DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, a Chinese research ship, Shi Yan 6 docked at Colombo port.

Background:-

• The Chinese research vessel ‘Shi Yan 6’ has stirred concerns due to its visit to Sri Lanka, with both the US and India voicing objections.
• Shi Yan 6 was given permission to enter the (Colombo) port for replenishment.
• US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, who met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, had reportedly raised concerns about the visit of ‘SHI YAN 6’.

Reasons behind India’s Object to Chinese Vessels Docking in Sri Lanka:-

• India’s objection to Chinese vessels docking in Sri Lanka stems from security concerns. (India-Sri Lanka relations)
• India perceives Chinese ships in close proximity to its mainland as potential security threats, suspecting espionage activities even when their stated purpose is scientific research.
• This apprehension has led to objections to Chinese vessels docking in Sri Lankan ports.

China’s Statement on the matter:-

• China has maintained that the marine scientific research activities of Yuan Wang 5 and similar vessels align with international law and common practice and do not jeopardize the security or economic interests of any country.

Sri Lanka’s Response:-

• In response to the US’ concerns, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to neutrality. ( Sri Lanka’s India First Policy)

About Shi Yan 6:-

• Shi Yan 6 is a Chinese Research/Survey Vessel.
• It has a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT (deadweight tonnage).
• Its current draught is reported to be 5.3 meters.
• It has an overall length of 90.6 meters and a width of 17 meters.
• This three-month voyage seeks to gather extensive fundamental data.
• It aims to study and uncover how dynamic processes impact the biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and sedimentary processes in the region.
• It wants to elucidate the geographical patterns of biodiversity, understand the response of biological communities to physical processes and gain insights into paleoclimate changes.

MUST READ: India-Sri Lanka: Colombo Port

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

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 reports suggest that NASA is preparing to embark on a remarkable journey into the depths of our Milky Way Galaxy using the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Background:-

• It will scan the vast expanse of space, searching for subtle signals and telltale flickers that could unlock secrets about the cosmos .

About NASA’s Roman Space Telescope:-

• Planned launch: 2027.
• Agency: NASA.
• Country: USA.
• The Roman Space Telescope is a NASA observatory designed to unravel the secrets of dark energy and dark matter, search for and image exoplanets, and explore many topics in infrared astrophysics.
• It has a 2.4m telescope, the same size as Hubble’s, but with a view 100 times greater than Hubble’s.
• It was the top-ranked large space mission in the 2010 Decadal Survey of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• It is slated to launch in the mid-2020s.
• It has a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time.
• It will have a primary mission lifetime of 5 years, with a potential 5-year extended mission. (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope)

 MUST READ: SARAS radio telescope

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

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) 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 with the same surface. speed and places a probe on its

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, Brazil scientists developed a new ‘vaccine’ Calixcoca” Vaccine, for cocaine addiction.

About“Calixcoca” Vaccine:-

• Calixcoca’, is a therapeutic vaccine that promises to prevent the addictive effects of cocaine or crack.( Drug Addiction)
• It is offering new hope to millions battling cocaine addiction worldwide. (mRNA Vaccine)

Working:-

• Calixcoca functions by inducing an immune response that generates antibodies capable of binding to cocaine molecules in the bloodstream.
• This binding process results in the enlargement of cocaine molecules, rendering them too large to pass into the brain’s “reward centre” or mesolimbic system.
• This area of the brain is typically stimulated by cocaine to release dopamine, the pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter.
• Consequently, individuals who receive the vaccine will not experience the desired euphoric effects of cocaine, potentially assisting them in breaking the cycle of addiction.
• Furthermore, it reduces the risk of overdose as cocaine molecules are retained in the blood, bound to the antibodies, and thus, unable to act on the heart or arteries.
• Following encouraging results in animal trials, Calixcoca is poised to enter the next phase of development, which involves human trials.
• Calixcoca is designed for recovering addicts who have already discontinued cocaine use and are seeking assistance in maintaining their sobriety.

Significance:-

• Despite the alarming rise in cocaine and crack addiction, there are no approved medications specifically for treating this problem.
• The development of the Calixcoca vaccine, therefore, is a beacon of hope for an effective medical intervention.

 MUST READ: ‘ZyCov-D’ vaccine

SOURCE: BANGALORE MIRROR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following? (2023)

1. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
2. Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
3. Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
4. Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting a series of drug trials in  a population

Q.2) ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations? (2023)

1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal  samples from land surfaces and  water bodies

Syllabus

•    Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently launched , Operation Chakra II.

Background:-

• ‘Operation Chakra-2’, was initiated after the registration of five separate cases of cyber-enabled financial fraud, including a ₹100-crore crypto scam.

About Operation Chakra II:-

• Launched by: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Objective: To fight against transnationally organized cyber-enabled financial crimes in India.
• It aims to tackle transnational organized cyber-enabled financial crimes within India. (CBI and its troubles)
• These crimes often involve fraudulent activities conducted online .
• The CBI has partnered with technology giants Microsoft and Amazon, as well as with national and international law enforcement agencies.
• Some of the agencies involved include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, INTERPOL’s Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC, the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom.
• These collaborations are aimed at combating and dismantling the infrastructure of illegal call centres involved in these crimes.

 MUST READ: Cybercrime

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following infrastructure sectors : (2023)

1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does the UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus on its investments?

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

Q.2) 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

Syllabus

•    Prelims – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-HEALTH

Context: A child was diagnosed with the rarest of rare diseases Infantile Hypophosphatasia in India recently.

Background:-

• 16-month-old Sera Nile Fay is India’s only known case of Infantile Hypophosphatasia.

About Infantile Hypophosphatasia:-

• It is a rare genetic disease. (Rare Disease)
• In which the patient’s bones and teeth demineralize, making her fragile and prone to fractures.
• It is caused by mutations in the ALPL gene.
• This is the only gene that causes HPP.
• Genes provide instructions for making proteins that have an important function in the body.
• When a mutation occurs, the protein may be faulty, inefficient, or absent, as in HPP.

Symptoms:-

• It may have no noticeable abnormalities at birth, but complications become apparent within the first six months of life.
• Sometimes the skull bones fuse, called craniosynostosis, which can lead to a deformed head.
• Affected infants have softened, weakened, and deformed bones consistent with rickets.

Treatment:-

• Asfotase alfa is approved (Europe and USA) for enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in patients with pediatric-onset hypophosphatasia.
• It is associated with healing of the skeletal manifestations of hypophosphatasia as well as improved respiratory and motor function.

MUST READ: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following infrastructure sectors : (2023)

1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does the UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus on its investments?

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

Q.2) 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

Syllabus

•    GS-III

As per the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Delhi, the air quality was in the ‘moderate’ category in several areas. Meanwhile, for past few days, the AQI of the financial capital of India remained ‘poor’, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar). Air pollution in India has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to human health and the environment.

PRIMARY CAUSESOF AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA

• Vehicular Emissions: Vehicles are one of the major sources of air pollution in India, especially in urban areas. According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles contribute to 40% of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi, 30% in Mumbai, 28% in Kolkata, and 20% in Bengaluru.
• Industrial Chimney Wastes: Industries are another major contributor to air pollution in India, especially in the northern and eastern regions. These plants emitted sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, mercury, and VOCs, which can cause acid rain, smog, climate change, and health problems.
• Burning Fossil Fuels: Power plants, factories, and households that use coal, oil, or natural gas as fuel also contribute to air pollution in India by emitting greenhouse gasses. According to the World Bank Group, India is the third-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, after China and the United States.
• Agricultural Activities: Farming practices such as burning crop residues, using fertilizers and pesticides, and raising livestock also produce air pollution in India. According to a study by the IIT Delhi, crop burning contributed to 44% of Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration during the peak pollution season in November 2019.
• Burning of Garbage Waste: Many people in India dispose of their household waste by burning it in open spaces. This practice releases toxic chemicals and dioxins into the air, which can cause cancer and other diseases. According to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), waste burning contributed to 29% of Delhi’s PM10 concentration during the winter season in 2018.

CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING AIR POLLUTION

• Diverse Sources: Air pollution originates from a wide range of sources, including industrial activities, transportation, agriculture, energy production, and natural sources. Coordinating efforts to control and reduce pollution from these diverse sources can be challenging.
• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization in many parts of the world has led to increased vehicular traffic, industrial activities, and energy consumption, resulting in concentrated sources of air pollution in urban areas.
• Industrial Growth: Developing economies often experience rapid industrial growth, which can lead to increased emissions of pollutants. Balancing economic development with pollution control is a delicate challenge.
• Energy Production: The reliance on fossil fuels for energy production is a significant contributor to air pollution. Transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources presents challenges in terms of infrastructure and policy changes.
• International Cooperation: Air pollution knows no boundaries, and pollutants can travel across borders. Effective cooperation between countries is necessary to address transboundary pollution and to reduce the global impact of air pollution.
• Technological Challenges: Developing and implementing advanced pollution control technologies can be costly and technically challenging, especially for older industries and infrastructure.
• Public Awareness and Behavior: Encouraging individuals to adopt cleaner practices, such as reducing vehicle emissions or using energy-efficient appliances, can be difficult. Public awareness and behavior change campaigns are needed.

CONCLUSION

The battle against air pollution in India is not just about improving the air quality we breathe, it is a fight for public health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of future generations. Collaboration at local, national, and international levels is essential to make meaningful progress in reducing air pollution and its associated health and environmental impacts.

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 :

Operation Chakra II is launched by NIA.

Statement-II :

It aims to tackle transnational organized cyber-enabled financial crimes within India.

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 Shi Yan 6 , consider the following statements:

1. It has an overall length of 90.6 meters and a width of 17 meters.
2. It seeks to gather extensive fundamental data.
3. It aims to study and uncover how dynamic processes impact the biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and sedimentary processes in the region.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  27th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – c