Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 04 to 09 March, 2024

EXPLANATION: 

• The Indian Navy will commission a new base, INS Jatay, on Minicoy Island on March 6, 2024. It will be a significant step toward security infrastructure in Lakshadweep Island. Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, is located in the Arabian Sea. Most of the shipping lanes pass from near these islands. "The step marks an important milestone in the Navy's resolve to augment security infrastructure at the strategically crucial for Lakshadweep Islands incrementally," a senior official said. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• This move is part of the government's plan to boost the region's military presence and security infrastructure incrementally. The base will enhance operational reach and facilitate the Navy's efforts towards anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea. INS Jatayu will be the 2nd naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• This campaign aims to engage and encourage the youth to participate in the electoral processes. The Ministry of Education is set to organise 'Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye' in higher educational institutions (HEI) nationwide to ensure universal youth participation in elections from Feb 28 to Mar 6, 2024. This campaign aims to engage and encourage the youth to participate in the electoral processes. Hence, option D is correct.   
• The initiative symbolises the significance of Elections and the pride of voting in the largest democracy in the world. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged eligible youth to participate actively in the upcoming elections.

EXPLANATION: 

• Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the last day of February. Its purpose is to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives. This year, 29th February is observed as a Rare disease day with the theme of "Share your colours."  Hence, statement 1 is incorrect, and statement 2 is correct.  
• In 1999, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) designated a special day to raise awareness about rare diseases across Europe. Rare Disease Day was first observed in 2008 by EURORDIS, but in 2015, the United General Assembly officially declared Rare Disease Day an International Day. 
• A rare disease, also known as an orphan disease, affects a small percentage of the population. It can occur in 1 or less per 2000 population. Examples of rare diseases are cancers, autoimmune diseases, congenital malformations, and infectious diseases. India accounts for one-third of the global rare disease occurrence, with over 450 recognised diseases. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 is a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the current state of waste management practices, challenges, and trends on a global scale. It aims to offer insights and recommendations for sustainable waste management practices to address the growing issue of waste generation and its environmental impacts. It was released by the United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP). Hence, option D is correct.
• Key findings of the reports:
  • Municipal solid waste is predicted to grow from 2.3 billion to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.
  • The total cost of global waste management was estimated at USD 252 billion in 2020, and it is expected to double by 2050 without urgent action.
  • Obstacles in waste management: Lack of urgency recognition, incomplete data, and climate impact underestimation; Gendered aspects and informal sector undervaluation; Inadequate legislation, weak enforcement, and lack of enabling environment.

• Key components typically covered in the GWMO include:

1. Waste Generation: Analysis of the types and quantities of waste generated globally, including municipal solid waste, industrial waste, electronic waste, and hazardous waste.
2. Waste Management Practices: Overview of waste management methods such as landfilling, recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and incineration. This section often includes case studies highlighting successful regional waste management initiatives.
3. Environmental Impacts: Examination of the ecological consequences of improper waste management, including pollution of land, air, and water, as well as impacts on ecosystems and human health.
4. Policy and Regulations: Assessment of existing waste management policies and regulations at the international and national levels, including efforts to promote circular economy principles, reduce waste generation, and encourage sustainable consumption and production.
5. Technological Innovations: Discussion of emerging technologies and innovations in waste management, such as advanced sorting and recycling technologies, waste-to-energy conversion processes, and digital platforms for waste tracking and monitoring.
6. Social and Economic Dimensions: Consideration of the social and economic aspects of waste management, including its implications for employment, resource conservation, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
7. Challenges and Opportunities: Identification of key challenges facing the global waste management sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and limited public awareness, as well as opportunities for improvement and collaboration among stakeholders.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Indian and Sri Lankan governments signed a MoU for building “Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems” on Nainativu Island. Nainativu Island, also known as Nagadeepa, is a small island located off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect, and statement 2 is correct.
• The island is relatively small, covering an area of about 1.28 square kilometres (0.49 square miles). It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and is characterised by lush vegetation, including coconut palms and other tropical flora.
• Nainativu Island is home to several religious sites revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The most notable among them are:

1. Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya: A Buddhist temple believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha during his second visit to Sri Lanka.
2. Nagapooshani Amman Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Nagapooshani, believed to be one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
3. Nagadeepa Mosque: A mosque visited by Muslims, particularly during the annual feast of St. Sebastian. 

• Beyond its religious importance, Nainativu Island also has historical significance. It is believed to have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements and structures.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned against the dangers of “juice jacking,” a cyberattack targeting mobile users who charge their devices at public USB ports. This advisory underscores the growing threat cybercriminals pose in public spaces such as airports, hotels, and shopping centres, where unsuspecting users might plug in their devices for a quick charge, only to fall victim to data theft or malware infection.
• Juice jacking is a cyber threat where hackers use public USB charging stations to install malware or steal data from smartphones and other electronic devices. When people use these charging stations, they unknowingly expose their devices to potential risks. Hackers can manipulate the USB ports to install malicious software onto connected devices or siphon off sensitive data such as passwords, personal information, or financial details.
• Hence, option B is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Harit Nauka initiative is a Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) program to transition inland vessels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to guidelines, all states must transition to green fuels for 50% of inland waterways-based passenger fleets within the next decade and achieve 100% usage by 2045. Hence, statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect. 
• The main motives of the initiative are adopting green vessels, using low- or zero-emission fuel sources, establishing a green ecosystem, and achieving 100% green vessels in Indian waters by 2047. It is also part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) recently successfully conducted two flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The VSHORADS is a  MANPAD (Man Portable Air Defence System) indigenously developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
• A dual-thrust solid motor propels the VSHORADS and would be used for neutralising low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It incorporates many new technologies, including a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, successfully proven during the tests. 

Hence, statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect.

EXPLANATION: 

• Deepor Beel is a large natural wetland and bird sanctuary located southwest of Guwahati City in Assam. It is one of the giant bells (a local term for a lake) in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam. Deepor Beel is a significant ecological hotspot, providing habitat to various species of birds, fishes, and other wildlife. It got status as a Ramsar site in 2002 and is the only Ramsar site in Assam. Hence, option B is correct. 
• The wetland is an important site for migratory birds, particularly during the winter months when numerous avian species from Siberia and other parts of Asia visit the area. However, Deepor Beel has faced challenges due to anthropogenic activities such as encroachment, pollution, and illegal fishing. Various governmental and non-governmental organisations have tried to conserve and protect the wetland and its biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment notified it as an Eco-sensitive zone in 2021.

EXPLANATION: 

• The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is an autonomous organisation under the Indian Ministry of Jal Shakti (Ministry of Water Resources), Government of India. It was set up in July 1982 as an autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. NWDA primarily carries out surveys and investigations to prepare feasibility reports and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for water resource development in river basins. It also acts as a nodal agency for coordinating inter-state water disputes. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• Some of the key functions of NWDA include:

1. Conducting surveys and investigations to identify potential sites for water resource development projects.
2. Preparation of feasibility reports and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed projects.
3. Coordinated inter-state water disputes and facilitated negotiations among concerned states.
4. Water resource development projects are implemented in collaboration with state governments, central agencies, and other stakeholders.
5. Monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of resources.
6. Research and development activities aimed at enhancing water resource management practices and techniques.