ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ

CA – 14 MAY 2024 • BBMP to provide dental care, physiotherapy in PHCs • The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in Kerala is launching an orientation programme for temple priests and staff, titled 'Bhakta Sukhadam Kshetra Darshanam' (Happiness for devotees from temple visit). This initiative aims to improve the courteous behavior of priests and staff towards devotees, enhance the overall experience for visitors, and boost temple revenue by providing proper guidance on conducting special poojas. Former IAS officer M Nandakumar will be conducting training sessions for around 5,000 temple priests and staff across 15 classes, focusing on effective communication, understanding rituals, and traditions to ensure a feel-good experience for devotees and promote a harmonious temple environment. • State Bank of India (SBI) said it was the first bank to become a trading-cum-clearing (TCM) member at India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) which deals with trading in precious metals. • P. Shyaamnikhil became India’s 85th Grandmaster by completing his third and final GM norm in the recently-concluded Dubai Police Masters chess tournament • The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced held at Umroi, in a fully developed and modern Foreign Training Node in Meghalaya. • Mammoth, a large CO2 capture and storage facility, is now operational on an Icelandic volcano by Climeworks. It uses 72 fans to capture 36,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, burying it underground for carbon sequestration. The location near a geothermal plant aids in powering the facility and extracting CO2 through chemical filtering. The capture process involves separating CO2 from steam, compressing it, dissolving in water, and injecting it underground. Mammoth aims to eliminate millions of tonnes of CO2 by 2030, contributing to global carbon neutrality targets. Challenges include high costs, reliance on renewable energy, but innovations like seawater injection show promise. • Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana enter UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, highlighting their cultural significance and preservation. Ramcharitmanas, written by Tulsidas, is a revered work in Hindu literature, offering insights into Indian culture and devotion, and introducing traditions like Ramlila. Panchatantra, an ancient collection of animal fables, has global reach and resonates across cultures, showcasing moral teachings in storytelling. Sahṛdayāloka-Locana by Acharya AnandVardana contributes significantly to Sanskrit poetics, enriching literary understanding and appreciation. UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, initiated in 1992, aims to safeguard humanity's documentary heritage, ensuring access for various purposes. • India and Iran have signed a 10-year deal for the Shahid Beheshti Terminal of Chabahar Port, involving India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran (PMOI). IPGL will invest $120 million for port development and extend a credit window worth $250 million for infrastructural projects, aiming to make Chabahar Port a connectivity hub for India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Eurasia. • The 4th Joint Committee meeting reviewed the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009 during the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations. The agreement, effective since 2010, is also known as the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), focusing on physical goods trade and excluding services, which are covered under a separate agreement signed in 2014. ASEAN, established in 1967, comprises 10 member states and aims to promote cooperation and integration across various sectors among its members and with other Asian countries.

NEWS – 13 MAY 2024 • A team from Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial (NMAM) Institute of Technology, Karkala in Udupi emerged victorious at the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition, showcasing their expertise alongside 2,350 students from 855 institutions across India. Notably, female participation increased to 28% this year, highlighting a positive trend in aviation enthusiasm among women. • The Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change — Version 2 was developed in 2021 and approved by the central government for implementation, aligning with national and international climate commitments. It includes climate analysis at a district level, outlines impacts on sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forests, and water, and emphasizes both mitigation and adaptation strategies. The plan also includes a roadmap for implementation, financing sources, and institutional arrangements for monitoring progress • BBMP plans to engage private entities, nonprofits, and citizens in lake maintenance via the "BBMP Community Involvement for Lake Conservation Policy, 2024," pending Karnataka High Court approval. Private entities can fund or partner with BBMP, utilizing Schedule VII of the Companies Act for corporate funding. With 202 lakes under BBMP, focus is on rejuvenation and cost reduction. Proposed activities include installations and creating parks. The implementation process involves proposals to BBMP, engineer supervision, and KTCD Authority's nod. Positive public feedback emphasizes tripartite agreements for fund and space integrity. • Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey's panel appointed by the Meghalaya High Court highlighted slow progress in restoring coal mining damage, particularly from rat-hole mining. The Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) remains largely unutilized despite having substantial funds. Acid mine drainage continues to affect communities near abandoned mines. Recommendations include drone surveys to identify illegal coal deposits, actions against violators, and a call for concerned departments to act promptly for ecological restoration and fund utilization. • Scientists at ICAR-NBFGR studying sea anemones near Lakshadweep discovered mass bleaching off Agatti Island, signaling environmental stress. Sea anemones are invertebrate aquatic animals with symbiotic relationships, commonly found near corals. Bleaching can disrupt these relationships, impacting marine biodiversity. Agatti Island, part of the Lakshadweep group, relies on fishing as the primary industry and faces concerns about bleaching's impact on marine ecosystems. • The 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) concluded in New York, focusing on political commitments to forest protection and implementing the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF) 2017-2030. UNFF, established in 2000 by ECOSOC, promotes sustainable forest management globally, aligning with key international agreements like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. The session aimed to foster collaboration and coherence in global forest management efforts.

NEWS – 11 MAY 2024 • The Spices Board has introduced stringent guidelines to prevent ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination in exported spices from India, emphasizing the avoidance of EtO use, testing for EtO contamination, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring microbial contaminant control throughout the supply chain to maintain product safety and quality • India voted in favor of a draft UN General Assembly resolution supporting Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, stating that Palestine is qualified and should be admitted as a full member. The resolution received 143 votes in favor, including India's, with nine against and 25 abstentions. This move reflects India's stance in support of Palestine's status at the UN and calls for the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably based on this determination. • The government has officially implemented the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, granting Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs the authority to maintain discipline and administration among Service personnel. This Act aims to streamline processes, prevent redundant proceedings, and foster greater integration within the armed forces personnel, especially as the Indian military prepares for reorganisation into integrated theatre commands • The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386. • Karnataka's plastic waste management struggles include low recycling rates at 57%, generating 44 tonnes daily, with only 74.2% collected. Policy-wise, they banned carry bags in 2016 but face issues with illegal units and banned material imports. The state has 143 recycling units, yet 57.27% of waste is recycled, with non-recyclable plastic going to cement factories as RDF, causing environmental hazards due to toxic additives. Despite KSPCB's enforcement actions, including 53,698 cases, banned plastic remains a challenge, often sourced from neighboring states • BBMP in response to recent heavy rainfall installed water level gauging sensors at 124 locations, powered by solar energy, transmitting data to KSNDMC and then to BBMP's ICC. The sensors use color codes to indicate safe water levels and flood risks. BBMP's initiatives include RCC walls along stormwater drains, ongoing desilting works, and permanent flood mitigation measures in 74 areas • The Union Health Ministry issued standardized guidelines for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths, aiding hospitals in labeling such deaths and conducting autopsies when necessary. Collaboration with forensic medicine departments is encouraged, and the guidelines stress awareness of climate change risks in increasing heat-related deaths. The aim is to improve hospitals' capacity for evidence-based medical decision-making regarding these deaths. • The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focusing on assessing biofuel potential, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting workshops. India plays a significant role in proposing workstreams, engaging in global forums, and positioning itself as a climate champion. GBA aims to promote biofuel development globally, emphasizing market strengthening, trade facilitation, and sustainable utilization across generations • ISRO successfully hot-tested a liquid rocket engine designed through Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology at the Iaro Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu. The redesigned PS4 engine, used in PSLV's fourth stage and PS1's Reaction Control System, was validated for key performance parameters. Benefits of the redesign include reduced parts, eliminated weld joints, saved raw material usage, and decreased production time by 60%. Wipro 3D partnered in manufacturing the engine using AM technology

Date: National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11. History: In 1998, India conducted nuclear bomb tests known as Pokhran II, making it the sixth nuclear country globally. This event led to the declaration of May 11 as National Technology Day by then-Prime Minister Atal Vihari Bajpayee. Significance: The day celebrates India's technological advancements, raises awareness about technology's importance, and encourages young minds to pursue innovation and technology-related studies. It also honors scientists and innovators for their contributions.

1.Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution consist of: A) Right to Equality B) Right to Freedom C) Right against Exploitation D) All of the above 2.Which article deals with the right to equality before the law and equal protection of laws? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 3.The prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth is covered under which article? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 4.Which article guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 5.Abolition of untouchability and prohibition of its practice is mentioned in: A) Article 16 B) Article 17 C) Article 18 D) Article 19 6.The right to protection of six freedoms including speech, assembly, and profession is covered under which article? A) Article 19 B) Article 20 C) Article 21 D) Article 22 7.Which article guarantees protection of life and personal liberty? A) Article 19 B) Article 20 C) Article 21 D) Article 22 8.The right against exploitation, including prohibition of forced labour, is guaranteed by: A) Article 21 B) Article 22 C) Article 23 D) Article 24 9.Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion is protected under: A) Article 23 B) Article 24 C) Article 25 D) Article 26 10.Which article deals with the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights? A) Article 29 B) Article 30 C) Article 31 D) Article 32