General Knowledge and Innovation

 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATIONS

FACT 1:

 The researchers from Macquarie University have discovered that, at residual levels usually seen on food, chlorothalonil, which is still often sprayed on American and Australian produce, impairs insect fecundity by more than a third. Fruit fly egg production has dropped sharply, which is unexpected and shows that pollinator populations that are essential to crops and ecosystems are being harmed. Despite being illegal in the EU, Australian growers frequently use the fungicide as a preventative measure, highlighting regulatory blind spots. Scientists recommend sustainable alternatives and reduced spraying to stop a hidden factor contributing to the loss of insects worldwide.

A routine crop spray may silently doom the very pollinators that keep farms alive. Credit: Shutterstock

FACT2:  

96 distinct compounds, many of which were unmonitored and connected to hormone and brain disturbance, were found by researchers checking the urine of children aged two to four in four U.S. states. While contemporary pesticides like DINCH plasticizer are increasing, legacy toxins like triclosan are gradually disappearing. Toddlers frequently carried higher amounts than their own mothers, particularly the youngest, those born later, and those from minority populations. Before these imperceptible contaminants sabotage early development, scientists call for increased biomonitoring and more stringent controls.

(University of California - Davis Health)

Amazing world tour 

The world has fascinating and amazing places, which surprise a common man about their existing history and making. 

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is famous for its stunning location, remarkable Inca architecture, historical significance, and spiritual atmosphere. It's a well-preserved Inca citadel and a UNESCO World Heritage site, holding a special place as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Architectural marvel: Inca engineering: The site shows outstanding Inca engineering, notably their mastery of stonework. Massive stones are flawlessly put together without cement.

The unique location on a high summit in the Andes Mountains showcases Inca creativity and blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Machu Picchu's intricate design includes temples, plazas, and residential zones that were thoughtfully designed and built with environmental considerations in mind.

Historical and Cultural Importance:

• Inca Legacy:

  Machu Picchu offers valuable insights into the Inca civilization, their social structures, religious beliefs, and advanced technological capabilities.
• Lost City of the Incas:

  It was rediscovered in the 20th century, and much of the site remains remarkably well-preserved, allowing us to better understand Inca life. 
• Tourism and Global Recognition:

  New Seven Wonders of the World:

  Being named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 significantly boosted its popularity and tourism. 

  Iconic Symbol:

  It has become a globally recognised symbol of Peru and the Inca civilisation, drawing millions of visitors each year. 

  Breathtaking Views:

  The panoramic views from Machu Picchu, especially from Huayna Picchu, are a major draw for tourists.
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• Banff
• Banff National Park in Canada. Banff National Park is renowned for its breathtaking alpine meadows, diverse wildlife, and majestic trees.
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  The natural splendor of Banff's surrounding lakes and mountains earned it Canada's first national park and the world's third national park refuge, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each year, about 4 million tourists from all across the globe visit Banff National Park.

• The places where we can not go or are forbidden 

• Lascaux Caves in France 
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  This cave is ancient and considered a gold mine by archaeologists. It consists of 17,300-year-old prehistoric drawings. The wall is covered in a series of eerily lifelike Paleolithic paintings that feature bison, cattle, stags, and many other creatures. Unfortunately, since 1963, the cave has been off-limits to the public. According to the archaeologists, this place can be destroyed by the people. 

• The underground ecosystem was altered when the Lascaux cave opened following World War II. Numerous issues were brought on by the 1,200 visits per day, the light, and ventilation variations. The caverns were closed in 1963 as a result of the lichens and crystals that started to grow on the walls in the late 1950s.

• It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage, 1979; French Registered Site & Classified Historic Monument. 

• Preservation 

• The cave's extreme beauty and the expertise with which it was created have earned it the nickname "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art." Abbé Henri Breuil, a French archaeologist and ethnologist, postulated that the site served as a place of worship shortly after it was discovered. "Temple cave" is how Joseph Campbell described Lascaux. In his view, Lascaux was also connected to the mystique of the hunt and initiation. 
• Authorities stopped the growth of fungi in a cave in 2001 by using fungicides and quicklime. The mold and fungi had subsided by 2002, but the bacteria were still growing. The mechanical removal process was destructive and time-consuming. By 2006, some paintings were in serious condition due to the proliferation of black patches on both painted and untreated surfaces. The limestone that once glowed in the cave has now turned gray, and the cave itself is moist and gray. The spots are still spreading, and the current managers have not discovered any remedy. A board of scientific specialists is urgently needed to create a practical framework for the site's protection, as evidenced by the fragmented treatments and lack of independent oversight.

• North Sentinel Island, India

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  It is one of the banned islands where the Sentinel tribes reside.It's location on the map is shown below.
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• To remain isolated, these tribes often become violent. This tribe has been living on the earth for 50 000 years under the Indian government's protection. No visitors are allowed at this place from the outside. It is a dangerous and forbidden place in the world. 
• Whether the boats were visiting the island on purpose or just ran aground on the nearby coral reef, the Sentinelese have, on multiple occasions, attacked approaching watercraft. There have been reports of the islanders aiming arrows at helicopters flying at low altitudes and boats. These attacks have caused fatalities as well as injuries. Two fishermen were slain by islanders in 2006 after their boat sank on the shore, and in 2018, 26-year-old American Christian missionary John Chau was killed after he bribed local fishermen to bring him to the island after attempting to contact the islanders three times illegally. (Wikipedia).

• Global Innovation Index

• India ranks 40th in the global innovation index. Karnataka ranks 1st in innovation. The Government of India has initiated 1Trillion Rupees RDI  for initiating this scheme. To encourage the R&D in the private sector government has initiated this scheme. The institution's patent filing rate has decreased by 80%. 
• BPCL has got 80 patents in the past 2 decades. 
• Indian scientists have discovered to make cheaper hydrogen gas from water and sunlight, and cheap batteries to store power.
• Microchip, drone, and manufacturing of semiconductors also come in the innovation area.

Diseases caused by deficiencies of vitamins

• Vitamin	Disease
  A (Retinol)	Night blindness
  B1 (Thaimene)	Beri Beri
  C (Ascorbic Acid)	Scurvy
  B2 (Riboflavin)	Growth decreases, Skin looks bad
  B12 (Cyanocobalamin)	Anaemia
  D (Calciferol)	Rickets
  B5	Paresthenia
  B7	Dermititis
  E	Less fertility
  K (Phylloquinone)	Excessive bleeding
  Calcium	Weak bones
  Phosphorous	Bad teeth, bone
  Iron	Anemia
  Iodine	Guitre
  Copper	Low appetite, lower growth

   

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