Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 09 to 14 October, 2023

EXPLANATION: 

• Hezbollah, also known as the "Party of God," is a Shiite political and military organisation established in 1982 with the direct involvement of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. 
• Its inception was closely linked to promoting Iran's Islamic Revolution beyond its borders and engaging in the struggle against Israeli forces entering Lebanon during the tumultuous Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Thus, statement (c) is not correct. 
• While Hezbollah's roots are in Lebanon, its influence extends beyond its borders. This organisation has forged extensive connections with other Iran-backed groups and factions throughout the region. 
• Hezbollah maintains significant ties with Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad among these alliances. This interconnected network of regional support enables it to pursue its goals effectively.
• Hezbollah's objectives and involvement in regional conflicts have made it a subject of international concern. 
• Western nations, including the United States, have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation due to its involvement in various acts of violence and its connections to Iran.

EXPLANATION:

Major Air Defence Systems around the world:

• Patriot (United States): 

• • • The Patriot is a long-range SAM system developed by the United States. It has been in service with the US Army since 1984 and has been used in several conflicts, including the Gulf and Iraq wars. 
    • The Patriot can engage multiple targets simultaneously, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The Patriot serves several countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Japan. Thus, pair 1 is correctly matched. 

• THAAD (United States): 

• • • The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States. It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, when they are closest to their target. 
    • The THAAD system is in service with the United States, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Thus, pair 2 is not correctly matched. 
  • Arrow (Israel): 
    • The Arrow is a long-range SAM system developed by Israel. It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and can engage multiple targets simultaneously. The Arrow is in service with the Israeli Air Force. Thus, pair 3 is not correctly matched. 
  • Iron Dome (Israel): 
    • The Iron Dome is a short-range SAM system developed by Israel. It is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. The Iron Dome has been used extensively by the Israeli Air Force to defend against rocket attacks from Gaza. Thus, pair 4 is correctly matched. 

• S-400 Triumf (Russia): 

• • The S-400 Triumf is a long-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM) developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau. It is one of the world's most advanced air defence systems and can simultaneously engage multiple targets, including aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles. 
  • The S-400 Triumf is in service with several countries, including Russia, China, India, and Turkey.

EXPLANATION: 

About the Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole):

• Physical Characteristics: 
  • • Asiatic Wild Dogs are substantial carnivores that show a resemblance to small wolves or domestic dogs in terms of size. 
    • However, they stand apart with their rust-red to brown coat and distinctly rounded ears covered in fur.
• Habitat and Ecology: 
  • • These creatures inhabit diverse environments, encompassing primary, secondary, and degraded variations of tropical dry and moist deciduous forests, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, dry-thorn forests, scrublands, and more. 
    • In India, they are commonly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests where their prey is plentiful. 
    • The Dhole is the only endangered pack-living canid (a mammal of the dog family)  in the tropical Indian woodlands. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Distribution: 
  • • The Asiatic Wild Dog boasts an expansive geographical range across South and Central Asia and Russia.  Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
    • In India, this species can be spotted in the southern part of the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Eastern and Western Ghats, and most regions in North-Eastern India. It can also be found in certain areas of Ladakh and Kashmir.
• Threats: 
• • • The survival of the Dhole faces several threats, including the diminishing prey base, loss of habitat due to transformation and deforestation. Additionally, they are vulnerable to diseases transmitted from domestic dogs.

• Protection Status:

• • • IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
    • Included in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) : Appendix II
    • Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

Project Kuiper

• Project Kuiper is Amazon's ambitious endeavour to create a global internet service via a network of low-Earth orbiting satellites, setting it up as a contender to SpaceX's Starlink.
• Amazon has recently initiated the deployment of its first test satellites for the forthcoming internet service, Project Kuiper. Thus, option (c) is correct. 
• Amazon has successfully launched the initial pair of prototype satellites into space, marking a significant milestone in its plan to establish a global internet service. This launch was conducted in collaboration with the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket. 
• This initiative, established as a subsidiary of Amazon in 2019, aims to deploy an additional 3,236 satellites in the near future to enable worldwide access to broadband internet.
• SpaceX's Starlink already has approximately 5,000 satellites in orbit, providing global internet coverage.

Atlas V Rocket

• The Atlas V is an expendable launch system and constitutes the fifth major iteration within the Atlas launch vehicle family.
• It is operated by the United Launch Alliance, a joint venture involving Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and plays a significant role as a launch vehicle for various NASA missions.

EXPLANATION: 

• The North Koel Reservoir Project is a significant interstate irrigation project that spans the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. The project includes the construction of a dam on the North Koel River near Kutku village in Latehar, Jharkhand, along with a barrage positioned 96 kilometres downstream from the dam in Mohammadganj, Palamu, Jharkhand. Thus, option (b) is correct. 
• Additionally, it involves the establishment of the Right Main Canal (RMC) and the Left Main Canal (LMC), both originating from the barrage. Once the outstanding tasks are completed, the project is set to provide annual irrigation to an additional 42,301 hectares in the four drought-prone districts of Jharkhand and Bihar.
• North Koel River is a tributary of the Son River, which is, in turn, a tributary of the Ganga River. 
• The North Koel River originates from Chulha Pani on the Chhota Nagpur plateau in Jharkhand and ultimately joins the Son River in the Haidernagar block of Palamu, covering a distance of approximately 260 kilometres. This river has tributaries, including the Auranga, Amanat, and Burha.

EXPLANATION: 

• The establishment of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) has been officially notified by the Central government, a significant development that fulfils a longstanding request of turmeric farmers nationwide. 
• Objectives: The primary objectives of NTB include:
  • • Promoting turmeric cultivation, processing, and marketing. 
    • Enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Indian turmeric in the international market. 
    • Conducting research and development activities for the improvement of turmeric production. 
    • Facilitating technology transfer and providing technical assistance to turmeric farmers and stakeholders. 
    • Exchanging information and collaborating with other organisations in the turmeric sector. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• The composition of the Board includes a 

• • Chairperson appointed by the Centre, 
  • representatives from key government bodies such as the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and senior State Government officials from three states on a rotating basis. 
  • Additionally, the Board encompasses national and state research institutions and turmeric farming and export sector representatives. 
  • The Commerce Ministry will designate a Secretary to oversee its operations. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The Ministry of Commerce will serve as the nodal department responsible for providing financial support and infrastructure to the NTB. Thus, statement 3 is not correct. 
• NTB addresses heightened demand, utilisation, production, research, market connections, and export facilitation.

EXPLANATION: 

• Quantum Dots, often likened to "artificial atoms," are minuscule semiconductor nanocrystals endowed with extraordinary quantum mechanical attributes. In contrast to conventional materials, these quantum dots' dimensions are pivotal in shaping their electronic and optical characteristics. 
• This size-dependent behaviour directly results from quantum confinement, an intriguing phenomenon that materialises at the nanoscale. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Quantum dots are typically crafted from elements found in specific groups of the periodic table, such as cadmium selenide (CdSe) or indium arsenide (InAs) belonging to groups II-VI or III-V. Their size can be meticulously controlled during synthesis, allowing scientists to fine-tune their properties for diverse applications. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 

Usage of Quantum Dots

• Quantum dots serve crucial roles in biological systems by enabling the tracking and labelling of molecules, thanks to their adjustable fluorescence properties.
• They have played a transformative role in sensor technology, offering heightened sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature and pH. This application finds relevance in various fields, including environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and quality control.
• Quantum dots have expanded their impact beyond chemistry, showing promise in quantum physics. Their behaviour, akin to electrons in atoms, has garnered interest in their use in quantum computing.
• These versatile quantum dots are also being explored for applications in high-efficiency solar cells, which can enhance energy conversion and improve displays' brilliance and colour precision.
• Additionally, they hold the potential for developing quantum dot-based LEDs, paving the way for future advanced and energy-efficient lighting solutions. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, eighteen captive-bred pygmy hogs were released in Assam's Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve.
• Pygmy hogs (Porcula Salvania) are the rarest pig species globally and the smallest, representing the sole species in the genus Porcula. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• They have greyish-brown skin and a coat of blackish-brown bristles.
• Pygmy hogs inhabit the wet high grasslands at the foothills of the Himalayas, with their only known population residing in Manas National Park. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• These hogs are an indicator species, reflecting the health of their primary habitat, the tall, wet grasslands in the region.
• Their conservation status is Critically Endangered, and they are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed in CITES Appendix I. Thus, statement 3 is not correct. 

Additional Information: 

• The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP) is a collaborative effort involving the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Assam Forest Department, Wild Pig Specialist Group, and Union Environment Ministry. They aim to reintroduce 60 pygmy hogs into Manas National Park by 2025, with support from NGOs like Aaranyak and EcoSystems India.

EXPLANATION:

• Kármán Line, situated approximately 100 kilometres above sea level, serves as an imaginary demarcation, distinguishing Earth's atmosphere from the vast expanse of space. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Although not universally embraced by all scientists and spacefarers, most countries and space organisations acknowledge the significance of this boundary separating the terrestrial realm from the celestial. 
• This line was officially established during the 1960s by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), an entity devoted to maintaining aviation records. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• In the vicinity of the Kármán Line, there is no substantial divergence in air pressure or composition, and Earth's gravitational influence persists. Notably, the Earth's atmosphere does not come to an abrupt end here.
• The Kármán Line holds essential purposes and implications. Primarily, it functions as a regulatory threshold for airspace. It essentially designates the altitude beyond which traditional aircraft cannot maintain flight, necessitating a propulsion system to counteract the gravitational pull. 
• Additionally, it serves as a crucial legal reference point that distinguishes a nation's claim to its airspace from the realm of space, which is governed analogously to international waters. 
• This boundary is pivotal in delineating the boundary between Earth and space while facilitating aerial and space management.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Cape Town Convention (CTC) is a global treaty that safeguards the rights of lessors in scenarios involving the repossession of high-value leased equipment, such as aircraft, engines, and helicopters, in instances of payment defaults. 
• Originating from a conference held in Cape Town in November 2001, the convention operates under the joint umbrella of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). 
• Its overarching objective is to address the complexities of securing rights to aviation assets, particularly aircraft engines, helicopters, and airframes, which inherently lack a fixed location. 
• Notably, India is a signatory to the convention, though the Indian Parliament has yet to ratify it. Thus, option (d) is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The R21 vaccine marks a significant advancement in the fight against malaria. It is the second malaria vaccine to earn the coveted endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO), following the WHO's recommendation for the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine in 2021. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• The R21/Matrix-M Vaccine, primarily designed for malaria prevention in children, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• This remarkable achievement was made possible with essential support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). 
• Notably, it has already received approval for use in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria. The vaccine's rollout is slated to commence in these African nations in early 2024, with plans to make it available in other countries by mid-2024. Thus, statement 3 is not correct. 

About Malaria

• Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a formidable global health challenge. 
• Five parasite species are responsible for human malaria, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax posing the most significant threat. 
• The disease predominantly afflicts tropical regions characterised by hot and humid climates. Children under five are most vulnerable to malaria's devastating impact.

EXPLANATION: 

• According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Review of Maritime Transport 2023, greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping surged by 20 per cent in 2023, surpassing levels from the past decade. 
• The shipping industry, a cornerstone of global trade, is responsible for over 80 per cent of the world's trade volume and contributes nearly three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Although containerised trade experienced a 3.7 per cent decline in 2022, it is projected to rebound with a 1.2 per cent growth in 2023 and further expansion by three per cent between 2024 and 2028. 
• The report highlights notable oil and gas trade developments and tanker freight rates driven by geopolitical events. Thus, option (b) is correct. 

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

• UNCTAD, the primary UN institution dedicated to trade and development, was established as a permanent intergovernmental body by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. 
• UNCTAD works to level the playing field in the global economy, providing economic and trade analysis, promoting consensus-building, and offering technical assistance to enable developing countries to harness trade, investment, finance, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development. 
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD is renowned for its influential reports, including the Trade and Development Report, World Investment Report, and The Least Developed Countries Report.