Read Current Affairs
- In a notable incident on Wednesday, UK police arrested two individuals, including a man of Indian origin, for vandalizing Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wiltshire, England.
- Stonehenge, recognized for its ancient stone circle and archaeological significance, comprises approximately 100 massive upright stones arranged in a circular formation. Constructed over 5,000 years ago during the late Neolithic period and further developed in the early Bronze Age with nearby burial mounds, Stonehenge forms part of a larger sacred landscape containing numerous other stone and wooden structures.
- While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is widely believed to have served as a religious site and a symbol of authority and prestige for ancient chieftains, aristocrats, and priests. Its alignment with celestial bodies suggests it may have been used for astronomical observations and marking seasonal cycles, aiding in agricultural planning.
- Together with over 350 neighboring monuments and henges, including the expansive temple complex at Avebury, Stonehenge was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The site continues to fascinate archaeologists, historians, and visitors alike, offering insights into ancient cultures and their spiritual practices.
- The recent arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this globally significant archaeological treasure from vandalism and damage.
- At the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, the Indian delegation led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment highlighted the accomplishments and integrations of the e-Shram portal.
- Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2021, the e-Shram portal serves as a pivotal tool for registering and establishing a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers. It enables unorganized workers across 400 occupations spanning 30 broad sectors to self-register based on their declarations. The portal operates as a unified platform, simplifying access for unorganized workers throughout the country.
- Registration on the e-Shram portal is authenticated via Aadhaar, ensuring secure and verified data entry. The Ministry's objective includes facilitating unorganized workers' access to various social security schemes administered by different Ministries and Departments through this centralized portal.
- Currently, the e-Shram portal is seamlessly integrated with key platforms such as the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), myScheme portal, and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PMSYM) scheme. These integrations enhance the portal's utility by providing comprehensive support and access to resources for unorganized workers nationwide.
- An expert has warned that a significant ancient site on the small Greek island of Delos faces imminent disappearance within decades due to rising sea levels and geological processes.
- Delos, part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, holds profound historical significance as one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Initially settled in the 3rd millennium B.C., it flourished particularly in the 1st millennium B.C. and has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The island's vulnerability to climate change, compounded by rising temperatures and humidity levels, poses a severe threat to its cultural heritage. Such environmental changes can alter the chemical composition of materials used in ancient monuments, hastening their deterioration.
- Located in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, the Aegean Sea is bordered by the Greek peninsula to the west and Anatolia (the Asian side of Turkey) to the east. It is connected to the Black Sea via the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea through the Dardanelles Straits. While the majority of Aegean Islands belong to Greece, Turkey maintains significant holdings like Imbros (Gökçeada) and Tenedos (Bozcaada) in the northeastern Aegean.
- The Aegean region experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The northern portion of the Aegean Sea exhibits characteristics of a cold semi-arid climate, influenced notably by the Etesian wind patterns.
- As Delos faces an uncertain future amidst these environmental challenges, efforts to mitigate climate impacts on cultural heritage sites remain critical to safeguarding this invaluable piece of ancient history.
- On 15th June 2024, INS Sunayna, a Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel commissioned at Kochi and under the Southern Naval Command, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, accompanied by the Seychelles Coast Guard Ship (SCGS) Zoroaster. This joint visit aims to bolster the longstanding camaraderie and mutual cooperation between the Indian Navy and Seychelles Coast Guard, aligning with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).
- Designed and constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sunayna is equipped for a variety of maritime operations, including fleet support, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, monitoring Sea Lines of Communications, escort duties, and more. Capable of achieving speeds up to 25 knots, the vessel is outfitted with advanced Navigation, Communication, and Electronic Support Systems, complemented by an automatic power management system for optimal efficiency.
- The visit underscores India's commitment under the SAGAR initiative, a foreign policy doctrine introduced in 2015. SAGAR aims to foster enhanced cooperation, mutual trust, and collaborative efforts among India and its neighboring countries, particularly within the Indian Ocean region. Key components of SAGAR include ensuring maritime security and safety, promoting sustainable development and economic growth, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties across nations.
- INS Sunayna's presence in Port Victoria signifies India's ongoing efforts to uphold maritime stability and prosperity in the region, reinforcing partnerships that contribute to collective security and growth for all involved.