Current Affairs Questions

Explanation :

• Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3) is a nitrogen-rich white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water.
• It is a common chemical ingredient of agricultural fertilisers.
• It is used as an ingredient for the production of anaesthetic gases and cold packs.
• It is also the main ingredient in the manufacture of commercial explosives used in mining and construction.
• Pure ammonium nitrate is not an explosive on its own. It is classified as an oxidiser (Grade 5.1) under the United Nations classification of dangerous goods.
• If mixed with ingredients like fuel or some other contaminants, or because of some other external factors, it can be very explosive.

Explanation :

• The Nagara style of temple architecture is found in northern India.
• In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on a upraised platform called jagati.
• Mandapas are present in front of the Garbhagriha. These are adorned with the Shikhara, the tallest one being above the Garbhagriha.
• Unlike the temples in south India, Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways (South Indian temples often sport magnificent Gopurams).
• Generally, there is no water tank in the temple premises and the pradakshinapatha is covered.
• NagaraSchool is further subdivided into different schools based on region like Odisha, Khajuraho, Solanki, etc.
• Three subtypes of Nagara temple depending upon the shape of Shikhara- Rekha Prasad / Latina, Phamsana and Valabhi.
• Some of the best examples of the north Indian style (Nagara style) of temple architecture are the Khajuraho Group of temples, Sun temple (Konark), Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat.

Explanation :

• The Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River,located on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, SouthIndia.
• The dam is situated at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers.
• It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick and also reached in an agreement to donate water eastwards to the Madras Presidency area (present-day Tamil Nadu).
• The Periyar National Park in Thekkady is located around the dam’s reservoir.
• Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is operated by Tamil Nadu following an 1886 lease indenture for 999 years (the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement) that was signed between the Maharaja of Travancore and the Secretary of State for India for the Periyar Irrigation works.
• The agreement was renewed in 1970.
• Tamil Nadu was given rights to the land and the water from the dam as well as the authority to develop hydro-power projects at the site, and Kerala would receive rent in return.