UPSC QUIZ 06.01.2024

Explanation:

• Cultivation of Litchi, traditionally restricted to Muzaffarpur Bihar, has witnessed a significant expansion across 19 Indian states, highlighting the Horticulture boost in India.This development stems from the efforts of the National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) based in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

Key Facts about Litchi

• Botanical Classification: Litchi belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is known for its delicious, juicy, translucent aril or edible flesh.
• Climatic Requirements: Litchi thrives in sub-tropical climates and prefers moist conditions. It grows best in regions with low elevation, up to an altitude of around 800 meters.
• Soil Preference: The ideal soil for litchi cultivation is deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Litchi is sensitive to extreme temperatures. It does not tolerate temperatures above 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer or freezing temperatures in winter.
• Rainfall Impact: Prolonged rain, especially during flowering, can interfere with pollination and affect the crop adversely.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry is promoting India as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
• The objective is to showcase India's MSME sector, traditional handicrafts, artisanal offerings, weavers, and manufacturing prowess internationally.
• The Ministry also unveils India’s ambitious Mega Events line-up for the coming months; Aatmanirbhar Bharat Utsav, Indus Food, Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 and Bharat Tex.

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions)

• MICE is a term used in the tourism and events industry to categorize and represent a segment related to business and corporate tourism.
• MICE tourism involves organizing and hosting events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and incentives for companies and groups.
• These activities aim to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, business collaborations, and the showcasing of products and services within a professional or business context.

Explanation:

• Bird enthusiasts were able to document rare ‘pelagic’ birds throughout 2023 just off the Karnataka coast.
• Besides pelagic birds, Karnataka has drawn attention to land-based species, with the New Mangalore Port (NMP) transforming into a green port, fostering avian diversity.

Key Facts Pelagic Bird

• Pelagic birds are birds that spend a large portion of their lives on the open ocean.
• They can be found thousands of miles offshore but can get blown onto land during high winds and storms. The only other time they come inland is to breed.

Explanation:

• Government launched a procurement portal for tur dal-growing farmers.
• To register farmers for selling the dal and receiving payments directly into their bank accounts, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched a procurement portal for tur dal.
• This portal will help to streamline the entire process for tur dal growers in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka and Jharkhand.
• The portal was launched at a national symposium on 'self-reliance in pulses'.
• This will ensure that tur dal producers get better prices for their crops.
• Pulses will be purchased for buffer stock from the farmers registered on the portal and minimum support price or market price will be paid to farmers.
• Farmers can register on the portal directly or through Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) and Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO).
• The main aim of the portal is to reduce dependence on imports by purchasing 80 per cent of the buffer stock directly from farmers.

Explanation:

• In the first phase, 928 schools of Uttar Pradesh will be given a facelift under PM Shri Yojana.
• PM SHRI Schools have been launched in the state by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
• On January 4, participants from 928 locations virtually attended the launch ceremony held in Lucknow.
• Under the PM Shri Yojana, in the first phase, the upgrade and modernization work of 928 government schools of Uttar Pradesh is being done, including 81 Kendriya and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• The 928 schools of the state will be modernized with an amount of Rs 404 crore. In this, classes 1 to 12 will be upgraded.
• A total of 1753 schools have been selected for upgradation under PM SHRI Schools across the state.
• Infrastructure improvements such as Bal Vatika, smart classrooms, science laboratories, digital libraries, and sports facilities will be initiated in schools, resulting in the development of integrated campuses to provide holistic school education.