Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 11 to 16 March 2024

EXPLANATION:

• Niger is a minor oilseed crop that is grown predominantly under rainfed conditions. Niger seeds, also known as nyjer or thistle seeds, are tiny oil-rich seeds obtained from the African yellow daisy (Guizotia abyssinica). 
• In India, niger is grown on an area of more than 2.61 lakh ha, mainly during kharif. However, in Odisha, it is a rabi crop. Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Assam, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal are the states where Niger is grown. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The oil content of these seeds ranges from 37% to 47%. The government of India provides MSP to niger seeds to prevent the fall in the price of niger seeds and encourage the farmers to increase production. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The seeds are rich in nutrients such as fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. In some parts of the world, They are used to extract oil for cooking purposes. Niger seed oil is used to cure asthma and improve wheezing, coughing, and other lung function. It aids sleep and heart health along with hair conditions and skin glowing. It accelerates healing and reduces inflammation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Congo Basin is one of the largest tropical rainforest regions in the World, spanning six countries in Central Africa: Central African Republic, Cameroon,  Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. It covers approximately 3.7 million square kilometres (1.4 million square miles), making it the second-largest rainforest in the World after the Amazon. Hence, option D is correct.
• The Congo Basin, a marvel of biodiversity, is a sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species, including majestic gorillas, playful chimpanzees, mighty elephants, and many birds and reptiles. It also serves as a haven for a significant portion of the world's remaining lowland gorilla population, a testament to its unique beauty and importance. It is also a vital source of freshwater, with the Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa, flowing through it.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Central government officially notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 on Monday evening, signalling a significant development in India's citizenship framework. The CAA 2019 amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide Indian citizenship for members of certain religious minorities or non-muslims who fled persecution from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before December 2014. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Citizenship Act of 1955 requires 11 of the previous 14 years of residence in India as a condition for naturalisation. CAA 2019 reduces this requirement to 6 years for applicants from the specified religions and countries. Members of the designated communities are exempted from criminal cases under the Passport Act of 1920 and Foreigners Act of 1946 if they entered India before December 31, 2014. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• CAA 2019 targets Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Christian, and Parsi illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, making them eligible for Indian citizenship.
• The CAA does not apply to tribal areas of Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, or Tripura, as included in the 6th Schedule to the Indian Constitution, and areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.  Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and delegates from more than 30 nations witnessed the tri-service exercise 'Bharat Shakti' at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The ‘Bharat Shakti exercise showcases the calibrated tactical employment of niche technology in a tri-services environment against perceived threats.
• The 'Bharat Shakti' exercise displays an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms to demonstrate the country's prowess, premised on the nation's Aatmanirbharata initiative. It will also simulate realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
• The 'Bharat Shakti exercise witnessed the deployment of unique and advanced equipment and weapons systems from the Indian Army. These included the T-90 (IM) Tanks, known for their superior firepower and mobility; the Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, renowned for their precision and range; the Akash Weapons Systems, a testament to India's indigenous missile technology, Logistics Drones and Robotic Mules, showcasing the Army's modern logistics capabilities, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), a versatile platform for various missions, and an array of unmanned aerial vehicles, demonstrating the Army's prowess in aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.
• The Indian Navy, in its display of maritime strength and technological sophistication, showcased a range of capabilities. These included naval anti-ship missiles, designed with such precision and speed that they can neutralise enemy vessels in a blink, autonomous cargo-carrying aerial vehicles, demonstrating the Navy's ability to transport supplies in challenging environments, and expendable aerial targets used for training and testing the Navy's air defence systems.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased the indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas, light utility helicopters, and advanced light helicopters. 
• Hence, option A is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India struck down Electoral Bonds and declared it unconstitutional. The apex court said it underscored that the scheme violates the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. 
• Electoral bonds are financial instruments introduced by the Government of India in 2018 as a method for individuals and companies to make donations to political parties. The aim was to make political funding more transparent and reduce the use of black money in elections. 
• Features of the Electoral Bonds:

1. It is available to Indian citizens and Indian-incorporated companies from select State Bank of India branches. It can be bought digitally or via cheque. 
2. Electoral Bonds, while not carrying the payee's name, ensure a secure process by requiring the bond purchaser to submit KYC documents. This measure enhances the transparency and security of the donation process. 
3. Once purchased, it cannot be cancelled, and no amount will be refunded to the Purchaser.
4. SBI is the sole authorised bank to sell electoral bonds in Indian rupees.
5. The electoral bonds are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
6. Electoral Bonds have a life of only 15 days. After 15 days, it can't be encashed; instead, the amount will be deposited in the PM Relief Fund.
7. They can be purchased either Singly or Jointly with other Individuals, but not more than three Applicants per Application Form.

• Hence, option A is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Indian Railways‘ ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme has covered 535 railway stations nationwide with 572 OSOP outlets. The government announced the Concept of ‘One Station One Product’ in the Union Budget 2022-23. The scheme aims to build each railway station as a promotional hub and showcase local and indigenous manufacturing products. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The OSOP scheme was launched to promote ‘Vocal for Local’. This would help local manufacturers sell their products and create additional income opportunities for marginalised sections of society. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The eligible applicant will be allotted a temporary stall or kiosk for a period of 15 days on deposition of Rs 1,000 with Railways. The zonal railways will identify the stations, eligible products and vendors. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• The products under the OSOP scheme are food items (seasonal, processed, or semi-processed foods), handicrafts, artefacts, textiles, handlooms, traditional garments, local agricultural produce, local toys, leather products, local gems and jewellery.

EXPLANATION:

• Manimahesh Lake is a sacred lake in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,080 meters (13,390 feet) above sea level. Hence, option D is correct.
• The lake is considered holy by Hindus, particularly devotees of Lord Shiva. It is named after the peak of Manimahesh Kailash, which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, making it a popular pilgrimage site and a trekking destination.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Yaoundé Declaration marked a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, as health ministers from 11th African countries pledged to end malaria deaths.
• The Ministers, gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, signed a declaration committing to provide stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programmes, to ensure further investment in data technology, to apply the latest technical guidance in malaria control and elimination, and to enhance malaria control efforts at the national and sub-national levels.
• The declaration, endorsed at the Yaoundé conference hosted by the WHO (World Health Organization) and Cameroon, involves commitments to intensified actions against malaria in regions with 70% of the global burden. They pledged to equitably and sustainably equitably address the threat of malaria in the African region, which accounts for 95% of malaria deaths globally.
• Hence, option A is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Prime Minister Modi recently virtually dedicated the Sela Tunnel project to the nation during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme. It is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Prime Minister laid the tunnel's foundation stone in 2019, and the tunnel has been completed in just five years, overcoming challenges of difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. The Border Roads Organisation(BRO) executed the project under the Ministry of Defence. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• The project is the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel built at an altitude of above 13,000 feet. It comprises Tunnel 1, a 980 m long single tube tunnel, and Tunnel 2, a 1555 m long twin tube tunnel. The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity and reduce challenges posed by snowfall and landslides on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Sela Tunnel incorporates modern features like jet fan ventilation, firefighting equipment, and SCADA-controlled monitoring for enhanced safety and efficiency.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals, has announced the implementation of the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. It is a significant step towards regulating interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.
• The UCPMP 2024 aims to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in the marketing of pharmaceutical products and focus on ethical practices within the industry.
• Key Provisions of UCPMP 2024: 
  • The pharmaceutical sector should only engage with healthcare professionals for Continuing Medical Education based on transparent, clear, and verifiable rules.
  • Prohibits pharma companies from offering travel and gift facilities to healthcare professionals or their family members.
  • The Union government has granted corporations permission to donate research funds to healthcare experts as long as they do it transparently.
  • Drug promotion must align with the marketing approval terms, prohibiting promotion prior to marketing approval receipt.
  • Claims about a drug’s usefulness should be based on an updated assessment of all available evidence.
  • The term ‘safe’ should not be used without qualification, nor should it be asserted categorically that a medicine has no adverse effects, toxic dangers, or risk of addiction.
  • Any drug that has been widely advertised in India for more than a year cannot be described as a ‘new’ drug. Hence, option B is not correct.
  • Ethics Committees will handle violations of the code for Pharma Marketing Practices (ECPMP) set up within each association to ensure accountability. 
• The code also states that pharma associations must upload the UCPMP and the detailed procedure for lodging complaints on their websites. It added that these resources should be linked to the UCPMP portal of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.