Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 25 to 30 September, 2023

EXPLANATION:

• Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of 32.71 square kilometers, situated along the Southern Delhi Ridge within the Aravalli hill range on the Delhi-Haryana border. It encompasses both Southern Delhi and the northern regions of Faridabad and Gurugram districts in Haryana. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The significance of the biodiversity in the Ridge stems from its connection with the Indo-Gangetic plains. It forms an integral part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor, a crucial passage originating from Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, traversing through Nuh, Faridabad, and Gurugram districts of Haryana, and terminating at Delhi Ridge. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Within this protected area lies one of the last surviving remnants of the Delhi Ridge hill range, characterized by its semi-arid forest habitat and the wildlife that depends on it. While the entire Delhi Ridge was once covered in forests, developmental activities have led to the degradation of several parts.
• Historical sites in the vicinity of the sanctuary include Suraj Kund and Anangpur Dam in Haryana, Tughlaqabad Fort and Adilabad ruins in Delhi, and the Chhatarpur Temple in Delhi.
• Numerous lakes have formed in abandoned open pit mines within and around the sanctuary. The sanctuary is contiguous to seasonal waterfalls in the Pali-Dhuaj-Kot villages of Faridabad and the sacred Mangar Bani area.
• The biodiversity within the sanctuary is rich and includes approximately 193 bird species, a diverse range of medicinal plants, over 80 butterfly species, numerous other insects, and mammals such as leopards, nilgai (blue bull), blackbuck, black-napped hare, Indian crested porcupine, small Indian civet, golden jackal, and jungle cat. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• Delhi Ridge represents the northern extension of the ancient Aravalli mountain range, originating in Gujarat near the Great Rann of Kutch. Biogeographically, it serves as an outlier of the Aravalli Mountain Range among India's protected areas.
• The sanctuary holds great potential for conservation education and nature interpretation programs. Additionally, it plays a vital role in Delhi NCR as a green lung, a carbon sink, a source of groundwater recharge, and a protective barrier against advancing aridity.
• Notable plant species in the sanctuary include butea monosperma (dhak or flame of the forest), anogeissus (dhok), Wrightia tinctoria (inderjao), Indian elm, neolamarckia cadamba (kadamba), prosopis cineraria (jaand), tinospora cordifolia (giloi), and others.

EXPLANATION:

About OSIRIS-REx:

• OSIRIS-REx is a NASA spacecraft mission with a primary objective of studying the near-Earth asteroid named Bennu. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
• The acronym OSIRIS-REx represents its mission goals, which stand for "Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer."
• The mission's primary goal is to collect a sample weighing at least 2.1 ounces (59.5 grams) from the asteroid 101955 Bennu (formerly known as 1999 RQ36) and then safely bring this sample back to Earth.
• One of the significant aims of this mission is to enhance our understanding of planetary formation, the origins of life, and the characteristics of asteroids that pose potential threats to Earth.
• OSIRIS-REx holds the distinction of being the first U.S. spacecraft to successfully collect a sample from an asteroid. It was launched on September 8, 2016, and it reached its target asteroid in 2018. The samples it collected are scheduled to return to Earth in 2023, and the mission includes an extended phase where the spacecraft will enter orbit around the near-Earth asteroid Apophis in 2029.

Key Facts about Asteroid Bennu:

• Bennu is situated approximately 200 million miles away from Earth.
• It was initially discovered by the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team in 1999.
• Categorized as a B-type asteroid, Bennu is known to contain substantial quantities of carbon and various minerals.
• An intriguing feature of Bennu is that it possesses significant empty space within its interior, estimated to be between 20-40 percent. It is believed to have formed within the first 10 million years of the solar system's existence, making it approximately 4.5 billion years old.
• Bennu's birthplace is thought to be the Main Asteroid belt, situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Its proximity to Earth is attributed to gravitational influences from other celestial bodies and the gentle push exerted on asteroids by sunlight. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

What is an Asteroid?

• An asteroid is a relatively small, rocky celestial object that orbits the Sun.
• These remnants from the early stages of our solar system's formation date back billions of years.
• While most asteroids are concentrated in the region between Mars and Jupiter, known as the asteroid belt, they can also be found in various other parts of our solar system.

EXPLANATION:

• Ephemeral plants, in botany, are characterized by having one or more generations per year, with their growth occurring during favorable periods, typically when adequate moisture is available. During unfavorable conditions, such as drought or extreme weather, these plants enter a dormant phase, relying on seeds for their survival. Some ephemeral plant species have seed coats containing growth inhibitors that require substantial water to wash away, preventing premature germination after brief rain showers.
• These plants employ various strategies to escape potential threats, including predators and adverse environmental conditions. Some ephemerals have lifecycles that are too short for herbivores to complete their life cycles, preventing the buildup of dense pest populations. Others time their growth to coincide with seasons when herbivores are scarce, reducing the risk of herbivore-related damage. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Ephemeral plants fall into different categories based on their habitat and adaptation to specific conditions. Spring ephemerals rapidly germinate and bloom in early spring to take advantage of available sunlight before larger plants form a canopy. Desert ephemerals remain dormant as seeds until favorable conditions, such as rainfall, prompt them to germinate and reproduce. Similarly, mud flat ephemerals wait for water levels to fall before initiating their lifecycle.
• These plants may only be present for a short time, but they leave behind numerous seeds that can sprout in future favorable conditions. Seeds play a crucial role in the survival and propagation of ephemeral plants, with some demonstrating the ability to detect favorable conditions for germination, such as changes in temperature or light availability. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

The Norman E. Borlaug Award:

• This award is bestowed upon outstanding scientists who are under the age of 40 and are actively involved in the fields of food and nutrition security as well as the eradication of hunger. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It serves as a tribute to the memory of Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel laureate and the chief architect of the Green Revolution.
• The award aims to honor individuals who are directly engaged in activities "in the field," which includes working at the level of food production, processing, and distribution, often collaborating with farmers, animal herders, fishers, and rural communities across various disciplines.
• The endowment for this award is provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, and it is presented annually in October in Des Moines, Iowa, by the World Food Prize Foundation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Before Swati Nayak, Previous Indian recipients of this award include Aditi Mukherji in 2012 and Mahalingam Govindaraj in 2022.

Contributions of Swati Nayak:

• Swati Nayak has introduced two significant rice varieties, namely 'Sahbhagi Dhan,' designed to thrive in hilly uplands and tolerate drought conditions, and 'BINA Dhan-11,' known for its flood tolerance. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• 'BINA Dhan-11' contains a submergence-tolerant Sub1 gene, which was identified from an indigenous landrace in Odisha.
• The Sub1 gene has been successfully incorporated into several popular high-yielding rice varieties, such as 'Samba Mahsuri,' 'Swarna,' and 'Ranjit.'
• Additionally, Swati Nayak has contributed to the development of other drought-tolerant rice varieties, including 'DRR Dhan 42' and 'DRR Dhan 44.' These varieties play a crucial role in addressing agricultural challenges related to drought and flooding.

EXPLANATION:

Key Facts About the Hoysala Temples:

• Chennakeshava Temple in Belur: Built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1116 AD to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. Belur, located on the Yagachi River, served as one of the Hoysala Empire's capitals. This star-shaped temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands as the primary temple in the Belur complex. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid: Among the largest Shiva temples constructed by the Hoysalas, this twin-shrined temple showcases intricate sculptures depicting aspects of Shiva, scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana. Halebid also features a walled complex housing three Jaina basadi (temples) from the Hoysala era and a stepped well.
• Keshava Temple of Somanathapur: A beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms: Janardhana, Keshava, and Venugopala. While the main Keshava idol is missing, the Janardhana and Venugopala idols have sustained damage.

Key Facts about Hoysala Architecture:

• These temples were constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries CE, showcasing the unique architectural and artistic brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty.
• They are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Key elements include the Mantapa, Vimana, and intricate sculptural work.
• Hoysala temples are recognized for their hybrid or vesara architectural style, incorporating elements from dravida, nagara, and Karnataka Dravida traditions. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The temples typically have multiple shrines arranged around a central pillared hall, forming star-shaped layouts.
• These temples are carved from soapstone, allowing for intricate sculptures, particularly in the deity's jewellery.  Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Hoysala Dynasty:

• The Hoysalas ruled over regions spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for more than three centuries, with Sala as the dynasty's founder.
• They initially served as feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyana (Western Chalukya Empire).
• Notable rulers included Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III.
• King Vishnuvardhana, also known as Bittideva, was a significant figure in the dynasty and converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of the saint Ramanuja.
• The Hoysala dynasty promoted religious tolerance, supporting Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

EXPLANATION: 

About the Asia Pacific Forum (APF):

• The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) was founded in 1996.
• Its secretariat is located in Sydney, Australia.
• The primary objective of the APF is to bring together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from the Asia Pacific region to collectively address human rights challenges in that area. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Initially comprising five founding members, the APF has since grown to include 26 NHRIs, consisting of 16 'A status' members, nine 'B status' members, and one member (Afghanistan) currently under suspension.
• To attain full membership in the APF, an NHRI must fully adhere to the minimum international standards defined in the Paris Principles. NHRIs that partially meet these principles are granted associate membership.  Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Paris Principles:

• The Paris Principles, also known as the 'Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions,' outline the essential criteria that NHRIs must meet to be considered credible and to operate effectively.
• These principles received endorsement from the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

APF and GANHRI:

• The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) is one of four regional networks of NHRIs affiliated with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
• The other three regional groupings of NHRIs include the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), and the Network of National Institutions in the Americas.
• Full membership in the APF aligns with GANHRI's 'A status' accreditation, while associate membership corresponds to GANHRI's 'B status' accreditation.

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):

• GANHRI serves as a global network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and is legally constituted as a nonprofit entity under Swiss law.
• APF has recently issued Delhi Declaration on Human Rights with consensus among all its members. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

White Label ATMs (WLAs):

• Definition:
  • White Label ATMs (WLAs) are Automated Teller Machines operated by non-bank entities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Eligibility for Operation:
  • Non-bank entities that are incorporated in India under the Companies Act 1956 are permitted to operate WLAs.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Approval:
  • In September 2015, the Indian government allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% in WLAs under the automatic route.
• Authorization by RBI:
  • Non-bank entities can set up WLAs in India after obtaining authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act 2007. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Minimum Net Worth Requirement:
  • Non-bank entities intending to operate WLAs must have a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore.
• Pioneer in WLA Operation:
  • Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL) became the first company authorized by the RBI to establish WLAs in India. TCPSL launched these ATMs under the brand name 'Indicash.'
• Key Features:
  • WLAs function like regular ATMs but do not offer cash deposit or cash acceptance services.
  • These ATMs lack any branding associated with specific banks.
  • They are typically deployed by Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFCs).
  • WLAs are unique in that they are not affiliated with any specific bank. These ATM operators can source cash from any scheduled bank in India, which encompasses not only commercial banks but also Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
  • This flexibility allows WLAs to provide cash withdrawal services to customers across a wide range of banks, expanding access to banking services, especially in areas where traditional bank branches might be scarce. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Financial Inclusion Objective:
  • The primary aim of White Label ATMs is to expand the geographical distribution of ATMs, contributing to enhanced financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible in diverse locations.

EXPLANATION:

Committee of Privileges:

Composition:

• The Committee of Privileges in the Lok Sabha comprises 15 members, while in the Rajya Sabha, it consists of 10 members. Hence, option (a) is correct
• The Speaker appoints these members in the Lok Sabha and by the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha.

Leadership:

• In the Rajya Sabha, the deputy chairperson of the house serves as the chairperson of the Committee of Privileges.

Powers and Functions:

• This committee is responsible for investigating matters related to breaches of the privileges of the House, its members, or any of its committees. Such matters are referred to it either by the House itself or by the Speaker/Chairman.
• It conducts a thorough examination of each case to determine whether a breach of privilege has occurred and offers suitable recommendations in its report.
• The committee also outlines the procedure that the House should follow in implementing its recommendations.
• When the House refers a question of privilege to the Committee, the report of the Committee is presented to the House by the Chairman, or in the absence of the Chairman, by any member of the Committee.
• If the Speaker refers a question of privilege to the Committee, the Committee's report is presented to the Speaker, who may make final decisions on the matter or direct that it be placed before the House for consideration.
• The Speaker/Chairman can also refer petitions related to the disqualification of a member due to defection from the Committee. In such cases, the Committee conducts a preliminary inquiry and submits a report to the Speaker/Chairman. The procedure followed by the Committee in these cases aligns with that applicable to questions of breach of privilege.

EXPLANATION:

About the Statue "Ekatmata Ki Pratima" (Statue of Oneness):

• This towering 108-foot-tall statue is dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, an influential and revered 8th-century philosopher in Hinduism.
• It stands atop Mandhata hill, situated on the banks of the Narmada river in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Significance of Omkareshwar:

• Omkareshwar is a temple town known for housing one of Lord Shiva's 12 Jyotirlingas.
• The town is now envisioned as a global center for the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

Adi Shankaracharya:

• Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Shankara, was born in 738 AD in Kaladi village, Kerala. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• He was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, a philosopher, theologian, and the foremost proponent of the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.
• Advaita Vedanta is a monistic philosophy that teaches the existence of a single reality, Brahman, with everything else being an illusion (Maya). It emphasizes that the individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman but obscured by ignorance (Avidya). The ultimate goal is to attain liberation (moksha) by realizing one's true identity as Brahman. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Adi Shankaracharya wrote commentaries on significant texts, including the Brahma-sutra, principal Upanishads, Bhagavadgita, and the Gayatri Mantra, among others.
• His most important original philosophical work is the "Upadesasahasri."
• To disseminate his teachings, Adi Shankaracharya established four Mathas (monastic institutions) in different regions of India:
  • Jyotirmath in Joshimathi, Uttarakhand.
  • Shringeri Math in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
  • Govardhan Math in Puri, Odisha.
  • Dwarka Math in Dwarka, Gujarat.

These Mathas continue to play a crucial role in preserving and propagating his philosophical legacy.

EXPLANATION:

• Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from biomass, including crop residues, plant waste, and municipal solid waste.
• India, a significant importer of oil, is actively working to bolster its biofuel production capabilities, primarily from sources like sugarcane and agricultural waste. The country has set ambitious targets, such as increasing the ethanol blending in petrol to 20% by 2025 and establishing compressed biogas (CBG) facilities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Importance of the Global Biofuels Alliance:

• The Global Biofuels Alliance is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable biofuels, particularly within the transportation sector. Its core objectives revolve around advancing markets, supporting international biofuel trade, sharing policy insights, and offering technical assistance to national biofuel programs worldwide.
• This initiative closely aligns with India's strategic goal of transitioning to alternative fuels and reducing carbon emissions. India has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2070.
• The goal of delivering gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (10% ethanol, 90% petrol) was met in June, surpassing the initial deadline of November 2022. Buoyed by this achievement, the government expedited its plan to reach a 20% ethanol blend in gasoline, moving the target up by five years to 2025. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

Delimitation:

Definition: Delimitation involves the process of establishing boundaries or limits for territorial constituencies within a country to reflect changes in population.

Composition of the Delimitation Commission: The President of India appoints the Delimitation Commission in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. The commission typically includes:

• A retired Supreme Court judge.
• The Chief Election Commissioner.
• The respective State Election Commissioners. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Independence of the Delimitation Commission: The Delimitation Commission operates without executive influence.

Finality of Commission's Orders: The Constitution mandates that the Commission's orders are absolute and cannot be contested in any court, as such disputes would indefinitely delay an election. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Modification Restriction: When the Delimitation Commission's orders are presented before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, no modifications can be made to the orders. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Objectives of Delimitation:

• To ensure equitable representation for equal segments of the population.
• To achieve an equitable distribution of geographic areas to prevent any one political party from gaining an unfair advantage in elections.
• To uphold the "One Vote One Value" principle.

Delimitation Process:

• Article 82 governs the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, while Article 170 pertains to the delimitation of constituencies within states.
• Following each Census, the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act.
• States are divided into territorial constituencies in accordance with the Delimitation Act following each Census.
• Once the Act is enacted, the Union government establishes a Delimitation Commission.
• The first delimitation exercise was undertaken by the President (assisted by the Election Commission) in 1950-51.
• The Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952.
• Delimitation Commissions have been formed four times, based on the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002.
• There was no delimitation exercise following the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.

EXPLANATION:

Importance of WHO Approval:

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted its endorsement to TrueNat, an indigenous molecular diagnostic tool for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• This endorsement holds significant importance for India due to its status as the country with the highest number of TB patients globally.

TB Statistics in India:

• As per the Global Tuberculosis Report 2019, India had 26.9 lakh TB patients in the year 2018.
• The National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination 2017-2025 reveals that TB claims the lives of an estimated 4,80,000 Indians annually, equating to over 1,400 deaths every day.
• India also faces the challenge of over a million 'missing' TB cases each year, which are either not reported or inadequately diagnosed and treated, mainly in the private healthcare sector.

About TrueNat:

• TrueNat is a TB diagnostic tool developed by Molbio Diagnostics, a company based in Goa. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• This molecular diagnostic tool utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect TB bacteria and assess drug resistance by examining specific genes present in the bacteria. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The test extracts DNA from sputum samples collected from TB patients, making it a cost-effective and easily implementable solution within primary healthcare settings.
• TrueNat's accuracy has been compared favorably to similar tests currently in use, and it has been recommended as a replacement for traditional sputum microscopy tests.