DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th September 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-SPACE

Context: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be launching a Psyche mission soon.

About MISSIONS Psyche:-

IMAGE SOURCE: graphicnews.com

• Launch date: 5 October 2023.
• Launch Site: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon Heavy.
• Psyche is a NASA mission to study a metal-rich asteroid named Psyche.
• Asteroid Psyche is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
• This is NASA’s first mission to study an asteroid that has more metal than rock or ice.
• The journey to the asteroid, also named Psyche, will span nearly six years.
• It will cover approximately 6 billion kilometers.
• The body of the Psyche spacecraft is about the size of a small van.
• It is powered by solar electric propulsion.
• It has a magnetometer, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, and a multispectral imager to study asteroid Psyche.
• The spacecraft will start sending images to Earth as soon as it spots the asteroid.
• The asteroid orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. (NASA’s InSight Mars Mission)
• It is believed to be a remnant core of a planetesimal, composed primarily of iron-nickel metal.
• While there are no plans to mine the asteroid, studying it from orbit could provide invaluable insights into the composition of Earth’s core.
• In addition to its primary mission, the Psyche spacecraft will also host a pioneering technology demonstration known as NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment. (NISAR satellite)
• This experiment could revolutionize how data is transmitted across vast distances in space, potentially enhancing our ability to explore the farthest reaches of the solar system.
• Significance: This mission represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the early solar system and the formation of terrestrial planets.

MUST READ: NASA’s DART mission

SOURCE: INDIA TODAY

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media? (2022)

1. A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
2. A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
3. A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
4. A spacecraft moves along a comet at the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Q.2) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? (2021)

1. Distance among stellar bodies does not change
2. Gravity of stellar bodies does not change
3. Light always travels in a straight line
4. Speed of light is always the same

Syllabus

• Prelims – GEOGRAPHY/POLITY

Context: India Ageing Report 2023 was released recently.

About India Ageing Report 2023:-

• Released on: 27 September 2023.
• Released by: International Institute for Population Sciences and the United Nations Population Fund.

Key highlights of the report:-

• The percentage of the elderly in India has been increasing rapidly in recent years and this trend is likely to continue in the coming decades as well,
• By 2050, the share of the elderly in India’s total population can reach more than 20 percent.
• The number of elderly will also be higher in proportion to the number of children aged 0-14 years.
• The number of working-age people in the age group of 15-59 years will decrease.
• Also, women will live longer than men, due to which the number of older women will be more than older men.
• A large number of them will be rural women.
• It noted that the decadal increase in India’s elderly population since 1961 was medium to high.
• This pace was slow until 2001 but is expected to spike in the coming decades.
• The report said the global population has been increasing even as people are living longer. (World Population Prospects)
• According to the report, in India, a man aged 60 years can live another 18.3 years, while women can live 19 years.
• In Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, women can be up to 4 years more than men.
• The report has expressed concern that since the life expectancy of women in India will be longer than that of men, the number of widowed women will be considerable. (The Population Worry)

MUST READ: Demographic Dividend

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice? (2019)

1. Article 19
2. Article 21
3. Article 25
4. Article 29

Q.2) Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”? (2018)

1. Limitation of powers
2. Equality before the law
3. People’s responsibility to the Government
4. Liberty and civil rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: The Kole wetlands of Kerala are facing the threat of alien plants.

Background:-

• Cabomba furcuta, popularly called as Pink Bloom due its massive flowering, has been a new threat in addition to water hyacinth and Salvinia molesta to the Kole wetlands.

About Kole wetlands:-

IMAGE SOURCE: fas.org.in

• Location: Thrissur and Malappuram districts in Kerala, India.
• River: The area extends from the Chalakudy River in the South to the Bharathappuzha River in the North, and to Ponnani Taluk
• It fulfills 40 percent of Kerala’s rice requirement.
• It acts as a natural drainage system for Ponnani City, Thrissur City, Thrissur District, and Malappuram District.
• It is one of the largest, highly productive, and threatened wetlands in Kerala.
• It is fertile with alluvium soil which is deposited Kechery and Karuvannoor rivers in the monsoon.
• In terms of the number of birds, the Thrissur Kole Wetlands is the third largest in India after Chilika Lake in Orissa and Amipur Tank in Gujarat. (Launch of ‘Wetlands of India’ Portal)
• It comes in the Central Asian Flyway of migratory birds.
• It has been recognized as one of India’s Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International.
• It is an internationally important Ramsar site. (COP14 of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands)
• It is known for its high biodiversity.
• Threat: It is facing a new threat from an invasive alien plant species called Cabomba furcuta, also known as Pink Bloom.

