Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 20 to 25 March, 2023

EXPLANATION:

• National Vaccination day, also known as National Immunization Day, is observed on 16th of March every year to spread awareness about the importance of vaccines. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• The  National Immunization Day was assigned to celebrate the pulse polio campaign across the country. India administered its first oral polio vaccine on 16th of March in 1995. With intensive and continuous efforts, India was declared polio-free country in 2014. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• "Vaccines Work for all" was the theme of National Immunization Day 2022. The theme for 2023 has not yet been declared by the government. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was  launched by the Government of India in 1985. The programme consists vaccines for 12 diseases namely :

EXPLANATION:

• The “Cyclone Freddy” was observed as an exceptionally long-lived, powerful, and deadly storm. It traversed the southern Indian Ocean for more than five weeks in February and March 2023. 

• “Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)” refers to the gross/total energy released by a tropical cyclone during its lifetime. As per the observation Cyclone freddy is declared the highest ACE producing cyclone in recorded history. Hence Option 1 is correct.

• The Saffir-Simpson scale was invented by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson in 1971. On the basis of wind speed, the scale divides strom/hurricanes into five different categories. Hence Option 2 is correct.

• The “Cyclone Freddy”, over the Australian region cyclone basin, had intensified and became a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone.
• The advancing “Cyclone Freddy” made its first landfall near Mananjary, Madagascar.  It produced heavy downpours in Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Réunion and Zimbabwe.  Hence Option 3 is incorrect.

EXPLANATION:

• The World Hindi Conference is celebrated every year on 10th of January. Hence Option(1) is correct. 
• The event is jointly organized by:
• The National Council of Indian Culture, 
• Hindi Nidhi Foundation, 
• Indian High Commission, 
• Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation, and 
• The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha
• The first “World Hindi Conference” was organized in Nagpur, India from 10th to 12th January, 1975. It was inaugurated by the then PM Smt. Indira Gandhi. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam,who was the then PM of Mauritius was the chief guest of that conference. Hence, Option(2) is incorrect.
• The 12th World Hindi Conference was held in Fiji from 15th to 17th February, 2023.
• Usually the conference is conducted once in three years. It is the frequency of this summit. However, many times the stipulated time interval has not been followed. Hence, Option (3) is  incorrect.
• Notably, the idea about the word Hindi conference was first mooted by Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samithi,Wardha in 1973.
• “World Hindi Secretariat”  is headquartered at Vacoas-Phoenix city in Plaines Wilhems District of Mauritius.

EXPLANATION:

• On 21 December, Yalda (Shab-e Yalda) is celebrated by primarily Iranians. It is the longest night of the year and is renowned as a victory of light over darkness and of good over evil. Hence, statement (a) is incorrect.
• Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles, also known as ‘Abhra’ is an air defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI). Its development also involved active participation from private industry players and MSMEs. Hence statement (b) is incorrect.
• Mustatils are ancient structures found in the region of the northwestern Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the area known as the Al-Ula valley. These structures were first discovered in the 1970s, but their true purpose remains a mystery.
• The function of mustatils is unknown, as no written records or other historical evidence has been found to explain their purpose. Some theories suggest that they were used as animal pens or for ritualistic purposes, while others propose that they were part of a complex system of water management or astronomical observation. Despite their mystery, mustatils remain a fascinating aspect of the archaeological landscape of the Arabian Peninsula, and ongoing research is likely to shed more light on their purpose in the future. Hence, statement (c) is incorrect. 
• “Operation Dost” was the name of a search and rescue operation initiated by the Indian government in 2023 for the earthquake hit Turkey and syria. Hence,statement (d) is incorrect. 

EXPLANATION:

• Pangolins are a rare and endangered animal. It is mainly found in Asia and Africa. The word Pangolin comes from the Malay word ‘penggulung’ which means "one who rolls up". It is the action a pangolin takes in self-defense. Pangolins are also referred to as 'scaly anteaters' because of their dietary preference for ants.
• The pangolins are the only mammals on planet earth that are wholly-covered in scales. These scales are made from keratin (the same protein that forms human hair and fingernails). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Pangolins have been declared as the “the most trafficked mammals In the world”. They are highly prized by consumers for their meat and unique scales in countries like China and Vietnam. Their meat is considered a delicacy while their scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine in treating asthma.
• World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the “third saturday of february” every year to raise awareness about the protection of this unique creature. In 2023, the day was celebrated on February 18. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. 
• The scales and claws of pangolins are made from Keratin. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• “World Air Quality Report 2022” is an international observation about the air-pollution worldwide. The report is prepared by IQAir. The report is based on data from monitoring stations operated by governments and other institutions and organizations across the world.
  • IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company, which specializes in  developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products. 
  • IQAir was founded 1963 by brothers Manfred and Klaus Hammes, who introduced an air filter system for residential coal ovens in Germany to help reduce black dust build-up on the walls behind ovens. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The fifth World Air Quality Report by IQAir is based on PM2.5 data gathered from 7,323 cities and 131 countries.
• The report has revealed that Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh are the 5 most polluted countries in 2022. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• As per the report India is still facing a severe air pollution crisis.Out of 131 countries, India ranked at 8th place. 39 Indian cities were among the world’s 50 most polluted cities based on PM2.5 levels in the air. 
• The report says that New Delhi is the second most polluted capital city in the world after N’Djamena,Chad. Delhi had an average PM2.5 level of 92.6 μg/m3 in 2022. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. 
• Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world, followed by Hotan in China, and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.

EXPLANATION:

• The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is an UNESCO initiative that was founded in 2004. GGN is a legally constituted not-for-profit organization with an annual membership fee. 
• Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are holistically managed with underlying principles of protection, education and sustainable development. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• In 2004, 17 European and 8 Chinese geoparks came together at UNESCO headquarters in Paris to form the GGN.
• Criteria for recognition under Global Geoparks Network:
  • The existence of a management plan designed to foster sustainable socio-economic development.
  • The site must demonstrate methods for conserving and enhancing geological heritage and provide means for teaching geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues.
  • There must be joint - proposals submitted by public authorities, local communities and private interests acting together
• A UNESCO Global Geopark designation is given for a period of four years only after which the functioning and quality is thoroughly re-examined. If under re-evaluation the park meets the prerequisites it can be reassigned the recognition. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• As of April 2022, there were 177 global geoparks in 46 countries.
• China is the country with the largest number (41) of global geoparks. In comparison, there is not even a single global geopark declared in India as well as in the United States. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

EXPLANATION:

• The “World Happiness Report 2023” is the publication of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative of the United Nations. It provides articles and rankings of different countries with reference to “happiness”. The report primarily uses data from the Gallup World Poll. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• In the backdrop of the UN general assembly resolution “Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development” in July 2011, the first World Happiness Report was released on April 1, 2012. 
• The “World Happiness Report 2023” is the 11th consecutive report in the series.
  • As per the report, Finland is ranked at top position in the World Happiness Report in 2023, followed by Denmark and Iceland in second and third place respectively. Hence, Option 2 is incorrect.
  • Among 146 countries, Afghanistan scored the lowest point and was ranked as the ‘least happy’ country of the world in 2022.
  • The 2023 report has mentioned an imaginary country, where life would be very unpleasant with lowest life expectancy, lowest generosity, most corruption, least freedom, and least social support exits. It has named such an imaginary country “Dystopia”. 
• India ranked 126th in the World Happiness Report 2023. This is an improvement from last year, when India’s position was at the 136th spot on the list, but India is still behind her neighbors like Sri Lanka (112), Pakistan (108), Bangladesh (118) and Nepal (78). Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

Agriculture and animal husbandry is regarded as a primary activity. About two third of people in India manage their livelihood from these sectors. In this context, Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022 provides conspicuous statistical data about different aspects of animal husbandry. 
On 15th march 2023 Union Minister (FAHD) Shri Parshottam Rupala unveiled the annual publication, the ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022’. 
The major highlights of “Basic Animal Husbandry statistics 2022” are given below:

1. Milk Production: Total milk production in the country during 2021-22 was 221.06 million tonnes and also in the year 2021-22, the milk production has registered an annual growth rate of 5.29%.
   1. Top five major milk producing States are Rajasthan (15.05%), Uttar Pradesh (14.93%), Madhya Pradesh (8.06%), Gujarat (7.56%) and Andhra Pradesh (6.97%). Hence, Option 1 is correct.
   2. The per-capita availability of milk is 444 gram/day during 2021-22 increased by 17 gram/day over previous year.

2. Egg Production: In 2021-22, the total egg production in the country is 129.60 billion nos which has increased by 6.19% as compared to previous year.
   1. Total five major egg producing States are Andhra Pradesh (20.41%), Tamil Nadu (16.08%), Telangana (12.86%), West Bengal (8.84%) and Karnataka (6.38%).
   2. In 2021-22, the per-capita availability of eggs is 95 nos/annum, an increase of 5 nos/annum over previous year.

3. Meat Production: The total meat production in the country is 9.29 million tonnes for the year 2021-22 with an annual growth rate of 5.62%.
   1. The total five major meat producing States are Maharashtra (12.25%), Uttar Pradesh (12.14%), West Bengal (11.63%), Andhra Pradesh (11.04%), and Telangana (10.82%). Hence, Option 3 is correct.
   2. The per-capita availability of meat is 6.82 kg/annum during 2021-22 increased by 0.30 kg/annum over previous year.

4. Wool Production: The total wool production in the country during 2021-22 is 33.13 thousand tonnes which has declined by 10.30% as compared to previous year.
   1. The top five major wool producing States are Rajasthan (45.91%), Jammu and Kashmir (23.19%), Gujarat (6.12%), Maharashtra (4.78%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.33%). Hence Option 2 is incorrect.

Livestock Sector: During 2014-15 and 2020-21, the value addition of the sector grew at a compound annual growth rate of 7.93%. In 2020-21, the share of Livestock at constant prices in the Agriculture Sector and total GVA was 30.13% and 4.9% respectively.

EXPLANATION:

• Shree Anna is a word given for Global Millets. The two day “Global Millet (Shree Anna) conference 2023” was conducted at IARI Campus, PUSA in New Delhi from 18th to 20th March 2023. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Millets are coarse grains and that includes jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), korra (foxtail millet), arka (kodo millet), sama (little millet), bajra (pearl millet), chena/barr (proso millet) and sanwa (barnyard millet). Out of which ragi, jowar, and bajra are three millets that are consumed by Indian households for many generations. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
• Nachni (Ragi) amongst millet, contains the highest fiber content. It is well recognised due to its high content of calcium (0.38%), dietary fiber (18%) and phenolic compounds (0.3-3%). They also have health beneficial effects, such as being anti-diabetic, anti-tumorigenic, atherosclerogenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Hence, Option 3 is correct.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) accepted India’s proposal and declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM). The objective of this declaration is to raise awareness about millets for food security and nutrition and also to enhance investment in research and development.

EXPLANATION:

Money has nowadays become a principal medium of exchange. It replaced the traditional barter system all over the world. Interestingly, the form and nature of money has not been uniform rather with changing circumstances it has changed.

• Earlier the real value of money was evaluated with reference to commodities including gold, silver, copper etc. The money itself contained their value.  
• Later on, symbolic money/token money was introduced by governments. Such money was backed by the government but it didn’t have any intrinsic or self value. The value of such money was determined by the government.
• Fiat money is basically token money. It is an official legitimate currency of a country. For instance, the rupee is the fiat currency in India with legal backing of the Indian government. The price of such currency is not determined by commodities. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
• As mentioned above, Fiat currencies like “Indian Rupee” or “US dollar” do not have any self value as they are printed over the paper. Even if coins of metals like brass or steel hold any self- value, it is far less than the value they claim legally. Their value stands because it is legitimated by the government. For instance, currency in India has the legal backing of the government and no individual can refuse a transaction made in that. An act of refusal can invite criminal action. Hence, Option 2 is correct. 

• Bitcoin is a digital medium of exchange based on block chain technology. It was created by Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonymous person or team who outlined the technology in 2008. 
  • Bitcoin is not under the control of any country or company in the world and anyone can become part of that network. Hence it can not be regarded as fiat money. The governments across the world are despising bitcoins as it will loosen their control on money supply. There will be less scope to influence money supply through monetary and fiscal policies. Hence, Option 3 is incorrect.

EXPLANATION:

Scientists across the world are continuously striving to find out the panacea against deadly cancer diseases. Conventional Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy has been used to cure it. CAR-T cell therapy is a state of art medical invention to cope with cancer.

• “CAR cell” stands for Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). It is also known as chimeric immuno-receptors,

“T-cell” is a type of white blood cell and is part of the immune system. It  develops from stem cells in the bone marrow. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. It is also called T lymphocyte or thymocyte.

• CAR-T cells therapy:
  • It is a therapy where an engineered T-cell along with CAR is used to treat cancer cells. CAR-T cells are receptor proteins rather than enzymes that have been engineered to give T cells. Hence Option 1 is incorrect.
  • CAR-T cells are obtained either from T cells in a patient's own blood (autologously) or from the T cells of another, healthy, donor (allogeneically). It is not gathered from Rhesus monkeys. Hence Option 2 is also incorrect.
  • After the collection, T-cells are genetically engineered to express a specific CAR, which programs them to target an antigen that is present on the surface of tumors. 
  • After CAR-T cells are infused into a patient. 
  • As they enhance the efficacy of T-cell it is often dubbed as a "living drug" against cancer cells.
  • Though its response rate is variable. Nevertheless in the treatment of leukaemias and lymphomas, the efficacy of this technique has been as high as 90%, whereas in other types of cancers it is significantly lower. Hence Option 3 is correct.