Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 04 to 09 December, 2023

EXPLANATION:

About Voice over 5G (Vo5G):

Vo5G, is also referred to as Voice over New Radio (VoNR).

• Standard and Functionality:
  • This standard facilitates voice calls over 5G networks, presenting an advancement over the current 4G standard. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
  • Vo5G leverages the enhancements of 5G, including speed, capacity, and responsiveness, specifically applied to voice communication.
• Infrastructure and Interoperability:
  • The aim is to establish the necessary infrastructure and interoperability well in advance, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
• Requirements for Usage:
  • To utilize Vo5G, three essential components are needed: a phone compatible with Vo5G, a carrier offering Vo5G services, and the availability of a 5G signal in the user's area.

How VoNR is Better than VoLTE?

• Higher Bandwidth and Lower Latency: VoNR capitalizes on 5G's significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to 4G LTE. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Enhanced Call Quality: Utilization of more advanced audio codecs results in superior clarity and fidelity, leveraging the increased data capacity of 5G. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• Faster Connection Times: VoNR promises faster call connection times, ensuring a prompt and seamless user experience.
• Improved Reliability:
  • Addressing notorious call drop issues, especially during transitions between 5G and 4G.
  • Lower packet loss contributes to better reliability, minimizing voice cutouts during calls.

EXPLANATION:

Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) 2.0:

Launch and Context:

Recently, during the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, India and Sweden jointly launched Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) 2.0. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.

Evolution and Collaboration:

• Since its establishment in 2019, LeadIT has evolved into a collaborative initiative involving 18 countries and 20 industry-leading companies.
• Initially focused on pivotal sectors like iron, steel, cement, and aluminum, LeadIT prioritizes industry transition and knowledge sharing. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Role and Impact:

• LeadIT has been instrumental in expediting the adoption of low-carbon technologies, aligning its efforts with global environmental objectives.

Three Core Areas of LeadIT 2.0:

• Inclusive and Just Industry Transition:
  • Objective: Ensuring that industry transitions are not only efficient but also equitable, promoting fairness and inclusivity in the process.
• Low Carbon Technology Development and Transfer:
  • Objective: Renewed emphasis on the development and seamless transfer of low-carbon technologies, crucial for achieving sustainable practices across industries.
• Emerging Economy Technology Transfer:
  • Objective: Facilitating the expedited transfer of innovative solutions to emerging economies, aiding in their transition to more sustainable practices.

Platform for Collaboration:

• LeadIT serves as a dynamic platform for public-private collaboration, fostering both sector-specific and cross-sectoral learning.
• It focuses on innovation opportunities and the adoption of new technologies to drive sustainable practices across industries.

EXPLANATION:

International Maritime Organization (IMO):

Overview:

• IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is entrusted with enhancing the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping while preventing pollution from ships. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• Its fundamental role is to establish a globally accepted and implemented regulatory framework for the shipping industry, ensuring fairness and effectiveness.

Mission and Connection to UN SDG 14:

• Plays a pivotal role in achieving the targets outlined in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, emphasizing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Historical Background:

• Established as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) in 1948, attained specialized agency status in 1959, and renamed the International Maritime Organization in 1982.

Membership and Headquarters:

• Currently, it boasts 174 Member States.
• Headquarters located in London.

Organizational Structure:

• IMO Secretariat:
• Led by the Secretary-General, it consists of 300 international civil servants responsible for daily operations, meeting coordination, and preparation.
• Representation:
• Member States, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) participate in various IMO meetings, including the Assembly, Council, Committees, and Sub-Committees.

Governing Bodies:

• Assembly:
• The highest Governing Body, convening once every two years to approve the work program, vote on the budget, and elect the Council. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Council:
• The Executive Organ, supervising the Organization's work under the Assembly.
• Committees:
• Five policy-making committees focus on developing, reviewing, updating, and approving the organization's guidelines and regulations.

Funding:

• Funding sources include contributions from member states, voluntary donations, and proceeds from commercial activities. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

About Piezoelectricity:

Piezoelectricity, also known as the piezoelectric effect, refers to the generation of an electrical potential (voltage) across the sides of a crystal when subjected to mechanical stress. Conversely, in the reverse piezoelectric effect, a crystal experiences mechanical stress when a voltage is applied across its opposite faces. This property allows piezoelectric materials to convert energy between the mechanical and electrical domains. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

Mechanism:

• Piezoelectricity occurs due to the spontaneous separation of charge within certain crystal structures under specific conditions.

Materials:

• Various materials exhibit this phenomenon, including natural quartz crystals, semi-crystalline polyvinylidene polymer, polycrystalline piezoceramic, bone, and even wood.

