It is also called as the Valley of Death. It is located in Dima Hasao district of Assam. During the specified months, the mysterious suicide of migratory birds and local birds are common at this valley.
The above passage best describes which of the following valley?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Jatinga Valley
Jatinga Valley, located in Dima Hasao district of Assam, experiences a strange phenomenon during the late monsoon season (September-November), between 7 PM and 10 PM.
The Phenomenon – Many birds, both local and migratory, crash into buildings, trees, or die after flying at high speeds. This event has earned Jatinga the nickname "Valley of Death."
This phenomenon began in 1910. But in 1957, the general public became aware of this when British tea farmer and ornithologist EP Gee wrote about it in his book Wild Life of India.
According to the Kaziranga National Park Assam website, this phenomenon is also described as the “Bermuda Triangle for Birds”.
Bird Species Affected – It includes various migratory bird species such as tiger bittern, little egret, black bittern, pond heron, Indian pitta and kingfishers.
Local and other species include black drone, hill partridge, green pigeon, emerald dove, and necklaced laughing thrush.
Uncertain Cause – The exact reason for the deaths remains unknown. But Theories include:
Disorientation due to strong winds, fog, and low light during monsoon.
Attraction to artificial lights from nearby villages during migration.
A combination of factors, including altitude, wind, fog, and artificial lights.
Dispelling Myths – Villagers initially believed "evil spirits" caused the deaths. However, scientists suggest these are natural occurrences.
2) Consider the following statements with respect to Trademarks
A trademark is a symbol, design, word or phrase that is identified with business.
The trademarks act of 1999 governs the regime of trademarks and their registration in India.
The validity of the trademark is lifetime, once it is registered under the trademarks act of 1999.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Trademarks
Recently the Delhi high court cancelled a trademark registration titled ‘Dolma Aunty Moms’ in the name of one Mohammed Akram Khan, after Dolma Tsering moved court against Khan for using her trademark.
A trademark is a symbol, design, word or phrase that is identified with business.
Registering a trademark allows its owner to claim “exclusive rights” to its usage.
The Trademarks Act of 1999 governs the regime of trademarks and their registration in India.
It guarantees protection for trademarks registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, also known as the trademark registry.
According to Section 25 of the 1999 Act, once registered, a trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed by the owner periodically.
Using someone’s registered trademark without their authorisation amounts to its violation or infringement, as can using a substantially similar mark for similar goods or services.
The notion of Passing off in the Indian Trademarks Act, 1999 seeks to safeguard the goodwill associated with unregistered trademarks.
‘Passing off’ is a deception where a brand misrepresents itself as another to benefit from their reputation.
Example of passing off – ‘Adidas’ and ‘Adibas’. In such infringement cases, the trademark owner can take legal action and is entitled to remedies such as injunctions (orders to cease an action), damages and accounts.
3) Consider the following statements with respect to MIRV Technology
It is a technology in which a single missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and deliver them to separate targets.
Under the Mission Divyastra, the Agni V ballistic missile is equipped with MIRV technology.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
MIRV Technology
Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the successful flight test of an Agni V ballistic missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology by DRDO.
MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.
MIRV is a technology in which a single missile carry several nuclear warheads, each to be released at different speeds with different trajectories to hit different targets hundreds of kilometres apart.
Significance of MIRVs
Force Multiplier – One MIRV missile can take out multiple targets, making it very effective.
Submarine Advantage – Submarines can carry fewer MIRV missiles compared to carrying single warhead missiles, but still achieve the same destructive power.
Penetrating Defences – MIRVs can overwhelm missile defence systems by saturating them with multiple warheads.
Under the Mission Divyastra, the Agni V ballistic missile is equipped with MIRV technology.
India is the 4th country to use MIRV technology.
USA is the 1st country to use MIRV technology which was followed by the Russia and china.
4) Taurus Missile, sometimes seen in the news is developed by?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Taurus Missile
Recently Russian state media leaked an audio recording of German military officers discussing the hypothetical use of Taurus long-range missiles in Ukraine.
Taurus – Target Adaptive Unitary and dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System.
Taurus Missile is developed by Germany and Sweden.
Taurus Missile is equipped with stealth technology that makes them less visible to detection.
Its stealth technology and design means it can fly as a low as 50 metres, evading detection from most radars.
The missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometres, which would help Ukraine to put pressure on Russia in the Black Sea and elsewhere.
The Taurus has a "higher kill probability" because its superior fuze system allows its warhead to destroy complex structures, such as bridges.
The missile is also powered by a turbofan engine, which blows in more air, giving it a long range.
Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and is further stepping up support this year.
5) Consider the following statements with respect to Psychoactive Fauna
It refers to animals whose body parts or secretions possess mind-altering properties when consumed in sufficient quantities.
It encompasses various creatures including hallucinogenic fish, amphibians like toads, certain ants and reptiles such as the Indian Wall Lizard.
Consuming snake venom for intoxication is potentially the most hazardous practice among enthusiasts of Psychoactive Fauna.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Psychoactive Fauna
Recently a youtuber was arrested for allegedly providing snake venom for a rave party and the use of snake venom as a recreational substance in India.
Psychoactive Fauna refers to animals whose body parts or secretions possess mind-altering properties when consumed in sufficient quantities.
Some of the commonly used psychoactive fauna are:
Hallucinogenic fish such as clownfish and Rabbitfish,
Amphibians such as toads, ants such as Red Harvester Ants and
Reptiles such as the Indian Wall Lizard, and liver and bone marrow of giraffe.
These substances can induce various effects on the central nervous system, leading to altered states of consciousness, perception, and mood.
Engaging in the use of Psychoactive Fauna for recreational purposes can be dangerous and potentially lethal.
Snake venom use for intoxication is relatively common in India despite being under-reported.
Matters related to snakes and their venom fall under the purview of the Wildlife Protection Act in India, 1972 rather than the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Consuming snake venom for intoxication is potentially the most hazardous practice among enthusiasts of Psychoactive Fauna.
