Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 28 August to 02 September, 2023

EXPLANATION:

• The 15th BRICS summit, recently held in Johannesburg by South Africa, was particularly significant considering changes in global politics and the world economy.
• The 15th summit of BRICS has seen its membership grow from five to eleven countries, showing an apparent effort to increase its global influence. 
• Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, and Argentina have joined BRICS, which now has a broader presence across the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Their full membership will start on January 1, 2024. Thus, option (c) is correct. 

About BRICS: 

• BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is a grouping of the world's major emerging economies. 
• The BRICS countries have a combined population of over 3 billion people and a combined GDP of over US$28 trillion. They are also essential players in the global economy, accounting for a significant share of world trade and investment.
• The primary purpose of BRICS is to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation among its member countries. The group also seeks to increase its influence in the global economy and to play a more active role in international affairs.
• They have established several initiatives, such as the BRICS New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

EXPLANATION:

Recently, the Mediterranean region has been afflicted by severe heat, culminating in wildfires spanning across nine countries from Algeria to Greece. This prolonged heat wave has also had repercussions on the marine ecosystem.

• Marine heat waves have a severe impact on benthic species living at the bottom of oceans, lakes, or rivers.
• Benthic species include corals, mussels, sponges, starfish, and plants like sea grasses.
• These species are often attached to rocks or solid surfaces and cannot move when temperatures rise.
• From 2015 to 2019, mass deaths of benthic species were observed along the Mediterranean coastline.
• Posidonia oceanica, a large seagrass found only in the Mediterranean, is particularly harmed by heat.
• Jellyfish are thriving in the Mediterranean due to higher temperatures and nutrient runoff.
• Overfishing and habitat loss have reduced jellyfish predators, creating a jellyfish hotspot. Thus, option (c) is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• In a recent development, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has given his assurance to Tamil Nadu that he will establish a panel to address the state's request for the release of its designated share of Cauvery river water for the month of August.
• The Cauvery River, known as the 'Dakshi Bharat ki Ganga' or 'the Ganga of the South,' originates from Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range in Karnataka's Kodagu district at an elevation of 1,341 meters.
• It stretches for a total of 800 kilometers from its source to its endpoint. The river courses through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for 705 kilometers in a south-easterly direction, cascading down the Eastern Ghats in a series of grand waterfalls. 
• Eventually, it fans out into numerous distributaries, forming a vast delta often referred to as the "garden of southern India," before meeting the Bay of Bengal south of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.
• The Cauvery basin encompasses regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, covering an area of 81 thousand square kilometers.
• The Cauvery's left bank is fed by tributaries such as the Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, and Arkavati. 
• On the right bank, the Lakshmantirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyil, and Amaravati join the main river. Thus, option (b) is correct. 
• Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra and the Musi are the tributaries of River Krishna.

EXPLANATION:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has officially introduced the 'Green Hydrogen Standard for India'.
• The ministry has made a determination regarding green hydrogen, stating that it should not exceed two kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions per kg of hydrogen (H2) from its origin up to the point of use (well-to-gate emissions). Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• This definition applies to both methods of producing hydrogen: electrolysis-based and biomass-based.
• The notification outlines that a comprehensive approach for gauging, documenting, overseeing, physically confirming, and certifying green hydrogen and its related products will be provided by the ministry responsible for new and renewable energy.
• Nodal Authority: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), operating under the Ministry of Power, will take charge as the central body responsible for endorsing organizations to carry out monitoring, verification, and certification for projects involving the production of green hydrogen. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: 
• Earlier this year, the government inaugurated the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to generate 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually. 
• This target is linked to an associated renewable energy capacity of approximately 125 gigawatts (GW) by the year 2030.
• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT): 
• A vital financial component of this mission is the SIGHT program, which has been allocated Rs 17,490 crore. 
• The program proposes two unique mechanisms to financially incentivize domestic production of electrolysers and green hydrogen. 
• The intent behind these incentives is to expedite the expansion of production, foster technological advancements, and reduce costs.

EXPLANATION:

• After two years, the distinctive Kashmir stag, locally known as Hangul, has once again demonstrated a slight rise in its population.
• The Kashmir stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), commonly called Hangul, is a subspecies of the Central Asian red deer found exclusively in the Kashmir region and its vicinity. 
• It holds the status of being the official state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. 
• These animals inhabit dense riverine forests in the elevated valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• Hangul stands as the only red deer species in India. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• This species, Hangul, is critically endangered (CE)  according to the classification provided by the IUCN Red List. 
• It has been listed as a Schedule I Species in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. 
• The survival of this species is threatened due to factors such as the vulnerability of its population in terms of sustainability and structure, a decline in population numbers, and the susceptibility of its habitat.
• The Kashmir stag is primarily found in the Dachigam National Park and Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

The Camp David Accords, facilitated under President Jimmy Carter's administration, aimed to resolve the disputes in the Middle East involving Israel and Egypt. 

Historical Background: 

• Following decades of turmoil, the UK's relinquishment of control over Palestine in 1948 led to the establishment of Israel, sparking conflict with its Arab neighbors. The UN's partition plan was met with opposition, intensifying tensions.
• In 1967, the Six-Day War resulted in Israel occupying territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights. Carter's election in 1977 brought renewed attention to the matter. Under the UN Resolution 242, Carter advocated for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied regions and the recognition of sovereignty for all states in the area. 
• A key development was Egyptian President Sadat's unexpected visit to Israel in 1977, which set the stage for negotiations.

Outcomes: 

• From September 5 to 17, 1978, Carter hosted Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Begin at Camp David. The secluded setting was intended to foster more productive discussions away from the media. 
• The breakthrough came with the creation of a proposal called the "Framework for a Settlement in the Sinai." Carter drafted this document, which outlined key agreements.
• The resulting Camp David Accords outlined significant measures. 
• Israel committed to withdrawing from the Sinai Peninsula and territories acquired in the Six-Day War, like the West Bank. 
• The Accords also stipulated that Israel, Egypt, and Jordan would work towards establishing self-governing authority in the West Bank and Gaza. 
• Importantly, the agreement recognized the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, allowing them to shape their own future. Thus, option (b) is correct. 

Additional Information: 

• The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The agreements were brokered by the United States and were signed in 2020. The agreements normalize relations between Israel and the Arab countries, and they are seen as a significant step towards peace in the Middle East.
• The Oslo Accords were a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that were signed in 1993 and 1995. The agreements were aimed at achieving a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. However, the agreements have not been fully implemented and the peace process has stalled.

EXPLANATION:

• A trough constitutes a large expanse of low pressure covering a considerable area. In the context of the monsoon, the Monsoon Trough represents an elongated zone of low pressure that spans from the heat-triggered low-pressure zone over Pakistan to the northernmost point of the Bay of Bengal. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 
• It constitutes one of the semi-permanent elements of the monsoon circulation. The orientation of the Monsoon Trough might be influenced by the east-west alignment of the Himalayan ranges and the north-south alignment of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. 
• The eastern side of the monsoon trough generally undergoes oscillations, shifting southward at times and northward at others. When it moves south, it brings about active and vigorous monsoon conditions across a significant portion of India. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.
• Conversely, its northward movement leads to a weakening of the monsoon across much of India. It results in heavy rainfall along the foothills of the Himalayas, occasionally causing flooding in the Brahmaputra River region.Thus, statement 3 is not correct.
  

  Position	Characteristics	Effects
  Normal Position	Passes through Ganganagar, Allahabad, Calcutta, and Head Bay	Good rain in Central India; offshore trough along west coast due to Sahyadri mountains, leading to rain on the west coast
  South of Normal Position	Shifts southward; results in active monsoon conditions and excessive rainfall in central and west coast of India	Beneficial for monsoon; widespread rain over Peninsular India
  North of Normal Position	Shifts northward; extends over foothills of Himalayas	Intense rainfall in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Northeastern India; "Break Monsoon" in other regions

EXPLANATION:

• The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is dedicated to establishing drug standards in the country. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• Its primary role involves consistently updating drug standards necessary for treating prevalent diseases in the region. This objective is achieved by releasing official publications that enhance the quality of medicines. These publications take the form of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). 
• Under the Second Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is assigned the authoritative book of standards for drugs imported and/or produced for sale, storage, exhibition for sale, or distribution within India. Thus, statement 2 is correct. 
• Additionally, the IPC promotes the judicious utilization of generic medicines by issuing the National Formulary of India.
• The IP plays a critical role in setting criteria for the identification, purity, and potency of drugs essential for the well-being of humans and animals from a healthcare standpoint.
• Moreover, the IPC offers IP Reference Substances (IPRS), which function as distinct markers for identifying and assessing the purity of substances being tested, in line with the guidelines prescribed in the IP.
• The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) has gained official recognition from five countries: Afghanistan, Ghana, Nepal, Mauritius, and now the Republic of Suriname.
• Recently, Suriname officially acknowledged the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

The Prime Minister officially launched the year-long festivities marking the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. Swami Dayanand Saraswati, an eminent Indian philosopher and social leader, is renowned for founding the Arya Samaj, a reformist movement within Vedic dharma. His ideas were instrumental in reshaping Indian society during his lifetime.

Revival of Vedic Ideals:

• Dayanand's primary objective was to reinvigorate Vedic ideologies and challenge prevailing practices of idolatry and ritualistic worship.
• He championed the infallible authority of the Vedas and emphasized the concepts of Karma (action) and Reincarnation (rebirth).
• The principles of brahmacharya, encompassing celibacy and devotion to God, were central to his teachings.

Critique and Reform of Hinduism:

• He criticized the perceived deviation from Vedic principles in Hinduism and attributed this to the influence of the priesthood.
• According to him, the priesthood had manipulated the faith for their gain, leading Hindus away from the core values of the Vedas.

Contributions to Equality and Education:

• Dayanand's contributions extended to advocating equal rights for women, including the right to education and access to Indian scriptures.
• He authored notable works, including "Satyartha Prakash" in Hindi, "Veda Bhasya Bhumika" (an introduction to his Vedic commentary), and "Veda Bhasya" (a Vedic commentary in Sanskrit on the Yajurveda and significant portions of the Rig-Veda). Thus, option (a) is correct. 

Legacy and Significance:

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati's legacy persists through the Arya Samaj, vital in reshaping Indian society through reform and adherence to Vedic principles.
• His ideas left an enduring impact on Indian thought, and his call for Swaraj resonated with subsequent independence leaders.

EXPLANATION:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a pilot initiative, the 'Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit' (PTPFC), aimed at streamlining credit access through seamless digital information dissemination to lenders.

Overview of PTPFC: 

• Developed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), the Public Tech Platform for frictionless credit offers an end-to-end digital ecosystem. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• The platform aims to bridge the gap between borrowers and lenders, ensuring accessible credit for small loans like Kisan Credit Card, personal, dairy, and home loans. 
• Built with open application programming interface (API) standards, this central platform can be adopted by financial institutions, simplifying credit facilitation. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Integration with various services enhances its functionality, including Aadhar e-KYC, e-signing, state land records, satellite data, PAN validation, and more.

Significance and Benefits: 

• The PTPFC widens credit accessibility by extending financial instruments to a broader range of borrowers with favourable credit histories. 
• It facilitates enhanced credit risk assessment and portfolio management, bolstering lenders' confidence. 
• This initiative also streamlines the credit appraisal process, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of borrowers' repayment capabilities and adherence to credit agreements.

Impact on MSME and Kisan Credit Card Loans: 

• Immediate results are visible, as several banks plan to introduce Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured MSME loans via the platform. 
• Upon the pilot phase's completion, the RBI aims to review and expand the project's scope. Future enhancements include adding new products and providers and onboarding additional lenders. 
• As the program evolves, the PTPFC is poised to extend credit access to underserved regions, furthering financial inclusivity nationwide.

EXPLANATION:

Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme)

• India has ramped up its efforts to enhance road and car safety with the launch of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), a homegrown vehicle safety rating system.
• Bharat NCAP is a domestic assessment program that evaluates the safety performance of vehicles in India. 
• Under this initiative, cars in the Indian market will undergo rigorous testing and receive ratings based on various criteria. The primary objective is to raise the safety standards of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, thereby improving road safety. Thus, statement 1 is not correct. 
• By launching this program, India joins the ranks of countries like the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea with its dedicated car crash safety system.

Aligned with Global Standards: 

• Bharat NCAP follows internationally recognized crash test protocols, aligning with global best practices. 
• Previously, India relied on Global NCAP, which conducted voluntary crash tests and assigned safety ratings.Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 

Applicability: 

• Starting October 1, the program applies to passenger vehicles seating up to eight people and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. 
• Bharat NCAP might also extend safety tests to CNG and hybrid vehicles, besides petrol and diesel variants. 
• Cars undergoing tests will be awarded points, translating to star ratings, with the safest cars achieving five stars.
• Currently, participation in the Bharat NCAP crash test is voluntary. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently unveiled the definitive version of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The NCF was meticulously composed by a national steering committee, led by K. Kasturirangan, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Thus, statement 1 is correct. 

Key Highlights of the Framework:

• Language Emphasis: Starting from Class 9, students will engage with three languages, at least two of which will hail from India's rich linguistic diversity. For Classes 11 and 12, the languages narrow down to two, with one originating from within India. Thus, statement 2 is not correct. 
• Board Exams Flexibility: The NCF introduces a novel approach to Board exams. Students can attempt these exams twice within a school year, with the highest score being considered. This provides students with a chance to improve their performance and showcases their best potential.
• Textbook Reformation: Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the NCF endorses the creation of fresh textbooks for Grades 3 through 12 under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
• Subject Variation: For students in Grades 9 to 12, a foundational shift in subject numbers is proposed. 
  • The NCF mandates five core subjects while permitting an additional elective. 
  • Previously, this number stood at seven for Grades 9 and 10, and six for Grades 11 and 12. 
  • Optional subjects are thoughtfully grouped into three clusters:
  • Art education, physical education, and vocational education.
  • Social Science, the Humanities, and interdisciplinary domains.
  • Science, Mathematics, and computational thinking.
• Transition to a New System: The NCF envisions a transition towards semester or term-based systems for all education boards, promoting more comprehensive learning experiences.
• Holistic Approach: The NCF promotes an integrated approach, eliminating rigid demarcations between academic and vocational subjects, as well as between various subjects like Science, Social Science, Art, and Physical Education. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.