Bathukamma Festival    
Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) 
Shukrayaan-1    
India’s Iron Ore Industry and its Economic Contribution    
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)    
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary    
Core Sectors Output    
National Film Award    
Dadasaheb Phalke Award    

1.    Bathukamma Festival
In News:
•    Bathukamma festival will be celebrated at India Gate for the first time, with the Telugu community in Delhi. This event is organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.

About the Bathukamma Festival:
•    Bathukamma is a vibrant floral festival from the state of Telangana, celebrated primarily by women.
•    It is celebrated with flowers native to the region, especially during the latter part of the monsoon season, just before winter, and falls two days before Dassera.
Key Elements:
1.    Flowers Used:

o    The most common flowers used are ‘Gunuka’ and ‘Tangedu’.
o    Seasonal fruits like ‘Shilpakka pandlu’ (custard apples or poor man’s apple) are a special attraction.
2.    Festival Activities:
o    Women arrange flowers in circular layers on a brass plate called ‘Taambalam’.
o    The festival involves a procession where women carry the decorated flowers on their heads and head towards a water body.
o    The flower arrangements, called
‘Bathukammalu’, are immersed in water.
3.    Community Spirit:
o    After immersing the flowers,
‘Maleeda’ (a sweet made from sugar or raw sugar and corn bread) is shared among the participants.
4.    Environmental and Cultural Significance:
o    Along with Bathukamma, women also create ‘Boddemma’ (an idol of Gowri Durga made from mud), which is also immersed. This helps reinforce ponds by improving water retention.
o    The flowers used in the festival have water-purifying properties, thus contributing to the environment.

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Bathukamma festival, consider the following statements:

1.    Bathukamma is celebrated during the early part of the monsoon season.
2.    The flowers used in Bathukamma have water-purifying properties.
3.    The festival is primarily celebrated by men and women together.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the cultural and environmental significance of the Bathukamma festival of Telangana. How does it contribute to the region's ecological well-being?

2.    Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)
– Shukrayaan-1
Overview:
•    Shukrayaan-1 is India's first planned mission to Venus.
•    The mission aims to study Venus's atmosphere, surface, and geological features using advanced scientific instruments.
•    The orbiter will collect data on the planet's climate, atmospheric composition, and potential volcanic and seismic activity.

Mission Objectives:
1.    Surface and Subsurface Study:
o    Investigate surface processes and
subsurface stratigraphy.
2.    Atmospheric Analysis:

o    Study the structure, composition, and dynamics of Venus's atmosphere.
3.    Solar Wind Interaction:
o    Explore the interaction of solar wind with the Venusian ionosphere.
Key Highlights:
1.    Timeline:
o    Originally planned for 2023, the mission is now scheduled for March 2028.
o    Earth and Venus come closest every 19 months, making this timeline important for mission success.
2.    Payloads:
o    The mission will carry 100 kg of scientific instruments, including:
    Synthetic aperture radar.
    Infrared and ultraviolet cameras.
    Sensors to study interplanetary dust particles and high-energy particles.
o    One payload will examine the ionisation caused by high-energy particles in Venus's atmosphere, while others will focus on its composition and thermal state.
3.    Aero-Braking – India's First Attempt:
o    The mission will employ aero- braking, using atmospheric drag to slow the spacecraft and adjust its orbit.
o    The satellite will initially be placed in a highly elliptical orbit (500 km x 60,000 km) around Venus, then gradually descend to a more suitable orbit (300 x 300 km or 200 x 600 km) using this technique.
4.    Fuel-Efficient Orbit Adjustment:
o    The orbiter will skim Venus's outer atmosphere at around 140 km multiple times, using drag to

reduce speed without consuming excess fuel.
o    The aero-braking process will take about six months.
Why Explore Venus?
1.    Understanding Earth's Evolution:
o Venus is often considered Earth’s twin due to its mass, density, and size.
o    Studying Venus provides clues to Earth’s evolution, as it was once thought to contain water but is

•    Renewed global focus on Venus stems from its relevance in understanding planetary evolution, climate change, and the potential for life in extreme conditions.
•    The discovery of phosphine gas in 2020, a potential biomarker, has intensified the search for microbial life.
•    Venus’s proximity makes it a key target for further space exploration, and India's mission places it alongside other spacefaring nations in this endeavor.

now dry and desolate.        

2.    Climate Change Insights:
o    Venus's runaway greenhouse effect has caused surface temperatures to reach 470°C, even hotter than Mercury.
o    By examining this phenomenon, scientists hope to gain insights into climate change and atmospheric dynamics on Earth.
3.    Technological and Scientific Advancements:
o    Venus's extreme conditions—100 bar atmospheric pressure, 96.5% carbon dioxide atmosphere, and sulfuric acid clouds—make it difficult to study.
o    The mission will showcase India’s

Prelims Question:
With reference to India's Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan-1), consider the following statements:
1.    Shukrayaan-1 will study both the atmosphere and the surface of Venus.
2.    The mission will be India's first attempt at aero-braking.
3.    Venus has a lower surface temperature than Mercury due to its thick atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

technological prowess in        

planetary exploration, further enhancing its global standing.
International Missions to Venus:
1.    Previous Missions:
o    USA, the USSR, Japan, and the European Space Agency (ESA) have all launched missions to Venus.
2.    Upcoming Missions:
o    NASA’s DaVinci (2029) and Veritas (2031).
o    ESA’s EnVision Mission (early 2030s).
o    Russia’s Venera-D Mission (under development).
Renewed Interest in Venus:

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of India’s planned Venus
mission, Shukrayaan-1. How does it contribute to global scientific knowledge and India’s technological advancement in space exploration?

3.    India’s Iron Ore Industry and its Economic Contribution
Contribution to GDP:
•    The mining sector, including iron ore mining, contributed 2.3% to India’s GDP in 2022-23.
•    India produces 87 types of minerals, both
metallic and non-metallic.
Iron Ore Mining in India:

•    There are 1319 reporting mines in India, with 97% of these mines located in the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Types of Iron Ore:
1.    Magnetite (Fe3O4):
o    Iron content: ~70%
o    Color: Black
o    Known for its magnetic properties
and considered a high-quality ore.
2.    Haematite (Fe2O3):
o    Iron content: 60-70%
o    Color: Reddish
o    The most common type of iron ore in India.
3.    Limonite:
o    Iron content: 40-60%
o    Color: Yellowish
4.    Siderite:
o    Iron content: Less than 40%
o    Contains impurities, making it economically unviable in many places.

Uses of Iron Ore:
•    Primarily used in the production of steel and iron products like nails, tools, and pipes.
•    Plays a crucial role in manufacturing machine parts for industries like automotive and aerospace.
Definition of Ore:
•    Ore refers to a naturally occurring rock or mineral containing valuable substances,

typically metals, that can be extracted economically.
Iron Ore Sector in India:
•    Backbone of Industrial Development: Iron ore is a fundamental mineral for India's industrial growth. As of 2015, India's iron ore reserves were 22,487 million tonnes.
•    Types of Ore: The main ores found in India are haematite and magnetite. India is the second-largest producer of haematite globally.
•    Global Position: India produces 7% of global iron ore and is the fourth-largest producer after Australia, Brazil, and China.
•    State Contributions:
o    Odisha: 53.82% of India's iron ore production.
o    Chhattisgarh: 16.3%
o    Karnataka: 15.9%
o    Jharkhand: 9.7%
•    Exports: India has a competitive edge in iron ore exports, with a notable Revealed

Comparative Advantage Index post-2015.
Major Iron Ore Belts in India:
1.    Orissa-Jharkhand Belt:
o    High-grade haematite in Badampahar mines (Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, Odisha) and Gua and Noamundi in Jharkhand.
OASHUB

2.    Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur Belt:
o    Found in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, known for the Bailadila range in Bastar, which has super high-grade haematite. Mines like Dalli and Rajhara are significant.
o    Iron ore from this belt is exported to Japan and South Korea.
3.    Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikmagalur-Tumkur Belt:
o    Includes the Kudermukh mines in

A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
2. Which of the following countries is the largest producer of iron ore?
A)    Australia
B)    Brazil
C)    India
D)    China
Answer: A) Australia

Karnataka, which are among the        

largest iron ore deposits globally.
4.    Maharashtra-Goa Belt:
o    Encompasses parts of Goa and the
Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.
Global Distribution of Iron Ore:
•    Africa: Major producers include Liberia, South Africa, and Algeria.
•    China: Key reserves in the Shenyang region, Wuhan, and Hainan Island.
•    Australia: Notable deposits in Western Australia.
•    South America: Brazil holds the largest reserves.
•    North America: Significant reserves in the
Great Lakes area (USA and Canada).
•    Russia: Important mines in the Kerch Peninsula, Kursk, and Ural Mountains.
•    Europe: Major producers include Sweden and France. Notable reserves in the Rhine Valley (Germany) and Lorraine and Normandy (France).

Prelims Questions
1.    With reference to India's iron ore sector, consider the following statements:
1.    Odisha accounts for more than
half of India’s iron ore production.
2.    India is the largest producer of haematite iron ore globally.
3.    Kudermukh mines, located in Chhattisgarh, are among the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Mains Questions
1.    Discuss the significance of India’s iron ore industry in the context of industrial development and exports. How does the concentration of iron ore in certain states impact India’s economy?

