UPSC QUIZ 13.09.2023

Explanation:

• Maharashtra, the demand for reservations in educational institutions and government jobs by the Maratha community has once again taken center stage.
• The Marathas are a group of castes comprising peasants and landowners among others constituting nearly 33% of the state’s population.
• While most Marathas are Marathi-speaking, not all Marathi-speaking people belong to the Maratha community.
• Historically, they have been identified as a ‘warrior’ caste with large land holdings.However, over the years, due to factors such as land fragmentation, agrarian distress, unemployment and lack of educational opportunities, many Marathas have faced social and economic backwardness.
• The community still plays an important role in the rural economy.Therefore, they have been demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under the category of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).

Explanation:

• Scientists in China have unearthed the fossil of a bird-like dinosaur named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, which lived in southeast China about 148 to 150 million years ago.

Main point

• This dinosaur had long feather-like arms and legs, its anatomy suggests that it may have been a fast runner or lived like a modern bird.
• Fujianvenator is a member of a group called avialans which includes all birds and their closest non-avian dinosaurs.
• Researchers believe the Fujianvenator sheds light on an important evolutionary step in the origin of birds.
• A notable event in the evolution of dinosaurs occurred when small feathered two-legged dinosaurs from the lineage known as theropods gave rise to birds at the end of the Jurassic period.
• The oldest known bird is Archaeopteryx. It was in Germany about 150 million years ago.

Explanation:

• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel approach to detect and kill cancer cells.

key points

• Scientists have created hybrid nanoparticles made of gold and copper sulfide that can kill cancer cells using heat and detect them using sound waves.
• This approach is particularly effective for cells in solid tumor masses.
• Early detection and starting treatment is important in the fight against cancer.
• Copper sulfide nanoparticles are used in cancer diagnosis while gold nanoparticles can be used to target cancer cells.
• In the present study, the IISc team decided to combine these two in hybrid nanoparticles.

Explanation:

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched an initiative aimed at promoting adherence to Indian Standards at the grassroots level.
• Through this initiative BIS has access to 2.4 lakh Gram Panchayats and a mission to sensitize Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries has been launched across the country.
• Additionally, BIS has developed BIS Care App to empower consumers with information on Indian standards and product certification.
• BIS is the national standards body of India established under the BIS Act, 2016 for the harmonious development of standardization, marking and quality certification activities of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Explanation:

• Tamil Nadu government will provide monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to more than 1 crore female family heads through Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam.
• Chief Minister MK Stalin officially announced the scheme, with the launch date set for September 15.
• The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,000 per month to 1.06 crore eligible women who are heads of families.
• Beneficiaries will receive financial assistance through direct bank transfers and will be provided with ATM cards for easy access.
• The government emphasizes on effective implementation and will use SMS notifications to communicate with beneficiaries.
• Out of 1.63 crore applications received, 1.06 crore have been accepted, highlighting the substantial impact of the scheme.