Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 21 to 26 October, 2024

EXPLANATION: 

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Entries 18 and 19 of the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution cover adulteration of foodstuffs and other goods and drugs and poisons. These provisions empower both the central and state governments to legislate on these matters. Food fortification in India is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, which stem from the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This Act oversees food laws in India, while the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for regulating these laws and establishing science-based food standards. The 2018 regulations mandate the fortification of key staples such as maida, atta, rice, salt, milk, oil, and vanaspati. Additionally, FSSAI may require the fortification of other foods based on recommendations from states, union territories, or directives from the Government of India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India has introduced rice fortification to tackle nutritional deficiencies in children. Rice fortification involves adding micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice, with fortified rice kernels (FRKs) mixed into regular rice. This cost-effective method helps combat malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable groups. By March 2024, fortified rice achieved universal coverage in all government schemes. The next step is the extension of fortified rice supply under welfare programs until December 2028, fully funded by the central government.
• Hence the correct answer option for this question is “D”.

EXPLANATION:

• Row 1 is incorrectly matched: Pali, a classical Middle Indo-Aryan language, is the sacred language of Theravāda Buddhism and the Buddhist Pāli Canon. Scholars like Anuruddha, author of the Abhidhammattha-sangaha, and others such as Sumangala, Siddhattha, Sāriputta Thera, Mahākassapa of Dimbulagala, and Moggallana Thera made significant contributions to Pali literature. According to the Theravāda tradition, the Pali Canon initially passed down orally, was first written down in Sri Lanka in the first century BCE. Pali was the language of the people of the Mauryan Empire, which included the famous King Ashoka.
• Row  2 is correctly matched: Prakrit, a group of ancient Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent from around 300 BCE to 800 CE, evolved from Vedic Sanskrit. The term Prakrit means "natural" or "derived" in Sanskrit, contrasting with the more prestigious Sanskrit, meaning "complete" or "perfected." Prakrit's earliest stage is seen in Ashoka's inscriptions from around 260 BCE. Prominent forms include Ardhamāgadhī, linked to the ancient kingdom of Magadha, alongside Sauraseni, Maharastri, and Gandhari. Many modern languages like Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Oriya trace their roots to Prakrit. Ancient scholars such as Vararuchi, who authored the Prakrit Prakasha, Hemachandra, known for the Siddha-Hemacandra, and Vishvanatha, who wrote the Prakrita-Lakshana, made significant contributions to the study and formalization of Prakrit as a literary and linguistic tradition. 
• Row 3 is correctly matched: Marathi, a descendant of Maharashtri Prakrit, originated around the 2nd century BCE and flourished in various kingdoms in the western region of India, notably the Rashtrakutas and Yadavas. Over the centuries, Marathi has absorbed elements from Sanskrit, Kannada, and Arabic, enriching its vocabulary and literary tradition. Prominent figures in Marathi literature include Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century Varkari saint who authored the Dnyaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, and Amrutanubhav, establishing a wide readership. Mukundaraja, a 13th-century poet, contributed metaphysical works like Viveka-Siddhi and Parammruta, with most historians now dating him to the 14th century.
• Row 4 is incorrectly matched: The Assamese language originated from Old Indo-Aryan dialects around the 4th–5th century CE, likely evolving from the Kamarupi dialect of Eastern Magadhi Prakrit, although some scholars dispute this connection. Notable scholars, such as Kakati, who in 1941 suggested an Austroasiatic substrate in Assamese, and Chatterji, who in 1926 argued that the Indo-Aryan vernacular differentiated itself in Kamarupa before Bengal, have contributed to its study. Assamese was primarily used in the ancient and medieval kingdoms of Kamarupa and Ahom, which played a significant role in its development and cultural richness.
• Hoysala kingdom: The primary language of the Hoysala Empire, which ruled parts of southern India from 1000 to 1346 A.D., was Kannada, utilized for both administrative purposes and literature. The empire produced a rich body of literature in Kannada and Sanskrit, with the earliest notable Kannada writers emerging from the Hoysala court. Hence Row 4 is incorrectly matched.

EXPLANATION: 

The Theravada Abhidhamma tradition represents a systematic scholastic framework for understanding the highest teachings of Buddhism within the Theravāda school. Traditionally believed to have been taught by the Buddha, modern scholars date the texts of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka to the 3rd century BCE. Theravāda Buddhism identifies itself as vibhajjavāda, or "the teaching of analysis," reflecting the analytical method (vibhajjati) employed by the Buddha and early Buddhists to explore the nature of the self and other phenomena. The Abhidhamma literature consists of different textual layers, beginning with the earliest works found in the Pali Canon, followed by exegetical texts composed in Sri Lanka during the 5th century, and later sub-commentarial works developed in subsequent historical periods. Hence the correct answer option is “C”.

EXPLANATION: 

Western Coast Ports:

1. Lothal Port (Gujarat)

Time Period: Circa 2400 BCE – 1900 BCE
Contemporary Dynasty/Kingdom: Indus Valley Civilization
Description: Lothal is recognized as the oldest port in India, with its remains discovered in 1954 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Excavations revealed a dock, a township, a marketplace, and a mound, affirming the port's historical significance.

2. Sopara Port (Mumbai)

Time Period: Circa 3rd century BCE – 9th century CE
Contemporary Dynasty/Kingdom: Various, including the Maurya Empire and the Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Description: Sopara was an ancient port town and capital of the Aparanta region, located near modern-day Nala Sopara. It was a major trading center with connections to Mesopotamia and Eastern Africa, evidenced by relics and inscriptions found in the area.

Eastern Coast Ports:

3. Nirppeyarru (Tamil Nadu)

Time Period: Ancient times
Contemporary Dynasty/Kingdom: Ancient Tamil Kingdoms, including the Pallavas
Description: An ancient port believed to be equated with modern-day Mahabalipuram, contributing to maritime trade in its era.

4. Motupalli (Andhra Pradesh)

Time Period: Circa 11th century CE
Contemporary Dynasty/Kingdom: Kakatiya Dynasty
Description: This port served as an important trading hub during the Kakatiya dynasty, facilitating maritime commerce in Andhra Pradesh.

5. Tamralipti (West Bengal)

Time Period: Circa 4th century BCE – 8th century CE
Contemporary Dynasty/Kingdom: Maurya Empire and later the Gupta Empire
Description: Located near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and River Ganga, Tamralipti was a vital trade center frequented by traders and pilgrims. It is mentioned in the works of Greek geographer Ptolemy and Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang.

EXPLANATION:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The MPI considers multiple dimensions of poverty, such as health, education, and living standards, providing a more holistic view than just income levels. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), developed in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), measures acute poverty in over 100 developing countries using indicators of health, education, and standard of living. The MPI is released annually alongside the Human Development Index (HDI) in the Human Development Report and replaced with the Human Poverty Index.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The MPI does not solely rely on a poverty line; instead, it assesses deprivations in various dimensions and is not defined on an annual basis. Typically, the household is the unit of analysis, with deprivation determined by specific cutoffs (e.g., having an adult with six years of education). A household's deprivation score is based on the number of indicators it fails to meet and the assigned weights for those indicators. Each dimension and indicator usually carries equal weight. If a household's score exceeds a threshold (e.g., 1/3), it is considered 'multiply deprived' or 'poor.' The final MPI score combines the proportion of poor households with the average deprivation score of those households.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) employs the Alkire-Foster 'counting method' to assess poverty by considering multiple deprivations a household faces in various dimensions such as health, education, and standard of living. This method allows for a nuanced understanding of poverty beyond income levels by evaluating the intensity and incidence of deprivations. The MPI identifies households as 'poor' based on a deprivation threshold, ultimately providing a comprehensive index to measure and compare poverty across different populations.

EXPLANATION: 

Types of warfare:

Kinetic Warfare: Kinetic warfare involves the direct use of physical force and traditional military tactics to achieve objectives. It includes the deployment of weapons and combat forces that engage in actions resulting in physical destruction or injury.

Examples of Kinetic Warfare:

• Use of Naval Ships: Engaging enemy military vessels in combat or blockading enemy ports.
• Kamikaze Drones: These are drones that deliberately crash into enemy targets to cause destruction.
• Ground Forces: Infantry operations, artillery strikes, and aerial bombardments.

Non-Kinetic Warfare: Non-kinetic warfare encompasses strategies that do not rely on physical violence. It involves tactics such as psychological operations, cyber warfare, information warfare, and economic measures to achieve military objectives.

Examples of Non-Kinetic Warfare:

• Cyber Attacks: Hacking critical infrastructure to disrupt services without physical confrontation.
• Psychological Operations: Misinformation campaigns designed to influence public perception and morale.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Utilizing negotiations and alliances to prevent conflict.

Hence the correct answer option here is “D”

EXPLANATION:

• Lake Malawi (Nyasa Lake): Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, is located in the African Rift Valley. Often called the Calendar Lake due to its length of approximately 365 miles and width of 52 miles, it is primarily situated in Malawi, with borders along Mozambique to the east and Tanzania to the north. A key feature of the lake is its meromictic nature, meaning its water layers remain unmixed, resulting in oxygen-deprived deep waters. This creates distinct ecosystems, making Lake Malawi home to one of the most diverse fish populations, particularly the cichlids. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lake is celebrated for its biodiversity. Recently, the President of India visited Malawi, drawing attention to this iconic natural wonder. Hence the correct answer is ”A”
• Lake Tanganyika: Lake Tanganyika is the second-deepest and second-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, located in the Great Rift Valley. Spanning four countries (Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), it is known for its pristine waters and unique ecosystem. The lake contains several endemic species of fish, especially cichlids, and its surrounding environment supports rich biodiversity. The lake's long, narrow shape is a result of tectonic movements that created the rift.
• Lake Turkana: Lake Turkana, often referred to as the "Jade Sea" due to its striking green-blue color, is the world's largest desert lake and the most saline of Africa's Rift Valley lakes. Situated in Kenya and partly in Ethiopia, Lake Turkana is an important source of water in the arid region and is home to various species of fish, including Nile perch and tilapia. The lake has a significant archaeological importance, with fossil remains of early human ancestors found in its vicinity, contributing to our understanding of human evolution.
• Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is located between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of the smaller African Rift Valley lakes. Its unique geological feature is the presence of large quantities of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide beneath its surface, making it a source of potential energy but also posing a danger of a limnic eruption. Despite these risks, Lake Kivu supports a thriving fishing industry and is a crucial resource for the local population. The methane trapped in the lake is currently being extracted for energy production.

EXPLANATION:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The NBWL was established in 2003 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, not the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. Its role is to advise on wildlife conservation and approve projects related to protected areas, focusing on wildlife protection rather than biodiversity management under a different law.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The NBWL does not meet every month. Instead, its Standing Committee, chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, meets every three months to review proposals, particularly those concerning projects in protected areas. The NBWL plays a critical role in overseeing projects that impact wildlife habitats and help in enhancing conservation efforts.
• Statement 3 is correct: The approval of the NBWL is mandatory for any alteration in the boundaries of protected areas, such as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. This safeguard ensures that any changes to protected areas are carefully reviewed to avoid negative impacts on wildlife conservation. The NBWL has been successful in increasing wildlife populations in India, including the rhino and Asiatic cheetah, and has taken significant steps to combat illegal poaching.

EXPLANATION:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The first IMC took place from September 27-29, 2017, and was not held at Bharat Mandapam. Instead, it was conducted at a Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The event has since been held annually, showcasing advancements in telecommunications and digital technology.
• Statement 2 is correct: the India Mobile Congress aims to serve as a leading platform for industry stakeholders, including digital technology leaders and innovators. It facilitates discussions on critical issues affecting the telecom and technology sector, encouraging collaboration among businesses, regulators, and policymakers to drive growth and innovation in these fields.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The India Mobile Congress (IMC) is primarily an annual event focused on technological demonstrations and innovations in the telecommunications and digital technology sectors. It serves as a platform for private industry leaders, businesses, and policymakers to come together and discuss the future course of action for the technology ecosystem in India. While it plays a crucial role in shaping the dialogue around telecommunications and technology on a national level, it is not an international organization nor does it have any formal standing within the United Nations.

EXPLANATION:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Northeast Monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, brings significant rainfall to parts of the Deccan Peninsula during October and November. This monsoon occurs from October to December, following the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon in mid-October. It primarily impacts coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of southern Karnataka, with Tamil Nadu receiving the highest amount of rainfall.  The Northeast Monsoon plays a crucial role in replenishing water supplies in regions that receive less rain during the southwest monsoon, thus supporting agriculture and sustaining local ecosystems.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Coriolis force plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Northeast Monsoon, causing the northeast trade winds to deflect and pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This inertial force, which affects objects in motion within a rotating frame of reference, results in circulating air in the Northern Hemisphere deflecting to the right, leading to curved wind paths. During the Northeast Monsoon, these northeast winds carry moisture-laden air towards India, resulting in significant rainfall primarily impacting southeastern regions, including Tamil Nadu and parts of the eastern coast. This process is essential for replenishing water supplies in these areas and supports local agriculture.
• Hence the correct answer option is “A”. as both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.