Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 18 to 23 March 2024

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 for electric mobility with a budget of Rs 500 crore set aside for the initial four months starting April 2024. This initiative comes on the heels of the conclusion of the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) program on March 31, 2024. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The scheme is designed to be inclusive, benefiting those e-2W and e-3Ws registered commercially. However, it also recognises the importance of privately or corporate-owned registered e-2W, which will also be eligible for the scheme. The scheme mandates that only vehicles equipped with advanced batteries will be eligible for incentives to promote high-quality and efficient electric vehicles. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• EMPS 2024, a monumental initiative, will provide incentives of up to Rs 10,000 per 2-wheeler and Rs 25,000 for small three-wheelers (such as e-rickshaws and e-carts). This scheme aims to support a staggering number of approximately 3.33 lakh 2-wheelers and over 41,000 small three-wheelers. Additionally, substantial financial support of up to Rs 50,000 will be available to purchase large three-wheelers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• It is an annual report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). It is based on the most recent data on methane emissions from the energy sector, measurement campaigns, incorporating new scientific studies, and satellite-collected information. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• In 2023, methane emissions from the energy sector remained high. Fossil fuel production and usage, alongside bioenergy, contributed to nearly 120 million tons of emissions, with approximately 70 per cent originating from the top ten emitting countries. Over 5 Mt of methane emissions were attributed to major fossil fuel leaks worldwide, including a significant blowout incident in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• In GMT 2024, the United States led in methane emissions from oil and gas operations, followed by Russia, while China ranked highest in the coal sector. It recommends that the world slash methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C needs an estimated investment of around US $170 billion. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The first phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed was recently inaugurated at Silkheda in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. The ART is an open-field, focused observational and analytical research programme at Silkheda. The facility aims to conduct ground-based observations of weather parameters like wind speeds, temperature, etc. and in-situ (on-site) observations of the transient synoptic systems – like low-pressure zones or areas and depressions that form in the Bay of Bengal – during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) developed it under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES); the facility will house 25 high-end meteorological instruments for studying vital cloud processes associated with the monsoons over central India’s Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ). Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• In the first phase, remote sensing-based and in-situ measurements using 25 meteorological instruments have commenced. In the second phase, ART will deploy instruments such as a radar wind profiler, balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature measuring equipment.
• MCZ is a region in India that stretches from Gujarat to West Bengal, where cropping mainly depends on rain. It is located within the monsoon trough area, which is characterized by significant rainfall, intense convective activity, and atmospheric interactions that influence the Indian monsoon system.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, a 56-year-old man from Koovappady in Ernakulam district, Kerala, has been confirmed to have Lyme disease. It is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted to humans by biting infected blacklegged ticks. The disease is named after a city in the USA where it was reported for the first time.
• When an infected tick attaches to a human and feeds on their blood, the bacterium can be transmitted to the human host. Not all black-legged ticks carry the bacteria, and Lyme disease transmission is most likely to occur if the tick has been attached for at least 36 to 48 hours. The Lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies can not transmit Lyme disease. Hence, option B is not correct.
• Lyme disease symptoms can vary widely, but they often include a characteristic "bull's-eye" rash called erythema migrans, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. Early symptoms start between 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bites the person. 
• It is prevalent globally in wooded and grassy areas, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, some parts of Asia and Europe. 
• Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms, medical history, and possible exposure to ticks. Laboratory tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, can confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for Lyme disease, with specific antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially in the early stages.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, administered the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) as part of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram Initiative.
• The Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) initiative is poised to revolutionise education and literacy nationwide. The Ministry of Education launched it.
• It aims to foster a learning foundation ecosystem that reaches every individual and reduces the gaps in basic literacy and critical life skills. It imparts primary education, digital and financial literacy and essential life skills to citizens aged 15 and above who lost the opportunity to attend school. It is being implemented through volunteerism. 
• ULLAS offers a key of features that not only foster lifelong learning and knowledge exchange but also enhance personal and professional growth. It equips participants with digital literacy skills, imparts crucial life skills like legal literacy and digital competency, and boosts citizenship awareness and empowerment. Moreover, student volunteers can earn credits, and achievements are recognised through certificates, letters of gratitude, and felicitation ceremonies. 
• The ULLAS User-Friendly Mobile Application is a digital platform that brings a vast array of learning resources right to your fingertips, all accessible via the DIKSHA portal. 

Hence, option B is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The settlement cycle, also known as the settlement period, refers to the duration between the trade date (when a transaction is initiated) and the settlement date (when the transaction is finalised and securities and funds are exchanged). It's a crucial aspect of financial markets, ensuring that trades are properly executed and settled promptly. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Capital markets regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the launch of the beta version of the T+0 settlement on an optional basis from March 28. The securities markets had so far been operating at a T+1 settlement cycle. It introduced T+1 in 2021 and implemented in phases, with the final phase completed in January 2023. The T+0 settlement cycle will now be made available as an option alongside the T+1 cycle. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• SEBI is a statutory body and a market regulator, that controls the securities market in India. The essential functions of SEBI are to protect investors' interests in securities and promote and regulate the securities market. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs consistently ranked amongst the top 10 ministries in 2023-24, with 40% citizen satisfaction in the grievance redressal assessment index (GRAI), performing well in all 15 specified indicators. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has observed that the performance of the Home Ministry would serve as a benchmark for other ministries and departments.
• The GRAI offers an organization-wise comparative picture and delivers insights regarding strengths and improvement areas in grievance redressal mechanisms. The GRAI is conceptualised and designed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
• Central ministries and departments were included in this index. It was based on a comprehensive index of efficiency, feedback, domain, and organisational commitment, corresponding to 12 indicators. Hence, statement 2 is not correct, and statement 3 is correct.
• It utilises data from the Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS). It is an online platform available to people 24x7 who want to lodge their grievances with the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the country would vote in seven phases in the Lok Sabha elections from April 19 to June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4. With this, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect. 
• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) refers to a set of guidelines and rules issued by the Election Commission of a country to regulate the behaviour of political parties, candidates, and government officials during an election period. The MCC aims to ensure free and fair elections by preventing any actions or behaviour that could unduly influence the electoral process or give certain parties or candidates an unfair advantage. The Model Code of Conduct is enforced immediately from the date of the election schedule announcement by the Election Commission of India. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• During general elections to the Lok Sabha, the code is applicable throughout the country. During general elections to the state's Legislative Assembly, the code applies to the entire State. However, during bye-elections, the Model Code of Conduct only applies to the concerned Constituency area. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Moreover, MCC also ensures that official machinery for electoral purposes is not misused. Further, it prevents malpractices, electoral offences, and corrupt practices. The origin of the MCC lies in the Assembly elections of Kerala in 1960. The MCC is not legally binding but is enforced through moral sanction or censure by the ECI. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Bugun tribe, residing near Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, has taken a significant step towards conservation by donating 1,470 hectares of forest land to the state forest department. This land donation aims to protect the Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered songbird.
• The Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve is a community-driven conservation initiative located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The reserve is a 17-square-kilometre biodiversity hotspot 40 km from the famous Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve was created in 2017 to protect biodiversity in the region. It is home to many rare and endangered species, such as the Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bug forum), the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), and various flora and fauna.

Hence, option C is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The 100 cities with the world’s worst air pollution last year were in Asia, according to a new report, with the climate crisis playing a pivotal role in bad air quality that is risking the health of billions of people worldwide. The report was released by the Swiss organisation IQAir. It included data from 7,812 locations in 134 countries, regions, and territories.
• Highlight of the report:
  • India ranks third in worst air quality globally in 2023, after Bangladesh and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains the most polluted country in the world.
  • In the report's list of the world's top 50 most polluted cities, 42 cities were in India. Begusarai was the most polluted metropolitan area of 2023, followed by Guwahati and Delhi.
  • Delhi became the capital city with the poorest air quality in the world. Delhi's PM2.5 levels worsened to 92.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
  • 96 per cent of the Indian population experiences PM2.5 levels more than seven times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.
  • 10 out of the top 11 most polluted cities in the world are from India, the other being Lahore in Pakistan. 

Hence, option A is correct.