About Pashmina Shawl:

• Originating from Kashmir, these shawls are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and the use of fine Ladakhi Cashmere wool. 
• The word "Pashmina" is derived from the Persian word "Pashm," which means "soft gold" or "soft wool." 
• A cashmere wool itself is obtained from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), also known as the Pashmina goat, which is native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas in regions like Ladakh in India, Nepal, and Tibet.
• These goats develop a unique undercoat to withstand the harsh winters, and it is this undercoat that is meticulously collected to create Pashmina shawls.
• Kashmir’s Pashmina has earned G.I certification or G.I Tag due to the unique traditional process used by local artisans in the Kashmir valley. 
• Process:
  • Cashmere wool, known for its exceptional fineness and warmth, is spun into yarn using traditional spinning wheels, a practice that has been passed down through generations.
  • Once the yarn is ready, skilled artisans begin the intricate process of weaving, either by handloom or traditional wooden looms. 
  • Each shawl is meticulously crafted, with patterns ranging from delicate floral motifs to intricate paisley designs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
  • The weaving process can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the complexity of the design and the skill of the artisan.
  • Natural dyes from plants and minerals in the region decorate the shawl with captivating colours.

Q1: What is Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India. This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Source: PM Modi gifts antique silver train model to President Biden and pashmina shawl to First Lady

About Lebanon:

• It is a country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia.
• Capital: Beirut
• Borders: It borders the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Syria in the north and east, and Israel in the south.
• History:
  • It is part of an area known as the Fertile Crescent, also known as the “Cradle of Civilization”.
  • Byblos, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, is around 30 km north of modern Beirut.
  • Lebanon was ruled by a number of ancient empires, including the Phoenician, Egyptian, Hittite, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and Roman.
  • For over 400 years (1516-1918), Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire.
  • In 1920,following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon was ruled byFrance, which created the State of Greater Lebanon.
  • It wasn’t until 1943 that Lebanon achieved independence after French authority dissolved, leading to the withdrawal of French troops.
• Geography:
  • It consists of a narrow strip of territory and is one of the world’s smaller sovereign states. 
  • The Lebanon Mountains, which rise to 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), run down the middle of the country. 
  • The Anti-Lebanon Mountains form Lebanon’s border with Syria.
  • Between the two mountain ranges lies the high, fertile Bekaa Valley.
  • The valley receives water from the Litani, the only river in Lebanon that flows throughout the year.
• Climate: Its Mediterranean climate brings mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
• Political Structure:
  • Lebanon is a unitary, multiparty republic with a parliamentary system of government.
  • Parliamentary seats are apportioned equally between Christian and Muslim groups. This sectarian distribution is also to be observed in appointments to public office.
• Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
• People: Most Lebanese are Arabs. There are small groups of Armenians and Kurds.
• Economy: Services, including banking and tourism, are Lebanon’s most important economic activities.

Q1: Which countries border the Mediterranean Sea?

22 countries and one territory (Gibraltar - a British Overseas Territory) have coasts on the Mediterranean Sea. The European Countries are Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. The West Asian (Middle Eastern) countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea are Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestine Gaza Strip and the divided island of Cyprus. Five North African nations have coasts on the Mediterranean Sea: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

Source: Security Council holds emergency session over Lebanon; region ‘on the brink of catastrophe’

About Goa Maritime Symposium 2024:

• It is a forum for fostering collaborative thinking, cooperation, and mutual understanding between India and key maritime nations of the Indian Ocean Region.
• Theme: The theme for the event is Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region: Progressing Lines of Efforts to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as illegal and unregulated fishing and other illegal maritime activities.
• It will be participated by the representatives from 12 Indian Ocean Littoral countries - Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Observers from Kenya and Tanzania 

Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS)

• It was conceptualised and instituted by the Indian Navy in 2016.
• It is a forum for fostering collaborative thinking, cooperation and mutual understanding between India and key maritime nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The symposium is conducted biennially by the Naval War College (NWC), Goa.

Q1: What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?

It was established in 1997 as an intergovernmental organisation of States on the rim of the Indian Ocean. It has members from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia ,Europe and Oceania. The Association’s membership has expanded to 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners.

Source: CURTAIN RAISER GOA MARITIME SYMPOSIUM (GMS) 2024

About Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus):

• It is a type of gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria.
• S. aureus may occur commonly in the environment. It is commonly found on the skinand in the nose of about 30% of individuals. 
• Most of the time, S. aureus does not cause any harm, but it can sometimes cause infections.
• Skin infections are common, but the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and infect distant organs, particularly heart valves (endocarditis) and bones (osteomyelitis).
  • Skin infections may cause blisters, abscesses, and redness and swelling in the infected area.
• Transmission:
  • These bacteria are spread by having direct contact with an infected person, by using a contaminated object, or by inhaling infected droplets dispersed by sneezing or coughing.
  • Further, due to its ability to affect a wide range of species, S. aureus can be readily transmitted from one species to another. This includes transmission between humans and animals.
• Treatment:
  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area.
  • Some types of S. aureus are resistant to common antibiotic treatments.

Q1: What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Source: Vancomycin may not be able to treat MRSA infections for long

About Greater One-Horned Rhino:

• The greater one-horned rhino, also known as Indian rhinoceros, is the largest of the three Asian rhinos and, together with African white rhinos, is the largest of all rhino species.
• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis
• Distribution:
  • It can be found in India and Nepal, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • In the past, Greater one-horned rhinos roamed freely in the floodplains and forests alongside the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus River valley.
  • Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, contains the largest population (2,401).
• Habitat: Greater one-horned rhinos are semi-aquatic and often take up residence in swamps, forests, riversides, and anywhere that is near nutritious mineral licks.
• Features:
  • The largest of the Asian rhinos, male Indian rhinos weigh approximately 2,200 kg (nearly 4,840 pounds) and range in height from 170 to 186 cm (67 to 73 inches) and are 368 to 380 cm (145 to 150 inches) long. 
  • It is identified by a single black horn about 8-25 inches long and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armor-plated appearance.
  • The species is solitary, except for females with small calves. Males maintain loosely defended territories.
  • The rhino is primarily a grazer. Its diet consists almost entirely of grasses, but it also eats leaves, branches, fruit, and aquatic plants.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Q1: What is a floodplain?

A floodplain (or floodplain) is a generally flat area of land next to a river or stream. It stretches from the banks of the river to the outer edges of the valley.

Source: ‘Assam records 86% drop in rhino poaching since 2016’

About Hilsa Fish:

• It is a species of fish related to the herring, in the family Clupeidae.
• It is also called Ilish, and holds an exceptional position in culinary customs and social practices of Bengal. 
• Distribution: It is found in rivers and estuaries in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar (also known as Burma) and the Persian Gulf area.
• It has a history of migrating to Allahabad in the Ganga river system from Bangladesh.
• Though it’s a saltwater fish, it migrates to sweet waters of the Ganges from the Bay of Bengal.
• Hilsa is into breeding migration in three major river systems of the Indo-Gangetic and Brahmaputra river network viz., Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna.
• Bangladesh produces around 70% of the world's ilish, making it a subject of public pride. Ilish is also the national fish of Bangladesh.
• The kinds of ilish from rivers like Ganga, Hooghly and Mahanadi are no match when it comes to celebrating important events.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least Concern

Q1: What is IUCN?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is a global organization composed of governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts dedicated to conserving nature and promoting sustainability. Its primary role involves assessing the conservation status of species, providing data and analysis on the state of biodiversity worldwide, and offering guidance and frameworks for conservation efforts.

Source: Bangladesh lifts ‘hilsa’ ban, to export 3,000 tonnes of fish to India ahead of Durga Puja

About Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative:

• It was launched bythe QUAD countries (India, United States, Australia and Japan).
• It is aimed at implementing innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families.
• It will focus on expanding cervical cancer screening; increasing vaccinations against the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that is the primary cause of cervical cancer; and treating patients.
• India’s contribution
  • India will, additionally, offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region on DPI for cancer screening, care and continuum through its US $10 million contribution to WHO’s-Global Initiative on Digital Health.
  • India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region.
  • India is working on an AI based treatment protocol for the disease.
  • India will provide support for radiotherapy treatment and capacity building for cancer prevention in the Indo-Pacific.
  • This significant contribution aims to strengthen local efforts to prevent and detect cervical cancer and empower communities with affordable, accessible tools for early detection and prevention, while supporting vaccination programs to reduce the disease burden across the region.

Q1) What is a Virus?

It is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. A virus cannot replicate alone; instead, it must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of itself. Often, a virus ends up killing the host cell in the process, causing damage to the host organism. Examples: AIDS, COVID-19, measles and smallpox.

Source: What is the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, that Quad grouping gave nod to?

About Project 200:

• It is an innovative satellite designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km-250 km).
• It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup.
• Traditionally, satellites have been deployed in orbits at altitudes well above 450 km.
  • This altitude choice has been influenced by various considerations, such as the desire to minimise the impact of atmospheric interference on satellite operations.
• Though it is known that a satellite’s capabilities improve significantly at 200 km,limitations on propulsion technology have prevented satellites from operating at this orbit. 
• Project 200 is a technology demonstration mission to qualify a new unconventional satellite powered by an innovative propulsion system (developed in-house) at around 200 km.
  • Bellatrix Aerospace stated that their cutting-edge propulsion technology enables satellites to maintain 200 km orbits for years, rather than deorbiting in a few days.
• According to Bellatrix, at 200 km, a satellite’s capability would improve significantly since the communication latency is reduced by half and image resolution is improved by three times.
  • The cost of the satellite is also less when compared to spacecraft placed in 450 km orbits.

Q1: What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Low Earth orbit (LEO) encompasses Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less. This orbit is considered near enough to Earth for convenient transportation, communication, observation, and resupply.

Source: Bengaluru start-up unveils satellite to operate at ultra-low earth orbit

About Koodiyattom:

• It is one of the oldest traditional theatre forms of Kerala and is based on Sanskrit theatre traditions.
• The prefix “kuti” in Malayalam language primarily means “combined” or “together”, and “attam” means “acting”: therefore, the word “kutiyattam or Koodiyattam” means “combined acting.”
• The characters of this theatre form are: Chakyaar or actor, Naambiyaar, the instrumentalists and Naangyaar, those taking on women's roles.
• In its stylized and codified theatrical language, neta abhinaya (eye expression) and hasta abhinaya (the language of gestures) are prominent.
• Pakarnattam is an aspect of Kutiyattam that involves embodying and emoting male and female roles. Switching between the masculine and feminine and interpreting multiple roles at the same time is considered a challenging skill within the repertoire. 
• Temple theatres called Kuttambalams are permanent theatre structures attached to some of the major temples of Kerala.
• A striking feature of Kutiyattam is that it treats single Acts from Sanskrit plays as full-fledged plays. It bases its performance not on the full text of a Sanskrit play, but on the individual acts from Sanskrit plays.
• It was recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. 

Q1: What is UNESCO?

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives.

Source: A collective for young artistes to learn nuances of different Koodiyattom styles