Syllabus

• UPSC Prelims – GEOGRAPHY
• UPSC Prelims – Science & Technology

Context: Recently, IITM Pune demonstrated that cloud seeding can produce rainfall.

Background:-

• A cloud seeding experiment was carried out in Solapur city, which falls on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.

About Cloud seeding:-

IMAGE SOURCE: IASBABA

• Cloud seeding is a kind of weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall.
• The goal of this work is to change the amount of precipitation that falls from the sky or to alter the type that would reach the ground.

Mechanism:-

• It is a way of changing the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds, by dispersing substances into the air that serve as cloud condensation.
• Drones are charged into the clouds and cause an electric shock due to which they clump together and cause rainfall.
• Silver iodide, dry ice, and potassium iodide are the most common items used to initiate the cloud-seeding process.

Types:-

There are three cloud seeding methods: static, dynamic and hygroscopic.

• Static cloud seeding: involves spreading a chemical like silver iodide into clouds.
• Dynamic cloud seeding: aims to boost vertical air currents, which encourages more water to pass through the clouds, translating into more rain.
• Hygroscopic cloud seeding: disperses salts through flares or explosives in the lower portions of clouds.

Advantages of Cloud Seeding:-

• Cloud seeding can help to produce more precipitation. (Cloudbursts)
• It can make the land more suitable for living.
• It helps to regulate weather patterns in specific locations.

Disadvantages of Cloud Seeding:-

• Specific atmospheric conditions must exist for cloud seeding to work: It works only when there are enough pre-existing clouds in the atmosphere.
• The effectiveness of cloud seeding is still under review.
• It is an expensive venture.

MUST READ: Cloud Wars

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs on the: (2022)

1. The first half of the month of June
2. The second half of the month of June
3. The first half of the month of July
4. The second half of the month of July

Q.2) On 21st June, the Sun (2019)

1. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
2. does not set below the horizon at the Antarctic Circle
3. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
4. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

Syllabus

• UPSC Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, IIT Bombay researchers discovered that Carbon nanoflorets can convert incident sunlight to heat .

Background:-

• Carbon nanoflorets made by IIT Bombay researchers can convert incident sunlight to heat with 87% efficiency.

About Carbon nanoflorets:-

• Carbon nanoflorets are like tiny marigold flowers made only of carbon.
• They have an unprecedented ability to absorb sunlight at multiple frequencies and convert it into heat with exceptional efficiency.
• The carbon nanoflorets’ high efficiency comes from three properties:-
  • They can absorb infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, unlike traditional solar-thermal conversion materials that only absorb visible and ultraviolet light.
  • As light falls on the material, the carbon cones ensure that very little is reflected back.
  • Parts of the structure at some distance from each other possess different physical properties. As a result, heat waves in the material aren’t carried over long distances, reducing the amount of heat dissipated away.

Making:-

• To create the carbon nanoflorets, the DFNS powder was heated in a furnace and introduced acetylene gas into the chamber.
• The white powder turned black, indicating that carbon had been deposited on the DFNS.
• After dissolving the DFNS with a strong chemical, what remained were spherical nanostructures made of carbon cones.
• The nanoflorets resemble tiny marigold flowers.

Advantages:-

• Carbon is inexpensive and the nanoflorets can generate heat sustainably, without having to burn fossil fuels. (Carbon Trading)
• They can offer a sustainable solution for heating homes.
• They offer sterilizing surfaces in hospitals without relying on fossil fuels. (Climate Change)

MUST READ: Mitigating Climate Change

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020)

1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Woodburning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q.2) With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements : (2015)

1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• UPSC Prelims –IMPORTANT AWARDS
• UPSC Prelims – Polity

Context: Recently, the Union government instituted the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:-

• Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar includes 56 prizes to felicitate scientists, technologists and innovators.
• The 56 proposed awards are a stark reduction from the almost 300 science prizes that used to be given by Union Ministries.
• The awards will commence in 2024.
• The awards will be announced annually on May 11, which is National Technology Day.
• They will be awarded on National Space Day, August 23.
• They will be given by the President or the Vice President.

Eligibility:-

• Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
• People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.

Categories:-

Categories: 3 Vigyan Ratna, 25 Vigyan Shri, 25 Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and 3 Vigyan Team.

• Vigyan Ratna: will recognize the lifetime achievement of scientists.
• Vigyan Shri: will recognize distinguished contributions to a field.
• Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: will encourage young scientists who have made exceptional contributions in their field, and the Vigyan Team will recognize teams of three or more.

Decoration:–

• All Awards will have a Sanad & a medal. (Padma awards)

MUST READ:  Padma awardee Shanti Devi

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: (2023)

1. It was the first time that the Chess Olympiad was held in India.
2. The official mascot was named Thambi.
3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sports climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate, and Baseball are included in this.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• UPSC Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people of Kerala on the occasion of Kerala Piravi.

Background:-

• Greeting people on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, known for their diligence and the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage, the people of Kerala embody resilience and determination.

