Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 08 to 13 January, 2024

EXPLANATION : 

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a bilateral agreement between two countries, facilitating the movement of tribes residing along their shared border. This arrangement permits individuals to travel up to 16 km into the neighboring country without the need for a visa. Border passes, typically valid for a year, are required for crossing, allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. Established in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy, the FMR reflects the strong ethnic and familial connections across the border. However, in response to the 2021 Myanmar coup and the subsequent influx of migrants, India suspended the FMR in September 2022. While enhancing border relations and fostering community connections were important goals of the FMR, trade and investment were not its main priorities. It was intended for short-term cross-border travel for particular uses such as farming, trade, and family vacations. The FMR did not impose any visa requirements, and Indian nationals were free to benefit from it without one. Predicated on a long-standing understanding between the two nations, the FMR was a visa-free programme. The FMR was limited to a 16-kilometer radius on both sides of the border, not the full 1,643-kilometer stretch. Thus all the statements are incorrect.

EXPLANATION : 

The goal of the 'SMART 2.0' programme is to collaborate with hospitals and academic institutions throughout India to advance thorough clinical studies in important Ayurvedic areas. With the ultimate goal of incorporating this information into public healthcare practices, its main mission is to produce empirical data proving the security and effectiveness of Ayurvedic therapies. of a focus on high-priority research topics such as abnormal bleeding from the uterus, inadequate lactation, and malnutrition, the programme attempts to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and compliance of Ayurvedic formulations. Expanding upon the triumph of 'SMART 1.0,' which encompassed approximately ten ailments and involved educators from 38 universities, 'SMART 2.0' highlights an ongoing endeavour to broaden and enhance knowledge of Ayurveda's potential in treating diverse health concerns. Thus, option A is correct.

EXPLANATION : 

Lately, Udaipur (Rajasthan), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Indore (Madhya Pradesh) have been selected by MoEF&CC for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA). 

The scheme's main goals are to assist cities in their efforts to safeguard these critically important ecosystems and to identify, encourage, and promote the conservation and prudent use of urban wetlands.Restoration of wetland ecosystems and development of infrastructure in cities are not supported financially by the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) Scheme. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands established the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) Scheme. Although it's not a requirement for WCA, having a Ramsar Site inside the city limits can be beneficial and demonstrate significant wetland conservation efforts. Based on their observably important wetland resources and efficient management techniques, cities without Ramsar Sites can nonetheless receive accreditation. Thus all the statements are incorrect.

EXPLANATION : 

An inventive method of farming called "sponge farming" focuses on the carefully managed rearing of marine sponges. Sponge farming, in contrast to typical farming, is centred on utilising the special qualities of marine sponges, which are animals that belong to the phylum Porifera. It does not involve any terrestrial crops or livestock. 

The extraction of natural compounds with important uses in medicine and cosmetics is one of the primary objectives of sponge farming. Bioactive substances with distinctive chemical structures and characteristics can be found in large quantities in marine sponges. Researchers and businesses are interested in these chemicals because of their possible medical and cosmetic uses. 

Marine sponges produce bioactive molecules with potential medicinal and cosmetic applications. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties, and researchers are exploring their biochemical diversity to develop new drugs. They also contribute to skincare products with anti-aging, antioxidant, and moisturizing effects, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients. Thus option B is correct.

EXPLANATION : 

7 Odisha products get GI tag, Lanjia Saura painting is one of them. The Lanjia Saura community in Odisha, India, creates vivid and captivating tribal paintings called Idital, or Lanjia Saura paintings. Their homes have these mural paintings on the mudwalls that display a special fusion of creative ability and cultural symbolism. Here's a look into their fascinating universe: 

Lanjia Saura's mythology and beliefs are strongly reflected in the Idital paintings. They frequently include other gods, ancestors, and spirits beside their main deity, Idital. The stylized forms of these deities, along with their vivid colours and strong lines, signify their blessings and strength. 

The frequent inclusion of natural elements like trees, animals, and the sun reflects the intimate relationship the community has with its surroundings. In addition, common scenes like farming, hunting, and ceremonies are portrayed, offering insight into their cultural customs.Intricate decorations and geometric patterns have deep symbolic importance in Lanjia Saura culture. They are thought to protect the occupants of the house, ward off bad spirits, and bring good fortune. Thus, option A is correct.

EXPLANATION : 

The Indian government's Ministry of Tourism introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2015 with the objective of creating eco-friendly and sustainable travel destinations across the nation. The programme is entirely financed by the government of India. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect. 

The Ministry of Tourism administers the programme, which gives State governments, Union Territory Administrations, and Central Agencies financial support to enhance the nation's tourism infrastructure. It is the responsibility of the relevant State Government/UT Administration to oversee the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the projects approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

EXPLANATION : 

The purpose of the PRERANA programme is to provide each participant with a unique, exciting, and meaningful experience that will enable them to develop their leadership potential. It is motivated by a steadfast dedication to fusing the fundamentals of value-driven education, the cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the principles of the Indian educational system. Thus, option 1 is correct 

For a select group of students in classes IX through XII, it is a week-long residential programme. Every week, a group of twenty carefully chosen adolescents from across the nation will attend the programme: ten boys and ten girls. It will be operated from a vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat's district Mehsana, which is one of the oldest cities still in existence. The school was founded in 1888. Thus, option 2 is incorrect. 

The curriculum of Prerana School , is developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar, and is based on nine value-based themes: Vaishali and Shaurya and Sahas; Satyanishtha and Shuchita; Navachar and Jigyasa, Parishram and Samarpan; Karuna and Sewa; Swatantrata and Kartavya. Vividhta and Ekta; ; Shraddha aur Vishwas; Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION : 

The SKA Observatory is an intergovernmental organisation of 10 countries: Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.Its mission is to develop and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe. Thus, statement 1 is correct. It will investigate galaxies' genesis and evolution, fundamental physics in harsh environments, and the beginnings of life. 

Its Headquarters is located in the United Kingdom not in the USA. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect. 

The observatory comprises two radio-quiet telescopes in South Africa and Australia, as well as ancillary infrastructure to support the telescopes' operations. 

Indian Participation in SKAO - Since the SKA's start in the 1990s, India has been participating in its development through the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA).

EXPLANATION : 

This medication is intended to mitigate the consequences of radiation therapy while cancer treatment.The Department of Atomic Energy and M/s. IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, collaborated on this project. Thus, statement 2 is correct 

These tablets are meant to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by decreasing the unfavourable effects of radiation therapy.These pills have shown promising results when used by patients undergoing radiation therapy for pelvic cancer.The fact that they are a regenerative nutraceutical and a supplement to cancer radiation therapy demonstrates their numerous applications in cancer care. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has given approval to AKTOCYTE, in order for its safety and compliance with quality standards. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

As friction with Hezbollah grew, Israel recently positioned Sky Dew alongside the Lebanese border. 

Sky Dew is a large balloon-like object shaped like a puffed aeroplane. This high-altitude surveillance balloon serves as a radar blip detector for small unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles.It serves as one of the world's largest aerial threat warning systems. Israel Defence and an American company collaborated to create the technology. The US Department of Defence supported the entire research. 

It was handed over to the Israel Air Force in 2022. 

The system consists of a blimp that has the capability of flying at high altitudes equipped with radar and detection equipment capable of scanning a vast area in any direction.It has substantial advantages in that it can remain in surveillance mode for lengthy periods of time without requiring fuel or crew replacement. Thus, option C is correct.