Daily Current Affairs MCQ- March 28, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) connected strategically important all-weather 298-km long road from Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil–Leh Highway.

• It is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to Indian Armed Forces.
• Establishment: It was formed on 7 May 1960 to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-east States of the country.
• In order to ensure coordination and expeditious execution of projects, the Government of India set up the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) with the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Board and Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman.
• It develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
• This includes infrastructure operations in 19 states and three union territories (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
• Officers and personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) form the parent cadre of the BRO.
• It is also staffed by Officers and Troops drawn from the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers on extra regimental employment (on deputation).
• BRO is also included in the Order of Battle of the Armed Forces, ensuring their support at any time.
• Motto of the organization: Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam  (everything is achievable through hardwork)

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

According to a 2016 study, the residential sector contributes 47% of India’s total black carbon emissions.

• It is the dark, sooty material emitted alongside other pollutants when biomass and fossil fuels are not fully combusted.
• It comprises a significant portion of particulate matter or PM, which is an air pollutant.
• It is a short-lived climate pollutant with a lifetime of only days to weeks after release in the atmosphere.
• It is an important contributor to warming because it is very effective at absorbing light and heating its surroundings. It contributes to warming by converting incoming solar radiation to heat.
• It also influences cloud formation and impacts regional circulation and rainfall patterns.
• When deposited on ice and snow, black carbon and co-emitted particles reduce surface albedo (the ability to reflect sunlight) and heat the surface.
• Impacts:
• It contributes to global warming and poses severe risks. Studies have found a direct link between exposure to black carbon and a higher risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
• It has a warming impact on climate that is 460-1,500 times stronger than CO2.
• Most black carbon emissions in India arise from burning biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Meme coins started as a humorous, satirical take on the internet and often lacking in any real underlying value have gained significant popularity.

• These are a unique category of cryptocurrencies, have gained significant popularity in the digital currency space. These coins trace their origin to the growth of meme culture on the internet.
• These are also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’, meme coins are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture.
• They often feature quirky names, logos, and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or internet phenomena.
• Key characteristics :
• These are highly volatile in nature, subject to extreme changes in value over short periods, driven by the current buzz surrounding the token.
• They typically have a massive or uncapped supply, leading to very low values per token.
• These coins leverage blockchain technology, often utilising smart contracts on platforms like Ethereum and Solana.
• Creating a meme coin is relatively easy compared to traditional cryptocurrencies.
• With the proliferation of blockchain platforms and decentralized finance (DeFi) tools, virtually anyone can launch a meme coin with minimal technical expertise and resources.
• These coins are primarily driven by speculation and community engagement, lacking fundamental value or unique use cases. Also, the prices of meme coins can experience rapid fluctuations, making them risky investments. 

Hence both statements are correct.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently decided to delist 18 protected monuments as they have ceased to be of "national importance".

About Monuments of National Importance (MNI): 

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958 (amended in 2010), provides for the declaration and conservation of ancient and historical monuments, and archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
• Presently, there are 3,693MNI in India. Uttar Pradesh (745 monuments/sites) has the highest number.
• Declaration:
• The Central Government issues a notification of its intention to declare any ancient monument which archaeologically, historically, or architecturally qualifies to be of national importance by giving two months’ notice, inviting views/objections from the public.
• After considering the views/objections received within the stipulated period, the Central Government may declare the ancient monument to be of national importance by publishing a notification in the official gazette.
• Once a monument or a site is declared to be MNI, their protection and upkeep is the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture.
• ASI undertakes the conservation, preservation, and maintenance of MNI throughout the country.
• The One-hundred-meter radius of the monument is then considered a ‘prohibited area’ where there is a ban on construction activities. Further 200 meters (i.e., 100+200 meters) are considered a ‘regulated area’ where there are regulations on construction.
• The ASI also has the power to delist monuments it deems to "have ceased to be of national importance" under Section 35 of the Act. Once a monument is delisted, the ASI becomes no longer responsible for protecting these monuments.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

External Affairs recently visited Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, which is in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.

About ICGS Samudra Paheredar: 

• It is a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) of the Indian Coast Guard.
• It is the second PCV of India (the first being ICGS Samudra Prahari).
• It was indigenously built by ABG Shipyard, Surat.
• It was commissioned in2012. 
• It is stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Features:
• The ship is 94.10 metres long, draws 4,300 tons at maximum displacement, and is propelled by 3,000-kilowatt twin diesel engines, producing power that is further enhanced by twin shaft generators for a maximum speed of 21 knots. 
• At economical speed, the ship has an endurance of 6,500 nautical miles and can stay at sea for 20 days.
• The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea and is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response and control equipment for mitigating oil spills, which includes containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, recovery devices like skimmers, and side sweeping arms.
• The ship is capable of unhindered oil-recovery operations, with a storage capacity of 502 kilolitres.
• The special features include an integrated platform management system, a power management system, and a high-powered external firefighting system.
• It is capable of operating one twin-engine ALH/ Chetak helicopter. 

Hence option c is the correct answer.

Courts should not grant ex-parte injunctions against the publication of a news article, barring in exceptional cases, as it may have severe ramifications for the right to freedom of speech, the Supreme Court said recently.

About Ex-parte Injunction:

• It is a court order that is issued without hearing from the other party involved in the case. It is also known as a temporary restraining order.
• This type of injunction is only granted in emergency situations where there is a risk of irreparable harm if immediate action is not taken.
• The court will consider the evidence presented by the person requesting the injunction and decide whether to grant it or not.

What is an Injunction?

• In India, an injunction is a legal remedy available to parties who wish to prevent the other party from carrying out a certain action or behavior. 
• Injunctions can be granted in a variety of situations, such as in cases of intellectual property infringement, breach of contract, or defamation.
• An injunction is a powerful legal tool that acts as a court order requiring a party to do or cease doing specific actions. 
• It plays a crucial role in many legal battles, serving as a preventive measure to stop legal wrongs or as a remedy to enforce rights. 
• Injunctions are a discretionary remedy, and the court will consider various factors before deciding whether to grant an injunction. These factors may include the urgency of the matter, the balance of convenience, and the likelihood of success in the underlying lawsuit.
• Types of Injunctions in India:
• Temporary Injunctions: They are granted to preserve the status quo until a final decision can be reached. These are usually granted at the start of a case and can last for the duration of the legal proceedings.
• Permanent Injunctions: They are granted after the court has made a final determination in the case. They prohibit the defendant from continuing a particular action or behavior.
• Mandatory Injunctions: They require the defendant to carry out a particular action. They are often granted in cases of breach of contract, where the plaintiff requires the defendant to fulfill their contractual obligations.
• Prohibitory Injunctions: They prohibit the defendant from carrying out a particular action or behavior. They are often granted in cases of intellectual property infringement or defamation.
• In India, the law regarding injunction is provided under the Specific Relief Act, 1963 and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. 
• What happens if the party violates the injunction? If a party violates the injunction, they may be held in contempt of court and could face penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

Indian Space Research Organisation has completed all key tests on Insat-3DS satellite before the final review which will be followed by its shipping to the spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 

• It is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• It is part of a series of climate observatory satellites aimed at enhancing climate services. Comprising three dedicated Earth observation satellites, including INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already in orbit.
• It will launched by using the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14).

What is GSLV-F14?

• It a more advanced rocket utilising liquid propellant.
• The rocket, distinguished by its higher capacity and the use of cryogenic liquid propellants in all three stages, presents a more complex engineering challenge but allows for a substantially higher lift-off weight capacity.

Key facts about INSAT-3DR

• It is an advanced meteorological satellite of India configured with an imaging System and an Atmospheric Sounder.
• The significant improvements incorporated in INSAT-3DR are:
• Imaging in Middle Infrared band to provide night time pictures of low clouds and fog
• Imaging in two Thermal Infrared bands for estimation of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) with better accuracy
• Higher Spatial Resolution in the Visible and Thermal Infrared bands
• Payloads: INSAT-3DR carries a multi spectral Imager, 19 channel Sounder, Data Relay Transponder and Search and Rescue Transponder.

Hence both statements are correct.

Agulhas long-billed lark is adapting and surviving despite farming taking over their nesting grounds in South Africa.

• It is a small passerine bird.
• It builds nests on the ground mainly in Renosterveld fynbos, a type of vegetation filled with grasses and wild spring flowers.
• It is a South African endemic species restricted to the Agulhas plains.
• These are generally “little brown birds” that are often difficult to identify.
• These larks prefer to nest in Renosterveld.
• Habitat: It appears to have adapted quite well to its modified habitats, like farmlands, although its distribution is patchy for unknown reasons.
• Distribution: Its restricted range is centred on the Agulhas arable farmlands, from east of the Hottentots-Holland mountain range to Mossel Bay.
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Near-threatened 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted a training programme in virtual mode on the recently introduced Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) for the officers concerned from Andhra Pradesh.

• It is a dedicated technology platform designed and developed to digitize data for intercepted/Seized items (Cash/Liquor/Drugs/ Precious Metal/Freebies/Other Items) direct from field through Mobile App.
• It also allows Banks to generate QR code based receipt for case movement.
• Key Features
• Automate desired report in required format for all stake holders
• Dashboard analytics for received data from multiple agencies
• Avoid duplicate data entry by Agencies
• Banks may generate QR code-based receipt in PDF format and issue for legal cash transfer.
• In this platform all the enforcement agencies such as police, transportation authorities, Central tax agencies and others share information in real time. 
• The platform is for real-time updates on seizures from the field.
• It is a system that ensures seamless coordination and intelligence sharing amongst enforcement agencies. 
• It is a platform where all the central and state enforcement agencies will be onboarded. 
• These agencies are required to upload details of every recorded movement and seizure of illicit cash, liquor, drugs etc. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

End-to-end (E2E) encryption protects information in a way that has transformed human rights organisations’, law-enforcement agencies’, and technology companies’ outlook on their ability to access and use information.

• Encryption is a way of protecting data from unauthorised access or tampering.
• It works by transforming the data into a secret code that only the intended recipient can decipher.
• This comes in useful for various cases, such as securing online communications, storing sensitive information, and verifying digital identities.
• There are two main types of encryption:
• Symmetric: It uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt the data. In symmetric encryption, the key used to encrypt some information is also the key required to decrypt it.
• Asymmetric: It uses a pair of keys: one public and one private. The public key can be shared with anyone, but the private key must be kept secret.
• The term encryption is generally used when referring to the privacy of stored data, while end-to-end encryption protects data as it’s transferred between a location – which is crucial wherever there’s a rapid exchange of information.
• In an E2EE-enabled app, only person on each end – the sender and receiver – can read any exchanged messages.
• This is because messages get encrypted on your device before being sent and only are decrypted when they reach your intended recipient.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.