November 01-04 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statements 3 and 4 are correct

• LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of pulsed laser beams to measure distances from the sensor, often mounted on an aircraft, to the Earth’s surface.
• It produces high-resolution 3D models of ground elevation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm, offering a precise representation of terrain features.
• Usage: Initially developed for geological surveying and topographical mapping, It also expanded into archaeology, allowing researchers to discover hidden landscapes and structures.

Credits: rvslandsurveyors

• Core Components: LiDAR instrumentation typically consists of a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver, working together to capture the terrain’s topography.
• The system emits rapid pulses of light that travel to the ground and reflect off various surfaces, including vegetation, buildings, and natural features.
• The LiDAR sensor records the reflected light, calculating the travel time to estimate the distance between the sensor and each surface point. The data is then combined with GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) information to create an elevation map.
• Point Cloud Data: Initially, LiDAR data appears as a “point cloud,” showing all individual points where light is reflected off objects, including trees, buildings, and ground features.
• Refinement of Data: The data can be processed to produce a “bare earth” Digital Elevation Model (DEM), removing structures and vegetation to reveal only the ground beneath. This is crucial for archaeological exploration in dense, forested regions where trees often obscure structures.

Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect

• LiDAR does not use sound waves; it uses light as pulsed laser beams to measure distances from the sensor to the Earth’s surface.
• LiDAR provides high-resolution 3D models, not 2D, with up to 10 cm vertical accuracy, which is essential for capturing detailed terrain features.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (d) is incorrect

• Ten wild elephants died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The deaths were suspected to be caused by mycotoxins associated with Kodo millet.
• Kodo Millet is also known as Kodra and Varagu and is a staple food for many tribals.
• It is grown in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa.
• Major producer states: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Hardiest crops: Drought-tolerant with high yield potential and excellent storage properties.
• Nutritional benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, gluten-free, easy to digest, and a great source of antioxidants. It might have anti-carcinogenic properties and beneficial dietary fibre.

Answer: (d) It contains gluten and is difficult to digest for some individuals.; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the US, located in the continent of North America.
• The US acquired it in 1898 due to the Spanish-American War.
• The people of Puerto Rico have been granted U.S. citizenship but do not have the right to vote in presidential elections or to be represented in the U.S. Congress.
• It could become a state with the approval of the U.S. Congress and the people of Puerto Rico.

Answer: (b) North America; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is organising the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th – 6th November 2024 in New Delhi.
• Theme: Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.
• It will bring together Buddhist ‘Sangha’ leaders, scholars, experts, and practitioners from various traditions across Asia to foster dialogue and promote understanding.
• The Summit is a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on the collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light.

Answer: (c) New Delhi; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statements 1 and 4 are incorrect

• Depression Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA) is commonly referred to in English as the “cold drop.” Spanish meteorologists coined the term to describe this weather phenomenon specifically.
• It forms when a mass of cold air descends over the warm waters, not when a mass of warm air descends over colder waters.
• It is formed over the Mediterranean Sea, leading to rapid atmospheric instability, not in the North Sea region.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct

• Polar Jet Stream Influence: The phenomenon involves the polar jet stream, which acts as a boundary between polar and tropical air. Occasionally, a pocket of cold air detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, triggering DANA.
• Period: It typically occurs in the autumn and spring months in the western Mediterranean region.

Answer: (d) 2 and 3; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Sukanya Shantha case is a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of India that addressed issues related to caste-based discrimination in prisons.
• The court’s decision emphasized the need for equal treatment of all individuals, regardless of their caste, and condemned any form of discrimination within the prison system.
• This ruling aligns with constitutional provisions aimed at promoting social justice and equality.
• Supreme Court Directives
  • Mandated Reforms:
    • Revision of State Prison Manuals within 3 months to eliminate discriminatory practices.
    • Removal of Caste References/caste-related columns from prisoner records.
    • Regular Inspections by District legal services authorities and visitor boards to ensure compliance with the new directives.
  • Need for Substantive Equality (which addresses underlying systemic and social discrimination) to effectively combat social inequities rather than focusing solely on formal equality (non-discriminatory laws).
  • Data Collection to address disparities and improve legal aid for marginalised communities in prisons.
  • Adoption of modern Manual: States are encouraged to implement the 2016 Model Prison Manual (aligns with the Nelson Mandela Rules) and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act of 2023 to uphold prisoners’ dignity.
  • Compliance Reports: States should submit reports verifying adherence to mandated reforms.

Answer: (b) Against caste-based discrimination in prisons.; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• WHO 2024 Global TB Report reveals that India had the highest TB burden in 2023.
• New Diagnoses: 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023. This is the highest number recorded by the WHO since it began global TB monitoring in 1995.
• TB Deaths: 1.25 million TB-related deaths in 2023, down from 1.32 million in 2022. Despite the decline, TB deaths remain much higher than the 320,000 COVID-19 deaths reported to WHO in 2023.
• Prevalence: 30 mostly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 87% of the global TB burden.
• India (26%), Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan—combine for 56% of the burden.
• Five primary risk factors driving new TB cases globally: Undernutrition, HIV infection, Alcohol use disorders, Smoking and Diabetes.

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• COP-16, the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was held in Cali, Colombia.
• Highlights of COP-16:
  • Global Ecosystems Atlas (GEA): Launched as the first comprehensive tool for mapping and monitoring ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
  • Indigenous Representation: Established a subsidiary body to involve Indigenous communities in conservation and biodiversity discussions.
  • Digital Sequence Information (DSI): DSI (pertains to digital genetic data used in commercial products) was discussed, yet still lacks consensus on establishing a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism.
  • Reiterated the need for Integrated policies linking climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • Invasive Species Control: Strengthened efforts to curb invasive species in line with KMGBF targets.
  • Technical Implementation Support: Adopted measures to enhance technical capabilities for effective KMGBF target achievement.

Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect

• Digital Sequence Information (DSI), (pertains to digital genetic data used in commercial products) was discussed, yet still lacks consensus on establishing a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 (2022) set 23 targets to be completed by 2030, including the ’30-by-30′ agreement to protect 30% of land and water by 2030.

Answer: (d) 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium