INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS ( 28 July 2020) REVISION THROUGH MCQS

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Stat1 &2: Hurricanes, known generically as tropical cyclones, are low-pressure systems with organized thunderstorm activity that form over tropical or subtropical waters. They gain their energy from warm ocean waters.
• Stat3: As storm systems strengthen into hurricanes, the surface winds move continuously in a circular motion. Meteorologists refer to this pattern as “closed circulation.” The direction of circulation is different depending on where the storm is located: it is counter-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/hurricane-hanna-hits-texas/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Option C is wrong. Coriolis force is weak only in the region around 0-5 degrees North or South latitudes.
• Option B is also wrong. ITCZ formation is not essential to the formation of cyclones. Cyclones are formed in regions where ITCZ does not form, for e.g. in North Atlantic.
• Option D is absurd as absence of land boosts cyclones. Presence of land cuts off moisture from the cyclone. So, the most appropriate answer should be A.
• For cyclone formation, a sea temperature of at least 26 degree Celsius is needed. In the South-eastern pacific and South Atlantic region cold currents are found. This leads to lower sea temperatures. Hence, cyclones don’t form there.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/hurricane-hanna-hits-texas/

Ans: (b)

Explanation: About UBA:

• It is a flagship program of the Ministry for Human Resource Development (MHRD).
• It aims to link the Higher Education Institutions with a set of at least (5) villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
• Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 (UBA 2.0) is the upgraded version of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 1.0. UBA 2.0 was launched in 2018. The scheme is extended to all educational institutes; however under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 participating institutes are selected based on the fulfillment of certain criteria.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/unnat-bharat-abhiyan-uba/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: Scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug Parks:

• Launched by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in line with the vision and clarion call for making India Atma Nirbhar in the pharma sector. 
• Scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug Parks: 
• The scheme envisages creation of 3 bulk drug parks in the country. 
• The grant-in-aid will be 90% of the project cost in case of North-East and hilly States and 70% in case of other States.
• Funding: Maximum grant-in-aid for one bulk drug park is limited to Rs.1000 crore.
• Need of the Scheme:
• Despite being 3rd largest in the world by volume the Indian pharmaceutical industry is significantly dependent on import of basic raw materials, viz., Bulk Drugs that are used to produce medicines. In some specific bulk drugs the import dependence is 80 to 100%.
• The scheme is expected to reduce manufacturing cost of bulk drugs in the country and dependency on other countries for bulk drugs.
• The scheme will also help in providing continuous supply of drugs and ensure delivery of affordable healthcare to the citizens.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/scheme-for-promotion-of-bulk-drug-parks/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is an annual flagship report jointly prepared by:
  • Food and Agriculture Organization.
  • International Fund for Agricultural Development.
  • United Nations Children’s Fund.
  • World Food Programme.
  • World Health Organization.
• Objective of the report: To inform on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and to provide in depth analysis on key challenges for achieving this goal in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world-2020-sofi-2020/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Source: Wannacry, Petya and EternalBlue are relsted to cyber-attacks. These are form of Ransonware.
• There was a 51 per cent increase in the use of spyware and stalkerware during the lockdown period from March to June.
• What are spy and stalkerware apps?
  • Spy and stalkerware apps, like viruses and other malware, infect devices that are connected to the internet.
  • While viruses and malware can be detected by anti-virus software, spyware and stalkerware apps disguise themselves as useful and send out stolen data to central servers without the knowledge of the users.
• How are they installed?
  • A spyware app can be installed remotely.
  • A stalkerware app can be installed only when someone has physical access to the digitally connected device. 
• What do they do?
  • A spyware app accesses the data usage pattern of the device, gains access to photos and videos as well as other personal information of the user, and then passes it off to a central server.
  • A stalkerware app works in a manner similar to spyware apps. It also gives out the location of the device to a master device which controls the stalkerware app.
  • Most stalkerware apps work in stealth mode with no trace of the app having ever been installed. Once installed, such apps can allow the master device to control, intercept, and even change your emails, text messages and your communication on social media platforms.
• Why has the usage of such apps increased during lockdown?
  • Increased usage of internet by everyone due to various lockdown measures in place. This provides enough opportunities for cyber criminals.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/why-is-spyware-stalkerware-gaining-traction-during-the-pandemic/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Scientific name: Meconopis acculette.
• It is considered the Queen of Himalayan Flowers.
• Found from Kumaon to Kashmir at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 meters.
• Why in News?
  • A recent study indicated that it is slowly depleting at lower altitudes and rocky moraines.
  • Not only the Blue Poppy but several other flowering plants, found at very high altitudes, are facing the “climb higher or die” situation due to climate change.

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-28-july-2020/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• It is an open challenge to promote the innovators and startups of the country.
• The winners will be decided after due evaluation by an expert committee.
• Award money, up to Rs 10 lakh for startup and Rs five lakh to individual category, will be given to the winners.
• Launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• On the 5th death anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-28-july-2020/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Stat1: You can find it here http://www.bis.org.in/cert/ProdUnManCert.asp
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): It is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
  • It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • The Minister in charge of the Ministry or Department having administrative control of the BIS is the ex-officio President of the BIS.
  • Composition: As a corporate body, it has 25 members drawn from Central or State Governments, industry, scientific and research institutions, and consumer organisations
• Stat2: AGMARK is a certification mark employed on agricultural products in India, assuring that they conform to a set of standards approved by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, an agency of the Government of India. agritech.tnau.ac.in/amis/food_agmark.html

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/28/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-28-july-2020/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Right against Phone tapping comes under Right to Freedom of speech and expression (Art 19).

Refer: Improvisation of UPSC CSP 2019; Q36-SetD