UPSC Prelims News 12th September 2022

UPSC Prelims News of 12th September 2022

Cyborg Cockroaches

Context: An international team of researchers have developed a system that can create Cyborg Cockroaches.

About the Development

• Cyborg cockroaches are part insect and part machine. Their movements are controlled by tiny integrated circuits.
• Researchers used Madagascar cockroaches, which are the largest species Okayof cockroaches, for developing cyborgs.
• Scientists designed the system to be rechargeable, by powering it with a super thin 0.004 mm solar cell module that was installed on the cockroach’s abdomen.
• The battery system on the insects ensured that the cockroach can be controlled for long periods of time.
• Working:
• Pressing a button sends electrical impulses to the sensory organs attached to the abdomens of the insects.
• The shock forces the insect to move left or right.

Applications:

• Conducting surveillance in procedures like urban search and rescue
• Environmental monitoring
• Inspection of areas dangerous to humans

Taragiri

Context: ‘Taragiri’, the third stealth frigate of project 17A was launched by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in Mumbai.

About:

• It is named after a hill range in Himalayas located at Garhwal.
• The frigate is designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house design organization, the Bureau of Naval Design.

About Project 17A:

• The coveted ‘Project 17A’ was cleared by the government in 2015.
• It involves the building of seven stealth frigates at an estimated cost of Rs 50,000 crore.
• These frigates will come armed with advanced state-of-the-art sensors and boast of top-notch stealth features.
• They will represent the most advanced class of major surface warships for the Indian Navy in a decade, also featuring BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missiles.
• Stealth frigate launched so far under the Project 17A:
  • Himgiri,
  • Udaygiri
  • Taragiri

UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities

Context: Warangal of Telangana and Nilambur, Thrissur of Kerala have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC).

More on the News:

• These three Indian cities are among the 77 cities from 44 countries which have joined the GNLC.
• The 77 new members bring the total number of cities within the UNESCO GNLC to 294 in 76 countries.

About UNESCO GNLC

• It is an international network consisting of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities.
• It was launched in 2013 by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.
• The key objective of UNESCO GNLC was to promote social cohesion, economic development, and sustainability in urban areas.
• The Network supports the achievement of all seventeen SDGs SDG 4 and SDG 11.

What is a learning city?

• UNESCO defines a learning city as a city that
• Effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education.
• Revitalizes learning in families and communities.
• Facilitates learning for and in the workplace.
• Extends the use of modern learning technologies.
• Enhances quality and excellence in learning; and
• Fosters a culture of learning throughout life.

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