Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 25 Aug 2023

Mylara Cult

The discovery of two ancient sculptures in Basrur, Karnataka, has led to the revelation that the Mylara cult existed in the coastal region.

• Two sculptures resembling those from the 15th and 17th centuries were found in Basrur (historical trading city of the Medieval period).
  • A unique sculpture depicting a royal hero sitting on a horse holding a sword and a bowl was found in a well.
  • Another stone tablet containing Mylara and Mylaladevi sitting on an ornate horse and holding swords was found in a tank.
• The Mylara cult was a religious tradition in the Deccan region during the medieval period.
• The cult is centered around the worship of a goddess named Mylara, believed to be a form of Lord Shiva.

African Union Suspends Niger from All Institutions Following Coup

The African Union (AU) has suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities following the recent coup that overthrew the democratically elected president of Niger.

• The AU is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
• In 1963, African states established the Organisation of African Unity to enhance cooperation.
• In 2002, the Organisation of African Unity was succeeded by the AU, with one of its goals to accelerate the "economic integration of the continent”.
• The AU called on member nations and the international community to reject the unconstitutional change of government.
  • This action could impact diplomatic relations and foreign forces' activities in Niger.
• The West African regional bloc Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) demanded the reinstatement of the President.

Read more: Coup in Niger

Revolutionizing Sectors with Next-Gen Photonic RF Conversion

The Next-Generation Photonic Analog-to-Digital Converters (NG-PADC) project has developed new prototypes with the capability to instantly measure, generate, and transport Radio Frequency (RF) signals using optical methods.

• This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the way RF signals are transported through optical means.
  • It can also facilitate faster digital communication, improved satellite communication, better medical imaging, and photonic radars.
• Radio frequency refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies that are commonly used for wireless communication and various other applications.
  • RF signals typically range from around 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz).
  • They are used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, such as those used in radio broadcasting, television and cellular communication.

India's First Carbon Negative Garrison Achieves Milestone with Solar Power

The College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, Maharashtra has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming India's inaugural carbon-negative garrison through its recent implementation of a 5-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, elevating its total solar power generation capacity to 7 MW.

• In addition to fiscal savings of approximately Rs 6.5 crore per annum, the power generated at CME is distributed to various defense establishments in Pune, contributing to the realization of the 'National Clean Air Programme' and reducing dependency on conventional thermal power plants.
• Established in 1948 as a premier institute for the armed forces, the CME trains personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and foreign counterparts.

Read more: India’s Solar Power Dream, National Clean Air Programme

Annual Capacity Building Plan of Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

Recently, the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj launched the Annual Capacity Building Plan (ACBP) of the Department of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

• It is a plan document that is developed based on the competency enhancement requirements of the officials of the Ministry/Department/Organization (MDO), that is ascertained through carrying out Competency Need Analysis (CNA).
  • The ACBP aligns itself closely with the Vision of New India @2047 and is designed under the guidance of the Capacity Building Commission.
• This framework follows a triad of lenses, focusing on National Priorities, Citizen Centricity, and Emerging Technology.
  • It is complemented by the three pillars of Individual, Organizational, and Institutional development/

Read more: Mission Karmayogi