Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 16 to 21 October, 2023

EXPLANATION: 

• The Government of India has established Gallantry Awards to recognise acts of bravery and sacrifice performed by officers, Armed Forces personnel, lawfully constituted Forces, and civilians. 
• These awards are announced biannually, with one set of announcements coinciding with Republic Day and the other with Independence Day. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• Initially, three gallantry awards—Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra—were instituted on January 26, 1950. 
• Subsequently, in 1952, three more gallantry awards—Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and Ashoka Chakra Class-III—were introduced. 
• In 1967, these awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, respectively. 
• The order of precedence for these awards is as follows: Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.
• It is essential to note that all gallantry awards may be conferred posthumously to honour individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Indian rhino, is the largest among the rhino family. 
• India stands as the primary region for the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, harbouring the highest population in the world. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Today, there are approximately 2,600 Indian rhinos in India, with more than 90% of this population concentrated within Assam's Kaziranga National Park.
• Habitat:

• • The range of this species is confined to relatively small habitats in the Indo-Nepal terai, northern West Bengal, and Assam. 
  • Assam: Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, and Manas National Park 
  • West Bengal: Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park 
  • Uttar Pradesh: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 

• Threats:
  • The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros' survival is endangered by many factors, including poaching for their valuable horns, habitat loss, population density issues, and diminishing genetic diversity.

• Protection Status:

• • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. 
  • CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Classified under Schedule I. Thus, statement 3 is not correct

EXPLANATION: 

• NexCAR19 is an indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy focusing on CD19, a critical biomarker for B lymphocytes. 
• This makes it an ideal target for immunotherapies designed to combat leukaemia. 
• NexCAR19 is the culmination of a collaborative effort spanning over a decade, involving the combined expertise of IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).

CAR T-cell therapy

• CAR T-cell therapy is a highly advanced form of cancer treatment. Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which involve mass-produced medications, CAR T-cell therapy utilises a patient’s cells. 
• These cells are modified in a lab to activate T-cells, a type of immune cell, to target and attack tumours.
• These modified cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream after being prepared to multiply more effectively.
• These cells are even more precise than targeted agents and directly stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight cancer, making the treatment exceptionally effective. They are frequently called “living drugs.” Thus, option (b) is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) is a statutory body formed under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• AERA's primary responsibility is to oversee pricing and fees for aeronautical services at major airports, including air traffic management, aircraft landing and parking, and ground handling. Major airports have annual passenger traffic exceeding 35 lakh passengers. 
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) determines tariffs at other airports. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Functions: 

• • AERA is an independent economic regulator that ensures fair competition among major airports, encourages investment and regulates tariffs. 
  • Its creation aimed to establish transparent rules protecting service providers and consumers.

• Historical Background:

• • Initially, most Indian airports were government-owned. In 1997, the Airport Infrastructure Policy allowed private sector involvement to enhance airport quality and competition.
  • As a dual operator and regulator, AAI faced conflicts of interest, necessitating an independent tariff regulator.
  • The Naresh Chandra Committee recommended creating an independent regulatory authority. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Article 136 of the Indian Constitution gives the Supreme Court extraordinary authority to grant a Special Leave Petition (SLP). This allows the Court to grant special leave to appeal regarding judgments, orders, or decrees issued by any court or tribunal in India, excluding military tribunals and court martial. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• This authority is exercised when substantial legal issues or significant injustices arise, including interim orders.
• However, the Supreme Court holds discretion in granting or denying SLPs, which is not an absolute right.
• Any party affected by a judgment, order, or the denial of a certificate for appeal to the Supreme Court can file an SLP for civil, criminal, or other matters.
• SLPs can be filed within 90 days of a High Court judgment or 60 days if the High Court denies a fitness certificate for appeal to the Supreme Court. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• SLP Filing Procedure: 

• • An SLP should provide all pertinent facts, focusing on permissible grounds. An Advocate-on-Record should sign it.
  • The petitioner must confirm in the SLP that no similar petition has been filed in a High Court.
  • The Supreme Court will hear the petitioner and, based on the case's merits, allow the opposing party to respond with a counter affidavit.
  • After the hearing, the Court will decide whether the case merits further consideration or should be rejected.

EXPLANATION: 

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global alliance launched by India in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• The alliance aims to conserve the world's seven principal big cats, including the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, jaguar, puma, and cheetah.
• India is home to five of the seven principal big cat species: the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, and the recently reintroduced cheetah. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Membership: 
• • The IBCA welcomes 97 'range' countries with these big cats' natural habitats and other interested nations and organizations.
  • It offers a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise and supporting conservation efforts in potential habitats.

• Activities: 

• • IBCA's initiatives include advocacy, partnerships, a knowledge-sharing e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, expert group collaborations, and financial resource exploration. 
  • It also supports existing species-specific inter-governmental platforms for conservation.

• Funding: 

• • For the first five years, India will provide $100 million in 'total grant assistance'. 
  • Afterward, the IBCA aims to sustain itself through membership fees, institution contributions, and private-sector involvement. Thus, statement 3 is correct. 

• Governance: 

• • The governance structure consists of a General Assembly representing member countries, a Council with a term of five years, and a Secretariat. 
  • The General Assembly appoints the IBCA Secretary-General based on Council recommendations.

EXPLANATION:

• The "Continuously Operating Reference Stations" (CORS) Network provides precise location-based services, offering real-time centimetre-level positioning services. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• These stations are operated by the Survey of India, which has established more than 1,000 CORS stations across India. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• The CORS network ensures Real-Time Positioning Service through real-time kinematics, achieving an accuracy of ±3cm. This network operates 24/7 throughout the year.
• Significance of CORS stations: 

• • CORS-based precision services will significantly enhance auto navigation and machine control applications in the Agriculture, Mining, Construction, Transport, and Civil Aviation sectors. 
  • It will usher in new realms of innovation and research, fostering a Geospatial-based ecosystem in these sectors. 
  • CORS data will also facilitate scientific studies in Upper Atmosphere and Space Weather, Meteorology, Weather Forecasting, Plate Motion, Tectonic Studies, Seismology, and Hydrology.

• The Survey of India: 

• • The Survey of India operates as the National Survey and Mapping Organization of India under the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology. 
  • It holds the distinction of being India's oldest scientific department, established in 1767.
  • It plays a crucial role as the nation's Principal Mapping Agency, responsible for comprehensively exploring and mapping the country's territory. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• White goods 
• • White goods encompass large household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines, which, while initially only available in white, are now offered in various colours. 
  • These appliances are renowned for their durability. Notably, "white goods" can also refer to white fabrics like curtains or towels. 
  • "White goods" denote colourless spirits like vodka in the beverage industry. Thus, pair 1 is correctly matched. 

• Brown goods

• • Brown goods, conversely, encompass lighter electronic consumer durables, including computers, televisions, and radios, primarily focusing on entertainment and communication. 
  • These products frequently incorporate electronic components designed for audio, video, or data-related services. Thus, pair 2 is correctly matched. 
• Green goods 
  • Green goods refer to environmentally friendly products that minimise environmental impact. 
  • Examples include energy-efficient appliances, rechargeable batteries, hybrid vehicles, and sustainable building materials. Thus, pair 3 is correctly matched. 
• Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
  • FMCGs are low-cost consumer products that are rapidly sold in high volumes. This category includes items like food, toiletries, and cleaning products. Thus, pair 4 is not correctly matched.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Prime Minister recently presided over a high-level gathering to assess the progress in creating 2 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' in India. 
• The Prime Minister introduced the Lakhpati Didi Initiative during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Objective: The primary goal of this initiative is to inspire women to establish micro-enterprises within their respective villages. 
• Target: The government aims to train two crore women under this initiative. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Approach: The program focuses on training women in self-help groups (SHGs), enabling them to generate a sustainable annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh per household. 
• Implementation: 
  • The Lakhpati Didi initiative is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). 
  • It encourages each SHG household to engage in various livelihood activities, complemented by value chain enhancements, ultimately leading to an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more. 
• Skills Training: As part of this scheme, women will receive training in various skills, including plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, drone operation and repair, as well as tailoring and weaving. 
• Income Opportunities: Upon completing their training, women will be presented with income-generating opportunities utilising their newly acquired skills. 
• Holistic Approach: The Ministry of Rural Development (Nodal Ministry) is adopting a comprehensive, cross-government approach to significantly impact and transform the rural economy by empowering 'Lakhpati Didis.'

EXPLANATION:

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 1997, comprising nations around the Indian Ocean.
• Membership: 
• • IORA includes member states from various regions, including Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. 
  • The association consists of 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners.

• Member Countries from various continents:

• • Asia: India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
  • Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles.
  • Oceania: Australia.
  • Europe: France. Thus, option (c) is correct. 
• Council of Foreign Ministers (COM): IORA's highest authority is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM), which convenes annually to discuss matters of importance.
• Priority Areas: IORA has identified six priority areas for its focus, including Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, and Blue Economy.
• Secretariat: The IORA Secretariat is located in Ebène, Mauritius, and is led by a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term.

EXPLANATION:

• The President's Colours Award is the most esteemed accolade for any military unit, military training establishment, or state/UT Police Force in India. In Hindi, it is known as "Rashtrapati ka Nishaan."  
• This prestigious recognition is granted in appreciation of the extraordinary service rendered to the nation during peace and periods of conflict. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• Historical Background: 
  • This tradition traces its origins back to the era of colonial rule. However, a significant transformation occurred on November 23, 1950, when the 'king's colour' of the former British Indian regiments was symbolically retired in a ceremony held at Chetwode Hall in Dehradun. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
  • This marked the commencement of the 'colours' of the President of the Republic of India.
  • The Indian Navy made history by becoming the first Indian Armed Force to receive the President's Colour. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was honoured to award it on May 27, 1951.
• Description of the Award: 
  • The President's Colours is a distinctive flag, often called 'Nishaan,' presented to a military unit during a meticulously organised ceremony.
  • This flag is characterised by a golden border encircling the central emblem, representing the specific military unit, training establishment, or police force receiving the honour.  Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Hemochromatosis is a hereditary condition characterised by a gradual buildup of iron levels in the body over many years. This health condition falls into two primary categories:
• Hereditary Hemochromatosis: 
  • This type is associated with a mutation in the HFE gene, causing individuals to be homozygous for the C282Y variant. 
  • This genetic variation leads to excessive iron absorption in the intestines, resulting in a lifelong struggle to manage iron levels.
• Secondary Hemochromatosis: 
  • Typically, this condition is triggered by external factors such as frequent blood transfusions, excessive iron supplementation, or certain medical conditions. 
  • Iron accumulation in secondary hemochromatosis often occurs more rapidly and can similarly impact organ function.
• Symptoms of hemochromatosis generally emerge between the ages of 30 and 60 and may include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and joint pain, among others.
• The standard treatment for primary hemochromatosis is phlebotomy, which reduces iron toxicity by removing red blood cells, the primary source of excess iron in the body. Phlebotomy is typically performed once or twice a week. Thus, option (c) is correct.