Prelims Exam
Revision Notes
Geography
1.Dongria Kondh Tribe
Context
- Dongria Kondh tribe members threaten election boycott in Odisha.
About Dongria Kondh Tribe
- PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) residing in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills.
- Distinct cultural features:
- Jewelry – Women wear multiple ear & nose rings, girls wear hair clips & neck beads.
- Boys wear two nose rings.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- Identified by the Dhebar Commission (1973).
- More vulnerable compared to other tribal groups in India.
- Characteristics:
- Primitive traits
- Geographical isolation
- Low literacy
- Stagnant or declining population
- Dependent on hunting and basic technology
- Odisha has the highest PVTG population (2011 Census).
Science and Tech
2.Membranous Nephropathy (MN) Linked to Fairness Creams
Context
- Kerala researchers link fairness cream use to nephrotic syndrome in 15 cases.
- Mercury in fairness creams is a known global health concern.
About Membranous Nephropathy (MN)
- Autoimmune disease causing nephrotic syndrome (excess protein in urine).
- Leads to kidney failure.
- Diagnosed through kidney biopsy.
- Phospholipase A-2 receptor (PLA2R) is the target antigen in 70-80% of MN cases.
- Neural epidermal growth factor-like protein 1 (NELL-1) linked to a rare form of MN.
Treatment
- Identifying the cause (fairness cream use) is crucial to prevent further damage.
- Immunosuppressive therapy is a primary treatment option.
Defence
3.Crystal Maze 2 Missile
Indian Air Force Test
- Successful test firing of Crystal Maze 2 missile.
About Crystal Maze 2
- Air-launched ballistic missile with 250+ km range.
- Designed for high-value targets like radars and air defenses.
- Effective in GPS-denied environments and penetrates air defenses.
Art and Culture
4.Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC)
Context
- IHRC adopted a new logo and motto.
- Established: 1919
About IHRC
- Apex advisory body on archival matters for the Government of India.
- All-India forum for creators, custodians, and users of historical records.
- Headed by the Union Minister of Culture.
Role and Significance
- Identifies, collects, catalogs, and maintains historical records.
- Advises on managing records and their use for historical research.
- Promotes public interest in archival conservation and use.
New Logo and Motto
- Logo:
- Lotus petals symbolize IHRC’s role in preserving records.
- Sarnath pillar represents India’s rich history.
- Brown color reflects the mission of preserving historical records.
- Motto: “Where history is preserved for the future” emphasizes IHRC’s commitment.