PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/08/24

01. Consider the following statements with respect to Permafrost

1. It is any ground that remains frozen 0^0 C or even colder for two straight years. 
2. Decomposition of soil organic carbon stored in permafrost can release gas like Radon 

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

Answer:  (c) Both 1 and 2

In News: What is the Mercury Bomb and how does it endanger 5 million lives in the Arctic?

Explanation:

• Permafrost is any ground—from soil to sediment to rock—that has been frozen continuously for a minimum of two years and as many as hundreds of thousands of years.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Permafrost is made of a combination of soil, rocks, and sand that are held together by ice. The soil and ice in permafrost stay frozen all year. 
• Near the surface, permafrost soils also contain large quantities of organic carbon—a material leftover from dead plants that couldn’t decompose or rot away due to the cold.
• Lower permafrost layers contain soils made mostly of minerals. 
• A layer of soil on top of the permafrost does not stay frozen all year. This layer, called the active layer, thaws during the warm summer months and freezes again in the fall.
•  Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, which are radioactive metals, break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• It is an inert, colourless, and odourless gas.
• Radon gas usually exists at very low levels outdoors, but the gas can accumulate in areas without adequate ventilation, such as underground mines.
• As we breathe, these particles are deposited on the cells lining the airways, where they can damage DNA and potentially cause lung cancer. 

Source:

What is the Mercury Bomb and how does it endanger 5 million lives in the Arctic (businesstoday.in) 

02. Consider the following statements with respect to Foot and Mouth disease (FMD)

1. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. 
2. The disease mostly affect the adult animals 

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

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

Answer:  (b) 2 only

In News: FMD- Mukt Bharat 2030

Explanation:

• It is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats.
• Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds.
• The organism which causes FMD is an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae. 
• FMD is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves.
• The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals, but there is often high mortality in young animals.Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The disease causes severe production losses, and while the majority of affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weakened and debilitated.
• It was the first disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) established official status recognition. 

Source:

Down to earth

03. Consider the following statements:

Statement -I: It is the world’s only vegan silk

Statement -II: The moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use.

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

Answer:  (a) Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I 

In News: Govt. of India, has successfully obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.

Explanation:

• It is renowned as the world’s only vegan silk, where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• This method, which does not involve killing the moth, makes Eri silk a symbol of compassion and sustainability within the textile industry.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is the product of the domesticated silkworm, Philosamia ricini that feeds mainly on castor leaves.
• In India, this culture is practiced mainly in the north-eastern states and Assam. It is also found in Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.
• It is a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged product from Assam. 
• This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence.  

Source:

ThePrint 

04. Consider the following statements:

1. Green ammonia is intended to be used in the production of carbon-neutral fertiliser products 
2. Green ammonia is made by using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air

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

Answer:  (c) Both 1 and 2

In News:  India and Japan sign agreement for green ammonia export 

Explanation:

• Ammonia is a chemical which is used mainly in the manufacture of nitrogenous fertilizers, like urea and ammonium nitrate, but can be put to other uses too, such as to run engines.
• Green ammonia production is where the process of making ammonia is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
• One way of making green ammonia is by using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air.Hence statement 2 is correct
•  These are then fed into the Haber process (also known as Haber-Bosch), all powered by sustainable electricity.
• In the Haber process, hydrogen and nitrogen are reacted together at high temperatures and pressures to produce ammonia, NH3.
• Green ammonia is intended to be used in the production of carbon-neutral fertiliser products, decarbonising the food value chain, and also has potential as a future climate-neutral shipping fuel.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Green ammonia production makes use of renewable energy sources such as hydro-electric, solar power or wind turbines.
• Green ammonia is crucial to tackle the existential challenges of producing enough food to feed a growing global population and generating CO2-free energy. 

Source:

India and Japan sign agreement for green ammonia export – The Hindu BusinessLine 

05. With reference toThe Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee,consider the following statements:

1. It is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle
2. The committee is responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials
3. It is chaired by the Special Secretary of Ministry of science and technology and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (b) Only two

In News:Clear the ground for promoting GM crops 

Explanation:

• GM technology has stagnated for 20 years since Bt Cotton’s approval by the Vajpayee government and its subsequent success. The only contented groups are those advocating a GM-free India and some ideological critics. 
• Farmers, however, are suffering from stagnant yields and a lack of global competitiveness. Industries such as textiles, which face cotton shortages, and poultry feed sectors, affected by high prices of feedstock, are also unhappy. 
• These issues are expected to worsen as demand increases and climate change adds further challenges. 
• Multiple arguments are used by activists, and sometimes by legal professionals, to stall the progress of GM.
•  Safety concerns, seed monopoly by corporates and MNCs, ineective working of regulatory body GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee), need for natural farming, potential harmful effects of herbicide tolerance technology for labour and environment, and so on. 
• All these arguments ignore the challenges and drudgery faced by our farmers and their demand for improved economics of the crops they cultivate
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the enviornment including experimental field trials.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).Hence statement 3 is incorrect. 
• Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.

Source:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/clear-the-ground-for-promoting-gm-crops/article68547562.ece

06.With reference to National Health Policy 2017, Consider the following statements:

Statement -I:The policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 3.5% of the GDP in a time bound manner

Statement -II: This policy denotes important change from very selective to comprehensive primary health care package which includes geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services

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

Answer:  (d) Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

In News:The neglect of healthcare must be reversed

Explanation:

• Two main highlights of Budget 2024-25 from the macroeconomic sustainability standpoint are: (i) fiscal consolidation; and (ii) the continuing improvement in the quality of expenditure.
•  However, the Budget is disappointing from the health spending perspective as the allocation for health for 2024-25 has been budgeted at 0.3 per cent of GDP, broadly at the same level as last year.
•  A recent study on ‘Evolution of the Healthcare Policy Framework in India’ by the present authors along with Shauryavir Dalal, suggests that the relative neglect of health can be traced back to pre-Independent India.
•  An in-depth report submitted by the Bhore Committee in 1946 painted a grim picture of the country’s health landscape and poor infrastructure. 
• The wide-ranging recommendations by the committee had all the ingredients of universal health coverage or UHC (though the term was not used), which implies access to quality health services without incurring financial hardship. 
• A key recommendation of the committee was to introduce the national health system (NHS) through a rural-focussed primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure financed by the government.
•  The report of the committee was also well ahead of its time to recognise the positive impact of health on economic growth. 
• The thrust of the first NHP (National Health Policy) announced in 1983 was on ‘health for all’, but intriguingly the policy intended to reduce government spending on health and suggested that it should be covered by the private sector. 
• NHP 1983 was replaced by NHP 2002, which was later also replaced by NHP 2017. In 2005, a flagship healthcare programme— National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) — was launched (later subsumed into National Health Mission —NHM).
• The NHP, 2017 advocates a positive and proactive engagement with the private sector for critical gap filling towards achieving national goals.  
• It envisages private sector collaboration for strategic purchasing, capacity building, skill development programmes, awareness generation, developing sustainable networks for community to strengthen mental health services, and disaster management. 
• The policy also advocates financial and non-incentives for encouraging the private sector participation.
• The policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP in a time bound manner.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
•  Policy envisages providing a larger package of assured comprehensive primary health care through the Health and Wellness Centers’. 
• This policy denotes an important change from very selective to a comprehensive primary health care package which includes geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The policy advocates allocating a major proportion (upto two-thirds or more) of resources to primary care followed by secondary and tertiary care. 
• The policy aspires to provide at the district level most of the secondary care which is currently provided at a medical college hospital.

Source:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/the-neglect-of-healthcare-must-be-reversed/article68547479.ece

07.With reference to The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance,consider the following statements:

1. It is a new global climate finance goal that the COP serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement shall set from a floor of USD 100 billion per year, prior to 2025.
2. This new goal will be set in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.

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

Answer:  (c) Both 1 and 2

In News:Rich nations push for wider contributor base towards funding climate goal

Explanation:

• As the deadline to agree on a new climate finance goal nears, developed nations are pushing to expand the list of countries responsible for contributing funds to help developing countries address climate change, with Switzerland even proposing criteria to broaden the donor base
• Submissions made by some developed countries to the UNFCCC regarding negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) — the new climate finance goal to be finalised in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November — suggest that wealthy nations might pressure countries with high emissions and high gross national income (GNI) per capita, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China, to contribute.
•  Negotiators from developing countries say a discussion on broadening the climate finance contributor base goes far beyond the mandate for NCQG and could stall negotiations at COP29.
• The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) is a new global climate finance goal that the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) shall set from a floor of USD 100 billion per year, prior to 2025.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• This new goal will be set in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.Hence statement 2 is correct.
•  Deliberations on setting the new goal aim to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, including by making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

Source:

https://epaper.thehindubusinessline.com/ccidist-ws/bl/bl_delhi/issues/96017/OPS/GKMD7JFH6.1+GC3D7L4I2.1.html

08.  PROMPT portal recently launched by central government is related to 

1. To facilitate real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects
2. Rapid identification and deployment of necessary resources, ensuring that power sector disruptions are addressed promptly and efficiently in a disaster situation
3. Real time tracking and analysis of Environmental clearance
4. Online Portal for Monitoring Survey and Investigation Activities of Hydro Electric Projects and Pumped Storage Projects

Answer:  (a) To facilitate real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects

In News:Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar Launches Portal for Online Monitoring Of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT)

Explanation:

• The Union Minister of Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, today launched Portal for Online monitoring of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT) in New Delhi.
• Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal remarked that the electricity is the key driver for the ongoing economic activities in the country. Accordingly, the demand for power is also increasing therefore completion of ongoing schemes and thermal projects in timebound manner is extremely critical. “The launch of the portal PROMPT will enable transparent, coordinated, and effective working of the power sector in the country.Hence option(a) is correct.
• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has been actively monitoring the progress of under-construction power projects through regular site visits, interactions with developers, and periodic review meetings with stakeholders. These efforts are aimed at identifying and resolving critical issues to ensure timely commissioning of power projects. Taking a step further in monitoring these thermal power projects and to facilitate the power project developers towards a digital process of monitoring, this online thermal project monitoring portal is developed. NTPC has helped in developing this portal.
• The newly launched PROMPT portal is designed to facilitate real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects. This online platform enables project managers and stakeholders to make informed decisions swiftly, ensuring that potential delays and issues are identified early and addressed promptly.
• Key Features and Advantages of PROMPT:
• Real-Time Tracking and Analysis: The portal provides a centralized platform for monitoring all aspects of project execution, enabling swift identification and resolution of potential issues.
• Transparency and Accountability: By digitizing the monitoring process, the portal ensures greater transparency in project management, leading to timely resolution of issues, reduction in time and cost overruns, and enhanced project execution efficiency.
• Resource Optimization: The portal supports predictable resource availability, aiding in meeting the country’s electricity demand at a reasonable price, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047048

09.With reference to The International Court of Justice,Consider the following statements:

1. It is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
2. The court’s judgments in contentious cases are final and binding on the parties to a case, and without appeal. 

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

Answer:  (c) Both 1 and 2

In News:ICJ to present ‘advisory opinion’ on global environmental obligations as small island nations raise alarm: What does it mean?

Explanation:

• So far, international commitments to protect the planet from the relentless onslaught of climate change are not subject to any legal binding.
•  However, in consideration of the 62 detailed remarks submitted by nations and transnational organisations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will present an ‘advisory opinion’ which can potentially pave the way for the criminalisation of climate inaction in adherence to international law. 
• In a statement issued on August 16, the ICJ mentioned that it will consider following arguments before delivering its official ruling on the issue on December 2, 2024
• Obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for present and future generations.
•  Legal consequences under these obligations for the States 
• States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
•  Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change.
• The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• These organs vote simultaneously but separately. 
• In order to be elected, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of the votes in both bodies. 
• This sometimes makes it necessary for a number of rounds of voting to be held.
• In order to ensure a degree of continuity, one third of the Court is elected every three years.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).
• It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the UN and began work in April 1946.
• The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
• Of the six principal organs of the UN, it is the only one not located in New York, United States.
• The hearings of the ICJ are always public.
• Official Languages: French and English
•  Judges are eligible for re-election. Should a judge die or resign during his or her term of office, a special election is held as soon as possible to choose a judge to fill the unexpired part of the term.
• Elections are held in New York (United States of America) during the annual autumn session of the General Assembly. 
• The judges elected at a triennial election commence their term of office on 6 February of the following year, after which the Court holds a secret ballot to elect a President and a Vice-President to hold office for three years.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/icj-to-present-advisory-opinion-on-global-environmental-obligations-as-small-island-nations-raise-alarm-what-does-it-mean

10.A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which(2020)

1. all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government
2. the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it
3. the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them
4. the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

Explanation:

• A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it. In such a system, the role of President or monarch is primarily ceremonial and the Prime Minister along with the cabinet wields effective power.
• According to the Article 75(3) of Constitution of India, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) which is one the constituents of the Parliament. The rules of Lok Sabha provide a mechanism for testing this collective responsibility.
•  They allow any Lok Sabha MP, who can garner the support of 50 colleagues, to introduce a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers. If the no confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, the government falls.Hence option (b) is the correct answer.