4.    Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)
Overview:
•    Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever, is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and non-human primates.
•    It is caused by the Marburg virus, which belongs to the Filoviridae family, along with the Ebola virus.

Causative Agent:
•    The Marburg virus is a zoonotic RNA virus.

•    It was first identified in 1967 in the city of Marburg, Germany, when lab workers were exposed to infected green monkeys from Uganda.
•    The natural reservoir host of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
Transmission:
•    The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals.
Symptoms:
•    Initial symptoms include:
o    Fever, Chills, Headache, Muscle aches
o    Rash (with both flat and raised bumps), typically on the torso
o    Chest pain, Sore throat, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
•    Advanced symptoms:
o    Liver failure, Delirium, Shock
o    Hemorrhaging (bleeding)

2.    The primary reservoir host of the Marburg virus is the green monkey.
3.    There is currently a vaccine available for Marburg Virus Disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the African fruit bat is the reservoir, not the green monkey. Statement 3 is incorrect as there is no vaccine available for MVD.

Mains Question
Discuss the transmission and symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease. In light of the high fatality rate and lack of a vaccine, what strategies should be employed to manage and prevent outbreaks of this virus?

Fatality:

o    Multi-organ dysfunction

5.    Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

•    The average case fatality rate for MVD is around 50%.
•    In past outbreaks, case fatality rates have ranged from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus strain and the quality of case management.
Treatment:
•    There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for MVD.
•    Supportive therapy:
o    Intravenous fluids
o    Electrolyte replacement
o    Supplemental oxygen
o    Blood and blood products replacement to manage bleeding and improve survival chances.

Prelims Question
With reference to Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), consider the following statements:
1.    The Marburg virus belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus.

Location:
•    Situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Morigaon district, adjacent to Guwahati, Assam.
•    Declared a reserve forest in 1971 and a
wildlife sanctuary in 1987.

Key Features:
•    Home to the highest population density of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (around 102 rhinos in an area of 38.8 sq. km).

OASHUB

•    The sanctuary is bordered by the Brahmaputra River to the north and Garanga Beel (a lake) to the south.
Landscape:
•    Dominated by alluvial lowlands and
marshlands.
•    Flora:
o    72% of the area consists of wet savannah grass species such as Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.
o    Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) poses a threat to waterfowl by forming thick mats on the water surface.
Fauna:
•    In addition to the rhinoceros, other animals include:
o    Leopard, Wild boar, Barking deer, Wild buffalo.
•    The sanctuary is also home to over 375 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Indian pied Hornbill, Osprey, Hill Myna, and Kalij Pheasant.

Key Facts About Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros Scientific Name:
•    Rhinoceros unicornis
Distribution:
•    Found in India and Nepal, primarily in the foothills of the Himalayas, riverine grasslands, and adjacent woodlands.
•    Kaziranga National Park (Assam) hosts the largest population with 2,613 rhinos.
Features:
•    Identified by a single black horn (8-25 inches long) and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, giving it an armor-plated appearance.
•    Weighs approximately 2,200 kg, standing
170-186 cm tall, and is 368-380 cm long.
•    Solitary species, except for adult males or those near adulthood gathering for wallowing or grazing.
•    Diet primarily consists of grasses and
leaves.
Conservation Status:

•    IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
•    CITES: Appendix I
•    Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Prelims Question
With reference to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:
1.    It is located in the state of West Bengal.
2.    It is home to the highest population density of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
3.    The Brahmaputra River forms its northern boundary.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 only
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Discuss the significance of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in the conservation of the Indian One- Horned Rhinoceros. What measures should be taken to manage the growing threats to this vulnerable species?

6.    Core Sectors Output
Recent Data:
•    India's eight core sectors' output growth moderated to 12.7% in June 2022, down from 18.1% in May 2022.
•    All sectors except for crude oil showed an increase in production.

What are Core Sectors?

•    Core sectors refer to the eight key industries that are fundamental to the Indian economy.
•    These sectors comprise 40.27% of the total weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Eight Core Sectors:
1.    Refinery Products
2.    Electricity
3.    Steel
4.    Coal
5.    Crude Oil
6.    Natural Gas
7.    Cement
8.    Fertilizers
Weightage in IIP (in decreasing order):
•    Refinery Products > Electricity > Steel >
Coal > Crude Oil > Natural Gas > Cement
> Fertilizers

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) About:
•    IIP is an indicator that measures changes in the volume of production of industrial products over a given period.
•    Compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Components:
•    Broad Sectors:
o    Mining
o    Manufacturing
o    Electricity
•    Use-based Sectors:
o    Basic Goods
o    Capital Goods
o    Intermediate Goods

•    The base year for the IIP calculation is
2011-2012.
Significance:
•    The IIP is used by various government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for policy-making purposes.
•    It is also relevant for calculating quarterly and advance GDP estimates.
Prelims Question
With reference to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), consider the following statements:
1.    The base year for IIP is 2011-2012.
2.    IIP measures the growth of industrial production in three broad sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.
3.    Fertilizers have the highest weightage in the eight core sectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Discuss the significance of India's eight core sectors in the economy and their role in the calculation of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). How does the performance of these sectors influence policy-making in India?

7.    National Film Award
Overview:
•    The National Film Award is an annual felicitation ceremony honoring the best movies, artists, and technicians in Indian cinema.

Base Year:

•    It aims to promote Indian art and culture by recognizing excellence in filmmaking across India.

Objective:
•    The objective is to honor films made across India and encourage the development of Indian art and culture on a national scale.
Administration:
•    The Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) has administered the ceremony since 1973.
•    The I&B Ministry oversees mass

festivals in India, and in 2022, it was merged with the National Film Development Corporation.
Other Functions:
•    Apart from the National Film Awards, the Directorate organizes the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama.
Eligibility of Films:
•    To be eligible, a film must be produced in India.
•    In the case of co-production with a foreign entity, specific conditions must be met for eligibility.
•    The film must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January and 31 December of the preceding year.
•    The Feature Film Jury decides whether a film qualifies as a feature or non-feature film.
•    Certain rules outline which films are not eligible for entry into the competition.

communication media such as radio,        

television, films, print publications, advertising, and traditional communication.
History and Origin:
•    Established in 1954, the National Film Awards have been celebrating excellence in Indian cinema since then.
•    The awards are given in two categories:
Feature Films and Non-Feature Films.
First Winners:
•    Nargis was the first actress to win the Best Actress Award for her performance in Raat Aur Din.
•    Uttam Kumar won the Best Actor Award
for Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana.
Jury:
•    The jury for the National Film Awards is appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals.
•    Members are distinguished personalities from the fields of cinema, arts, and humanities.
•    The Directorate was established to organize national and international film

Prelims Question
With reference to the National Film Award, consider the following statements:
1.    The National Film Award is administered by the National Film Development Corporation since 1973.
2.    A film must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January and 31 December to be eligible for the National Film Award.
3.    Nargis was the first recipient of the Best Actress Award for her role in the film Mother India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 and 3 only
Answer: B) 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the Directorate of Film Festivals administers the awards. Statement 3 is incorrect because Nargis

won the Best Actress Award for Raat Aur Din, not
Mother India.

Mains Question
Discuss the role of the National Film Awards in promoting Indian art and culture. How does the award encourage diversity and creativity in Indian cinema?

8.    Dadasaheb Phalke Award
About the Award:
•    The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is part of the National Film Awards, and it is the highest honor in the Indian film industry.
•    Named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Dadasaheb Phalke), who is regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.
•    The award is given for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Overview:
•    Instituted in 1969 by the government of India.
•    The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of INR 10 lakh, a certificate, a silk roll, and a shawl.
•    It is presented by the President of India in the presence of the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, senior officials, and representatives from the Film Federation of India and Confederation of All India Cine Employees.

Notable Recipients:

•    Devika Rani Roerich was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969.
•    Recent recipients include Amitabh Bachchan (2018), Rajnikant (2019), and
Waheeda Rehman (2021).
Who Was Dhundiraj Govind 'Dadasaheb' Phalke?:
•    Born in 1870 at Trimbak, Maharashtra, Phalke studied engineering and sculpture and developed an interest in motion pictures after watching the 1906 silent film The Life of Christ.
•    Before entering the film industry, Phalke worked as a photographer, owned a printing press, and collaborated with Raja Ravi Varma, a renowned painter.
•    In 1913, Phalke wrote, produced, and
directed India’s first feature film, the silent film Raja Harishchandra, which was a commercial success.
•    Over the next 19 years, he made 95 films
and 26 short films.
•    He is revered as the “Father of Indian
Cinema” for his pioneering contributions to the industry.

Prelims Question
With reference to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, consider the following statements:
1.    The award was instituted by the Indian government in 1954.
2.    The first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was Amitabh Bachchan.
3.    The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is considered the highest honor in the Indian film industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the award was instituted in 1969, and statement 2 is incorrect as the first recipient was Devika Rani Roerich, not Amitabh Bachchan.

Mains Question
Discuss the significance of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the Indian film industry. How has the contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke shaped the development of Indian cinema?