DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th April 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science

Context: India is one of the countries with the highest burden of viral hepatitis — with 2.9 crore people living with Hepatitis B infection and 0.55 crore living with Hepatitis C infection, according to the Global Hepatitis Report 2024 released by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Background:-

• There were over 50,000 new Hepatitis B cases and 1.4 lakh new Hepatitis C cases reported in 2022. And these infections killed 1.23 lakh people in India in 2022 as per the report.

About Hepatitis:

• Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus.
• There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods.
• Hepatitis B (HBV) is known to cause acute infection with nausea, vomitting and yellowing of the eye and skin for several weeks. Liver failure happens in severe cases. But the challenge is the chronic, life-long liver disease that it causes, especially when children get it. The chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver called cirrhosis and increase the risk of liver cancer.
• Many people with the hepatitis C (HCV) virus don’t have symptoms or know they are infected. Those who do develop symptoms two to 12 weeks after exposure report yellow skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach ache, fever, dark urine, light-coloured stool, joint pain and exhaustion.
• Both infections are transmitted from mother to child during delivery, during transfusion of blood that hasn’t been screened properly, during contact with the blood of an infected person or while sharing needles by drug users.Both viruses can also be transmitted sexually.
• Since hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, the report highlights the need to ensure coverage. Hepatitis C is curable with medicines.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Question

Q.1) Which of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC CSE 2015)

1. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
2. Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
3. Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
4. Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Agriculture

Context:When lavender cultivation was first introduced to Bhaderwah subdivision in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district in 2015, most farmers were sceptical and only a few adopted it. Today, these early adopters have significantly expanded cultivation, employ 30-40 people each on a full-time basis, have their own distillation units for making lavender oil, and market their products in different parts of the country.

Background:

• The CSIR (Council Of Scientific and Industrial Research) – Aroma Mission is a flagship project of CSIR under which Lavender cultivation is being promoted in the temperate regions of J&K.The aim of the project is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and develop agriculture-based Startups.Besides lavender, the Aroma Mission aims to inject scientific research and development into the cultivation of aromatic plants such as rose, lemon grass, rosemary and wild marigold.

About Lavender Cultivation:

• Lavender, which can be grown in areas that experience snowfall and have a hilly terrain, blossoms and is ready for harvesting two-and-a-half years after it is planted.
• The same plant can bear flowers for 18-20 years, and does not require the amount of insecticides, pesticides, and other chemicals used on conventional crops like maize and paddy.
• The uses of lavender includes manufacturing perfumes, soaps, agarbatti, and room fresheners.Lavender oil has a calming effect and is a stress buster.
• CSIR developed an elite variety of lavender suitable for cultivation in temperate regions of J&K and provided free saplings and end-to-end agro-technologies to farmers and also installed distillation units for essential oil extraction in several regions of J&K. The success of Lavender cultivation in J&K earned it the sobriquet, ‘Purple Revolution’.
• The variety of Lavender is highly suitable for cultivation in the rainfed temperate regions of India.
• The crop was officially introduced in Bhaderwah by the Council Of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, in 2015.
• According to officials, more than 700 acres of farmland has been brought under lavender cultivation in the area since 2017, and another 100 acres is set to be added.
• CSIR plans to distribute lavender plants to farmers in parts of Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and the Kashmir Valley, besides Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Economy

Context: Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that the credit-deposit ratio has reached its highest level in at least 20 years.

Background:

• This surge in the credit-deposit ratio indicates that more of the banks’ deposit base is being utilized for loans, including home loans and other consumption-related loans.

About CREDIT-DEPOSIT RATIO

• The credit-deposit ratio is a financial metric that measures the proportion of a bank’s deposit base that is used for lending.
• It is calculated by dividing the total loans extended by the bank by its total deposits.
• A higher ratio indicates that a larger portion of the bank’s deposits is being lent out as credit, while a lower ratio suggests more deposits are being held in reserve or invested in other assets.
• For instance, if a bank has a credit-deposit ratio of 80%, it means that 80% of its deposits are being used to provide loans. This ratio is crucial for assessing a bank’s liquidity and lending capacity.

Source: Livemint

Syllabus

• Prelims – Current Event

Context: Recently, for the first time since its inception, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced its ‘Vision for Regional Security’ in Riyadh.

Background:

• The GCC plays a significant role in regional affairs, promoting cooperation across various domains.

About GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC)

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), also known as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, is a regional, intergovernmental, political, and economic union.
• GCC comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
• The GCC was established in 1981 with a formal charter.
• The charter was signed in Abu Dhabi City, United Arab Emirates, on 25 May 1981 (corresponding to 21 Rajab 1401 on the Islamic calendar).
• The GCC aims to foster economic, scientific, and business cooperation among its member states.
• It serves as a platform for regional collaboration and coordination.
• The main headquarters of the GCC is located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
• The Peninsula Shield Force serves as the military arm of the GCC, formed in 1984.