Applications:

Sensors and Actuators:

• Piezoelectric materials are used to create sensors and actuators, enabling the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy and vice versa. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Ultrasonic Applications:

• Commonly employed in ultrasonic applications, such as intrusion detectors and alarms.

Audio Frequencies (AF):

• Piezoelectric transducers find applications in audio frequencies, serving as pickups, microphones, earphones, beepers, and buzzers.

Wireless Applications:

• In wireless applications, piezoelectricity enables the use of crystals and ceramics as oscillators, generating predictable and stable signals at radio frequencies (RF)

EXPLANATION:

Pressmud as a Resource:

Pressmud, also known as filter cake or press cake, emerges as the residual byproduct of sugar production. Its significance lies in its potential to serve as a valuable resource for generating green energy, particularly as a feedstock for producing biogas through anaerobic digestion, subsequently refined into compressed biogas (CBG). Thus, statement 1 is not correct.

Advantages of Pressmud as Feedstock for CBG:

Simplified Supply Chain:

• Pressmud's utilization simplifies the feedstock supply chain, reducing complexities compared to other sources such as agricultural residue.

Single Source:

• Obtained from one or two sugar mills, pressmud simplifies sourcing when contrasted with the involvement of multiple farmers or producers.

Consistent Quality:

• Pressmud maintains relatively consistent quality, avoiding issues encountered with municipal solid waste, such as the presence of inorganic materials that could damage digesters.

Cost Efficiency:

• The cost of pressmud is relatively lower compared to alternative feedstocks, contributing to cost-efficient biogas production. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

Challenges Associated with Pressmud Utilization:

Increasing Costs:

• The growing recognition of pressmud's value has led to a substantial increase in its price, resulting in competition with other applications like fertilizers, composting, and fuel for brick kilns.

Storage and Decomposition:

• Storing pressmud throughout the year for consistent use in CBG plants poses challenges due to its gradual decomposition. This decomposition can lead to the breakdown of organic compounds, potentially increasing production costs.

Regional Production and Mill Operations:

• The states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra play significant roles in sugarcane cultivation, with a substantial portion of India's sugarcane production originating from these regions.
• The operational status and production output of sugar mills in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, are crucial factors influencing the potential quantity of pressmud available.

EXPLANATION:

Loss and Damage Fund Overview:

Announcement and Scope:

• Initially unveiled during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
• Designed as a global financial package to ensure the rescue and rehabilitation of countries grappling with the cascading effects of climate change. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

Compensation Concept:

• The term "loss and damage" pertains to compensation that affluent nations, contributing to global warming, must provide to less developed nations facing severe consequences like rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and cyclones.
• Impacts extend beyond environmental aspects, affecting lives, livelihoods, biodiversity, cultural traditions, and identities.

Categorization of Loss and Damage:

• Economic: Assignable monetary values, covering costs like infrastructure rebuilding post-floods or revenue loss from crop destruction due to drought.
• Non-economic: Impacts challenging to quantify monetarily, including trauma from experiences like tropical cyclones, community loss due to displacement, and biodiversity decline.

World Bank Oversight:

• Initially overseen by the World Bank.
• Fund sources include contributions from affluent nations such as the US, the UK, the EU, along with select developing countries. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

Kalbelia Dance: A Cultural Marvel from Rajasthan

Introduction:

• Kalbelia dance, indigenous to the Rajasthan region of India and intricately associated with the Kalbelia tribe, is a traditional performance celebrated for its artistic expression. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• Alternately known as 'Sapera Dance' or 'Snake Charmer Dance,' this dance form has earned global recognition, securing a place on UNESCO's esteemed register of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Performance Dynamics:

• In this captivating dance, male participants skillfully handle customary musical instruments, complementing the graceful choreography executed by female members. Kalbelia dance stands out as one of the most enthralling among all Rajasthani dances, captivating audiences with its vibrant energy and cultural richness.

Origin and Cultural Significance:

Historical Background:

• The roots of Kalbelia dance delve into the cultural heritage of the Kalbelia tribe, known for their nomadic lifestyle and historical engagement in snake-catching and the trade of snake venom. Often recognized as Sapera or Snake Charmers, the Kalbelia community's migratory existence has influenced the evolution of this traditional folk dance.

Female Dominance in Performance:

• A distinctive feature of Kalbelia dance is the prominent participation of female performers. These skilled artists synchronize their movements with the mesmerizing tunes of the Been, a traditional musical instrument. The dance is deeply embedded in the joyous occasions of the Kalbelia community, reflecting the vibrancy of their cultural celebrations.

Significance of Kalbelia Dance:

• The Kalbelia dance serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan, carrying forward the traditions of the Kalbelia tribe through generations. Unlike formal educational structures, this folk art is passed down orally, maintaining its authenticity and preserving the cultural essence of the Kalbelia community.

EXPLANATION:

X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):

XPoSat represents India's First foray into polarimetry, devoted to the in-depth study of the polarization of cosmic X-rays and the dynamic behaviors of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.

Positioned in a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 650 km with a low inclination of around 6 degrees, this spacecraft marks India's first dedicated polarimetry mission.Thus, statement 2 is not correct.

Mission Characteristics:

• Observation Designation: The spacecraft is designated for observation from a Low Earth Orbit, ensuring non-sun synchronous orbit conditions.
• Global Standing: XPoSat is the world’s second polarimetry mission utilizing X-ray technology, following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) Mission.
• Mission Lifespan: Anticipated to operate for a duration of 5 years.

Scientific Payloads:

XPoSat is equipped with two significant scientific payloads:

X-Ray Polarimeter (POLIX):

• Purpose: Measures polarimetry parameters, specifically the degree and angle of polarization.
• Energy Range: Focused on the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons from astronomical sources.
• Development: Executed by the Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru.

X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT):

• Purpose: Provides valuable spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• Observation Targets: Encompasses various sources such as X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, Active galactic nuclei, and Magnetars.
• Development: Undertaken by the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO.

Understanding Polarisation of Light:

• Nature of Light Waves: Light, as transverse electromagnetic waves, exhibits vibrations in multiple planes, termed unpolarised light.
• Polarisation Definition: Polarisation restricts the vibrations of light waves to a specific direction or plane.
• Real-world Analogy: Polarised sunglasses employ a special filter allowing only light with a designated polarisation direction to pass through, reducing glare and improving visibility by blocking unwanted polarisations.

EXPLANATION:

Golan Heights: 

The Golan Heights, spanning an area of 1,800 km², is a rugged plateau situated on the border between Israel and Syria in south-western Syria.

Historical Dispute:

Occupation in 1967:

• In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied several territories, including the Golan Heights, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
• An armistice line was established, placing the region under Israeli military control.

Syrian Attempt in 1973:

• In the 1973 Middle East war, Syria sought to retake the Golan Heights but was defeated in its attempt.

Armistice and UN Observer Force:

• Both nations signed an armistice in 1974, leading to the deployment of a UN observer force along the ceasefire line.

Israeli Annexation in 1981:

• In 1981, Israel officially annexed the territory of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem, a move not recognized by the majority of countries.
• Thus, option (c) is correct.

International Perspective:

Disputed Territory:

• The international community views the Golan Heights as disputed territory, occupied by Israel.
• The status of the region is considered subject to determination through negotiations between Israel and Syria.

Unrecognized Annexation:

• Israel's permanent acquisition of the Golan Heights is not recognized by most countries globally.

Stalled Negotiations: Despite various attempts by the international community to bring Israel and Syria to the negotiation table, these efforts have proven unsuccessful.

EXPLANATION:

Baliyatra Festival: 

The Baliyatra Festival, meaning 'Voyage to Bali,' stands as one of the largest open-air fairs in the country, annually commemorating the rich maritime and cultural connections between ancient Kalinga (present-day Odisha) and various regions like Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) dating back 2,000 years. Thus, option (a) is correct.

Trade and Cultural Links:

Historical Trades:

• The festival symbolizes the historical trade exchanges between Kalinga and Southeast Asian regions.
• Notable traded items include pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, silk, camphor, gold, and jewelry.

Cultural Significance:

• Baliyatra serves as a cultural bridge, acknowledging the profound cultural ties that flourished between ancient Kalinga and its Southeast Asian counterparts.

About Bali Jatra Festival:

Alternate Names:

• Also known as Bali Jatra and Boita Bandaṇa, translating to 'A Voyage to Bali.'

Location and Timing:

• Celebrated in Cuttack, Odisha, specifically at Gadagadia Ghata on the Mahanadi river.
• Occurs annually on Kartika Purnima according to the Odia Calendar, falling around the end of October and November.

Historical Commemoration:

• Marks the day when ancient Sadhabas (Odia mariners) embarked on voyages to Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural expansion.

Symbolic Boat Floating:

• People gather near riverbanks to float miniature toy boats made of colored paper, symbolizing the ancestral maritime journeys.

Celebrations in Cuttack:

• In Cuttack, the festival transforms into a grand open fair near the Barabati Fort area.
• Features cultural programs, toy stalls, various games, and food stalls offering Odia delicacies.