Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 26 Feb to 02 March, 2024

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the IIT Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad developed an AI model called "Garbhini-GA2". The model can accurately determine the age of a fetus in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters. Hence, option D is correct.
• It can estimate an Indian foetus’s age much more precisely in months 4-9. It reduces error by three times compared to the Western formula. It uses five common measurements from ultrasound scans:
  • Biparietal diameter (BPD): Baby’s head width
  • Occipitofrontal diameter (OFD): Baby’s head length
  • Head circumference (HC): Baby’s head size around
  • Abdominal circumference (AC): Baby’s belly size around
  • Femur length (FL): Baby’s thigh bone length

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for redeveloping 553 railway stations across 27 states and 300 districts under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
• The scheme was launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Railway to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country. The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities and ensure well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and signage for the guidance of passengers. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The redevelopment is planned with a holistic approach to urban development, treating the stations as "City Centres." The station buildings' designs will be based on local culture, heritage, and architecture. This initiative is to transform the railway stations across the country in line with its vision of ‘Naya Bharat’/ New India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The significant features of the schemes are provisions for rooftop plazas, longer platforms, ballastless tracks, 5G connectivity, etc.

EXPLANATION:

• "Panda diplomacy" refers to China's practice of using giant pandas as a tool in its diplomatic relations with other countries. This practice involves China loaning pandas to other nations as a sign of goodwill and friendship, often in exchange for diplomatic favours or improved relations. Hence, option D is correct.
• Recently, China resumed 'Panda Diplomacy' with the US and Europe. Restoring its decades-old panda diplomacy marks China's latest effort to improve relations with the West, especially the US. China's president, Xi Jinping, declared that China is "ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians to deepen friendly ties between our peoples."
• China has utilised panda diplomacy since the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) but gained significant attention in the 20th century. The first modern instance occurred in 1941 when China gifted a pair of pandas to the United States as a gesture of gratitude for American assistance during World War II. Since then, panda loans have been used strategically to strengthen diplomatic ties, promote cultural exchange, and enhance China's soft power globally. 
• Pandas are highly regarded and beloved animals worldwide, making them effective ambassadors for China. Their loan to foreign countries often generates significant media coverage and public attention, fostering positive perceptions of China and facilitating diplomatic dialogue.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the Prime Minister announced the names of the four astronauts who will fly to low-Earth orbit as part of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Gaganyaan Mission. The pilots are - Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla. It is an indigenous mission that would take Indian astronauts to space. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Prime Minister said that at a time when India is set to become the world's third-largest economy, the Gaganyaan mission will take our space sector to new heights. He also noted women scientists' crucial role in the space technology sector. "India's Nari Shakti is playing a pivotal role in the space sector. Be it Chandrayaan or Gaganyaan, no such mission can be imagined without women scientists," he said.
• The mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability to launch humans to low earth orbit and safely return them to Earth. GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3, will be used as a launch vehicle in the Gaganyaan mission. It will consist of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. The total cost of the Gaganyaan Programme is approximately Rs 9023 crore. Hence, statement 2 is correct. 
• The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s ongoing project to send a three-day human-crewed mission to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km with a crew of four members and bring them safely back to Earth. This mission will make India the 4th nation in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to send humans into space independently. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The spacecraft designed for the mission is being developed with advanced technology to ensure its safety and success. The spacecraft carrying the astronauts will be equipped with life support systems, communication systems, and other essential features to sustain human life in space. The Indian space agency is set to launch India’s first human space flight programme – Gaganyaan Mission – by the end of 2025.

EXPLANATION: 

