News in Shorts: 26 November 2024

Convention to Adjourn House after Obituary Reference to Sitting Member

Context: Parliament officials clarified that it was a convention to adjourn the House for a short duration after obituary reference to a sitting Member. 

• Before, the convention was to adjourn the House for the entire day in the event of the death of a sitting member.

About Obituary Reference

• It is made in the House at the earliest available opportunity after the news about the death of a member, ex-member, Minister, etc. either from a press report or a sitting member or a relation of the deceased or any other reliable source.

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PAN 2.0 Project

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the PAN 2.0 Project, an upgraded version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Aim

• To modernize taxpayer registration services and make PAN a common business identifier.

Key Features of PAN 2.0 Project

• QR Code-Enabled PAN Cards: The upgraded PAN cards will feature a QR code for improved security and functionality.
• Common Business Identifier:PAN will serve as a unified identifier for businesses, eliminating the need for multiple identification numbers across government systems.
• Service Delivery Transformation: PAN 2.0 will re-engineer business processes and upgrade the digital backbone for taxpayer registration services.
• Wide Coverage and Adoption: Out of the 78 crore PAN cards issued to date, 98% belong to individuals, indicating the project’s vast potential reach and impact.
• Cost-Free Upgrade: The new QR code-enabled PAN cards will be issued at no cost to existing PAN holders, encouraging widespread adoption.

Nayi Chetna 3.0

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki. 

About Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki

• It is a national campaign against gender-based violence. 
• Organizer: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Scope: All Indian States and Union Territories.
• Focus: Grassroots engagement through the extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network under DAY-NRLM.
• Collaborative Effort
  • Whole-of-Government Approach: Involves participation of 9 Ministries and Departments, including:
    • Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Ministry of Panchayati Raj, among others.
• Slogan: “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (Together, One Voice, Against Violence).

Raja Raja Chola I

Context: Recently, the 1039th birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I was celebrated.

• This celebration is celebrated every year during the Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu.

Sadhaya Vizha: A Grand Celebration

• Celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-October to mid-November) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• Legacy of Raja Raja Chola
  • Revered for expanding the Chola empire to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
  • His life inspired Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel Ponniyin Selvan and its film adaptation.
  • Sadhaya Vizha reflects his enduring influence on Tamil culture and heritage.

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About Raja Raja Chola I

• Raja Raja Chola I (947-1014 CE), born Arulmozhi Varman, was a legendary Tamil emperor.
• Known for his military strength and administrative brilliance.
• His reign (985–1014 CE) marked cultural, architectural, and territorial advancements.
• He was given many important titles
  • Mummidi Chola: Representing his rule over three crowns.
  • Jayankonda: Meaning “The Victorious King.”
  • Sivapadasekara: Showing his devotion to Lord Shiva.
• Cultural and Religious Ceremonies
  • Festivities take place at Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the emperor.
  • Key rituals include:
    • Sacred Abhishekam: Holy bath for the deity, Lord Peruvudaiyar (Shiva).
    • Perundeepa Vazhipaadu: Reverence through lamp-waving.
    • Swami Purappadu: Procession of the temple deity.
  • Devotees gather to witness classical dances, hymn singing by odhuvars, and performances by artists dressed as Hindu gods.
• Historical Significance of Brihadeeswarar Temple,
  • Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 CE.
  • Known as Rajarajesvaram, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Great Living Chola Temples.
  • Symbolizes the architectural, cultural, and religious legacy of the Chola Empire.
• Architectural Grandeur
• • Constructed entirely of granite, showcasing remarkable engineering techniques of the era.
  • Features a towering vimana (temple tower) that stands over 60 meters tall.
  • The temple’s central deity is Lord Shiva, revered as Peruvudaiyar.