Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 17 July to 22 July, 2023

EXPLANATION: 

The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) has presented evidence that human activity has caused a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. This evidence comes from the bottom sediments of Canada's Crawford Lake, which contain remnants of fossil fuel burning, nuclear weapons detonations, and the disposal of plastics and fertilizers.

What is the Anthropocene epoch?

• The Anthropocene epoch is a term coined by scientists Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer in 2000 to represent the current geological time interval marked by significant human impact on Earth's ecosystems, particularly since the Industrial Revolution.

Key Features of the Anthropocene epoch:

• The Anthropocene epoch is characterized by profound changes in the Earth's environment due to human activities. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• These changes include global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, widespread soil erosion, the emergence of severe heat waves, degradation of the biosphere, and other detrimental transformations.

Understanding Geological Time Scale (GTS):

• The Geological Time Scale (GTS) organizes Earth's evolutionary history into distinct periods based on significant events that led to major changes in its physical, chemical, and biological features.
• The GTS comprises five primary divisions: eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. Eons represent the broadest time category, while ages represent the smallest. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The geological time scale is currently maintained by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), which is part of the International Union of Geological Sciences.

Current Position in Geological Time Scale:

EXPLANATION: 

Recent headlines have highlighted the continued use of cluster munitions in Ukraine. Cluster munitions are conventional explosive devices specifically created to disperse smaller explosive submunitions weighing under 20 kilograms.They can be deployed by aircraft or launched through projectiles that scatter multiple bomblets during flight.

Cluster Munition Monitor:

• The Cluster Munition Monitor is a collaborative project of the Cluster Munition Coalition, Human Rights Watch, and Landmine Action. Thus, option (d) is correct. 
• It publishes an annual report that provides comprehensive information on the status of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, as well as on the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions.

Cluster Munition Coalition: 

• The Cluster Munition Coalition is an international civil society initiative committed to eliminating cluster munitions, reducing casualties, and putting an end to the suffering caused by these weapons.

EXPLANATION: 

India successfully launched its third Moon Mission named Chandrayaan- 3 on 14th July 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Chandrayaan-3: 

• • Chandrayaan-3, a successor to Chandrayaan 2, is a mission that aims to prove the ability to land and move safely on the lunar surface.
  • Chandrayaan-3 is a mission comprising three modules: the Lander module (LM), the Propulsion module (PM), and the Rover. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 

• Chandrayaan- 2 consisted of three components namely– Lander, Orbiter, and Rover.

• • The landing site for the mission is located at the Moon's South Pole, approximately 70 degrees South of the Equator. 
  • The rover will operate for one lunar day, which is equivalent to fourteen Earth days. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

• The GSLV-Mk3 rocket will launch Chandrayaan-3 into an Elliptic Parking Orbit (EPO) that is approximately 170 x 36500 km in size. Thus, statement 3 is correct. 

• The trajectory of the mission will follow the same path as Chandrayaan 2, with the propulsion module orbiting Earth multiple times before being slingshot towards the moon. 
• Once in orbit, the module will lower itself to a 100 x 100 km circular orbit before the lander detaches and descends to the surface. 
• The estimated travel time from launch to landing is approximately one month.

EXPLANATION: 

PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the Forever Chemicals, are a large chemical family of over 4,700 highly persistent chemicals that don’t occur in nature.

• PFAS, or forever chemicals, are highly persistent synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products.
• They have long-lasting properties, resist degradation, and can accumulate in the environment and the human body.
• PFAS contamination of water, soil, and food sources is a major concern.

• The potential health risks associated with Forever Chemicals include developmental issues, liver damage, immune system disorders, hormone disruption, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international treaty aiming to eliminate or restrict the production and use of the most toxic chemicals of global concern. 
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that exhibit long-term stability in the environment, have the ability to disperse over large geographical areas, accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms, and pose a toxic risk to both humans and wildlife.
• Currently, three sub-group of PFAS are listed in the convention: 

• • PFOS and related substances since 2009 for global restriction
  • PFOA and related substances since 2019 for global elimination 
  • PFHxS and related substances from 2022 for global elimination without exemptions. Thus, option (a) is correct. 
• India has ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006.

