Prelims Focus – 11th March 2024

1.Asiatic Lions

Recent News:

The IUCN has upgraded the conservation status of the Asiatic lion from endangered to vulnerable, indicating a positive change in its situation.

About:

• The genetic similarity between Central African, West African, and Asiatic lions has led the IUCN to classify all three as Panthera leo leo, whereas the Asiatic lions were previously classified as Panthera leo persica.
• The Asiatic lion is a smaller subspecies of lion, also known as Persian or Indian lions. 
• They used to be found across Asia, but now their only habitat is Gir National Park in Gujarat, India. 
• They are one of the five big cats found in India and are often referred to as the “king of beasts.” Their scientific name is Panthera leo leo.

2.Gold Nanoparticles

Recent News:

Recent experts have suggested that Gold nanoparticles in medicines and beauty products can not only protect the skin from external damage but also have anti-aging effects.

About:

• Gold nanoparticles are small particles of gold ranging from 1 to 100 nm in diameter, also known as colloidal gold or ‘gold bhasma.’ 
• They have unique properties such as optoelectronic properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. 
• These nanoparticles exhibit different colours in aqueous solutions based on their size. 
• They are used in various applications such as electronics, photodynamic therapy, therapeutic agent delivery, sensors, and diagnostics.

3.Shankaracharya Hill

In News: Prime Minister of India paid obeisance to Shankaracharya Hill during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. 

• The ancient Shankaracharya Temple, constructed with gray stones, stands on Shankaracharya Hill, on the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Initially known as Takht-i-Sulaiman, which means Throne of Solomon, it was later renamed after a saint who preached enlightenment right here in AD 750.
• The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at a top of 1000 feet and may be reached in 10-15 mins through stairs. 
• This historical temple holds significance because the area wherein the renowned seer Adi Shakaracharya attained enlightenment.

4.Right to Repair Portal 

In News: The Department of Consumer Affairs of India (DoCA) has launched the Right to Repair Portal India.

• • Aim: To offer customers with access to repair data for his or her merchandise and decrease e-waste.
  • Vision: The internet site affords facts about the circular financial system, that is the brand new financial model that focuses on repairing and reusing merchandise, as opposed to throwing them away.
    • This shift is consistent with the government’s imaginative and prescient approach of creating a round economic system by way of selling aware and planned utilisation of products instead of mindless and wasteful consumption.

• Key targets: 
• • The Right to Repair Portal India brings together information from exceptional sectors such as automobiles, consumer durables, mobile and electronics, and farming equipment. 
  • It presents clients with access to product manuals and restore movies, in addition to records at the fee and warranty of spare parts.
  • The portal also permits purchasers to publish feedback and hints on products and services.
• Role: The website is predicted to play a key position in allowing customers to make knowledgeable choices about the acquisition and upkeep in their products, and to promote a circular economy model.

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