Today's Brief 16/01/2025

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/smG9oDyCvr8?si=43eBSjqbW30V7nEf

JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/oAmdWwNN7PI?si=Tdi4smkFr-ZQR0MH

1 .Startup India:

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

is a flagship program launched by the Government of India in 2016 to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It aims to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive, promoting economic growth and job creation.

Since the launch of the initiative on 16th January, 2016, Startup India has rolled out several programs with the objective of supporting entrepreneurs, and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers.

The broad scope of Startup India’s programs is outlined in the Action Plan below, and is managed by a dedicated Startup India Team, which reports to the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DPIIT).

The 19-Point Action Plan envisages the following forms of support for Startups, and more:

- Enhanced infrastructure including incubation centres

- Easier IPR facilitation, including easier patent filing

- A better regulatory environment including tax benefits, easier compliance, improved of setting up a company, faster exit mechanisms and more

- An economic stimulus in the form a INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI, with the goal of increasing funding opportunities

- This website, also known as the Startup India Portal, which offers a range of useful resources and a vast networking database for entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the Startup ecosystem­

- A toll-free helpline and quick email query resolution for start

2 . Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar:

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

Thiruvalluvar was a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher who is best known as the author of the Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters, and love.

 His most famous work is the Tirukkural, a collection of 133 chapters with 10 couplets each, totaling 1330 couplets.

Thiruvalluvar's teachings continue to inspire people around the world. His emphasis on virtue, righteousness, and compassion has made him a revered figure in Tamil literature and beyond. The Tirukkural is considered a valuable guide to living a meaningful and ethical life.

3 .Fire Retardant :

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

The pink fire retardant commonly used in airplanes is a chemical mixture known as Phos-Chek. It's primarily composed of ammonium phosphate fertilizer, which acts as a fire suppressant by depriving the flames of oxygen and reducing their intensity. The pink color is added to enhance visibility for firefighters on the ground.

Phos-Chek is a brand name for a range of fire retardants used in aerial firefighting. These retardants are primarily composed of ammonium salts, such as ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate.   

How they work:

• Oxygen Deprivation: Ammonium salts release water vapor and ammonia gas when heated. This displaces oxygen around the fire, inhibiting combustion.

• Cooling: The water released during the decomposition of ammonium salts helps cool the fire.

• Chemical Reaction: Ammonium salts can also react with the fuel, forming a non-flammable char.

Key Components:

• Ammonium Salts: These are the primary fire-suppressing agents.

• Thickening Agents: These help the retardant adhere to the ground and create a more effective barrier. Common thickeners include guar gum and other natural polymers.   

• Coloring Agents: These are added to enhance visibility for firefighters and aircrews.   

Types of Phos-Chek:

• Dry Powder: Mixed with water before application.   

• Concentrated Liquid: Diluted with water before application.

Phos-Chek is considered an effective fire retardant,but it also has environmental impact is a subject of ongoing research and debate.

4 .The India Meteorological Department (IMD)

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is the primary government agency responsible for weather forecasting, seismology, and climate research in India. Key functions include issuing weather warnings (cyclones, floods, heatwaves),

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was founded on January 15, 1875

providing agricultural advisories, and monitoring earthquakes. IMD plays a crucial role in disaster management, economic growth, and public health through accurate and timely weather information.   

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