Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 23 to 28 October, 2023

EXPLANATION: 

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has granted formal approval to the organizing committee of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to introduce five additional sports to the event.
• In this noteworthy announcement, the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 will include baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Flag football and squash will make their Olympic debut in LA, while baseball/softball, cricket, and lacrosse will be reinstated to the Games.
• Baseball/softball have historically been a part of the Olympic program in several prior editions, with their most recent appearance being in Tokyo 2020. Cricket made its Olympic debut in the Paris Games of 1900, and lacrosse featured in the Olympic Games of St. Louis 1904 and London 1908. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The International Olympic Committee, a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organization comprised of dedicated volunteers, remains resolute in its commitment to fostering a better world through the transformative power of sport.

EXPLANATION: 

• • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published the 'International Migration Outlook 2023.’

• Key Findings of International Migration Outlook 2023: 

• • In 2021 and 2022, India observed the highest migration inflows to OECD countries.
  • Regarding nationalities, approximately 0.13 million Indian citizens acquired OECD country nationality in 2021.
  • Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, refugee inflows from Ukraine reached a historic high across the entire OECD, with over 10 million people either becoming internally displaced or taking refuge in the OECD region.
  • In terms of labour migration, there was a substantial increase in migration from India (+172%), Uzbekistan (+122%), and Turkey (+240%), establishing them as prominent source countries following Ukraine.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):

• The OECD is an international organization consisting of 38 countries, all of which share a commitment to democracy and market economies. 
• Established on December 14, 1960, the OECD was founded by 18 European countries, the United States, and Canada. The headquarters of the OECD is in Paris, France.
• The primary mission of the OECD is to shape policies that advance prosperity, equality, opportunity, and overall well-being for people worldwide. The organization regularly publishes economic reports, statistical databases, analyses, and global economic growth forecasts to achieve this. Thus, option (a) is correct. 

EXPLANATION: 

• The inaugural journey of India's first regional rapid train service, the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as RapidX, is poised to commence along a 17-kilometer route. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• The Delhi-Meerut RRTS project has been developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a collaborative effort between the Government of India and Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh governments. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The construction of this corridor was initiated in 2019, and the Delhi-Meerut corridor spans 82 kilometres, which will be traversed in just one hour. This extensive stretch consists of 24 stations and is expected to be completed by 2025.
• With a project cost amounting to ₹30,274 crore, the RRTS has received funding from various sources, including the Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
• Distinguished by its operational speed of 160 kilometres per hour, the RRTS differentiates itself from the traditional Metro rail, which operates at 80 kilometres per hour. Thus, statement 3 is not correct. 
• The RRTS trains have been designed with the commuter in mind, offering amenities like overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi access, and mobile and laptop charging outlets at each seat. 
• Additionally, each train will incorporate a premium class car featuring wider seats, increased legroom, and coat hangers. A vending machine facility will also be available to passengers.
• The initial phase of this new transit system, covering a 17-kilometre segment, will include stops at five key stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and the Duhai Depot. These RRTS stations will be seamlessly integrated with various metro lines, airports, and bus terminals wherever possible.

EXPLANATION: 

• Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a cotton brand of India that represents Whiteness, Softness, Purity, Lustre and Indianness.
• It is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India, trade associations, and industry stakeholders. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
  • The Cotton Corporation of India is a government-owned organisation in India operating under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Textiles. 
  • Its primary mission is to support cotton farmers and promote the cotton industry through various activities such as procurement, marketing, and distribution. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The primary goal of this initiative is to function on the principle of self-regulation, taking full responsibility for branding, traceability, and certification of Indian cotton. 
• This approach aims to bolster the competitiveness of Indian cotton in the global market while fostering a sustainable ecosystem for all parties involved.
• A QR-based certification technology will be deployed at each processing stage to ensure comprehensive traceability throughout the supply chain. 
• Additionally, a blockchain-based software platform will provide end-to-end traceability and transaction certificates.
• The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), the apex body, has been entrusted with implementing traceability, certification, and branding for "KASTURI Cotton India."

EXPLANATION: 

• Small Savings Instruments (SSIs), managed by the central government, are a collection of savings instruments designed to foster regular savings habits among citizens of all ages.
• Types of Small Savings Instruments
• Postal deposits include savings accounts, recurring deposits, time deposits of varying tenures, and the monthly income scheme (MIS).
• Savings certificates include the National Small Savings Certificate VIII (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP).
• Social security schemes:
• Public Provident Fund (PPF)
• Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)
• Mahila Samman Savings Certificate. Thus, option (c) is correct. 
• Key Characteristics:
• They offer returns that typically surpass those of bank fixed deposits.
• Additionally, they come with a sovereign guarantee and offer tax advantages.
• The interest rates on small savings schemes are adjusted quarterly.
• All funds collected through various small savings schemes are consolidated within the National Small Savings Fund.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Montreux Convention is an agreement that pertains to the Dardanelles Strait and the Bosporus Strait, also recognised as the Turkish Straits or the Black Sea Straits. These straits are the sole maritime passage connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
• According to the Montreux Convention of 1936, Turkey has authority over the Turkish Straits. In times of war, this pact grants Turkey the right to control the passage of naval warships and to block access to the straits for warships from countries involved in the conflict. Thus, option (b) is correct. 
• Merchant vessels enjoy unrestricted transit through the Turkish Straits, while the passage of war vessels is subject to specific regulations. These regulations differ based on whether these war vessels belong to the Black Sea coastal States. 
• In addition to general restrictions that apply to all, war vessels from non-littoral States are subject to specific limitations, including those concerning maximum tonnage and their stay in the Black Sea.

Additional Information: 

• The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, is an international wetland conservation and sustainable use treaty.
• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, maintaining, and terminating diplomatic relations based on consent between independent sovereign States.
• The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

EXPLANATION: 

• • Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) is a national-level organisation operating under the purview of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, primarily dedicated to the growth and promotion of tribal handicrafts and natural products.
  • Established in 1987, TRIFED was registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 1984 (now the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002). Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
  • Its principal mission is to enhance the capabilities of tribal communities, foster tribal product promotion, and establish marketing avenues that ensure fair prices for their products, thereby enhancing their sustainable income. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 

• Key Objectives:

• • Advancing the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities.
  • Serving as a facilitator and service provider to elevate production among tribal communities.
  • Offering training to enhance artistic skills with modern techniques to meet global market demands.
  • Promoting tribal art and crafts to provide a stable livelihood.
  • Identifying target groups, monitoring and assessing processes and activities, and offering input to the Ministry.
• Furthermore, TRIFED has been entrusted by the Government of India to implement its proposed Minimum Support Price Scheme for Minor Forest Produce. Thus, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION: 

• The Bannerghatta National Park is situated near Bangalore, Karnataka, within the Anekal range hills. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 

• Establishment: Founded in 1971, this area was officially designated as a national park in 1974.

• Biological Park: In 2002, a section of the park was transformed into the Bannerghatta Biological Park, marking India's first biological park featuring a fenced elephant sanctuary. In 2006, the park inaugurated India's first butterfly enclosure. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• Bannerghatta National Park is a crucial migration corridor for elephants travelling between the Eastern and Western Ghats. 
• River: The Suvarnamukhi stream meanders through the park, serving as a vital water source for its inhabitants. 

• Vegetation: The park boasts three distinct types of vegetation, namely Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.

• Flora: Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, and many more.

Fauna: The park provides a habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, Tigers, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Leopards, Wild dogs, Wild pigs, Sloth bears, Common mongooses, Pangolins, Slender lorises, Black-naped hares, and numerous other species.

EXPLANATION: 

• Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), often called 'One Nation, One Student ID,' represents an Education Ecosystem Registry, essentially an 'EduLocker.' Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• Under APAAR, every student, from pre-primary to higher education, will be assigned a unique identification number, supplementing their existing Aadhaar ID. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• The process begins with the student's enrollment in APAAR, during which their identity is verified using their Aadhaar ID or officially recognised documents. Subsequently, a distinct identification number is generated for each student.

• Benefits of APAAR:
• It offers a lifelong student ID for tracking academic progress and achievements.
• Students can digitally store and access their exam results, co-curricular achievements, and more.
• This system streamlines the admission process when students switch schools.
• It aids authorities, educational boards, and institutions in monitoring student performance and assessing educational policies.
• It also helps government agencies keep track of dropout rates.

• Privacy:
• Schools handle the enrollment process with parental consent.
• Data is shared with government agencies only when necessary. 
• All student data is stored in a centralized District Information for Education portal. Thus, statement 3 is correct. 

EXPLANATION: 

• Microalgae are minute, unicellular algae typically found in both freshwater and marine environments. They can exist individually or in chains or groups and come in various types, including green algae, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. 
• Their sizes vary, ranging from a few micrometers to several hundred micrometres, and their colour is determined by their predominant pigments, classifying them as green, red, or brown. Unlike higher plants, microalgae lack roots, stems, and leaves.
• Most microalgae are photosynthetic due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments. However, some are heterotrophic and rely on other organisms for nutrition. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 

• Importance of Microalgae:
• They serve as the foundation of the aquatic food chain, providing vital nutrients for zooplankton, small fish, and other aquatic life. Filter-feeding organisms heavily depend on them.
• Photosynthetic microalgae play a crucial role in the global carbon and oxygen cycles by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This process helps mitigate climate change and contributes significantly to oxygen generation, accounting for about half of atmospheric oxygen production.
• Microalgae can form symbiotic relationships, such as living within coral tissues (zooxanthellae) and providing nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Some microalgae species, e.g., Nostoc, Anabaena, and Oscillatoria, can fix nitrogen.
• They are nutrient-rich and can serve as a food source for humans, with examples like Spirulina and Chlorella often consumed as dietary supplements.

• Macroalgae
• Macroalgae, commonly known as seaweeds, are marine plants that photosynthesize but reproduce without flowers. 
• Unlike microalgae, they are visible to the naked eye and typically grow attached to the seabed or reef substrate. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• They are significant components of reef ecosystems, offering food and shelter to various species and playing a vital role in nutrient cycling.

EXPLANATION: 

• The "Meri Maati, Mera Desh" (My Soil, My Country) campaign, which commenced on August 9, 2023, serves as the concluding event of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' 
• This ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ pays homage to the brave heroes and heroines who sacrificed for our nation. 
• The Ministry of Culture has organised the "Meri Maati, Mera Desh" campaign. Thus, option (b) is correct. 
• The campaign encompasses various activities and ceremonies conducted at various levels, spanning Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local Body, State, and National levels.
• Key Highlights:
• Soil from villages across India will be gathered at the block level and transported to the Capital. Volunteers from each block will converge at Kartavya Path as part of this endeavour.
• The collected soil will be utilised to create the 'Amrit Vatika,' a special garden in Delhi, along with a memorial for the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.'
• During the campaign, the Honorable Prime Minister will administer the Panch Pran pledge to the dedicated volunteers.

EXPLANATION: 

• The PM SHRI (Prime Minister's School for Rising India) scheme aims to transform existing government schools into model institutions that provide high-quality education within an inclusive and joyful environment. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• With a total project cost of 27,360 crore over five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27, the scheme is set to enhance nearly 14,500 schools nationwide. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• These model schools will embody the National Education Policy 2020 principles and serve as mentors for neighbouring institutions. Thus, statement 3 is correct. 
• To gauge their progress and performance, a 'School Quality Assessment Framework' is under development.

• Key features of the scheme:
• Establishment of 'Green schools' equipped with environmentally friendly amenities such as solar panels, LED lights, nutrition gardens, and waste management systems. 
• Modern facilities, including information and communication technologies (ICT), smart classrooms, libraries, digital libraries, science and vocational labs, and resources like science and math kits. 
• Promotion of mother tongues and local languages