Prelims Facts Corner – 30 October 2023

Banni Festival

Three persons had lost their lives in the traditional Banni festival.

  • State – Andhra Pradesh (Devaragattu, Kurnool)
  • A traditional stick-fighting festival, celebrated on the night of Vijayadasami.
  • Location – Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple (situated at border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka).
  • It celebrates the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demon Mani and Mallasura.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

Several birds die at Gudavi bird sanctuary.

  • Location – Shimoga District, Karnataka.
  • Main bird species – White ibis, Egrets, Cormorants, Snake birds (Darters), Spoon bills, Herons and Ducks.

Pliosaur

Fossils of a 170-million-year-old ancient marine reptile from Age of Dinosaurs have been identified as oldest-known megapredatory Pliosaur.

  • A group of ocean-dwelling reptiles with short necks and massive skulls.
  • Oldest large-bodied pliosaur – Lorrainosaurus

Betelgeuse star

By using MATISSE (Multi Aperture mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Experiment) instrument, Scientists found that dimming of Betelgeuse star was due to a burst of dust, in form of silicon monoxide, coming from star.

  • Other Names – Alpha Orionis (‘Thiruvathirai’ or ‘Ardra’ in Indian astronomy)
  • 2nd brightest star in Orion constellation
  • A supergiant star, distinctly red in colour, 7,500 to 14,000 times brighter than Sun.
  • Distance from Earth – 643 light years

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *