Punjab pcs 2025 current affairs January

1. Comprehensive Insights into Indian Culture, Heritage, and Sports

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   Buddhism’s Global Legacy

   Recent Discoveries in Odisha

   The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently uncovered a large Buddha head, a giant palm, an ancient wall, and inscribed Buddhist relics in Ratnagiri, Odisha. These relics date back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD, highlighting Odisha's pivotal role in Buddhism's spread to Southeast Asia.

   Odisha’s Contribution to Buddhism

   • Early Advocates: Buddha’s disciples, Tapassu and Bhallika, merchant brothers from Utkala, are credited for popularizing Buddhism.
   • Mauryan Influence: Emperor Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga in 261 BCE marked a turning point. His subsequent embrace of Buddhism led to its propagation across Asia.
   • Key Sites:
     • Ratnagiri, part of the Diamond Triangle with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri, emerged as a Buddhist learning hub from the 7th–10th centuries, rivaling Nalanda.
     • Over 100 Buddhist sites in Odisha, including intricate sculptures, votive stupas, and Tibetan texts.

   Global Spread of Buddhism

   • Southeast Asia: Traders and monks from Odisha introduced Buddhism to Bali, Java, and Sri Lanka, with the Baliyatra festival commemorating these ancient maritime ties.
   • East Asia: Mahayana Buddhism influenced cultures in China, Korea, and Japan, blending with local traditions like Daoism and Shinto.
   • Tibet: Vajrayana Buddhism, incorporating tantric rituals, evolved in Tibet.

   Prominent Buddhist Sites in India

   • Bihar: Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, and Vaishali.
   • Uttar Pradesh: Sarnath and Kushinagar.
   • Maharashtra: Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
   • Madhya Pradesh: Sanchi Stupa.

   India’s contributions to Buddhism remain enduring, symbolizing a profound global cultural legacy.

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   Kho Kho World Cup 2025

   Tournament Overview

   Backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 featured men’s and women’s divisions, with group stages and knockouts.

   Historical Significance of Kho Kho

   • Ancient Origins:

     • Believed to have evolved from the Chakravyuha formation described in the Mahabharata.
     • Originally played on chariots, later adapted into the modern foot version in 1914.
     • The Deccan Gymkhana Club in Pune formalized its rules during World War I.

   • Global Recognition:

     • Demonstrated at the 1936 Berlin Olympics alongside kabaddi and mallakhamb.

   Gameplay Mechanics

   A Kho Kho team has 9 active players and 3 substitutes, with roles alternating between chasing, defending, and tagging opponents.

   Growing Global Reach

   • The sport’s reach expanded from 6 countries in 2020 to 55 countries by 2025, thanks to the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF).
   • Aiming to include Kho Kho in the Olympic Games by 2030, the IKKF targets 90 participating countries.

   Kho Kho, an energetic and strategic game, is a testament to India's vibrant sporting heritage.

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   Nalanda University: A Legacy of Learning

   Founding and Growth

   • Established by Emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire in the 5th century CE, Nalanda flourished under the Pala dynasty.
   • It was the world’s first residential university, attracting scholars from across Asia.

   Academic Excellence

   • Subjects ranged from Buddhism to mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
   • Eminent scholars like Aryabhata, the mathematician who developed the concept of zero, were among its faculty.

   Cultural and Educational Impact

   • Nalanda’s library, Dharma Gunj, housed over 9 million manuscripts, making it a treasure trove of knowledge.
   • Scholars underwent rigorous interviews, guided by Buddhist masters like Dharmapala.

   Destruction and Legacy

   • The university was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193, marking the end of an era in ancient education.
   • Despite its destruction, Nalanda's influence endures, symbolizing India’s ancient intellectual heritage.

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   SSI Mantra: India’s Telesurgery Breakthrough

   What is SSI Mantra?

   SSI Mantra is India’s first indigenous surgical robotic system developed by SS Innovations. It facilitates telesurgery and was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

   Key Features

   • Ultra-Low Latency: Operates at 35–40 milliseconds delay, enabling seamless remote surgeries.
   • High Precision: Used for advanced procedures like Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB).
   • Master-Slave Console Model: Allows the surgeon to control robotic instruments remotely, enhancing surgical accuracy.

   Significance

   • Expands access to expert surgical care in remote areas.
   • Minimally invasive techniques ensure faster recovery and fewer complications.

   This innovation places India at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgeries, revolutionizing healthcare accessibility.

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   Conclusion

   India’s rich heritage, cultural contributions, and technological advancements showcase its multifaceted legacy. From spreading Buddhism across Asia, preserving traditional sports like Kho Kho, to pioneering healthcare innovations with SSI Mantra, India continues to influence the world in profound ways.