DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th November 2023

Syllabus

Context: Recently, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Kuliana in the Mayurbhanj district.

attended the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha.

Background:-

• Out of 87 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools sanctioned in Odisha, Mayurbhanj district alone has 19 schools, one in every block, the largest for any district in India.

About Eklavya Model Residential School:-

• Eklavya Model Residential School is a Government of India scheme for model residential schools for Indian tribals (Scheduled Tribes, ST) across India.

Objectives of EMRS:-

• Comprehensive physical, mental and socially relevant development of all students enrolled in each and every EMRS.
• Students will be empowered to be change agents, beginning in their school, in their homes, in their village and finally in a larger context.
• Focus differentially on the educational support to be made available to those in Standards XI and XII, and those in Standards VI to X, so that their distinctive needs can be met,
• Support the construction of infrastructure that provides education, physical, environmental and cultural needs of student life.

Salient Features:-

• EMRS started in the year 1997-98.
• It is one of the flagship interventions of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• The schools focus not only on academic education but on the all-round development of the students.
• Each school has a capacity of 480 students, catering to students from Class VI to XII.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) for ST students are set up in States/UTs with provisioning of funds through “Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution”.
• The establishment of EMRSs is based on the demand of the concerned States/UTs with the availability of land as an essential attribute.
• There will be an autonomous society under the ministry of tribal affairs — similar to Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti — to run the EMRSs.
• Apart from school building, including hostels and staff quarters, playgrounds, computer labs and teacher resource rooms are also included in the scheme.

Significance:-

• EMRS can impact quality education for Scheduled Tribes (ST) children.

MUST READ: Integrating tribal knowledge systems

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)

1. This would prevent the transfer of land from tribal people to non-tribal people.
2. This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
3. This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
4. The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.

Q.2) At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (2021)

1. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climatic Change.
2. Ministry of Panchayat Raj
3. Ministry of Rural Development
4. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, U.S. data underscored the benefits of chickenpox vaccination.

Background:-

• On November 14, the U.K. government announced that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) had recommended a vaccine against chickenpox (varicella) should be added to the routine childhood immunization programme.
• The vaccine is to be offered to all children in two doses, at 12 and 18 months of age.
• A final decision to introduce the vaccine has not been taken yet.

About Chickenpox:-

• Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
• It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. (Delta Variant as contagious as Chicken Pox)
• Chickenpox spreads very easily to people who haven’t had the disease or haven’t gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

Symptoms:-

• Rash: The rash caused by chickenpox appears 10 to 21 days after you’re exposed to the varicella-zoster virus.
  • The rash often lasts about 5 to 10 days.
  • Other symptoms that may appear 1 to 2 days before the rash include:-
• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell.
• Causes: A virus called varicella-zoster causes chickenpox.

Transmission:-

• It can spread through direct contact with the rash.
• It also can spread when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the air droplets.

Treatment:-

• Most people diagnosed with chickenpox will be advised to manage their symptoms while they wait for the virus to pass through their system.
• The doctor may prescribe antihistamine medications or topical ointments, or you may purchase these over the counter to help relieve itching.
• The chickenpox vaccine prevents chickenpox in 98 per cent of people who receive the two recommended doses. (Approaches to Vaccine Making)

MUST READ: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

SOURCE: THE HINDU

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) 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SPORTS

Context: Recently, the Australian cricket team lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy after defeating India in the finals in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023.

Background:-

• Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 192-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

About ICC Cricket World Cup 2023:-

• Date: 5th October 2023 – 19th November 2023.
• The Cricket World Cup was held entirely in India for the first time .
• Ten participating nations vie for 50-over supremacy.
• It was the 13th edition of the quadrennial One Day International (ODI) competition.
• It was contested in the same format as the last edition, with 48 matches to be played.
• Originally scheduled for early in 2023, the COVID pandemic forced a delay as qualification tournaments were pushed back amid cricket’s congested calendar.
• It was initially expected to take place between February and March 2023 but officials announced in July 2020 that it would be pushed back due to COVID restrictions wreaking havoc with the qualification process.
• Competing countries: India (hosts), England, Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
• Cities in which the tournament be held:-
  • Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, Lucknow, Dharamsala, Chennai, Hyderabad

MUST READ: Sports Code

SOURCE: THE HINDU

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 Olympics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 and 2

Syllabus

• Prelims – IMPORTANT AWARDS

Context: Recently, ISRO’s Dr. Mathavaraj was selected for Goa Govt.’s first ‘Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award’.

Background:-

• Dr Mathavaraj had designed the powered descent trajectory of the Chandrayana 3 Mission that had successfully landed on the South Pole of the moon.
• As many as 106 applications were received by the government for the award, and former Atomic Energy Commission of India Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar, who chaired the Expert Committee of Selection of Yuva Scientist, shortlisted 14 applicants.

About Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award:-

• Award presentation date: 13th December 2023 .
• It is the birth anniversary of Dr. Manohar Parrikar.
• “The award will be presented at Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav at NIO.
• The selection committee headed by Dr Anil Kakodkar selected Dr Mathavaraj, who designed the powered descent trajectory of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, for the award.

Decoration:-

• The award comprises of:-
  • ₹5 lakh and
  • a citation.
• It is the highest cash prize in science and technology.

MUST READ: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)

SOURCE: THE HINDU

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 Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not 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, European astronomers recently released the first images from the newly launched Euclid space telescope.

Background:-

• The release of the images in Darmstadt, Germany, coincided with the second of two days of European space talks in Spain dominated by Europe’s continued dependency on foreign launches.

About Euclid Space Telescope:-

• Launched: July 1, 2023.
• Launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Launched by: European Space Agency (ESA).
• Duration: The mission is expected to have a nominal operational lifetime of 6 years.
• Objective: to study the nature and properties of dark energy and dark matter, which together constitute a significant portion of the Universe.
• Dark energy was discovered in 1998 and it explains the unexpected acceleration of the universe’s expansion.
• Euclid’s mission aims to provide a more precise measurement of this acceleration, potentially uncovering variations throughout cosmic history.
• The telescope will travel to Lagrange point L2 which is about 1 million miles away from Earth.
• The Lagrange point is a location where the gravitational pull of two large masses, the sun and Earth in this case, precisely equals the force required for a small object, to maintain a relatively stationary position behind Earth as seen from the sun.
• It will create a 3D map of the universe by observing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away, which will be useful in studying dark matter closely.

 MUST READ: India – USA space cooperation

SOURCE: NDTV

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q1. Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

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

Q2. 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –AWARDS

Context: Recently, India-born author Nandini Das has been named the winner of the  British Academy Book Prize 2023.

Background:-

• Nandini Das won the prize for her book ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire’.

About British Academy Book Prize 2023:-

• Established: 2013.
• Given by: The British Academy
• Prize Money: £25,000
• Objective: To reward and celebrate the best works of non-fiction books.
• It was formerly known as Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize. (Nobel Peace Prize 2022)
• Nandini Das, a 49-year-old Indian-born author and Professor in the English faculty at the University of Oxford won the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding.
• Her winning book is titled “Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire,” which explores the origins of the British Empire by focusing on the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe, in the early 17th century.
• Other Shortlisted Work: The shortlist for the prize also included a work titled “Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation” by Kris Manjapra.

 MUST READ: Padma awards

SOURCE: THE NEW 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 Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not correct?

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

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 :

British Academy Book Prize was established in 2011.

Statement-II :

It was formerly known as Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize.

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 Eklavya Model Residential School, consider the following statements:

1. They are set up in States/UTs with provisioning of funds through “Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution”.
2. The establishment of EMRSs is based on the demand of the concerned States/UTs with the availability of land as an essential attribute.
3. There will be an autonomous society under the Ministry of Home Affairs to run the EMRSs.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  20th November 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) -d

Q.3) – b