Prelims Focus – 9th February 2024

1.PRITHvi VIgyan

In News: The Union Cabinet has recently approved Rs 4,797 crore research scheme ‘The PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)’ to enhance the understanding of the Earth.

• It encompasses 5 ongoing sub-schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), namely:
  • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS);
  • Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O- SMART);
  • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER);
  • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE); and,
  • Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).

Objectives of the Scheme

• Augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the environment, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and stable earth to document the important signs and symptoms of the Earth System and change;
• Development of modeling structures for knowledge and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and know-how the technological know-how of weather alternate;
• Exploration of polar and high seas regions of the Earth closer to discovery of new phenomena and sources;
• Development of era for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal programs;
• Translation of information and insights from Earth systems technology into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.

Significance of the Scheme

• PRITHVI guarantees to unify diverse disciplines beneath Earth sciences, fostering incorporated, multidisciplinary research.
• This collaborative effort aims to address tremendous challenges in climate, climate, oceanography, cryospheric research, seismology, and sustainable aid utilization.

2.Deepasthambham

In News:  A 390-year-old Deepastambham (lamp post) was found on the edge of River Krishna.

• The 20-foot tall pillar with hollows for lamps and a multilingual inscription became located in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana.
• However, those are rare in the Deccan area and commonplace in temples in the west coast which includes Goa.
• Dwajasthambam (flag poles) are a part of temple structure.
• The inscription, engraved in Telugu combined with Tamil language, dates back to June 1635 and is devoted to Kasi Viswanatha.

3.Good Friday Agreement

In News: The US President was in Belfast to mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, the deal that ended 3 decades of bloodshed.

• It was signed on April 10, 1998 at Belfast, the capital metropolis and most important port of Northern Ireland, which was a huge milestone in the history of Ireland.
  • It is likewise known as the Belfast Agreement.
• It ended more than 3 decades of bloody battle, referred to as the ‘Troubles’.
• The agreement had two components:
  • A ‘multi-party settlement’ between Northern Ireland’s major parties, and;
  • An agreement among the governments of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
• The economic integration and tender borders between the 2 Irelands had been one of the key components.
• The settlement legitimised the needs of each sides:
  • The majority in Northern Ireland desired to stay part of the United Kingdom and;
  • A massive substantial in Northern Ireland in addition to the majority in the relaxation of the island, desired a ‘United Ireland’.

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