500 Most Probable Topics- List 7

1. Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership – DEEP

• CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad joins Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP).
• DEEP aims to study genetics of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in diverse populations.
• Five-year international project to assess genomic/environmental diversity’s impact on disease risk.
• Focus on DNA methylation patterns and their contribution to disease risk in varied contexts.
• Development of software, infrastructure, and statistical analyses for new resources.
• Research could identify universal and region-specific disease mechanisms.
• Aims to inform the global effectiveness of medicines and reduce health disparities.

2. DNA Methylation

• DNA methylation: chemical groups attach to DNA, influencing gene activity.
• An epigenetic modification, it helps the body respond to environmental signals.
• Understanding DNA methylation’s role is crucial for grasping health, disease pathways, and environmental interactions.

Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviours and  environment can cause changes that affect  the way your  genes work.

3. National Quantum Mission

• National Quantum Mission (NQM) by DST, India, aims to boost QT R&D (2023-2031).
• Targets: Developing 50-100 qubit quantum computers in 5 years, 50-1000 in 8 years.
• Will enhance magnetometers, atomic clocks, and develop quantum materials.
• Supports satellite-based secure quantum communications within India and internationally, inter-city quantum key distribution, and a multi-node quantum network.
• Plans to establish four Thematic Hubs on quantum computation, communication, sensing, metrology, materials, and devices.
• Aims for QT-led economic growth, indigenously built quantum computers, and advancement in healthcare, defence, energy, and data security.
• Quantum technology uses quantum mechanics principles for advanced computing, security, communication, AI, sensing, and measurement.
• Advantages: Increased computing power, improved security, faster communication, enhanced AI, better sensing.
• Disadvantages: High cost, limited current applications, environmental sensitivity, control challenges, and potential for unintended AI consequences.

4. Bletchley Declaration :

• Context: Agreement reached at Bletchley Park, United Kingdom by India, 27 other nations, and the European Union.
• Significance: Marks a historic agreement emphasizing the potential and risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Key Points:
  • Bletchley Park Declaration: First global pact addressing frontier AI risks.
  • Reflects high-level political consensus among major AI players globally.
  • Acknowledges AI’s potential to enhance human well-being and the risks, especially in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation.
  • Calls for international cooperation to address AI-related risks, highlighting their global nature.
  • Announces the establishment of a regular AI Safety Summit for dialogue and collaboration on frontier AI safety.

5. Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence- GPAI

• India hosts Annual GPAI Summit (Dec 12-14, 2023).
• GPAI: Multi-stakeholder initiative for bridging AI theory and practice, launched in June 2020.
• Open membership, including emerging and developing countries, with 28 current members plus the EU.
• India is a founding member; Secretariat based at OECD, Paris.
• Structure includes a Council, Steering Committee, and two Centres of Expertise in Montreal and Paris.
• Focus areas: Responsible AI, Data Governance, Future of Work, Innovation, and Commercialization.

6. Wi-Fi 7 and Qualcomm’s Recommendation to India:

• Context:
  • Qualcomm, a US-based company, advised India to adopt Wi-Fi 7 technology.
• What is Wi-Fi 7?
  • Latest Wi-Fi standard, based on IEEE 802.11be for exceptionally high throughput (EHT).
  • Developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the largest technical professional association globally.
• Key Features of Wi-Fi 7:
  • Backward Compatibility: Supports devices across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands without extra hardware.
  • Reduced Latency: Enhances speed for cloud-based activities like gaming and file transfers.
  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Boosts network performance by using multiple channels across various frequencies.
• Performance:
  • Potential speed and capacity up to 330 gigabits per second per access point, four times the peak speed of Wi-Fi 6.

7. Gravitational Waves and India’s GMRT Contribution:

• In the News:
  • An international team of astronomers, including contributions from India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), has confirmed the presence of gravitational waves using pulsar observations.
• Key Findings:
  • First direct evidence of space-time vibrations caused by ultra-low frequency gravitational waves.
  • New limits set on the strength and frequency of these waves, aligning with theoretical predictions.
  • Discovery of nanohertz gravitational waves appears imminent, promising new insights into galaxy evolution, cosmology, and fundamental physics.
• GMRT’s Role in Detecting Gravitational Waves:
  • Utilizes pulsars (rapidly rotating neutron stars) as celestial clocks to detect gravitational waves.
  • Observes variations in pulsar pulse arrival times caused by gravitational waves, through Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTAs).
  • GMRT’s unique low-frequency data and high sensitivity are crucial for PTA experiments.
• About GMRT:
  • Comprises 30 steerable 45-meter diameter parabolic radio telescopes near Pune, India.
  • Operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
  • Known for being one of the largest and most sensitive low-frequency radio telescope arrays globally.
  • Recently upgraded (uGMRT) for enhanced sensitivity and bandwidth.
• Gravitational Waves Overview:
  • Ripples in space-time resulting from the Universe’s violent events, predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916.
  • Produced by phenomena like colliding black holes/neutron stars, supernovae, and possibly the Big Bang’s remnants.
  • Detection is challenging due to weak interaction with matter; first observed in 2015 by LIGO detectors.
  • Instruments like LIGO’s interferometers are designed to detect these waves by measuring minuscule space-time disturbances.

8. Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves Discovery at Maitri Station:

• In the News: Discovery of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves at India’s Antarctic station, Maitri.
• Significance of EMIC Waves:
  • Play a crucial role in the precipitation of killer electrons, which are high-speed electrons forming Earth’s radiation belt.
  • Pose risks to space technology and instruments due to their high energy.
• Implications for Space Technology:
  • Understanding EMIC waves aids in assessing their impact on low orbiting satellites within Earth’s radiation belts.
• About EMIC Waves:
  • Discrete electromagnetic emissions observed in Earth’s magnetosphere.
  • Originate in equatorial latitudes and travel along magnetic field lines to the high latitude ionosphere.
  • Detectable by both space and ground-based magnetometers.

9. Generic Drug:

• It is a medication that has exactly the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug and yields the same therapeutic effect.
• It is the same in dosing, safety, strength, quality, the way it works, the way it is taken, and the way it should be used.
• These similarities help to demonstrate bioequivalence, which means that a generic medicine works in the same way and provides the same clinical benefit as the brand-name medicine.
• They also have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
• Generic drugs do not need to contain the same inactive ingredients as the brand-name product.
• A generic drug can only be marketed after the brand name drug’s patent has expired.
• Generic drugs are usually much less expensive than brand-name drugs.

10. Rice Fortification

The process of deliberately increasing micronutrient content in food, regulated by the Food Safety Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018.

• Rice Fortification:
  • Involves adding micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) prescribed by FSSAI to regular rice (Custom Milled Rice) in a 1:100 ratio.
  • Key methods include coating, extrusion, and dusting, with extrusion being the predominant technology in India.
• Benefits of Fortified Rice:
  • Addresses malnutrition and anaemia effectively and affordably.
  • Helps prevent conditions like cretinism, goiter, thyrotoxicosis, and brain damage while improving fetal and neonatal health outcomes.
• Concerns with Iron Fortification:
  • Potentially harmful for individuals with iron overload conditions, such as those with thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.

11. FSSAI Stance on Protein Binders in Dairy Products:

• Context: FSSAI issued a clarification on the use of protein binders in milk and dairy products, stating their addition is not permitted.
• Why in News:
  • Some dairy product manufacturers have been incorporating protein binders to enhance the texture, particularly in products like curd.
• About Protein Binders:
  • Biological agents crucial for creating a variety of new food products, especially those with semi-solid or solid consistency.
  • Can alter the digestibility and nutritional value of milk proteins, affecting their biological and nutritive contributions.
  • Influence the bioavailability and distribution of active compounds in foods.

