Mesolithic-era Rock Painting Unveils the Ancient Tapestry of Guntur’s Prehistoric Society

Why in news?

• In a captivating archaeological discovery, former Superintending Archaeologist of the Temple Survey Project, D. Kanna Babu, has unearthed a remarkable piece of human history in the quaint village of Orvakallu, located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Overview

• Nestled within natural rock shelters on a hillock, Babu stumbled upon a Mesolithic-era rock painting that offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
• The findings shed light on the social fabric, agricultural practices, and artistic expressions of the Mesolithic community, dating back approximately 5,000 BC.

Unveiling Prehistoric Art

• During his survey of the lower River Krishna Valley to unravel the architectural features of shrines, Babu’s discerning eye fell upon a set of unexplored rock shelters.
• Among the five naturally formed caves, two stood adorned with exquisite depictions of rock paintings on their back walls and ceilings, executed by the skilled hands of Mesolithic artists.
• One remarkable depiction showcases a man skillfully capturing a wild goat using his left hand, while expertly wielding a hook-like tool to control it, offering a glimpse into their hunting prowess.
• Another painting portrays a couple standing with raised hands, perhaps symbolizing a ritual or celebration, with a child standing behind them, hinting at the importance of family and communal ties.
• One particular artwork captures the attention of archaeologists and historians alike—an intricately painted figure holding a plough and seemingly tilling the land.
• This portrayal suggests a “semi-settled life pattern” among the Mesolithic community, providing valuable evidence of their agricultural practices.
• The painting hints at their cultivation of crops, showcasing a significant shift from a purely hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled and agricultural existence.

The Artistic Enigma

• Utilizing natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments, the ancient artists expressed their visions on the rocky canvases.
• The rock paintings, characterized by their vivid hues and delicate outlines, reflect the artists’ deep connection with nature and their surroundings.

Conclusion

• Discovering the Mesolithic-era rock paintings in Orvakallu village, Guntur district, reveals the ingenuity and deep connection of ancient inhabitants with their environment. These captivating artworks offer insights into their daily lives, cultural beliefs, and agricultural advancements. Deciphering the brushstrokes unravels a tapestry of human history, bridging the past and present while preserving a long-lost civilization’s legacy.

GS PAPER – II

India Gifts INS Kirpan to Vietnam

Why in new?

• In a significant move aimed at fortifying bilateral defence relations, India presented the indigenous missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam.

Overview

• This gesture, aimed at bolstering Vietnam’s naval capabilities, was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh following productive discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phan Van Glang.
• The talks centered on deepening defence cooperation, maritime security, and fostering collaboration between the defence industries of both nations.
• The gift of INS Kirpan serves as a testament to the commitment of India and Vietnam in forging closer strategic ties.

Exploring Areas of Collaboration

• During the bilateral meeting, Defence Ministers Singh and Glang reviewed the progress of various defence cooperation initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the ongoing engagements.
• The focus was on identifying avenues to further enhance existing areas of collaboration, with special emphasis on defence industry cooperation, maritime security, and multinational cooperation.
• Both nations acknowledged the importance of fostering joint research and production ventures to strengthen defence industrial capabilities.
• General Phan’s visit to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters provided an opportunity to explore avenues for joint initiatives and technological exchanges.

INS Kirpan

• A Symbol of Naval Strength, INS Kirpan, a Khukri class missile corvette, is a formidable addition to Vietnam’s naval fleet.
• Commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 12, 1991, this indigenously-built vessel displaces 1,350 tonnes and boasts impressive specifications.
• With a length of 91 meters, a beam of 11 meters, and a speed exceeding 25 knots, it is equipped with a medium-range gun, 30 mm close-range guns, chaff launchers, and surface-to-surface missiles.
• The transfer of INS Kirpan underscores India’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s maritime security and defense capabilities.

Mutual Logistics Support and Vision Statement

• India and Vietnam have been actively fostering their defence partnership, as evident from the signing of an MoU on mutual logistics support in June 2022 during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Vietnam.
• This agreement ensures seamless cooperation in logistics and further strengthens the bond between the armed forces of both countries.
• Moreover, the signing of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam defence partnership towards 2030 emphasizes the shared vision of strategic cooperation and deepening ties over the next decade.

India’s Assistance to Vietnam

• In addition to the gifting of INS Kirpan, India has been supporting Vietnam’s defense capabilities through various initiatives.
• Notably, Hanoi has procured 12 high-speed patrol boats for its border guard force under a $100 million Line of Credit extended in 2014.
• This exemplifies the commitment of both nations to enhance maritime security and strengthen border protection measures.

Conclusion

• The gifting of INS Kirpan by India to Vietnam marks a major milestone in strengthening defence ties between the two nations. It demonstrates their mutual commitment to cooperation, maritime security, and bolstering defence capabilities. This transfer, accompanied by signed agreements and joint vision statements, sets the stage for an era of strategic partnership, fostering peace, stability, and security in the region.

GS PAPER – III

UK’s Withdrawal of GSP Scheme

Why in news?

• The UK’s decision to withdraw the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and introduce the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) has raised concerns among Indian exporters, particularly those in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather.

The Transition to Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)

• As the UK establishes its own GSP scheme after leaving the European Union (EU), the new DCTS comes into effect from June 19 2023.
• Under this scheme, each country sets product-specific thresholds, and if a country’s exports exceed the limit, GSP concessions cease.
• Given the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations between India and the UK, the withdrawal of GSP concessions on labour-intensive products was anticipated.

Concerns for Labour-Intensive Sectors

• Labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather goods, carpets, iron & steel goods, and chemicals, are expected to face the brunt of this transition.
• The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) highlights that unilateral import duty concessions under GSP schemes are commonly granted by developed countries such as the US, EU, Australia, and Japan to developing countries. However, China does not enjoy such concessions.
• The impact on Indian exporters in these sectors could result in reduced competitiveness and profitability.

Challenges and Recommendations

• While firms, associations, and countries affected by the withdrawal of GSP concessions may request restoration, the chances of reconsideration are typically low.
• Some experts argue that India should consider discontinuing its participation in GSP schemes altogether and adopt a similar approach to China, which stands independently in trade matters.
• They view GSPs as remnants of a colonial mindset and suggest that they should be exclusively utilized by Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

GSP Benefit and Trade Volume

• India’s exports worth $2.5 billion currently receive GSP benefits in the UK. However, due to the increased share of certain Indian goods in the UK market, sectors that exceed specified limits will no longer enjoy GSP benefits.
• Sectors such as metals are expected to continue receiving the benefits, albeit under standard preferences rather than enhanced preferences. LDCs, on the other hand, will receive enhanced benefits.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement

• India and the UK initiated negotiations for a free trade agreement on January 13, 2021. Despite challenges, ten rounds of talks have been completed as of June this year, with both sides striving to conclude the negotiations at the earliest.
• The free trade agreement holds significant importance for the future trade relationship between the two nations, providing opportunities to address the concerns arising from the withdrawal of GSP concessions.

Conclusion

• Indian exporters, especially those in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and leather, have expressed concerns regarding the UK’s withdrawal of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the introduction of the UK’s new import regime called the Domestic Tariff Counteraction (DCTS).The impact on competitiveness and trade volume necessitates a careful evaluation of India’s trade strategy. As negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the UK progress, finding a balanced approach that promotes the interests of both countries becomes crucial.

GS PAPER – III

NIXI Celebrates 20 Years: Driving India’s Digital Transformation

Why in news?

• The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) recently marked its 20th Foundation Day, commemorating two decades of remarkable contributions towards India’s digital ecosystem.

Overview

• NIXI, a not-for-profit company under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has been instrumental in building a robust internet infrastructure and fostering digital transformation across the nation.
• The event, held at Kamani Auditorium, witnessed the presence of government officials, esteemed partners, and the vibrant NIXI community.
• MeitY Secretary and Chairman of NIXI, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, delivered the inaugural NIXI Foundation Day Lecture, shedding light on the significance of digital transformation for India and the globe.

NIXI’s Evolution

• Since its establishment in 2003, NIXI has evolved significantly to become a key player in shaping India’s internet ecosystem.
• Initially tasked with developing internet exchange points to localize data within the country, NIXI expanded its scope to include diverse business divisions dedicated to promoting the adoption of the .in domain, facilitating IPv4 and IPv6 addresses adoption through IRINN, and offering secure data storage services via NIXI-CSC Data Services Ltd.

Building India’s Digital Identity

• Recognizing the importance of a distinct digital identity, NIXI has played a crucial role in promoting the adoption of the .in domain.
• By encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals to embrace the .in extension, NIXI has helped establish a strong digital presence for India, enabling better connectivity and visibility in the online space.

Strengthening Internet Infrastructure

• NIXI’s core mandate of building Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) has been pivotal in ensuring a resilient and inclusive internet infrastructure across the country.
• These IXPs facilitate the efficient exchange of internet traffic between various networks, leading to improved network performance, reduced latency, and enhanced user experience.

Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 Adoption

• To address the growing need for IP addresses, NIXI’s initiative, Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN), has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
• By providing a streamlined process for obtaining IP addresses, IRINN has supported the expansion of India’s digital footprint and the seamless integration of devices into the internet ecosystem.

Safe and Secure Data Storage

• Recognizing the criticality of data security and privacy, NIXI-CSC Data Services Ltd. offers state-of-the-art data storage solutions through its Data Centre services.
• These facilities ensure that sensitive data remains protected, fostering a cyber-resilient environment for businesses, government agencies, and individuals alike.

NIXI’s Commitment to Digital Transformation

• In alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India, NIXI remains committed to driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and leveraging technology for a digitally enabled and empowered India.
• NIXI’s unwavering dedication to empowering netizens has positioned it as a vital catalyst in India’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

Conclusion

• As NIXI celebrates its 20th anniversary, its profound contributions to India’s digital ecosystem and internet infrastructure cannot be overstated. From establishing Internet Exchange Points and promoting the .in domain to facilitating IP address adoption and providing secure data storage services, NIXI continues to be a driving force behind India’s digital transformation.