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by Vajiram & Ravi
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.
About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):
- Under the Sagarmala programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is developing the NMHC, a world-class facility at Lothal, Gujarat.
- NMHC is set to become an international tourist destination, showcasing India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times through an edutainment approach utilizing the latest technology.
- The project will be completed in phases:
- Phase 1A will have NMHC museum with 6 galleries, which also includes an Indian Navy & Coast Guard gallery envisaged to be one of the largest in the country with external naval artifacts, replica model of Lothal township surrounded by an open aquatic gallery, and a jetty walkway.
- Phase 1B will have NMHC museum with 8 more galleries, Light house museum which is planned to be the world’s tallest, Bagicha complex (with a car parking facility for about 1500 cars, a food hall, a medical centre, etc.).
- Phase 2 will have Coastal States Pavilions (to be developed by respective coastal states and union territories), Hospitality Zone (with maritime theme eco resorts and museuotels), Recreation of real time Lothal City, Maritime Institute and hostel and 4 theme-based parks (Maritime & Naval Theme Park, Climate Change Theme Park, Monuments Park, and Adventure & Amusement Park).
- Phases 1A and 1B of the project are to be developed in EPC mode, and Phase 2 of the project will be developed through land subleasing/ PPP to establish NMHC as a world-class heritage museum.
- A separate society will be set up for the development of future phases, to be governed by a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- This society will manage the implementation and operation of the NMHC.
Q1: What is the Sagarmala programme?
The Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, represents a visionary approach by the Government of India to transform the country's maritime sector. With India's extensive coastline, navigable waterways, and strategic maritime trade routes, Sagarmala aims to unlock the untapped potential of these resources for port-led development and coastal community upliftment. Approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2015, Sagarmala seeks to enhance the performance of the logistics sector by reducing logistics costs for both domestic and international trade.
Source: Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat
1
min read
Prelims: World Geography
Overview:
A recent study found that cacao farming in the Congo Basin, the world’s largest carbon sink, is linked with up to seven times more deforestation than other agricultural activities.
About Congo River:
- The Congo River, or Zaire River, is a river in west-central Africa.
- With a length of 2,900 miles (4,700 km), it is the continent’s second longest river, after the Nile.
- It is also the world's second-largest river by discharge volume after the Amazon River.
- It is also the world's deepest river, with a maximum depth of 720 feet (220m), too deep for light to penetrate.
- Course:
- Origin: It rises in the highlands of northeastern Zambia between Lakes Tanganyika and Nyasa (Malawi) as the Chambeshi River at an elevation of 5,760 feet (1,760 metres) above sea level.
- Its course then takes the form of a giant counterclockwise arc, flowing to the northwest, west, and southwest before draining into the Atlantic Ocean at Banana (Banane) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The Congo River zigzags across the equator twice as it flows.
- It also empties water and sediment into one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, the Congo Plume in the Atlantic.
- The Congo River system runs through the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, western Zambia, northern Angola, and parts of Cameroon and Tanzania.
- Its drainage basin covers an area of 1,335,000 square miles (3,457,000 square km). It's the world's second-largest river basin, after the Amazon River Basin.
- The basin is bordered by the Sahara Desert to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, and the East African lakes region to the east.
- Major Tributaries: Lomami, Kasai, Lulonga, Ubangi, Aruwimi, Itimbiri, and Mongala rivers.
- The mix of equatorial climate and massive water source provided by the river provides the perfect ingredients for the second-largest tropical rainforestin the world, the Congo Basin rainforest.
- The Congo is easily navigable for most of its length, and much of the trade of Central Africa passes along it.
Q1: What is a tropical rainforest?
Tropical rainforests are luxuriant forests found in wet tropical uplands and lowlands around the Equator. Tropical rainforests, which worldwide make up one of Earth’s largest biomes (major life zones), are dominated by broad-leaved trees that form a dense upper canopy (layer of foliage) and contain a diverse array of vegetation and other life.
Source: The world’s chocolate cravings speed up deforestation in the Congo Basin: Study
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
A group of researchers recently discovered a new species of damselfly, Agasthyamalai Bambootail, from Manjadininnavila in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
About Agasthyamalai Bambootail:
- It is a new species ofdamselfly.
- It is a rare species belonging to thegroup of bambootails, so named because of theirlong cylindrical abdomen resembling a bamboo stalk.
- It was discovered from theAgasthyamalai landscape of Western Ghats.
- The onlyother species in this genusis theMalabar Bambootail(Melanoneura bilineata) that is found in the Coorg-Wayanad landscape of theWestern Ghats.
- The members of this genus can be separated from other bambootails by the absence of the anal bridge vein in their wings.
- This genus of damselflies haslong black bodieswithbrilliant blue markings.
- The new species differs from the Malabar Bambootail in the structure of prothorax, anal appendages, and secondary genitalia.
Key Facts about Damselflies:
- Damselfly is any of a group ofpredatory, aerial insectsthat are in the order Odonata.
- Damselflies are found mainly nearshallow, freshwater habitatsand are graceful fliers withslender bodiesandlong, filmy, net-veined wings.
