Daily Current Affairs MCQ- October 6, 2023 - UPSC MCQ

Recently, an international team of scientists have published a paper detailing the impact of the prototype BlueWalker 3 satellite on astronomy.

• It is a prototype satellite, part of a satellite constellation planned by its owner AST SpaceMobile.
• It was one of the brightest objects in the night sky, outshining all the brightest stars. 
• It was launch in September 2022.
• It is the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in low-Earth orbit and is designed to communicate directly with cellular devices via 3GPP standard frequencies at 5G speeds.
• It uses wavelengths close to those that radio telescopes observe in; the satellite could also hamper radio astronomy.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Recently, scientists at the Materials Research Centre (MRC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed a new type of enzyme mimetic called NanoPtA.

• The research team synthesised a platinum-containing nanozyme called NanoPtA, which can be converted into powder form for industrial use. 
• How it works?
• When the NanoPtA comes in contact with wastewater, the benzene rings and long alkyl chains present in the molecule form multiple non-covalent interactions.
• Individual NanoPtA molecules connect together to form tape-like structures that start emitting light, which is the origin of its oxidising capacity.
• The nanozyme can then degrade pollutants present in wastewater by oxidising them in the presence of sunlight, thereby reducing the toxicity of wastewater. 
• The team found that the nanozyme could degrade even small (micromolar) quantities of common effluents like phenols and dyes within ten minutes when placed under sunlight.
• The researchers also found that the NanoPtA complex was quite stable, lasting for up to 75 days at room temperature.  
• Applications: The nanozyme can also have applications in healthcare and could be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. 

What are Enzymes?

• These are proteins that catalyse a majority of biological reactions in living systems.
• The practical use of natural enzymes is hindered by inherent limitations such as sensitivity to denaturation (breakdown/damage), complex production procedures, high costs, and difficulties in recycling.
• Mass producing these enzymes is an expensive and time-consuming process.
• Another problem is storage – most of the natural enzymes are temperature-sensitive and require storage at cooler temperatures, often as low as -20°C. 
• Nano-sized enzyme mimetics or “nanozymes” manufactured in the lab can mimic such natural enzymes and overcome these practical challenges.  

Hence both statements are correct.

In a significant milestone for the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, the unique and culturally significant yak milk product, ‘Yak Churpi,’ has been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• It is a dairy product made from the milk of the indigenous Arunachali yak breed.
• Arunachali yak isreared by tribal yak pastoralists known as Brokpas who migrate along with their yaks to higher reaches (at an altitude of 10,000 ft and higher) during summers and descent to mid-altitude mountainous regions during winters.
• These remarkable yaks are primarily found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of the state.
• Churpi is a naturally fermented dairy product and rich in protein content.
• It is an essential dietary staple for tribal communities inhabiting the cold and mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is often used as a vegetable substitute and is also incorporated into vegetable and meat curries and is commonly consumed with rice.
• This GI tag is going to serve the cause of yak conservation and yak pastoralists’ socio-economic upliftment.
• Yaks are reared in high altitude areas in the Himalayan region but the Arunachali yaks are a unique breed in respect to their body shape, size, strain and weight.
• Arunachali yaks are also the only registered yak breed in India

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the dredging work at National Waterways 44, Ichamati River in West Bengal.

• It is actually a trans-boundary river that flows through India and also Bangladesh.
• It acts as a boundary between the two nations.
• It is now in three parts
• The longer part flows from the Mathabhanga River, a distributary of the Padma, and after flowing for 208 km joins the Kalindi River near Hasnabad in North 24 Parganas and Debhata in Satkhira District.
• Ichhamati River and its tributaries form a large oxbow lake complex in North 24-Paraganas district near Bangaon.

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

President Vladimir V. Putin recently claimed that Russia had successfully tested the Burevestnik missile.

About Burevestnik Missile:

• The Burevestnik, whose name translates as "storm petrel", is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile that is not only capable of carrying a nuclear warhead but is also nuclear-powered.
• The Burevestnik is one of six strategic weapons that the Russian President introduced in a 2018 speech.
• It is code-named ‘SSC-X-9 Skyfall’ by NATO.
• In theory, the nuclear energy could let it fly around the world several times before hitting its target.
• Features:
• It is powered by a small nuclear reactor, which heats up air to propel the missile forward.
• Its nuclear propulsion gives the missile much longer range than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines that are limited by how much fuel they can carry.
• It has a range of up to 14,000 miles (22000 km).
• The missile is also designed to fly at low altitudes, much lower than a conventionally powered cruise missile, which would make it harder for air-defence radar to detect.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Recently, 114 tribal people from the Hakki Pikki tribal community in Karnataka got title deeds to the land they had been cultivating for about a century. 

About Hakki Pikki Tribe:

• Hakki Pikkis (Hakki in Kannada means ‘bird’ and Pikki means ‘catchers’) are a semi-nomadic tribe, traditionally of bird catchers and hunters.
• It is one of the major tribal communities in Karnataka. They also reside in the Western and Southern states of India, mostly near forest areas. 
• The community migrated from Northern India, mainly Gujarat and Rajasthan, and is now mainly concentrated in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru district of Karnataka.
• They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
• Occupation:
• After the implementation of stricter wildlife laws, the tribe changed its occupation from hunting to selling spices, flowers, Ayurveda formulations, and herbal oils.
• They now travel globally to sell these products, especially in the African continent, where there is a demand for cheaper alternatives to Western medicine.
• Language:
• Despite being surrounded by Dravidian languages and living in southern India, the community speaks an Indo-Aryan language.
• Their mother tongue was designated as 'Vaagri' by scholars.
• UNESCO has listed 'Vaagri' as one of the endangered languages.
• Rituals and customs:
• The tribe follows Hindu traditions and celebrates Hindu festivals.
• The tribe prefers cross-cousin marriages. The society is matriarchal, where the groom gives dowry to the bride’s family.
• The eldest son in a family is not supposed to cut his hair so that he can be identified easily.
• They are non-vegetarians. 

Hence option d is the correct answer.

A major disaster took place in Sikkim recently, when the Chungthang Hydro-Dam was washed away by flooding of the Teesta River.

About Chungthang Dam:

• Chungthang Dam, also known as the Chungthang Hydroelectric Project, is a dam and hydroelectric power station located in Chungthang, a town in Sikkim.
• It is an integral part of the 1200 MW mega Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project, a major source of electricity for Sikkim and West Bengal.
• It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project, which was commissioned in 2017. 
• The dam had a gross height of 817 metres and a net head of 778 metres, which was used for power generation.

About Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project:

• It is a 1,200 MW hydro power project.
• It is located on the Teesta River which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• It is a run-of-river project.
• The project’s construction commenced in 2008 and subsequently entered into commercial operation in 2017.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

The Wildlife Division of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is all set to prepare an inventory of land use and other activities adjacent to the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary for declaring it an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

About Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is a significant wetland sanctuary located in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
• It was established in November 1999, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• The sanctuary protects part of the Kolleru Lake wetland, which gained Ramsar Convention for International importance in 2002.
• It is a crucial wetland ecosystem and serves as a stopover point for migratory birds.
• Flora: The sanctuary's flora includes various aquatic plants, submerged macrophytes, and wetland vegetation that provide essential food and shelter for the diverse bird species.
• Fauna: Commonly found birds in the sanctuary are: little egret, cattle egret, pied kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, blackcapped kingfisher, pond heron, reef heron, grey heron, night heron, etc.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

Indian Railways’ Kolkata Metro plans to replace steel third rail with composite Aluminium third rail Current Collector.

• The third rail systems are a means of providing electric power to a train through a conductor placed alongside the rails.
• Kolkata Metro Railway using steel Third Rail for the last 40 years.
• Kolkata Metro Railway has now decided to use composite Aluminium Third Rail in all the upcoming corridors being undertaken for construction along with retro fitment in existing corridor with steel Third Rail.
• With this Metro Railway, Kolkata would become the member of elite club of London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul Metro who have also shifted from steel Third Rail to Aluminium Third Rail.
• The obvious advantages of aluminium composite Third Rail over steel Third Rail are
• Reduction in resistive current loss and improved Traction voltage level.
• Reduced maintenance and life cycle cost.
• Improvement in the efficiency of train operations.
• Huge     improvement       in    Energy     Efficiency.   
• Reduction in carbon footprint.

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, Oncologist Ravi Kannan, has been named one of the four winners of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

• It is Asia’s premier prize and highest honor, celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia.
• The Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, annually selected by the RMAF board of trustees, are presented with a certificate and a medallion with an embossed image of Ramon Magsaysay facing right in profile.
• From 1958 to 2008, the Award was given in six categories annually:
• Government Service: To recognize outstanding service in the public interest in any branch of government, including the executive, judicial, legislative, or military;
• Public Service: To recognize outstanding service for the public good by a private citizen;
• Community Leadership: To recognize leadership of a community toward helping the disadvantaged have fuller opportunities and a better life;
• Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts: To recognize effective writing, publishing, or photography or the use of radio, television, cinema, or the performing arts as a power for the public good;
• Peace and International Understanding: To recognize contributions to the advancement of friendship, tolerance, peace, and solidarity as the foundations for sustainable development within and across countries; and
• Emergent Leadership: To recognize an individual, forty years of age or younger, for outstanding work on issues of social change in his or her community, but whose leadership may not yet be broadly recognized outside of this community.
• It is presented in formal ceremonies in Manila, Philippines on August 31st, the birth anniversary of the much-esteemed Philippine President whose ideals inspired the Award’s creation in 1957.

Indian winners on the list

• Prominent Indians who have won the award include Vinoba Bhave in 1958, Mother Teresa in 1962, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in 1966, Satyajit Ray in 1967, Mahasweta Devi in 1997.
• In recent years, Arvind Kejriwal (2006), Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015), human rights activist Bezwada Wilson (2016), and journalist Ravish Kumar (2019) have won the award. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.