1.GRAP-Graded Response Action Plan:
- GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to prevent the deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.
- Stage 1 of GRAP is activated when the AQI is in the ‘poor’ category (201 to 300).
- Stage 2 of GRAP is activated when the AQI is in the ‘very poor’ category (301 to 400).
- Stage 3 of GRAP is activated when the AQI is in the ‘severe’ category (401 to 450).
- Stage 4 of GRAP is activated when the AQI is in the ‘very severe’ category (above 450).
2. SNAP-10A
- Launched on April 3, 1965, SNAP-10A was the world’s first operational nuclear reactor in space. While it still remains in orbit, it was operational for just 43 days.
- A class of devices that contain and control sustained nuclear chain reactions, these systems are at the heart of any nuclear power plant.
- The U.S.’ first and only known space nuclear reactor, the SNAP-10A was the result of the government-sponsored System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) programme, also known as SNAPSHOT for Space Nuclear Auxiliary Power Shot.
- The SNAP reactors had liquid sodium-potassium alloy as the coolant. A thermoelectric enriched uranium fuel with zirconium hydride as a moderator converter was used to directly convert heat from the reactor into electricity.
- Russia has sent quite a few of them, including one that crashed and scattered radioactive debris over Canada in 1978.
3. Rainfall rising in over half of India’s sub-districts, says four-decade study
- Rainfall is increasing in more than half of India’s 4,400-odd tehsils or sub-districts, according to a granular analysis of changes in the Indian monsoon, conducted for the first time at the tehsil level.
- 55% of tehsils have seen a rise in rainfall, about 11% of them have experienced decreasing rainfall.
- More worryingly, this decrease occurred largely during the critical southwest monsoon.
- Most of these tehsils are in the Indo-Gangetic plains — which contribute to more than half of India’s agricultural production
- As well as in northeastern India, and the Indian Himalayan region.
- 1.Extremes at the district level
- An analysis at the district level reveals that 30% of India’s districts witnessed several more years of deficient rainfall and 38% saw many years of excessive rainfall.
- 2.Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns
- Rainfall from the northeast monsoon — that sets in during October, November and December, primarily in peninsular India
- It has increased by more than 10% over the last decade (2012-2022) in approximately 80% of tehsils in Tamil Nadu, 44% in Telangana, and 39% in Andhra Pradesh, respectively.
- The southwest monsoon accounts for nearly 76% of India’s annual rainfall, with about 11% coming from the northeast monsoon.
- Several tehsils of Maharashtra and Goa, Odisha and West Bengal on the east coast have also been reporting increasing rainfall during these winter months.
4. The Beach Games 2024
- The first multi-sports beach games in India, organized at the pristine blue flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu concluded with landlocked Madhya Pradesh emerging overall champion, topping the medal tally with a total of 18 medals, including an impressive haul of 7 golds.
- The event showcased the sporting prowess of Madhya Pradesh’s contingent and also highlighted the depth of talent fostered within the state.
- Maharashtra won 14 medals including 3 gold, while Tamil Nadu, Uttarkhand and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman secured 12 medals each.
- Assam won 8 medals, out of which 5 were Gold.
- Sporting excellence took centre stage from January 4-11, as 1404 athletes, all under the age of 21, from 28 states and Union Territories, supported by 205 match officials, participated in a diverse range of disciplines.
- The games were structured into 2 sessions each day.
- The Morning Session, starting from 8 am and concluding at noon, followed by the Afternoon Session, commencing at 3 pm.
- This scheduling not only optimized the athletes’ performances under suitable weather conditions but also allowed for a dynamic and engaging viewing experience for the enthusiastic audience.
5. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Call for Nominations announced under Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar :
- The Government of India has announced the “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar” in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation.
- The National Award recognizes outstanding and inspiring scientific, technological and innovation contributions of researchers, technologists and innovators.
The awards shall be given in the following four categories :
Vigyan Ratna (VR) :
- Maximum of three awards to be bestowed to recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in a given field of Science and Technology.
Vigyan Shri (VS) :
- A maximum of 25 awards to be given to recognize the distinguished contributions in a given field of Science and Technology.
Vigyan Yuva : Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award :
- Maximum of 25 awards to be given to recognize and encourage young scientists who made an exceptional contribution in a given field of Science and Technology.
Vigyan Team (VT) award :
- A maximum of three awards may be awarded to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in a given field of Science and Technology.
TNPSC – One Liner
- Oil Production in Krishna Godavari Basin with an estimate of 45,000 Barrels of Oil per Day by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) in Kakinada Coast, Andhra Prasdesh
- Food Corporation of India Celebrates its 60th Anniversary, its headquarters located at New Delhi. It was established on 14th January 1965.