- They aregenerally smaller, moredelicate, andfly weakly in comparison withdragonflies.
- Thelarge eyesof damselflies differ from those of dragonflies in that they are alwayswidely separated, rather than close together or touching each other.
- Theircolours can be stunningly vivid.
- Wingspans among the 2,600 damselfly species range from 18 mm (0.71 inch) to about 19 cm (7.5 inches) in Megaloprepus caerulatus, a giant damselfly of tropical Central and South America.
- Immature damselflies, calledlarvae(or sometimes nymphs or naiads),are, with very few exceptions,aquatic predators in freshwater habitats.
Q1: What are Dragonflies?
Dragonfly is any of a group of roughly 3,000 species of aerial predatory insects most commonly found near freshwater habitats throughout most of the world. Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are sometimes also called dragonflies in that both are odonates (order Odonata).Dragonfly species (Anisoptera) are characterized by long bodies with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings that, while generally transparent, may have coloured markings. Unlike damselflies, the front and rear wing pairs are shaped differently.
Source:New species of damselfly discovered at Manjadininnavila in Kerala
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
Recently, the Gujarat government has announced the establishment of a Caracal (Henotaro) Breeding and Conservation Center in the Chadva Rakhal region of Kutch, with a budget allocation of ₹10 crore.
About Caracal:
- It is an elusive, primarily nocturnal animal which has traditionally been valued for its litheness and extraordinary ability to catch birds in flight.
- In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
- They typically use abandoned porcupine burrows and rock crevices for maternal dens, but can be found with their young in dense vegetation.
- They live in small herds and their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.
- Habitat: They live in woodlands, savannahs and in scrub forests.
- Distribution:
- The most suitable habitat for caracals in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh is located in Kutch, the Malwa Plateau, the Aravalli hill range and the Bundelkhand region,
- It is found in several dozen countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.
- Threats: Large-scale hunting, illegal trading and loss of natural habitats are considered significant threats to the species.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Least concern
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Q1: What is Aravalli Range?
Aravalli Range is a mountain range located in northwestern India. It is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world. It runs approximately 670 km (430 mi) in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat.
Source: Gujarat govt to set up caracal breeding and conservation centre in Kutch
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
The Universal Postal Union will evaluate UPI for integrating the unified payment interface with cross-border remittances using the global postal network, an official release said recently.
About Universal Postal Union:
- It is a United Nations specialized agency and the postal sector's primary forum for international cooperation.
- It was established by the Treaty of Bern of 1874. It is the second oldest international organization worldwide.
- Functions:
- It coordinates postal policies among member nations in addition to the worldwide postal system.
- It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail, parcel and financial services volumes and improve the quality of service for customers.
- It fulfills an advisory, mediating and liaison role and provides technical assistance where needed.
- Member countries:
- Any member country of the United Nations may become a member of the UPU.
- Any non-member country of the United Nations may become a UPU member, provided that its request is approved by at least two-thirds of the member countries of the UPU.
- The UPU now has 192 member countries.
- Structure: It consists of four bodies,
- The Congress: It is the supreme authority of the UPU and meets every four years.
- The Council of Administration: It ensures the continuity of the UPU's work between Congresses, supervises its activities and studies regulatory, administrative, legislative and legal issues.
- The Postal Operations Council: It is the technical and operational mind of the UPU and consists of 48 member countries elected during Congress.
- The International Bureau: Fulfilling a secretariat function, the International Bureau provides logistical and technical support to the UPU's bodies.
- Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland
Q1: What is philately?
Philately is the study of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, postmarks, postcards, and other materials relating to postal delivery.
Source: Release of Commemorative Stamps Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
Recently, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd delivered INS Nirdeshak to the Indian Navy.
About INS Nirdeshak:
- It is the second in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large) being built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
- Features
- It displaces about 3400 tons and overall length is 110 meters. It can achieve speeds in excess of 18 knots.
- It is propelled by two marine diesel engines combined with fixed-pitch propellers.
- It was built using ‘Integrated Construction’ technology. This was in compliance with applicable provisions and regulations of the Classification Society (IRS).
- It is fitted with state-of-the art hydrographic equipment such as data acquisition and processing system, autonomous underwater vehicle, remotely operated vehicle, DGPS long range positioning systems, digital side scan sonar, etc.
- It has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost.
- Significance: The delivery of Nirdeshak is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of a large number of stakeholders, MSMEs and the Indian industry in enhancing the maritime prowess of the nation in the Indian Ocean Region.
Q1: What is INS Sandhayak?
INS Sandhayak is the first in a series of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships being constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The primary purpose of the ship is to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Surveys for Port and Harbour approaches, as well as determining navigational channels and routes.
Source: GRSE delivers second of four survey vessels INS Nirdeshak to Indian Navy
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
The Union Cabinet extended the universal supply of fortified rice in all central government schemes providing free food grain under the National Food Security Act, 2021, in its present form, until December 2028.
