UPSC QUIZ 15.08.2023

Explanation:

• Navigation with Indian Constellation or (NavIC), which consists of seven satellites and India’s version of the American GPS (global positioning system), will soon be integrated into Aadhaar enrolment devices, the Department of Space (DoS) told the Parliamentary Committee of Science and Technology.

Key points

• The Department of Space (DoS) told the Parliamentary Committee on Science and Technology that Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) would soon be integrated with Aadhaar enrollment devices.
• Indigenous chip for NavIC-based satellite navigation has been launched.
• Currently Aadhaar Enrollment Kits are used to collect and verify personal details. These devices are linked to GPS.
• NavIC provides two services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
• Both these services are provided in both L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz).
• The coverage area of NavIC covers India and an area up to 1,500 km beyond the Indian border.

Explanation:

• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, recently passed by Parliament. These amendments seek to address ambiguities, streamline administrative processes, and integrate emerging aquaculture practices.

Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005

• Coastal aquaculture refers to the practice of cultivating and rearing aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, in marine or brackish water environments along the coastlines or in estuaries.
• The Act is about creating a special organization, called the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, to control and manage the activities related to raising seafood in areas near the coast.
• According to the Act, the government has the duty to take actions to make sure that coastal aquaculture is done in a way that doesn't harm the environment.

Explanation:

• Union Health Minister inaugurated the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis.India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target, through a mission-driven strategy.

Lymphatic Filariasis

• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic infection which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
• This impacts millions of individuals in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
• Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.

Explanation:

• Rajouri Chikri Woodcraft and Mushkabudji Rice, the distinctive regional contribution of Jammu and Kashmir, have been awarded the Geographical Indication tag.
• This iconic feature draws attention to the exquisite nature and importance of these regional treasures.
• The roots of these creations are found in Rajouri and Anantnag districts. While Rajouri district is famous for its delicate chicari woodwork, Anantnag is known for its aromatic mushkabudji rice, which is characterized by its short, coarse grains.
• The journey of this recognition started in December 2020. In a joint initiative, NABARD, Department of Handicrafts and Handlooms along with Department of Agriculture embarked on a mission to give these regional gems their due place on the global map.
• Mushkabudji rice is not only a part of the culinary arts, but a testimony to the agricultural genius of the region. The expansion of its cultivation in districts like Budgam and Kulgam is a testimony to its growing importance. Parallelly, chicory wood, known for its fine grain, belongs to the picturesque hill ranges of the Jammu province, reflecting the region's rich artisanal heritage.

Explanation:

• National Institute of Industrial Engineering will be made Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai.
• This significant change is not just in name, but has also brought with it a change in its educational approach and offerings.
• Historically NITIE has exclusively catered to engineering graduates. This distinctive approach has earned the Institute a significant reputation in its specialized field.
• With the upcoming academic year of 2024-25, NITIE will usher in a new era as it will start admitting students from diverse educational backgrounds.
• Prospective students seeking to join NITIE's MBA programs have to go through the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is a well-established and rigorous test. This ensures that the institute maintains its high standards even as it expands its student base.