DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –AGRICULTURE

Context: Recently, the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute issued an advisory on using parts of tapioca plants to feed cattle.

Background:-

• The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) here has issued an advisory on feeding animals with parts of cassava (tapioca) in view of the incident in Idukki where 13 cows died in a farm recently.

About Tapioca plants:-

• Family: Euphorbiaceae.
• Climate: It thrives best in tropical, warm humid climates.
• Rainfall: over 100 cm per annum.
• Altitude: This crop can be cultivated up to an elevation of 1000 m.
• Soil: Any well-drained soil preferably red lateritic loam with a pH range of 5.5 -7.0 is best suited for tapioca cultivation.
• It is cultivated throughout the tropical world for its tuberous roots, from which cassava flour, bread, tapioca, laundry starch, and an alcoholic beverage are derived.
• Cassava, also known as Tapioca, production in India is estimated to be 4.98 million tonnes.
• Tamil Nadu, followed by Kerala accounts for a major amount of production.
• Its cultivation is also extending towards non-traditional areas like Maharashtra.

Uses:-

• Cassava has a high starch content and ability to grow under low management conditions due to which it has been globally recognized as a potential candidate for bioethanol production. (National Bioenergy Programme)

Side Effects:-

• There are no significant side effects associated with tapioca consumption. However, any cassava-based product can pose the risk of cyanide poisoning.

 MUST READ: Invasive Species

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) 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

Q.2) 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 –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD)  issued an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh for heavy fog and cold day conditions.

Background:-

• The western disturbance will help cut the chill for the first half of the next week, weather scientists said.
• A western disturbance is a stormy system that originates in the Mediterranean Sea before sweeping towards the east and halting at the Himalayan ranges.
• In the northern plains, it brings rain and causes a change in wind direction. But in the mountains, it triggers snowfall.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD) :-

• Established: 1875.
• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• IMD Headquarters: New Delhi.
• It is the National Meteorological Service of the country.
• It is the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.

Objectives:-

• To take meteorological observations and provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, etc.
• To warn against severe weather phenomena tropical cyclones, duststorms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves,, which cause the destruction of life and property.
• To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.
• To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.

The IMD uses four colour codes:-

• Green (All is well): No advisory is issued. (Colour Coded Weather Warning)
• Yellow (Be Aware): Yellow indicates severely bad weather spanning several days.
• Orange/Amber (Be prepared): The orange alert is issued as a warning of extremely bad weather with the potential of disruption in commute with road and rail closures, and interruption of power supply.
• Red (Take Action): When extremely bad weather conditions are certainly going to disrupt travel and power and have significant risk to life, the red alert is issued.

 MUST READ: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) may introduce new monsoon models

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

 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 –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently, Cabinet approved overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)”.

Background:-

• The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences, for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs. 4,797 crore.

About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) SCHEME:-

• Implementation period: from 2021-2026.
• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Objectives:-

• Augmentation and sustainance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change.
• Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change.
• Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources.
• Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
• Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.

Salient Features:-

• The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)”, “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”, “Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)”, “Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)” and “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)”.
• Various components of the PRITHVI scheme are interdependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under MoES.
• It will help in taking up cross-disciplinary projects and even use funds allocated for the separate verticals together. Thus, it will also facilitate ease of doing research.
• The overarching scheme of Prithvi Vigyan will enable the development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.
• These integrated R&D efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science, and services and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.

Significance:-

• Earth System Sciences deal with all the five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, and their complex interactions.

 MUST READ: Deep Ocean Mission

SOURCE: PIB

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following : (2023)

1. Aerosols
2. Foam agents
3. Fire retardants
4. Lubricants

In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

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

Q.2) Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :

1. Database created by a coalition of research organisations.
2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”.
3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”.
4. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for politically exposed persons (PEPs).

Background:-

• This change was to comply with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). (FATF & Pakistan)

About New norms for politically exposed persons (PEPs):-

• PEPs are individuals entrusted with prominent public functions by a foreign country, including the heads of states/governments, senior politicians, senior government or judicial or military officers, senior executives of state-owned corporations and important political party officials.
• Regulated entities (REs) have the option of establishing a relationship with PEPs (whether as customers or beneficial owners).
• REs have to perform regular customer due diligence and also follow additional conditions prescribed by the RBI to transact with PEPs.
• Some additional conditions include establishing an appropriate risk management system to determine whether the customer or the beneficial owner is a PEP.
• REs have to take reasonable measures to establish the source of funds/ wealth.
• They also need to get approval from senior management to open an account for a PEP.

Significance:-

• This change is expected to provide more clarity to undertake Customer Due Diligence (CDD).

MUST READ: Terrorism & its financing

SOURCE: BUISINESS STANDARD

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of the Indian rupee? (2019)

1. Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports
2. Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee-denominated Masala Bonds
3. Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing
4.  Following an expansionary monetary policy

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, ASI assured to send a note to UNESCO over the inclusion of the Srimukhalingam temple in Andhra Pradesh in the World Heritage Structures’ list.

Background:-

• Srimukhalingam temple’s chief priest Naidugari Rajasekhar says the architecture of the temple is similar to Lingaraja temple located in Bhubaneswar of Odisha.

About Srimukhalingam temple:-

• It was constructed in the 9th century CE.
• It was built by kings of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• Eastern Ganga Dynasty also known as Chodagangas ruled Kalinga (consisting of present-day Odisha, parts of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh) from the 11th – 15th century.
• It is located on the Vamsadhara River.
• It is dedicated to Lord Srimukha Lingeswara (a form of Shiva).
• The Shivalinga here has a mukha or facial representation of Lord Shiva.
• It contains exquisite sculptures from that period.
• It is built in the Kalinga architectural style similar to that of the Lingaraja temple located in Bhubaneswar of Odisha.
• The Nagara style of northern India and the Dravida style of south India were combined to create the Kalinga architecture.

 MUST READ: Khajuraho temples

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Th 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) With reference  to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: Recently, the Indian Navy responded to a hijacking attempt on vessel MV Lila Norfolk by engaging its mission-deployed platforms, including its maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) P8I and INS Chennai.

Background:-

• Foiling a hijacking attempt in the north Arabian Sea, Indian Navy’s marine commandos (MARCOS) boarded a Liberia-flagged vessel and rescued its crew of 21, including 15 Indians, after carrying out “sanitisation” operations.

About INS Chennai:-

• Constructed by: the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) at Mumbai.
• Commissioned into the Indian Navy: November 21, 2016.
• Displacement: Over 7,500 tons.
• Top Speed: 30 knots (approx 55 KM/hour)
• INS Chennai is the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and constructed guided missile destroyer.
• It is the third and last ship of the Kolkata-class stealth-guided missile destroyers (Project 15A).
• It measures 163 meters in length and has a beam of 17.4 meters.
• It is powered by four reversible gas turbine engines.
• It can carry 350 to 400 people.
• The ship is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.
• It is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar.

 MUST READ: Project-15B stealth guided missile destroyers

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

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

Q.2) 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

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 :

INS Chennai is the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and constructed guided missile destroyer.

Statement-II :

It is the third and last ship of the Kolkata-class stealth-guided missile destroyers (Project 15B).

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 Srimukhalingam temple, consider the following statements:

1. It was constructed in the 19th century CE.
2. It is located on the Vamsadhara River.
3. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  8th January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – d