VK IAS- prelims (UPSC highlights)

2023-10-06 09:46:19 #GovtScheme #Polity #Economy

National Turmeric Board

Leading Turmeric-Producing States : Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states in India for turmeric cultivation

Importance of Turmeric in India- India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally.

Purpose : to promote and develop the turmeric industry and its related products within India-for increasing the demand for turmeric products and boosting production

Composition of the Board : The NTB will have a Chairperson appointed by the central government.A secretary will be appointed to the board by the Commerce Ministry.

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2023-10-04 07:20:51 #SnT

NanoPTA

What?- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) innovation for Wastewater treatment and potential medical diagnostics. It can effectively degrade toxic chemicals in industrial wastewater when exposed to sunlight.

What is so special about this?- addresses the limitations of natural enzymes- Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions.Producing them has limitations such as sensitivity to damage, complex production processes, high costs, and difficulty in recycling.

How NanoPtA is better?
Enzyme Mimetic: Mimics natural enzymes with high Stability: Lasts up to 75 days at room temperature.
Platinum-Containing Nanozyme: Can be converted into powder form-Highly effective on certain substrates-Withstands pH and temperature changes.
Efficiency: Degraded pollutants within 10 minutes when exposed to sunlight.

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2023-09-28 12:54:22 #Environment

Satkosia tiger Reserve

Context : Odisha disputes AITE 2022's accuracy, citing low sampling intensity in the state compared to Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Note : Pug Marks-Pug marks are tiger footprints in mud. Experts measure them to guess how many tigers there are. It's an old way but not always accurate as soil can be washed away etc.Camera Traps- In this Cameras in the forest take pictures of tigers when they move by. The pictures help experts count and identify tigers more accurately.

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2023-09-26 09:29:25 #Geography #Placesinnews

Gurez Valley

Context : The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war.

Short notes :

High-altitude road: Gurez Valley to Mushkoh Valley
Significance: 1999 Kargil War site
Length: 130 km
Highest Pass: Kaobal Gali (4,166.9 meters)

Surez Valley
Location: Near Line of Control (LoC)
Inhabitants: Ethnic Dards/Shins, Shina language
Unique: Buduaab village, Zumba yak
Role: Kargil War
Features: Log houses, diverse fauna (brown bear, snow leopard)
Tourism: 50,000 tourists, 38,000 inhabitants
Mushkoh Valley
Location: Dras, Ladakh
Notoriety: Tiger Hill battle, India-Pakistan conflict
Unique: "Valley of wild tulips," Himalayan yew

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2023-09-25 07:46:47 #IR

Outcomes of G20 summit

1.Inclusion of the African Union: For the first time, the African Union was included in the G-20 discussions.

2.Biofuel Alliance: India proposed a clean energy initiative through a biofuel alliance.

3.Asia-Africa Aid: A substantial increase in aid for Asia and Africa was announced.

4.Delhi Declaration: A joint statement that managed to gain consensus despite the absence of key players like China and Russia.

5. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: An ambitious rail-ship route connecting India, West Asia, and Europe, challenging China's Belt and Road Initiative.

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2023-09-12 11:14:28 #Geography

Shallow earthquakes

Context : Morocco Earthquake

Why are Shallow Earthquakes Dangerous?

They happen closer to the Earth's surface. Imagine someone hitting a drum very close to the top surface; the sound and impact will be much louder and stronger-Similarly, when an earthquake is shallow, it shakes the ground much more violently because it is closer to the surface, making it more dangerous as it can cause more damage to buildings and can be more harmful to people.

On the other hand, deep earthquakes occur far below the surface. So, deep earthquakes, being farther from the surface, have less force by the time they reach the top, causing less shaking and, therefore, less damage compared to shallow earthquakes.

Earthquake in Morocco occurred due to the northward convergence of the African plate with respect to the Eurasian plate along a complex plate boundary.

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2023-09-08 07:55:29 #GS1-#Art_and_Culture
GS1- Art and culture
GS1- History

World’s Tallest Nataraja Statue

Where?- at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan- to greet G20 leaders-crafted by sculptors from Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu.

Inspiration-inspiration from Nataraja idols found in Chidambaram, Konerirajapuram, and the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, all originally constructed during the Chola dynasty’s zenith in the 9th-11th centuries AD.

In his Nataraja form, Lord Shiva represents both the creator and the destroyer, dancing within a circle of flames. This depiction showcases him as a force of destruction, representing death and time, while also being a guardian offering protection and removing fear.


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2023-09-02 07:03:38 #Environment

“FUNGA” Campaign

What?- The UN Biodiversity suggests acknowledging fungi in conversations by using "funga" alongside "flora and fauna" or "animal, plants, and fungi." Language has an impact on conservation efforts as it shapes perceptions and policies.

What roles do they have?- Fungi have key ecological roles such as decomposition, forest regeneration, mammalian digestion, carbon sequestration, and maintaining the nutrient cycle.

Note : This is why there is a rise in interest on mushrooms- a type of fungus- UPSC is picking this trend- Click here to read more

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2023-08-31 05:33:02 #Geography #Environment

Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Where?- Assam-home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon-There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).

These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.

The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers. Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range. It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.

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2023-08-28 06:56:47 #SnT

What is Echolocation?

Possible question- a list of animals using echolocation- and no. of pairs that are correct ( One pair, two pair... etc)


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