About Silicosis:

• It is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.
• Causes:
  • It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
  • It is common in construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting.
  • People working in these industries are often exposed to silica every day and are at higher risk of developing silicosis as a result.
• The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness, and tiredness, etc.
• Types of Silicosis:
  • Chronic silicosis results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust.
    • The silica dust causes swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may cause people to have trouble breathing.
    • This is the most common form of silicosis.
  • Accelerated silicosis occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time (3 to 10 years).
    • Swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in simple silicosis.
  • Acute silicosis results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of silica.
    • The lungs become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and a low blood oxygen level.
  • Treatment: Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.

About Petermann Glacier:

• It is a large glacier located in North-West Greenland to the east of Nares Strait.
  • Nares Strait is a narrow sea passage between Greenland and Ellesmere Island (Canada) in the far north of the Arctic.
• It is one of the largest glaciers connecting the Greenland ice sheet with the Arctic Ocean.
• The glacier and its fjord are named after German cartographer August Heinrich Petermann.
• Like most glaciers that discharge ice into the ocean, Petermann periodically sheds large icebergs.
• Land-based glaciers in Greenland are a major contributor to global sea-level rise, and as global temperatures warm, more ice is expected to melt into the oceans.
• Scientists estimate that if Petermann collapses completely, the sea level would rise by about 30 cm.

About AH-64E Apache Helicopter:

• It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
• It is widely used for advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• It is also known as the Apache Guardian.
• The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.
• Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.
• Features:
  • Max Speed: 300 kph
  • It has a maximum operating weight of 10,432 kg and can climb up to more than 2,800 feet per minute.
  • It is a heavily armed, twin-engine ground-attack helicopter.
  • Armed with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the helicopter can engage tanks, vehicles, troop concentrations, communications and logistics centres, etc.
  • It can also fire short-range air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.
  • The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
  • It can track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threat levels.

About Srikalahasti Temple:

• Srikalahasti Temple, also known as Srikalahasteeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is built adjoining a hill and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi.
• It is also called as “Dakshina Kailasam” meaning the Southern abode of Shiva.
• History:
  • The origin of the Srikalahasti Temple dates back to the 5th century when the inner temple was constructed.
  • The outer temple and its main structure were built in the 11^th century by the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I.
  • The magnificent Gopurams at the entrance were constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11^th
  • Significant renovations were made throughout the rule of the Chola dynasty, with engravings of the various Chola emperors noticeable within the temple.
  • The Vijayanagara Empire also made contributions to the renovations of the temple.
  • The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style with its heavy carvings and sculptures.

Key Facts about PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme:

• It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism as a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. 
• The primary objective of the scheme is to develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites, ensuring a more enriching experience for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts.
• In view of the decision taken by the government for closure of the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the ministry of housing and urban development and for inclusion of projects for development of heritage destinations in PRASAD, the scheme guidelines have been modified and the nomenclature of the scheme has also been changed from PRASAD to ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) in October 2017.
• Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at these sites.
• The scheme aims infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail, and water transport); last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATM/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc.

About Gangaichthys indonepalicus:

• It is a new species of earthworm eel.
• It is a tiny, colourless underground fish found living beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.
• It appears to have evolved several adaptations to survive in complete darkness.
• It is the first subterranean, or stygobitic (living underground, beneath the surface of the soil or rock), fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin.

About Kenya:

• Location: It is located in Eastern Africa.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered with Somalia (North East), Ethiopia (North), South Sudan (North West), Uganda (West) and Tanzania (South).
• Maritime Border: It has a coastline on the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
• Capital City: Nairobi
  • Nairobi hosts UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UN-HABITAT headquarters.
• Geographical Features of Kenya:
  • Climate: It has tropical type of climate.
  • Major lakes: Lake Victoria (shared with Uganda & Tanzania), Lake Turkana.
  • Major Rivers: It is drained by the Athi/Galana, Tana (Longest river of Kenya), Mara.
  • Mountain Ranges: Aberdare, Mau Escarpment.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Kenya (second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro).
  • Island: Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of Lead, zircon, iron, titanium, mica, chaum, oil, coal, diatomite, gypsum.

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

• It is a central sector scheme launched in 2023.
• It is aimed at providing comprehensive support to artisans and crafts people engaged in traditional trades.
• Objective: Promoting the socio-economic empowerment of artisans, strengthening traditional crafts and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
• The scheme provides assistance through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial support, digital enablement and market linkages.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
• Time period: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28). 
• Eligibility & coverage:
  • It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.
  • It covers 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.
  • Aged 18+, engaged in traditional trade, no similar loans in the past 5 years.
• Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
  • Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day;
  • Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
  • Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%.

About Voyager 2 Mission:

• It is an unmanned space probe launched by NASA in 1977.
• Primary mission: Its mission was to study the outer planets of our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and their moons, and then continue on an interstellar mission.
• It is the only spacecraft to have ever visited Uranus and Neptune.
• Achievements by the Voyager 2 Mission:
  • It is the only spacecraft to study all four of the solar system’s giant planets at close range.
  • It discovered a 14th moon of Jupiter.
  • It was the first human-made object to fly past Uranus.
  • At Uranus, Voyager 2 discovered new moons and new rings.
  • It was the first human-made object to fly by Neptune.
  • At Neptune, Voyager 2 discovered moons, rings, and a “Great Dark Spot.”
  • It is the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space.