1. Earthquake
Q. Consider the following statements:
- An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves.
- The point where the energy is released is called the focus or the hypocentre of an earthquake.
- While the Mercalli scale measures the magnitude, the Richter scale measures the intensity of an earthquake.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
In NEWS: Tremors felt in Delhi as earthquake of 5.8 magnitude hits Pakistan
- The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in its notes on the capital’s vulnerability to earthquakes, mentioned that the city’s settlement pattern has never been viewed ‘in relation to location and geological characteristics’.
About Earthquake:
- An earthquake is shaking or trembling of the earth’s surface, caused by the seismic waves or earthquake waves that are generated due to a sudden movement (sudden release of energy) in the earth’s crust (shallow-focus earthquakes) or upper mantle (some shallow-focus and all intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- A seismograph, or seismometer, is an instrument used to detect and record earthquakes.
- The point where the energy is released is called the focus or the hypocentre of an earthquake. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The point on the surface directly above the focus is called epicentre (first surface point to experience the earthquake waves).
- The Mercalli scale describes the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects, the Richter scale describes the earthquake’s magnitude by measuring the seismic waves that cause the earthquake. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
2. The Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 (Clean Air Study)
Q. With reference to The Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024, consider the following statements:
- It is published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- As per the survey, Out of 47 cities with population exceeding one million, Chennai performed the best, while Delhi fared the worst.
- PRANA portal is used to track progress of the cities under the NCAP programme.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indian megacities lag in air pollution control despite lion’s share of financial support
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 – Clean Air Study:
- The Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 (Clean Air Study), recently published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has highlighted the disappointing performance of these megacities, where millions of people reside. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The survey ranked cities based on actions approved under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and found that most major cities are at the bottom of the rankings.
- Out of 47 cities with populations exceeding one million, Delhi performed best, ranking 11th, followed by Bengaluru in 28th place and Mumbai in 32nd. Kolkata ranked 41st, while Chennai fared the worst among the metros, finishing 46th. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- “All 130 cities covered under the NCAP were assessed based on information submitted through the ranking framework on Portal for Regulation of Air Pollution in Non-Attainment Cities (PRANA),” the report read. PRANA is the dashboard used to track progress under the NCAP programme. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Biomass and municipal solid waste burning, road dust, vehicular emissions and industrial emissions each account for 20 per cent of the score.
- Construction and demolition dust is weighted at 5 per cent, while improvements in concentrations of particulate matter that is 10 micrometers or less in diameter (PM10) and public awareness activities are weighted at 2.5 per cent each. Control of other emissions receives a 10 percent weighting.
3. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
Q. With reference to “Sickle Cell Anaemia”, consider the following statements.
- It is a hereditary disorder.
- The affected person develops crescent-shaped red blood cells.
- There is no permanent cure for sickle cell disease
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
About National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:
- The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
- With the launch of the Mission in 2023, the Central government’s attention to the disease is high.
- Among other efforts, a large-scale screening programme is underway nationwide.
- Hydroxyurea, a vital medicine for treating sickle cell disease, has been included in the essential medicines list; this has increased access to it.
- While measures such as these will help detect and treat sickle cell disease, there are still many challenges.
Sickle cell disease:
- Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic abnormality: if both parents carry the sickle cell trait, the child has significant chances of being born with the disease. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- While healthy individuals have disc-shaped red blood cells, those with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that take on a crescent or sickle-like shape. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The lifespan of these patients is significantly shortened (to about 40 years) and their quality of life is curtailed due to the range of health complications caused by sickle cells, including sickle cell anaemia, recurrent infections, pain, swelling, and damage to vital organs.
- In addition to health issues, patients also suffer from the social stigma that is attached to this disease. They can sometimes be deemed “genetically inferior” and ostracised.
Challenges:
- Only 18% of the people affected by sickle cell disease in India are receiving consistent treatment. This is because patients drop out at all stages of treatment: while getting screened for the disease, while getting diagnosed, while starting treatment, and while trying to adhere to treatment.
- The largest drops occur at the diagnosis and treatment adherence stages. Getting a correct diagnosis is a challenge as many people hesitate to seek support due to the stigma associated with the condition.
- No permanent cure is available for sickle cell disease. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Ongoing research in gene therapy is promising, but will be unaffordable for most of the affected population even when it becomes available.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader
4. TAPI pipeline
Q. Consider the following countries:
- Tajikistan
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- India
How many of the above countries are part of the “TAPI pipeline”?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS: Afghanistan set to begin work on TAPI pipeline
The $10-billion natural gas pipeline traversing Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India is the most significant development project for Taliban authorities since they seized power in 2021.
About TAPI pipeline:
- The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline, also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, is a natural gas pipeline being developed by the Galkynysh – TAPI Pipeline Company Limited with participation of the Asian Development Bank. (Tajikistan is not a part of the pipeline)
- The pipeline will transport natural gas from the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India.
- A ceremony to mark the project’s initiation was held in Turkmenistan on 13 December 2015, and practical work in Afghanistan began on 11 September 2024.
- Proponents of the project see it as a modern continuation of the Silk Road.
5. Exercise AL NAJAH
Q. Exercise AL NAJAH is a joint military exercise between which of the following countries?
- India and UAE
- Afghanistan and Iran
- India and Oman
- Algeria and Libya
Answer: (c) India and Oman
Explanation:
In NEWS: INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- OMAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE AL NAJAH V
- Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan. Hence option (c) is correct.
- Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- The exercise will focus on operations in the Desert environment.
- It will foster interoperability, goodwill and camaraderie between the two armies. Additionally, the joint exercise will strengthen defence cooperation and further enhance the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2054052
6. Wetland Virus
Q. With reference to “Wetland Virus”, Consider the following statements.
- It is a type of virus that is often spread through tick bites.
- It can damage brain tissue and cause problems with blood clotting.
- The virus can also be found in animals such as sheep, horses, pigs, and rodents.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
In NEWS: Scientists are giving warning to the masses regarding a new virus which is discovered in China.
The Wetland Virus:
- The Wetland Virus is classified as Orthonairovirus, a type of virus that is often spread through tick bites. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- At least 17 people in China who were bitten by ticks have shown symptoms of the Wetland Virus.
- These symptoms include Fever, Dizziness, Headache, Tiredness (malaise), Joint pain (arthritis), Back pain, Nausea.
- The virus can damage brain tissue and cause problems with blood clotting, making it a serious health concern. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The virus has also been found in animals such as sheep, horses, pigs, and rodents. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- This suggests that the virus can spread among different species, raising concerns about its potential for broader transmission in wildlife.
Source:
7. Mission Mausam
Q. “Mission Mausam”, sometimes seen in the news, is related to
- Enhancing India’s weather forecasting and climate modelling capabilities.
- Exploring underwater critical minerals in the Indian ocean .
- Improving urban infrastructure and transportation systems.
- Expanding India’s space exploration capabilities.
Answer: (a) Enhancing India’s weather forecasting and climate modelling capabilities.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre gives clearance for ‘Mission Mausam’
The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ on Wednesday with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years.
About Mission Mausam:
- Mission Mausam is a significant initiative approved by the Indian Union Cabinet, aimed at enhancing the country’s weather and climate science capabilities.
- With an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years, the mission is designed to boost research, development, and operational capabilities in meteorology and climate science.
Objectives:
- Enhance Weather and Climate Research: The mission will advance research in atmospheric sciences, including weather forecasting, climate modeling, and extreme weather event prediction.
- Improve Weather Prediction: By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Mission Mausam aims to provide more accurate and timely weather information.
- Strengthen Capacity and Resilience: The mission seeks to improve the capacity of communities and sectors to handle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
- Upgrade Infrastructure: It includes the deployment of next-generation radars, satellite systems with advanced sensors, and high-performance supercomputers.
- Develop Decision Support Systems: The mission will create a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.
Key Components:
- Advanced Observation Systems: Deployment of modern radars and satellite systems for improved weather surveillance.
- High-Performance Computing: Utilization of supercomputers for more accurate weather and climate modeling.
- AI and Machine Learning: Integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance predictive capabilities.
- Capacity Building: Training and equipping stakeholders, including citizens, for better management of weather-related challenges.
Beneficiaries: Mission Mausam will benefit a wide range of sectors including:
- Agriculture: Better weather predictions for crop management.
- Disaster Management: Improved forecasting and alerts for extreme weather events.
- Defence: Enhanced weather information for operational planning.
- Environment: Advanced data for environmental monitoring and management.
- Aviation: More precise weather forecasts for flight operations.
- Water Resources: Better management of water resources with accurate weather predictions.
- Health: Improved management of weather-related health risks.
Implementing Institutions:
The mission will be primarily implemented by three key institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
These institutions will collaborate with other MoES organizations such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), as well as national and international academic and research institutions.
Source:
8. Myristica magnifica:
Q. Myristica magnifica is an endangered plant species mainly found in Karnataka and Kerala. It plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife, including the threatened hornbill birds. It is protected by the local people in the name of Lord Shiva, locally known locally as Bhalandeshwar. Which of the following best reflects the aforementioned protective practice?
- Conservation reserve
- Community reserve
- Ex-situ conservation
- Reserve forest
Answer: (b) Community reserve
Explanation:
In NEWS:
Myristica magnifica:
- Myristica magnifica is a species of plant in the family Myristicaceae.
- It is native to Karnataka and Kerala in India.
- It is protected as a sacred grove by the local community in the name of Lord Shiva, locally known locally as Bhalandeshwar.
- It is classified as an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List.
- The plant grows in terrestrial but swampy habitats along streams in evergreen forests.
- These swamps get inundated during the monsoons and remain flooded year round.
- The tree grows upto 20 m tall. It is seen to have stilt roots that support the main trunk of the tree.
- These roots emerge from the base of the main trunk and bend downwards to reach the ground. The stilt roots form a tangled network of roots around the tree.
- The leaves are simple, alternate that grow on short stalks or petioles that are 2 – 4 cm long.
- Flowers are dioecious, with male flowers growing on stocks, while female flowers are borne in leaf axils.
- Male flowers typically grow in clusters and female flowers grow in twos or threes
- The species is found in habitats called Myristica Swamps that are dominated by flood tolerant species. These swamps remain water-logged for a large part of the year between June and January. Myristica magnifica is one of the dominant species of these swamps in Southern India.
9. Southern Birdwing
Q. ‘Southern Birdwing’ recently seen in news is a
- Frog
- Bird
- Fish
- Butterfly
Answer: (d) Butterfly
Explanation:
In NEWS: India’s second largest butterfly species found in Madurai
The Southern Birdwing:
- The Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) is a notable butterfly species, known for its striking appearance and its role in the ecosystem. Hence option (d) is correct.
- The male Southern Birdwing has a black body with yellow or orange-yellow bands and a distinctive greenish iridescence on its wings. Its forewings are black with yellow spots, while the hindwings are yellow with a broad black border.
- The female is generally larger and has a more muted color pattern compared to the male. Her wings are predominantly yellow with black markings, making her less striking but still quite beautiful.
Habitat:
- The Southern Birdwing is native to the forests of the Western Ghats in India and parts of Sri Lanka.
- It thrives in tropical and subtropical rainforests where it can find its host plants and suitable conditions for its lifecycle.
Behavior and Ecology:
- This butterfly is known for its strong and fast flight. It often flies high among the trees and is rarely seen near the ground.
- The larvae (caterpillars) feed on plants in the genus Aristolochia, commonly known as pipevines. These plants are crucial for the butterfly’s development.
- As a pollinator, the Southern Birdwing plays an essential role in the reproduction of many plants. Its larvae are also a food source for other animals.
Conservation Status:
- The Southern Birdwing is not currently listed as critically endangered, but habitat loss due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation poses a threat.
- Conservation efforts to protect its natural habitat are important for ensuring its survival.
10. Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of the Indian rupee? (UPSC PYQ 2019)
- Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports
- Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee denominated Masala Bonds
- Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing
- Following an expansionary monetary policy
Answer: (d) Following an expansionary monetary policy