12. Artificial Sweeteners/ Aspartame

• WHO advises against artificial sweeteners for weight control or lifestyle disease prevention.
• Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie sugar substitutes, used in diet products.
• Common types: saccharin, aspartame, Ace-K, sucralose, neotame, advantame.
• Benefits include weight management, diabetes control, and tooth decay prevention.
• Potential negative effects: metabolic disorders, gut microbiota disruption, digestive discomfort.
• WHO report: Long-term use linked to weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and preterm birth.
• WHO suggests reducing free sugars intake through natural sources or unsweetened products.

13. Millets in India

News-The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC), an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of the United Nations with 188 member countries, has praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.

2023- International Year of Millets

• Millets are small-seeded grasses known for their drought resistance and ability to thrive in less fertile soils, making them a valuable crop in India’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Types and Cultivation in India:

• Pearl Millet (Bajra): Predominantly grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, serving as a staple food.
• Finger Millet (Ragi): Cultivated in dry areas of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
• Other Varieties: Foxtail, Proso, Kodo, Little, and Barnyard Millets are mainly grown in central and eastern regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Nutritional Profiles:

• Pearl Millet: High in protein, fiber, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Finger Millet: Rich source of calcium, iron, and amino acids, beneficial for bone health and diabetes.
• Foxtail Millet: Offers carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
• Barnyard Millet: Good protein source with high dietary fiber content.
• Kodo Millet: Contains antioxidants like polyphenols.
• Little Millet: High in magnesium, beneficial for heart health.
• Proso Millet: Notable for its protein content and gluten-free nature.
• Sorghum (Jowar): Provides protein, fiber, and B vitamins.

Significance:

• Nutritional Value: Millets offer a range of health benefits due to their rich content in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Climate Resilience: Their ability to adapt to harsh environments makes them an important crop for food security, especially in regions prone to climate change.
• Economic Impact: They support rural economies and are a source of livelihood for small-scale and marginal farmers, besides offering food and fodder.

14. Nuclear Medicine

• Nuclear Medicine: Uses radioactive substances for diagnosis and treatment.
• Radiopharmaceuticals introduced into the body emit gamma rays, detected for imaging.
• Helps diagnose conditions like cancer, heart disease, and bone disorders by revealing organ function and structure.
• Treatments target and destroy specific cells, like cancer cells.

15. BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (BESS)

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has successfully commissioned India’s largest Battery  Energy Storage System (BESS) in Chhattisgarh.

• BESS is an electrochemical storage system storing electricity via electrochemical reactions.
• Can function independently or integrate with power systems in generation, transmission, and distribution.

16. Small Modular Reactors

• SMRs: Advanced nuclear reactors with up to 300 MW(e) capacity, smaller than traditional reactors.
• Offer low-carbon electricity, are physically smaller, and components can be factory-assembled.
• Utilize nuclear fission, with enhanced safety features to minimize radioactive release risks.
• Designed for 40-60 year lifespan with over 90% capacity factors.

17. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station’s Fourth Unit Achieves Criticality:

• Recent Development:
  • The fourth unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat has achieved its first criticality, signifying the start of a controlled fission reaction.
• Understanding Criticality:
  • Criticality indicates a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction within the reactor, crucial for continuous power generation.
  • The process involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, resulting in heat production used to generate steam for electricity production.
• Significance of First Criticality:
  • Marks a key milestone towards commercial power generation.
  • Reflects technological advancements, incorporating safety features learned from incidents like Fukushima.
  • Supports India’s energy sustainability and climate goals, contributing to the target of 50% electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
• Kakrapar Reactor is PHWR

A pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) is a nuclear power reactor, commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel, that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and moderator.

18. Inauguration of Molybdenum-99 Production Facility:

• Location and Event:
  • A new Molybdenum-99 production facility was recently inaugurated at the Trombay Campus of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
• About Molybdenum-99:
  • Acts as the parent isotope for technetium-99m (Tc-99m), a widely used isotope in nuclear medicine.
  • Tc-99m is known for its gamma-emitting properties and short half-life, making it ideal for diagnostic imaging.
• Significance in Nuclear Medicine:
  • Tc-99m’s ability to be bonded with small molecule ligands and proteins enables its use in various medical imaging procedures.
  • The production of Tc-99m involves neutron irradiation of fissile Uranium-235, often sourced from highly enriched uranium, initiating the transformation to Molybdenum-99 and subsequently to Tc-99m.

19. Advancements in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells Catalysts:

• Research Breakthrough:
  • A trimetallic catalyst comprising Platinum (Pt), Manganese (Mn), and Cobalt (Co) has shown superior catalytic activity and CO tolerance in methanol oxidation reactions (MOR), crucial for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
• Catalyst Composition:
  • The PtMnCo alloy, with Mn as a dopant, outperforms existing commercial catalysts due to Mn’s multiple oxidation states and affordability.
• Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs):
  • DMFCs are favored for small vehicle power sources and electronic device battery chargers due to their high energy density, efficiency, and safety with liquid methanol fuel.
  • The performance of DMFCs hinges on the MOR at the anode and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode.

20. TAPAS UAV

• Tapas UAV, also known as Tapas-BH 201, is a MALE drone being developed by DRDO’s ADE.
• Capable of flying up to 28,000 feet with over 18-hour endurance.
• Features a 20.6-meter wingspan, 225 kmph max speed, and can carry up to 350 kg payloads.
• Can be remotely controlled or autonomously execute pre-programmed flights.
• Serves ISTAR needs for tri-services, operates in day/night, and can be armed if required.

21. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala

• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala: Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on Sept. 19, 2023.
• Located in Karnataka, India, consisting of three temples: Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura from the 12th-13th centuries.
• Belur: Features the Chennakeshava temple, amidst remnants of a mud fort and moat.
• Halebid: Houses the Hoysaleswara Temple by the Dwarasamudra tank, with surrounding archaeological sites.
• Somnathapura: Contains the Keshava Temple at the village’s center.
• Temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu, with some Jain influences.
• Architectural styles blend Dravidian, Bhumija (Central India), Nagara (northern/western India), and Karntata-Dravida (Kalyani Chalukyas) influences.

22. Hoysalas

• Hoysalas: Feudatories of Chalukyas of Kalyana with Dwarasamudra (Halebeedu) as their capital.
• Sala: Founder, succeeded by Vinayaditya and Ballala I.
• Vishnuvardhana (Bittideva): Most notable ruler, defeated Cholas at Talakadu (title Talakadugonda), built Kirtinarayana and Chennakesavar temples.
• Religion: Patronized Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism. Vishnuvardhana converted to Srivaishnavism under Sri Ramanujacharya‘s influence.
• Literature: Flourished in Kannada and Sanskrit. Notable works by Harihara, Raghavanka, Nemichandra, and Janna.
• Art and Architecture: Developed Hoysala style combining Vesara and Dravida with features like star-shaped platforms, jagati, polished pillars, elaborate carvings, madanika figures, and pyramidical vimanas. Bhumija style noted for miniature shikaras on temple exteriors.

23. Santiniketan

• Santiniketan: Added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on Sept. 18, 2023.
• Located in West Bengal, founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1901.
• Initially a residential school and art centre inspired by ancient Indian traditions.
• Evolved into a ‘world university’, Visva Bharati, in 1921, with the Prime Minister as chancellor.
• Represents pan-Asian modernity, distinct from British colonial and European modernist styles, integrating ancient, medieval, and folk traditions.

24. Konark Sun Temple

• Konark Sun Temple: Known as Black Pagoda, Arka Kshetra, and Padma Kshetra.
• Constructed in the 13th century during Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I‘s reign.
• Celebrates the celestial movements of the Sun.
• Built using Chlorite, Laterite, and Khondalite rocks.
• Rabindranath Tagore praised it for the expression in stone surpassing human language.