• The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. The exercise, scheduled to run from February 25th to March 9th, 2024, brings together the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for a focused training program to enhance interoperability and foster closer military cooperation. The Dharma Guardian exercise is held annually as a military drill. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• DHARMA GUARDIAN’s primary objective is to strengthen military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in a semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. In this exercise, 40-40 soldiers are included in the contingent of both countries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The exercise focuses on improving physical fitness, collaborative planning, tactical drills, and basic skills in special arms. Critical aspects of the training include establishing a temporary operating base, creating an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up a mobile vehicle check post, executing cordon and search operations in a hostile village, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills. Soldiers from the 34th Infantry Regiment are representing the Japanese contingent. A battalion of Rajputana Rifles is representing the Indian Army contingent. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said in 2023, the Panama Canal’s revenues increased by 14.9% to $4.97 billion despite handling less cargo due to drought and transit restrictions caused by drought. He also stated that Panama needs more water for its people and the canal. The ACP has studied this for years, and ACP suggests making the canal’s water sources with an additional reservoir. However, this needs action from the government and lawmakers, which the authority says will help 55% of the people, industry, and shipping. 
• The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is located in Central America, and the canal spans the Isthmus of Panama. An isthmus is a narrow piece of land that connects two larger land masses and separates two bodies of water. Hence, option C is correct.
• The canal was initially constructed by the United States in the early 20th century and opened in 1914. The Panama Canal is one of the most crucial trade routes globally, facilitating the movement of goods and commodities between the Atlantic and Pacific regions. It is approximately 80 kilometres long.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, WHO’s weekly epidemiological report highlighted just six cases of Guinea worm disease identified in 2023. It also mentioned that the global effort to eradicate Guinea worm disease has achieved significant success, with reported cases decreasing from over 3.5 million in the 1980s to just six cases in 2023. It is caused by Dracunculus medinensis parasite. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
• Guinea worm disease is a crippling and painful infection caused by long thread-like Guinea worms that emerge slowly from human skin blisters after incubating for about a year since the carrier has ingested parasite eggs in contaminated water. Infection occurs when people consume water contaminated with copepods carrying infective larvae. 
• It is an infectious ‘Neglected tropical disease’ (NTD). More than 90% of infections occur in the legs and feet, affecting individuals’ mobility and ability to work or perform daily tasks. There is no drug to treat & no vaccine to prevent Guinea worm infection. Anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce pain and swelling. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct. 
• India eliminated Guinea worm disease in the late 1990s through rigorous public health measures, including water safety interventions and community education. The government of India received Guinea worm disease-free certification status from the WHO in 2000. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

• Recently, the eight Nordic-Baltic countries participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi together as representatives of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. This high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders from India and the NB8 countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden – to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. 
• The NB8 grouping refers to the Nordic-Baltic Eight, a regional cooperation format of eight Northern European countries. Six NB8 countries are EU members, and the grouping provides a platform for discussing and coordinating EU policies. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. 
• The NB8 was established in 1992 as a platform for informal discussions and cooperation on regional and international issues. The NB8 bloc comprises the five Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, along with the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Nordic countries have historical ties and share common values of democracy, transparency, innovation and sustainability. The Baltic nations have their unique identity and worldview shaped by history, bringing their expertise in ICT, digitisation and cyber technologies. India is not a member of NB8. Hence, statement 2 is correct, and statement 3 is incorrect.
• The group shares historical, cultural, and geographical ties, fostering collaboration and cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics, trade, security, and culture. It is an informal cooperation format, not a formal organisation. It focuses on dialogue, collaboration, and joint action.

EXPLANATION: 

• The report "The Indian Economy: A Review" by India's Finance Ministry provides a comprehensive overview of India's economic progress, highlighting the transformation from high fiscal deficits and inflation to a more stable economic condition with controlled inflation and lower fiscal deficits. Hence, option D is correct.
• It emphasises India's status as the fastest-growing major economy, with aspirations to become a $7 trillion economy by 2030. The report underscores significant growth in various sectors, including financial and agricultural, and acknowledges the role of digital transformation in enhancing economic efficiency. Despite global challenges, India's steady economic growth, backed by government reforms and investments, aims to enhance its citizens' quality of life and standard of living.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Union agriculture minister has recently launched the Sandbox for Agriculture, Rural Security, Technology and Insurance (SARATHI) Portal for insurance products to help farmers. It offers a single-window platform for viewing, purchasing, and availing insurance products, with digital payment options and streamlined premium collection. The comprehensive digital insurance platform SARTHI was launched in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India. 
• Key Features of SARATHI Portal:
  • Offers a streamlined and digitised insurance journey for farmers, simplifying processes.
  • Acts as a single-window platform for viewing, purchasing, and availing insurance products.
  • Facilitates digital payments, streamlines premium collection, and effortlessly initiates and resolves claims.
  • Introduces a spectrum of insurance products in phases, including personal accident and hospital cash policies. Hence, option A is correct.