Prelims Pointers for 2-June-2024

by Vajiram & Ravi

02-06-2024

10:38 AM

About Sarcophagus

02-06-2024

10:38 AM

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1 min read
About Sarcophagus Blog Image

Overview:

A sarcophagus fragment discovered beneath the floor of a religious center belongs to Ramesses II, one of the best-known ancient Egyptian pharaohs, according to a new study.

About Sarcophagus:

  • A sarcophagus is a highly decorated coffin or box-like container that holds a coffin.
  • They were intended to be displayed above ground, but they were sometimes entombed or placed in burial chambers.
  • Sarcophagi were used to hold and protect important people who died throughout history, dating as far back as ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. 
  • The word sarcophagus comes from the Greek "sarx" meaning "flesh," and "phagien" meaning "to eat," so that sarcophagus literally translates as "eater of flesh."
  • First used in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, the sarcophagus gradually became popular throughout the ancient world. 
  • It carried over through the later years of European society, often used for high status members of the clergy, government, or aristocracy.
  • Features:
    • They differ in detail from one culture to another. 
    • They are almost always made of stone, limestone being the most popular, but sometimes of granite, sandstone, or marble.
    • Sarcophagi were elaborately decorated with carvings, images, and writing, usually including the name of the person who died.
  • Archaeological Significance:
    • Sarcophagi are important artifacts for archaeologists and historians because they provide insights into the art, culture, and beliefs of the societies that created them.
    • The carvings and inscriptions on sarcophagi often contain valuable historical information.
  • Example: The most famous Egyptian sarcophagus is perhaps the golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun.

Q1: Who was King Tutankhamun?

Tutankhamun (flourished 14th century BCE) was a king of ancient Egypt (reigned c. 1333–24 BCE), known chiefly for his intact tomb, KV 62 (tomb 62), discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. During his reign, powerful advisers restored the traditional Egyptian religion and art, both of which had been set aside by his predecessor Akhenaten, who had led the “Amarna revolution.

Source: Ramesses II's sarcophagus finally identified thanks to overlooked hieroglyphics


What is Paraparatrechina neela? Blog Image

Overview:

Indian researchers recently discovered a new ant species named Paraparatrechina neela from Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley.

About Paraparatrechina neela:

  • It is a new ant species discovered from Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • This new species belongs to the rare genus Paraparatrechina and has been named Paraparatrechina neela.
    • The word “neela” signifies the colour blue in most Indian languages—a fitting tribute to the ant's unique colour.
  • This discovery signifies the first new species of Paraparatrechina in 121 years since the description of the sole previously known species, P. aseta (Forel, 1902), in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Features:
    • It is a small ant with a total length of less than 2 mm.
    • Its body is predominantly metallic blue, except for the antennae, mandibles, and legs.
    • The head is subtriangular with large eyes and has a triangular mouthpart (mandible) featuring five teeth.
    • This species has a distinct metallic blue colour that is different from any other species in its genus. 

Q1: What is antennae?

Antennae (singular antenna) are paired sensory organs on the heads of insects. Antennae are sensitive to touch, smell and, in some species, sound. Antennae are made up of several segments and different groups of insects have different forms of antennae.

Source: Researchers Discover New Blue Ant While On Expedition To Arunachal Pradesh’s Remote Siang Valley


The 60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) Blog Image

Overview:

As the world gears up for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP) to UNFCCC later this year, Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has called on developed countries to fulfill their financial obligations in the fight against climate change.

Why in News?

  • The 60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60), will take place in Bonn, Germany from June 3-13, 2024.

About60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60)

  • The mid-year climate conference, also known as the 60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) will bring together countries that are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • National delegates and civil society representatives will make up a significant part of the around 6,000 participants expected to attend the meetings.
  • The meeting will serve as a crucial midpoint between the 28th CoP in Dubai and CoP29 in Azerbaijan and its outcomes will set the stage for the next phase of global climate negotiations.
  • It will focus on critical issues such as-
    • Climate finance
    • Advancing progress on the next round of national climate action
    • plans (Nationally Determined Contributions- NDCs)
    • Timely submission of countries’
    • First Biennial Transparency Reports
    • Work on National Adaptation Plans
    • Accelerating climate action through a just transition
  • It will feature the inaugural Annual Global Stock take (GST) Dialogue, which aims to foster a sharing of effective strategies and lessons learned on how countries are incorporating the GST outcomes into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promoting collaborative learning and progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement's goals.

About Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

  • Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a public interest research organisation based in New Delhi.
  • It researches and communicates the urgency of development that is sustainable and equitable.
  • It works as a think tank on environment-development issues in India, poor planning, climate shifts devastating India's Sundarbans and advocates for policy changes and better implementation of the already existing policies.
  • The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has designated Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) as a "Centre of Excellence" (CoE) for sustainable water management.

