Current Affairs 6th September 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Current Affairs 6th September 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Arctic Dipole

Context: In a recent study published in the journal Science, an international team of scientists has shed new light on the influence of the Arctic dipole on the Arctic Ocean’s climate and sea ice conditions.

Understanding Arctic Dipole

• The Arctic Dipole, also known as the Dipole Anomaly, is a climatic pattern characterized by variations in atmospheric pressure in the Arctic region.
• The positive phase of the Arctic Dipole is characterized by high pressure centered over the Canadian sector of the Arctic producing clockwise winds, and low pressure over the Siberian Arctic, with counterclockwise winds.
  • This specific wind configuration affects upper ocean currents and has a wide-ranging influence, from air temperatures to sea–ice drift, heat exchanges, and even ecological implications.
• The negative phase of the Arctic Dipole is characterized by low atmospheric pressure over the Canadian Arctic and high atmospheric pressure over the Siberian Arctic.

Key Findings of the Study

• Positive phase nearing its end: The Arctic dipole follows a roughly 15-year cycle, and the study suggested that the current “positive” phase, in place since 2007, is nearing its end.
• Switchgear mechanism: The researchers observed that, since 2007, during the positive phase of the Arctic Dipole, there has been a reduced inflow of Atlantic Ocean waters into the Arctic Ocean via the Fram Strait (east of Greenland) and an increased flow of Atlantic water into the Barents Sea (located north of Norway and western Russia).
  • And, this phenomenon, characterized by the growing influence of Atlantic water on the Arctic, is referred to as ‘the Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean.’
  • This shifting dynamic between the Fram Strait and the Barents Sea, driven by the alternating Arctic dipole regimes, is referred to as a “switchgear mechanism” in the new research.
  • This mechanism can create more favourable conditions for sub-Arctic boreal species in the eastern portion of the Eurasian Basin compared to the western part, impacting marine life profoundly.
• Freshwater layer’s role in slowing sea ice loss:
  • Under the current positive Arctic dipole regime, counterclockwise winds from the low-pressure region are pushing fresh water from Siberian rivers into the Canadian sector of the Arctic Ocean.
  • This westward movement of freshwater between 2007 and 2021 contributed to a deceleration in the overall loss of Arctic Sea ice when compared to the period from 1992 to 2006.
  • When the freshwater layer’s thickness increased, a stable barrier prevented it from mixing with the salt water below. This substantial freshwater layer acted as insulation, thwarting the warmer saltwater from melting sea ice from beneath.

Current Affairs 5th September 2023 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Laïcité: French Principle of Secularism

Context:  Recently, the French government announced that the practice of wearing abaya would be banned in state-run schools as it violated the principle of Laïcité, which is the French idea of secularism.

What is Laïcité?

• Laïcité is a fundamental principle of secularism in France, and it plays a significant role in the country’s governance, education system, and overall social fabric.
• The concept of laïcité is deeply rooted in French history and culture and is enshrined in the French Constitution.
• The key aspects and principles of laïcité: 
  • Separation of Church and State: Laïcité entails a strict separation of religious institutions and the state. This separation aims to prevent religious influence over government affairs and policies. It also ensures that religious groups do not receive special privileges or funding from the state.
  • Freedom of Religion: While laïcité separates religion from the state, it also upholds the principle of freedom of religion. French citizens have the right to practice their religion freely and without discrimination. The state must remain neutral and impartial in matters of religion.
  • Religious Neutrality: Public institutions in France, including government offices, schools, and the judiciary, are expected to maintain strict religious neutrality.
    • This means that public employees are prohibited from displaying their religious beliefs or symbols while performing their official duties.
    • For example, wearing conspicuous religious attire, such as the hijab, crucifix, or kippah, is often restricted in public schools and government offices.
  • Secular Education: Laïcité is particularly evident in the French education system. Public schools are secular and are expected to provide a neutral environment that does not promote any particular religion. Religious symbols and attire are generally prohibited in public schools to maintain this neutrality.
• Background: the term was coined in the 19th century.
  • Laïcité, a product of the struggle of anti-clerical Republicans against the power of the Catholic Church, was an abstract idea following the French Revolution in 1789.
  • It took a concrete shape in the form of The Law of 1905 in the Third Republic when state-run secular schools were established.

Differences between the concept of secularism in India and France: 

Sanatan Dharma

Context:  The term Sanatan Dharma has recently been in the news.

About Sanatan Dharma

• Definition: Sanatan Dharma is a Sanskrit term that can be translated variously as “eternal religion” or “eternal law”, “unshakeable, venerable order”, or “ancient and continuing guideline”.
• Origin:
  • As per Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, the word sanatan was started being used in the Bhagavad Gita, and refers to knowledge of the soul, which is eternal. One can say that Sanatan Dharma refers to eternal religions which believe in soul and rebirth.
  • Julius J Lipner, in his book ‘Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices’ wrote that the term ‘Sanatan Dharma’ was used in the Gita by Arjuna, when he told Krishna that “when the clan is vitiated, the sanatan-dharmas of the clan are destroyed”.
    • Lipner also noted that a similar term was used by Draupadi when the onlookers did not speak up on her behalf.
• Use:
  • Although the term is most commonly associated with Hinduism, it is also used by Jains and Buddhists because these religions also believe in rebirth.
  • It is not used for religions that believe in one life, that is Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which come from the Middle East.
  • It is only more recently, particularly since the late 19th century, that Sanatan Dharma has been used to signify Hinduism as a religion, distinct from other religions.
  • It is used to evoke a certain homogeneity in Hinduism, without specifying how exactly that homogeneity is constituted.
  • However, as per Lipner, Hindu sanatana-dharma as universally recognised philosophy is not possible because it presupposes that Hinduism is a monolithic tradition in which there is agreement about a static or universal doctrine.

Nataraja Sculpture

Context: A 28-foot Nataraja sculpture was installed outside the Bharat Mandapam ahead of the G20 Summit.

More on the news

About 28-Feet Nataraja Sculpture:

• Ashtadhatu: The statue weighs 19 tonnes and is made of eight metals viz. gold, silver, lead, copper, tin, mercury, iron and zinc.
• Height: The statue is 22 feet in height, and the pedestal is six feet, making the entire structure 28 feet tall.
• Model: The model of Chidambaram, Konerirajapuram and other Natarajas of the Chola period was followed in making this statue.
• Casting: Sculptors follow the lost-wax casting method. This is a time-tested method, used since the days of the Cholas.

Nataraja Sculpture: Meaning of Postures and Poses

• As a symbol, Nataraja combines in a single image Shiva’s role as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time.
• Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas.
• Shiva’s dance is set within a flaming halo.
  • Upper Right Hand: Holds the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation).
  • Upper Left Hand: Holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe).
  • Lower Right Hand: He makes Abhaya Mudra (the gesture that allays fear).
  • Lower Left Hand and Left Foot: Gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Siva’s grace is the refuge for everyone.
  • Right Foot: The dwarf-like figure being trampled by his right foot represents Apasmara Purusha (illusion which leads mankind astray).
  • Flying Hairs: The locks of Shiva’s hair stand out in several strands interspersed with flowers, a skull, a crescent moon, and the figure of Ganga.
• The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.

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