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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Recent studies suggest that Tropical cyclones cause more damage than we think.

Background:-

• India is among the countries facing a high social cost of carbon.

About Tropical cyclones:-

IMAGE SOURCE: Britannica

• 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. (Naming of 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. ( Bomb Cyclone)
• 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.

MUST READ: (Colour Coded Weather Warning)

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 –DEFENCE

Context: Recently, India announced the procurement of Igla-S, a powerful air defence system from Russia.

Background:-

• India is all set to procure a powerful anti-aircraft missile system from Russia — its top weapons supplier which will help boost its defence capabilities along the China and Pakistan borders.

About Igla-S:-

• Igla-S is a prominent and highly effective man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) developed by Russia.
• The Igla-S is developed and manufactured by the Russian state-owned defence company, KBM (Design Bureau of Machine Building), which specializes in designing missile systems.
• It entered service with the Russian Army in 2004. (Ballistic missiles)
• It can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft.
• It is a next-generation surface-to-air missile designed for engaging low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
• It offers superior performance over earlier supplied SA-18 missiles to India.
• It is designed for use against visible aerial targets at short ranges such as tactical aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles, head-on or receding, in the presence of natural (background) clutter and countermeasures.
• The Igla-S system consists of the 9M342 missile, which is a part of combat equipment.

MUST READ: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

SOURCE: THE TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) India is a member of which of the following? (2015)

1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation.
2. Association of South-East Asian Nations.
3. East Asia Summit

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1, 2, and 3
4. India is a member of none of them

Q.2) With reference to ‘The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: (2015)

1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited site in Bengaluru.

Background:-

• The visit has come at a crucial time as the Indian Air Force recently issued a tender to HAL for the purchase of 12 advanced Su-30MKI fighter jets.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited:-

• HQ: Bangalore, India.
• MINISTRY: Ministry of Defense.
• HAL is a state-owned Indian aerospace and defense firm.
• VISION: To be a global leader in the Aerospace & Defense Industry.
• The Company which had its origin as Hindustan Aircraft Limited was incorporated on 23 Dec 1940 at Bangalore by Shri Walchand Hirachand in association with the then Government of Mysore, with the aim of manufacturing aircraft in India.
• In March 1941, the Government of India became one of the shareholders in the Company and subsequently took over its management in 1942.
• In collaboration with the Inter Continental Aircraft Company of USA, the Company commenced its business of manufacturing Harlow Trainer, Curtiss Hawk Fighter and Vultee Bomber Aircraft.
• In January 1951, Hindustan Aircraft Limited was placed under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• It mainly engages in aerospace activities and is presently involved in the fabrication & production of aircraft, design, helicopters, jet engines & their replacement parts. (Dornier aircraft)
• It has many facilities scattered throughout India, including Bangalore, Kanpur, Nasik, Koraput, Korwa, Lucknow, Kasaragod and Hyderabad.

 MUST READ: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

SOURCE: AIR

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 – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Ladakh is eyeing more production of sea buckthorn post GI tag.

Background:-

• As per official records, at least 600 tonnes of sea buckthorn berries are harvested in Ladakh annually.

About Sea buckthorn:-

• Scientific Name: Hippophae rhamnoides
• It is a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry.
• In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
• In Himachal Pradesh, it is locally called

Uses:-

• Treating stomach, heart and skin problems
• Its fruit and leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids and omega fatty acids
• Helps troops in acclimatizing to high-altitude
• Important source of fuelwood and fodder
• Prevents soil-erosion
• Checks siltation in rivers
• Helps preserve floral biodiversity (Invasive Species)
• Used in making juices, jams, nutritional capsules etc.

MUST READ: Water Hyacinth

SOURCE: THE TRIBUNE

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – AWARDS

Context: Recently, ‘Odh won the best film award at the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ film challenge held at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Background:-

• The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launched the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ film challenge at IFFI in Goa.

About the 54th International Film Festival of India:-

• 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 technician/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

• Prelims –Governance

Context: A recent, study conducted by AIIMS has revealed that practising Yoga can reduce felt stigma among adults suffering from epilepsy.

Background:-

• Manjari Tripathi, Head of the Neurology Department, AIIMS, said that the result suggested that yoga enhances the overall quality of life by reducing the burden of epilepsy and felt stigma when used as an add-on, in people with epilepsy who are on medications.

About YOGA:-

IMAGE SOURCE: WordPress.com

• The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite.
  • It symbolizes the union of body and consciousness.
• Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice.
• It originated in India.
• It was put on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.
  • UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: includes forms of expression that demonstrate the diversity of intangible heritage and raise awareness of its importance.
  • India has 13 intangible heritage including Yoga as a part of this list. (UNESCO Heritage Sites in Maharashtra)

Related Initiatives

M-Yoga App:-

• The app is a work of collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Government of India.

New website for International Day of Yoga (IDY):-

• This web portal provides all the updated and relevant information relating to the International Day of Yoga.

Yoga as a sport:-

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, after reviewing the categorization of various Sports disciplines, recognised Yoga as a sports discipline and placed it in the ‘Priority’ category in 2015.

Common Yoga Protocol:-

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of AYUSH.

Vocational Education Courses in Yoga:-

• The Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) has vocational education courses in Yoga for CBSE schools.

Skilling initiatives:-

• Thousands of candidates have been trained as yoga instructors and trainers through various skilling initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
  • PMKVY: it is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Fit India Movement:-

• Yoga is also a part of the Fit India Movement.
  • Fit India Movement: a nationwide campaign that aims at encouraging people to include physical activities and sports in their everyday lives.

MUST READ: New sites added to India’s tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2021)

1. 21st February is declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following pairs: (2018)

Crafts                                    Heritage of

1. Puthukkuli Shawls                   Tamil Nadu
2. Sujni Embroidery                   Maharashtra
3. Uppada Jamdani saris             Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is /are correct?

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

M-Yoga App is a work of collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the (Ministry of AYUSH), Government of India.

Statement-II :

Yoga is also a part of the Fit India Movement.

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 Tropical cyclone, consider the following statements:

1. April-May and October-December periods are conducive for cyclones.
2. It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
3. These are formed over slightly cooler ocean waters.

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

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

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

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

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – b