DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: The cyclonic storm “Hamoon” that has formed over the Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm as per recent reports.

About Hamoon:-

IMAGE SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

• Cyclone Hamoon is brewing near India over the Bay of Bengal.
• Southern states in India are likely to witness rainfall this week.
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a deep depression over the West central Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm during the next 6 hours.( Colour Coded Weather Warning)
• Cyclones Tej and Hamoon are considered to be twin cyclones that developed over the north Indian Ocean.
• The last such twin cyclones ‘Luban’ and ‘Titli’ were recorded in 2018.

About Cyclone:-

• A cyclone is a pattern of winds (or air mass) that circulates a low-pressure system.
• It rotates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• It is typically associated with wet and stormy weather. (Naming of Cyclone)

Classification:-

• There are two types of cyclones:
  • Tropical cyclones and
  • Extra-tropical cyclones (also called Temperate cyclones)

Tropical cyclone:-

• It is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans.
• It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
• These are formed over slightly warm ocean waters.
• The temperature of the top layer of the sea, up to a depth of about 60 meters, needs to be at least 28°C to support the formation of a cyclone.
• April-May and October-December periods are conducive for cyclones.
• Then, the low level of air above the waters needs to have an ‘anticlockwise’ rotation (in the northern hemisphere; clockwise in the southern hemisphere).
• During these periods, there was an ITCZ in the Bay of Bengal.

Extratropical cyclones:-

• It occurs in temperate zones and high-latitude regions, though they are known to originate in the Polar Regions.
• These are active above the mid-latitudinal region between 35° and 65° latitude in both hemispheres.
• The direction of movement is from west to east and is more pronounced in the winter seasons.

MUST READ: Bomb Cyclone

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause a warming effect.

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) Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-HEALTH

Context: Dengue cases upsurge have been reported in various Indian states recently.

Background:-

• Dengue and other vector-borne diseases which have afflicted one in four Indian families with one or more members over the last three years, according to a survey by social media platform Local Circles, have seen a fresh upsurge in recent weeks across states.

About Dengue:-

• Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti
• The mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on the blood of a person infected with the virus.
• There are 4 serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
  • These are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
• Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.
• Most cases occur in tropical areas of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, and Central, and South

Symptoms:-

• High fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Muscle and joint pains
• Skin Rash
• The diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
• WHO estimates 39 crore dengue virus infections per year, of which 9.6 crore show symptoms.

Vaccines:-

• DNA vaccines induce an adaptive immune response. (Controlling Dengue Using Wolbachia Bacteria)
• DNA vaccines are often referred to as third-generation vaccines.
• They use engineered DNA to induce an immunologic response in the host against bacteria, parasites, viruses, and potentially cancer.
• The vaccines that are currently available to the global population include those for measles, mumps, rubella, seasonal influenza virus, tetanus, polio, Hepatitis B, cervical cancer, diphtheria, pertussis as well as several other diseases that are endemic to certain regions of the world.

MUST READ: Malaria 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) With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) has surpassed the Quantum Limit.

About Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO):-

IMAGE SOURCE: LIGO-India gets the green light | Astronomy.com

• LIGO is an international network of laboratories.
• It aims to detect the ripples in spacetime produced by the movement of large celestial objects.
• It comprises two enormous laser interferometers located thousands of kilometres apart, each having two arms which are 4 km long.
• It exploits the physical properties of light and of space itself to detect and understand the origins of Gravitational Waves (GW).
• Gravitational Waves: These are invisible ripples in space that form when:
  • A star explodes in a supernova.
  • Two big stars orbit each other.
  • Two black holes merge.
  • Neutron star-Black hole (NS-BH) merges.
• They travel at the speed of light (1,86,000 miles per second) and squeeze and stretch anything in their path.
• These were proposed by Albert Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity.
• However, the first gravitational wave was actually detected by LIGO only in 2015.

LIGO detectors:-

• Four comparable detectors will be operating simultaneously around the globe to localize a source of gravitational waves anywhere in the sky. (International Space Station (ISS))
• The twin LIGO initially built were, in Louisiana (first) and Washington (second) in the U.S.
• LIGO-India will be the third of its kind in the world. (Space Economy of India)
• The fourth detector will be in Kagra, Japan.
  • LIGO: an international network of laboratories that detect gravitational waves.
  • The LIGO in the US first detected gravitational waves in 2015, which led to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017.
• Its detector components are completely isolated and sheltered from the outside world.
• Unlike optical or radio telescopes, it does not see electromagnetic radiation because gravitational waves are not part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• It doesn’t need to collect light from stars.
• it doesn’t need to be round or dish-shaped like optical telescope mirrors or radio telescope dishes, both of which focus EM radiation to produce images.

 MUST READ: SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN)

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Q.2) Consider the following statements (2022)

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of the same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first liquid nano di-ammonia phosphate (DAP) fertilizer plant.

Background:-

• Talking to Akashvani, IFFCO chairman Dilip Sanghani said this plant will hugely benefit the farmers and also help reduce the import of DAP in the country.

About nano DAP fertilizer:-

• Establishment:2023.
• Established by: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO )
• Place: Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• It is India’s first liquid nano-ammonia phosphate (DAP) plant.
• Nano liquid DAP fertilizeris is a concentrated phosphate-based fertilizer.
• DAP is the second most consumed fertilizer in the country after urea.
• It provides phosphorous nutrition throughout the crop growth and development cycle.

Advantages:-

• Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is the world’s most widely used phosphorus fertilizer. (Fertilizer sector in India)
• DAP is the second most consumed fertilizer in the country after urea.
• Nano-DAP will help to bring down India’s fertilizer import bill.
• It is also expected to contribute to bringing down the annual subsidy on non-urea fertilizers.

Significance:-

• It is an important beginning to make India self-reliant in the field of fertilizers.
• It is expected to boost India’s food grain production, ensuring food security.

MUST READ: Reforming the Fertilizer Sector

SOURCE: AIR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following organisms perform the waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the

distance to a source of their food? (2023)

1. Butterflies
2. Dragonflies
3. Honeybees
4. Wasps

Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017? (2019)

1. Pregnant women are entitled to three months of pre-delivery and three months of post-delivery paid leave.
2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother a minimum of six creche visits daily.
3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –AWARDS

Context: Recent announcements indicate that 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films are to be screened under the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India IFFI-2023 this year.

About the International Film Festival of India IFFI-2023:-

• Date: 20th to 28th of November.
• Venue: Goa.
• Organized by: National Film Development Corporation of India Ltd (NFDC).
• Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Historical Background:-

• Since 1952, India has hosted 53 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) both competitive and non-competitive.
• The festival became an annual event from 1975 onwards.
• The 54th edition of the festival, which includes a competition for feature films by Directors from all Continents will be held in Goa.
• Government of India in collaboration with the State Government of Goa and the Indian Film Industry.
• The Festival is recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature Film Festival.

Objectives:-

• providing a common platform for filmmakers of the world to project their excellence in film art.
• contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos
• promoting friendship and co-operation among people of the world.

Categories:-

The festival programme is broadly divided into the following categories: –

• International Competition for Feature Films (up to 15 numbers. Up to three Indian Films will be selected for this section. Fiction Films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes and above).
• Non-Competition (World Panorama) – for feature films from around the world ( Films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes and above).
• Country Focus & other specially curated packages (Indian & Foreign) and Special Screenings/Gala Premieres.
• Indian Panorama – for Indian feature films, Indian Panorama Regulations 2023 will be applicable.
• Technical Workshops/Masterclasses/other Interactive and academic Sessions/Panel Discussions/Talent Hub etc. both virtual and physical.
• Film Bazaar: IFFI also hosts the Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest and One of Asia’s most prolific Film Markets showcasing rich content to potential buyers from different countries across the world.
• National Film Development Corporation Ltd (NFDC) reserves the right to exclude films that are not in conformity with the philosophy and objective of the festival, which could offend the feelings/susceptibilities of any participating country, or are likely to promote discrimination of any kind.

Awards & Prizes:-

• Best Film: A Cash prize of Rs. 40,00,000/- to be shared equally between the Director and Producer. (The urgent need for CBFC reforms)
  • Director to be given the Golden Peacock and a Certificate in addition to the cash component.
  • Producer to be given a Certificate in addition to the cash component.
• Best Director: Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs.15,00,000/-
• Best Actor (Male): Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-
• Best Actor (Female): Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-
• Special Jury Award: Silver Peacock, Certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000/- given to a film (for any aspect of the film which the jury wishes to award/acknowledge) or an individual (for his/her artistic contribution to a film). The award, if given to a film, will be given to the Director of the film.
  • Award for Best Debut Feature Film of a Director.
• Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema
  • This prestigious award, instituted in the name of legendry filmmaker Satyajit Ray, consisting of a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000/-, certificate, shawl, Medal (Silver Peacock) and a scroll, is conferred upon a master filmmaker/film techniciana/film personalities for his / her outstanding contribution to cinema.
• Indian Film Personality of the Year Award
  • This prestigious award consisting of a cash prize of Rs 10, 00,000/-, certificate, shawl and Medal (Silver Peacock) is conferred upon an Indian film personality for his/her outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema.
• ICFT UNESCO – Gandhi Medal Award
  • The Gandhi Medal Award is given to a film reflecting UNESCO’s fundamental mandate of building peace in the minds of men and women, particularly human rights.

 MUST READ: Golden Globes Award

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: (2023)

1. It was the first time that the Chess Olympiad was held in India.
2. The official mascot was named Thambi.
3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sports climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate, and Baseball are included in this.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

•      GS-II

The Supreme Court of India recently denied permission to a 27-year-old married woman who was in her 26th week of pregnancy, seeking legal permission to terminate her pregnancy. The woman asserted her physical, emotional, mental, financial, and medical inability to carry, deliver, or raise another child, citing her pre-existing conditions and experiences with postpartum depression. The Court expressed reluctance to order a medical termination when the pregnancy is viable and does not pose an immediate threat to the woman’s life. This judgment led to a debate over unborn child rights.

RIGHTS OF THE UNBORN CHILD

• Woman does not have an absolute right of autonomy to exercise her reproductive rights in a way that would compromise the rights of the unborn child.
• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act of 2021, extended the deadline for abortion to 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances, which is allowed only if necessary to save the life of the mother or in cases of a fatal deformity detected in the fetus.
• If there is a viable baby, the relief cannot be one-sided. The State has a responsibility to protect the life of the child, especially since a medical opinion suggests a chance of survival.
• Justice Hima Kohli agrees that the woman should not be permitted to terminate the pregnancy. Her opinion aligns with the idea that the rights of the unborn child and the State’s responsibility should be considered.

RIGHT OF THE PREGNANT WOMEN

• Paramount Consideration to the mother’s well-being, privacy, and dignity.
• If any woman has taken a conscious decision not to have the baby, then this decision should be respected, taking into account the woman’s mental condition and her inability to care for her unborn child.
• Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized that the woman’s decision should be respected and consideration of the woman’s socio-economic situation is must.
• She also points out that this is not a case of a viable baby being born or unborn, and the priority should be given to the interests of the woman.

CONCLUSION

The balance between the rights of unborn children and women’s rights is often complex and context-dependent. It is typically addressed through a combination of legal, ethical, medical, and personal considerations. Ultimately, resolving this issue is a matter of societal values, legal frameworks, and individual choices, and it varies from one jurisdiction to another.

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:

The International Film Festival of India IFFI-2023 will be held in Mumbai.

Statement-II:

The award for Best Director will get a Silver Peacock, a Certificate and a cash prize of Rs.15,00,000/-

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

Q3) With reference to cyclone Hamoon, consider the following statements:

1. Cyclones Tej and Hamoon are considered to be twin cyclones that developed over the north Indian Ocean.
2. The last twin cyclones ‘Luban’ and ‘Titli’ were recorded in 2008.
3. It developed over the Arabian Sea.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  24th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) -b 

Q.3) – a