DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: A recently conducted massive review found that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more prevalent in adults than previously realized.

Background:-

• A new estimate of the global prevalence of adult ADHD suggests the condition could be more common than previously realized.

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD):-

IMAGE SOURCE: counselling

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental health condition that includes challenges relating to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity to the point that it interferes with everyday life.
• ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders: a condition that has its onset in the developmental period and impacts how the brain works.
• It affects around 5% of school-aged children.
• Adults also can be diagnosed with ADHD. (Mental Healthcare: Issues & solutions)
• Around two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults.

Signs and Symptoms:-

• Frequent forgetfulness
• Daydreaming and the appearance of not listening
• Trouble staying on task
• Disorganization
• Avoidance of tasks that require focus
• Trouble sitting still, fidgeting, and squirming
• Excessive talking
• Risky behaviour
• Carelessness, or lack of attention to details
• A pattern of making mistakes
• Trouble getting along with other kids
• Difficulty taking turns

Causes ADHD:-

• The causes of ADHD are not well understood, although there is research that suggests that genetics likely play an important role.

Treatment:-

• ADHD is typically treated with behavioral therapy, medication, or both. (Adderall drug)

MUST READ: Mental Health

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: (2022)

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

•     Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY/ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: A new virus VB_HmeY_H4907 was discovered recently.

Background:-

• It was discovered at Mariana Trench, the lowest point of earth, nearly 11,000 meters below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.
• Marine virologists analyzed sediment and identified a new bacteriophage.

About VB_HmeY_H4907:-

• vB_HmeY_H4907 is a newly discovered virus.
• It has been classified as a Bacteriophage.
• A bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria and replicates inside it.
• It is often referred to as a “bacteria eater.”
• They also infect the single-celled prokaryotic organisms known as archaea.
• This virus infects halophilic bacteria, which are bacteria that inhabit environments with high salt concentrations.
• These bacteria belong to the genus Halomonas and are commonly found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
• The virus is actually very genetically similar to its host and is a lysogenic phage.
• It means that it inserts its genetic material into the bacteria but usually doesn’t kill it instead, both virus and bacteria replicate at the same time.

MUST READ: Zika Virus Disease

SOURCE: BUSINESS

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)Consider the following : (2022)

1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, Cell biologists identified a new organelle called exclusome.

Background:-

• Researchers at ETH Zurich recently identified a previously unknown compartment in mammalian cells. They have named it the exclusome.

About Exclusome:-

• It is present in mammalian cells made of rings of DNA.
• It is made up of DNA rings known as plasmids.
• It lies in the cell plasma.
• It is exceptional because eukaryotic cells (cells with nuclei) usually keep most of their DNA in the cell nucleus, where it is organized into chromosomes.
• The exclusome primarily comprises plasmids, which are circular DNA molecules.
• These can replicate independently of chromosomes.
• They are usually found in bacteria and other microscopic organisms.
• Some of these plasmids are derived from external sources, while others are called telomeric rings as they originate from the telomeres or capped ends of chromosomes.
• These plasmids lack the genetic instructions required for protein synthesis.
• This sets them apart from chromosomal DNA. (DNA Technology Regulation Bill)

MUST READ: The Human Genome Project

SOURCE: THE SCIENCE TIMES

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following: (2022)

1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

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

Q.2) What is the cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news? (2019)

1. A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing.
2. A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients.
3. A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
4. A herbicidal substance synthesized in generally modified crops

Syllabus

• Prelims –Defense

Context: Recently, the Annual Joint HADR Exercise 2023 (AJHE-23) ‘CHAKRAVAT 2023’ concluded in Goa.

Background:-

• It concluded with a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Mole Berth, within the Port of Mormugao.

About CHAKRAVAT 2023:-

• Hosted by: Indian Navy. (Exercise ‘Varuna’ 2023)
• Date: 09-11 October 23.
• Venue: Goa.
• First edition: 2015.
• CHAKRAVAT is an Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief HADR Exercise (AJHE).
• The exercise has been conducted by the Indian Army, Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF) in rotation.
• AJHE-23 commenced with a Seminar on 09 Oct 23 to discuss synergy in response to climate change and associated disaster adaptation and mitigation.
• An Industrial Display was also organized by FICCI on 10 Oct in coordination with the Indian Navy to showcase ready-to-export HADR equipment manufactured by both public and private sectors.
• The Logo for AJHE-23 depicted crests and logos of all participating agencies and flags of all nations subsumed into one single entity to signify that HADR will hinge on joint and integrated action by all the agencies.
• Participating agencies discussed and presented joint plans for rendering humanitarian assistance.
• AJHE-23 witnessed participation from various national agencies namely, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM), Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, Indian Metrological Department (IMD), National Remote Sensing Agencies (NRSA), State Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) and State Fire Services, Goa, District Disaster Management Agency (DDMA) of North and South, Goa, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Central Water Commission (CWC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and representatives from Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
• Representatives were also present from eight friendly foreign countries viz. Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
• Significance: the 2023 edition would further synergize efforts at the national level among all stakeholders, as well as witness participation from eight countries of the Indian Ocean Region.

MUST READ: 26th Exercise Malabar

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recent studies found that the Nourseothricin drug shows promising results against superbugs.

Background:-

• The old antibiotic may provide much-needed protection against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.

About Nourseothricin:-

• Nourseothricin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
• It is a mixture of streptothricin D and F (>85%), and streptothricin E and C (<15%).
• This antibiotic is used for the selection of genetically modified Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi, protozoa, microalgae and plants during long-term experiments as nourseothricin retains >90% activity after one week under cultivation conditions.
• It is a natural product made by soil bacteria that are gram-positive.
• It is actually a mixture of antibiotics, given individual names such as streptothricin F (S-F) and streptothricin D (S-D).
• While nourseothricin and S-D show toxic effects on kidney cells in the lab, Kirby and his colleagues have now established that isn’t the case for S-F.
• This compound is still highly effective at killing drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria but at concentrations that are not toxic.
• It is a natural product made by a soil fungus, which contains multiple forms of a complex molecule called streptothricin.
• Its discovery in the 1940s generated high hopes for it as a powerful agent against Gram-negative bacteria, which, due to their thick outer protective layer, are especially hard to kill with other antibiotics.
• But nourseothricin proved toxic to kidneys, and its development was dropped.
• However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has spurred the search for new antibiotics, leading Kirby and colleagues to take another look at nourseothricin.
• The resistance genes for nourseothricin are Sat1, Sat2, Sat3 and Sat4.

Applications:-

• Nourseothricin is commonly used for bacterial and plant selection. (Medicine Price Control)

Advantages:-

• No cross-reactivity with other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Hygromycin or Geneticin.
• Long-term stable as powder or solution.
• No cross-resistance with therapeutic antibiotics.
• Highly soluble in water.

Disadvantages:-

• It is not used in animal or human experiments because of its toxicity to kidneys (nephrotoxicity).

MUST READ: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

SOURCE: NEWSMEDICAL-LIFE SCIENCE

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: (2022)

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (2021)

1. Food preservatives
2. Fruit ripening substances
3. reused plastic containers
4. Toiletries

Syllabus

•      GS II – GOVERNANCE AND JUDICIARY

• The Special Marriage Act is a law in India that allows individuals of different religions or nationalities to marry each other.
• Personal laws, such as the Muslim Marriage Act, 1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, require either spouse to convert to the religion of the other before marriage, however couples who register under this act are not required to change their religion or follow any religious rites or rituals.
• The act is applicable for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, across India.
• It was enacted in 1954 and came into effect in 1955.
• The act also provides for divorce on certain grounds and maintenance to the spouse and children.
• The Act provides for the registration of marriages, which gives legal recognition to the marriage and provides a number of legal benefits and protections to the couple, such as inheritance rights, succession rights, and social security benefits.
• It forbids polygamy and declares a marriage null and void if either party had a spouse living at the time of the marriage or if either of them is incapable of giving a valid consent to the marriage due to unsoundness of mind.
• Section 5 of the Act specifies that the parties must give written notice to the Marriage Officer of the District and that at least one of the parties must have lived in the district for at least 30 days immediately before the date of such notification.
• Section 7 of the Act allows any person to object to the marriage before the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notice’s publication.