EXPLANATION: 

India has made remarkable progress in 415 million Indians coming out of poverty which is underscored by the latest update of the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):

• The annual global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures interlinked deprivations in health, education, and standard of living. 
• It is jointly published by the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) of the United Nations Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford. 
• The MPI focuses on factors that directly impact a person's life and well-being. It has been published since 2010.

Dimensions and Indicators:

The Global MPI uses three standard dimensions and ten indicators. These include

1. Health– Child Mortality and Nutrition
2. Education– Years of schooling and Enrollment
3. Living Standards: Water, Sanitation, Electricity, Cooking fuel, Floor and Assetts.Thus, option (b) is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

The Odisha Cabinet recently approved the inclusion of the Kui language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This significant decision is expected to bring substantial benefits to the Kandha tribe residing in the state.

• The Kui language, also known as Kandh, Khondi, Khond, or Khondo, belongs to the South-Eastern Dravidian language family. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• It is primarily spoken by the Kandha community and holds a prominent position in the linguistic landscape of Odisha. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Closely related to other Dravidian languages like Gondi and Kuvi, Kui has its historical roots and was previously referred to as the Kuinga language. 
• According to the 1991 Indian census, it ranks 29th with 941,988 registered native speakers.

Traditionally, the Kui language has been written using the Odia script, which is also employed for writing the Odia language. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Russia and Ukraine recently accused each other of planning to attack the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine. The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is located near the town of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. Thus, pair 1 is correctly matched. 
• India will establish its first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside the country in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of east Africa that united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. It is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Thus, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Odessa or Odesa is the third most populous city and municipality in Ukraine and a major seaport and transport hub located in the southwest of the country, on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea. Thus, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) has presented evidence that human activity has caused a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. This evidence comes from the bottom sediments of Canada's Crawford Lake, which contain remnants of fossil fuel burning, nuclear weapons detonations, and the disposal of plastics and fertilizers.Thus, pair 4 is correctly matched.

EXPLANATION: 

A Guinness World Record was set for the "largest display of Lambani items" as part of the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi. 

• Lambani embroidery is a complex type of textile embellishment that is characterized by colorful threads, mirror work, and stitch patterns. 
• It is practiced in several villages in Karnataka, such as Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur, and Kamalapur. Thus, option (a) is correct. 
• Sandur Lambani embroidery, a type of Lambani embroidery, was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India in 2010.

Lambani Community 

• Lambanis, also called Lambadis (elsewhere called as Banjaras), were nomadic tribes who came from Afghanistan to Rajasthan and have now spread themselves across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. 
• In the 17th century, they are believed to have assisted the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to carry goods to the southern part of India. Some of them settled there. 
• In the 18th century the British authorities framed the Criminal Tribe Act of 1871 and stopped their free movement.

EXPLANATION: 

In the recent weeks, protests against the draft delimitation proposal by some political parties have taken place in Assam.

• Delimitation, in its literal sense, entails establishing the limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies within a country or province that possesses a legislative body.

Delimitation Commission

• Article 82 of the constitution states that after each census, the allocation of seats in the House of the People to the States and the division of each State into territorial constituencies will be readjusted. The specific authority and method for this readjustment will be determined by Parliament through law. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 

Composition 

• The President of India appoints the Delimitation Commission as per the Delimitation Act passed by the Parliament. It works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. 
• It is composed of the following: 
  • A retired Supreme Court judge, who shall be the Chairperson of the Commission
  • Chief Election Commissioner of India
  • the State Election Commissioner of the concerned State. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 

Powers of Delimitation Commission

• The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India on this behalf. 
• The copies of its orders are laid before the House of the People and the State Legislative Assembly concerned, but no modifications are permissible therein by them.

EXPLANATION: 

Internationalization of the rupee refers to the process of expanding the usage of the Indian rupee in cross-border transactions. 

• The aim is to encourage the utilization of the rupee in various transactions, including import and export trade, as well as other current account activities, involving residents of India and non-residents. 
• Ultimately, the objective is to extend the use of the rupee to capital account transactions too.

Prerequisites to become an international currency:

To become an international currency, certain prerequisites must be met. These include– 

• Robust swap and forex market: A market where participants can exchange currencies and derivatives. This is essential for facilitating cross-border trade and investment.Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Full convertibility of the currency: The ability to freely buy and sell the currency without restrictions. This is necessary for the currency to be used as a reserve currency by central banks. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• Unrestricted transfer of funds across borders: The ability to move money between countries without restrictions. This allows businesses and individuals to use the currency in international transactions.Thus, statement 4 is correct. 
• Opening up of currency settlement: The ability for banks and other financial institutions to settle transactions in the currency. This makes it easier for businesses and individuals to use the currency in international trade. Thus, statement 5 is correct. 

Other factors that can contribute to the internationalization of a currency

• Stable macroeconomic environment: A stable macroeconomic environment is essential for attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth. This means that the country's economy should be growing steadily, with low inflation and interest rates.
• Strong legal framework: This is necessary to protect investors and ensure that contracts are enforced. This includes having a well-developed bankruptcy law and a fair and transparent legal system.
• Well-developed financial system: It is essential for facilitating international trade and investment. This includes having a deep and liquid foreign exchange market, a well-regulated banking system, and a vibrant capital market.

On the other hand, a low inflation rate is desirable, but it is not essential for the internationalization of a currency. Thus, statement 3 is not correct. 

• A low inflation rate can make it easier for businesses to plan for the future and make investment decisions.It can also help to protect consumers from the erosion of their purchasing power.
• However, a low inflation rate can also lead to slower economic growth, as businesses may be less willing to invest if they do not expect prices to rise in the future.

EXPLANATION: The Colombo Security Conclave was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The roadmap of activities was later expanded, with Mauritius joining as the fourth member and Bangladesh & Seychelles participating as observer countries. 

• The Conclave underlines regional cooperation and shared security objectives concerning all littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
• The Key areas of security cooperation as described in the joint statement are the five pillars of CSC—
  • Maritime Security
  • Counter-Terrorism 
  • Combating Transnational Crime
  • Cyber Security 
  • Humanitarian Assistance And Disaster Relief (HADR)

EXPLANATION: The conservation status of India’s only ape was a cause for concern at a global event on gibbons held in July 2023 ago in China. 

Hoolock Gibbon

• The Hoolock Gibbon is India's only ape species. It is a highly endangered primate that is native to the northeastern parts of the country, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Thus, option (b) is correct. 
• The Hoolock Gibbon is known for its distinctive features, including a black or dark brown coat, long arms, and a hairless face with prominent eyebrows. 
• It is considered one of the largest and most agile arboreal (tree-dwelling) primates in India.
• This species is primarily found in tropical and subtropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. 
• Hoolock Gibbons are known for their incredible brachiation skills, swinging rapidly between branches using their long arms.

Eastern Hoolock Gibbon and Western Hoolock Gibbon

• Zoologists thought there were two species of ape in northeast India: eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
• A study by Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in 2021 proved through genetic analysis that there is only one species of ape in India. The study debunked earlier research that the eastern hoolock gibbon was a separate species based on the color of its coat.
• The CCMB study concluded that two populations of the western hoolock gibbon and the assumed eastern hoolock gibbon split 1.48 million years ago.
• However,on the IUCN Red List, the western hoolock gibbon is listed as endangered and the eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable. 

Additional Information:

The first apes evolved about 25 million years ago and by 20 million years ago were a very diverse group. There are now only about 20 living species of apes and they are divided into two major groups. These are the:

• Lesser Apes: the gibbons
• Great Apes: the orang-utans, gorillas, chimpanzees and humans.