About Kerala Piravi:-

• Kerala Piravi is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala on November 1st every year.
• It is a day that marks the establishment of the state of Kerala as a separate entity on November 1, 1956.
• The state of Kerala was formed by combining the former states of Travancore-Cochin with the Malabar district and Kasaragod taluk of South Canara district.
• This significant event marked the end of the political and administrative system of the feudal kingdoms in Kerala and the beginning of a new era of democratic governance.
• The term “Kerala Piravi” translates to “the birth of Kerala,” which connotes the significance of the day.
• Kerala Piravi is an opportunity for Keralites to revisit their rich cultural heritage and reflect on their history, culture, and traditions.
• The day is celebrated with great pomp and show, and various cultural programs are organized to showcase the state’s art, music, dance, literature, and cuisine.
• The day is also marked by numerous commemorative events, including cultural parades, folk dances, and exhibitions showcasing the state’s history, culture, and traditions. (Mohiniyattam)
• One of the main attractions of the festival is the famous President’s Trophy Boat Race competition held in Kovalam.
• It is a time for people to come together to celebrate their shared history and to look forward to a bright and prosperous future.

MUST READ: Kerala and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

Q.2) Which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)

1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora River.
2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal River.
3. Pandu – lena cave shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada River.
4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari River.

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science & Technology (Defence)

Context: Army’s Light Combat Helicopter Prachand successfully carried out its inaugural firing recently.

Background:-

• In an exclusive interview with All India Radio, the Director General of the Army Aviation Corps Lt Gen AK Suri underscored that with each passing year Army Aviation Corps is setting new milestones in terms of capability building and increasing its sphere of influence.
• One of the youngest corps of the Indian Army, Army Aviation was created as a separate arm on 1st November 1986.

About Prachand:-

• Designed and manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is multi-role and can perform roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD) and Counter Insurgency (CI) operations.
• The LCH has been designed as a twin-engine. (Chetak Helicopters)
• It is a dedicated combat helicopter of 5.8-ton class, thus categorized as light.
• It features a narrow fuselage and tandem one-behind-the-other configuration for the pilot and co-pilot.
  • The co-pilot is also the Weapon Systems Operator (WSO).
• It has a maximum take-off weight of 5.8 tonnes, a maximum speed of 268 kilometres per hour, range of 550 kilometres.
• It has an endurance of over three hours and a service ceiling the maximum density altitude to which it can fly of 6.5 kilometres.
• LCH is powered by two French-origin Shakti engines manufactured by the HAL.
• The helicopter uses radar-absorbing material to lower radar signature and has a significantly crash-proof structure and landing gear.
• A pressurized cabin offers protection from nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contingencies.
• The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 metres (16,400 ft), which makes it ideal to operate in the high-altitude areas of the Siachen glacier.

MUST READ: Asia’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

Syllabus

• UPSC Prelims – Polity

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court flagged the possibility of electoral bonds being used to trade favours.

Background:-

• A Constitution Bench on October 31 raised the scenario of influential entities covertly setting up persons with verified accounts to purchase electoral bonds for them through the regular banking route in order to curry favour or anonymously enter into a quid pro quo with ruling political parties.

About Electoral bonds:-

• An Electoral Bond is like a promissory note that may be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
• A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• The bonds are like banknotes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are interest-free.

Historical Background:-

• The electoral bonds system was introduced in 2017 by way of a Finance bill.
• It was implemented in 2018.

Eligibility:-

• Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.

Salient Features:-

• State Bank of India (SBI) issues the bonds in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
• It is payable to the bearer on demand and interest-free.
• It is purchased by Indian citizens or entities established in India.
• It can be bought individually or jointly with other individuals.
• It is valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) is the authorized issuer.
  • Electoral Bonds are issued through designated SBI branches.
• Electoral Bonds can be purchased digitally or through cheques.
• Encashment only through an authorized bank account of the political party.
  • Political Parties must disclose their bank account with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Advantages of Electoral Bonds:-

• Ensures Accountability: Donations through Electoral Bonds will only be credited to the party bank account disclosed with the ECI.
• Discourage Cash: The Purchase will be possible only through a limited number of notified banks and that too through cheque and digital payments.
• More Transparency: It helps the political parties to operate in a more transparent manner with the election commission, regulatory authorities and the general public at large.

Disadvantages of Electoral Bonds:-

• Hindering Right to Know: Voters will not know which individual, company, or organisation has funded which party, and to what extent. Before the introduction of electoral bonds, political parties had to disclose details of all their donors, who have donated more than Rs 20,000.
  • The change infringes the citizen’s ‘Right to Know’ and makes the political class even more unaccountable.
• Unauthorized Donations: In a situation where the contribution received through electoral bonds is not reported, it cannot be ascertained whether the political party has taken any donation in violation of provision under Section 29B of the RPA, 1951 which prohibits the political parties from taking donations from government companies and foreign sources.
• Leads to Crony-Capitalism: It could become a convenient channel for businesses to round-trip their cash parked in tax havens to political parties for a favour or advantage granted in return for something.
  • Anonymous funding might lead to an infusion of black money.

MUST READ: Cohort on Election Integrity

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider · the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : (2023)

Statement-I :

Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II:

On 26 November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India· set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft of the Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q.2) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)

1. This would prevent the transfer of land from tribal people to non-tribal people.
2. This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
3. This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
4. The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.

Syllabus

• UPSC Mains – GS3 (Security Issues)

About

A cyber-attack can be defined as a malicious activity or planned attempt by any organization or an individual to steal or corrupt the information of the system of another organization or individual.

Different methods used by criminals for cyber-attacks malware, ransom ware, phishing, denial of service, Man in the middle attack.

Reasons for Cyber attacks

• To gain business financial details.
• To gain customer financial information (for example- Bank details).
• To gain product design or trade secrets.
• To gain login credentials and email addresses of various customers or staff.
• To gain or steal sensitive personal information.
• To make a social or political point.
• To destroy business competitor

Recent Cyberattacks on India

• AIIMS: The attack on the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) came to light on November 23, 2022. The attack could have exposed around 40 million patient data.
• CDSL: India’s second-largest depository, Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) detected a malware attack on few of its systems.
• IPCA Laboratories:One of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in India, IPCS was hit by a cybercrime and extortion group called Ransom House. The group claimed to have stolen 500 gigabytes of data from its systems.

Challenges in tackling cyberattacks:

• Low awareness among citizens
• Poor infrastructure and lack of cybersecurity officials
• Remoteness of person committing crime is leading to jurisdictional issues

Institutional measures

• IT Act,2000 is the primary law that deals with cyberattacks in India
• National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 provides the vision and strategic direction to protect the national cyberspace
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is designated as a national nodal agency in respect of critical information infrastructure protection.
• CERT-in is a national nodal agency to respond against computer security threats as and when required.

Do You Know?

• India is among the top 3 vulnerable nations for Cyber Security.

1. Japan
2. Australia
3. India

• Sweden has suffered the lowest rate of malware infection. It is considered as one of the best countries with cybersecurity.

Conclusion

Data being New oil of the economy and in the present geopolitical environment India should have strong legal measures and technology support to handle the ever increasing cyberattacks.

Syllabus

• UPSC Mains – Science & Technology (GS3)

About

DOM is India’s ambitious programme for underwater exploration, chiefly implemented by the MoES. This mission has Six pillars to be implemented over a peiod of 5 years. It is one of the 9 missions under PMSTIAC.

Importance of Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

• New India 2030 document outlines blue economy as 6^th core objective of India’s growth.
• To sustainably harness oceans potential for the nations growth.
• It supports blue trade and blue manufacturing in India
• India will become one among the 6 countries to have technology and expertise for such missions
• To develop capabilities to exploit resources in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB).

About Samudrayaan

• Matsya6000 is deep submersible designed. It can take 3 crew members.
• It has operational endurance of 12 hours extendable to 96 hours in case of emergency.
• Its primary objective is exploration of ocean bed
• With Matsya, India will be the only country to have an entire ecosystem of underwater vehicles encompassing deep¬water ROVs, polar ROVs, AUVs, deep¬water coring systems, and more.

Polymetallic Nodules

• Potato Shaped porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in the deep sea.
• A unique characteristic of deep-ocean nodules compared to terrestrial deposits is the presence of multiple commodities in one deposit; for example, nodules from the Clarion–Clipperton Zone contain Mn, Ni, Cu and Co.

Do You Know?

• USA, Russia, China, France and Japan are the only countries in the world who successfully achieved deep ocean crewed missions.
• Oceangate, a tourism and expedition company in USA operated a submersible Titan to view the wreck of TITANIC. Due to safety concerns leading to fatal deaths of all the members in the ocean.
• Deep-ocean mining might avoid some of the environmental issues associated with terrestrial mining.
• As a part of DOM, Samudrayan project was initiated. It is a crewed expedition to reach 6000m depth ocean bed in the central Indian Ocean.
• International Body which allocates countries to exploit resources near the basin is by UN international Seabed Authority. India has been allotted 75000sqkm in CIOB to explore Polymetallic Nodules.

Other Blue Economy Initiatives

• Sagarmala Project: Strategic initiative for port led development through extensive use of IT enabled services
• O SMART: To regulate the use of oceans, marine resources for sustainable development.

Conclusion

• Data being new oil of the economy and in the present geopolitical environment India should have strong legal measures and technology support to handle the ever increasing cyberattacks.

Q.1) Consider the following pairs:    

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Donations through Electoral Bonds are only credited to the party bank account disclosed with the ECI.

Statement-II:

Electoral Bonds can be bought individually or jointly with other individuals.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q.3) With reference to the Carbon nano florets, consider the following statements:

1. The nanoflorets resemble tiny marigold flowers.
2. They are made of carbon and hydrogen.
3. They have an unprecedented ability to absorb sunlight at multiple frequencies and convert it into heat.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1, 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 only

Mains Practice Questions

• Why the prevelance of Cyberwarfare is increasing and how multilateral instituions help in tackling it? Elaborate with some examples.
• Explain India’s necessity and capabilities in the deep ocean exploration.

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  1st November 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – b