Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: Neurotoxins released in the recent Ludhiana gas leak tragedy might have caused the deaths.

About Neurotoxins:-

IMAGE SOURCE: 5 Neurotoxins Found in Popular Foods | Be Brain Fit

• Neurotoxins are synthetic or naturally occurring substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous system.
•  Neurotoxins may damage neurons, axons, and/or glia resulting in loss of specific nuclei and/or axonal tracts or demyelination.
•  They may also cause metabolic imbalances that can secondarily affect the central nervous system (CNS).
• Many neurotoxins are of external origin, entering the body from environmental sources.
  • Others, however, are endogenous, being produced and existing within the body.
  • Examples of endogenous neurotoxins include the neurotransmitters nitric oxide and glutamate. (UPSC CSE: Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) )

Physiological effects:-

• Neurotoxins are absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or injection and can have immediate or long-lasting impacts by causing neurons to malfunction or by disrupting interneuron communication.
• Certain neurotoxins are highly potent and have been developed into chemical weapons.
  • Sarin is an organophosphorus compound that is classified as a weapon of mass destruction (UPSC Prelims: Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) )
•  Neurotoxins such as arsenic, chlorpyrifos, DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), ethyl alcohol, fluoride, lead, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), manganese, mercury, and toluene are major contributors to the prevalence of neurobehavioral disorders.
• The impact of some neurotoxins, such as lead and ethyl alcohol, is well-documented.

MUST READ: Safeguards against chemical disasters in India

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (2022)

1. Low-density polyethylene
2. Polycarbonate
3. Polyethylene terephthalate
4. Polyvinyl Chloride

Q.2) “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (2022)

1. Food preservatives
2. Fruit ripening substances
3. reused plastic containers
4. Toiletries

Syllabus

• Prelims –Polity

Context: In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court rules that it can directly grant a divorce to couples under Article 142.

About Article 142:-

• It deals with the enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court.
• Article 142 provides discretionary power to the Supreme Court as it states that the Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it. (UPSC PRELIMS: Understanding Article 142)
• Subsection 1 of Article 142 provides a unique power to the Supreme Court, to do complete justice between the parties.
• According to some eminent jurists, natural justice is above law, and the Supreme Court shall have full right to pass any order that it considers just. (UPSC MAINS: alternate dispute resolution mechanism in India.)
• Therefore, the Supreme Court shall exercise these powers and will not be deterred from doing justice by the provision of any rule or law, executive practice or executive circular or regulation etc.
• The framers of the Constitution felt that this provision is of utmost significance to those people who have to suffer due to the delay in getting their necessary reliefs due to the disadvantaged position of the judicial system. (UPSC CSE: Judicial Accountability )

Significance of Article 142:-

• Prevents Injustice: It provides a special and extraordinary power to the Supreme Court to do complete justice to the litigants who have suffered traversed illegality or injustice in the proceedings.
• Uphold citizen’s rights: Article 142 has been invoked for the purpose of protecting the rights of the different sections of the population.
• Check on Government: Works as a system of checks and balances with the Government or Legislature.

Cases where the Supreme Court has invoked its plenary powers under Article 142:-

• Manohar Lal Sharma v. Principal Secretary(2014): The Supreme Court can deal with exceptional circumstances interfering with the larger interest of the public in order to fabricate trust in the rule of law.
• A.R. Antulay v. R.S. Nayak(1988): The Supreme Court held that any discretion which is given by the court should not be arbitrary or in any way be inconsistent with provisions of any statute laid down.
• Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India (1989): In Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case, the court ordered to award of compensation to the victims and placed itself in a position above the Parliamentary laws.
• Siddiq v. Mahant Suresh Das (2019): Popularly known as the Ayodhya dispute, the Supreme Court exercised the powers mentioned under Article 142 of the Constitution.

MUST READ: Judiciary & AI

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements. (2021)

1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. The- motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what Constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, of 1968.
4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –Important Events

Context: Recently, Abhilash Tomy created history as the first Indian to complete the Golden Globe Race.

About Golden Globe Race:-

• The Golden Globe Race is being conducted by the K.’s Sir Robin Knox Johnston.
• Objective: to commemorate the world’s first solo non-stop circumnavigation undertaken by him in 1968, onboard the Indian-built boat Suhaili.
• Participants in the GGR are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop.
• The uniqueness of the race is that boat designs and technology newer than 1968 are not permitted.
• Also, the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication and navigational aids are forbidden in the 30,000-mile journey. (UPSC PRELIMS: Understanding NavIC)
• The sailors each have a satellite phone and emergency locator beacons to be used for medical emergencies only. (UPSC CSE: Maritime Security of India)
• Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts, between 32 ft and 36 ft, designed prior to 1988 with a full-length keel with a rudder.
• Equipment similar to what was available to Sir Robin in that first race was to be used.
• 16 sailors from 11 countries depart from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France.

MUST READ: An Indian Sail to Navigate the maritime environment

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because. (2021)

1. It is dipolar in nature.
2. It is a good conductor of heat
3. It has a high value of specific heat
4. It is an oxide of hydrogen

Q.2) In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (2018)

1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: Recently, Andhra Pradesh police cautioned smartphone users to be wary of “bluebugging”.

About Bluebugging:-

IMAGE SOURCE: BLUEJACKING (slideshare.net)

• Bluebugging is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection. (UPSC PRELIMS: Understanding Bluebugging)
• A hacker can gain unauthorized access to these apps and devices and control them as per their wish through bluebugging. (UPSC MAINS: Cyber Attacks in India )
• Any Bluetooth-enabled device including True Wireless Stereo (TWS) devices or earbuds susceptible to bluebugging.

Preventive Measures:

• Turning off Bluetooth and disconnecting paired Bluetooth devices when not in use.
• Making Bluetooth devices undiscoverable from Bluetooth settings.
• Updating the device’s system software to the latest version.
• Limited use of public Wi-Fi.
• Watch out for suspicious activities on your device.
• Monitoring of sudden spikes in data usage.
• Usage of modern anti-virus software.

MUST READ: India’s cyber infrastructure

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (2018)

1. Exo-planets
2. Crypto-currency
3. Cyber attacks
4. Mini satellites

Q.2) In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)

1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –Art and Culture

Context: Recent decoding of Copper plates sheds light on the celebrated ancient Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika.

About Shilabhattarika:-

• Shilabhattarika was a Sanskrit poetess who lived in the 9th century.
• M. B. Padma, a scholar of the University of Mysore, speculates that she may be the same as Shila-maha Devi, the queen of the 8^th-century Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva.
  • His theory is based on the fact that the suffix “Bhattarika” attached to the poet’s name indicates her high social status and that the queen is known to have made generous grants to scholars.
• The 10^th-century poet Rajashekhara praises Shilabhattarika as a leading figure of the Panchali literary style (one of the four major contemporary literary styles)
  •  The other three are Vaidharbhi, Gaudi, and Lati.
  • According to Rajashekhara, the Panchali style can be traced to the works of Shilabhattarika, and possibly to some of the works of the 7^th-century poet Bana.
• Shilabhattarika has been quoted by several classical Sanskrit literary critics, and her verses appear in most major Sanskrit anthologies. (UPSC CSE: Central Sanskrit University Bill)
• She is known to have written at least 46 poems on topics such as “love, morality, politics, nature, beauty, the seasons, insects, anger, indignation, codes of conduct, and the characteristic features of various kinds of heroines.“
•  However, most of her works are now lost.
  • Only six of her short poems are extant.
• Sharngadhara-paddhati, a 14^th-century anthology, praises her and three other female poets in the following words.
  • Shilabhattarika, Vijja, Marula, and Morika are poetesses of renown with great poetic genius and erudition. (UPSC CSE: Examining the contribution of women poets towards India’s Bhakti literature.)

MUST READ: The Sant Tukaram temple

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? (2022)

1. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
2.  The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
3.  Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics.
4. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2021)

1. 21st February is declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

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

• Prelims –Governance

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a historic 100th episode of the Mann Ki Baat radio programme.

About the 100th episode of the Mann Ki Baat radio programme:-

• Mann Ki Baat is an Indian radio program hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • He addresses the people of the nation on All India Radio, DD National and DD News.
• The first Mann Ki Baat programme was broadcast on the occasion of Vijayadashami on 3 October 2014.
• The 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcasted on April 30, 2023.
• The program is India’s first visually enriched radio program.
• Objective: to establish a dialogue with the citizens on issues of day-to-day governance. (UPSC CSE: Importance of e-governance in administration)
• The Radio was chosen as the medium of the program due to its wide reach and an estimated 90% of the total Indian population can be reached through the medium.
• The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addresses the nation every month on All India Radio.
• Guests on the show:-
  •  The former President of the United States, Barack Obama, was a part of the fourth episode of Mann Ki Baat, which was aired on 27 January 2015.
  • On 29 September 2019, Lata Mangeshkar was a special guest on the show.
• The program is recorded originally in Hindi.
  • However, it is translated into various languages like Adi, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Garo,

Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, Kokborok, Konkani, Lepcha, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri,

Marathi, Mizo, Nagamese, Nepali, Odia, Pnar, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Key Highlights of the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat:-

• The Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of this program.
• He also mentioned the timeline of the program in the last nine years.
•  The program was telecasted in multiple regional languages to have a wider reach of the program. (UPSC PRELIMS: Languages of India )
• It was also this time, that the program was telecasted globally.
• The Tourism Ministry announced “100 days of action” to mark the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
  • The activities include a design challenge for entrepreneurs to develop substitutes for single-use plastic items.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the countrymen’s dedication.
• DG UNESCO became a part of the episode.
  • He thanked Prime Minister Modi on behalf of UNESCO for the opportunity to be part of the 100th episode of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Radio broadcast.

MUST READ: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the news, is related to (2016)

1. waste management technology
2. wireless communication technology
3. solar power production technology
4. water conservation technology

Q.2) With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: Recently, Quarantine facilities being set up for those arriving from Sudan to prevent the spread of Yellow Fever.

About Yellow Fever:-

IMAGE SOURCE: Yellow Fever: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment | Netmeds

• Yellow Fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
• The yellow in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
• A small proportion of patients who contract the virus develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within 7 to 10 days.
• Endemic: The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.(UPSC PRELIMS: African swine fever)
• Prevention: Yellow fever is prevented by an extremely effective vaccine which is safe and affordable. (UPSC PRELIMS: Dengue and DNA vaccines )
• Eliminate yellow fever epidemics(EYE) 2017-2026: It has been developed by a coalition of partners (Gavi, UNICEF and WHO) that aims at ending yellow fever epidemics by 2026.
• It is usually compulsory to get vaccinated before travelling to any of the yellow fever-endemic countries in parts of Africa, and Central and South America.
• Yellow fever vaccine is known as 17D. (UPSC PRELIMS: Malaria Vaccine)
  •  According to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is safe and affordable.
  • However, there are reports of multisystem organ failure following vaccination.

MUST READ: Lassa Fever

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using an mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Q.2) Which of the following statements is not correct? (2017)

1. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
2. Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
3. Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses is several times more than those infected with HIV.
4. Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Syllabus

• Prelims –Disaster Management

Context: A mutual firefighting Exercise named AGNI DAMAN-23 was conducted recently.

About EX AGNI DAMAN-23:-

• EX AGNI DAMAN-23 is a Civil–Military mutual firefighting exercise.
• Objectives:-
  •  to emphasise the need for awareness and training of men on firefighting.
  • to exercise the capabilities of combined forces of all agencies including military and civil.

