Prelims Focus – 9th April 2024

Satpula Dam

In News: The Satpula dam has the unique character of reliable source of water and acting as a defence against possible intruders in mediaeval times. 

• • Satpula, a magnificent Tughlaq-era dam, is a historical marvel nestled in the heart of Delhi.
  • It was constructed in 1340 by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, served  functions:
    • Providing a reliable source of water for irrigation, and;
    • Acting as a defence against possible intruders.
  • The dam finds mention in Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s Asar-us-Sanadid (The Remnant Signs of Ancient Heroes) — considered some of the first books describing Delhi’s numerous monuments in vivid detail.
  • The Satpula dam was built using Delhi quartz, a stone found in the Aravallis, and is a testament to the advanced masonry and architectural abilities that marked the Tughlaq technology.

• Current State

• • Centuries later, the move over which the dam was built became diverted by the British, lowering the water body to a trifling drain flowing on one side.
  • However, the Satpula structure remains formidable as ever, reminding one of the form of masonry the empire was able to.

Biology of Skin Pigmentation

In News: A recent observation increased the range of genes to be involved in the processes driving pigmentation diversity.

• The skin is the largest organ in the human body.
• The pigment melanin determines the colour of skin and it is produced by cells known as melanocytes.
• Scientists widely trust exposure to ultraviolet light from the Sun has been the dominant driver of skin colour during history. 
• The range of skin color across human populations is a product of human genetics, the migration of peoples, and the complex interaction among genes and the environment
  

Underpriced onion export to UAE

In News: Underpriced onion export to UAE, yielding providence profits for decided on importers, has aggrieved Indian farmers and traders.

• • India is the second biggest onion-growing country in the world. 
  • Indian onions have two crop cycles, first harvesting which starts off evolved from November to January and the second harvesting from January to May.
  • Major varieties found in India: Agrifound Dark Red, Agrifound Light Red, NHRDF Red, Agrifound White, Agrifound Rose and Agrifound Red, Pusa Ratnar, Pusa Red, and Pusa White Round. 
  • Major Onion producing states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat. 
  • Major Export Destinations (2022-23): Bangladesh, Malaysia, United Arab Emts, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.

• What is Windfall Profit?

• • Windfall profit is an unexpected gain in income which might be due to prevailing a lottery, unforeseen inheritance or scarcity of supply.  
  • Windfall profits are transitory in nature.

Pin Code MH-1718?

Recent News:

• “Dakshin Gangotri” in Antarctica, India’s first ever post-office, reached the milestone of handing over 10,000 letters within the span of a year in 1984(Journey to Antarctica, BBC Education).However, the station submerged in ice in 1988-89 and was decommissioned. Although a new branch at Maitri research centre was founded on the 26th of January 1990, the installation was carried out with great ardour and responsibility.

Details: 

• The first post office of India located in Dakshin Gangotri in 1984 acted as an Antarctic post office and processed more than 10,000 letters.
• Submerged in ice in 1988-89, Dakshin Gangotri was decommissioned, but a new branch opened at Maitri research station in 1990.
• Letters are directed to the NCPOR centre in Goa all the while carried by researchers.
• Stamped “Maitri North Goa,” letters signify the post office’s location and date, attracting philatelists.
• India’s Department of Posts is launching the second of its overseas stations, but MH-1718 will be shown, which stands for Indian Signature. India under the Antarctic Treaty.

Mountain Cleaning Campaign 2024 by Nepal Army

Recent News:

Recently, The Nepal Army has taken a firm decision to collect the garbage lying at Mount Everest which will serve as the part of the mountain cleaning campaign 2024 in the Mount Everest region.

Details:

• Campaign 2024, an initiative of Nepal Army, aims to remove 10 tonnes of garbage and 5 bodies from Everest. It has environmental problems in mind as well.
• Led by Maj. With Sherpa support, the expedition starts from Everest base camp on April 14.
• Biodegradable wastes are our final destination that Namche Bazaar does its treatment via the govt. Solid waste treatment plant unit; the non-biodegradable waste and bodies are the target that Kathmandu does the treatment.
• Collaboration with relevant ministries and associations strengthens the campaign.
• This is the fourth extensive anti-litter campaign of the NA on the peaks of Everest by SPCC for non-ducting waste in the area.

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