AIR Discussions (January 3rd Week)

21st January, 2023

NATARAJ

Context:

Union Minister of state for Culture handed over the 9th to 10th century Nataraja idol to the Archaeological Department official in Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan.

About Nataraj:

Natarajaalso known as Adalvallaan is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the divine cosmic dancer.
His dance is called Tandava. The pose and artwork are described in many Hindu texts such as the Tevaram, Thiruvasagamin Tamil and Anshumadbhed agama and Uttarakamika agama in Sanskrit and Grantha texts.

Symbolism:

NCC

Context:

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt has said that NCC is a shining example of “Unity in Diversity'', and since its formation, it has played a stellar role in grooming the youth of the country.

About National Cadet Corps (NCC):

The National Cadet Corps(NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces with its headquarters in New Delhi.
It is open to school and college students on voluntary basis as a Tri-Services Organisation, comprising the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, engaged in developing the youth of the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
The soldier youth foundation in India is a voluntary organization that recruits cadets from high schools, higher secondary, colleges and universities all over India. The cadets are given basic military training in small arms and drill. The officers and cadets have no liability for active military service once they complete their course.
The NCC in India was formed in 1948. In 1949, the Girls Division was formed. The motto of NCC is: “UNITY AND DISCIPLINE”
During Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 & Bangladesh-Pakistani war of 1971, NCC cadets were the second line of defence.

Emblem

The emblem of the NCC consists of 3 colours; red, dark blue and light blue. These colours represent the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force respectively. The 17 lotuses indicate the 17 directories of India.

Organisation

The NCC is headed by the Director General (DG), an officer of the three-star rank.
The DG is assisted by two Additional Director Generals (A and B) of two-star rank(major-general, rear-admiral or air vice-marshal). Five Brigadier level officers and other civil officials also assist him.

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the National Disaster Response Force on their Raising Day.

About:

The National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) is an Indian specialized force constituted "for the purpose of special response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster" under the Disaster Management Act, of 2005.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is under the National Disaster Management Authority.

The "Apex Body for Disaster Management" in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.

Composition:

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a force of 16 battalions, organized on para-military lines, and manned by persons on deputation from the para-military forces of India: three Border Security Force, three Central Reserve Police Force, two Central Industrial Security Force, two Indo-Tibetan Border Police, two Sashastra Seema Bal and one of the Assam Rifles.
The total strength of each battalion is approximately 1149. Each battalion is capable of providing 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel each including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics.

Functional Responsibilities:

The aim of the National Disaster Management Authority is to build a safer and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology driven strategy for disaster management.
This has to be achieved through a culture of prevention, mitigation and preparedness to generate a prompt and efficient response at the time of disasters.
This national vision inter alia, aims at inculcating a culture of preparedness among all stakeholders.
NDRF has proved its efficacy with its commendable performance during various disasters including the drowning cases, building collapses, landslides, devastating floods and Cyclones.
PURANA QILA

Context:

Archaeological Survey of India, ASI is all set to begin excavation at Delhi’s Purana Qila again.

About Purana Qila:

Purana Qilais one of the oldest forts in Delhi. It is built by the second Mughal Emperor Humayun and Surid Sultan Sher Shah Suri.
The fort formed the inner citadel of the city of Dinpanah.
The founder of the Suri Dynasty, Sher Shah Suri, defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called Shergarh, where the governor resided.

RED FORT

Context:

Details:

The Red Fortor Lal Qila is a historic fort in Old Delhi that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors.
Emperor Shah Jahancommissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Originally red and white, its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. The fort represents the peak in Mughal architectureunder Shah Jahan, and combines Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions.
The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nader Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739. It included the Peacock Throne.
Most of the fort's marble structures were subsequently demolished by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The fort's defensive walls were largely undamaged, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison.
On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian flagabove the Lahori Gate.
The Red Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Sitein 2007 as part of the Red Fort Complex.

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