UPSC QUIZ 17.08.2023

Explanation:

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy unveiled noteworthy insights into India's wind energy potential. This revelation sheds light on key states with the highest wind power potential and emphasizes the nation's dedication to sustainable energy practices.
• Additionally, the Ministry outlined innovative strategies aimed at enhancing wind

Wind Power Potential in India

• India ranks 4th globally after China, the United States and Germany, in terms of installed wind energy capacity, with 42.8 GW (onshore wind) as of April 2023.
• Wind resource assessment by the National Institute of Wind Energy reveals an estimated wind power potential of approximately 695.5 GW at 120 meters and 1,164 GW at 150 meters above ground level across the nation.

Explanation:

• Scientists from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control conducted a study utilizing metagenomic sequencing for pathogen surveillance.
• The devastation caused by Covid-19 pandemic led to the rapid development of new techniques, like metagenomics, and ignited a paradigm shift in how we identify, monitor, and respond to emerging pathogens.

Metagenomics

• Metagenomics is the study of microbes in their natural living environment, which involves the complex microbial communities in which they usually exist.
• The study examines the genomic composition of an entire organism, including each of the microbes that exist within it. It facilitates direct sequencing of patient samples, removing the need for prior knowledge of the infectious agent.
• For instance, a single gram of soil consists of 4000 to 5000 different species of microbes, while human intestines consist of 500 different types of bacteria.

Explanation:

• The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) jointly launched the 'ODOP Wall'. 'ODOP Wall' is another step towards showcasing the uniqueness of Indian crafts.

One District One Product wall

• The One District One Product (ODOP) program is an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
• Under this Collaboration- products are being identified from all districts to be promoted for their unique qualities and cultural significance which include various handicrafts, handloom, and agricultural products that have been associated with the identity of their place of origin.
• Objectives of ODOP: To help districts reach their full potential, foster economic and socio-cultural growth, and create employment opportunities, especially, in rural areas.

Explanation:

• The Navy's Project 17A frigate 'Vindhyogiri' will be launched on August 17 at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata.
• Vindhyagiri, named after a mountain range in Karnataka, is the sixth ship in the Project 17A frigates. These warships are Project 17 class frigates.
• which have better stealth features advanced weapon sensors and platform management systems.
• The first five ships of the project were launched between 2019-2022 by M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers.
• Vindhyagiri The technologically advanced frigate pays homage to its predecessor INS Vindhyagiri.

Explanation:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August announced a new scheme to help the urban poor build houses in cities.
• Under this program, they will get relief in loan and interest rates taken from banks to build their houses.
• Addressing the nation on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, Shri Modi said that the weaker sections living in cities face a lot of problems.
• Middle class families are dreaming to buy their own house. We are coming up with a new scheme in the coming years which will benefit those families who live in cities but are living in rented houses, jhuggis, chawls and unauthorized colonies.
• The Prime Minister said that if this class wants to build their own house, the government will help them with interest rate relief and loans from banks, which will help them save lakhs of rupees.