UPSC EXAM QUIZ 09.11.2024

Explanation:

• Lignosat, developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, is on a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station. It will later be released into orbit about 400 km (250 miles) above Earth.
• It is named after the Latin word "ligno" for "wood" and "satellite". It was developed by researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Company.

Lignosat features

• Construction material: Lignosat is made from specially selected magnolia wood, which is known for its durability and adaptability.
• Launch and testing: It will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) from the Kennedy Space Center via a SpaceX rocket. There it will be released into space from the Japanese Experiment Module, where its durability and strength will be tested.
• Objective: LignoSat aims to test the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of wood in space exploration, so that renewable materials can be used during future spaceflights.

Explanatio:

• First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) was organised by India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi, India.

Key Highlights of the 1st ABS

• About: It's a significant international gathering aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and addressing contemporary challenges in the Buddhist community across Asia.
• Theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” which emphasises Asia's collective, inclusive, and spiritual development.

Explanation:

• The third edition of the World Solar Report Series was released at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance, focusing on global solar growth, investment trends, technological advancements and Africa’s green hydrogen potential.
• The recently launched 4 reports, namely the World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries, each highlight a critical region in the global shift towards sustainable energy.

The four main reports of the World Solar Report Series

World Solar Market Report

• Solar Capacity Growth: Global solar capacity is projected to grow from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of approximately 40%.
• Solar Industry Employment: The solar industry accounts for 16.2 million jobs, with the solar power sector leading the way with 7.1 million jobs.

Explanation:

• Yanadi is a major scheduled tribe of Andhra Pradesh, considered one of the most vulnerable tribal groups in India. People of this community live in difficult conditions like poverty and social exclusion.
• A large number of Yanadi community is found in the plains of Nellore district of the eastern coastal state of Andhra Pradesh.

Key features of Yanadi tribe

• Language: The mother tongue of Yanadi is Telugu.
• Traditional livelihood: Yanadi people have been engaged in hunting, gathering and agriculture. Deep knowledge of the land and its resources is part of their traditional life.
• Traditional health knowledge: Yanadi community has rich knowledge of medicinal plants, which they use in the treatment of everyday health problems and specific diseases, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological and reproductive health problems. They also have special knowledge of treating snake bites.
• Religious beliefs and festivals: They have many religious beliefs and festivals related to plants, which reflect their cultural heritage.
• Dhimsa Dance: It is a traditional dance performed by the Yanadi community on festivals and special occasions.

Explanation:

• On 5 November, the Yamuna expressway industrial development authority (Yeida) said that the Uttar Pradesh government’s cabinet has approved a mega project related to semiconductor manufacturing near Noida international airport.
• The authority will now allocate land for the project.
• On November 4, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved setting up of semiconductor manufacturing units by Vamsundari (HCL Group) and Tarq (Hiranandani Group) near the airport at Jewar in Lucknow.
• This paved the way for this mega project, which will boost growth in the region.
• HCL Group's Vamasundari Investment is expected to invest Rs 3,706 crore to set up the manufacturing unit.
• The project plans to manufacture 240,000 units of small panel driver ICs and display integrated circuits.
• Tarq Semiconductor Private Limited will invest Rs 28,440 crore in its unit in this area.
• Both these projects are supported by the state IT department, and will set up a major semiconductor manufacturing unit.
• The government will provide a capital subsidy of Rs 7,037 crore to the firm.