UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 29 January 2025

Solution: d)

The eCoO 2.0 System is a digital platform that facilitates the issuance of both preferential and non-preferential CoOs, ensures compliance with trade agreements, and enables seamless trade documentation. While the system enhances digital security, it does not yet employ blockchain technology for authentication. However, it does support Aadhaar-based e-signing and digital signature tokens.

About Enhanced eCoO 2.0 System:

• What is eCoO 2.0?
  • The eCoO 2.0 system is an upgraded digital platform for issuing Certificates of Origin (CoO), which authenticate the origin of exported goods. It facilitates exporters with seamless access to both preferential and non-preferential CoOs, ensuring global trade compliance.
• Administering Ministry/Department: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• Aims of eCoO 2.0:

• • Streamlining Export Processes: Simplify the CoO certification process for exporters.
  • Enhancing Trade Efficiency: Reduce processing times and improve trade documentation accuracy.
  • Supporting Global Supply Chains: Provide transparency for intermediary and re-export trade.

• Key Features of eCoO 2.0:

• • Multi-User Access: Allows exporters to authorize multiple users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
  • Aadhaar-Based e-Signing: Adds flexibility alongside digital signature tokens for document authentication.
  • Back-to-Back Certificates of Origin: Enables re-export and transshipment certifications for non-Indian-origin goods based on verified documentation.
  • Mandatory Electronic Filing: Non-preferential CoOs are now mandatorily processed online from 1st January 2025.
  • In-Lieu Certificate of Origin: Provides correction options for previously issued CoOs via an easy online application.

Solution: d)

The introduction of the Nile Perch in the 1950s for commercial fishing led to a drastic decline in native fish species, particularly cichlids, which were key to the lake’s ecological balance. This triggered food chain disruptions and contributed to biodiversity loss.

A recent study has revealed alarming insights into Lake Victoria’s algal blooms, caused by cyanobacteria, which pose significant threats to ecosystems, human health, and water quality.

Threats from Cyanobacteria:

• Cyanobacteriaor blue-green algae form harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), leading to:
  • Ecosystem Disruption:Toxic blooms degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
  • Human Health Risks:Drinking or using contaminated water can expose communities to toxins that cannot be eliminated by boiling.
  • Economic Impact:Affects fishing livelihoods and increases the cost of water treatment.

Solution: c)

The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme is a voluntary initiative by the Ramsar Convention aimed at recognizing cities that value and promote the conservation and wise use of their natural or human-made wetlands. This accreditation provides international recognition and positive publicity for the cities’ efforts in sustainable wetland management.

About Wetland Accredited Cities:

• What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)?
  • Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary initiative under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes cities for wetland conservation efforts.
  • Established in COP12 (2015): WCA was introduced during the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Ramsar Convention held in Uruguay in 2015.
  • Validity and Renewal: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if cities continue to meet the prescribed international criteria.
• Aim:

• • To promote conservation and wise use of wetlands in urban and peri-urban areas.
  • To ensure socio-economic benefits for local populations while safeguarding ecological balance.
  • To encourage cities near Ramsar-designated wetlands to maintain positive relationships with these ecosystems.

Criteria for Accreditation:

Cities must satisfy six international criteria, including:

1. Adopting measures for wetland conservation and wise use.
2. Promoting ecosystem services provided by wetlands.
3. Maintaining sustainable socio-economic practices linked to wetlands.
4. Engaging local communities in conservation.
5. Addressing concerns related to wetland degradation.
6. Protecting both natural and human-made wetlands.

Features:

• Provides international recognition and positive publicity for cities.
• Encourages wetland conservation policies in urban planning.
• Helps implement India’s Amrit Dharohar initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Promotes sustainable urban development while ensuring ecological preservation.

Recent Addition from India:

• Indore, Madhya Pradesh:
  • Recognized for Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site developed as a bird sanctuary and water bird congregation zone.
• Udaipur, Rajasthan:
  • Known for its interconnected wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which support biodiversity and eco-tourism.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 (Correct): Lezim was historically used as a form of martial training in the Maratha era, particularly for improving agility and coordination among soldiers.

Statement 2 (Incorrect): Lezim dance is not gender-specific, and in traditional performances, it is often performed by men and women. It is also not primarily linked to Navratri but is performed during various cultural and sports events.

Statement 3 (Correct): The dance is accompanied by traditional percussion instruments like the Dhol, Nagara, or Tasha, providing a powerful rhythmic backdrop.

About Lezim Dance:

• What is Lezim Dance?
  • Lezim is a traditional folk-dance originating from Maharashtra, characterized by vigorous movements and rhythmic beats. It is performed with a Lezim, a handheld instrument made of wood with metallic jingles that produce a distinct sound during the dance.
• Region:

• • Primarily performed in Maharashtra, especially during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, marriage processions, and cultural celebrations.
  • Also popular in regions along the Konkan coast.

• Features:

• • Physical Rigor: Involves energetic movements like stepping, squatting, and jumping, often forming patterns in groups of twos or fours.
  • Instruments: Accompanied by drums like dhol or dhalgi, with occasional song accompaniments.
  • Cultural Symbolism: Represents community spirit and is widely practiced as a physical exercise in schools across Maharashtra.
  • Formation: Dancers move in circles or synchronized formations, gradually increasing the pace in tandem with the drum beats.

Historical Significance of Lezim Dance:

• Origin:

• • Believed to have evolved from akhadas (traditional gymnasiums), where physical skills and drills were performed as part of training.
  • Initially performed during martial arts training and later adapted into cultural and celebratory events.

