UPSC Prelims Facts – 17 May 2024

UPSC Prelims Facts

Maillard Reaction explains about complex chemical mechanisms regarding flavours, aromas, and textures of foods.

  • A chemical process that occurs when amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and sugars are heated.
  • The process affects the flavours, aromas, and textures of foods.
  • This reaction is a form of non-enzymatic browning of food, which means that the colour change occurs without the activity of enzymes.

Tamil Nadu is using Soil Nailing to ensure the stabilization of slopes around the Nilgiris’ major roads 

  • A geotechnical engineering technique that involves the insertion of reinforcing elements into the soil in a specified area to strengthen it.
  • Followed by ‘hydroseeding’ wherein mixture of seeds, fertilizer, organic materials and water are applied onto the soil. 
  • Facilitates the growth of grass and plant life, that will help hold the topsoil together and prevent erosion.

Indian Air Force tested BHISHM portable cubes, a state-of the-art indigenous mobile hospital, at Agra for airdrops.

  • Part of – Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri), designed to treat up to 200 casualties.
  • Consists of – 72 small cubes equipped with advanced medical equipment which are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-tagged.
  • Integrates Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring of medical services in field.
  • The cubes are robust, waterproof, and light, designed for various configurations, making them ideal for diverse emergency scenarios.

Scientists have developed an affordable sensor for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water

  • Naturally occurring toxic metal found in Earth’s crust.
  • Poor conductor of heat and do not react with water.
  • Sources of lead exposure – Mining and smelting, recycling of electronic waste and lead-acid batteries, plumbing, toys, lead paint etc.
  • Impacts – Causes damage to child’s brain and nervous system, anaemia, hypertension, toxicity to reproductive organs etc.

The internally displaced tribal families in Godavari Valley continue to practice the ‘deda’ method

  • Used to – Preserve seeds of pulses and food cropsusing leaves and ashes
  • Practiced by – Muria tribes from Chhattisgarh

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