PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12/08/24

01. Consider the following statements:

1. Corals are essentially animals, which are sessile, meaning they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor.
2. Only hard corals have stony skeletons made out of limestone which build the Reef ecosystem.

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: Ocean temperatures in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef now hottest in 400 years: What a new study says

Explanation:

• Water temperatures in and around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have risen to their warmest in 400 years over the past decade, placing the world’s largest coral reef under threat, according to a new study.
• This research is unique, in that it puts the effects of man-made climate change in historical context. Other studies have looked at the damage to the reef over a shorter time frame. The reef stretches for some 2,400 km off the coast of the northern state of Queensland

Corals:

• Corals are essentially animals, which are sessile, meaning they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• They use their tiny tentacle-like hands to catch food from the water and sweep it into their mouth. 
• Each individual coral animal is known as a polyp and it lives in groups of hundreds to thousands of genetically identical polyps that form a ‘colony’.
• Corals are largely classified as either hard coral or soft coral. It is the hard corals that are the architects of coral reefs — complex three-dimensional structures built up over thousands of years.Hence statement 2 is correct.
•  “Unlike soft corals, hard corals have stony skeletons made out of limestone that are produced by coral polyps. When polyps die, their skeletons are left behind and used as foundations for new polyps,” according to NOAA.
• Coral reefs, also referred to as “rainforests of the sea”, have existed on the Earth for nearly 450 million years.
• Coral reefs have a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Thousands of marine species can be found living on one reef. For instance, “the Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusc species and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species”.
• Research has shown that there could be millions of undiscovered species of organisms living in and around reefs.
• These massive structures also provide economic goods and services worth about $375 billion each year. 
• More than 500 million people across the world depend on coral reefs for food, income and coastal protection from storms and floods.
• Coral reefs can absorb up to 97% of the energy from waves, storms, and floods, which prevents loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/ocean-temperatures-australia-great-barrier-reef-9506296/

02. Kursk region recently seen in news is situated in

1. Syria
2. Russia
3. Ukraine
4. Cyprus

Answer:  (b)Russia

In News:What is behind Ukraine’s Kursk operation in Russia?

Explanation:

• As of August 9, Ukrainian troops had advanced as far as 35 kilometers (21 miles) into Russian territory in the Kursk region, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War. 
• From a strategic perspective, the advance onto Russian soil could also create a buffer zone for the population in the contested areas of Ukraine. In addition, the advance is intended to weaken the Russian army.
• It could also force Russia to deploy more troops to the embattled border region, thus weakening the Russian army along the main front line in Ukraine. Russia lacks the manpower to compensate for losses on the front, despite its conscription measures.
• Russia’s Kursk region plays an important role in the gas supply chain. The last transit station through which gas flows from Russia to Europe via Ukraine is located near the small town of Sudzha. So far, gas has continued to flow uninterrupted.Hence option(b) is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ukraine-kursk-operation-russia-9506353/

03.With reference to the Nankai Trough, Consider the following statements:

Statement -I:

The Nankai Trough is an area prone to strong underwater tremors and large tsunamis.

Statement -II: 

Nankai Trough is a subduction zone where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate.

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: Japan issues its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’: What does it mean?

Explanation:

After a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern Japan on Thursday (August 8), the country’s meteorological agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory”.

Megaquake advisory:

• Japan issues its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’
• The advisory said the likelihood of strong shaking and large tsunamis is higher than normal on the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone (a region where tectonic plates collide with each other, and the heavier one slides under another) along Japan’s southwest Pacific coast. Hence Statement – II is correct
• However, this does not mean that a major earthquake would definitely happen during a specific period, the advisory said.

The Nankai Trough:

• The Nankai Trough is an underwater subduction zone (nearly 900 km long) where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate, pushing the latter under the former and into the Earth’s mantle.
• The  “megaquake advisory”said the likelihood of strong shaking and large tsunamis is higher than normal on the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone (a region where tectonic plates collide with each other, and the heavier one slides under another) along Japan’s southwest Pacific coast. Hence Statement – I is correct
• This accumulates tectonic stress which can cause a megaquake — an earthquake with a magnitude larger than 8.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/japan-megaquake-advisory-9506703/

04. Consider the following:

1. Mushrooms
2. Coconut
3. cashew
4. cocoa

How many of the above are covered under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) ?

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

Answer:  (d) All four

In News:How Centre’s Clean Plant Programme plans to boost production of fruits

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at increasing the yield and productivity of horticulture crops in India.
• First announced in the 2023 interim Budget, the CPP is also targeted at enhancing the quality of fruit crops across the nation.
• One half of the fund will be sourced from the budget of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), while the other half will be in the form of a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15 for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa.Hence option(d) is correct.
• MIDH subsumed ongoing missions/schemes of the Ministry- National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB) and Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland. All States including North Eastern States and UTs are covered under MIDH.
• The Mission has a three tier structure – National, State and District levels. 
• At the National level, there is a General Council (GC) and an Executive Committee (EC). The GC, which provides overall direction, is chaired by the Union Agriculture Minister.
• At the District level, the District Mission Committee (DMC) under the Chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Parishad / CEO of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is responsible for project formulation and monitoring.

 Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-centres-clean-plant-programme-plans-to-boost-production-of-fruits-9508509/

https://midh.gov.in/FAQ.html

05. Consider the following statements:

1. Neelakurinji the purplish flowering shrub has been included on the IUCN official Red List of threatened species.
2. The three-metre-high endemic shrub is seen only in the high-altitude shola grassland ecosystems offive mountain landscapes of southwest India at an elevation of 1,340 to 2,600 m

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:Neelakurinji that blooms once in 12 years included in Red List of threatened species

Explanation:

Neelakurinji:

• Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), the purplish flowering shrub which blooms once in 12 years, has been included on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) official Red List of threatened species.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• This is the first ever Global Red List assessment for this flagship species of the montane grasslands of southwest India. 
• The three-metre-high endemic shrub is seen only in the high-altitude shola grassland ecosystems of five mountain landscapes of southwest India at an elevation of 1,340 to 2,600 m.Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• The latest global assessment confirms its threatened status in the Vulnerable (Criteria A2c) category of the IUCN. The mass blooming of the flower is a huge tourist attraction. 
• The blooming was reported recently, though not in a vast spread, at Peerumade in Idukki. 
• The Neelakurinji (often shortened to ‘Kurinji’) is a Strobilanthes, which is a genus of around 350 species of flowering plants, 59 of which are spread across peninsular India.
• The tea and spice plantations, as well as increasing construction and widening of roads, has taken over the land where these flowers might have otherwise bloomed.
• This ‘super bloom’, occurring once every 12 years, covers a large area, including its protected area, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, about 45 km from Munnar.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/neelakurinji-becomes-a-threatened-species-officially/article68501589.ece

06. Consider the following statements:

1. Digital sequence information refers to digital versions of plant, animal, and microorganism genetic material that can be used instead of the actual organism.
2. Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources established at the 15th Conference of Parties  for Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022.

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: Talks begin in Montreal on digital sequence information of biodiversity

Explanation:

Digital Sequence Information (DSI):

• The battle over genetic data stored digitally kicks off in Montreal August 12, 2024. The crucial 5-day meeting will decide how benefits earned from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) will be shared with the custodians of biodiversity.
• This is the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Benefit-sharing from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, established at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) for Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022.Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• The group is tasked with reaching an agreement on a multilateral mechanism for sharing benefits from the use of digital sequences.
• Digital sequence information refers to digital versions of plant, animal, and microorganism genetic material that can be used instead of the actual organism. Instead of accessing the organism, industry can simply obtain the sequence from global databases.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• The CBD states that users must ensure that the benefits of profits earned from biodiversity are shared equitably with communities.
• Drugs, cosmetics and agricultural biotechnology industries that depend most on DSI generate anywhere from one to a few trillion dollars annually and just 0.1 per cent of $1 trillion would yield 1 billion for the global fund.
•  According to the United Nations documents released July 1, 2024, even a small percentage of revenue would be worth billions of dollars.
• Benefit sharing — the third pillar of the CBD — has not worked well, despite special efforts to ensure community benefit.
• To ensure that it is implemented, Nagoya Protocol was put in place and came into force in October 2014. 
• Because DSIs were widely used, they were first discussed at COP13 in 2016 and are now included in Goal C and Target 13 of the Biodiversity Plan

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/talks-begin-in-montreal-on-digital-sequence-information-of-biodiversity

07. Consider the following statements:

1. Capitalistic economy functions on the foundational principles of Laissez faire state. 
2. Capitalistic systems are more Individualistic, oriented towards Freedom and Greater participation of all sections. 

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 has a lot more scope to pursue progressive capitalism: Joseph Stiglitz 

Explanation:

Capitalism:

• Capitalism is defined as an economic system in which the means of production, trade, and industry are owned and controlled by private individuals or corporations for profit. Also known as the free market economy or laissez-faire economy. 
• The essential feature of capitalism is the motive to make a profit. As Adam Smith, the 18th century philosopher and father of modern economics, said: “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”  
• Capitalism is founded on the following pillars: 

• Private property 
• Self-interest 
• Competition 
• Freedom to choose with respect to consumption, production, and investment. 
• Greater participation of people .Hence option(c) is correct.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-has-a-lot-more-scope-to-pursue-progressive-capitalism-says-joseph-stiglitz/article68510879.ece

08. Consider the following pairs:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (b) Only two  

In News: World Elephant Day 2024 

Explanation:

World Elephant Day:

• World Elephant Day, observed globally on August 12, is a dedicated observance aimed at raising awareness about the critical challenges confronting elephants and advocating for their protection and conservation.
• This significant day provides a platform to emphasize the issues elephants face, encompassing habitat loss, ivory poaching, human-elephant conflicts, and the imperative for enhanced conservation endeavours.
• Elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal of India.
• Elephants are considered a “Keystone Species” as they play a critical role in maintaining the balance and health of forest ecosystems.
• They are known for their exceptional intelligence, boasting the largest brain size of any land animal.
• Elephants are very important grazers and browsers, eating vast amounts of vegetation every day, spreading seeds around as they go.
• They also help shape the often-thick vegetation of the Asian landscape.
• For example, in forests, elephants create clearings and gaps in the trees that let sunlight in to reach new seedlings, helping plants grow and the forest to regenerate naturally.
• Elephants will also dig for water when there is not any surface water – opening water access for other creatures as well as themselves.
• India has the largest number of wild Asian Elephants, estimated at 29,964 according to the 2017 census by Project Elephant.
• It is about 60% of the species’ global population.
• Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species: ENDANGERED 

Hence option(b) is correct.

Source: DOWN TO EARTH 

09. With reference to Exercise MITRA SHAKTI,consider the following statements:

1. The Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Thailand.
2. Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under United Nations Mandate
3. The Exercise 2024 edition is scheduled to be conducted in Pune.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer: (a) Only one

In News: INDIA- SRI LANKA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI COMMENCES IN MADURU OYA, SRI LANKA

Explanation:

• The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced , at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12th to 25th August 2024.Hence statement 3 is incorrect.  
• Indian contingent comprising 106 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. 
• The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.
•  Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. Last edition was conducted in Pune in Nov 2023.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.  
• Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.Hence statement 2 is correct.   
• The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment.
• Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include Response to a Terrorist Action, Establishment of a Joint Command Post, Establishment of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, Securing of a Helipad/ Landing Site, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon & Search Operations besides employment of Drones and Counter Drone Systems, among others.
• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations.
•  It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044570

10.Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of (UPSC-2020)

1. peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
2. its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
3. national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation if indigo
4. Government control over the planters

Answer: (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

Explanation:

• Indigo is a blue dye which comes from the indigo plant. During the rule of the East India Company and later during the British Raj, it was widely grown in India. It was often called “Blue Gold” and widely traded in the European market.
• There was a significant increase in the indigo production in the 18th and 19th centuries in Bengal and Bihar due to increasing demand and production. However, in the beginning of the 20th century, with the invention of synthetic indigo which was cheaper and took less time during production than agricultural indigo, the demand for indigo cultivation in India declined significantly.
•  Synthetic Indigo made natural indigo non-profitable for farmers as well as traders. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.