20 Dec 2024: Daily Current Affairs Updates

Kisan Kavach; GS-2 (Governance) ▪️Why in the News: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology has recently unveiled Kisan Kavach, Bharat's first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit.

‣ About Kisan Kavach:

• Kisan Kavach is a pioneering anti-pesticide bodysuit designed to safeguard farmers from the adverse effects of pesticide exposure.

• The suit aims to protect farmworkers from absorbing harmful pesticides during spraying activities, many of which are known neurotoxins and hazardous to health.

• It has been developed collaboratively by the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem), Bangalore, and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.

‣ Features of Kisan Kavach:

• The kit comprises three components: a trouser, a pullover, and a face cover.

• The fabric used in the kit, called 'oxime fabric', is engineered to chemically neutralize common pesticides that come into contact with the body or clothing during spraying operations.

• This mechanism effectively prevents harmful chemicals from penetrating the skin.

• The kit is priced at °4,000 per unit, making it accessible to farmers.

Milkweed Fiber; GS-3 (Science and Technology)

▪️ Why in the news: The Union Ministry of Textiles is expanding its research and development initiatives to explore new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber, for diverse applications.

‣ Definition:

• Milkweed fiber is derived from the seeds of the milkweed plant (Asclepias syriaca).

• The plant belongs to the genus Asclepias within the family Asclepiadaceae and is often referred to as stubborn weed.

‣ Distribution in India: In India, milkweed grows as a wild plant in states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

‣ Characteristics of the Plant: Milkweed plants are rich in milk sap, which is abundant in their leaves, stems, and pods.

‣ Properties of Milkweed Fiber:

• Composition: Contains oily substances and lignin, a woody component that renders the fibers brittle and unsuitable for conventional spinning. ọ Surface Features: Exhibits hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophobic (oil-repelling) properties due to natural wax coatings on the fiber surface.

• Applications:

• Industrial Uses: Widely used in the paper manufacturing industry

• Insulation: Serves as an effective filling material for insulation purposes.

• Water Safety Equipment: Incorporated into life jackets and belts due to its buoyant properties.

• Oil Spill Management: Researchers have found that milkweed fiber is highly efficient at absorbing oil while simultaneously repelling water, making it a valuable resource for cleaning up oil spills.

Sacred Groves; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️ Why in the news: In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court told the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country.

‣ What Are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred Groves are small forest patches or areas of natural vegetation preserved by local communities due to their cultural and religious importance.

• These groves are often dedicated to local deities and function as both spiritual sanctuaries and ecological havens.

• They serve as biodiversity hotspots, providing shelter to rare and endangered plant and animal species.

• Human activities such as hunting and deforestation are generally prohibited in these areas, though sustainable practices like honey collection or gathering deadwood may be allowed

‣ Sacred Groves in India: Sacred groves are widespread across the country and are predominantly found in the following regions:

• The Western Ghats.

• The Himalayan ranges.

• Northeastern hill tracts.

• Central India.

* Regional Names for Sacred Groves:

• Bihar: Known as Sarna.

• Himachal Pradesh: Called Dev. Van.

• Karnataka: Referred to as Devarakadu.

• Kerala: Known as Kavu or Sarpa Kavu.

• Maharashtra: Called Devrai or Deorai.

• Meghalaya: Known as Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi.

• Rajasthan: Termed Oran.

Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3); GS-3 (Science and Technology) ▪️ Why in the news: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced that it has started assembling the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for Gaganyaan's first uncrewed flight.

‣ About: HLVM-3 is a human-rated variant of ISRO's LVM3, specifically developed for the Gaganyaan program to facilitate human spaceflight.

‣Aim: The primary objective is to ensure a safe and secure human spaceflight by incorporating advanced safety and reliability features.

• Features of HLVM-3:

Payload Capacity: HLVM-3 is a three-stage vehicle capable of carrying approximately 10 tonnes of payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• Dimensions: The vehicle stands 53 meters tall and has a liftoff weight of 640 tonnes.

• Crew Escape System (CES): The CES is a critical safety feature designed to safeguard astronauts in the event of an emergency during launch. It is activated in the early phases of the mission, particularly before the spacecraft exits atmospheric flight and enters orbital separation.

‣ About LVM-3 Vehicle:

• LVM-3, also known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3, is a three-stage rocket.

• It features two S200 solid-propellant strap-ons on either side.

• The core stage comprises the L110 liquid stage and the C25 cryogenic stage.

• The rocket weighs 640 tonnes at liftoff.

Download its PDF from here: https://t.me/proxygyan/1782