UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 14-08-2024

Long-range glide bomb (LRGB) Gaurav

Recently, India has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) 'Gaurav' from Long Wheeler’s Island coast, Odisha.

• Gaurav- It is an air launched 1,000 kg class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distance.
• Designed by - The GAURAV glide bomb was indigenously designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.
• The glide bomb steers towards its target using a highly accurate hybrid navigation system that combines INS and GPS data.

Long-Range Glide Bomb

• A Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) is a precision-guided weapon that combines the characteristics of a bomb and a missile.
• It is designed to be released from an aircraft and glide over long distances towards its target.
• The bomb is equipped with guidance systems that allow it to accurately hit its target without the need for a powered flight, making it a cost-effective and versatile option for air-to-ground strikes.
• Glide Capability- The bomb is released from a high altitude, allowing it to glide towards the target using aerodynamic surfaces such as wings or fins.
• This capability enables the bomb to cover long distances without requiring propulsion, extending the reach of the aircraft delivering it.
• Payload- LRGBs can carry various types of warheads, including high-explosive, penetrating, or cluster munitions.
• Strategic strikes- LRGBs are used for strategic strikes against high-value targets such as enemy command centers, radar installations, and airfields.

References

1. The Hindu | Long range glide bomb
2. India Today | Long range glide bomb

109 New crop varieties

 Recently 109 varieties of 61 Field and Horticultural crops were released in the trial sites of PUSA, New Delhi.

• Aim - Enhancing farm productivity and improving farmers' incomes.
• Developed by – Various research institutes of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agriculture universities.
• Field Trial - The seeds of the new varieties were introduced at three experimental agriculture plots at Delhi's Pusa Campus.
  • PUSA - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Delhi.
• 109 Crop Varieties – These are climate resilient, bio fortified and nutrient rich varieties of 61 Crops.
• Types - 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.
• Field Crops (69)
  • Cereals (23): Rice-9; Wheat-2; Barley 1; Maize-6, Sorghum-1, Pearl millet-1; Finger millet-1; Proso millet-1; Barnyard millet-1;
  • Pulses (11): Chickpea  -2, Pigeon pea – 2, Lentil -3, Field  pea – 1; Fababean -1; Mungbean -2;
  • Oilseeds (7): Safflower – 2, Soybean – 2, Groundnut – 2, Sesame -1;
  • Forage crops (7): Forage pearl millet-1; Berseem–1, Oats–2; Forage maize-2, Forage sorghum–1,
  • Sugar crops (4): Sugarcane - 4;
  • Fibre crops (6): Cotton - 5; Jute -1;
  • Potential crops (11): Buckwheat-1, Amaranth-4, Winged bean-1, Adzuki bean-1, Pillipesara-1, Kalingda-1, Perilla-2
• Horticultural Crops (40)
  • Fruits (8): Mango –3, Pomegranate – 1; Guava – 2; Bael – 1; Pummelo – 1;
  • Vegetable crops (8): Tomato -2; Bottle gourd -1; Okra – 1; Indian beans – 2; Muskmelan – 1; Water melan – 1;
  • Tuber crops (3): Potato – 3;
  • Spices (6): Netmug – 1, Small cardamom -2; Fennel – 1; Ajwain – 01; Mango ginger – 1;
  • Plantation crops (6): Cocoa -2, Cashew – 2; Coconut – 2;
  • Flowers (5): Merigold – 1; Tuberose – 1; Crossandra – 1; Gladiolus – 2;
  • Medicinal plants (4): Velvet Bean – 2; Ashwagandha -1; Mandukaparni – 1

​​​​​​​References

PIB | 109 new crop varieties

The UK-India TSI

Recently, India has begun negotiations with the UK to enhance collaboration on critical minerals under the new UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).

• Critical minerals- these are natural resources that are essential to the economy and crucial to produce a wide range of high-tech devices, clean energy technologies, and defense systems.
• These minerals are considered "critical" due to their economic importance and the risk of supply chain disruptions.
• Examples of Critical Minerals-
  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs)- Used in electronics, magnets, and renewable energy technologies.
  • Lithium- Essential for batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
  • Cobalt- Used in battery production, particularly for EVs.
  • Nickel- Vital for stainless steel production and batteries.
  • Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)- Used in catalytic converters, electronics, and medical devices.
  • Graphite- Key component in batteries and fuel cells.

UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI)

• It is a collaborative framework established between the United Kingdom and India to enhance technological security and cooperation between the two nations.
• Purpose- Strategic framework for collaboration in critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
• Objective- To reduce dependency on China and lead the global critical minerals supply chain.
• Focus areas- Developing economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies for extracting and recycling critical minerals.
• Joint initiative- Possible establishment of a Critical Minerals Recycling Centre in India focusing on advanced military waste recycling.
• UK-India “Critical Minerals” community- To foster knowledge exchange among academics, innovators, and industry leaders.
• Geological collaboration- Partnership between the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to enhance exploration methods and offshore mining technology development.
• Collaboration on recycling critical minerals- Exploration of launching a joint Critical Minerals Recycling Centre in India, including advanced military waste recycling.
• Offshore Mining and Scientific Collaboration- Opportunities for co-developing technologies and exchanging scientific knowledge in offshore mining will be explored.
• India’s international partnerships-
  • US-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) for securing critical mineral supply chains.
  • India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership focusing on exploration and development.
  • With the UK, marking the third major international partnership in the critical minerals sector.

References

1. Business Standard | The UK-India TSI
2. Ministry of External Affairs | UK-India Technology Security Initiative

Tungabhadra Dam & River

A flood alert has been issued in Karnataka’s Koppal district after one of the 33 crest gates of the Tungabhadra dam was washed away.

• About- It is a major river in the south Indian peninsula and is a major tributary of the Krishna River.
• Origin- It is formed at the confluence of two streams, Tunga and Bhadra, near Shimoga, Karnataka.
• Course- River starts and flows through the state of Karnataka, during most of its course, Andhra Pradesh and ultimately joining the Krishna River near Murvakonda in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Boundary- It forms part of the boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Tributaries- Varada and Hagari River.
• Length and catchment area- The river has a total length of approximately 531 km and a catchment area of about 70,000 sq km.
• It is influenced mainly by the South-West monsoon and is a perennial river.

• Tungabhadra reservoir-

o The reservoir covers an area of 378 sq km, primarily in Karnataka’s Vijayanagar district.

o It is one of the major reservoirs in South India, supplying water for irrigation, industrial use, and drinking water to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

• Tungabhadra board- Established by a presidential order in 1953.
• The Board consists of a chairman appointed by the Union government and 4 members representing the Union government, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Tungabhadra Dam

• Historical background- The dam was first conceived in 1860 to address recurrent famines in Rayalaseema.
• Construction- The construction began in 1945 under the governments of Hyderabad and Madras and was completed in 1953.
• Location- The Tungabhadra Dam is located near the town of Hospet in Karnataka’s Vijayanagar district.  
• It is constructed across the Tungabhadra River.
• Reservoir- The Tungabhadra reservoi has a storage capacity of about 101 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet).
• Purpose- The dam plays a critical role in water management for irrigation, providing water to farmlands.
• It also supplies drinking water and supports industrial activities in the region.
• Hydroelectric power- It is also a source of hydroelectric power, generating electricity that supports the energy needs of the surrounding regions.    

References

1. The Indian Express | Tungabhadra
2. Tungabhadra Board | Tungabhadra