UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – 11 January 2023

Nickel Alloy Coating

Relevance:

As per an autonomous Research and Development Centre of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), a new method of deposition of Nickel alloy coatings on engineering-grade materials can replace environmentally toxic chrome plating.

About Chrome Plating:

• Deposition of thin layer of chromium on a metal surface using an electroplating process.
• Properties of Chromium layer – Highly reflective; Provides hard and durable surface; Resistant to corrosion.
• The process involves the use of hexavalent chromium, which is a known human carcinogen.
• Uses – Automotive parts, Domestic and industrial applications.
• Health effects – Respiratory problems, skin irritation, risk of lung cancer when inhaled etc.

About Nickel Alloy Coating:

• It provides a unique combination of corrosion and wear resistance that brightness, luster and appeal.
• It provides excellent adhesion properties for subsequent coating layers.
• Features of new method –
  • Deposition of novel nanostructured Nickel alloy coatings.
  • Uses electric current in the form of pulses (Pulsed current electroplating)
• Nickel – Often used as an ‘undercoat’ for other coatings, such as chromium.
• Applications – Used on aircraft and aerospace components, automotive parts, food processing equipment (non-stick) etc.

Reference: PIB

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Paigah Tombs

Relevance:

The US Govt will extend financial support of USD 250,000 towards the conservation and restoration of 6 of the Paigah tombs, built in 18th-19th centuries, in Hyderabad.

News Summary:

• Funded by – US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation
• Implemented by – Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
• Paigah tombs –
  • Other Name: Maqbara Shams al-Umara
  • It is a necropolis belonging to the nobility of the Paigah family.
  • Materials used – Lime, mortar and marble.
  • Type – Indo-Islamic architecture (blend of Asaf Jahi and Rajputana styles)
• Paigahs –
  • Claimed to be the descendants of Hazrath Omar bin Al-Khattab, Islam’s 2^nd caliph.
  • Word meaning – Paigah (Farsi) which says ‘footstool’. (Literally Right-hand man)
  • Served as the Nizam of Hyderabad of Asaf Jahi dynasty.
  • Responsibility – To look after the security and defence of the region.

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imamabara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a). 1 only

b). 2 only

c). Both 1 and 2

d). Neither 1 nor 2

Reference: Indian Express

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Prithvi-II

Relevance:

Recently, DRDO carried out a successful test launch of tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a test range off the Odisha coast.

Prithvi-II missile:

• A Surface-to-Surface Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)
• Indigenously Developed by – DRDO under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Range – Around 350 km
• Payload Capacity – 1 tonne
• Stages – Single stage
• Fuel – Liquid
• Warhead Capability – 500 kg to 1000 kg
• Features –
  • Very high degree of precision.
  • Advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.
  • Used by – Indian Air Force & Indian Army

Prithvi missile system:

• A Surface-to-Surface Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM).
• India’s 1^st indigenous ballistic missile.
• Range – 150 to 300 km.
• Dhanush – Naval variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi III class missiles
• Propulsion technology was based on the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.
• Prahar missiles – Replaced with Prithvi I missiles.

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• 1 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3

Read about IGMDP

Reference: Indian Express

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Indian Skimmer

Relevance:

As per the Asian Waterbird Census 2023, the Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh has become a prime and safe habitat for the Indian Skimmer. Around 250 Indian Skimmers, were sighted in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Indian Skimmers:

• Common name – Indian scissors bill
• Widespread Areas – Coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.
• Sighted Areas – Chambal River in Central India, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Major Threats – Habitat degradation, excessive and widespread increases in disturbances near the rivers.
• Protection Status –
  • IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Not listed

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is a part of Godavari estuary, home to India’s 2^nd largest mangrove cover.
• Aim – To rehabilitate the salt water crocodile and to protect Olive Ridley turtles and Indian Otter etc.

Prelims Fact: Asian Waterbird Census is an integral part of the global waterbird monitoring programme, the International Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by Wetlands International.

Reference: The Hindu