25. Bronze Dancing Girl

• Dancing Girl Figurine: Iconic artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), discovered in 1926 by Ernest Mackay in Mohenjodaro.
• Made of bronze using the lost wax technique.
• Reflects Harappan society’s artistic sophistication and high art presence.
• Craftsmanship and aesthetic indicate cultural significance rather than utilitarian use.

26. Channapatna Toys

• Originates from Channapatna (Town of Toys) in Ramanagara District, Karnataka.
• Received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005 for protection.
• Primarily uses ivory wood, with occasional use of rosewood and sandalwood.
• Coloring achieved through vegetable dyes; high abrasive grass used for glazing.
• Tipu Sultan promoted the style by inviting Persian artisans to train local craftsmen.

27. Sengol

• Sengol in New Parliament: PM placed the Sengol sceptre, a gift from Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, in the new Parliament building.
• Historical Context: Received by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, symbolizing power transfer.
• Derived from “semmai” meaning “righteousness”, the sceptre features a hand-engraved Nandi representing “justice”.
• In Chola Empire, symbolized duty, service, and nation; its tradition dates back to the Sangam Age, referenced in ancient Tamil texts.

28. UNESCO Creative Cities Network

• UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Established in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities valuing creativity for sustainable urban development.
• Membership: Nearly 300 cities globally.
• Objective: To centralize creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and promote international cooperation.
• Fields: Cities are designated in seven creative fields – craft and folk art, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature, and music.

New Additions-

Kozhikode (City of Literature), Gwalior (City of Music)

Other Indian cities on UCCN: Mumbai (Film), Chennai (Music), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Varanasi (Music), Jaipur (Crafts and Folk art) and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk art).

29. Tankai Method

• MOU between Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy to revive the ancient stitched shipbuilding method.
• Indian Navy to oversee the project.
• Technique: Boats built by sewing planks together with cord/wire instead of nails/screws.
• History: A 2000-year-old traditional shipbuilding technique.
• Cultural Significance: Holds importance in India for historical relevance and traditional craftsmanship preservation.
• Advantages: Offers flexibility and durability, reducing damage from shoals and sandbars.
• The idea of ship design was taken from an Ajanta painting of a stitched ship.

30. Paintings In NEWS

• Mewar Miniature Painting: A Rajasthani style school developed in Mewar, known from Ragamala paintings by Nisardin in 1605. Shifted focus to courtly and secular themes in the 18th century. Nathdwara School is part of this tradition, marked by bright colors and emotional appeal.

• Rajasthani Painting: Distinguished from Mughal painting by bold color use, abstract human figures, and ornamental landscapes. Development influenced by Rajputana patronage and the revival of Vaishnavism along with the growth of bhakti cults.

• Basholi Painting: Miniature art style from Kathua district, Jammu, with a GI Tag—the first for Jammu. Considered the first school of Pahari paintings, these artworks are made on paper, cloth, or wood with natural pigments.

• Bagh Print: Training camp by MP Tourism Board and Dhar district for sustainable bags with Bagh Print, from Bagh village. Uses vegetable colors and has a GI tag.

• Panamalai Paintings: 1,300-year-old murals at Talagirishwara temple, Tamil Nadu, showing Lord Shiva Resemble Ajanta and Chithannavasal paintings. Built by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II.

• Cheriyal Scroll Painting: Unique to Telangana with GI status. A modified Nakashi art rich in local motifs, used in storytelling, predominantly red.

• Pichwai Painting: Exhibit in Chennai with pieces up to 350 years old. Originated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, depicting Lord Krishna’s life on cloth, with common subjects including Radha, gopis, and festivals like Sharad Purnima and Raas Leela.

31. Phanigiri Artefacts

• Phanigiri Artefacts: Date back to 200 BCE-400 CE, discovered in 1942 and rediscovered in 2003.
• Located in Phanigiri, Telangana, named for its resemblance to a snake hood.
• Key Findings: Indicate a significant change in Buddhism history, showing deification of Buddha, transition towards canonization and ritual.
• Features an image of Buddha in a Roman toga, highlighting cultural exchanges.
• Thoranas reveal influences of both Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhist schools.

32. Sundargarh Natural Arch

• The state unit of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has proposed to declare the ‘Natural Arch’ in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division, a Geo Heritage Site.
• If it is done, it will be the biggest natural arch of the country to have the Geo Heritage tag.
• Apart from the arch at Sundargarh, India has two others- one at Tirumala hills in Tirupati and another at Andaman and Nicobar. However, both of them are smaller compared to the one in Sundargarh.

33. Ahilyabai Holkar

• Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 – 1795): Maharashtra government to rename Ahmednagar district as Ahilyanagar.
• Was an 18th-century Malwa queen who took control in 1754 after her husband’s death.
• Maheshwar became a hub for literature, music, art, and the textile industry under her rule, known for Maheshwari saris.
• She was involved in the restoration of temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Badrinath, Dwarka, Omkareshwari.

34. Malati Mem

• Malati Mem (aka Mangri Orang): One of the first female martyrs of Assam in India’s freedom struggle.
• Key figure in the anti-opium campaign in Assam’s tea gardens.
• Killed in 1921 for leading a resistance against foreign liquor and opium during the colonial era.

35. Kui Language

• Kui Language: Odisha Cabinet proposes its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
• Part of the Dravidian Family of languages, primarily spoken by the Kondh/Kandha Tribe, Odisha’s largest tribe.
• Utilizes Odia Script; includes dialects like Khondi, Gumsai.

36. Project Udbhav

• A collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI), a defense think tank.
• Aims to rediscover Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thought (‘Udbhav’ means ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’).
• Seeks to merge ancient Indian wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
• Focuses on developing a holistic approach to contemporary military challenges using ancient military wisdom.

37. Indentured Labour/ Girimityas

• Indentured Labourers: Recruited by the British for plantation work across colonies after the 1834 abolition of the Slave trade in the British Empire, commonly known as Girimityas.
• Abolition of Indentured Labour:
  • 1916: Madan Mohan Malviya proposed the abolition in the Indian Legislative Council.
  • 1917: Official abolition by the British government.
  • 1914: In South Africa, the Smuts-Gandhi settlement, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, addressed indentured labor, including a waiver from the Poll tax.

38. Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Survey

Government has identified and documented distinctive features of more than one lakh villages under the ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar‘ (My Village My Heritage) program of the National Mission for Cultural Mapping (NMCM).

• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Survey: Aimed at documenting cultural identity at the village level to showcase rural India’s unique cultural heritage.
• Mechanism: Involves CSC Village Level Entrepreneurs engaging with locals to gather and upload interesting facts about their villages, including places of interest, traditions, notable personalities, festivals, art, and culture.
• Coordination: A collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and CSC under the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• Village Categorization: Based on ecological, developmental, and educational factors, as well as notable local products or textiles.

39. Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn fruit from Ladakh has been recently awarded a GI tag.

• Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides): Found across Europe and Asia, and above the tree line in the Himalayan region of India, notably in the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
• Occupies around 11,500 hectares in Ladakh.
• Produces sour orange/yellow berries rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
• Can endure temperatures from -43°C to 40°C and is drought-resistant, making it ideal for cold deserts.
• Berries uniquely remain intact on the shrub through winter, despite subzero temperatures.

40. ABHYAS: High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)

• Development: Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
• Purpose: Provides a realistic threat scenario for weapon system practice and is crucial for validating equipment for Armed Forces requiring aerial engagement.

Key Features

• Autonomous Flight: Equipped with an indigenously developed autopilot for autonomous operation.
• Enhanced Target Simulation: Features radar cross-section, visual, and infrared systems for effective weapon practice.
• Control and Analysis: Utilizes a laptop-based Ground Control System for integration, pre-flight checks, in-flight data recording, post-flight replays, and analysis.

41. India’s First Indigenous UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’

Acquisition by the Indian Navy

• Event: Indian Navy received the first indigenously made UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ from Adani Defence and Aerospace.

• Supply: Four medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones to be supplied, with two each for the Indian Navy and Indian Army over the coming months.

Drishti 10 Starliner Features

• Role: Advanced surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
• Endurance: Capable of 36 hours of continuous operation.
• Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 450 kg.
• Weather Compatibility: The only all-weather military platform with NATO STANAG 4671 certification, ensuring airworthiness of the UAV system.

42. Neerkashi

45. KYASANUR FOREST DISEASE- Recently reported in Karnataka

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to South Asia, particularly in India. Here are the key points about KFD:

• Cause: Caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the Flaviviridae family.
• Vector: Transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly those belonging to the Haemaphysalis genus. It can also spread through contact with an infected animal’s blood or tissues.
• Symptoms: Initial symptoms include high fever, headache, severe muscle pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bleeding problems. It can progress to neurological complications in severe cases.
• State Affected in India: Primarily found in Karnataka, particularly in the Shimoga district. It has also been reported in other states like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Prevention and Control: Involves vaccination, controlling tick populations, using tick repellents, and avoiding contact with potentially infected animals.
• Treatment: There’s no specific treatment for KFD; management focuses on symptomatic relief and supportive care.
• Vaccination: A vaccine is available and recommended for people living in high-risk areas.
• Kyasanur forest– is in Karntaka.

46. SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Sickle Cell Anemia is a significant health concern in India, particularly among tribal populations and certain ethnic groups in central and western India.

• Genetic Disorder: Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S, leading to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells.

• Prevalence: Higher in tribal and certain ethnic communities, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kerala and Karnataka.
• Symptoms: Patients often suffer from chronic pain, infections, acute anemic episodes, and complications such as stroke, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Treatment: While there is no cure, treatments include pain management, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea therapy. Bone marrow transplants have been successful in some cases but are not widely accessible due to high costs and lack of donors.

47. Scrub Typhus

• Cause: Bacterial infection by Orientia tsutsugamushi.
• Transmission: Through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites).
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, body aches, rash; onset typically within 10 days of being bitten.
• Vaccine: No vaccine available.
• Outbreak in Odisha: Recent death reported in Sundergarh district, with earlier fatalities in Bargarh district. A total of 132 cases identified in Sundergarh since January, most of which have been cured.

48. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict:

• Recent Development: Azerbaijan initiated a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to casualties, amid ongoing tensions with Armenia.
• Location: Nagorno-Karabakh, or Artsakh, is in the Caucasus, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but mainly inhabited by ethnic Armenians.
• Historical Context: Conflict traces back to the late 1980s, peaking with a war that ended in 1994, leaving the region under Armenian control but without international recognition.
• 2020 Conflict: Azerbaijan regained significant territories during the Second Karabakh War, altering the region’s control dynamics.
• Peace Efforts: A Russia-brokered peace deal in 2020 led to the deployment of Russian peacekeepers, yet stability remains elusive with continued violations of the ceasefire.

49. Operation Iron Swords:

• Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated strikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip under Operation ‘Iron Swords’.

50. Past Treaties and Accords between Israel and Palestine

• Oslo Accords (1993): Although Hamas was not a party to the Oslo Accords, this agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was a significant event that impacted the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas opposed the Oslo Accords because it did not believe in compromising with Israel.
• Camp David Summit (2000): The failure of the Camp David Summit to reach a final-status agreement further escalated tensions, with Hamas continuing its opposition to the peace process and carrying out attacks against Israeli targets.