Daily Current Affairs MCQ- April 30, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the UN-recognised Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) worldwide will be held on May 1.

• It was established in 1993 as the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (ICC).
• It has been known as the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) since 2016 and is a member-based network organization that gathers NHRIs from all around the world.
• It is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide.
• Members: As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Accreditation by the GANHRI

• In a unique peer-review-based accreditation process, GANHRI ensures individual NHRIs’ compliance with internationally recognised standards – the Paris Principles – to ensure their independence, pluralism and accountability.
• The Paris Principles set out internationally agreed minimum standards that NHRIs must meet to be considered credible.
• The six principles require a country‘s human rights agency to be independent from the government in its structure, composition, decision-making and method of operation.
• The principles were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993.
• GANHRI,  through the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), is responsible for reviewing and accrediting NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles.
• An NHRI is reviewed by the SCA when –
• It applies for initial accreditation
• It applies for re-accreditation every five years
• The circumstances of the NHRI change in any way that may affect its compliance with the Paris Principles.
• NHRIs that are assessed as complying with the Paris Principles are accredited with ‘A status’, while those that partially comply are accredited with ‘B status

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently,  both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, showcased “twin carrier operations” with MiG-29K fighter jets taking off simultaneously from both and landing cross deck.

• It is the first ever indigenously designed and constructed aircraft carrier which will strengthen the country’s stand as a ‘Blue Water Navy’.
• The ship has been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• India also joined the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers.
• Also, with a displacement of 43,000 tonnes when fully loaded, INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the carriers or carrier classes in the world.
• What are its capabilities?
• It can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy).
• It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery.

Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Secretary of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) visiting Bangladesh for bilateral discussions regarding renewal of MOU between National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) India and Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration for the period 2024-2029.

• It is an autonomous institute under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India.
• The NCGG has been set up to assist in bringing about governance reforms through studies, training, knowledge sharing and promotion of good ideas.
• It seeks to carry out policy relevant research and prepare case studies; curate training courses for civil servants from India and other developing countries.
• Background:
• It traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR). NIAR was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) the Government of India's apex training Institute for higher civil services.
• NIAR was subsequently renamed with an expanded mandate, as National Centre for Good Governance, which was inaugurated on February 24th, 2014.
• Objectives
• To function as a national repository on information on best practices, initiatives and methodologies that promote Good Governance, e-Governance etc.
• To advise on key issues in governance and develop synergy across various Ministries/ Departments of GoI, and State Governments;
• Governing Body
• The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
• It has Secretaries of 9 ministries/ departments and 5 eminent persons viz. academicians, eminent administrators, specialists, eminent innovators, heads of reputed institutions as members.
• The Director General, who is the Chief Executive of NCGG acts as the Member–Secretary of the Governing Body.
• Head office: Its head office is at New Delhi and branch office at Mussoorie.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

The RBI and the Finance Ministry could take inspiration from the developing world, especially the ASEAN region, where a layered green taxonomy as a living document keeps getting updated with sectoral views of possible sustainable trajectories. 

About Green Taxonomy:

• A green taxonomy is a framework for defining what can be called environmentally sustainable investments.
  • It is a classification system that defines which economic activities and assets are “green” or environmentally sustainable.
• It is a useful instrument and has several complementary purposes:
• help prevent greenwashing;
• help investors make informed investment decisions; and
• channel investment toward sustainable or green economic activities and assets.
• Structurally, all taxonomies are similar. So far, they all include the goals of climate mitigation and adaptation and some also include other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation, for example.
• To be considered green, an activity must substantially contribute to at least one of the environmental objectives.
• Often, taxonomies also include “do no significant harm” criteria (i.e., an activity that substantially contributes to one environmental objective should not harm another environmental objective) and social safeguards (i.e., compliance with human rights). 
• Some taxonomies only define what is green and others, such as the recently launched Indonesian taxonomy or the proposed Singaporean taxonomy, use a “traffic light” approach, where the economic activities are split into different categories (i.e. green, amber, or red) to classify their environmental sustainability.

What is Greenwashing?

• It is the process of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound.
• It involves making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly or have a greater positive environmental impact than they actually do.
• In addition, greenwashing may occur when a company attempts to emphasize sustainable aspects of a product to overshadow its involvement in environmentally damaging practices. 
• Companies can also greenwash initiatives with vague claims that don't provide real data or scientific validation for the claims.

Hence both statements are correct.

The Ministry of Mines will hold a two day “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities”, at the India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.

About Critical Minerals Summit:

• It is organised by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD).
• It is designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing.
• The summit will bring together a diverse array of Indian and international stakeholders, including industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts. 
• It will address the increasing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) required for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles as part of India's strategic development goals.
• The Ministry of Mines has identified eight key minerals for focus at the summit, including Glauconite (Potash), Lithium – Rare Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, Rare Earths (RE), and Vanadium associated with Graphite. 
• Participants will engage in active dialogue and interactive workshops focused on critical issues such as mineral auction progress, policy incentives for CRMs ecosystem development, and the advancement of commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

Key Facts about Critical Minerals:

• It is a metallic or non-metallic element that has two characteristics.
• It is essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and
• There is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted.
• The 'criticality' of minerals changes with time as supply and society's needs shift.
• Applications:
• They are used to manufacture advanced technologies, including mobile phones, computers, fibre-optic cables, semiconductors, banknotes, and defence, aerospace and medical applications.
• Many are used in low-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.
• Some are also crucial for common products, such as stainless steel and electronics.
• Examples: antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, lithium, vanadium, etc.
• Top Producers: Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia, and South Africa.
• Critical Minerals in India:
• Government has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India. 
• These minerals are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium.

Hence both statements are correct.

The first true copy of the painting Indulekha by Raja Ravi Varma will be unveiled at the Kilimanoor Palace, Kerala, where the eminent artist was born in 1848, on the occasion of his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

About Raja Ravi Varma:

• He was an Indian painter and artist.
• He is considered one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art.
• He was born as Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran of Kilimanoor palace, in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore (Thiruvithankur) in Kerala. 
• He is known for his amazing paintings, which revolve mainly around the Puranas (ancient mythological stories) and the great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• In addition to incidents in Hindu mythology, Varma painted many portraits of both Indians and British in India.
• He is believed to have made around 7,000 paintings before his death at the age of 58.
• His most famous works include Damayanti Talking to a Swan, Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta, Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair, and Shantanu and Matsyagandha. 
• Features of his work:
• Before Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, the paintings of Indian artists were greatly influenced by the Persian and Mughal schools.
• Varma was the first Indian to use Western techniques of perspective and composition and to adapt them to Indian subjects, styles, and themes.
• His works are one of the best examples of the fusion of European academic art with a purely Indian sensibility and iconography. 
• He was one of the first Indian artists to use oil paints and to master the art of lithographic reproduction of his work.
• He was notable for making affordable lithographs of his paintings available to the public, which greatly enhanced his reach and influence as a painter and public figure. 
• His paintings often depicted mythological characters and Indian royalty in a realistic style, challenging traditional artistic norms.
• Recognitions:
• He received widespread acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
• His paintings were also sent to the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, and he was awarded two gold medals.
• In 1904, Viceroy Lord Curzon, on behalf of the King Emperor, bestowed upon Raja Ravi Varma the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal. At this time, his name was mentioned as “Raja Ravi Varma” for the first time.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

The United States recently confirmed providing long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine to aid its war effort against Russia.

About Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS):

• It is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
• It is manufactured by the US defence company Lockheed Martin.
• It is also designated M39 by the US Army, and its Department of Defence (DoD) designation is MGM-140.
• The missile first saw use during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
• This weapon's known operators other than the US are Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.
• Features:
• ATACMS are 24/7, all-weather, surface-to-surface, inertially guided ballistic missiles.
• It has a range of about 190 miles (305 km).
• Propulsion: Single-stage, solid propellant.
• ATACMS missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platforms. The MLRS can fire 12 surface-to-surface missiles in less than a minute.
• It has the ability to carry cluster munitions, which destroy a targeted area by releasing hundreds of bomblets instead of a single warhead. 
• Targets include air defense artillery sites, surface-to-surface missile units, logistics sites, command and control complexes, and helicopter forward operating bases.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

Recently, Microsoft unveiled the latest version of its ‘lightweight’ AI model – the Phi-3-Mini. 

• It is believed to be first among the three small models that Microsoft is planning to release.
• It has reportedly outperformed models of the same size and the next size up across a variety of benchmarks, in areas like language, reasoning, coding, and maths.
• It is the first model in its class to support a context window of up to 128K tokens, with little impact on quality.
• The amount of conversation that an AI can read and write at any given time is called the context window, and is measured in tokens.
• It is a 3.8B language model, is available on AI development platforms such as Microsoft Azure AI Studio, HuggingFace, and Ollama.
• Phi-3-mini is available in two variants, one with 4K context-length, and another with 128K tokens.

How is Phi-3-mini different from Large language Models?

• Phi-3-mini is a Small Language Model (SLM).
• SLMs are more streamlined versions of large language models. When compared to LLMs, smaller AI models are also cost-effective to develop and operate, and they perform better on smaller devices like laptops and smartphones.
• SLMs are great for resource-constrained environments including on-device and offline inference scenarios and such models are good for scenarios where fast response times are critical, say for chabots or virtual assistants.
• SLMs can be customised for specific tasks and achieve accuracy and efficiency in doing them. Most SLMs undergo targeted training, demanding considerably less computing power and energy compared to LLMs.
• SLMs also differ when it comes to inference speed and latency. Their compact size allows for quicker processing. Their cost makes them appealing to smaller organisations and research groups.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Scientists have now detected the most distant-known instance of eruptions, called a giant flare, from a magnetar residing in a galaxy called Messier 82.

• It is an exotic type of neutron star with defining feature that it has an ultra-powerful magnetic field.
• The field is about 1,000 times stronger than a normal neutron star and about a trillion times stronger than the Earth’s.
• Apart from ultra-powerful magnetic fields, magnetars also release vast amounts of energy in the form of flares, X-rays and gamma-ray bursts.
• They are therefore associated with extreme events in the universe, making them perhaps the most bizarre objects in the cosmos next to black holes.
• The magnetic field of a magnetar may be caused by a neutron star’s interior – thought to be made up of neutrons, quarks and exotic states of matter such as Bose-Einstein Condensates – becoming a superconducting fluid.
• Thus, when the star rotates, it would behave like a huge dynamo, generating an immense magnetic field.

What is Messier 82?

• It is a galaxy nicknamed as "cigar galaxy" because when viewed edge-on it has an elongated and cigar-like shape. It is 12 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.
• The M82 giant flare was the most distant known but not the most energetic. 
• A giant flare originates from a reconfiguration and a reconnection of the magnetic field of the magnetar.

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister participated in the First ‘ASEAN Future Forum’.

• It acts as a platform for ASEAN and its partners to share new ideas and policy recommendations.
• It aimed at creating a common platform for ASEAN member states as well as partner countries and ASEAN people to contribute to promoting and shaping the bloc’s development path.
• It was proposed by Vietnam at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2023.
• Theme of the first forum: Toward fast and sustainable growth of a people-centered ASEAN Community.
• It took place in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Key facts about ASEAN

• It is a group of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which was established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok declaration.
• Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• Presently ASEAN comprises 10 member states namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• It promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration between its members and other countries in Asia.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.