DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Hunter’s Moon Lunar Eclipse is predicted to be seen on October 28^th,2023.

Background:-

• The “Hunter’s Moon” will officially be 100% illuminated at 3:35 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

About Hunter’s Moon Lunar Eclipse:-

• The Hunter’s Moon is one of the many names given to the full moons throughout the year.
• Each of these names have its own unique cultural and historical significance.

Historical Significance:-

• Rooted in Native American, Colonial American, and other traditional North American cultures, the names of these moons were used to track the changing seasons and were adopted by colonial settlers.
• The Hunter’s Moon follows the Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox.

Naming:-

• Historically, the Harvest Moon allowed farmers to work late into harvesting their crops by the moon’s light.
• Once the harvest was completed, the Hunter’s Moon would rise signaling a time when game would be fattened and hunted to store for the winter.
• This moon was a beacon for hunters to begin stocking up for the colder months ahead.

Features:-

• The Hunter’s Moon can sometimes appear red or orange in color, due to the way that sunlight is scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere.
• This is especially common when the moon is low in the sky, such as during sunrise and sunset.
• This year’s Hunter’s Moon” will look both more colorful and larger than it will at any other time of night.
• It will only for about 15 minutes.
• It will also be more impactful because it’s being viewed in twilight, not darkness.
• Europe and Africa will be the best placed to see watch the entire event, but it’s a very slight partial lunar eclipse.
• At the peak of the event about 6% of the full moon will be inside Earth’s dark central shadow .
• It may look like a small bite has been taken from it.
• However, as it drifts through Earth’s lighter, outer penumbral shadow it will mostly just seem less bright than usual.

About Lunar Eclipse:-

• An eclipse happens when a planet or a moon gets in the way of the sun’s light. (Eclipses )
• A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow.
• In the Lunar Eclipse, the Earth arrives in between the sun and the moon.
  • In this way, the shadow of the earth falls on the moon.
• The lunar eclipse can only happen during the Full Moon. But, the orbits of the moon and earth are different.
• That’s why the lunar eclipse happens only up to 3-4 times a year.
• There are three types of lunar eclipses: Total lunar eclipses, partial lunar eclipses, and penumbral lunar eclipses.
• Total lunar eclipse: entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
  • When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue.
  • Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon.
• Partial lunar eclipse: An imperfect alignment of Sun, Earth and Moon results in the Moon passing through only part of Earth’s umbra.
  • The shadow grows and then recedes without ever entirely covering the Moon.
• Penumbral eclipse: The Moon travels through Earth’s penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow.
  • The Moon dims so slightly that it can be difficult to notice

 MUST READ: Supermoon

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs on the: (2022)

1. The first half of the month of June
2. The second half of the month of June
3. The first half of the month of July
4. The second half of the month of July

Q.2) On 21st June, the Sun (2019)

1. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
2. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
3. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
4. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, the United Nations (UN) celebrated the World Development Information Day.

About World Development Information Day:-

IMAGE SOURCE: AIR

• Established :1972.
• Date: 24^th, October.
• Objective: to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

Historical Background:-

• The UN Conference on Trade and Development proposed measures for information dissemination and public opinion mobilization regarding trade and development problems on May 17, 1972.
• This came to be known as resolution 3038 (XXVII).
• This Resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to institute World Development Information Day on October 24.

Salient Features:-

• The day also coincides with the adoption of the ‘International Development Strategy’ for the Second United Nations Development Decade in 1970.
• The purpose of this day is to highlight global development challenges and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) believes that by enhancing information dissemination and public opinion mobilization, we can raise greater awareness about development issues, particularly among the younger generation. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and significance of this important day.
• This day coincides with the United Nations Day, celebrated to commemorate the day UN began operating in 1945. (Need for Reforms in UN)

Significance:-

• The day aims to explain to the general public why it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation to solve development problems.

 MUST READ: Right to Information (RTI) Act

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana : (2023)

1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q.2) Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

1. Department of Science and Technology
2. Ministry of Labour and Employment
3. NITI Aayog
4. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Syllabus

• Prelims – Government schemes

Context: Recent reports suggest that, 75% of beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi scheme come from non-general category with OBCs accounting for 44%.

Background:-

• An SBI research report has praised the Modi government’s micro-credit PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors for ensuring inclusive entrepreneurship.
• The report said, that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes account for 22 percent of the total disbursement of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme and 43 percent of the total beneficiaries are women.
• The SBI report said that female share indicates empowerment of entrepreneurial capabilities of urban females, giving SVANidhi a gender equaliser tag.

About PM SVANidhi scheme:-

• Launched in 2020. (PM SVANidhi scheme)
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
• Implementation agency: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• Objective: Providing affordable Working Capital loans to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
• The scheme intends to facilitate collateral-free working capital loans of up to INR10,000/- of one-year tenure, to approximately 50 lakh street vendors.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
  • Central sector schemes: schemes with 100% funding by the Central government and implemented by the Central Government machinery.
• Duration of the scheme: The duration of the scheme initially was until March 2022.

Extension of the scheme:-

• It has been extended till December 2024.
• This was done with a focus on enhanced collateral-free affordable loan corpus, increased adoption of digital transactions and holistic socio-economic development of the Street Vendors and their families.
• Introduction of 3rd loan of upto ₹50,000 in addition to 1st & 2nd loans of ₹10,000 and ₹20,000 respectively was also introduced.

Features of the scheme:-

• Loan limit: Vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000.
  • This loan is repayable in monthly instalments for the tenure of one year.
• No collateral is required to avail of the loan, making it more accessible to street vendors.
• Processing fee: There is no processing fee to apply for the scheme, making it cost-effective for street vendors.
• Loan repayment period: one year.
• Interest subsidy: On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum.
  • It will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfers on a quarterly basis.
• Early repayment: There will be no penalty on early repayment of the loan.
• Additional benefits: The vendors can avail of the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of a loan.
  • Credit limit: the maximum amount of credit a financial institution extends to a client on a credit card or a line of credit.

Target beneficiaries under the scheme:-

• This scheme targets to benefit Street Vendors.
• A vendor, according to the scheme guidelines is any person engaged in vending of articles, goods, wares, food items in a street, footpath, pavement or moving from place to place.
  • Goods supplied: vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street food, tea, pakodas, apparel, artisan products, books/ stationary etc.
  • Services provided: barber shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry services etc.

Advantages of the scheme:-

• The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash-back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
• The scheme encourages entrepreneurship.
• It also helps to create employment opportunities. (Programme of Socio-Economic Profiling of PM SVANidhi launched)

 MUST READ: SVANidhi se Samriddhi program

SOURCE: AIR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: (2023)

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for preschool children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of childbirth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with a special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

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 about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)

1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS

Context: Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)chief Somnath said that the space agency will prefer woman fighter test pilots for its Gaganyaan mission.

Background:-

• He also said ISRO would send a female humanoid – a robot that resembles a human – in its unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft next year.

About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):-

• Establishment: 1969.
• Agency: Department of Space (DOS).
• HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Objective: to harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.

Historic Background:-

• ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai.
• ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology.

Salient Features:-

• ISRO is the space agency under the Department of Space of Government of India.
• The organization is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and the mankind.
• ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India.
• The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO.
• Functions: Space Science & Exploration Satellites.
• Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) is a Marketing arm of ISRO for the promotion and commercial exploitation of space products, technical consultancy services, and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO.

ISRO Milestones:-

• The first Indian-made sounding rocket was the RH-75 (Rohini-75).
• The first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was built by the ISRO.
• Development of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) for placing satellites into polar orbits and the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) for placing satellites into geostationary orbits. (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite)
• ISRO also launched the first IRS (remote-sensing satellite) in 1988.
• ISRO launched its first lunar mission Chandrayaan I in 2008.
• In January 2014, ISRO used an indigenously built cryogenic engine for a GSLV-D5 launch of the GSAT-14 satellite making it one of the only six countries in the world to develop a cryogenic technology.
• It also launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or the Mangalyaan in 2014.
• India launched Chandrayaan-2, its second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1 on 22nd July 2019.
• India launched Chandrayaan-3 in 2023.

MUST READ: Shukrayaan I

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct? (2023)

1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times that received at the poles.
2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
4. Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Q.2) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – ART AND CULTURE

Context: As per recent reports, the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K this year crosses 80 lakh mark.

About Vaishno Devi shrine:-

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir.
• The shrine is a religious pilgrimage atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu region.
• The Vaishno Devi temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Durga.
• Although Vaishno Devi was discovered many centuries ago, but only in 1846 it was founded in the real sense by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
• It is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
• This temple is popular worldwide as it is believed that “Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata”, the deity here, fulfils whatever her believers wish for.
• This holy cave is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet .
• The pilgrims have to undertake a trek of almost 12 km starting from Katra.
• Upon reaching the Bhawan, pilgrims are blessed with the darshans of the goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, i.e. the Holy Cave.
• In this cave, the goddess is in the shape of three natural rock formations, also known as “Pindies”.
• It is important to note here that there are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
• Darshans to this holy deity are open round the clock throughout the year. (Puri Jagannath Temple)

 MUST READ: Khajuraho temples

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)

1. It is a song and dance performance
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Kalamkari painting refers to (2015)

1. a hand-painted cotton textile in South India.
2. a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in Northeast India.
3. a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India.
4. a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India.

Syllabus

•    Prelims –IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES

Context: Bishan Singh Bedi, former India spinner, captain and coach, passed away at 77 years old in Delhi.

About Bishan Singh Bedi:-

• Birth: 25 September 1946.
• Birth place: Punjab.
• Death: 23 October 2023.
• Bedi was one India’s iconic spin bowling combination that also featured BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan.
• He made his debut against West Indies in 1966 and played his last Test against England at The Oval in 1979.
• Bedi, who represented Delhi in domestic cricket, held the remarkable feat of being the highest wicket-taker among Indian players in First-Class cricket, amassing a staggering 1,560 wickets in 370 matches.
• He played 67 Tests for India between 1967 and 1979.
• He took 266 wickets in his illustrious career.
• He also captained the national side in 22 Test matches.
• He was central to India’s first ODI win when he registered figures of 12-8-6-1 to restrict East Africa to 120 in a 1975 World Cup match.
• He was an integral part of a famed quartet of India’s world-beating spin bowlers in the 1960s and 70s, which included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.

Awards:-

• In 2021, Bedi was picked by readers for a place in BBC Sport’s all-time India Test XI.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri award in 1970.
• He was awarded the K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

 MUST READ: Sports Code

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

  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

•    Prelims –Defence

Context: A joint bilateral training exercise “Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023”, between the Indian and Malaysian Armies commenced recently.

About Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023:-

• Venue: Umroi Cantonment, India.
• It is a joint bilateral training exercise between Indian & Malaysian Armed Forces.
• Objective: to enhance military capability for conducting of Multi Domain Operations in a sub conventional scenario.
• The Malaysian Army contingent, comprising troops from the 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian Army, joins hands with the Indian contingent represented by a battalion of THE RAJPUT REGIMENT.
• This exercise is a follow-up to the previous edition held in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia, in November 2022.

Activities:-

• During the exercise, both contingents will establish a Joint Command Post and an integrated surveillance grid, alongside a Joint Surveillance Centre.
• The training will focus on coordinated deployment of joint forces in various environments, including jungles, semi-urban, and urban areas.
• Intelligence collection, collation, and dissemination exercises will also be conducted.
• The exercise will incorporate modern technology, including Drones/UAVs and Helicopters.
• Special attention will be given to casualty management and evacuation drills.
• Logistics management and survival training at the battalion level are crucial components of the training program.

Significance:-

• Exercise Harimau Shakti” represents a significant effort to enhance defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army.

MUST READ: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

SOURCE: THE PRINT

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

•    GS II – GOVERNANCE

Politicization of bureaucracy refers to the dilution of the principle of non-partisanship and implies politically committed bureaucracy. This is the phenomenon in which government agencies and civil servants become influenced by, or involved in, political activities and decisions to an extent that may compromise their neutrality, objectivity, and effectiveness. While some level of interaction between politics and bureaucracy is inevitable in any democratic system, an excessive or inappropriate politicization of the bureaucracy can lead to several issues.

VALUES INVOLVED IN THE CASE

• Political neutrality and impartiality
• Integrity and probity
• Courage of conviction
• Following the code of conduct
• Legal responsibility

CONSEQUENCES WITH POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY

• Compromise with Neutrality and Objectivity: Bureaucracies are expected to be neutral and objective in implementing government policies and programs. When bureaucrats become too politically aligned, it can undermine their ability to act impartially and make decisions in the best interest of the public.
• Erosion of Merit-Based Hiring: In an ideal bureaucracy, hiring and promotions are based on merit and qualifications rather than political connections. Excessive politicization can lead to the appointment of individuals based on their political loyalties rather than their competency, which can harm the efficiency and effectiveness of the bureaucracy.
• Inefficient Decision-Making: When political considerations drive bureaucratic decisions, it may lead to policies and actions that are driven by short-term political gains rather than long-term public interests. This can result in inefficient, inconsistent, or contradictory decision-making.
• Lack of Accountability: Politicization can make it difficult to hold bureaucrats accountable for their actions, as they may be shielded by political allies or supporters. This lack of accountability can undermine transparency and public trust in government institutions.
• Partisanship: Bureaucratic agencies should ideally serve the interests of the public and not be driven by partisan politics. Excessive politicization can lead to a situation where different administrations or political parties seek to use the bureaucracy to further their own agendas, leading to inconsistency and instability in policies and administration.
• Public Distrust: When people perceive that bureaucracy is being used for political purposes, it can erode public trust in government institutions. This distrust can have negative consequences for social cohesion and the functioning of a democratic system.

WAY FORWARD

• To make an individual high on integrity, it is necessary to provide him with ethical training that will inspire him to improve governance. The moral education will surely ensure that this takes place
• A dedicated unit to oversee violations of the Code of Ethics & Code of conduct by government officials be set up both at the state and center level.

Syllabus

•         GS III – ENVIRONMENT

The environmental devastation caused in the Himalayan States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim has reinvigorated the debate on the “carrying capacity’ of the regions. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum sustainable population size an ecosystem can support without significant harm. It’s crucial for balancing human activities with environmental preservation.

IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF HIMALAYAS

• Biodiversity Hub: The Himalayas host diverse flora and fauna, making the region crucial for the conservation of numerous endemic and endangered species.
• Water Source for Asia: As the “Water Tower of Asia,” the Himalayas contribute to major river systems, providing water to millions downstream, emphasizing the importance of ecological health.
• Climate Regulation: The Himalayas play a pivotal role in global climate regulation, influencing weather patterns, monsoons, and serving as a natural buffer against the impacts of climate change.
• Energy Security- Almost 33% of the country’s thermal electricity and 52% of its hydro power is dependent on river waters originating in the Himalayas.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Beyond ecology, the Himalayas hold cultural and spiritual importance, and their ecological well-being is intertwined with the traditional practices and beliefs of local communities.
• Global Impact: Changes in the Himalayan region, such as glacial melt and altered river flows, can have a global impact. They contribute to rising sea levels, affect regional weather patterns, and have consequences for people and ecosystems far beyond the immediate area.

CHALLENGES TO THE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF HIMALAYAS

• Climate Change and Glacial Melting- Rising temperatures due to climate change have led to the rapid melting of glaciers triggering Glacial lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and affected the downstream flow of water.
• Tectonic activities in the Himalayas- the Himalayas are young, Fold Mountains are prone to tectonic activities. This makes the region prone to natural disasters such as landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes.
• Soil Erosion and Landslides- Deforestation, construction activities and improper land use practices increase soil erosion and the risk of landslides during heavy rainfall or seismic events. Ex- Recent Landslides in HP during the heavy rainfall.
• Unsustainable Tourism- Himalayan Mountains are treated only as tourist destinations, ignoring their micro-climate which has led to upset in the natural balance of the Himalayan ecosystem. Ex- Large crowds and jams in Shimla, Manali.
• Erosion of Cultural Values of Environmental conservation- Traditional Himalayan communities have distinct cultural practices and ways of life closely tied to their natural surroundings. However, Unsustainable urbanisation has been led to the erosion of cultural values of environmental conservation. Ex- Movements like Chipko Movement are no longer observed.
• Growth of Invasive species- The growth of Invasive species in the Himalayan natural ecosystem has disrupted the delicate balance of ecosystem and threatened the survival of native species. Ex- Clusters of purple flowers (Cirsium arvense), mats of white clover (Trifolium repens) and small tumbleweed mustard with bright yellow flowers (Sisymbrium loeselii) are the threatening invasive species of the Himalayas.
• Improper Waste Management- The slopes of HimalayanMountains have been dumped with garbage which has affected the natural flora and fauna balance of the Himalayan ecosystem.

CONCLUSION

The imperative for sustainable development in the Himalayan region requires a comprehensive assessment of carrying capacity. The Supreme Court’s intervention serves as a catalyst for a people-centric, inclusive, and holistic approach, emphasizing long-term environmental health and citizen involvement. With united efforts we will restore Himalayan glory again

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 :

Vaishno Devi shrine is a religious pilgrimage atop the Trikuta hills

Statement-II :

The Vaishno Devi temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Laxmi.

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 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), consider the following statements:

1. It was established in 1969.
2. The first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was built by the ISRO.
3. It launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or the Mangalyaan in 2012.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  25th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – a