PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/08/24

01. Consider the following statements with respect to PRAGATI Platform:

1. It is a three tier structure comprising Prime minister, Chief secretaries of states and District collectors. 
2. It is a monthly review meeting held by the PMO which assesses the real time ground situation of projects. 

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:  (b) 2 Only 

In News: PM chairs 44th PRAGATI Interaction 

Explanation:

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the meeting of the 44th edition of PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments. This was the first meeting in the third term. 
• It was launched in 2015.
• It is an interactive and integrated platform chiefly for addressing the grievances of the common man, while at the same time, monitoring government projects and programmes/schemes.
• The platform was designed by the PMO in coordination with the National Informatics Centre.
• The chief aims of the PRAGATI platform:

• Project implementation
• Project monitoring
• Grievance redressal

• The system is a 3-tier system consisting of PM, Secretaries of the GOI, State Chief Secretaries. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
• The PM will hold monthly interactions with the secretaries and Chief Secretaries via this platform. The interactions will take place on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The day will be called ‘PRAGATI Day’. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The issues that will be discussed are picked out from the databases related to ongoing programmes of the government, pending projects and public grievances.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2049500

02.With reference to Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF),consider the following statements:

Statement -I: 

It is a Central Sector Scheme and the duration of the Scheme is five years.

Statement -II:  

The scheme shall provide a medium to long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets.

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:Cabinet accords approval for progressive expansion of Central Sector Scheme of ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’

Explanation:

• In a significant move to enhance and strengthen the agricultural infrastructure in the country and support the farming community, the Government has announced a series of measures to expand the scope of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. These initiatives aim at expanding the scope of eligible projects and integrate additional supportive measures to foster a robust agricultural infrastructure ecosystem.
• Since its launch by the Prime Minister in 2020, AIF has been instrumental in supporting creation of 6623 warehouses, 688 cold stores and 21 silos projects, resulting in additional storage capacity of about 500 LMT in the country.
• The Union Cabinet in July 2020 has approved a new pan India Central Sector Scheme called Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility). 
• The scheme shall provide a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.
• The duration of the Scheme shall be from FY2020 to FY2032 (10 years).Hence option(d) is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049318

03. Consider the following statements:

1. Stronger local winds are due to weakening of ITCZ in a particular area. 
2. Chinook, aka Snow eater is a predominant local wind over the Indian subcontinent. 

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:  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

In News: ‘Local winds getting stronger’ 

Explanation:

• The atmosphere is the first blanket on Earth 
• This second layer is mostly water vapour, which is also a greenhouse gas. Warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which results in a cycle we now find ourselves in. This has increased the average global temperature by 1.2˚C in the past 180 years or so.
• Winds flow because of the force generated by the pressure differences. If the pressure gradient is higher than the winds will be stronger, and vice versa.
•  With excess warming, the larger pressure gradient between the polar regions and the equator has decreased, which slows down winds, but locally winds can become stronger.
• The Intertropical Convergence Zone winds have become stronger locally, which has repercussions in terms of extreme weather events. This has been seen particularly in India, as the overall monsoon rainfall is not changing much but the number of heavy rainfall events is increasing. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. 

Tropical cyclone numbers may not be increasing but their intensity is rising due to the winds inside them getting stronger mainly from the excess moisture. 

Hence statement 2 is incorrect 

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/local-winds-getting-stronger

04. Consider the following statements with respect to Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) 

1. It is a RBI regulated body for the FinTech Sector. 
2. This will function as a bridge between Fintech’s and Government in ensuring accountability 

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:  (b) 2 only

In News: FACE gets RBI approval to be self-regulatory body for fintech 

Explanation:

• RBI recognises the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) as a Self-Regulatory Organisation in the FinTech Sector (SRO-FT). Hence statement 1 is incorrect 
• This approach for achieving balance between innovation and prudent regulation involves self-regulation within the fintech sector.
• Through regular consultations, feedback mechanisms and policy dialogues, the SROs would facilitate open communication and enable fintechs to stay informed about regulatory expectations and priorities of the Government. Hence statement 2 is correct
• “SROs, comprising industry participants and having a good understanding of the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities, would be in a position to give appropriate suggestions to the Regulators on regulations that are both practical and effective,”

Source:

https://epaper.thehindubusinessline.com/ccidist-ws/bl/bl_delhi/issues/97156/OPS/G1AD8MSNB.1+GQUD8PA3B.1.html

05. With reference to National Industrial Corridor Development Programme,consider the following statements:

1. It is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
2. The projects focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies.

How many of the above statements 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:Cabinet approves 12 Industrial nodes/cities under National Industrial Corridor Development Programme

Explanation:

• India will soon wear a grand necklace of Industrial Smart Cities as in a landmark decision today, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of Rs. 28,602 crore. 
• This move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
• NICDP is designed to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Hence statement 1 is correct
• These industrial nodes will act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030, reflecting the government’s vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
• The projects under the NICDP are designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating ICT-enabled utilities and green technologies to minimize environmental impact.Hence statement 2 is correct

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049312

06. Consider the following statements with respect to Tropical Cyclone:

1. It brings large-scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges.
2. The winds blow counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. They form exclusively over oceans and seas.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (c) All three

In News:Typhoon Shanshan moves closer to Japan’s coast; rains, winds cause flight and rail disruptions

Explanation:

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said Typhoon Shanshan was about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of the southern island of Amami  as it slowly headed north toward Kyushu while packing winds of up to 162 kilometers (100 miles) per hour.

About Tropical Cyclone

• Cyclones are a type of low-pressure environment with rapid inward air circulation.
• It brings large-scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges.Hence statement 1 is correct 
• The winds blow counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.Hence statement 2 is correct 
• The cyclone’s centre is typically calm and clear, with very low air pressure.
• The average wind speed is around 120 km/h.
• These cyclones have closed isobars, leading to higher wind velocities. Isobars are imaginary lines on a weather map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure.
• They form exclusively over oceans and seas.Hence statement 3 is correct 
• Tropical cyclones move from east to west, are influenced by trade winds, and are seasonal.
• In the Indian Ocean, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones is responsible for naming cyclones. 

It varies from location to location. They are known as

• Cyclones in the Indian Ocean
• Hurricanes in the Atlantic
• Typhoons in the Western Pacific and South China Sea, and,
• Willy-willies in the Western Australia.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/japan-typhoon-shanshan-southwestern-japan-9535353/

07.Consider the following statements:

1. Polaris Dawn is set to be the first non-governmental mission to conduct a spacewalk
2. Polaris Dawn mission will focus on researching the effects of space radiation on human biology.

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:  SpaceX’s ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission postponed due to helium leak in ground equipment

Explanation:

• The launch of Space’s four-person ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission was postponed by a day due to a helium leak in ground equipment.

About ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission

• Polaris Dawn is set to be the first non-governmental mission to conduct a spacewalk, reaching an unprecedented altitude of approximately 700 kilometres (435 miles) above Earth. Hence statement 1 is correct 
• This altitude surpasses that of the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits at about 400 kilometres.
• SpaceX will provide the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule for the mission. The spacecraft will attempt to break the altitude record set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966, which reached 1,373 kilometres.
• The Polaris Dawn mission will focus on researching the effects of space radiation on human biology. Hence statement 2 is correct 

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/spacexs-polaris-dawn-mission-postponed-due-to-helium-leak-in-ground-equipment-101724737539657.html

08.With reference to the Van Allen Belts, consider the following statements:

1. It was composed mainly of charged particles like electrons and protons trapped by Earth’s magnetic field.
2. These belts are located in the magnetosphere and protect Earth from harmful solar wind and cosmic rays.
3. It affects space weather, impacting satellites and GPS systems.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (c) All three

In News:SpaceX’s ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission postponed due to helium leak in ground equipment

Explanation:

• The mission will involve orbiting through the Van Allen Belts.
• The data from this mission will support NASA’s future plans, especially the 2025 mission to send astronauts beyond the Van Allen Belts to the Moon’s South Pole, and eventually to Mars.

About Van Allen Belts

• The Van Allen Belts consist of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetosphere, which protects the planet from solar storms and cosmic rays.Hence statement 1 is correct 
• These belts were first identified in 1958 by the American physicist James Van Allen.
•  It was composed mainly of charged particles like electrons and protons trapped by Earth’s magnetic field.
• These belts are located in the magnetosphere and protect Earth from harmful solar wind and cosmic rays. Hence statement 2 is correct 
• The belts affect space weather, impacting satellites and GPS systems. They provide a protective shield against cosmic rays but pose a radiation risk to astronauts and spacecraft and thus require careful planning for missions. Hence statement 3 is correct 

 The belts are divided into two types: 

• Inner belt: Located between 680 and 3,000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface, this belt is primarily composed of high-energy protons. It forms due to the interaction between cosmic rays and Earth’s atmosphere.
• Outer belt: Situated at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, the outer belt predominantly consists of high-energy electrons originating from the solar wind.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/spacexs-polaris-dawn-mission-postponed-due-to-helium-leak-in-ground-equipment-101724737539657.html

09.Consider the following statements:

1. In T.K. Rangarajan case, the Supreme Court held that the employees have fundamental right to resort to strike.
2. The Constitution of India  has recognised the Right to Strike.

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: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

In News:  Port, dock workers unions defer indefinite strike proposed from August 28

Explanation:

• Major port and dock workers’ unions defer indefinite strike after reaching agreement on wage revision and benefits
• The workers signed an MoU with the Indian Ports Association, calling off an indefinite strike that would have disrupted operations at 12 major ports across India from 28 August.
• The period of the settlement is set for five years, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026. 

About Right to strike

• In India, the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution of India.
• But right to strike is not a fundamental right but a legal right and with this right statutory restriction is attached in the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947.Hence statement 2 is incorrect 
• The Industrial Disputes Act of 1947 granted the right to strike in India.
• There is no explicit mention of strikes in the Indian Constitution.
• The Supreme Court ruled that strike is not a fundamental right in Kameshwar Prasad v. The State of Bihar 1958, settling the case. Employees of the government do not have the legal or moral right to strike.
• The Supreme Court in Delhi Police v. Union of India (1986) upheld the restrictions to form association by the members of the non-gazetted police force after the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966, and the Rules as amended by Amendment Rules, 1970, came into effect.
• In T.K. Rangarajan v. Government of Tamil Nadu (2003), the Supreme Court held that the employees have no fundamental right to resort to strike. Further, there is prohibition to go on strike under the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973. Hence statement 1 is incorrect 
• Right to strike has also been recognised by the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Source: https://www.livemint.com/industry/port-workers-strike-revised-wage-structure-indian-ports-authority-wage-negotiations-wages-major-indian-ports-11724853647151.html

10.‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? (2019)

1. It is used in developing gene-silencing therapies. 
2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer. 
3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies. 
4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only