Prelims Focus – 6th March 2024

1.Hanguls

In News: Recently, the experts suggested that for the first time the number of Hanguls in Kashmir will cross 300 this spring.

• • It is a completely unique subspecies of the Asian Red Deer. It is the State Animal of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Hanguls are, by nature, excessive-altitude woodland dwellers.
  • Distribution: Dachigam National Park and its close by regions; Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, Overa Aru, Sind Valley, and the forests of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Conservation Efforts:
• • In 1947, around 2000 were spotted and the number fell to 384 by 1968.
  • Despite being the national animal of Jammu and Kashmir, only 289 individuals of this elusive species remain.
• IUCN’s Red Data Book: Critically Endangered
• Project Hangul: In an effort to deal with the decreasing population of the Hangul, the authorities of Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the IUCN and WWF, initiated this project.

2.Venice Biennale

In News: The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale, also known as “the Olympics of the art world”, will open on April 20, 2024. 

• • The Venice Biennale is one of the biggest and most prestigious art festivals in the world, starting in 1895. 
  • Biennale is an Italian word which means ‘every other year’. Over the years, but, it has come to intend a large international exhibition that takes place every two years.
  • Biennale features contemporary artwork by artists from diverse countries which can be typically linked by a common curatorial topic, providing a framework for exploring current social, economic and political ideas in an international context.

• India’s participation 

• • India made its debut at the Biennale in 1954. Recording strong sales, the exhibition comprised over 50 artwork of masters consisting of M F Husain, S H Raza, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Francis Newton Souza.
  • After 1954, the country officially participated in the event in 2011. The exhibition was organised by Lalit Kala Akademi and curated via Ranjit Hoskote. It featured works by artists like Zarina Hashmi, Gigi Scaria, Praneet Soi, and the Desire Machine Collective.
  • At the 2019 Venice Biennale, the Ministry of Culture, Confederation of Indian Industry, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in collaboration organised the Indian pavilion.

3.ADITI Scheme

Recent News:

The ADITI scheme was launched by the Union Minister of Defence at the DefConnect 2024 event in New Delhi.

Details:

• ADITI, or Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX, is a program aimed at promoting innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies. 
• The goal is to develop 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within a specific time frame. 
• Start-ups are eligible to receive grants of up to Rs 25 crore for their research and development efforts in defence technology. 
• The scheme is part of the iDEX framework of the Ministry of Defense and aims to bridge the gap between the needs of the Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem. 
• The first edition of ADITI has launched 17 challenges for the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense Space Agency. 
• The iDEX program has also been expanded to iDEX Prime, providing increased assistance to young innovators. 
• The overall aim of these initiatives is to transform India into a knowledge society by nurturing youth innovation and advancing technology in the country.

4.Risa Textile

Recent news:

Tripura’s traditional tribal clothing called ‘risa’ was recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Details:

• The risa is a handwoven cloth that serves as a female upper garment and can also be used as headgear, a stole, or a gift to show respect. 
• It is known for its colourful designs and holds great social and religious importance. 
• Adolescent Tripuri girls receive a risa to wear at a special event between the ages of 12 and 14. 
• The cloth is used in various religious ceremonies, such as the Garia Puja, and is worn by men as a turban during weddings and festivals. 
• It is also used as a makeshift hanger to carry infants on their mothers’ backs. 
• The risa is presented as a mark of honour to distinguished individuals. 
• It is a common attire among the 19 indigenous tribal communities of Tripura. 
• The traditional Tripuri female attire consists of the risa, rignai (lower garment), and rituku (wrap). 
• This traditional attire dates back to a time before the Manikya kings ruled Tripura for over 500 years.

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