Source: Arab News

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science

Context: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully deploying the TSAT-1A satellite into space.

Background:

• This groundbreaking achievement resulted from a strategic collaboration between TASL and Satellogic Inc., a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (EO) data collection.

About TSAT-1A SATELLITE:

• TSAT-1A is the first military spy satellite initiative in India’s private sector.
• It is an Optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite.
• It is Built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Satellogic Inc.
• SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lauched it from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Capabilities:

• Military-grade imagery with sub-meter resolution.
• Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging for detailed analysis of land, water, and natural resources.

Applications:

• Used by Indian defence forces for intelligence gathering.
• Information sharing with friendly nations to enhance preparedness and strategic decision-making.

Source: Hindustan Times

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: India has topped the global list of countries imposing internet bans, with about 60% of all blackouts recorded in the world, between 2016 and 2022 having been in India.

Background:

• Freedom in cyberspace hinges on a freely accessible, functional, and affordable internet. The extent of the freedom can be measured based on availability of mobile and broadband services, internet speed, and access to websites and social media platforms.

Provisions related to Internet Shutdown:

• Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency and Public Safety) Rules, 2017 allows the union or state home secretary to order the suspension of any telegraph service (including internet) in case of public emergency or public safety. Such an order must be reviewed by a committee within five days and cannot last for more than 15 days. In an urgent situation, an officer of the joint secretary level or above, authorized by the union or state home secretary, can issue the order.
• Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure empowers a district magistrate, a sub-divisional magistrate or any other executive magistrate specially empowered by the state government to issue orders to prevent or stop any nuisance or disturbance of public tranquility. Such orders can include the suspension of internet services in a particular area for a specified period.

Significance/Arguments supporting Internet Shutdown:

• Internet shutdowns can help to prevent the spread of hate speech and fake news that could incite violence and riots.  For example, the government announced the internet shutdown in Delhi NCR following the farmers’ protest on Republic Day to combat misinformation and maintain law and order.
• Internet shutdowns can help curb the organization and mobilization of protests that could disrupt public order and security.  For example, the government imposed internet shutdowns in Kashmir and other parts of the country after the abrogation of Article 370 to prevent any anti-national activities and separatist movements.
• Internet shutdowns can help protect national security and sovereignty from external threats and cyberattacks.  For example, the government suspended internet services in some border areas during the standoff with China to prevent any espionage or sabotage.
• Internet shutdowns can help control the distribution and consumption of content that could be harmful or offensive to certain groups or individuals.  For example, the government blocks internet access in some regions to prevent the circulation of objectionable images or videos.

Issues/Concerns related to Internet Shutdown:

• Internet shutdowns violate Fundamental Rights under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g). The freedom of speech and expression and freedom to practice any profession over the medium of the internet enjoy constitutional protection under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g) – the Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India case (2020).
• Internet Shutdown violates the Right to Information which has been declared as a Fundamental Right under Article 19 by the Supreme Court in the Raj Narain vs State of UP (1975) case.
• Internet Shutdowns violate the Right to Internet which was declared a Fundamental Right under Article 21 by the Kerala High Court in the Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala case.
• Internet Shutdowns are often implemented without clear legal frameworks or oversight mechanisms, leading to arbitrary and disproportionate restrictions on internet access.  The absence of accountability mechanisms exacerbates the risk of abuse of power by authorities, who may impose shutdowns without adequate justification or recourse for affected individuals.
• Beyond the immediate social and political implications, internet shutdowns have significant economic repercussions. Disruptions to online commerce, communication, and financial transactions disrupt business operations, hinder economic growth, and deter investment, ultimately undermining long-term development objectives. According to Top10VPN, India lost Rs 2,091 crore ($255.2 million) in the first half of 2023 because of internet shutdowns.
• Internet Shutdowns disrupt the fabric of society by impeding communication networks, hindering access to vital services, and isolating individuals from their communities. Social cohesion may suffer as a result, as people are unable to connect, organize, or mobilize effectively, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation.

Source: Hindu

Q1.) With reference to TSAT-1A satellite, consider the following statements:

1. TSAT-1A is the first military spy satellite initiative in India’s private sector.
2. It is an Earth observation satellite.
3. It is Built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
4. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lauched it from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q2.)Consider the following countries:

1. Iran
2. Iraq
3. Kuwait
4. Oman
5. Qatar
6. Saudi Arabia

How many of the above-mentioned countries are the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?

1. Only two
2. Only three
3. Only four
4. Only five

Q3.) With reference to the credit-deposit ratio, consider the following statements:

1. The credit-deposit ratio is a financial metric that measures the proportion of a bank’s deposit base that is used for lending.
2. A higher ratio indicates that a larger portion of the bank’s deposits is being lent out as credit.

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  11th April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) –  c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – b