Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (13-02-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Ecology and Environment- Climate tipping points
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| National– 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
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| Economy- UPI launch in Sri Lanka and Mauritius
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| Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality in news
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| International– Weimar Triangle in support of Ukraine
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| Awards– National Creators Award
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Climate tipping points
Source: Indian Express
Context: Climate tipping points can have devastating consequences for ecosystems, food security, and human societies.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS Paper – 3: (Government Policies & Interventions, Environmental Pollution & Degradation)
Why in news
- The Global Tipping Points report warns of the risks associated with crossing important natural thresholds due to carbon pollution and rising global temperatures.
About the climate tipping points
- Climate tipping points are essentially critical thresholds beyond which a natural system can tip into an entirely different state and cause irreversible and disastrous consequences for the planet, including more warming.
- For example, rising global temperatures can trigger a change like a rainforest becoming a dry savannah.
- “This change is propelled by self-perpetuating feedback loops, even if what was driving the change in the system stops. The system – in this case the forest – may remain ‘tipped’ even if the temperature falls below the threshold again,” according to a report by the European Space Agency.
- Moreover, breaching one tipping point can increase the likelihood of crossing others — triggering a catastrophic domino effect.
- For instance, unabated global warming can cause irreversible ice melt from the Greenland ice sheet.
- This could slow down the ocean’s circulation of heat, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which, in turn, could impact South America’s monsoon system.
- Changes in the monsoon system may lead to a rise in the frequency of droughts in the Amazon rainforest, the ESA report noted.
- Over the years, scientists have identified a host of different climate tipping points across the Earth system.
- According to the ESA report, they largely fall into three broad categories — cryosphere, ocean-atmosphere, and biosphere — and range from the melting of the Greenland ice sheet to the death of coral reefs.
- The IPCC identifies several tipping points of climate change. Here are the 7 most likely to be crossed this century due to human activity:
- Greenland ice sheet
- Permafrost
- Ocean circulation and temperature (AMOC)
- Monsoons
- Amazon Rainforests
- Antarctic ice sheets
- Coral reef die-offs
Breaching any of the climate tipping points
- In December 2023, the Global Tipping Points Report, led by Professor Tim Lenton from the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute with the support of more than 200 researchers from over 90 organisations in 26 countries, was published.
- The report identified and examined more than 25 climate tipping points. It revealed:
- “Five major tipping points are already at risk of being crossed due to warming right now and three more are threatened in the 2030s as the world exceeds 1.5C global warming.”
- Currently, as Earth has become 1.1 ºC warmer than pre-industrial levels, the tipping points at risk are the collapse of big ice sheets in Greenland and the West Antarctic, the widespread thawing of permafrost, the death of coral reefs in warm waters, and the collapse of one oceanic current in the North Atlantic.
- Once the planet passes the 1.5 ºC threshold, tipping points, including the death of boreal forests, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, will potentially be breached.
How can we avoid breaching tipping points
- The best way to limit the risk of passing climate tipping points is to curb greenhouse gases.
- However, the world has not been able to do so far. In 2023, greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere reached the highest levels ever recorded in the atmosphere, according to the latest data by C3S and the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).
- While carbon dioxide concentrations last year were 2.4 parts per million (ppm) higher than in 2022, methane concentrations increased by 11 parts per billion (ppb).
- “Global governance is currently inadequate to minimise tipping point threats and to do so equitably,” the Global Tipping Points Report noted.
- It also added that by the time an adequate global emergency action would be implemented, some of the climate tipping points may still be crossed.
Way forward
- Coordinated efforts and proactive measures are needed to prevent irreversible damage and address the challenges posed by climate tipping points.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Which of the following statements with regards to climate tipping point is not correct?
A. Climate tipping points are essentially critical thresholds beyond which a natural system can tip into an entirely different state. B. The best way to limit the risk of passing climate tipping points is to curb greenhouse gases. C. The IPCC does not identify tipping points of climate change. D. Once the planet passes the 1.5 ºC threshold, tipping points, including the death of boreal forests, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, will potentially be breached.
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Q. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2017)
1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Ans: A |
| Ans 1 C
Explanation
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Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
Source: The Hindu
Context: 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 (Important Personalities, Modern Indian History)
Why in News
- February 12, 2024, celebrated as the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, born on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, who has contributed to Indian spirituality and societal reform.
About the Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
- Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, born Mool Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, was a stalwart of Indian society whose influence resonates to this day.
Founding of Arya Samaj By Swami Dayanand Saraswati:
- In 1875, Maharishi Dayanand established the Arya Samaj in Bombay, heralding a new era of Hindu reform.
- The Samaj’s motto, “Krinvan to Vishvam Aryam” (Make this world noble), encapsulated its mission to purify and rejuvenate Hinduism.
- Through its tenets, the Arya Samaj advocated for the supremacy of Vedic knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the promotion of social welfare.
- Rejecting orthodox practices, it championed widow remarriage, women’s education, and the abolition of caste distinctions.
Educational Reforms and Legacy of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati:
- Maharishi Dayanand’s vision extended beyond religious revival to encompass educational reform.
- He established Gurukuls and Anglo-Vedic schools to impart Vedic knowledge alongside modern education.
- The founding of the Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) College Trust and Management Society further solidified his commitment to holistic learning.
- Despite facing opposition and adversity, he inspired India’s social reform movement and fostering a global network of Arya Samaj branches.
Spiritual Beliefs of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati:
- Maharishi Dayanand’s teachings were rooted in the pristine wisdom of the Vedas, advocating for a pure and unadulterated form of Hinduism.
- He vehemently opposed idol worship, caste discrimination, and superstitions, calling for a return to the core principles of Dharma and Ahimsa.
- His emphasis on social equality, education for all, and the pursuit of truth resonated deeply with the masses, sparking a wave of reform across India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following terms/labels:
1. Martin Luther of India 2. Sanskarvidhi 3. Aadisankar 4. Return to the Vedas 5. Brahmo Samaj
How many of the above terms or labels are not associated with Swami Dayanand Saraswati? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. Only four |
Q. Consider the following freedom fighters:
1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh 2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee 3. Rash Behari Bose
Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party? (UPSC Prelims 2022) A. 1 and 2 B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 D. 3 only Answer : D
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| Answer 2 B
Explanation
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UPI launch in Sri Lanka and Mauritius
Source: Indian Express
Context: Unified Payment Interface is part of RBI’s efforts towards ‘Less Cash’ India.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS Paper – 2 ( Government Policies & Interventions GS Paper – 3 (Economy )
Why in news
- Recently India launched its unified payments interface (UPI) system in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
Key highlights
- The virtual ceremony witnessed the participation of Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Governors of the central banks of the three countries.
- The launch will enable availability of UPI settlement services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as well as for Mauritian nationals travelling to India.
- The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on RuPay mechanism in Mauritius and facilitate usage of RuPay Card for settlements both in India and Mauritius
- Indian tourists will also prioritise destinations which accept UPI.
- People from Mauritius coming to India will have to buy fewer hard currencies and we can transact in our own currencies in real-time at a lower cost. Eventually we can also move towards peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions as well.
- The Centre has been pushing to export its UPI system along with the RuPay network which is a rival to Mastercard and Visa to a number of countries.
- Earlier this month, NPCI International Payments, in partnership with Lyra, a French e-commerce and payments firm, had announced the acceptance of UPI in France starting with tickets to the Eiffel Tower.
- Singapore, Bhutan, and the UAE, among others, also accept UPI.
About the UPI
- Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a platform to transfer money between any two bank accounts in India, by avoiding the existing complexities.
- Unified Payment Interface is an indigenous payment system that works with the help of a smartphone.
UPI differs from netbanking
- Unified Payment Interface is standardized across banks, which means you can initiate a bank account transfer from anywhere with a few clicks.
- This means that UPI will help you to pay directly from your bank account to different merchants without the hassle of typing your net banking password, credit card details, or IFSC code.
- Apart from cards, net banking, and wallets, you can now pay through UPI too. Unified Payment Interface allows paying someone as well as ‘collecting’ cash from someone.
Why UPI
- Even after introducing net banking in India, the number of cash transactions happening in India is very high (almost 95% of all transactions).
- Unified Payment Interface is part of RBI’s efforts towards ‘Less Cash’ India.
How safe is the Unified Payment Interface
- It is safe as the customers only share a virtual address and provide no other sensitive information. The ‘virtual payment address’ is an alias to your bank account.
- The virtual payment addresses don’t allow your security to be compromised when a certain merchant’s account is hacked, because their database will have only a list of virtual addresses.
- It offers better security than other payment methods where details like credit card numbers are sent.
- While using Unified Payment Interface, all these details are hidden as only a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is used.
How does UPI Contribute to India’s Foreign Policy
- India aims to assume a leadership role in the Global South by pioneering digital governance. India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) push is a differentiator from China’s focus on physical infrastructure development in developing countries.
- UPI has also been taken to international markets such as France, UAE, Singapore and Sri Lanka, with countries like Japan, Mauritius, and Saudi Arabia having shown an interest in adopting the payment system.
- UPI’s success attracts foreign investments and partnerships, contributing to India’s economic diplomacy efforts and strengthening bilateral relations.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. With reference to the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), consider the following statements:
1. UPI 2.0 increases the financial inclusivity of the country. 2. It is regulated by the Ministry of Finance. 3. It is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features. Select the correct statement using codes given below A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 2 only D. 1, 2, 3
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Q. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2018)
1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account. 2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer : A
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| Answer 3– A
Explanation –
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Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality in news
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 2 (International relations), GS 3 ( Indian Economy)
Context: ‘Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality’ is positioned to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and attract investments in critical areas such as women’s health, education, and enterprise.
Why in news
- The announcement of the “Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality” emerged as a pivotal takeaway from the World Economic Forum 2024.
Objectives of the Alliance
- It aligns with the G20 Leaders’ Declaration commitments and reflects India’s dedication to women-led development.
- Knowledge Sharing: The alliance seeks to bring together global best practices to enhance knowledge sharing on gender-related issues.
- Investment Attraction: By focusing on key areas such as women’s health, education, and enterprise, the initiative aims to attract investments that contribute to gender equity and equality.
- Global Impact: Aligned with India’s commitment to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Prayas,” the alliance has a global perspective on addressing gender-related challenges.
About World Economic Forum
- The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
- The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
- The WEF was founded on 24th January, 1971 by German engineer Klaus Schwab. headquartered in Geneva.
- He introduced the concept of “stakeholder capitalism.”
- The WEF is best known for its annual meeting at Davos, Switzerland. The event attracts political and business leaders from around the world for discussions about global issues.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the World Economic Forum (WEF):
1. World Economic Forum (WEF) is a non-profit organization. 2. Global Innovation Index (GII) is published by WEF. 3. WEF, was originally named the European Management Forum. Which of the statements above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2, and 3 D. 1,2 and 3 |
Q. Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (UPSC Prelims 2017)
A. World Economic Forum B. UN Human Rights Council C. UN Women D. World Health Organization Answer: A
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Answer 4: B Explanation: · World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization with no commercial interest and provides a platform for leaders from around the world – business, government, and civil society – to come together. · The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. So, statement 1 is correct. · The Global Innovation Index is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). So, statement 2 is incorrect. · The WEF, originally named the European Management Forum, was indeed established in 1971 by Professor Klaus Schwab. · The WEF is most famous for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which attracts global leaders from various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and civil society. So, the statement 3 is correct. · Hence option B is correct answer. |
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Weimar Triangle makes statement in support of Ukraine
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS II (International Relations)
Context: The governments of Poland, France and Germany vowed to make Europe a security and defence power with a greater ability to back Ukraine.
Why in news
- The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Poland intend to continue coordinating efforts in the Weimar Triangle format and to convene an expanded meeting of Weimar + Ukraine foreign ministers in the near future.
Key Highlights
- The Foreign Ministers of the three countries met in the Paris suburb of La Celle-Saint-Cloud to talk about Ukraine, amid other issues.
- They discussed reviving the so-called Weimar Triangle, a long-dormant regional grouping that was designed to promote cooperation between France, Germany and Poland.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, said he wanted to “revitalize” his nation’s relations with its key European partners.
- The diplomatic push came after Mr. Trump shocked many in Europe over the weekend by appearing to invite Russia to invade any NATO member not spending enough on its defense.
- Poland, experienced both German and Soviet occupation during World War II and later spent decades under Soviet control.
- Leaders of the 27 EU member nations sealed a deal to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in support for its war-ravaged economy.
Weimar Triangle
- The Weimar Triangle was established in the German city of Weimar in 1991, aimed at assisting Poland’s emergence from Communist rule.
- The Triangle was initially the key forum for supporting German-Polish reconciliation, inspired by the Franco-German experience.
- After Poland’s accession to the European Union in 2004, it became more of a forum for cooperation ahead of European Union negotiations.
- It exists mostly in the form of summit meetings between the leaders of the three countries, and of their foreign ministers. The collaboration between member states includes inter-parliamentary contacts, military, scientific and cultural co-operation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 5. Consider the following statements with regards to Weimer Triangle:
1. It does not include France. 2. The Triangle was initially the key forum for supporting German-Polish reconciliation.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. With reference to the Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2016)
1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia. 2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither1nor 2 Correct Answer: C
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| Answer 5– A
Explanation · The Weimar Triangle was established in the German city of Weimar in 1991, aimed at assisting Poland’s emergence from Communist rule. It is a platform for political cooperation between France, Germany, and Poland. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · The group is intended to promote co-operation between the three countries in cross-border and European issues. · It exists mostly in the form of summit meetings between the leaders of the three countries, and of their foreign ministers. The collaboration between member states includes inter-parliamentary contacts, military, scientific and cultural co-operation. · The Triangle was initially the key forum for supporting German-Polish reconciliation, inspired by the Franco-German experience. So, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, correct answer is option A. · Therefore, correct answer is option A.
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National Creators Award
Source: Business Today
Context: : First-of-its-kind award targeted at “Gen Z”
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: Prelims ( National Awards) GS Paper-3 (Science & Technology)
Why in news
- Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to participate in the National Creator Awards.
About the National Creators Award:
- It is the first-of-its-kind award that will be targeted at “Gen Z”, a reference to the young generation hooked to the internet and social media.
The award aims to achieve
- Spotlight on Changemakers: Putting change-makers on centre stage – recognizing and boosting digital creators that are making an impact
- Amplify Diverse Voices: It wants to elevate the influence of digital media on social impact, creating a buzz that can’t be ignored
- Connect and Collaborate: It brings a community of creators, leaders & government on one platform to spur a social revolution, a national movement during ‘Amrit Kaal’
- Empower the Next Wave: It’s a launchpad for using creativity to drive positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years of age or above at the time of nomination.
- Nationality and Residency:19 categories are open exclusively to individuals of Indian nationality. One category is dedicated to international digital creators.
- Platforms: Content must be published on one or more of the following digital platforms: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.
- Language: Content submission can be in English or any other Indian language.
- Nomination Limits: Creators can self-nominate in a maximum of three categories. Those nominating others can nominate in all 20 categories.
About Gen-Z
- The recent group that comprises the category of students, aged between ten years to twenty-six years old, is Generation Z.
- This generation, with the oldest born in 1995 and the youngest in 2010, was born in an environment of tablets and smartphones.
- This generation, in particular, has been the one most influenced by the “Internet”. Naturally, it has influenced education as well.
- Usually, it has been noticed that they have a short attention span, as a result of trying to meet the needs of multitasking.
- The remarkable trait of this generation is that they are independent and wish to be self-reliant.
Other digital awards
- Digital India Awards – The Digital India Awards, formerly called the Web Ratna Awards, is a category of award constituted by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to acknowledge exemplary initiatives of various states in the realm of e-governance. After 2014, it was renamed to Digital India Awards.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding the National Creators Award recently announced by the Prime Minister?
A. This is the first award of its kind which will be targeted at “Gen-Z”. B. It aims to have a social impact on digital media. C. The nominee must be 16 years of age or older. D. There is only one category dedicated to International Digital Creators.
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Q. For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (UPSC Prelims 2009)
A. Literature B. Performing Arts C. Science D. Social Service Answer : C
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| Ans 6 C
Explanation · National Creator Awards is the first-of-its-kind award that will be targeted at “Gen Z”, a reference to the young generation hooked to the internet and social media. · The nominee must be 18 years of age or older at the time of nomination for the National Creators Award. Other options are correct.
About Gen-Z
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