• Role of Shivaji Maharaj in Lezim Dance:

• • During Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign, the dance was popularized as a military exercise to maintain physical fitness among soldiers.
  • It became a symbol of Maratha pride and unity, resonating with the community’s cultural identity.

Solution: a)

Storm Eowyn, a bomb cyclone, has caused widespread destruction across the British Isles, particularly in Ireland and Scotland.

Storm Éowyn rapidly intensified due to high sea surface temperatures and latent heat flux, which supplied energy to the developing storm. The clash between cold Arctic air and warm oceanic air provided instability, fueling the bombogenesis process. A strong jet stream (200+ mph winds) contributed to the storm’s rapid deepening.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 (Correct): Piezoelectric lighters use quartz crystals to generate a spark when mechanical pressure is applied.

Statement 2 (Correct): Electronic stove lighters use batteries or an external power source to generate an ignition spark.

Statement 3 (Incorrect): Piezoelectric lighters do not require recharging, as they generate electricity mechanically.

About Stove Lighter:

• What is a Stove Lighter?
  • A stove lighter is a compact device designed to create electric sparks that ignite gas stoves. It eliminates the need for matches, offering a safer and more efficient way to light stoves.
• Types of Stove Lighters:

• • Manual Lighters: Use a piezoelectric mechanism where pressure generates a spark.
  • Electronic Lighters: Operate on batteries to create sparks using an electric circuit.
  • Flame-Based Lighters: Create a small flame using fuel (like butane) to ignite gas.

• How Does a Stove Lighter Work?

• • Piezoelectric Mechanism:
    • Contains piezoelectric materials, where pressure applied by clicking displaces positive and negative ions, creating a charge difference.
    • This charge generates a spark as electrons jump through the air, ionizing it and forming a conductive path.
    • The spark ignites the gas released from the stove burner.
  • Electronic Mechanism:
    • Uses a battery to power a small circuit that produces high-voltage sparks at the press of a button.
    • Sparks ignite the gas for immediate flame generation.
  • Flame-Based Mechanism:
    • A small fuel reservoir releases gas, and a built-in spark ignites the flame, which lights the stove burner.

Solution: b)

Unlike the princely states that joined India through the Instrument of Accession, Goa remained under Portuguese control, as Portugal refused to negotiate or recognize India’s sovereignty over the region. Portugal, a NATO member, received diplomatic support from Western nations, delaying India’s efforts.

About Goa Liberation Movement:

• Timeline and Background:

• • Period: The liberation struggle gained momentum between 1954 and 1961.
  • Reason: Goa was under Portuguese rule for over 450 years. The oppressive regime and economic exploitation fuelled nationalist sentiments. The turning point came in 1954 when India imposed an economic blockade after Portuguese suppression of satyagrahis.

• Key Events:

• • 1954 Blockade: Following the arrest of satyagrahis, India severed Goa’s road, rail, and sea links.
  • August 1955 Satyagraha: Thousands of satyagrahis attempted to enter Goa but faced violent retaliation from Portuguese forces.
  • Operation Vijay (1961): The final military action by India, launched on 17th December 1961, led to the surrender of Portuguese forces and the liberation of Goa on 19th December 1961.

Solution: a)

Lala Lajpat Rai co-founded Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 1894 to promote financial independence from British-controlled banking institutions. His efforts aligned with the Swadeshi movement, which aimed to reduce economic dependence on the British.

About Lala Lajpat Rai:

• Birth:

• • Born on 28th January 1865, in Dhudike village (now in Ferozepur district, Punjab).
  • His father, Munshi Radha Krishna, was a teacher, and his mother, Gulab Devi, imbued him with strong moral values.

• Education and Profession:

• • Completed his law education from Government College, Lahore.
  • Practiced law in Hisar but eventually devoted himself to political and social causes.

• Contribution to Freedom Movement:

• • A prominent member of the Indian National Congress (INC), he participated in several political agitations in Punjab.
  • Opposed the Partition of Bengal (1905) and supported the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) under Gandhi’s leadership.
  • Played a key role in the Lal-Bal-Pal trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal), representing the extremist wing of Congress.
  • Founded the Home Rule League of America in 1917 to garner international support for India’s independence.
  • Protested against oppressive laws like the Rowlatt Act and condemned the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  • Spearheaded the opposition to the Simon Commission (1928), which excluded Indian representation, leading a peaceful protest in Lahore.

• Organizations Associated:

• • Co-founded the Punjab National Bank (1894) to promote financial independence.
  • Founded the Hindu Relief Movement (1897) to aid famine victims and protect them from religious conversion.
  • Established the Servants of People Society (1921) to work on social reform and upliftment.
  • Actively involved with Arya Samaj, contributing to its educational and social initiatives.

• Literature and Newspapers:

• • Authored influential works such as Young India, England’s Debt to India, India’s Will to Freedom, Evolution of Japan, Political Future of India, and Message of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Edited the Arya Gazette and used it as a platform for nationalist ideas.

Solution: c)

Statement-I (Correct): The eCoO 2.0 system improves efficiency and transparency in export certification.

Statement-II (Incorrect): While the eCoO 2.0 system is a major upgrade, it does not replace all other trade documentation platforms under DGFT.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 (Incorrect): The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was established by Madan Mohan Malaviya, not Lala Lajpat Rai.

Statement 2 (Incorrect): Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) was first demanded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later formalized in 1929 by the INC.

Statement 3 (Correct): Lala Lajpat Rai founded the Servants of the People Society (1921) to promote education, social service, and nationalistic ideals.