Q1: What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

UNFCCC sets out the basic legal framework and principles for international climate change cooperation with the aim of stabilizing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to avoid “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”

Source: CSE urges rich countries to pay their dues ahead of crucial UN climate talks in Bonn


Key Facts about Pampa Lake Blog Image

Overview:

A team from the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage has uncovered rock shelter paintings estimated to be around 2,500 years old near Pampa Lake in the Hampi World Heritage Area.

About Pampa Lake:

  • Pamba Lake/Pampa Sarovar is situated in Koppal district near Hampi in Karnataka.
  • It is located to the south of the Tungabhadra River.
  • It is one of the five sacred lakes known as Panch-Sarovar in Hindu mythology, which are namely, Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, and Pushkar Sarovar.
    • In Hindu mythology, Pampa Sarovar is regarded as the place where Pampa, a form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, performed penance to show her devotion to Shiva.
    • It is also one of the Sarovars that finds a mention in the Hindu epic, Ramayana as the place where Shabhari, a devotee of Lord Rama, waited for the arrival of Rama.
  • The lake is surrounded by hills and temples and filled with lotuses.

Key Facts about Tungabhadra River:

  • It is a major river in the south Indian peninsula.
  • It is a major tributary of the Krishna River.
  • Origin:
    • It is formed by the union of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, hence the name. 
    • Both the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
    • The two rivers merge at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, giving birth to the Tungabhadra River. 
  • Course:
    • It flows in a more or less northwest direction before joining the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
    • The Krishna River finally ends in the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river has a total length of 531 km and a catchment area of 28,000 sq. km.
    • It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is influenced chiefly by the South-West monsoon.
  • Major Tributaries: Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River.
  • The river has several dams and reservoirs built on it, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, the Bhadra Dam, the Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.

Q1: Which are the main tributaries of Krishna River?

The principal tributaries joining Krishna are the Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra and the Musi.

Source: Ancient Rock Paintings Discovered Near Pampa Lake


INS Shivalik

02-06-2024

10:38 AM

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1 min read
INS Shivalik Blog Image

Overview:

Indian naval ship (INS) Shivalik on Saturday departed Singapore for Yokosuka in Japan, and is scheduled to participate in Japan-India maritime exercise (Jimex) and Rim of Pacific (Rimpac) military exercise.

About INS Shivalik:

  • It is the lead ship of her class of stealth multi-role frigates built for the Indian Navy.
  • It is the first stealth warship built by India.
  • It is built at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), located in Mumbai.
  • It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 29, 2010.
  • Features:
    • It has a length of 142.5 m (468 ft) overall, a beam of 16.9 m (55 ft), and a draft of 4.5 m (15 ft).
    • The ships displace about 4,900 tonnes (4,800 long tons; 5,400 short tons) at normal load and 6,200 tonnes (6,100 long tons; 6,800 short tons) at full load. 
    • Maximum Speed: 32 knots (59 km/h)
    • It features improved stealth and land-attacking features over the preceding Talwar-class frigates. 
    • It is also the first Indian Navy ship to use the CODOG propulsion system.
    • It is equipped with a mix of Russian, Indian, and Western weapon systems.
  • These include the 3.0-inch Otobreda naval gun, Klub and BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles, Shtil-1 anti-aircraft missiles, RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, and DTA-53-956 torpedo launchers. 

Q1: What is Dharma Guardian?

It is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan. Aim of the Exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.

Source: Navy warship Shivalik leaves Singapore for maritime exercises with Japan, US


What is Iris-T Missile? Blog Image

Overview:

According to a recent report, the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, lost an Iris-T missile, sparking serious concerns about the crucial technology being compromised.

About Iris-T Missile:

  • It is a next-generation short-range air-to-air missile.
  • The IRIS-T is a six-nation program under German lead, with Diehl BGT Defence (a German defense company) acting as industrial prime contractor.
    • The IRIS-T programme sees Germany, Greece, Norway, Italy, Spain, and Sweden unite to provide access to technology and expertise. Diehl Defence is the main contractor.
  • It is rated for short-range and medium-range air defense.
  • The IRIS-T SLM is designed to neutralize threats posed by a variety of enemy aerial systems, such as aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters operating at ranges of up to 40 km (25 miles).
  • IRIS-T is characterized by an extreme maneuverability for close-in air-to-air combat.
  • Equipped with an innovative infrared seeker, thrust-vector control, and a dogfight optimized motor, the Iris-T Missile can engage any target from point-blank up to maximum range.
  • IRIS-T can also successfully engage targets behind the launching aircraft and be used in lock-on before and after launch operations.

Q1: What are cruise missiles?

Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that are propelled by jet engines, much like an airplane. They can be launched from ground, air, or sea platforms. Cruise missiles remain within the atmosphere for the duration of their flight and can fly as low as a few meters off the ground. Flying low to the surface of the earth expends more fuel but makes a cruise missile very difficult to detect.

Source: Cutting-Edge IRIS-T Missile ‘Goes Missing;’ Germany Suspects ‘US Factor’ In Its Disappearance


Chang'e-6

02-06-2024

10:38 AM

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1 min read
Chang'e-6  Blog Image

Overview:

China's space agency said that China landed an uncrewed spacecraft on the far side of the moon on 2nd of June.

About Chang'e-6:

  • The Chang'e-6 craft successfully landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the back of the moon.
  • It is the first human sampling and return mission from the far side of the moon for the first time.
  • It was launched by a Chinese Long March-5 rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center on the southern island of Hainan before 53 days.
  • Chang'e-6 consists of an orbiter, a returner, a lander and an ascender.
  • The lander was equipped with multiple sensors, including microwave, laser and optical imaging sensors which can measure distance and speed, and identify obstacles on the lunar surface.
  • The probe is scheduled to complete sampling within two days. It has adopted two methods of moon sampling, which include:
    • Using a drill to collect subsurface samples
    • Grabbing samples on the surface with a robotic arm.
  • It has achieved a breakthrough in the design and control technology of the lunar retrograde orbit and aims to realize key technologies of intelligent and rapid sampling.
  • It marks the second time a mission has successfully reached the far side of the moon. China first completed that historic feat in 2019 with its Chang’e-4 probe.

Q1: What is retrograde motion?

Retrograde motion, in astronomy, actual or apparent motion of a body in a direction opposite to that of the (direct) motions of most members of the solar system or of other astronomical systems with a preferred direction of motion. As viewed from a position in space north of the solar system (from some great distance above the Earth’s North Pole), all the major planets revolve counterclockwise around the Sun, and all but Venus and Uranus rotate counterclockwise on their own axes; these two, therefore, have retrograde rotation.

Source: China makes historic landing on far side of the moon


What’s the two-state solution? Blog Image

Overview:

Recently, India said that it was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine and has long supported the two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.

About two-state solution:

  • The two-state solution has long been proposed as the best hope for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • It would see an independent Palestinian state established alongside the existing one of Israel - giving both peoples their own territory. 

What are Two-State Solutions' origins? 

  • In 1947, the United Nations agreed a plan partitioning Palestine into Arab and Jewish states with international rule over Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, which gave them 56% of the land.
  • The state of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948. A day later, five Arab states attacked. The war ended with Israel controlling 77% of the territory.
  • Some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes, ending up in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
  • In a 1967 war, Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan and Gaza from Egypt, securing control of all territory from the Mediterranean to the Jordan valley.
  • The Palestinians remain stateless, with most living under Israeli occupation or as refugees in neighbouring states.

Is there a way forward?

  • After Hamas attacked on Israel in Oct, 2023, Israel aims to annihilate Hamas and says it will not agree to any deal that leaves it in power. Prime minister of Israel has said Gaza must be demilitarised and under Israel’s full security control.
  • On another side, Hamas says it expects to survive and has said any arrangements for Gaza that exclude it are an illusion.

Q1: Which all countries border Israel?

Israel is a country in the Middle East, located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bounded to the north by Lebanon, to the northeast by Syria, to the east and southeast by Jordan, to the southwest by Egypt, and to the west by the Mediterranean Sea.

Source: Is a future Palestine state possible?


What is ‘high grade’ and ‘low grade’ coal? Blog Image

Overview:

A recent report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, furnished new documents to allege that in 2014, the Adani Group claimed ‘low grade’ coal, imported from Indonesia, to be ‘high-quality’ coal, inflated its value and sold it to Tamil Nadu’s power generation company, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company).

Gradation of coal:

  • Coal grade is an economic or technological classification of the relative quality of a coal for a particular use.
  • The classification of coal is determined based on the gross calorific value (GCV) or the amount of heat or energy produced when burning coal.
  • Coal being a fossil fuel is a mixture of carbon, ash, moisture and a host of other impurities. The higher the available carbon in a unit of coal, the greater is its quality or ‘grade.
  • As per a classification by the Coal Ministry, There are 17 grades of coal, where grade 1 (top quality coal) with a kilo of it yielding higher than 7,000 kcal and the lowest producing anywhere between 2,200-2,500 kcal.

Types of coal:

  • There are four major types of coal.
    • Anthracite: It is the highest rank of coal and often referred to as hard coal. It contains a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter.
    • Bituminous: Bituminous coal is a middle rank. It usually has a high heating (Btu) value and is used in electricity generation and steel making.
    • Subbituminous: It has low-to-moderate heating values and is mainly used in electricity generation.
    • Lignite: It is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon. It has a low heating value and a high moisture content and is mainly used in electricity generation.

Q1: Which are the major producers of coal in the world?

China, India, US, Australia and Indonesia make up the five leading coal producing countries in the world.China remained the world’s largest coal and lignite producer in 2022, accounting more than for half of supply (51% in 2022).

Source: Adani group faces allegations of selling low-grade coal as high quality