Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 06-02-2025

PRASHAD Scheme Overview: The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to develop pilgrimage sites across India. It focuses on improving infrastructure (roads, water, sanitation), connectivity, conservation, and local community development through skill-building and eco-friendly tourism practices. 41 cities across 25 states are part of the scheme.

Parliamentary Committee Concerns: A Parliamentary committee has expressed disappointment over the slow progress of projects under both the Spiritual Tourism Circuits (under Swadesh Darshan Scheme) and PRASHAD. The committee specifically mentioned delays in two Kerala circuits (Sabarimala and Sivagiri).

Delays and Reasons: Delays in project completion were attributed to lack of clearances from temple authorities. The completion status of the Kerala circuits is at 76% and 51%, respectively.

Committee Recommendations: The committee recommended the Ministry develop a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and obtain prior approvals to ensure timely project completion. They also noted that only 21 out of 45 PRASHAD projects have been completed and urged the Ministry to anticipate potential problems early on.

Key Objectives: The PRASHAD scheme aims to upgrade infrastructure, improve travel conditions, conserve pilgrimage sites, promote cultural and spiritual significance, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Funding Model: The scheme uses a 100% public funding model with additional support through CSR and PPP.

Outbreak in Poultry: Ranikhet disease is suspected to have caused the death of approximately 1.5 lakh chickens in both Andhra Pradesh and Panchkula, indicating a significant outbreak.

Highly Contagious and Fatal: It is a highly contagious viral disease, especially affecting poultry like chickens, with a mortality rate potentially reaching 50-100%.

Symptoms: Birds exhibit respiratory issues (sneezing, gasping), neurological problems, and digestive problems, often followed by rapid deaths. Production drops and fertility issues occur.

No Cure: There is no effective treatment for Ranikhet disease currently.

Transmission: The disease spreads through direct contact with infected bird secretions (especially feces), contaminated feed, water, implements, and the environment. The virus can survive in the environment for weeks.

Zoonotic Potential: While primarily affecting birds, it can cause conjunctivitis in humans, although it is generally mild and self-limiting.

Affected Regions: Outbreaks have been reported in both Andhra Pradesh (Eluru, Guntur, Prakasam, and the twin Godavari districts) and Panchkula (Barwala and Raipur Rani).

Panchkula Concerns: Panchkula’s poultry farms have previously been affected by Ranikhet.

Contributory Factors: The cold wave and pre-existing conditions in the birds, such as older birds not being replaced, have also played a major role, especially in the outbreak in Panchkula.

Migratory Birds: Droppings from migratory birds are suspected to be a potential cause for the spread.

Name Change: Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command in Kolkata, has been renamed Vijay Durg. Kitchener House is now Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate is now Shivaji Gate. This shift aims to eliminate colonial practices.

Reasoning Behind the Change: The renaming is part of a broader initiative to remove “vestiges of the colonial era” and “Indianise” military traditions, following Prime Minister Modi’s call for “freedom from the mentality of slavery.”

Historical Context: Fort William, originally built by the British in 1773 and named after King William III, was a significant historical landmark. Vijay Durg is named after a fort that served as a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Wider Initiatives: The renaming aligns with other changes like a new naval ensign, the replacement of musical tunes, and reviews of ceremonial practices and attire, all aiming to distance the armed forces from their colonial past.

• Why: This is a key event highlighting the ongoing military cooperation between India and the Maldives.

• Why: It signifies the close and friendly relations between the two countries.

• Why: It enhances interoperability and operational capabilities of both armies in critical areas.

• Why: The alternating location demonstrates mutual commitment and provides diverse training environments.

• Why: It further bolsters cooperation and goodwill between both nations.

• Why: This underscores the importance both nations place on the exercise and their bilateral relationship.

Official Names & Status: Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga, is a natural feature in New Zealand with human status, similar to Te Urewera National Park and Whanganui River. It has two official names: Mount Egmont and Mount Taranaki.

Geographic Location: Situated in Egmont National Park, North Island of New Zealand.

Volcanic Nature: A stratovolcano (composite cone) formed by alternating layers of ash and lava, known for its symmetry. It’s a dormant, snow-capped volcano and the second highest mountain on the North Island.

Formation: Created by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate, with magma likely sourced from deeper than the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Geological Features: Features a circular ring plain formed from lahars and landslides.

Cultural Significance: Highly respected by the Māori people as a sacred ancestor.

Important Facts:

• The real name is Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga.
• Mount Taranaki is a strato-volcano.

Mass Evacuation: Thousands of residents have fled Santorini due to a swarm of earthquakes. Approximately 9,000 residents have already evacuated.

Intense Seismic Activity: Over 300 earthquakes have been recorded near Santorini in the past two days, and seismic activity may continue for weeks.

Government Response: The Greek Prime Minister has urged calm. Schools are closed, and large indoor gatherings are discouraged. Authorities are taking emergency measures as a precaution. Shelters and food provisions are planned in case of stronger tremors.

Geological Context: Santorini is a volcanic crater island. Authorities have stated that the recent earthquakes are related to tectonic plate movements, not volcanic activity.

Island Characteristics: Santorini is known as Greece’s “Instagram Island,” attracting millions of visitors annually. It’s a popular tourist destination famous for its views, white-washed houses, and dramatic scenery.

Past Seismic History: Santorini experienced a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 1956, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Location: Santorini is located in the Aegean Sea, approximately 128 nautical miles southeast of the Greek mainland. The Aegean Sea is bordered by Greece to the west and north and Turkey to the east.