Mattu Gullal eggplant with a GI tag, destroyed due to Cyclone Fengal:

Topic : Geography ( GS-2)

Context: Several acres where Mattu Gulla, a special variety of eggplant with a GI tag, was grown in Udupi district were destroyed due to Cyclone Fengal, which brought untimely rains to the coastal districts. 

Highlights : 

● The growers said that Mattu Gulla cultivated in nearly 80 acres were affected due to the recent rain and flood.

● The Mattu Gulla Growers’ Association has urged the horticulture department to release compensation to nearly 85 farmers who have lost crops during the rain in Mattu and surrounding villages in the district.

Mattu Gulla (Brinjal / Eggplant) 

● Mattu Gulla, also known as Mattu Brinjal or Mattu Eggplant, is a unique variety of eggplant primarily grown in the Mattu region of Udupi, Karnataka. 

● This variety was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011, recognizing its distinctive quality and heritage.

● Mattu Gulla is celebrated for its distinct taste, tender texture, and vibrant purple colour.

● Known for its culinary versatility, it is a staple in various traditional South Indian dishes, adding depth and flavour to meals.

● Legend has it that the seeds of mattu gulla were given to the farmers of Mattu by the famous saint and philosopher Sri Vadiraja in the 15th century. 

● Health Benefits of Mattu Gulla

o Rich in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like nasunin, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

o Low in Calories: Ideal for weight management, as it is low in calories yet filling.

o Heart Health: The fiber and potassium content support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels.

o Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, it aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.

o Blood Sugar Control: May assist in managing blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetics.

SHORTS: 

● Several acres where Mattu Gulla, a special variety of eggplant with a GI tag, was grown in Udupi district were destroyed due to Cyclone Fengal, which brought untimely rains to the coastal districts. 

● Mattu Gulla, also known as Mattu Brinjal or Mattu Eggplant, is a unique variety of eggplant primarily grown in the Mattu region of Udupi, Karnataka. 

● This variety was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011, recognizing its distinctive quality and heritage.

● Mattu Gulla is celebrated for its distinct taste, tender texture, and vibrant purple colour.

December 7, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Nishidhi Mantapa:

 Topic  : Art and Culture ( GS-1)

Context: Nishidhi Mantapa, constructed in memory of the late Swastisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, former pontiff of Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt, was inaugurated by seers of various mutts, in the town.

About Swastisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji: 

He is the only Swamiji who has conducted successfully four events of Mahamastakabhisheka to lord Bahubali which come in a 12-year cycle. 

●His last Mahamastakabhisheka was in 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ramanth Kovind, and former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu attended.

●He had also mentored many young Jain Swamijis in taking forward the Jain religious tenets.

●He also translated the Jain apex document ‘Dhavala, Jaya Dhavala and Mahadhavala’ from Sanskrit to Kannada. 

●He is also known for his knowledge and research in bringing back one of the oldest languages Prakrit known to mankind. 

●He instituted the Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research in Shravanabelagola where thousands of Prakrit manuscripts have been restored and documented.

About Shravanabelagola: 

●Location: Shravanabelagola is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka.

●Gomateshwara statue: The town is famous for its 57-foot (17-meter) tall monolith statue of Gommateshwara, also known as Bahubali. The statue is carved out of a single block of granite and is located on top of Vindhyagiri Hill. 

●Construction: The statue was built in 981 AD by Chamundaraya, a Ganga warrior. 

●Pilgrimage: Shravanabelagola is a major pilgrimage destination for Jains. Every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held. 

●Jain heritage: Shravanabelagola is home to over 2,300 years of Jain heritage. The town has many inscriptions, mostly Jaina, from 600 to 1830 CE. 

●Jain teachings: Gomateshwara was the second son of the first Jain Tirthankara. He taught people to live in harmony with nature and not harm any living being. 

●Nearby hills: Shravanabelagola is surrounded by the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills. 

SHORTS: 

●Nishidhi Mantapa, constructed in memory of the late Swastisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, former pontiff of Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt, was inaugurated by seers of various mutts, in the town.

●He is the only Swamiji who has conducted successfully four events of Mahamastakabhisheka to lord Bahubali which come in a 12-year cycle. 

●He had also mentored many young Jain Swamijis in taking forward the Jain religious tenets.

●Shravanabelagola is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka.

●The town is famous for its 57-foot (17-meter) tall monolith statue of Gommateshwara, also known as Bahubali. The statue is carved out of a single block of granite and is located on top of Vindhyagiri Hill. 

December 7, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC):

Topic : Economy ( GS-1)

Context: The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC), which acts as a facilitator between the State Government and farmers has been headless for the last two and a half years.

Highlights : 

● At present, the commission is headed by Karnataka Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy.

● Experts, however, opine that the chairman’s responsibility is a full-time job.

● Prakash Kammaradi was the chairperson between 2014 and 2019, and from 2019 to 2022, it was Hanumanagouda.

About Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission: 

The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC) is a body that works with the state government and farmers to fix the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. 

●The commission works with all four agricultural universities and horticultural university to make recommendations to the State Government in fixing MSP.

●The universities study the cost of cultivation on selected plots of farmers and recommend to the government the MSP.

● The commission submits its recommendations to the State Government which in turn submits it to the Union Government. 

● It is decided based on the MS Swaminathan Formula.

● The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission was constituted in 2014. 

● It gives recommendations to the State Government on crop production, cultivation cost, transportation, and crop insurance. 

SHORTS: 

● The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC), which acts as a facilitator between the State Government and farmers has been headless for the last two and a half years.

● At present, the commission is headed by Karnataka Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy.

● Experts, however, opine that the chairman’s responsibility is a full-time job.

● The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission (KAPC) is a body that works with the state government and farmers to fix the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. 

● The commission works with all four agricultural universities and horticultural university to make recommendations to the State Government in fixing MSP.

December 7, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

India Child Rights Index :

Topic : Society ( GS-1)

Context: Karnataka Ranks Among the Top 5 States in Child Education According to India Child Rights Index.

Highlights of the Report :

● The Centre for Child and Law, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), has released an India Child Rights Index (ICRI), which provides a comparative status of children in all states across three domains:

o Nutrition and health, education, and protection.

● According to the index, in nutrition and health, Kerala, Manipur, Sikkim, Goa, and Tamil Nadu are the best-performing states.

● In education, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Karnataka lead the way.

● Nagaland (1), Manipur, Uttar Pradesh (2), Bihar (3), West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha (4), Rajasthan and Jharkhand (5) are the best performers in child protection.

● Karnataka is in the mid- range in most of the parameters. It has done well in education, breaking into the top five.

● In nutrition, it is 17th, while in child protection, it is ninth, with 17 states doing better. 

● Karnataka has high instances of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight among children.

Karnataka initiatives on Child protection : 

● Integrated Child Development Services Scheme: This scheme provides daycare, early stimulation, pre-school education, nutrition, growth monitoring, and health checkups and immunizations for children. 

o The scheme began in 1975 with a pilot project in Mysore District and has since expanded to all revenue taluks in the state. 

● Bhagyalakshmi scheme: This scheme aims to promote the birth of girl children in below poverty line (BPL) families and to raise their status in society. 

● Koosina Mane creches: These creches are a part of Karnataka’s childcare program. 

● Karnataka State Child Protection Policy: This policy aims to ensure that every child in the state has access to protection from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

● Naavu Manujaru: A program that aims to instill social harmony and constitutional values in children. 

● Ksheera Bhagya Scheme: 

o Objective: Provides free milk to school children to improve nutrition.

o Beneficiaries: Students in government and aided schools, as well as Anganwadi children.

SHORTS: 

● Karnataka Ranks Among the Top 5 States in Child Education According to India Child Rights Index.

● The Centre for Child and Law, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), has released an India Child Rights Index (ICRI), which provides a comparative status of children in all states across three domains: Nutrition and health, education, and protection.

● Karnataka is in the mid- range in most of the parameters. It has done well in education, breaking into the top five.

● In nutrition, it is 17th, while in child protection, it is ninth, with 17 states doing better. 

● Karnataka has high instances of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight among children.

December 7, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise