Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 22 to 27 April 2024

EXPLANATION: 

• Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform that provides near-real-time data and tools for monitoring and managing forests worldwide. It's an initiative led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in collaboration with various partners. GFW aggregates satellite data, crowdsourced information, and other sources to comprehensively view global forest cover change, deforestation, and forest fires. Most of the data is compiled by researchers at the University of Maryland. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The platform allows users to access interactive maps, analyse forest trends, and utilise various forest monitoring tools, including forest loss alerts, fire alerts, and land use classification. GFW also provides data on forest-related topics such as biodiversity, carbon emissions, and land tenure.
• According to the latest data from the Global Forest Watch monitoring project, India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, equivalent to a 6% decrease. The GFW data reveals that India lost 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest (approximately 4.1% of the total tree cover) between 2002 and 2023. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Key finding of the data:

• • The loss of primary forests–those untouched by people and sometimes known as old-growth forests—in the tropics declined 9% in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • Deforestation globally rose by 3.2% in 2023. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Brazil topped the ranking of tropical countries with the most primary forest losses. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • From 2001 to 2022, Indian forests released 51 million tons while absorbing 141 million tons of CO2 annually. 
  • The five states in India accounted for 60 per cent of all tree cover losses between 2001 and 2023. Assam had the maximum tree cover loss, at 324,000 hectares, compared to an average of 66,600 hectares. Hence, statement 5 is correct.
  • Mizoram lost 312,000 hectares of tree cover, Arunachal Pradesh 262,000 hectares, Nagaland 259,000 hectares, and Manipur 240,000 hectares of forest cover.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, scientists have said that fossil vertebrae unearthed in Gujarat are the remains of the largest snake that ever lived, which was longer than the T-rex. The fossil has been named after Vasuki, the snake king associated with Lord Shiva. Scientists from IIT-Roorkee discovered ‘Vasuki Indicus’ in 2005, and it was recently confirmed as a giant snake. 
• The researchers discovered 27 vertebrae from the snake, some of which looked like large pythons and would not have been venomous. The snake’s length was estimated to be 11-15 metres (about 50 feet) and must have weighed 1 tonne. 
• It belonged to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family, which lived between the Upper Cretaceous and the Late Pleistocene. It lived in India more than 47 million years ago. It was a slow-moving predator catching its prey by squeezing, similar to anacondas and pythons. 

Hence, option C is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised a core group meeting on criminal justice system reforms. The focus was on finding ways to address the delay in forensic reports, areas of improvement in the prosecution system, burking of offences and simplifying language used in criminal justice system organs.
• During a core group meeting here, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, said that investigation and forensics examination should be part of the process and “not independent” of each other. The focus was on finding ways to address delays in forensic reports, areas of improvement in the prosecution system, and simplifying language used in criminal justice system organs.
• The NHRC in India is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993. Its primary function is to promote and protect human rights in the country. The NHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations, conducts inquiries, and recommends remedial measures to the government. Hence, option A is not correct.
• The President of India appoints members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) based on the recommendation of the selection committee, which consists of the Prime Minister (Chairman), Speaker of Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, and Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of  Parliament. 
• NHRC comprises a chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven deemed Members. A person who has been the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court will be a chairman. The members serve for three years or until they reach 70 years, whichever is earlier, and the President can remove them.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the WHO introduced the first Patient Safety Rights Charter at the Global Ministerial Summit to create policies for patient safety. It is the first Charter to outline patients’ rights in the context of safety.
• The Charter covers 10 patient safety rights crucial to mitigate risks and prevent unintentional harm, which include Timely, effective and appropriate care, Safe health care processes and practices, Qualified and competent health workers, Safe medical products and their safe and rational use, Safe and secure health care facilities, Dignity, respect, non-discrimination, privacy and confidentiality, Information, education and supported decision making Access medical records, To be heard and fair resolution, Patient and family engagement.
• Improving patient safety through systematic action is a global priority identified in the World Health Assembly resolution 72.6—Global Action on Patient Safety and the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030. 

Hence, option C is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• India recently delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines amidst heightened tensions between the latter and China. 
• The BrahMos missile is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. Its name is derived from the Brahmaputra River in India and the Moskva River in Russia. It's one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is nearly 3 times more than the speed of sound. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• This missile is known for its versatility and multi-platform launch capabilities. It can be launched from various platforms, such as ships, submarines, aircraft, and land-based mobile launchers. The BrahMos's versatility and speed make it a potent weapon for offensive and defensive operations. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The Brahmos missile is a two-stage missile (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) that operates on the "Fire and Forgets" principle. This means it does not require further guidance after launch. The Brahmos missile is a two-stage missile (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) that operates on the "Fire and Forgets" principle. This means it does not require further guidance after launch. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics. The new version, Euvichol-S, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is cheaper and can be made more quickly than the old version. It is the third inactivated oral vaccine. The other two vaccines are Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Cholera is a water-borne disease primarily caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It typically spreads through contaminated water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water. If not promptly treated, cholera can lead to severe dehydration and even death. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Symptoms of cholera can range from mild to severe and may include diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In some cases, rapid loss of body fluids can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and shock. Currently, 23 countries report cholera outbreaks with severe impacts in specific regions such as the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Centre government told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission of India had given it clearance to deal with Karnataka’s issue regarding financial assistance for drought management in the state. The Supreme Court was hearing the suit filed by the Karnataka government against the Union government, demanding the release of drought relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). 
• The Government of India manages the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), established under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act of 2005, to meet emergency response, relief, and rehabilitation expenses during a natural or man-made disaster.  
• NDRF is placed in the GOI’s “Public Account“ under “reserve funds not bearing interest.“ The government does not require parliamentary approval to withdraw money from this fund. Hence, option D is not correct.
• Funds for the NDRF are allocated annually in India’s Union Budget. Contributions from individuals, organisations, and foreign governments may be accepted into the fund. The National Executive Committee (NEC) within the National Disaster Management Authority is responsible for deciding the financial expenditures of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

EXPLANATION: 

• Earth Day 2024 is celebrated worldwide on April 22 to support environmental conservation efforts and remind people of their responsibility to care for our planet. World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is a globally recognised event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the sustainability of our planet. 
• Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, inspiring millions to advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability. Since then, it’s grown into a massive movement, with billions participating in events and activities worldwide. 
• Key highlights of the Earth Day 2024:

1. This year, Earth Day tackles a pressing environmental issue: plastic pollution.
2. The theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlighting the dangers plastic poses to our planet and health.
3. Millions of plastic waste are in landfills and oceans every year. This plastic pollutes our environment, harms wildlife, and even enters the food chain.
4. Investing in innovative technologies and materials to build a plastic-free world.
5. It committed to ending plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. 

• Global plastic recycling rates, particularly in developing countries, are usually poor—as low as 15%. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India generates 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily. Most of this is not recycled. Plastic remains a soil pollutant for generations if not recycled and phased out efficiently. 
• According to World Wildlife Fund research, global plastic trash production exceeds 380 million tonnes annually, substantially entering landfills, oceans, and waterways. 
• Hence, option C is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, NASA confirmed the Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn’s organic compound-rich moon Titan. The mission has a budget of $3.35 billion and a launch date of July 2028. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• NASA initially selected Dragonfly in 2019, beating out projects like the Titan Saturn System Mission, which called for using an inflatable balloon to explore the moon. Dragonfly didn’t have an easy path to final approval, though. NASA experienced a severe budget crunch from 2020 through 2022 due to the pandemic. 
• It is scheduled to launch in July 2028 and arrive in 2034. The drone should arrive on Titan in 2034 to begin a three-year mission. It will be the first mission to fly a rotorcraft on another planet and fly its entire scientific payload through a thick atmosphere like Titan. Dragonfly’s mission is to search for evidence of past, present, or future life on Titan. 
• Dragonfly is a quadcopter drone with a nominal mass of 400 to 450 kg, roughly the size of the largest Mars rovers. It flies using eight rotors attached in four pairs to outriggers mounted on the side of the body. The craft can fly at about ten m/s and reach altitudes of 4000 m. During the planned two-year mission, Dragonfly will cover several hundred kilometres.
• The hazy atmosphere on Titan will make using solar power difficult, so the rover will use a radioisotope power system like the Curiosity rover on Mars. All flights, data transmission, and most science operations will happen during the day, so the rover will have much time to recharge on Titan at night.  
• Titan is Saturn’s largest moon and the second-largest moon in the entire solar system, after Ganymede, which orbits Jupiter. Titan’s dense and calm atmosphere and low gravity make flying an ideal way to explore its various parts. It’s known for its dense atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen, and its surface features, including lakes and rivers of liquid methane and ethane. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, a report published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said floods and storms were the leading cause of casualties and economic damage in 2023, while the impact of heat waves became more severe. “Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms,” WMO chief Celeste Saulo said in a statement. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The key finding of the report: 

• • It found that Asia has been warming faster than the global average, with temperature rises in 2023 averaging nearly 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1961-90 average. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • In 2023, Asia faced the most disasters in the world. The 79 events associated with extreme weather, climate, and water-related hazards affected over 9 million people in the region and directly killed over 2,000 people. Japan experienced its hottest summer on record. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Glaciers in High-Mountain Asia have experienced accelerated mass loss over the last 40 years, significantly worsened by 2023’s record temperatures and dry conditions in the Eastern Himalayas and Tien Shan.  
  • Since 1982, the ocean around Asia has shown a warming trend, with 2023 seeing record-high sea-surface temperature anomalies in the northwest Pacific Ocean. 
  • South-west China suffered from drought because of the below-normal precipitation levels nearly every month of 2023. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • Floods and storms make up 80% of hydrometeorological hazards, with heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding in Yemen as an example. 
  • India faced severe weather impacts, including heat waves, floods, glacial outbursts, and cyclones.
  • Between April and June 2023, severe heat waves caused about 110 deaths due to heatstroke in India.
  • In 2023, floods in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India, resulted in 25 deaths and significant damage, leading to a government-declared state of emergency and the launch of rescue efforts.
  • In 2023, the Indian sub-continent witnessed six tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, slightly exceeding the average with four in the Bay of Bengal—Mocha, Hamoon, Midhili, Michaung—and two in the Arabian Sea—Biparjoy and Tej.