Uttar Pradesh

• 05 Mar 2025

Taj Festival

Why in News? 

The Taj Mahotsav was organised at Shilp Gram, Agra from 18th February to 2nd March 2025 . 

Key Points  

•  About:  
  • The Taj Mahotsav saw a unique confluence of Indian art, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine . During the festival, various cultural programs, craft exhibitions, and food fairs were organized. 
  • This was the 33rd edition of the Taj Mahotsav organised by the Taj Mahotsav Committee. 
  • The theme of the festival was ' Dharohar ', depicting the rich cultural heritage of India. 
• Major events: 
  • Flower show at Atal Garden 
  • Garment Show 
  • our heritage our identity  
  • Bird watching at Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary 

Taj Festival 

• About:  
  • It is a vibrant 10-day festival held annually at the Shilpgram in Agra. The festival is inspired by the rich Mughal and Nawabi culture that developed in Uttar Pradesh during the 18th and 19th centuries . 
• Objective:  
  • The Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 to promote local artisans and traditions of Agra. 

Agra District  

• About:  
  • It is situated on the banks of  Yamuna River in the western region of Uttar Pradesh state . 
  • The latitude of this district is 27.11' N and longitude is 78.0' to 78.2' E.  
  • It forms the interstate border with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.  
  • Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1504 AD . 
  • In 1504 AD, he shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra . 
• Major places of interest: 
  • The Taj Mahal 
  • Agra Fort 
  • fatehpur sikri 
  • Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah 
  • Akbar's Tomb 
  • lofty gate 
  • Moti Masjid 
  • Keetham Lake (Suri Sarovar Bird Sanctuary)

Fluoride Poisoning in Sonbhadra

Why in News?  

High levels of fluoride pollution have been found in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.  

 Key Points  

• About: 
  • More than two lakh people of 276 villages of Sonbhadra district are affected by drinking fluoride-contaminated water. 
    • The fluoride level in groundwater of villages in Kon, Bhabni, Myorpur and Duddhi blocks has been found to be 5-6 times more than the prescribed standard. 
• Adverse effects on health: 
  • Due to fluoride contamination, people's bones are becoming weak and crooked, children are being born disabled and a large number of elderly people are becoming unable to walk . 
• Order of NGT: 
  • Despite the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), people are forced to drink fluoride-contaminated water. 
  • It was not implemented effectively by the local administration and concerned departments . 

Fluoride  

• About  
  • Fluoride is a widely occurring, non-biodegradable and long-term pollutant. It is produced by burning coal bricks. Fluoride is naturally found in minerals as well as in soil, water and air. 
• Toxicity:  
  • It is highly toxic. The World Health Organization recommends an upper limit of fluoride in drinking water of 1.5 mg/liter. 
• Effects of Fluoride: 
  • When consumed in adequate amounts, fluoride prevents tooth decay, aids in the formation of tooth enamel, and prevents the loss of bone mineralization but in high amounts it has a negative effect on bones and joints, and also causes fluorosis in teeth. 
  • Fluoride pollution also has negative effects on wildlife.