, proper precautions and safety measures should be taken when implementing this strategy.

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