About Cabomba furcate:-

• Cabomba furcata is a species of aquatic plant in the water shield family.
• It is known by the common names red cabomba and forked fanwort.
• It is native to Central and South America and as far north as Cuba and the tip of Florida.
• It reaches a maximum height between 30 and 80 centimeters and is up to 8 centimeters wide.
• It bears purple flowers.
• This is used as an aquarium plant.
• Carbon dioxide addition is usually necessary, mostly because this plant requires high light and regular fertilization for optimal growth.
• It has been reported as an invasive species in Kerala, India.
• Its active stem propagation prevents light from penetrating the surface of water.
• It suffocates the water bodies, economically and ecologically hindering the growth of native aquatic plants and freshwater fish.
• It requires a huge quantity of oxygen, resulting in a decline in biodiversity and water quality.
• While its vibrant pink appearance may seem picturesque.
• It poses a significant threat to the biodiversity and agricultural productivity of the region.

MUST READ: Wetland Conservation

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives
2. of the Nagoya Protocol.
3. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (2017)

1. Corbett National Park
2. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sariska National Park

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: As per a recent announcement, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary may become the second tiger reserve in Bihar.

About Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary:-

• Established in 1979.
• Location: Kaimur district of Bihar, India.
  • It is situated in the southwestern part of Bihar, close to the borders with Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Area: approximately 1,504.96 square kilometers
• Mountain range: The sanctuary covers an extensive area in the Kaimur Hills, which are part of the Vindhya Range.
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant wildlife reserve in the state and plays a vital role in conserving the region’s biodiversity.
• This sanctuary was officially designated as a protected area in recognition of the region’s unique biodiversity and the need to safeguard its delicate ecosystems.
• The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
• It provides a natural habitat for various species of plants, animals, and birds, contributing to the ecological balance in the region.
• Vegetation: a mix of deciduous and tropical dry broadleaf forests, with several plant species that are native to the region.
• Flora: Sal is one of the dominant tree species found in the sanctuary.
• Other flora include Saja, Mahua, Teak Bamboo etc.
• Fauna: Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, Indian Boars, Indian Pangolins, Sloth Bears, Sambar Deer etc. (Blackbuck)
• Birds: Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Quail, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Swallow, Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Bulbul etc.
  • During winter, the sanctuary also witnesses the migration of several bird species from Central Asia, including the lesser White-fronted Goose, Ferruginous Duck, Baer’s Pochard Duck, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, etc.

MUST READ: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)

1. Golden Mahseer
2. Indian Nightjar
3. Spoonbill
4. White Ibis

Q.2) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)

1. Ant
2. Cockroach
3. Crab
4. Spider

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal have recently identified a Circular RNA virus, ciTRAN .

Background:-

• The development could potentially lead to novel drugs and therapies to fight HIV-1.

About ciTRAN:-

• It is a Circular RNA virus.
• RNAs are in general straight-chain, free-end structures but these circular RNA (‘circRNA’ ) form a closed-loop.
• The circRNA plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression.
• It is essential for various biological processes.
• Its role in HIV-1 replication has remained unclear for a long time.
• Characterizing circular RNA can be tricky because it usually is less abundant, making it further challenging to detect in its native form.
• During viral infections, there’s so much information from the virus that it can make it hard to find the less common ones like circular RNA.

About the recent study’s implications:-

• The researchers deployed a novel approach called ‘circDR-Seq’, to successfully capture circRNAs from T-cells (white blood cells) infected with the HIV-1 virus and identified a specific circRNA named ciTRAN, which plays an important role in the multiplication of the virus.
• HIV-1 viral protein R (VpR) is a multifunctional protein that plays specific roles at multiple stages of the HIV-1 viral life cycle and affects anti-HIV functions of the immune cells.
• Further it was found that HIV-1 infection induces ciTRAN expression in a Vpr-dependent manner and that ciTRAN interacts with serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), a protein known to repress HIV-1 transcription
• Unveiling ciTRAN’s Role in HIV-1 Replication:-
• In a recent study, researchers at IISER Bhopal deployed a specialized protocol called circDR-Seq, utilizing direct RNA nanopore sequencing.
• Through this innovative approach, they were able to capture circRNAs from HIV-1-infected T cells (white blood cells) and pinpointed the existence of ciTRAN, a circRNA that exerts influence over HIV-1 transcription.

Potential for Novel Drugs and Therapies

• Understanding how ciTRAN modulates the transcription process of the virus could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV-1.
• This newfound knowledge opens doors to the development of novel drugs and therapies to combat this persistent virus.

MUST READ: mRNA Vaccine

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using an mRNA platform.
2. The Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.2) Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (2022)

1. They protect the environmental allergens.
2. They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
3. They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
4. They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens.

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: As per recent announcements, the Bangalore Palace will host a 4-day World Coffee Conference 2023.

About World Coffee Conference 2023:-

• Date: 25th to 28^th September, 2023.
• Venue: Bangalore Palace, Karnataka, India
• Organized by: International Coffee Organization (ICO), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Karnataka Government and the coffee industry.
• Participants: ICO Member Country Representatives, Coffee Growers, Coffee Roasters, Coffee Curers, Farm to Cup Coffee Industry, HORECA, Café Owners, Coffee Nations, Policy Makers, Start-Ups, R&D, and students are expected to participate in the 4-day event.
• The event is expected to draw participants from over 80 countries, including 2,400 delegates, 117 speakers, 208 exhibitors, 10,000 visitors, and over 300 B2B meetings.
• It will be the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC).
• This is said to be the first-ever four-day coffee event in Asia.
• The event is scheduled to be inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.
• The event will feature various panel discussions, competitions, and coffee tastings.
• It will also have an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services.
• In line with India’s commitment to the global coffee industry, this event will foster partnerships, enhance knowledge, and celebrate the world of coffee.
• A dome-shaped structure has been designed for the Coffee Museum which would showcase the coffee plantation from Western Ghats.
• The museum focuses on highlighting the unique features of shade-grown coffees from India, to the global participants.
• It will showcase various coffee varieties from India and illustrate the journey of a coffee bean from its source to the cup.

MUST READ: Coffee Board

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following States:   (2022)

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Tripura

How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?

1. Only one State
2. Only two States
3. Only three States
4. All four States

Q.2) Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”? (2022)

1. Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
2. Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
3. Ignoring the consequences of disastrous ecological while infrastructure development undertaking
4. Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is more than a tech buzzword; it’s a transformative concept that India has championed on the global stage, notably in G20 deliberations.

About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

• Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion.

India and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

• India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs through JAM Trinity Initiative (JAM stands for Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile number).
• Jan-Dhan Accounts ensure access to various financial services like availability of basic savings bank account, access to need based credit, remittances facility, insurance and pension to the excluded sections i.e. weaker sections & low income groups.
• Real-time fast payment: India ranks 1 for Real-time payments globally, with 5 Bn payment transactions in 2022 (76.8% YoY growth (2021-2022)).
• Digital identity (Aadhar): Till date, 1.3+ Bn Aadhaar cards have been issued and 15 Bn Aadhaar based E-KYC verification has been done.
  • A platform to safely share personal data without compromising privacy: BHIM-UPI has emerged as the preferred payment method among users.
  • UPI has set a new record of processing over 9 Bn transactions (worth $ 179 Bn) in May 2023 .
  • UPI accounts for 75% of the total retail digital payments in India.

Significance of  Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

• Efficiency: DPI can improve the efficiency and transparency of public service delivery, such as health, education, social protection, and governance.
  • Aadhaar system provides a unique digital identity to over 1.4 billion Indians, enabling them to access various government schemes and subsidies.
• Empowerment: DPI can enable digital inclusion and empowerment of citizens, especially the poor and marginalized, by providing them access to information, opportunities, and rights.
  • UPI allows instant and low-cost digital transactions for millions of users, facilitating financial inclusion and digital literacy.
• Enhanced service delivery: Inclusive DPIs improve the delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, and governance.
  • Through digital channels, government agencies can reach citizens more efficiently, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring better service outcomes.
• Innovation: DPI can foster innovation and collaboration across sectors and countries, by creating a common platform for data exchange, interoperability, and reuse.
  • Account Aggregator framework enables consent-based data sharing among financial service providers, enhancing consumer choice and convenience .
• SDGs: DPI can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, by addressing urgent challenges such as poverty reduction, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
  • National Digital Health Mission aims to create a digital health ecosystem that can improve access, affordability, and quality of health care for all Indians .
  • It will help in achieving the goals of SDG-03e Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Challenges faced in Development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

• Lack of access to infrastructure: In many regions, especially rural and remote areas, there is inadequate or no access to reliable internet connectivity and digital infrastructure.
  • Limited access to electricity and the absence of necessary digital hardware like computers and smartphones further exacerbate the problem.
• Digital divide: India faces a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas.
  • While urban centers generally have better access to digital infrastructure and services, rural regions often lack reliable internet connectivity and face technological disparities.
• Cyber-Attack: DPI is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches that compromise sensitive data and transactions.
  • Between June, 2018 and March, 2022, India’s banks recorded 248 successful data breaches by hackers and criminals.
  • Out of which 41 cases from public sector banks, 205 were from private sector banks, and two from overseas banks.
• Regulatory Void: DPI requires a robust legal and regulatory framework that can balance the interests of various stakeholders, protect the privacy and security of data, and ensure accountability and compliance.
  • Personal Data Protection Bill is still pending in the Parliament, creating uncertainty and ambiguity for data users and providers .
• Funding: DPI requires continuous investment and innovation that can keep pace with the changing needs and expectations of the users, address the gaps and challenges in the existing infrastructure, and leverage the emerging technologies and opportunities.
  • BharatNet project aims to provide broadband connectivity to all rural areas in India, but it has faced delays, cost overruns, and quality issues .
• Digital Inequality: India has a digital divide where many lack access to digital infrastructure such as smartphones and internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
• Infrastructure: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of proper infrastructure, including internet connectivity, electricity, and hardware.

Way Forward:

Digital Public Infrastructure is a critical component of modern governance, and India has made significant progress in this regard. However, addressing challenges and staying ahead of technological advancements are key to its continued success in providing accessible and efficient digital services to its citizens.

Source:  Indian Express

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

World Coffee Conference 2023 will be hosted in the Bangalore Palace, India.

Statement-II:

It will be the 4th World Coffee Conference (WCC).

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Examine the key areas and opportunities of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India. (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  28th September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d