Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes 12/09/2022 to 17/09/2022

EXPLANATION:

• On August 15, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 9th consecutive time from the Red Fort. During the 88 minutes speech, the PM set a “Panch Pran Targets” (Five Resolves) to turn India into a developed nation in the next 25 years, when India will celebrate its 100th Independence Day.
• Standards of developed India include- cleanliness campaign, vaccination, electricity connection, open defecation free, use of solar energy for developed India. New National Education Policy is an example of “freedom from the thought of slavery”. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• The Five Resolves that PM asked people to take include;
• Move forward with bigger resolutions and resolve of a developed India, Erase all traces of servitude, Be proud of India’s legacy, Strength of unity, Duties of citizens including PM and CMs. According to the PM, these five resolutions will be significant for a developed country when the country marks 100 years of independence in 2047. These five resolutions also include the PM’s dream of ‘Vishwaguru India’. PM Modi seeks to make India “Vishwaguru” on completion of 100 years of independence. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• “Bima Manthan 2022” is being organized by ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’. This is the first hackathon and is being organized under the theme- “Innovation in Insurance”. The hackathon has called participants to identify and develop solutions having potential to make insurance available to every individual swiftly and seamlessly. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• In the Bima Manthan 2022, IRDA has called for technology driven innovative ideas or solutions to solve the understated problems in the Insurance sector; Automated Death Claim settlement using technology. Tech-based solution to curb mis-selling of Insurance products. Tech enabled solution to identify uninsured motor vehicles as well as to ensure mandatory issuance of Motor Third Party Insurance. Distribution of insurance products in difficult terrains and less penetrable areas of the country, by using technology. Prevention or mitigation of Fraud in motor insurance by using technology. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• Participants of Bima Manthan 2022 will get an opportunity to present their innovative solutions to eminent juries and win prizes. It will also provide an opportunity for the Winner to directly enter into the IRDA Regulatory Sandbox regime. Present demo to Insurers or Intermediaries and other Stakeholders. Collaborate with Insurer on the winning project or platform. Winner of the Bima Manthan 2022 will receive Rs 20 Lakh, 1st Runner-up will get Rs 15 lakh while 2nd Runner-up will get Rs 10 Lakh. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• Jal Jeevan mission is being run by the central government with the aim of providing potable tap water supply to every rural household by 2024. Over 52% rural households in India are now getting tap water which was just 17% in August 2019. It was launched on August 15, 2019. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Har Ghar Jal Utsav, which is being organized in Goa, on August 19, 2022. Har Ghar Jal Utsav is being held under Jal Jeevan Mission. On this occasion, a QR code payment system for water bills will also be inaugurated. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• Goa is the first Har Ghar Jal Certified State. Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu are first Union Territory in India to achieve 100% har ghar jal certification. Across the State of Goa and both the Union Territories, all the villages have declared themselves as Har Ghar Jal villages. It was declared using a resolution passed by the Gram Sabha. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated and addressed the “National Security Strategies Conference 2022”. During the conference, union minister highlighted the importance of having a robust human intelligence to fight terrorism. Conference is being attended by 600 officers from India, in virtual and physical modes.On the first day, officers held discussions on different subjects of national security including counter-terrorism, radicalisation, counter rogue drone technology, issues related to crypto currencies, challenges of Maoist outfits. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) was inaugurated on August 16, 2022 by Amit Shah. NAFIS has been developed by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This System will help in disposal of cases in an easy and quick manner by using a centralized fingerprint database. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is an Indian government agency, under the parent head of Ministry of Home Affairs. It collects and analyzes crime data in accordance with the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL). It is headquartered in New Delhi. Ramphal Pawar (IPS) is the Director of NCRB. Hence, statement 3 is  not correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has successfully completed 5 years. This scheme was initiated in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first flight under UDAN on April 27, 2017. The scheme aims to connect small and medium cities with big cities through air service. In the five years, the scheme has benefited more than 1 crore passengers till August 4, 2022. In 2014, there were just 74 operational airports in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• The number has now increased to 141 by now. 68 underserved or unserved destinations, including 58 Airports, 8 Heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under UDAN Scheme, as of now. In the next four years, the government is expecting to add more than 40 crore travelers in India. As of now, 954 routes have already been provided to connect 156 airports under UDAN. It also seeks to provide economically viable, affordable and profitable air travel to common man across regional routes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It has been implemented in five phases till date:

1. UDAN 1.0: 36 new airports were made operational. 128 flight routes to 70 airports were awarded to 5 airlines companies.
2. UDAN 2.0: It connected helipads for the first time. In 2018, 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced.
3. UDAN 3.0: It included tourism routes, seaplanes to connect Water Aerodromes and brought routes in the North-East region under UDAN.
4. UDAN 4.0: In 2020, 78 new routes were approved. In this phase, Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep will also be connected by the new routes.
5. UDAN 4.1: Its focus is on connecting smaller airports, special helicopter and seaplane routes under UDAN. New routes have also been proposed under Sagarmala Seaplane services. 

• It aims to connect unserved and underserved airports of India by reviving existing air-strips and airports. It will be operational in 10 years. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• On August 17, 2022, Health Effects Institute (HEI) released “Air Quality and Health in Cities” on air quality. As per report, the biggest cities and urban areas of the world are witnessing the worst air quality on the Earth. The report includes a comprehensive and detailed analysis of air pollution and global health effects for over 7,000 cities worldwide. It is focused on two harmful pollutants viz., fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• By 2050, around 68% of the world’s population is likely to live in urban areas. Due to rapid urbanization, it would be challenging for top cities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to reduce the health effects of air pollution. Exposure to fine particulate or PM2.0 pollution is higher in cities across low- and middle-income countries. On the other hand, exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is high in cities across high-income as well. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The report also underlines the data gaps across low- and middle-income nations, which is a significant factor of understanding and countering health effects of air pollution. According to a report, Burning of fuels often in older vehicles, industrial facilities, power plants and residential cooking & heating are responsible for NO2 in the environment. In 2019, 86% of over 7,000 cities in this report account for more NO2, as opposed to WHO’s guideline of 10 Ig/m3. It impacts around 2.6 billion people. Hence, statement 3 is correct.  

EXPLANATION:

• In order to steer the collaboration between industry and research institutes in implementing technology-based social impact innovations and solutions in India, the government launched the “Manthan Platform” on August 16, 2022.
• The Manthan Platform; Promises to expand the government's efforts of building and nurturing industry participation in R&D. It is also the evidence of the government's commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is a global technology enterprise offering a range of digital, automation, cybersecurity, data analytics, and technology-enabled services. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• Platform will help in escalating the interactions among stakeholders, sharing challenges in emerging technologies & scientific interventions and facilitating research & innovation. It will also provide a necessary center to transform India through innovative ideas, public-private-academia collaboration and inventive minds with the objective of achieving India’s sustainability goals. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The launch of Manthan Platform also commemorates India’s 75 years of independence and provides an opportunity to bring Indian and world’s communities nearer to India’s technology revolution. It will facilitate knowledge transfers and interactions via information exchange sessions, events and exhibitions to develop a framework for future science, technology and innovation-led growth. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Army successfully test-fired the Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). Missiles were test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, at KK Ranges in Maharashtra. ATGMs precisely and successfully hit the target and destroyed them at two different ranges. Satisfactory flight performance was recorded on Telemetry systems, for the missiles. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• The all-indigenous Laser Guided ATGM comprises a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead. This warhead defeated the Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) protected armored vehicles.. An ATGM is a guided missile that has been designed to hit and destroy heavily armored military vehicles. Size of the missile ranges from ‘shoulder-launched weapons’ to ‘large tripod-mounted weapons’ to Vehicle & aircraft mounted missile systems. Shoulder-launched weapons can be transported on a single soldier. On the other hand, tripod-mounted weapons need a squad or team to transport and fire. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The developed ATGM has the capability of multi-platform launch. It is presently undergoing technical evaluation trials from the 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun. Arjun is a third-generation main battle tank that has been developed for the Indian Army, by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of DRDO. Its design was completed in 1996 and entered service with the Indian Army in 2004. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• The 106-year-old astronomical observatory at the Langat Singh College, Muzaffarpur in Bihar has been added to UNESCO World heritage observatories list. This observatory is the first of its kind in eastern part of India. The Astronomical Observatory in Muzaffarpur was established in 1916 to give detailed astronomical knowledge to students. The condition of the planetarium as well as the astronomical observatory started deteriorating after 1970. Most of the installed machines have either been lost or become junk. No steps were taken for its restoration. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• In India, there are 40 World Heritage Sites, making it the country with the 6th largest number of World Heritage Sites. It includes 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed site. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is also included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, constructed by king Sawai Jai Singh II. It also features the largest stone sundial of the world. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. UNESCO was founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations's International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. Its constitution establishes the agency's goals, governing structure, and operating framework. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognised over 75,000 start-ups. This milestone has been achieved at the time when India is celebrating 75th year of Independence and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Start-up ecosystem in India is picking up through innovation, enthusiasm, and entrepreneurial spirit. On August 15, 2015 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visualized a new India that uses the entrepreneurial potential of its citizens. On January 16, 2016, a program was started to put forward an action plan for building a strong start-up ecosystem in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• January 16 is now celebrated as the National Start-up Day. 6 years later, those action plans have successfully made India the 3rd largest ecosystem. Initial 10000 start-ups were recognized in some 808 days. But the latest thousand start-ups were recognized in just 156 days. As per reports, over 80 Start-ups are being recognized every day. It is the highest rate worldwide. Of the total recognized start-ups, 12% belong to IT services, 9% to Healthcare & Life Sciences, 5% to professional & commercial services, 7% to education, and 5% to agriculture. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Start-up India Program was launched by the government to provide an enabling environment for start-ups. This program has become a launchpad for those start-ups. Under this program, the government provides funds to tax incentives, support intellectual property rights in a bid to ease public procurement, and enables regulatory reforms to get access to the international fest & events. Thus, the program has become synonymous with sustainable economic growth. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch its smallest commercial rocket ‘Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)’ carrying ‘AzaadiSAT’, on August 7, 2022. It will be launched  to unfurl the Tricolor in space, from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. This spacecraft will be launched as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on August 15, 2018, to unfurl the Tricolor in Space to celebrate India’s 75th year of Independence. To mark India’s celebrations of ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, SSLV will carry a co-passenger satellite called ‘AzaadiSAT’. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• It was specifically conceptualized for the celebration of 75th Independence Day. It will encourage scientific temper and create opportunities for young girls to opt for ‘space research’ as their career. AzaadiSAT comprises 75 payloads. These payloads have been built by 750 young girl students from 75 rural government schools of India.  Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• ISRO will use a ground system developed by Space Kidz India, to establish telemetry and communication with AzadiSAT in orbit. It is the result of ISRO pushing for girls to go for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)”. It is an 8-kilogram CubeSat. Each of the 75 payloads weigh about 50 grams. The mission will conduct femto-experiments. AzadiSAT also consists of a solid-state PIN diode-based radiation counter, that will measure the ionizing radiation in its orbit, as well as a long-range transponder. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION:

• World’s largest floating Solar Power Plant will be constructed in Madhya Pradesh. It is aimed at boosting power generation capacity in the state and addressing electricity problems in the central region. The floating solar power plant will be constructed in Khandwa. It will generate 600-Megawatt power by 2022-23. This project is estimated to be worth Rs. 3000 crores. Khandwa district will become the only district in state to house thermal power station, hydel power plant as well as solar power plant. Solar power plant will be built on Narmada River, near Omkareshwar Dam. Hence, statement 1 is  not correct. 
• As of now, the Ramagundam Floating Solar PV project in Telangana is the largest project in the country. It has the capacity to generate 100 MW of energy. Commercial operation for the project was started on July 1, 2022.  This project was commissioned by NTPC. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• Floating Solar Panels are Photovoltaic (PV) modules that are mounted on platforms floating off lakes, water reservoirs, etc. These modules are secured on calm water bodies like ponds, lakes or reservoirs. Installation for the module is relatively quick. These plants are silent to run. They don’t require land leveling or vegetation removal. Hence, statement 3 is correct.