PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/08/24

01. Which among the following countries doesn’t share borders with Poland?

1. Russia 
2. Czech Republic 
3. Moldova 
4. Germany 

Answer:  (c) Moldova 

In News: India- Poland Joint Statement “Establishment of Strategic Partnership” 

Explanation:

• Recognizing their long-standing ties, reaffirming the deep-rooted bonds of friendship between their countries and peoples, and commitment to realizing the full potential of their ties, the two leaders decided to elevate India-Poland bilateral relations to the level of a “Strategic Partnership”. 
• Both leaders acknowledged the growing importance of expanding economic cooperation in sectors such as technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy, and environment.  

• Poland shares borders with Countries such as Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany. Hence option (c) incorrect
• Baltic sea is north of Poland and holds great significance in the trade of Europe. 

Source:

Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) 

02. Consider the following statements regarding International Big Cats Alliance:

1. It was launched by India on the 50th anniversary of the Project Tiger 
2. India is home to all the seven big cats in the wild.

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:  (a) 1 only

In News:  Malaysia joins IBCA as its founding member

Explanation:

International Big Cats Alliance:

• It was launched by India on April 9, 2023, for the conservation of seven big cats, namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma harbouring our planet as to celebrate the success of 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Membership: It is open to 97 ‘range’ countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• It will provide a platform for the member nations to share knowledge and expertise and extend support to recovery efforts in potential habitats.
• Its major activities will include advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups, and finance tapping.
• IBCA will also assist existing species-specific inter-governmental platforms to boost conservation efforts.
• Funding: After the first five years, which will be supported by India’s ‘total grant assistance’ of $100 million, the IBCA is expected to sustain itself through membership fees and contributions from bilateral and multilateral institutions and the private sector.
• India is home to five of the big cat species Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow leopard and Cheetah except Puma and Jaguar.Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Source:

Press ReleaseI:Press information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

03. ‘CEROPEGIA SHIVRAYIANA’ recently seen in news is a 

1. Invasive plant 
2. Flowering plant
3. Fish 
4. Insect 

Answer:  (b) Flowering plant

In News:  Recently, a new flowering plant species from the ‘ceropegia’ genus has been discovered inside the Vishalgad  

Explanation:

• Recently, a new flowering plant species from the ‘ceropegia’ genus has been discovered inside the Vishalgad premises in Maharashtra and named it as Ceropegia Shivrayiana. 
• It is a flowering plant species named in a nod to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hence option (b) is correct 
• The plant was discovered in one of his renowned forts, Vishalgad.
• It consists of unique, tubular flowers, which are specially adapted to attract moths for pollination.
• Habitat: This plant thrives in rocky terrains and is capable of growing in less nutrient-or poor soils.
• It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, which includes many medicinal plants, with significant ecological importance.
• Threats: Its conservation is essential due to the ongoing threat of habitat loss.

Source:

DOWN TO EARTH 

04. Consider the following statements with respect to Hayflick limit:

1. It refers to the maximum number of times a somatic cell can divide and it is expected to stop after 40-60 times.  
2. According to Hayflick, the maximum lifespan of an organism, including humans, is determined by an inherent cellular clock.

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: Hayflick limit: Why immortality remains out of humans’ reach 

Explanation:

Hayflick limit:

• Leonard Hayflick, in the 1960s discovered that somatic (non-reproductive) cells can only divide approximately 40-60 times before they stop dividing, a phenomenon known as cellular senescence (those that have stopped dividing).Hence statement 1 is correct
• This cessation (ceasing) of cell division, which leads to the accumulation of senescent cells, is posited to be a key factor in ageing. As more cells stop dividing, the body begins to age and experience decline.
• The Hayflick limit suggests that there is an inherent cellular clock in organisms, including humans, determining the maximum lifespan. Hence statement 2 is  correct. 
• For humans, this limit is estimated to be around 125 years, beyond which no external factors or genetic modifications can extend life.
• Comparison of Species: Hayflick and other scientists documented the Hayflick limits in various animals. For example, cells of Galapagos turtles, which can live for over 200 years, divide approximately 110 times before reaching senescence. 
• In contrast, laboratory mice cells become senescent after just 15 divisions, correlating with their much shorter lifespans.

Source:

Hayflick limit: Why immortality remains out of humans’ reach (indianexpress.com)  

05. Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) conducted by 

1. Department of promotion on internal and investment trade
2. NITI aayog
3. Reserve Bank of India
4. The National Sample Survey Office

Answer:  (d) The National Sample Survey Office

In News:Data User Conference on Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2021-22 & 2022-23 to be held on 23rd August 2024 in Chennai

Explanation:

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), conducted the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for the periods 2021-22 and 2022-23. Hence option(d) is correct.
• ASUSE is a key survey conducted by the NSSO that focuses on capturing the economic and operational characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in the manufacturing, trade, and other services sectors (excluding construction). 
• This sector is vital to the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the overall socio-economic landscape. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047833

06. With reference to Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar,consider the following statements:

1. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee to be headed by the Cabinet secretary.
2. These awards shall be announced on National Technology Day every year
3. The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on National Space Day.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (c)All three 

In News: President of India presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar –2024

Explanation:

• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024 at an award ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan today (August 22, 2024).
• In the first edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, 33 awards were presented to distinguished scientists in four categories – Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
• The Vigyan Ratna Award, given to the scientists who have made lifetime contributions in any field of Science and Technology, was presented to Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a pioneer of molecular biology and biotechnology research in India. 
• The Vigyan Shri Awards, given to the scientists who have made distinguished contributions to Science and Technology, were presented to 13 scientists for their path-breaking research in their respective domains.
• The Vigyan Yuva-SSB award, given to recognize scientists who have exceptionally contributed to any field of science and technology, was given to 18 scientists for their significant contribution in the areas spanning from the study on the warming of the Indian Ocean and its consequences, to the development of indigenous 5G base station and communication and precision tests of quantum mechanics. 
• The Vigyan Team Award, given to a team of 3 or more scientists for making ground-breaking research contributions in any field of science and technology, was given to the team of Chandrayaan-3 for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 lander near the south pole of the moon.
• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in the 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others. 
• The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity will be ensured.
• All nominations received for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards shall be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India and comprising Secretaries of Science Departments, members of Science and Engineering Academies and some distinguished scientists and technologists from different fields of science and technology.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The nominations for this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on 14th January which would remain open till 28th February (National Science Day) every year. 
• These awards shall be announced on 11thMay (National Technology Day) every year.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23rd August (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad& a medal.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047748

07.With reference to India-EU Trade and Technology Council,consider the following statements:

1. The India-EU Trade and Technology Council  was first announced by the European Commission and India in April 2022.
2. It is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners.
3. TTC consists of three Working Groups such as Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (c) All three

In News:Action Plan (2024-2028) for the Implementation of the India-Poland Strategic Partnership

Explanation:

• Building on the consensus reached by the Prime Ministers of India and Poland during talks held on August 22, 2024, in Warsaw and recognising the momentum in bilateral cooperation created by the establishment of the Strategic Partnership, the two sides agreed to formulate and execute a five-year Action Plan that will guide bilateral collaboration in the years 2024-2028 across the following areas as priorities: 
• Recognizing that the EU and India are key international partners with a significant role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, both sides will support the early conclusion of the ongoing India-EU trade and investment negotiations, the operationalization of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), and the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership in trade, new technologies, and security. 
• The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was first announced by the European Commission and India in April 2022.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Established on 6 February 2023, this strategic coordination mechanism allows both sides to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, security and deepens cooperation in these fields.
• Establishing India-EU TTC is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for people in India and the EU.
• The TTC is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Geostrategic challenges have reinforced the EU and India’s common interest in ensuring security, prosperity, and sustainable development based on shared values.
• The TTC will help increase EU-India bilateral trade, which is at historical highs, with €120 billion worth of goods traded in 2022.
•  In 2022, €17 billion of digital products and services were traded.
• The TTC consists of three Working Groups:
• Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity.
• Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and
• Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains.Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Working Groups are now jointly working to advance identified objectives and key actions. The matchmaking event launched today is one of the key agreed short-term actions under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The India-EU TTC Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies is being co-chaired from the Indian side by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and from the EU side by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047822

08.With reference to waterspout, consider the following statements:

1. A waterspout is a large column of air and mist rotating over a water body
2. Waterspouts are more common in tropical waters, they can appear anywhere.

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:  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

In News:A waterspout may have sunk the luxury yacht off Sicily?

Explanation:

• At least one man died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19).
•  Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water.
• A waterspout is a large column of air and mist rotating over a water body. Hence statement 1 is correct 
• It is a weaker cousin of tornadoes and typically lasts for around five minutes — occasionally it can last up to 10 minutes.
•  The average waterspout can be around 165 feet in diameter, with wind speeds of 100 kilometres per hour.
• Although waterspouts are more common in tropical waters, they can appear anywhere. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• They occur when there are high levels of humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.
• There are two types of waterspouts: tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
• Tornadic waterspouts are actual tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. 
• “They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning,” according to a report by the US agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tornadic waterspouts can be large and may lead to considerable destruction.
• Fair-weather waterspouts, which are much more common, form over only water. As their name suggests, they are formed during fair weather. 
• They are less dangerous and usually small.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/waterspout-luxury-yacht-sicily-9524129/

09. Dhangar community a pastoral and nomadic tribal group belongs to the state of 

1. Gujarat
2. Maharashtra
3. Telangana
4. Odisha

Answer:  (b)Maharashtra

In News:Nomadic Dhangar community demands dedicated grazing corridors in Maharashtra forests

Explanation:

• The Dhangar community, a pastoral and nomadic tribal group in Maharashtra, has intensified their efforts to reclaim traditional grazing lands amid growing concerns about the shrinking spaces for their sheep and goats.Hence option(b) is correct.
•  On August 20, 2024, members of the community gathered at the Khamgaon sub-division office in Buldhana district, marking a significant demonstration of their demand for designated grazing corridors.
• The Dhangars are renowned for their migratory shepherding practices and traditionally traverse vast distances to ensure the sustenance of their flocks. 
• This seasonal migration, which includes returning to their base areas during the monsoon season, has been increasingly impeded by the loss of accessible grazing grounds.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/nomadic-dhangar-community-demands-dedicated-grazing-corridors-in-maharashtra-forests

10.Consider the following statements: (UPSC- 2020)

1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.

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:(a) 1 only

Explanation:

• According to Article 164 of the Constitution, a minister who is not a member of the state legislature for any period of six consecutive months shall cease to be a minister. The provision allows a non-legislator to occupy a post in the council of ministers, including the office of the chief minister for six months. Within six months, he must become a member (either by election or by nomination) of either House of the state legislature, otherwise, he ceases to be minister.
• Moreover, to become a member of the state legislature one must be not less than 30 years of age in the case of the legislative council and not less than 25 years of age in the case of the legislative assembly. Such a person automatically becomes eligible to vote as under Article 326, the minimum age to be registered as a voter is 18 years. 
• According to the Section 8(3) of the Representationof People Act, 1951, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified for contesting an election (MLA or MP) from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.Hence option (a) is the correct answer.