Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 18 to 23 December, 2023

EXPLANATION:

NASA is preparing for an in-depth exploration of Earth's atmosphere through the upcoming Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission, set to launch in early 2024. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.

About PACE Mission:

The mission's focus is on utilizing advanced polarimeters to investigate the complex interactions among light, aerosols, and clouds, contributing to a more profound understanding of their impact on air quality and climate.

• The PACE mission goes beyond aerosol analysis and extends its scope to study the color of the ocean.
• The primary science instrument for PACE is the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI), designed to measure the ocean's color across a spectrum from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.
• The mission incorporates two polarimeters: the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2). These instruments work collaboratively, offering complementary spectral and angular sampling, polarimetric accuracy, and spatial coverage.
• The combination of OCI, SPEXone, and HARP2 aims to enhance atmospheric correction and provide a comprehensive range of aerosol and cloud science data beyond what the OCI alone could achieve.
• The synergistic payload of OCI, SPEXone, and HARP2 is poised to make significant breakthroughs in aerosol-cloud-ocean research. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

What are Aerosols?

Aerosols encompass tiny particles such as smoke, dust, and pollutants. Despite their inconspicuous appearance, these particles play a crucial role in influencing climate dynamics. Aerosols absorb and scatter sunlight, ultimately determining the amount of solar energy reaching Earth's surface.

EXPLANATION:

• Berhampur University researchers in Odisha have discovered a novel marine amphipod species, Demaorchestia alanensis, in Chilika Lake, significantly contributing to global marine biodiversity.
• This revelation expands the Demaorchestia (Senticaudata, Talitridae) genus's global species count to six, underscoring the region's rich marine diversity. The newfound species, characterized by its white color and measuring under 15 millimeters in length, boasts 13 pairs of legs serving various functions.
• Distinguished from similar species by the presence of two to three hair-like structures on the front edge of the gnathopod's propodus (limb), Demaorchestia alanensis belongs to the subfamily Platorchestiinae, commonly found along the Indian coast.
• Amphipods, serving as indicators for climate change impact and coastal ecosystem health, play a crucial role in environmental monitoring. Previously considered one of the oldest amphipod groups, the Talitridae family was believed to have existed since the Jurassic age. Thus, option (c) is correct.

EXPLANATION:

On December 11, 2023, during the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28), leaders from Kenya, Colombia, and France revealed the Global Expert Review on Debt, Nature, and Climate. This initiative, proposed earlier in the year at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, holds significant importance as it addresses the critical issue of debt distress intersecting with climate change. Thus, statement 1 is not correct, and statement 2 is correct.

Addressing Debt Distress in the Context of Climate Change:

• The Global Expert Review emerges as a key response to the pressing challenge of debt distress intertwined with climate change. Its origin at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris indicates a substantial step forward.

A Pivotal Step Forward:

• The introduction of the Global Expert Review signifies a pivotal advancement in tackling the complex relationship between sovereign debt and the challenges posed by climate change. Recognizing the urgency, especially for developing nations burdened by economic challenges amplified by the global pandemic, this review takes a noteworthy stride.

Independent Assessment for Climate Ambitions:

• At its core, the review aims to provide an independent assessment of how sovereign debt impacts climate ambitions. By scrutinizing the intricate connection between financial obligations and environmental goals, the initiative seeks to illuminate potential barriers and identify pathways to ensure that global climate action remains a priority.

EXPLANATION:

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2022 was recently jointly awarded to the Indian Medical Association and the Trained Nurses Association of India, representing the COVID-19 warriors in the country.

About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize:

Establishment and Purpose:

• Instituted in 1986, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, instituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, is dedicated to the memory of the former Indian Prime Minister. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• The award aims to recognize and honor individuals or organizations contributing to international peace and development. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Recognition and Reward:

• The prize includes a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees and a citation.  Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• It serves as a tribute to those who actively work towards the promotion of peace, the responsible use of scientific advancements, and the establishment of a new global economic order.

Diverse Awardees:

• Past recipients of this prestigious award encompass a diverse range of individuals and organizations:
• Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union (1987)
• UNICEF (1989)
• Jimmy Carter, former president of the US (1997)
• UN and its secretary-general Kofi Annan (2003)
• Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (2013)
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (2014)
• Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh (2017)
• Sir David Attenborough (2019)
• Pratham NGO (2021)

EXPLANATION:

• The International Debt Report (IDR) is an enduring annual publication by the World Bank, presenting external debt statistics and analysis for the 121 low- and middle-income countries that participate in the World Bank Debt Reporting System (DRS). Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• The report exclusively provides debt data for low and middle-income countries and includes comprehensive information on external debt stocks and flows, major economic aggregates, key debt ratios, and the currency composition of long-term debt for these 121 nations. It is important to note that the IDR does not encompass data on high-income countries. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Other Reports by the World Bank

The World Bank releases various reports covering a wide range of topics related to global development, economics, finance, and social issues:

• World Development Report (WDR): The World Development Report is an annual flagship publication that focuses on a specific theme related to development. Each year, the report explores a key issue, providing in-depth analysis and policy recommendations.
• Global Economic Prospects (GEP): The Global Economic Prospects report is published twice a year and provides an overview of the global economic situation, including economic growth forecasts, risks, and policy recommendations.
• Doing Business Report: The Doing Business report assesses the ease of doing business in various countries, ranking them based on factors such as starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting credit, and enforcing contracts.
• World Bank Group Annual Report: This report provides an overview of the World Bank Group's activities, projects, and financial performance over the past fiscal year.
• World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index: While not a standalone report, the Ease of Doing Business Index is a widely cited ranking that assesses the business environment in different countries based on various indicators.
• World Bank Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report: This report focuses on global poverty trends and the efforts to promote shared prosperity. It provides insights into income distribution, social mobility, and other aspects related to poverty reduction.
• Human Capital Index: The Human Capital Index assesses the health and education of a country's population, providing insights into the potential productivity of the next generation of workers.
• World Development Indicators (WDI): The World Development Indicators database provides a comprehensive compilation of relevant, high-quality, and internationally comparable statistics on global development.

EXPLANATION:

Scientists from the Department of Atomic Energy and IDRS Labs in Bengaluru have collaborated to develop Aktocyte tablets, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing this treatment.

About Aktocyte:

• Aktocyte tablets have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, particularly in pelvic cancer patients experiencing radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine). Patients treated with Aktocyte have exhibited extraordinary recovery, eliminating the necessity for surgical removal of the urinary bladder.
• These tablets, designed as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, function as regenerative nutraceuticals, immuno-modulators, and antioxidants, representing a significant advancement in cancer care.
• Notably, Aktocyte has received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of the Government of India. This regulatory clearance underscores the safety and compliance of Aktocyte tablets, providing assurance to both healthcare professionals and patients regarding their efficacy and quality. Thus, option (c) is correct.

EXPLANATION:

YUVAi Program Overview:

YUVAi is a national initiative designed to equip school students from classes 8-12 with essential AI skills across India. The program aims to empower students to become human-centric designers and users of AI, fostering an understanding of AI technology and its application in solving critical problems. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.

Collaborative Initiative:

• YUVAi is a collaborative effort between the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) and Intel India. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

Program Objectives:

Deep Understanding of AI-tech and Social Skills:

• Foster a comprehensive understanding of AI technology and instill social skills among the youth.

Development of AI-enabled Solutions:

• Enable students to develop AI-based solutions, showcasing their achievements in the field.

Empowerment for Human-centric AI Interaction:

• Empower youth to become designers and users of AI with a human-centric approach.

Key Features of YUVAi Program:

Phase 1 (Online Orientation):

• Teachers will be onboarded through self-nomination.
• Online orientation sessions will educate students on core AI concepts.
• Students can download a Certificate of Participation after completing the online orientation.
• Idea submission encouraged through 120-second video presentations on AI solutions for eight themes.
• Krishi – AI in Agriculture
• Aarogya – AI in Healthcare
• Shiksha – AI in Education
• Paryavaran – AI in Environment & Clean Energy
• Parivahan – AI in Transportation
• Grameen Vikas – AI for Rural Development
• AI for Smart Cities
• Vidhi aur Nyay – AI in Law & Justice

Phase 2 (Hands-on AI Training):

• Evaluation of the top 100 proposed AI solutions by an independent committee of experts.
• Students with innovative solutions receive apprenticeship and guidance opportunities on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
• Announcement and invitation of the most innovative AI-based solutions to a national showcase and felicitation ceremony.

Phase 3 (Felicitation):

• Top 50 shortlisted projects attend a 4-day face-to-face rapid modeling workshop.
• Mentorships, apprenticeships, and industry guidance are provided to fine-tune projects into prototypes.
• The top 10 projects selected during the workshop were showcased at a national platform with felicitation for exemplary work.

EXPLANATION:

CCPI (Climate Change Performance Index):

About:

The CCPI is an annual publication by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute, and the Climate Action Network since 2005. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

Scope:

It serves as an independent monitoring tool, assessing the climate protection performance of 59 countries and the European Union. These entities collectively contribute over 92% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Aim:

The CCPI aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics, facilitating the comparison of climate protection efforts and progress at the individual country level.

Criteria:

The CCPI evaluates countries based on four categories, each with 14 indicators: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall score), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%). Thus, statement 2 is correct.

CCPI 2023: Overall Performance (Country-wise):

• No country achieved an overall very high rating in all index categories, resulting in the first three overall positions remaining vacant.
• Denmark, Sweden, Chile, and Morocco secured the top four positions, surpassing India, which ranked 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th, respectively.
• India, as the only G-20 country in the top 10, outperformed the United Kingdom, which ranked 11th.
• China ranked 51st, receiving an overall very low rating, while the United States rose three ranks to 52nd, still holding an overall very low rating.
• The Islamic Republic of Iran ranked 63rd, placing it last in the CCPI 2023.

India’s Status:

• Performance: India secured 7th position among the countries globally and stands as the best performer among G20 nations. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• India received high ratings in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories but scored medium in Climate Policy and Renewable Energy.
• The country is on track to meet its 2030 emissions targets, aligning with a well-below 2°C scenario.
• However, India's renewable energy pathway is not on track to meet the 2030 target.

EXPLANATION: 

Dairy Methane Alliance: 

• The Dairy Methane Alliance is a global initiative committed to reducing and accounting for methane emissions originating from the dairy sector. Recognizing the significant impact of methane on climate change, the alliance aims to address this environmental concern through transparent actions and collaborative efforts. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• The Alliance was launched at the COP28 summit in Dubai. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

Key Points:

Methane's Climate Impact:

• Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, possesses 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in the first two decades after entering the atmosphere.
• Agriculture contributes nearly 40% of human-caused methane emissions, with livestock being the primary source.

Alliance Commitments:

• The alliance comprises six major dairy companies, namely Danone, Bel Group, General Mills, Lactalis USA, Kraft Heinz, and Nestle.  Thus, statement 3 is not correct.
• Collaborating with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), these companies commit to transparently account for and publicly disclose methane emissions within their dairy supply chains.
• By the end of 2024, the alliance aims to publish and implement a comprehensive methane action plan.

Benefits of Emission Reduction:

• The pursuit of ambitious climate action in the dairy sector promises a triple win, benefiting farmers' livelihoods, ensuring food security, and contributing to climate mitigation.
• Reduction of dairy methane emissions not only helps avoid severe climate impacts but also strengthens the resilience of dairy supply chains.

EXPLANATION:

A private Chinese company, Landscape, successfully launched the third flight of the world's first methane-fueled space rocket, named Zhuque-2. 

Key Highlights:

• The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket, powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane (methalox), marked a significant milestone in space travel technology. Thus, option (a) is correct.
• The successful flight demonstrated the feasibility of methane engines for reusable rockets, offering improved performance and lower operational costs.
• Landscape, the private Chinese company behind the achievement, had previously faced a launch failure in December but succeeded in this second attempt.
• The liftoff weight of Zhuque-2 is 216 metric tons, featuring 4 TQ-12 methalox engines in the first stage and a combination of one optimized TQ-12 and an 8 metric tonnes thrust TQ-11 engine in the second stage.
• Zhuque-2 has the capability to lift 6,000 kg of payload into a 200 km low Earth orbit and 4,000 kg into a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit.
• The rocket is part of a plan involving two rockets, with one intended to land on the moon's surface and the other to transport astronauts. This ambitious project aims to overcome technological challenges related to sending both astronauts and a moon lander probe into space.
• After completing scientific tasks and collecting moon samples, Chinese astronauts will be transported back to the orbiting spacecraft for their return to Earth.