Today in History (January 23^rd, 1957)

In 1957, Indian nationalist politician and diplomat V.K. Krishna Menon gave the longest speech (8 hours) in the history of the UN, defending India’s stance on Kashmir.

Summary of Today’s News

Mosquitofish

Context:

Recently Visakhapatnam officials have made a plan to release an additional six lakh mosquitofish after releasing 20 lakh a few months ago.

Key Points

• Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are small, live-bearing fish that are dull grey or brown in color.
• They like shallow, enclosed fresh and brackish waters, including marshes and swamps to live.
• They have been introduced around the world as a biocontrol agent for mosquitos.
• They can withstand environmental conditions that native fish cannot, such as high temperatures and low oxygen.
• They introduced in India in 1928 during British rule for malaria control.
• World Health Organisation stopped recommending Gambusia in 1982
• India designated it as invasive species in 2018.

Arichal Munai

Context: Recently, Prime Minister of India has visited Arichal Munai, Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• Arichal Munai is a Tamil word that refers to the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar Sea of the Indian Ocean.
• This meeting point is located at Dhanushkodi Beach, which is on the tip of Rameswaram Island.
• Dhanushkodi, an abandoned town in the state of Tamil Nadu is located at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island.
• According to the Hindu scriptures, Arichal Munai is the place where Ram Setu was built.
• Ram Setu is also known as the “Adam’s Bridge”.
• Arichal Munai is famous for its stunning beaches, strong waves, and attractive tourist destination.

Mitakshara Law

Context: Supreme Court ruled that children born out of void/ voidable marriage can’t be denied share in parent’s property.

Key Points

• Court concluded that Hindu Succession Act, 1956 recognise institution of joint Hindu family governed by Mitakshara law.
• Mitakshara Law It is one of the two major Hindu law school (other being Dayabhaga) that governs succession of property in Hindu Undivided Family.
• It holds that son, grandson, and grandson’s son have right to family property through birth.
• It also recognizes right of daughters to inherit property, with certain limitations.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Context:

Recently, Prime Minister offered prayers at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Key Points:

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Tamil Nadu.
• It is dedicated to Ranganatha (reclining form of Lord Vishnu).
• It is constructed in Dravidian style and temple Complex has 21 sculpted Gopurams, 50 sub-shrines, and 9 sacred pools (tanks).
• It is not just a temple but a temple-town, unique in its Sapta Prakaram formation and one of 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Situated on island of Srirangam bounded by Cauvery and Kollidam (tributary of Cauvery) Rivers.

Madhika Language

Context:

Currently, it has only 2 speakers and is on the brink of extinction.

Key Points:

• Madhika Spoken by Chakaliya Community and has no script.
• It is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada (old form of Kannada).
• It is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
• Initiatives to protect endangered languages Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL).
• Establishment of Centres for Endangered Languages in Central Universities.

Project BHISHM

Context:

Two arogya maitri disaster management cubes developed under Project BHISHM have been deployed in Ayodhya.

Key Points

• India has built the world’s first portable disaster hospital, called the “Aarogya Maitri Cube”.
• The hospital can be airlifted and assembled into 72 cubesthat contain essential medical equipment and supplies.
• The cubes can support 200 survivors for 48 hoursduring natural disasters or crises.
• It has been developed indigenously under the Project BHISHM(Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri).
• The hospital includes Operation theatres, mini-ICUs, Ventilators, Blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a Cooking station, Food, Water, a Shelter, Power generator.