• It was conducted at 29 Field Ammunition Depot, Dehu Road under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Command in Apr 2023.
• Participants: a total of 56 firefighting columns including 32 from civil agencies like the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), MC Alandi, Fire Department Pimpri Chinchwad, PMRDA Akurdi, MIDC Ambi Talegaon, MC Talegaon Dhabade, Nagar Parishad Chakan, Main Fire Department Bhawani Peth, Tata Motors Ltd, Mahindra Vehicle Ltd & Bajaj Auto participated actively in the exercise. (UPSC MAINS: Role of NDRF in relief operations)
• Drills and procedures including swift response strategy against all types of fire were rehearsed in a coordinated manner.
• Significance:-
  •  The exercise was a landmark endeavour in synergizing all the firefighting resources available with the military and civil establishment in Pune.
  • It provided impetus & opportunity to the combatant manpower including central/state agencies to perform coordinated firefighting & render maximum aid in the minimum possible time to the affected areas to save precious lives & valuable assets. (UPSC CSE: Understanding various dimensions of Disaster Management)

MUST READ: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2020)

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance) and GS 3 (Environment)

Context: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a notice to district authorities in Andaman and Nicobar islands on grounds that the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project violated norms under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

About The Forest Rights Act, 2006:

Source:                The Hindu

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) is a landmark legislation in India that seeks to recognise and vest forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers.
• The Act aims to rectify historical injustices done to forest-dwelling communities and recognise their role in forest conservation.

Important provisions of the Act and their impact:

• FRA enacted in 2006 recognises the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities (FDST) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFD) to forest resources on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other sociocultural needs.
• It recognizes and vest the forest rights and occupation FDST and OTFD who have been residing in such forests for generations.
• It strengthens the conservation regime of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST and OTFD.
• The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR) or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD.

Rights Under the Forest Rights Act:

Title rights:

• It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
• Ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family and no new lands will be granted.

Use rights:

• The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas

Relief and development rights

• To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.

Forest management rights:

• It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.

Challenges

Administrative Apathy

• Implementation of the act remains the biggest challenge as acts related to the environment are not entirely compliant with the law, illegal encroachments have happened as much as that claims have been unfairly rejected.
• As tribals are not a big vote bank in most states, governments find it convenient to subvert FRA or not bother about it at all in favour of monetary gains.

Lack of Awareness

• Unawareness at the Lower level of forest officials who are supposed to help process forest rights claims is high and majority of the aggrieved population too remains in the dark regarding their rights.
• The forest bureaucracy has misinterpreted the FRA as an instrument to regularise encroachment instead of a welfare measure for tribals.

Dilution of Act

• Certain sections of environmentalist raise the concern that FRA bend more in the favour of individual rights, giving lesser scope for community rights.
• Community Rights effectively gives the local people the control over forest resources which remains a significant portion of forest revenue making states wary of vesting forest rights to Gram Sabha.

Reluctance of the forest bureaucracy to give up control

• There has been deliberate sabotage by the forest bureaucracy, both at the Centre and the states, and to some extent by big corporates.
• The forest bureaucracy fears that it will lose the enormous power over land and people that it currently enjoys, while the corporates fear they may lose the cheap access to valuable natural resources.

Institutional Roadblock

• Rough maps of community and individual claims are prepared by Gram Sabha which at times often lack technical knowhow and suffers from educational incapacity.
• Intensive process of documenting communities’ claims under the FRA makes the process both cumbersome and harrowing for illiterate tribals.

Way Forward:

• It is important to develop a detailed strategy of training and capacity building of people responsible for implementing the FRA, such as Panchayats, Gram Sabha, village level Forest Rights committee
• The relevant maps and documents should be made available to the Forest rights committee and claimants to simplify the task of the Gram Sabha in identifying and filing claims for individual and community rights.
• The Centre should take a more proactive role in pushing states to honor a law that could change the lives of millions.

Q.1) Which of the following articles of the constitution provides discretionary power to the Supreme Court that in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it ?

1. Article 143
2. Article 142
3. Article 124
4. Article 72

Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the Neurotoxins:

1. Neurotoxins are substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system.
2. Neurotoxins can be synthesized only through artificial processes
3. chlorpyrifos, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, ethyl alcohol, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), manganese, mercury, and toluene are examples of Neurotoxins.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q.3) The term Bluebugging often mentioned in the media talked in the context of

1. Exploration of marine resources under the mission Sagarmala
2. It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection
3. NASA’s all weather satellite launched to study stratosphere
4. Artificial Intelligence based fishing technique

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

ANSWERS FOR ’ 2nd May 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d