The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) 4B MOVEMENT Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory, the 4B movement, which originated in South Korea, became one of the most searched topics online. Many American women took to social media to announce that they are adopting it in their lives. Background: – The movement started in South Korea around 2016, when a woman was murdered in a Seoul subway station. Her killer said he had “felt ignored by women”. This was also the time when multiple women in South Korea reported having been filmed by spycams. This movement belongs to the strain of radical feminism that believes that heterosexual relationships at their heart remain structures of oppression, and women need to break free of them to be truly independent and happy so they adopt  “Four Nos” — no dating, no sex, no marriage, and no childbearing. Key takeaways 4B stands for four bis, or no in the Korean language: bihon, bichulsan, biyeonae, and bisekseu, meaning the refusal of (heterosexual) marriage, childbirth, romance, and sexual relationships, respectively. In the Indian context, consider this — marriage often involves dowry, the burden of running the married home and raising the child is disproportionately on women, many women are penalised at their workplaces for motherhood duties, and intimate partner violence is common. While women are supposed to endure all this for the sake of love and duties, there are very little expectations from men. The proponents of the 4B movement believe that unless men work more actively for a gender-just society, women should not reward them with children, love, and emotional and other forms of labour. Essentially, the movement wants women to imagine more roles for themselves than just wives and mothers.  Women not bogged down by domestic duties and not being controlled by a man can focus on their own aims, hobbies, comfort, and happiness, the movement believes. It also advocate women building strong solidarities with other women. Why is it gaining popularity in America now? The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022, taking away the constitutional right to abortion. As of November this year, 21 states have banned abortion or restricted the procedure earlier in pregnancy than what was granted in Roe v Wade. After the election, pro-Trump social media influencers trended a misogynist campaign called “Your body, My choice” which normalises rape and forced pregnancy. Undoubtedly, the slogan was an antithesis of the feminist slogan “My body, My Choice”. The 4B is a response to the happenings. Why do some non-sexist people also oppose 4B? Some point out that just cutting off contact with men is not a solution — this puts the onus of staying away from men on the woman, instead of demanding change and accountability from men.  Believing men as incapable of reform can play into the ‘boys will be boys’ school of thought, it is argued. Meaningful change can come by raising awareness and a sense of responsibility among men, and this can happen by pushing back from within relationships. Others point out that such totalising movements can be exclusionary of transgender rights. Another criticism is that these movements rob women of choice: one can be frustrated with inequality but still want children, or in the case of heterosexual women, sexual pleasure. Source: Indian Express   COP MUST NOTE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF UNILATERAL TRADE MEASURES: INDIA Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 & GS 3 Context: Reacting strongly to suggestions that principles of ‘Just Transition’ be used to draw up climate action plans in the future, India said “prescriptive top-down approaches” were violative of provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Background: – Insisting that development was the “overriding priority” of countries in the Global South, India said if the developed countries indeed wanted to discuss ‘just transition’, they should be willing to discuss it in the broader sense including the inequities in the global climate discourse, and not just in the NDCs and the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Key takeaways In the climate change context, ‘just transition’ refers to a shift to low-carbon economies in a fair, equitable and inclusive manner which does not put any segment of people at any particular disadvantage.  India was not objecting to the principles of just transition, but the fact that countries were being asked to prepare their climate action plans in a certain way. Under the Paris Agreement, the climate action plans, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are supposed to be “nationally-determined” and not forced upon by others. India said provision of climate finance was one of the most critical enablers for just transition, and developed countries had failed in their responsibility of putting adequate money on the table. Intellectual property rights on green technologies are hindering free and scalable access for developing countries, India stated. India raised the issue of unilateral coercive measures restricting trade flows and denying countries access to equitable development opportunities. Though it did not single it out, India was referring to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced by the European Union.  CBAM seeks to impose a tax on a certain class of goods imported in the EU, if the production of those goods had an emission footprint higher than the emission standards in EU.  Ostensibly a step to control emissions, CBAM has the effect of making the goods from developing countries like China or India non-competitive in the European markets. The developing countries complain that the costs of emissions reductions are in a way getting shifted to them. Source: Indian Express ONE DAY ONE GENOME INITIATIVE Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have launched the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative. Background: The initiative is led by BRIC in collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), an institute under the DBT. Key takeaways The One Day One Genome Initiative is a transformative project launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) to unlock India’s vast microbial potential. Objectives: Microbial Exploration: To explore and showcase India’s unique microbial species and their roles in agriculture, the environment, and human health. Genomic Data: To make genomic data freely available to the public, fostering scientific collaboration and community engagement. Innovation: To stimulate discussions, inspire research, and drive innovations with real-world applications. Key Features: Genome Sequencing: The initiative involves genome sequencing of bacterial species isolated in India, revealing their genetic blueprint and potential applications. Public Accessibility: Fully annotated bacterial genomes, along with graphical summaries, infographics, and genome assembly details, will be made publicly available. Significance: Environmental Protection: Research in this field can lead to better protection and management of the environment. Agricultural Development: It can contribute to the development of agriculture by enhancing nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and pest control. Human Health: The initiative can improve human health outcomes by supporting digestion, immunity, and mental health. Source: Krishi Jagran GURU GHASIDAS - TAMOR PINGLA TIGER RESERVE Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Chhattisgarh government has officially designated the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a new tiger reserve, bringing the total number of tiger reserves in the state to four. The new reserve will be known as the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. Background: – The National Tiger Conservation Authority had accorded final approval for notifying the Guru Ghasidas- Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in 2021. Key takeaways It is the 56th Tiger Reserve of the country. It is nestled in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in Baghelkhand plateau. The tiger reserve, encompassing a total area of 2829.38 sq.kms, includes a core/critical tiger habitat of 2049.2 sq.kms, comprising the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, and has a buffer of 780.15 sq.kms.  This makes it the third largest tiger reserve in the country after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam. Keeping in view the landscape approach to conservation as envisaged in India’s National Wildlife Plan, the newly notified tiger reserve is contiguous with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh forming a landscape complex of nearly 4500 sq.kms.  Further, the tiger reserve is connected to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the West and Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand to the East. Source: PIB SUDAN Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRPAHY Context: Russia vetoed a UN resolution on Monday calling for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces and delivery of humanitarian aid to millions in desperate need. Background: – Sudan plunged into conflict in April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders erupted in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including western Darfur, which was wracked by bloodshed and atrocities in 2003. Key takeaways Sudan is a country located in northeastern Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest. Capital: Khartoum Major Rivers: The Blue Nile and the White Nile, which converge in Khartoum Colonial Era: Sudan was jointly administered by Egypt and Britain from 1899 until its independence in 1956 Independence: Sudan gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule in 1956 Civil Wars: Sudan experienced two prolonged civil wars, the first from 1955-1972 and the second from 1983-2005 South Sudan Independence: South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011, becoming an independent country Economy: Main Industries: Agriculture, livestock, oil, and minerals. Challenges: Sudan faces economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and ongoing conflicts Culture: Languages: Arabic is the official language, but many local languages are also spoken Religion: Islam is the dominant religion, with Christianity and indigenous beliefs also present. Additional Information : Conflict in Darfur The War in Darfur, also nicknamed the Land Cruiser War, was a major armed conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan that began in 2003 when rebel groups began fighting against the government of Sudan, which they accused of oppressing Darfur’s non-Arab population. The government responded to attacks by carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Darfur’s non-Arabs. This resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the indictment of Sudan’s president, Omar al-Bashir, for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Source: The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘One Day One Genome Initiative’: It is launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The initiative aims to sequence the genome of bacterial species found in India and make genomic data freely accessible to the public. It primarily focuses on human genome sequencing for personalized healthcare. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only   Q2.) With reference to the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements: It is located entirely within the Chota Nagpur plateau. It is the largest tiger reserve in India. It forms a contiguous wildlife landscape with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3   Q3.) Which of the following statements about Sudan is/are correct? Sudan is bordered by Libya, Chad, and Ethiopia. The Blue Nile and the White Nile converge in the capital city, Khartoum. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2005 after the conclusion of the second civil war. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  19th November – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – a Q.3) – a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) INDIA’S ROAD TO NET-ZERO Syllabus: Mains – GS 3 Context: Climate action and plans of action by various countries is drawing significant attention as United Nations’ annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COPs) progresses in Baku. Background: – A few COPs ago, India committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Since then, it has implemented several policies while others are in the works to support this transition. It is widely acknowledged that this journey will not be without challenges. Why net-zero at all? The scientific consensus is that to avoid devastating and irreversible consequences, the world must keep the global average annual surface temperature rise to within 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. The current increase is at least 1.1 °C over that in 1880. The Sixth Assessment Report of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimated that from 2020, the remaining (cumulative) global carbon budget for limiting temperature rise to 1.5 °C is 400-500 billion tonnes (Gt) of CO2. Currently, annual global emissions are around 40 GtCO₂. This means net global emissions must drop drastically to stay within the carbon budget. Is net-zero equitable? The developed world, having caused the problem of climate change in the first place, is expected to reach net-zero emissions well before 2050, allowing more time for developing countries to balance their development goals with climate action. These expectations aren’t being met, however. Developed countries are also expected to help finance climate action, but this hasn’t materialised at the required scale. Developing countries, especially those that are small islands, are bearing more than their fair share of the brunt of climate change. So overall, neither climate change nor climate action is currently equitable. A new consumption corridor India’s lifestyle aspirations could easily become unsustainable in the long run, jeopardising our access to basic needs. In a scenario where consumption rises unchecked and India electrifies all end-use applications, the power demand could increase nine- to tenfold by 2070. Meeting it entirely via renewable energy will require more than 5,500 GW of solar and 1,500 GW of wind. This target is achievable if India’s only priority is to expand renewable energy generation capacity. But if India is to maintain food and nutritional security, increase forest cover, and preserve biodiversity as well, these energy targets will become challenging. Going beyond 3,500 GW solar and 900 GW wind will demand considerable land trade-offs. India has a tough balancing act to pull off: availing good quality of life to a large share of its population (which has significant material and energy implications) while working towards its climate adaptation and mitigation goals. To this end, it is important to recognise the pitfalls of economic models. For example, the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesises that beyond a threshold, economic growth can be decoupled from carbon emissions. In reality, even the richest countries haven’t achieved this decoupling. India need to envisage a long-term strategy incorporating ‘sufficiency consumption corridors’, with a floor well suited to meeting our developmental goals and a ceiling of excess that will help avoid unsustainable growth. Equally important are demand-side measures to help maintain this corridor of consumption that will keep us on a sustainable pathway. Demand and supply measures Some of the demand-side measures include the use of better construction materials and passive design elements to provide thermal comfort that doesn’t require air-conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, public and/or non-motorised transport, local products to reduce the demand for long-haul freight, mindful dietary choices, and alternative fuels in industries. On the supply side as well, India needs to further decentralise energy production (including by the use of rooftop solar cells and of solar pumps for agriculture). Finally, it should continue to expand its nuclear power generation capacity. Source: The Hindu   MEDIA LITERACY Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 & GS 4 Context: National Press Day is celebrated annually on 16 November. The expansion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the rapid spread of information highlights the growing significance of media literacy in ensuring responsible journalism and countering misinformation.  Background: – It is time to pause and understand our information needs, digital rights, and the algorithms shaping how information is presented and disseminated, and finally explore how to navigate the turbulent sea of information. Building resilience against misinformation  Information is increasingly weaponised to breed mistrust, division and intolerance, and its unhindered proliferation jeopardises the larger goal of the well-being of an open and plural society.  In today’s media-saturated culture, truth has become the first casualty. It sets the seal on what Jonathan Swift, the outstanding Anglo-Irish satirist, asserted centuries ago, “Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it”. Develop a way with media literacy In an era where truth often takes a backseat, facts get smothered by emotional responses, primarily fuelled by social media. Information seekers ought to understand who creates the message, what purposes it serves, and what creative techniques are used to make lies indistinguishable from the truth.  Developing a distinct ability to analyse how political, religious, commercial, and ethnic allegiances affect human sensitivity is essential. This urgently needed skill can only be acquired if one understands and develops a way with media literacy – a widely used but least understood term.  Media literacy equips individuals to critically evaluate what is presented by the media as objective truth. It empowers us to find meaning between the lines, not on them.  Media literacy emphasises cultivating critical thinking, enabling individuals to resist being swayed by rhetorical flourishes or polemics (biased arguments). It exposes how both print media and digital platforms have the potential for manipulative persuasion and are often used to further vested interests.  To make us sensitive to religious, social, cultural and racial prejudices, media literacy harps on critical thinking so that one can realise that all beliefs and ideologies – whether rooted in religion, nationalism or other belief systems – often carry inherent biases.   Four dimensions of media literacy  Renowned media scholar W. James Potter aptly asserted that all media messages include four dimensions: 1. Cognitive: What sort of information is being transmitted? 2. Emotional: The underlying feelings that are being conjured. 3. Aesthetic: The artistic beauty and creativity of the design of the message. 4. Moral: The values being conveyed through the message. These dimensions highlight that the intent of the message goes well beyond what meets the eye. For instance, the sale of adulterated sweets and savoury snack food was made the topic of talk shows on several channels during the recent festive season. However, few can comprehend the subtle nuances of discussions disguised in the idiom of public good.  At first sight, these discussions appear to show concerns for public health, informing viewers of the harmful effects of consuming adulterated sweets and snacks. However, during commercial breaks, a leading actor endorses a chocolate product, and a prominent actress promotes a snack brand.  It implies that people should shift from traditional festive treats like laddoos and samosa to products manufactured by multinationals.  Media literacy is of critical significance here as it empowers viewers to look beyond the surface. By understanding these nuances, viewers can make informed choices and resist being swayed by celebrity endorsements.  Reshaping education with media literacy  The biggest threats to our collective well-being – misinformation, hate speech, conspiracy theories and othering of the marginalised sections – can only be countered through media literacy. Media literacy initiatives help us recognise how media frame issues, emphasising the significance of sourcing, authenticity, credibility and biases in mediated messages.  By fostering critical thinking, online and digital rights and social and emotional sensitivity, media literacy helps create an inclusive, participatory and open society that empowers people.  Media literacy enables one to uncover the obscured truths, question racial, religious and ethnic stereotypes and foster connectedness across diverse communities.  Source: Indian Express MITIGATION WORK PROGRAMME (MWP) Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: At the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), India said that developed countries have historically contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions. Background: India said developed countries had “continuously shifted goals, delayed climate action, and consumed a highly disproportionate share of the global carbon budget.” Key takeaways The Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) is an initiative established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to help countries scale up their mitigation ambition and implementation to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The MWP was created two years ago at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Objectives: Scale Up Mitigation: The primary goal is to scale up mitigation efforts to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspirational target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Support National Contributions: Assist countries in implementing and enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Foster Innovation: Generate discussions that are facilitative, constructive, innovative, and catalytic. Inclusive Participation: Ensure diverse participation from policymakers, stakeholders, and non-Party stakeholders. Key Features: Global Dialogues: Conduct annual global dialogues and investment-focused events from 2023-2026 to discuss mitigation opportunities and challenges. Thematic Workshops: Host thematic workshops to share best practices, lessons learned, and overcome barriers to scaling up mitigation action. Sectoral Approaches: Consider sectoral approaches to identify cost-effective and scalable mitigation opportunities. Regional Focus: Address regional approaches to equity, sustainable development, and synergies with adaptation. Source: Economic Times DEAD SEA Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Researchers have discovered meter-high chimneys on the floor of the Dead Sea. These are formed by the spontaneous crystallization of minerals from groundwater with an extremely high salt content flowing up out of the lake floor, the report in journal Science of the Total Environment. Background: – Discovered for the first time, these vents are an important early warning indicator for sinkholes. These subsidence craters form in the area surrounding the Dead Sea and pose a significant hazard to the population. Key takeaways The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, part of the Great Rift System. Salinity: The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest water bodies on Earth, with a salinity of about 34%. The high salinity prevents most aquatic life, hence the name “Dead Sea.” Lowest Point: It is the lowest point on Earth’s surface on land, sitting at approximately 430 meters below sea level and still dropping. Unique Properties: The lake is rich in minerals, especially magnesium, bromide, and potassium, making it a hub for therapeutic and cosmetic products. The high density of water allows people to float effortlessly. Formation: Formed due to tectonic activity in the Jordan Rift Valley. Fed mainly by the Jordan River, but with no outlets, leading to high evaporation rates. Environmental Concerns: The Dead Sea is shrinking rapidly, with water levels dropping by over 1 meter annually due to diversion of the Jordan River and mineral extraction. Sinkholes are increasingly forming in the region as a result of the declining water levels. Cultural and Historical Significance: Mentioned in several historical and religious texts, including the Bible. Nearby are significant archaeological sites, such as the Masada Fortress and Qumran Caves (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered). Source: Science Daily WHY CO2 HAS CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO GLOBAL WARMING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: India’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to increase by 4.6% in 2024, the highest among major economies, according to a new report by Global Carbon Project. Background: – CO2 is one of the most important GHGs in the atmosphere and is the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change. Key takeaways GHGs are those gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. The Sun emits shortwave radiation or sunlight that passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the planet’s surface. Some of this sunlight is reflected back by the surface as infrared radiation (heat) which has a longer wavelength. GHGs such as CO2 and methane (CH4), which cannot absorb shortwave radiation, trap infrared radiation.  Studies have shown that CO2 has contributed more than any driver to climate change. In fact, CO2 is responsible for about 70% of global warming. In 2013, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) compared the “radiative forcing” (RF) or heating effect of three different climate drivers: GHGs, aerosols, and land use change. It was found that between 1750 and 2011, CO2 had the highest positive RF, meaning it had the greatest warming effect on the planet. The analysis also showed that other GHGs such as CH4 or Hydrofluorocarbons (an entirely human-made GHG) which are much more potent — while CH4 is around 80 times more powerful than CO2, HFCs can be thousands of times more powerful — had less heating effect than CO2. There are two reasons for this. One, CO2 is much more abundant in the atmosphere compared to CH4 and HFCs. Since the onset of industrial times in the 18th century, human activities have raised atmospheric CO2 by 50%, which means the amount of CO2 is now 150% of its value in 1750. Two, CO2 remains in the atmosphere longer than the other major GHGs emitted due to human activities. It takes about a decade for CH4 emissions to leave the atmosphere (it converts into CO2) and about a century for nitrous oxide (N2O). Notably, water vapour is the most abundant GHG in the atmosphere. However, it has a short cycle (10 days on average) and does not build up in the atmosphere in the same way as CO2 does. Source: Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) National Press Day is celebrated annually on (a) November 16th (b) November 1st (c) November 21st (d) November 18th   Q2.) With reference to the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), consider the following statements: The MWP was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during COP27. The primary objective of the MWP is to address the loss and damage caused by climate change in vulnerable regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2   Q3.) Consider the following statements about the Dead Sea: It is the lowest point on Earth’s surface on land. The Dead Sea is primarily fed by the Euphrates River. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  18th November – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – d Q.3) – a