INS Tarkash

  • Drug Interdiction: INS Tarkash seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean during maritime security operations. This highlights the Indian Navy’s role in combating illegal activities at sea.

  • Stealth Frigate: INS Tarkash is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, emphasizing its advanced design and capabilities.

  • Talwar Class: It belongs to

    the Talwar class of guided missile frigates, showcasing its Russian origin and technology transfer.

  • Built in Russia: INS Tarkash was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, indicating the collaboration between India and Russia in naval shipbuilding.

  • Commissioned in 2012: It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 9, 2012, marking its entry into service.

  • Western Fleet: INS Tarkash is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, demonstrating its operational area of responsibility.

  • Stealth Technology: The frigate utilizes stealth technologies and hull design to reduce its radar signature.

  • Weapon Systems: It is equipped with advanced weapon systems like the BrahMos missile, surface-to-air missiles, a 100mm gun, close-in weapon systems, torpedoes, and electronic warfare suite, showcasing its multi-dimensional threat response capability.

  • Helicopter Capability: INS Tarkash can carry a Ka-28 or Ka-31 helicopter, expanding its anti-submarine warfare and early

    warning capabilities.

Chandrayaan-3 ChaSTE

  • Chandrayaan-3’s ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) is the first instrument to measure in-situ temperatures near the Moon’s south pole.
  • ChaSTE successfully penetrated lunar soil and deployed a thermal probe, unlike previous missions like ESA’s Philae and NASA’s InSight HP3.
  • It provides crucial data on lunar surface temperatures, supporting evidence of water ice deposits.
  • The thermal probe, integrated into the Vikram lander, has 10 temperature sensors spaced 1 cm apart.
  • It uses a rotation-based deployment mechanism, pushing the probe downwards.
  • ChaSTE reached a depth of 10 cm in the lunar regolith and monitored temperature variations.
  • Final temperature readings confirmed thermal properties essential for lunar exploration.
  • ESA’s Philae lander failed to deploy its temperature probe due to an awkward landing.
  • NASA’s InSight HP3 couldn’t penetrate deep enough due to low friction in Martian sand.
  • Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission, aiming for a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole.
  • ChaSTE’s importance lies in providing data on temperature variations beneath the lunar surface, aiding future Moon exploration.

KATCHATHEEVU

  • Context: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly seeks retrieval of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka.
  • Why: The resolution aims to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen’s traditional fishing rights and alleviate their suffering from Sri Lankan Navy actions.
  • What is Katchatheevu: A small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.
  • Historical Background: Originally under the control of the Raja of Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) during British rule; ownership disputed after independence.
  • 1974 Agreement: The Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement transferred Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka; Indian fishermen were granted access for specific purposes.
  • Fishermen Disputes: Indian fishermen face arrests and detentions by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
  • Religious Significance: The St. Antony’s Church on the island hosts an annual festival attended by pilgrims from both countries.

Death Anniversary of Shyamji Krishna Verma

  • Death Anniversary: The Prime Minister paid tribute to Shyamji Krishna Verma on his death anniversary (March 30th).

  • Who was he? He was an Indian revolutionary, patriot, lawyer, and journalist born in Gujarat.

  • Indian Home Rule Society: In 1905, he established the Indian Home Rule Society in London to inspire revolutionary activities among young Indians against British rule. This is important because it highlights Verma’s active role in fostering anti-colonial sentiment and action.

  • India House & The Indian Sociologist: He founded India House and The Indian Sociologist, a journal that became a hub for radical nationalists. This is significant as it shows his commitment to providing a platform for revolutionary thought and organizing Indian students abroad.

  • Arya Samaj & Veer Savarkar: He was the first President of the Bombay Arya Samaj and influenced Veer Savarkar. This illustrates the breadth of his influence on Indian socio-political movements.

  • Shift to Europe: Due to British criticism, Verma moved from England to Paris and then Geneva, where he died in 1930. This reveals the challenges he faced due to his revolutionary activities and the constant pressure from British authorities.

  • Kranti Teerth: A memorial dedicated to him, Kranti Teerth, was built near Mandvi in 2010. This indicates the recognition and remembrance of his contributions in contemporary India.

href="https://exam.pscnotes.com/uttar-pradesh-notes-for-state-psc-exams/">UTTAR PRADESH (451)

Binturong

  • Rare Binturong Sighting: A Binturong was recently captured on camera in the Narang Wari Village Reserve Forest, near Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya. This is significant because it confirms the presence of this vulnerable species in the area.

  • Location

    Importance: The Narang Wari VRF acts as a buffer zone for Balpakram National Park, highlighting the importance of community-managed forests in protecting wildlife.

  • Binturong Facts:

    • Also known as the bearcat, it is the largest civet in India.
    • It’s a catlike omnivore found in Southeast Asian forests.
    • Characterized by a prehensile tail, tufted ears and long shaggy black colored hair.
    • They mark territory using scent glands.
    • Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular.
  • Conservation Status: The Binturong is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is a Schedule I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, indicating a high level of protection.

  • Balpakram National Park Significance:

    • Located in Meghalaya, it’s known as the “Land of Perpetual Winds.”
    • It harbors diverse flora and fauna, including rare pitcher plants, orchids, elephants, tigers, and Hillock Gibbons.

Fluoride

  • Excessive Fluoride in Uttar Pradesh: 120 hamlets in Uttar Pradesh, India, are affected by excessive fluoride levels, impacting approximately 2 lakh people. Some villages recorded fluoride levels exceeding the safe limit of 1-1.5 mg/L, reaching 2 mg/L or higher.

  • Health Risks: High fluoride consumption can lead to skeletal fluorosis, accelerated dental decay, and other health problems, particularly affecting children.

  • Groundwater Contamination: Besides fluoride, India’s groundwater is also contaminated with arsenic (primarily in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh), uranium (across 12 states including Punjab), and iron (severe in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Assam). Other contaminants like antimony, cadmium, copper, and barium pose risks.

  • Worst Affected States: Rajasthan has the highest fluoride contamination levels in India. Other affected states include Telangana, western Andhra Pradesh, and eastern Karnataka.

  • Seasonal Variation: Fluoride contamination tends to increase during the dry, summer pre-monsoon months. Arid regions in western India show higher contamination compared to humid areas.

  • Safe Limits: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a safe fluoride limit of 1.5 mg/L in drinking water, while the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the limit at 1.0 mg/L.

KATCHATHEEVU

  • Context: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly seeks retrieval of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka.
  • Why: The resolution aims to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen’s traditional fishing rights and alleviate their suffering from Sri Lankan Navy actions.
  • What is Katchatheevu: A small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.
  • Historical Background: Originally under the control of the Raja of Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) during British rule; ownership disputed after independence.
  • 1974 Agreement: The Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement transferred Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka; Indian fishermen were granted access for specific purposes.
  • Fishermen Disputes: Indian fishermen face arrests and detentions by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
  • Religious Significance: The St. Antony’s Church on the island hosts an annual festival attended by pilgrims from both countries.
class="table-cell">GUJARAT (461)

Death Anniversary of Shyamji Krishna Verma

  • Death Anniversary: The Prime Minister paid tribute to Shyamji Krishna Verma on his death anniversary (March 30th).

  • Who was he? He was an Indian revolutionary, patriot, lawyer, and journalist born in Gujarat.

  • Indian Home Rule Society: In 1905, he established the Indian Home Rule Society in London to inspire revolutionary activities among young Indians against British rule. This is important because it highlights Verma’s active role in fostering anti-colonial sentiment and action.

  • India House & The Indian Sociologist: He founded India House and The Indian Sociologist, a journal that became a hub for radical nationalists. This is significant as it shows his commitment to providing a platform for revolutionary thought and organizing Indian students abroad.

  • Arya Samaj & Veer Savarkar: He was the first President of the Bombay Arya Samaj and influenced Veer Savarkar. This illustrates the breadth of his influence on Indian socio-political movements.

  • Shift

    to Europe: Due to British criticism, Verma moved from England to Paris and then Geneva, where he died in 1930. This reveals the challenges he faced due to his revolutionary activities and the constant pressure from British authorities.

  • Kranti Teerth: A memorial dedicated to him, Kranti Teerth, was built near Mandvi in 2010. This indicates the recognition and

    remembrance of his contributions in contemporary India.

INS Tarkash

  • Drug Interdiction: INS Tarkash seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean during maritime security operations. This highlights the Indian Navy’s role in combating illegal activities at sea.

  • Stealth Frigate: INS Tarkash is a state-of-the-art

    stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, emphasizing its advanced design and capabilities.

  • Talwar Class: It belongs to the Talwar class of guided missile frigates, showcasing its Russian origin and technology transfer.

  • Built

    in Russia: INS Tarkash was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, indicating the collaboration between India and Russia in naval shipbuilding.

  • Commissioned in 2012: It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 9, 2012, marking its entry into service.

  • Western Fleet: INS Tarkash is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, demonstrating its operational area of responsibility.

  • Stealth Technology: The frigate utilizes stealth technologies and hull design to reduce its radar signature.

  • Weapon Systems: It is equipped with advanced weapon systems like the BrahMos missile, surface-to-air missiles, a 100mm gun, close-in weapon systems, torpedoes, and electronic warfare suite, showcasing its multi-dimensional threat response capability.

  • Helicopter Capability: INS Tarkash can carry a Ka-28 or Ka-31 helicopter, expanding its anti-submarine warfare and early warning capabilities.

North Sentinel Island

  • U.S. National Arrested: A U.S. citizen was recently arrested for allegedly illegally entering the prohibited tribal reserve of North Sentinel Island. This is a key point because it highlights ongoing attempts to breach the island’s protected status.

  • Location and Geography: North Sentinel Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. The island is approximately 8km long and 7km wide, roughly 60 sq km in area, densely forested, and surrounded by a shallow reef. Understanding the geography gives context to the tribe’s

    isolation.

  • Sentinelese Tribe: The island is home to the Sentinelese, one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes, believed

    to be descendants of early humans from Africa. This is the core reason for the island’s significance; the tribe’s unique status requires protection.

  • Voluntary Isolation and Resistance: The Sentinelese have maintained voluntary isolation for thousands of years and fiercely resist contact with the outside world. This resistance justifies the protective measures in place.

  • Legal Protection: The Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act, 1956, prohibits approaching the island closer than 5 nautical miles. This law is crucial to prevent unwanted contact and protect the Sentinelese from outside diseases and exploitation.

  • Population Estimate: The Sentinelese population is estimated to be between 80 and 150 people (possibly ranging from 15 to 500). Accurately assessing the population is very difficult due to the lack of contact.

  • Prohibited to Visit: It is illegal for outsiders, including Indian citizens, to visit North Sentinel Island or attempt contact with the Sentinelese. This reiterates the strict enforcement aimed at protecting the tribe.