Solution (d)

GI tag for Banganapalli and Suvarnarekha mango varieties is held by Andhra Pradesh. Recently, 2.5 tonnes of mangoes from Chittoor and Krishna districts of the state have been exported to South Korea.

Bangapalli mango is cultivated widely in South India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, where it is the chief commercial early season variety of mango. The mango fruits are large in size. They weigh an average of 350-400 grams. The fruit has fibreless pulp, is firm and yellow with sweet taste. 

Suvarnarekha mango is indigenous to Andhra Pradesh. This is a regular and heavy bearing variety, maturing early. Mango fruits are medium in size. They become light cadmium in colour when ripe and exhibit a red blush.

Article Link: Apeda organises virtual buyer seller meet for boosting mango exports to South Korea

Solution (c)

Cyclone Yaas is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. The name of the cyclone is given by Oman.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph can prevail over the Andaman Sea and adjoining the east-central Bay of Bengal. Andaman and Nicobar Island, Odisha and West Bengal governments issued guidelines for the measures that need to be taken before the cyclone hits the coasts.

Article Link: Indian Naval Ships and Aircraft Standby for Rescue and Relief Ops – Cyclone ‘Yaas’

Solution (b)

Bao-dhan is an iron rich variety of Rice. It is red in color which is due to the presence of Anthocyanin, therefore also called ‘Red Rice’.

Bao-Dhan is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. It is an integral part of Assamese food.

Recently, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was sent to the USA from Assam. APEDA undertakes market promotion activities for evolving structured marketing strategies for export of food products, market intelligence for taking informed decisions, international exposure, skill development, capacity building and high-quality packaging.

Article Link: The first consignment of ‘red rice’ sent to the USA

Solution (c)

Kalakshetra Foundation is an art and cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art and crafts, especially in the field of Bharatnatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music.

Based in Chennai the academy was founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale and Her husband George Arundale.

Under Arundale’s guidance, the institution achieved national and international recognition for its unique style and perfectionism.

In January 1994, by an act of the Parliament of India, Kalkshetra was recognized as the Institute of National importance. 

Article link: Members nominated to Kalakshetra board

Solution (b)

BRICS Astronomy Working Group is a platform for BRICS member countries to collaborate in the field of astronomy. It recommends member countries to present scientific results of the work carried out by them. This will help in seeking funding support which is offered by the BRICS funding agencies.

It recently recommended that the focal point in each country should present the scientific results of the work being carried out in each country.

At the meeting the members indicated future directions of research in the area such as building network of intelligent telescope and data network, study of transient astronomical phenomena in universe, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning application to process the voluminous data generated now a days due to enhance multi-wavelength telescope observatories.

Article Link: The working group indicated future directions of research in astronomy