Pottery fragments discovered during digging

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Pottery fragments featuring geometric symbols discovered during digs in Perumbalai, Tamil Nadu.

Key Findings:

• During the archaeological excavations undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government’s Department of Archaeology at Perumbalai in Dharmapuri district discovered the “resembling geometric symbols” which  were among the potsherds.
•  The lowermost level of the site dates back to the 6th Century BCE as per the AMS dates.
• Most of the excavated early historic sites such as Vallam, Kodumanal, Keeladi, Uraiyur, Karur and many other sites always found Tamili (Tamil-Brahmi)-inscribed potsherds and graffiti-bearing potsherds together.

Pottery assemblage:

• The potteries unearthed from the site at various stratum demonstrate the proper chronological sequences of pottery assemblage. The pottery occurring from the lowermost level is very thin and the fine BRW and black ware are the more dominating types.
• The clay used for making the potteries was fine and well-levigated clay. Undoubtedly, from the shapes and size of the pottery, it belongs to the Iron Age.
• Swastik-like symbols were also collected. Interestingly, a fully shaped black-and-red ware bowl containing the swastik sign is exposed. These graffiti marks are confined to the Iron Age and early historic period.
• Burnished ware, black and red ware, russet-coated black and red ware, russet-coated red ware, red ware and black ware were unearthed. Among them, russet-coated ware served as table ware, and may be considered the elite ware of the site.

Nuclear study provides major update on plutonium isotope fission

A part of the fission energy carried away by neutrons is called the prompt fission neutron spectrum. ‘Prompt’ stands for neutrons Pu-240 might emit right after it has captured a neutron with the energy to destabilize it

Pu-240 undergoes spontaneous fission, and emits alpha particles. The isotope is considered a contaminant of weapons-grade plutonium, where its composition by weight is restricted to under 7%

Researchers also reported a higher-than-expected rate of second-chance fission of Pu-240. They also reported finding signs of ‘a smaller contribution from third-chance fission’ but added that this ‘was difficult to observe in the data directly’

The duties and roles of a Speaker in the context of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) in India

Speaker's Duties and Roles:

 

• Presiding Officer: The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha, ensuring orderly conduct of business and maintaining discipline.

 

• Judicial Functions: Certifying Bills as Money Bills (under Article 110 of the Constitution) and deciding on disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).

 

• Administrative Functions: Referring Bills to committees for detailed scrutiny, maintaining order during debates, and managing parliamentary procedures effectively.

 

• Representation: Acting as the spokesperson for the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President and the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).

Speaker pro tem:

• The Speaker pro tem is appointed by the President of India to perform the duties of the Speaker temporarily when a new Lok Sabha is constituted until a full-time Speaker is elected. This ensures continuity in the functioning of the House.
• The Speaker pro tem administers the oath of office to newly elected Members of Parliament and presides over the election of the full-time Speaker.

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker:

• The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha are elected by its members. The election of the Speaker is conducted on a date fixed by the President.
• Traditionally, the Deputy Speaker's post has been offered to a member of the Opposition to ensure impartiality and balance in the functioning of the House.

Preserving Impartiality:

 

• Political Neutrality: Although the Speaker is usually a member of a political party, upon election to the office, they are expected to resign from their political party and function impartially.
• Independence: The Speaker's decisions, especially in certifying Bills and deciding on disqualifications, should reflect a commitment to uphold the Constitution and parliamentary conventions rather than partisan interests.

Constitutional Basis and Conventions:

• The roles and responsibilities of the Speaker are primarily outlined in Articles 93 to 95 of the Indian Constitution, supplemented by parliamentary rules and conventions.
• Conventions such as the Deputy Speaker being from the Opposition ensure a balanced representation and uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy.