26 Nov 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

1. CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child

In an official notification, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has invited online applications for the single girl child merit scholarship scheme.

About CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child:

It aims to provide scholarships to meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents and have passed the CBSE Class X examination with 60% or more marks and are continuing their further school education in Class XI and Class XII.
The scheme is aimed at recognizing the efforts of parents in promoting education among girls and to providing encouragement to meritorious students.
It provides financial aid every month to the selected students, so they can continue their higher education.

Eligibility Criteria:

The applicant should be the single girl child of her parents and be an Indian national.
To be eligible for the scholarship scheme, all single girl students must have 60 percent or more marks in the CBSE Class 10 Examination.
They should be studying Class 11 and 12 in CBSE-affiliated schools with tuition fees not exceeding Rs 1,500 per month.
NRI applicants of the Board are also eligible for the award. The tuition fee for the NRIs should be a maximum of Rs. 6,000/- per month.
Students with gross parental/family income up to Rs. 8 lakh per annum are eligible for scholarships under the scheme.

Scholarship amount:

Students who are selected for the scholarship will receive an amount of ₹500/- per month.
The amount is payable for a maximum period of two years. Payment will be made through ECS/NEFT.
Renewal options: Existing scholarship holders can renew their scholarship for Class XII if they secured 50% or more marks in their Class XI exams.

Source : CBSE Begins Application Process Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship Scheme, Check Details

2. Dongfeng-100 (DF-100)

China increased the range of its supersonic cruise missile DF-100, i.e., Dongfeng-100.

About Dongfeng-100 (DF-100):

Dongfeng-100, also known as Changjian-100 (CJ-100), is a Chinese supersonic cruise missile.
It was publicly introduced during China’s 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019.
It is designed for precision strikes and features capabilities aimed at engaging a wide variety of targets, including land-based infrastructure, reinforced installations, underground bunkers, and large warships.

Features:

The missile is a land-based system with a range reportedly between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometers.
10×10 transporter erector launchers are used to launch it. But it can also be launched from a bomber.
It has a length exceeding 9 meters, a projectile diameter ranging between 0.7 and 1 meter, and a payload capacity of over 500 kilograms.
The missile is powered by a ramjet engine and achieves speeds of Mach 5 during its terminal phase.
It boasts supersonic speeds throughout nearly all phases of its flight, enhancing the missile’s survivability and ability to penetrate air defenses.
This missile goes up to a height of 30 kilometers after launch, after which it turns towards the target.
Its guidance system includes inertial navigation, terrain matching, scene matching and satellite positioning, providing high accuracy.

Source : China enhances range of its killer missile, can now hit American and Japanese military bases in…, its name is…

3. Antlions

Researchers recently spotted a large-sized adult antlion, Palpares contrarius, that resembles a dragonfly for the first time in Tamil Nadu on the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus.

About Antlions:

Antlions are insects belonging to the order Neuroptera. They are classified in the family Myrmeliontidae.
They are named for the predatory nature of the larvae, which commonly trap ants and other small insects in pits dug into the ground.
Antlions are found throughout the world, primarily in dry, sandy regions.
It is very difficult to spot them during the day and can be spotted at night near illuminated spots.

Features:

Adult antlions resemble damselflies, but they have softer bodies, a lacy wing pattern, and long clubbed antennae.
The bodies of antlions are long and slender and grayish in color.
The wings are generally clear, but some species have spots on their wings.
Antlions are weak fliers and can be found at night near lights.
They come in various shapes and sizes, with larvae typically measuring from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the species.
Antlion larvae have rounded bodies with long sickle-shaped jaws. The larvae are found at the base of cone-shaped pits in sandy areas.
They usually remain in the larval stage for one to two years, depending on the species.
Once they pupate, they require up to one month to complete their development. Adult antlions survive for one to two months.
Antlions are harmless and cause no damage to flowers, people, or structures.
They are highly beneficial and feed on ants and other insects that fall into their traps.

What is Palpares contrarius?

It is a large-sized adult antlion.
Though it looks like a dragonfly, it has an antenna and a distinct fluttering flight, which separates it from them.

Source : Rare antlion species resembling dragonfly spotted

4. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

The Chikkamagaluru District health officials are on high alert to prevent Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in the district.

About Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD):

KFD, also referred to as Monkey Fever, is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease mostly found in southern India.
The disease was first reported from the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka in India in 1957; hence, it is known as Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD).
The causal agent, Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus), is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex.

Transmission:

It is transmitted by a range of tick species, with Haemophysalis spinigera being considered the principal vector.
A wide range of small rodents, monkeys and birds are thought to play a role in KFD virus transmission.
Transmission to humans may occur after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal, most importantly a sick or recently dead monkey.
No person-to-person transmission has been established yet.
The epidemic period usually begins in October or November and peaks from January to April, then declines by May and June.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of high-grade fever, prostration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and occasionally neurological and haemorrhagic manifestations. Between 5 and 10% of people who are known to be affected by KFD die.
Treatment: There is no cure for KFD. Supportive care is crucial, including fluid balance, providing oxygen, managing blood pressure, and treating additional infections.
Vaccine: A vaccine for KFD is available and recommended in the parts of India where KFD is found.

Source : C’magaluru on high alert to combat Kyasanur Forest Disease

5. Key Facts about Reang Tribe

The ethnic Reang community has demanded that Tripura declare a holiday on Hojagiri Day, which celebrates the traditional Hojagiri dance.

About Reang Tribe:

The Reang tribe, who locally call themselves “Bru”, is the second largest tribal community of Tripura after the old Tripuri clan.
They are the only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTGs) residing in the state of Tripura.
Apart from Tripura, they are also found in the neighbouring state of Mizoram and a few in Assam.
According to the 2011 census of India report, the total population of the Reang tribe is about 1,88,080.
Reangs are said to have come first from Shan State of upper Burma (now Myanmar) in different waves to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and then to the Southern part of Tripura.
Similarly, another group entered Tripura via Assam and Mizoram during the 18th Century.
Reangs belong to the Indo-Mongoloid racial stock.
Their language is known as “Kaubru,” which has a tonal effect on the Kuki language, though broadly it is the Kok-Borok dialect.
The language belongs to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family.
Ethnically, Reangs are divided into two major clans: Meska and Molsoi.
They are a well-knit ethnic group having a rigid, well-ordained and well-structured self-governing system.
Economy: They are primarily an agriculturist tribe. In the past, they mostly used to practise the ‘Huk' or Jhum cultivation, like most other Tripuri tribes. But now shifted to modern agriculture practice.
Religious Belief: At present, most of the Reangs in Tripura follow Hinduism, and most of their deities are akin to gods and goddesses of Hindu faith.
They have faith in different deities like Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, Lampra, etc.
Hojagiri folk dance of the Reang clan had achieved an unprecedented acclaim all over the world.

Source : Reang tribe seeks recognition for its language, Tripura govt says committed to saving all languages from extinction

6. Kanhirapoil Megalithic Site

A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light at Kanhirapoil in Madikkai panchayat in Kerala and experts believe these carvings date back to the Megalithic period.

About Kanhirapoil Megalithic Site:

It is located in the state of Kerala.
Major findings: 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure have been found carved into rock on private property.
The carvings, made with iron tools, include footprints varying in size from six to ten inches, suggesting representations of both children and adults.
At the end of the footprints, a human figure has been intricately etched, accompanied by four circular pits around it.
These carvings bear similarities to prehistoric rock art found in Avalakki Pera in Udupi district in Karnataka.

Key facts about Megaliths

These were constructed either as burial sites or commemorative((non-sepulchral) memorials.
The former are sites with actual burial remains, such as dolmenoid cists (box-shaped stone burial chambers), cairn circles (stone circles with defined peripheries) and capstones (distinctive mushroom-shaped burial chambers found mainly in Kerala).
Non-sepulchral megaliths include memorial sites such as menhirs.
In India, archaeologists trace the majority of the megaliths to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC).
In India, these are concentrated in the states of Maharashtra (mainly in Vidarbha), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Source : Prehistoric rock-cut footprints and human figure unearthed at Kanhirapoil in Kerala’s Kasaragod

7. Phytoplankton Bloom

The research found that drought in southern Africa’s drylands had caused the strongest phytoplankton bloom in about 27 years, south-east Madagascar.

About Phytoplankton Bloom:

Phytoplanktons are microscopic plants, but they play a huge role in the marine food web.
Like plants on land, phytoplankton perform photosynthesis to convert the sun’s rays into energy to support them.

Phytoplankton bloom

Phytoplankton population explosion-blooms occur when sunlight and nutrients are abundantly available to the plants.
When light, nutrients and other conditions, such as temperature, are at the best level for phytoplankton, they can rapidly multiply and flourish. This leads to the development of phytoplankton bloom.
They grow and reproduce to a point where they are so dense that their presence changes the color of the water in which they live.
Blooms can be quick events that begin and end within a few days or they may last several weeks.

Ecological significance

Phytoplankton is estimated to produce about 50 percent of Earth’s oxygen.
They have a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
They provide an essential food source for organisms like zooplanktons.
Just like terrestrial plants, they grow more in certain seasons.

Source : Madagascar’s huge ocean algae bloom was caused by dust from drought-stricken southern Africa

8. Narsapur lace Craft

The famous Narasapuram lace craft has bagged the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Narsapur lace Craft:

Narsapur is situated on the bank of Godavari River in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is believed that the women of the farming community of this region started creating highly attractive artefacts from colourful lace, about 150 years ago.
The craft has survived the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929). By the early 1900s, above 2,000 women were involved in the craft in the Godavari region.
The lace work is done using thin threads and these are again woven with thin crochet needles of varying sizes.
Narsapur's famed hand-made crochet industry produces doilies, pillow covers, cushion covers, bed spreads, table-runners and tablecloths etc.
Many of these products are exported to markets in the USA, UK and France.

What is a GI Tag?

Geographical Indications (GI tags) are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess distinctive qualities, reputation or characteristics attributable to that place of origin.
GI tags serve as intellectual property rights that identify a product's unique geographical source, providing legal protection and preventing unauthorised use.
In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 governs the registration and protection of GIs.
These tags play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the unique products and traditional knowledge of various regions.

Source : Narsapur lace eighth Indian product to secure GI tag

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed every year on 24 November to honour the sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur:

Guru Teg Bahadur’s name earlier was Teyag Mal and he was the ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion.
His father and the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib (1595-1644) changed the name to Teg Bahadur.
He got his name from his fighting and sword skills on the battlefield.
He was known as Hind ki Chadar, or the 'Shield of India.

Works

He built the city of Anandpur Sahib (in Rupnagar/Ropar district, on the edge of Shivalik Hills, near the Sutlej River, in Punjab). Here the last two Sikh Gurus lived and where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
Religious work: He contributed more than 100 poetic hymns to Granth Sahib which cover various topics, such as the nature of God, human attachments, body, mind, dignity, service etc.
Diplomat: He was instrumental in the conciliation between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal, thus avoiding a war.

Martyrdom:

He was first arrested by the Mughals on the orders of Aurangzeb in 1665.
He was publicly beheaded in 1675 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi.
His martyrdom is remembered as the Shaheedi Divas every year on 24 November, according to the Nanakshahi calendar released by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 2003.

Source : Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: All you need to know

10. Methanol Poisoning

Recently, six tourists tragically lost their lives in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning which has raised global alarm.

About Methanol Poisoning:

It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when methanol, a type of alcohol widely used in industrial applications, is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
Methanol’s toxic effects emerge after the body metabolises it into harmful compounds like formaldehyde and formic acid.
These byproducts can wreak havoc on the nervous system, optic nerves and other vital organs.

How does alcohol cause methanol poisoning?

It typically occurs when counterfeit or illicit alcohol, often containing methanol, is consumed instead of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages.
In the body, methanol is metabolised by the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde and then into formic acid, both of which are toxic.
Methanol poisoning can indeed be fatal if left untreated. The toxic byproducts lead to complications.
Metabolic Acidosis: A dangerous drop in blood pH levels.
Optic Nerve Damage: Potentially resulting in partial or complete blindness.
Central Nervous System Depression: Causing confusion, coma or death.

Prevention

Avoid Non-Drinkable Alcohol: Never consume industrial alcohol or alcoholic beverages from unverified sources, as they may contain methanol.
Regulated Alcohol Sales: Governments should ensure the production and sale of alcohol adhere to safety standards to eliminate harmful levels of methanol.
Public Awareness: Educate communities about the dangers of consuming illicit or counterfeit alcohol.
Methanol Screening: Regular testing of alcoholic products in unregulated markets can help identify and prevent contaminated beverages from reaching consumers.
Seek Prompt Medical Care: If methanol poisoning is suspected, immediate medical attention can be life-saving.

Source : What is methanol poisoning and how can drinking alcohol cause it?

26 Nov 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

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