ISSUES WITH THE ACT

• In India, societal norms and prejudices often favor traditional marriages that conform to religious and caste customs. Interfaith or inter-caste marriages can face significant social stigma and resistance, which can result in pressure, discrimination, and even violence against the couples.
• The requirement to publish a notice about the intended marriage raises privacy concerns, and couples may feel uncomfortable about disclosing their personal information publicly.
• The provision in the Special Marriage Act for the publication of a marriage notice can lead to harassment and threats from family members or communities opposed to the marriage. In some cases, this can result in couples being coerced or forced into abandoning their plans.
• The 30-day notice period can cause delays in the solemnization of the marriage. This waiting period can be a source of anxiety and can deter couples from choosing to marry under the act.

The procedure for raising objections to the marriage can be misused by those who oppose the union, leading to unjustified interference in the couples’ decisions.

CONCLUSION

Though marriage does not obfuscate but lays bare the caste hierarchies that embolden discrimination and segregation. But despite being a faulty institution, marriage is a legitimate legal need. Just by decriminalizing Section 377 does not ensure equal rights for the queer community.

Syllabus

•    GS II-Governance

Policing in India have colonial hangover in-spite of new approaches and new legislation by states as it is based on Indian Police Act, 1861, whose main aim was to create fear and oppression among people. New model police act was framed in 2016 and even Supreme Court using A-142 Policing in India have colonial hangover in-spite of new approaches and new legislation by states as it is based on Indian Police Act, 1861, whose main aim was to create fear and oppression among people. New model police act was framed in 2016 and even Supreme Court using A-142 gave a binding judgment in Prakash Singh case in 2006 but state governments are reluctant to implement them. The modern police should be sensitized as it is main face of administration.

ISSUES IN EXISTING POLICE SYSTEM

• The Indian Police system is mainly based on archaic laws such as Indian Evidence Act, 1872, thus leading to politicization and misconduct.
• Many police departments in India are understaffed, leading to excessive workloads and fatigue among police officers. This can result in delayed response times and reduced effectiveness in handling cases.
• According to Bureau of Police Research and development (BPRD) there are 25% of unfilled vacancies in police department.
• Excessive interference of political executive (given in ARC report) in the functioning of the police forces. They are placed under superintendence of executives to ensure accountability but political interfere in police work, affects investigations, which can undermine the rule of law and compromise the integrity of the police.
• Training programs for police officers may be inadequate, especially in terms of dealing with modern challenges, such as cybercrime or handling sensitive social issues. Sensitivity training regarding issues like gender, caste, and religion is often lacking, which can lead to incidents of police bias and discrimination.
• Many cases go unsolved, and the clearance rate for crimes is relatively low. The lack of modern investigative techniques, forensic capabilities, and resources can contribute to this issue. According to Bureau of Police Research (BPR)and development due to decreasing efficiency there is decrease in conviction with increasing crime rate Conviction rate in 2019 is only 65%
• The lack of transparency in police operations and accountability for misconduct can erode public trust. Establishing internal mechanisms for accountability and external oversight is crucial.

WAY FORWARD

• There is a need for making Indian police Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, Tech Savvy and Trained.
• Increasing community policing makes sense because it involves police and community members working together to solve crime and crime-related issues and also improves people-police relations.
• In accordance with the Model Police Act, 2006, each state must establish an authority made up of retired High Court judges, civil society members, retired police officers, and public administrators from another state.
• Parliamentary Standing Committee advised states and Union Territories to create a road map for ensuring 33% representation of women in police. It also recommended at least one all-women police station in each district.

CONCLUSION

Police reforms are an ongoing process, and they require collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and law enforcement agencies. These reforms are essential to ensure that the police serve as a protector of the people, uphold the rule of law, and maintain public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Q1) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

VB_HmeY_H4907 was discovered at Mariana Trench.

Statement-II:

It has been classified as a Bacteriophage.

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

Q2) With reference to ADHD, consider the following statements:

1. It affects around 5% of school-aged children.
2. Adults do not have a diagnosis of ADHD.
3. Frequent forgetfulness is one of the symptoms.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  18th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a