About Rice Fortification:
- Fortification is the process of adding Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), containing FSSAI prescribed micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) to normal Rice in the ratio of 1:100 (Mixing 1 Kg of FRK with 100 Kg custom milled rice).
- Fortified rice is nearly identical to traditional rice in aroma, taste, and texture. This process is done in the rice mills at the time of milling of rice.
- It is a cost effective, culturally appropriate strategy to address micronutrient deficiency in countries with high per capita rice consumption.
- Rice Fortification is a 2 step process – (1) Production of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) (2) Blending of rice with FRK
- Processes used for rice is fortification
- Various technologies, such as coating, dusting, and ‘extrusion’, are available to add micronutrients to regular rice.
- Adding micronutrient technology involves the production of fortified rice kernels (FRKs) from a mixture using an ‘extruder’ machine. It is considered to be the best technology for India.
- Dry rice flour is mixed with a premix of micronutrients, and water is added to this mixture, which is then passed through a twin-screw extruder with heating zones.
- Kernels similar in shape and size to rice are produced, which must “resemble the normal milled rice as closely as possible”.
- The kernels are dried, cooled, and packaged. FRK has a shelf life of at least 12 months.
- The kernels are blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice. Under the Ministry’s guidelines, 10 g of FRK must be blended with 1 kg of regular rice.
- According to FSSAI norms, 1 kg of fortified rice will contain the following: iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram), and vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram).
Q1: What is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)?
It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
Source: What is fortified rice? Why did Centre extend initiative for its distribution in schemes
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) homes bring smiles to women of the Tharu tribe in Kheri district near the Indo-Nepal border.
About Tharu Tribe:
- The Tharu tribe is one of the indigenous groups living in the Terai plain on the Indo-Nepal border.
- They live in both India and Nepal.
- In the Indian terai, they live mostly in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
- In 1967, this tribe was documented as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India.
- Language: They have their own language called Tharu or Tharuhati, a language of the Indo-Aryan subgroup of the Indo-Iranian group of the Indo-European family.
- Economy: Most Tharu practice agriculture, raise cattle, hunt, fish, and collect forest products.
- Most of their food involves rice, lentils, and vegetables.
- They build their homes from bamboo and mud.
- Society:
- Despite their patrilineal social system, women have property rights greatly exceeding those recognized in Hindu society.
- Tharu marriages are patrilocal within the tribe.
- A common feature of the Tharu community is the joint family system of living in long houses.
- Tharus live in compact villages, usually in the middle of a forest clearing. Each village is governed by a counciland a headman.
Q1: What is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)?
PMAY is a credit-linked subsidy scheme initiated to provide affordable housing to low and moderate-income residents across the country. The scheme has two components: PMAY-U for the urban poor and PMAY-G and PMAY-R for the rural poor.
Source: From despair to hope: PMAY homes bring smiles to women of Tharu tribe in Kheri
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
The Russian Defence Ministry recently claimed a group strike using Kinzhal missiles on Ukraine.
About Kinzhal Missile:
- The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (Dagger) is a Russian nuclear capable, hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile system that entered service in December 2017.
- It was one of six “next generation” weapons unveiled by Russian President Putin during a speech in March 2018.
- Features:
- It can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr).
- The high speed of the Kinzhal gives it better target penetration than lighter, slower cruise missiles.
- It has a reported range of 1,500-2,000 km while carrying a nuclear or conventional payload of 480 kg.
- It is designed to be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets at altitudes of about 18 km (59,000 ft).
- It has been deployed on various aircraft, including the MiG-31K, Tu-160M, Tu-22M3M, and reportedly the Su-34.
- This missile maneuvers during all stages of its flight to overcome hostile air defense systems.
- It can reportedly hit both static targets and mobile ones such as aircraft carriers.
Q1: What are ballistic missiles?
Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.
Source: Russia Unleashes Thermobaric Weapon, Kinzhal Missile; Ukraine Loses 200 Troops, 300 Drones | Putin
26-08-2023
12:02 PM
1
min read
Overview:
Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa to participate in the eighth edition of exercise IBSAMAR.
About IBSAMAR VIII:
- It is a joint multinational maritime exercise among Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navy.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen cohesion between the three navies. The broad concept is based on Blue Water Naval Warfare, encompassing the dimensions of Surface and Anti-Air Warfare.
- The harbour phase of IBSAMAR VIII will include professional exchanges, Damage Control & Firefighting drills, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure drills, cross-boarding, aviation safety lectures, joint diving operations, an Ocean Governance seminar, sports interactions, cross-decks visits, and interaction among Special Forces and Junior Officers.
- Significance: Multi-lateral interactions are crucial bridges of friendship that increase mutual trust and enhance interoperability among navies of like-minded littoral nations towards the common goal of a peaceful maritime domain and positive maritime environment.
INS Talwar
- It was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is a part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
- The visit of INS Talwar aims to further strengthen the ties and reaffirm India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth.
Q1: What is the Blue Water Navy?
A Blue Water Navy is one that has the capacity to project itself over a much bigger maritime area than its maritime borders.
Source: INS TALWAR ARRIVES SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN IBSAMAR VIII
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