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

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: Recently, the Indian Army celebrated the 243th Corps of Engineers Day.

Background:-

• Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande has conveyed best wishes to all ranks, veterans and families of the Corps on the occasion.

About 243th Corps of Engineers Day:-

• The Indian Army Corps of Engineers is a combat support arm. (Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT))
• It provides combat engineering support and develops infrastructure for armed forces and other defence organizations.
• It maintains connectivity along the borders, besides helping the civil authorities during natural disasters.
• These tasks are executed through four pillars of the Corps – Combat Engineers, Military Engineer Service, Border Road Organization and Military Survey.
• The Corps of Engineers had three groups, i.e. Madras Sappers, Bengal Sappers and Bombay Sappers.
• These were amalgamated into the Corps on the 18th of November 1932.
• Since its inception, history is replete with colossal exemplary contributions of the Corps of Engineers both in war and peace.

MUST READ: The new defence systems handed over to Army

SOURCE: AIR

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

Q.2)  With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which of the following statements is correct? (2023)

1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about ·10 times of 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.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recently, said that the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration adopted during the G20 Summit will be remembered.

Background:-

• He said this in his opening remarks at the Foreign Ministers’ Session of the second Voice of Global South Summit.
• The External Affairs Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Global South through an extensive range of development projects in 78 countries.
• He said these projects are demand-driven, outcome-oriented, transparent and sustainable.
• He stressed that as India embraces digital delivery, promotes green growth and ensures affordable health access, it will always have the Global South at the centre of its international partnerships.

About G20 Summit:-

• Establishment: 1999. (G20)
• Historical Background: The G20 forum was established by the finance ministers and central bank governors of seven countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. after a meeting in Washington DC.
• Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the U.K., the U.S. and the European Union.
• Presidency of the G20: it rotates every year among members.
  • The country holding the presidency, together with the previous and next presidency-holder, forms the ‘Troika’.
  • India assumed the presidency of the G20 grouping from Indonesia, in 2022 and will hold the post for a year.
  • During India’s presidency, India, Indonesia and Brazil will form the troika.
• The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters.

MUST READ: G20 Presidency

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)

1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.

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) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – SPACE

Context: Recently, NASA, ISRO completed key tests ahead of NISAR’s launch early next year.

Background:-

• The mission, which has three-year duration, aims to survey all of Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days.

About NISAR:-

• Launch year :2024.
• Agency: NASA and ISRO.
• The NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission will measure Earth’s changing ecosystems, dynamic surfaces, and ice masses providing information about biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.
• It will support a host of other applications.
• NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes, sampling Earth on average every 6 days for a baseline 3-year mission.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers and a payload data subsystem.
• NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA.
• The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar (called the S-band radar), the launch vehicle and associated launch services.

Objectives:-

• Tracking subtle changes in the Earth’s surface,
• Spotting warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions,
• Helping to monitor groundwater supplies, and
• Tracking the rate at which ice sheets are melting.

Significance:-

• NISAR’s data can help people worldwide better manage natural resources and hazards, as well as provide information for scientists to better understand the effects and pace of climate change

MUST READ: India – USA space cooperation

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (2022)

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur in equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 4, and 5 only
2. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 only
3. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, The Porgai Artisan Association Society have been trying to keep the intriguing Tamil Lambadi art of embroidery alive.

Background:-

• The Porgai Artisan Association Society, with 60 plus women, has been making and selling embroidered clothes to ensure that there is awareness about the art form and that it is passed on to the next generation.

About Tamil Lambadi embroidery:-

• Origin: Tamil Nadu. (Tamil-Brahmi script)
• It is rooted in the cultural practices and traditions of the Lambadi community.
• Several hundred years ago, the Lambadi tribals migrated from North Western India to South for a living.
• They were a nomadic tribe but ended up settling down in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Sittilingi Valley (Tamil Nadu) is the second southernmost settlement of Lambadis in India.
• Vibrant colour schemes with a focus on bold and contrasting hues.
• Intricate embroidery and mirror work that embellish textiles and clothing.
• Symbolic representations of nature, folklore, and traditional beliefs.
• The traditional Tamil Lambadi embroidery designs are all geometrical patterns with squares, rectangles, and circles.
• They have also been influenced by the local forests, birds, fruits and flowers.
• A majority of Porgai’s products are made from organic cotton grown in their own villages.

Significance:-

• It reflects the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Lambadi community.
• It serves as a medium for storytelling and preserving cultural narratives.

MUST READ: 50 iconic Indian heritage textiles by UNESCO

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q1.) The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of the Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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 –SPACE

Context: Recently, Cryogenic upper stage of Chandrayaan-3’s launch vehicle makes uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Background:-

• The probable impact point was predicted over the North Pacific Ocean, says ISRO

About Chandrayaan-3’s:-

• Chandrayaan-3 is the successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission. (CHANDRAYAAN-2)
• Launched by: Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3).
• Launched from: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR , Sriharikota.
• It consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover.
  • Lander: a spacecraft that descends towards and comes to rest on, the surface of an astronomical body.
  • Propulsion module: a box-like structure, mounted with a large solar panel on one side and a large cylinder on top.
  • Rover: a small vehicle that can move over rough ground, often used on the surface of other planets, sometimes controlled from the earth.
• The Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface.
• The main function of the PM is to carry the LM from launch vehicle injection to the final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and separate the LM from the PM.
• There won’t be any orbiters like Chandrayaan 2 in it.

Objectives of Chandrayaan-3 mission:-

• To demonstrate a Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface (Chandrayaan-3)
• To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and
• To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Lander payloads:–

• Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE): to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature
• Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring the seismicity around the landing site
• Langmuir Probe (LP): to estimate the plasma density and its variations.
• A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is accommodated for lunar laser ranging studies.

Rover payloads:-

• Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site.

Propulsion Module Payload:-

• Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE): Future discoveries of smaller planets in reflected light would allow us to probe into a variety of Exo-planets which would qualify for habitability or for the presence of life.

GSLV-Mk III

• It is also known as the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).
• It is a three-stage vehicle with two solid motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic stage.
• It is the heaviest and the shortest among India’s operational launch vehicles.
• Weighs: 641 tonnes, which is equal to the weight of five fully loaded passenger planes.
• Capacity: GSLV can take 10,000-kg satellites to lower earth orbits.

MUST READ: Gaganyaan

SOURCE:THE HINDU

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 countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Rare bioluminescent mushroom, Mycena chlorophos was spotted recently.

Background:-

• Decoding the Context: A team of researchers and the forest department have found a rare bioluminescent mushroom in the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary (KKWLS).

About Mycena chlorophos:-

• Mycena chlorophos is a species of agaric fungus in the family Mycenaceae.
• It was first described in 1860.
• The fungus is found in subtropical Asia, including India, Japan, Taiwan, Polynesia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Brazil.
• In Japan, the mushroom is known as yakoh-take, or “night-light mushroom”.
• In the Bonin Islands, it is called “Green Pepe”.
• Cap is conical or flat.
• It is
• It is a bioluminescent fungus.
• There are around 103 species of bioluminescent fungi in the world, of which seven are found in India.

MUST READ: Medicinal Fungi

SOURCE: THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q1. 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

Q2. Consider the following fauna : (2023)

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

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

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 :

Chandrayaan-3 is the predecessor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Statement-II :

It was launched by Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3).

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 Mycena chlorophos , consider the following statements:

1. It has a cap which is conical or flat.
2. It is saprotrophic.
3. It is a bioluminescent fungus.

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 ’  13th November 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c