General Studies Test – 04

• The CDP-SURAKSHA platform is a digital initiative by government under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) aimed at supporting horticulture farmers.
• It allows for the instant disbursal of subsidies directly to the farmers' bank accounts, leveraging the e-RUPI voucher system.
• This initiative is part of efforts to stimulate the growth of India's horticulture sector, which is a significant contributor to the country's agriculture gross value addition (GVA).
• The significance of this sector is highlighted by its substantial and growing contribution to the Indian economy over the years, with horticulture crop production increasing from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.
• By providing financial support directly and efficiently to horticulture farmers, CDP-SURAKSHA aims to further enhance the production and quality of horticulture crops across India.
• This strategic move is expected to improve the livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture and boost the sector's overall productivity and sustainability.

• Satpura mountain range is an example of block mountain.
• When the earth’s crust cracks due to tension or compression, faulting takes place and block mountains forms.
• There are four types of mountains they are Block Mountains, Residual Mountains, Accumulated Mountains, and Fold Mountains.
• The Aravalli Range is considered to be the oldest fold mountain system in the world. Presently is considered a residual mountain.
• The Himalayas are young fold mountains.

• Deomali is the highest Peak Point in Odisha state, located in eastern Ghats in the Koratpur district of Odisha.
• Deomali Peak an elevation of about 1,672 m.
• It is situated near Doodhari village, Pottangi Panchayat division which is 70  km from Koraput in Southern Odisha.
• Deomali is dotted with brooks and deep valleys and inhabited by tribes such Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis, and Bhotias.
• Many waterfalls also found while heading for the top of the hill.

Spring session

• The Spring session is not traditionally recognized as a part of the regular cycle of sessions in the Indian Parliamentary system or in the legislative assemblies of the states. The typical cycle consists of the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions, each with its distinct timing and legislative focus. The term "Spring session" does not correspond to any officially recognized session in the parliamentary calendar as it is conventionally understood in the Indian context. Thus, while the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions are dedicated times for the assembly to meet, discuss, and pass legislation, the "Spring session" does not exist within this framework as a formal period for legislative activity.  Hence, option 4 is the correct answer.

• The Subarnarekha River, also known as the Swarnarekha River, flows through the Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
• Its name translates to “streak of gold” in Bengali, reflecting the tradition of gold mining near its origin at a village called Piska near Ranchi.
• The Subarnarekha River originates near Piska/Nagri on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand and meanders through Ranchi, Seraikela Kharsawan, and East Singhbhum districts within the state.
• The total length of the river is 395 kilometers.

• The Indian contingent concluded the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with nine medals, comprising four silver and five bronze medals.
• A total of 30 Indian wrestlers participated in the six-day meet, with ten wrestlers each competing in men's freestyle, men's Greco-Roman, and women's freestyle categories.
• Notable medalists included Udit, who won silver in the men's freestyle 57kg category, and Abhimanyu and Vicky, who secured bronze in the 70kg and 97kg weight divisions, respectively, on the opening day.
• In women's wrestling, Radhika earned silver in the 68kg category, while Shivanee Pawar claimed bronze in the 50kg category.
• Anju and Harshita secured silver medals in the 53kg and 72kg categories, respectively, while Manisha and Antim Panghal settled for bronze in the 62kg and 65kg divisions.
• Currently, India has secured only one quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics in wrestling, with Antim Panghal earning it by winning bronze in the women's 53kg category at the 2023 World Championships.

• The Thomas Cup is a prestigious international badminton tournament for men's teams.
• It was first held in 1948 and is named after Sir George Thomas, a former badminton player and administrator.
• The tournament is held every two years and features teams from various countries competing for the championship title.
• The Thomas Cup is considered one of the most important badminton events in the world, along with the Uber Cup (women's teams) and the BWF World Championships (individual players).

Top Soil :-

• The layer of soil with the maximum concentration of humus is the topsoil.
• The topsoil is the topmost layer of soil, and it is made up of a mixture of organic matter and mineral matter.
• The organic matter in the topsoil comes from decaying plant and animal matter, and it is this organic matter that gives the topsoil its dark color and its nutrient-rich properties.
• The amount of humus in the topsoil varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of vegetation that grows in the area, the climate, and the management practices used on the land.

• Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is named after a village called Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, where it was developed by Brahmin men in the 17th century.
• Kuchipudi is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive facial expressions.
• It is usually performed by a solo dancer, accompanied by musicians and vocalists.

Additional Information

• Tamil Nadu is known for its classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
• Kerala is known for Mohiniyattam and Kathakali.
• Bihar, on the other hand, has its own unique folk dances like Jat-Jatin and Jhumar.

• In 1633, East India Company’s first factory in east India was set up at Hariharpur, Balasore in Orissa.
• In 1625, Dutch founded their first settlement at Pipli of Balasore District.
• In 1667, Aurangzeb issued Farman to the company and allowed it to trade in Bengal. 

• All organisms need food, water, and oxygen for survival.
• They need to transport all these to various parts of their body.
• Further, animals need to transport wastes to parts from where they can be removed.

Explanation:-

Thus, Circulatory System in the human body transports blood.

• In 1846, the Khonds people of Odisha started a movement under the leadership of Chakra Bisoi.
• The Government attempted to end the human sacrifice and introduce a new tax system.
• The Britishers had signed a peace agreement with the Khonds of Odisha in 1848.
• The Khonds movement ended in 1857.

• Monazite is an important ore of Thorium.
• The largest concentration of Monazite sand is on the Kerala coast.
• Radioactive elements are elements that contain disintegrating nuclei, emitting alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays.
• Uranium and Thorium are the best-known radioactive elements.
• Thorium
  • Chemical symbol 'Th' & atomic number is '90'.
  • Naturally occurring radioactive element.
  • Thorium -232 is the most stable isotope of Thorium.
  • It is 3 to 4 times more abundant than uranium and chiefly refined from monazite sand.

• The Brahmani River, flowing through the picturesque landscapes of Odisha, is approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) long.
• It holds the distinction of being the second longest river in Odisha, trailing only behind the mighty Mahanadi River.
• However, if we consider its constituent rivers, the Brahmani’s length extends to an impressive 799 kilometers (496 miles), with 541 kilometers (336 miles) of this length situated within the state of Odisha.
• The Brahmani River originates from the confluence of the South Koel River and the Sankh River.