Daily Current Affairs MCQ- March 6, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Recently, Artificial Intelligence start-up Anthropic announced its latest family of AI models called Claude 3.

• Claude is a group of Large Language Models (LLMs) developed by Anthropic.
• The chatbot is capable of handling text, voice messages, and documents and is capable of generating faster, contextual responses compared to its peers.
• The family includes three state-of-the-art AI models in the ascending order of capabilities – Claude 3 Haiku, Claude 3 Sonnet, and Claude 3 Opus.
• Each model offers an increasingly powerful performance, offering a balance between intelligence, speed, and cost based on their specific use case.
• Among the new releases, Claude 3 Opus is the most powerful model, Claude 3 Sonnet is the middle model that is capable and price competitive, and Claude 3 Haiku is relevant for any use case that requires instant responses.
• How to access these models?
• Claude Sonnet powers the Claude.ai chatbot for free at present and users only need an email sign-in.
• However, Opus is only available through Anthropic’s web chat interface and if a user is subscribed to the Claude Pro service on the Anthropic website. 
• All new models come with a 2,00,000-token window, signifying possibly better performance, accuracy and the capacity to input more information in a user prompt.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Recently, the MethaneSAT satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California. 

• It will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale.
• It will provide more details and have a much wider field of view than any of its predecessors.
• The entity behind MethaneSAT is the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) — a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
• It is developed in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
• It will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, monitoring the oil and gas sector.
• It will create a large amount of data, which will tell “how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time”,
• The data collected by this will be made public for free in near real-time. This will allow stakeholders and regulators to take action to reduce methane emissions.
• Features
  • It is equipped with a high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer.
  • It can track differences in methane concentrations as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere, which enables it to pick up smaller emissions sources than the previous satellites.
  • It also has a wide-camera view — of about 200 km by 200 km — allowing it to identify larger emitters so-called “super emitters”.
• The collected data will be analysed using cloud-computing and AI technology developed by Google — the company is a mission partner — and the data will be made public through Google’s Earth Engine platform.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Cycas circinalis is on the verge of extinction in the northern part of the Kerala State after being hit by an unknown and fast spreading plant disease.

• It is popularly known as Eenthu Pana in Kerala.
• It is known by different names like Mund isalu (Kannada), madana kama raja (Tamil) and Malabari supari (Marathi).
• These are cycads (family Cycadaceae) which are one of the world’s most threatened plant groups.
• These family trees have originated 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, cycads are the oldest extant group of seed plants.
• Features
• It is an evergreen palm-like tree that grows up to 25 ft.
• It typically occurs in fairly dense, seasonally dry scrubby woodlands in hilly areas.
• It is also facultative deciduous in extremely dry times.
• Eenthu Pana is like areca nut. It cannot be prepared unless it’s completely dry and this is difficult as it’s usually plucked in the rainy season. 
• They bear fruits after 40 to 50 years in most cases.
• Geographical distribution: It is known to be an Indian endemic, restricted to the Western Ghats, in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the south of Maharashtra.
• Out of the nine species of cycads recognised within India, six are endemic.
• Applications: It is a nutraceutical plant for several indigenous communities in the Western Ghats.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Recently, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce and Industry and Textiles launched ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) in New Delhi.

• It is a digital gateway of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
• It is the initiative with its simplified digital process can ease the procedure of farmers' storage at any registered WDRA warehouse for a period of 6 months at 7% interest per annum.
• This digital intervention is poised to mitigate distress sales by providing farmers with viable post-harvest storage options.

Hence both statements are correct.

The traditional report cards students receive in schools are set to undergo a major change, with the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT) introducing a new ‘holistic progress card’ (HPC).

About Holistic Progress Card (HPC):

• HPC, developed by Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), a standard-setting body under the NCERT, for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), as per suggestions by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, marks a paradigm shift in assessing students' overall progress.
• HPC incorporates feedback from parents, classmates, and even self-evaluation by students. 
• The approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of students' academic performance, cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity during class activities.
• HPC aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to prioritise a learner-centric evaluation.
• Features:
• HPC, will no longer depend on marks or grades to evaluate a student’s academic performance. Instead, it will rely on a 360-degree evaluation.
• Under the HPC model, the students will be regularly assessed through class activities where they are not just passive learners but active agents.
• The activities will prompt students to apply diverse skills and competencies that will demonstrate whether they have been able to grasp concepts. 
• The difficulty level they experience while performing a task will also be assessed.
• Teachers, thus, will be able to register the strengths of a student, such as their ability to “collaborate”, “follow instructions”, show “creativity” or “empathy”, etc.
• Similarly, weaknesses like “lack of attention”, “peer pressure”, “lack of preparation” will help teachers identify areas where students need help.
• A key feature of the HPC is that students will have a say too, evaluating their own as well as their classmates’ performance. 
• It encourages students to reflect on their progress through statements such as "I learned something new" or "I expressed my creativity."
• At the middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), students are prompted to set academic and personal goals. 
• An "ambition card" allows students to outline their aspirations, areas for improvement, and the necessary skills and habits to fulfill their ambitions.
• The HPC seeks to involve parents in the learning process, integrating their insights on homework, classroom engagement, and balancing screen time with extracurricular activities.
• Peer evaluation is also a key element, with students assessing their classmates' contributions to activities.
• Benefits:
• The HPC goes beyond numerical grades, focusing on descriptive and analytical evaluations that encompass academic achievements as well as the development of critical skills in a child. 
• It promotes a shift from summative to formative assessment, fostering competency-based evaluation and holistic growth.
• Additionally, it seeks to provide teachers and parents with insights to support each student in learning.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organised a LEAPS Valedictory Session in New Delhi recently.

About LEAPS (Logistics Excellence, Advancement and Performance Shield) Initiative:

• It is a flagship initiative by the logistics division of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, designed to acknowledge and celebrate the best practices and innovations within the logistics industry.
• It would celebrate the demonstrated leadership of the logistics sector in transforming the Indian logistics industry and realizing the combined vision of the National Logistics Policy 2022 and PM GatiShakti.
• The National Logistics Policy was introduced to create a single-window e-logistics market, focusing on the need for skill development, economic growth, and competitiveness in the logistics sector. It aims to reduce logistics costs, improve India’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index, and establish a data-driven decision support mechanism.
• The PM Gati Shakti Programme aims to understand current gaps in logistics connectivity and facilitate the development of logistics infrastructure (creating connectivity between roadways, rail transport, waterways, and air transport) so as to reduce logistics costs. The programme has an estimated cost of ₹100 trillion.
• LEAPS will create a new benchmark globally by not only recognizing players in the logistics sector, but also the MSMEs, Startups and logistics sector enablers who have been providing innovative solutions across the logistics ecosystem.
• From air and sea freight service providers to educational institutions contributing to skill development in logistics, the awards span a broad spectrum of the industry. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Researchers recently identified the RAD51 protein as a key player in preventing DNA re-replication.

About RAD51:

• RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) is a gene that encodes a protein that functions in homologous recombination and DNA repair. 
• RAD51 has the function of finding and invading homologous DNA sequences to enable accurate and timely DNA repair. 
• Breaks in DNA can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures and also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division. 
• The RAD51 protein binds to the DNA at the site of a break and encases it in a protein sheath, which is an essential first step in the repair process.
• In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the RAD51 protein interacts with many other proteins, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, to fix damaged DNA.
• The BRCA2 protein regulates the activity of the RAD51 protein by transporting it to sites of DNA damage in the nucleus.
• The interaction between the BRCA1 protein and the RAD51 protein is less clear, although research suggests that BRCA1 may also activate RAD51 in response to DNA damage.
• By helping repair DNA, these three proteins play a role in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

Researchers recently discovered a new flowering plant species in Arunachal Pradesh, named Begonia Narahari. 

About Begonia Narahari:

• It is a newly discovered species of flowering plant in the Begonia genus from the Begoniaceae family.
• The species, named naraharii, pays tribute to former CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) director Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry in recognition of his significant contributions to establishing the Germplasm Conservation Centre for the Bioresources of Northeast and his commitment to the well-being of the northeastern region.
• Begonia Narahari stands out for its vivid blue iridescence under direct light, a distinctive feature that aids in its identification alongside comparisons with related species.
• As of now, Begonia naraharii is known only from the Demwe locality in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Due to limited information on its global population, the species is provisionally classified as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN species assessment guidelines.

Hence both statements are not correct.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) is investigating Mahadev Online Book, an allegedly illegal betting application, and its promoters for suspected violation of GST rules and non-payment of tax.

• The Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) now renamed as Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).
• It is an apex intelligence organization functioning under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Department of Revenue, and Ministry of Finance.
• It is entrusted with the task of collection, collation, and dissemination of intelligence relating to the evasion of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the duties of Central Excise and Service Tax on an all India basis.
• Functions of DGGI
• Intelligence gathering: It is responsible for gathering intelligence about potential violations of the GST law. This includes collecting information from various sources, such as GST returns, financial statements, and other documents.
• It develops intelligence, especially in new areas of tax evasion through its intelligence network across the country and disseminates such information, by issuing Modus Operandi Circulars and Alert Circulars to sensitize the field formations about the latest trends in duty evasion.
• Investigation: It has the power to conduct investigations into suspected cases of GST evasion or non-compliance. This may involve summoning persons, examining records, and carrying out searches and seizures.
• Enforcement: It is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the GST law. This includes taking legal action against offenders, imposing penalties, and recovering any taxes or duties due.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

During the launch event of " Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024” held at IIIT- Delhi, three Indigenous Technologies - Thermal camera, CMOS camera and Fleet Management System designed and developed by CDAC Thiruvananthapuram under InTranSE Program of MeitY were transferred to 12 Industries.

• The Intelligent Transportation System Endeavor (InTranSE) is a revolutionary collaborative research and development programme.
• It is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• Purpose: To synergize the transformation in Intelligent Transportation System the Ministry of Electronics & IT took early steps by bringing together premier academic institutes like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) etc. and Premier R&D Centre like C-DAC under one umbrella.
• This initiative formulated the Collaborative Intelligent Transportation Systems Endeavor for Indian Cities (InTranSE) during the year 2009-2012 (Phase-I) that witnessed IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIM Calcutta and C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram collaboratively developing, implementing, demonstrating and knowledge transfer of ITS products and solutions. 
• The InTranSE Phase-II program (2019-2021) is aiming at undertaking R&D projects collaboratively with IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore and C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram
• Significance: It will achieve traffic efficiency by minimizing traffic problems, prompting efficient infrastructure usage, enriching users with prior information about traffic and reducing travel time as well as enhancing safety and comfort of commuters.

Hence both statements are correct.