October 16 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework, a water-sharing agreement for the Nile River basin was formally confirmed by the African Union after South Sudan joined the treaty to ensure fair and sustainable use of the Nile water.
• South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania ratified the framework.
• Kenya joined but yet to ratify, Congo abstained, and Egypt & Sudan refused to sign.
• South Africa is not a signatory to the framework.

  

Answer: (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (b) is incorrect

• The statement in option (b) is incorrect because it implies that the Indus River Dolphin inhabits the entire Indus River system. In reality, the dolphin is restricted to specific regions.
• In India, its distribution is extremely limited; it can only be found in a small section of the Beas River in Punjab.
• They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind. They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey, including prawns, catfish, and carp.
• They are a valuable indicator species indicating a thriving ecosystem with sufficient food & water.
• Status: IUCN: Endangered | WPA, 1972: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix I | CMS: Appendix II.

Answer: (b) It is found throughout the Indus River system in India and Pakistan; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Precision medicine, also called personalised medicine, tailors disease treatment and prevention strategies based on individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. It contrasts with the “one-size-fits-all” model, focusing on specific groups of people rather than the average patient.
• Key Role: Precision medicine gained momentum after the Human Genome Project and has become essential in treating cancers, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular and immune disorders.
• Emerging Technologies: New advancements like gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, and organ-on-chip technology improve treatment precision by targeting specific genetic mutations.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Contribution to Bioeconomy: Precision medicine accounts for 36% of India’s bioeconomy, particularly in areas like cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and biologics.
• Market Growth: India’s precision medicine market is growing rapidly, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16%, and it is expected to surpass $5 billion by 2030.
• BioE3 Policy promotes the development of precision therapeutics and advanced biomanufacturing techniques for medicines & materials.
• India has 19 registered biobanks to store biological samples (e.g., blood, DNA, tissues) along with genetic data; and major projects like Genome India, Phenome India, and Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders are gathering genetic data on a large scale to facilitate advancements in precision medicine.

Credits: Reprocell

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Only three pairs are correctly matched

Answer: (c) Only three Pairs; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Objective: Safe, transparent, and inclusive migration for Indian workers abroad.
• Partnership with Common Service Centres: It will expand immigration services to rural areas in local languages, enhancing accessibility.
• 24×7 Helpline Support: A multilingual helpline operates round the clock, assisting migrant workers with real-time solutions in multiple languages. especially for the Gulf regions.
• Social Security Framework: Through partnerships with the State Bank of India, migrants gain access to expanded social security coverage through insurance schemes and zero-fee digital payment options.
• Digilocker Integration: Ensures paperless processing for essential documents like passports and employment contracts, making the process smoother.
• Job Opportunities: The platform also supports job-seekers by offering a one-stop marketplace for overseas employment opportunities.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Draft Liquid Waste Management (LWM) rules do not limit their mandate to industrial sources alone.
• These rules apply to a broad range of wastewater sources, including households, public institutions, and industries.

Statement 2 is correct

• Targets for Reuse: 20% reuse for bulk water consumers (industries, institutions, large housing societies) by 2027–28. Increase to 50% by 2030-31.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Public institutions and large housing societies are included in the scope of the Extended User Responsibility (EUR) framework under the LWM rules.
• The EUR principle holds all major water users accountable for the wastewater they generate. This means that public institutions (such as universities, hospitals, and government buildings) and large residential complexes must also invest in appropriate wastewater treatment systems to ensure that the water they use is treated and, where possible, reused.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

All four listed applications are correct uses of biopolymers:

• Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by the cells of living organisms. These polymers are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics
• Applications of Biopolymers:
• Packaging: Biopolymers like PLA are used for biodegradable packaging, reducing plastic waste.
• Medical: Biopolymers like chitosan and alginate are used in targeted drug delivery systems, and collagen and silk biopolymers are used to develop scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
• Agriculture: Biodegradable mulch films and controlled-release fertilisers minimise environmental harm.
• Textiles: Biodegradable fibres like silk and bacterial cellulose are used in eco-friendly textiles.

Answer: (d) All four; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• India is ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), falling into the “serious” category for hunger levels.
• India is grouped with countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, which face severe hunger issues.
• Global Hunger Report is an annual report jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe (NGOs from Ireland and Germany, respectively).
• GHI scores are based on the values of four indicators (Equally weighted):
  • Undernourishment
  • Child stunting
  • Child wasting
  • Child mortality
• The GHI scores range between 0 and 100, with higher scores indicating more hunger.

Answer: (a) Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe; Difficulty Level: Easy