GS – 2
National
GI tag for Saffron:
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign on products that have a specific geographical origin and the product may have special quality or reputation.
- By tagging a product will lead to the overall economic prosperity of the producers.
- Kashmiri saffron received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- The Certificate was granted to the Department of Agriculture Kashmir.
- It is famous and unique as it is grown at an altitude of 1,600 m.
- The spice is derived from the crocus flower. The Kashmir Saffron is long, thick, and has a natural deep red colour.
- The deep red colour of the saffron is due to the high quantity of crocin. It has a rich flavour because of the safranal and the bitterness is due to the presence of picrocrocin.
- The Saffron cultivated in Kashmir has a high aroma and is processed without adding any chemical.
- Saffron has been grown in the Kashmir valley for hundreds of years and it is very expensive.
- Saffron is used extensively in medicines and cooking in Kashmir with some claiming that saffron is an aphrodisiac.
GS – 3
Science and Technology
UV Disinfection tower:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed ‘UV blaster,’ an Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection Tower for rapid and chemical-free disinfection of high infection-prone areas.
- UV blaster is a UV based area sanitizer designed and developed by Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), the Delhi based premier laboratory of DRDO with the help of M/s New Age Instruments and Materials Private Limited, Gurugram.
- The UV Blaster can be used for high tech surfaces like electronic equipment, computers, and other gadgets in laboratories and offices that are not suitable for disinfection with chemical methods.
- The device is also effective for areas with a large flow of people such as airports, shopping malls, metros, hotels, factories, offices, etc.
- The UV based area sanitizer may be used by remote operation through laptop/mobile phone using wifi link.
- The equipment has six lamps each with 43 watts of UV-C power at 254 nm wavelength for 360-degree illumination.
- For a room of about 12 x 12 feet dimension, the disinfection time is about 10 minutes and 30 minutes for 400 square feet area by positioning the equipment at different places within the room.
- This sanitizer switches off on the accidental opening of the room or human intervention.
Economy
Bamboo resources and Indian Economy:
- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), addressed the Bamboo Conclave through Video Conference. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and stakeholders from different sectors participated in the conference.
- The Minister discussed India’s Post-COVID economy which will provide an opportunity for India to emerge as an economic power with the support of its Bamboo resources.
- Northeast consists of 60% of India’s reserve of Bamboo.
- The total requirement of “Agarbatti” in India is about 2,30,000 per annum and the market value of it is up to Rs.5000 crore. India has been importing a large bulk of it from countries like China and Vietnam.
- It is expected that the Post-COVID era, will provide an opportunity for the North-Eastern region to help India become world competitive and self-sufficient in the changed scenario.
- Centre also plans for the promotion of bamboo manufacturing and trade and works out the feasibility of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in this sector.
Why Bamboo:
- Bamboo can be processed into multiple products, including bio-diesel and green fuel, wooden lumber, and plywood.
- It can change the entire face of the economy and create employment opportunities in multiple sectors
Future Officers 