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.