Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (19-02-2024)
| News at a Glance
|
| Economy: Recession in UK and Japan |
| SBI seeks RBI’s approval to ease CRR in terms of green deposits |
| Science and Technology: Our Ancestors Genomes and Modern Health |
| Young Scientists Program YUVIKA |
| Social issue: Study Uncovers Link Between Stress and Depression |
| International: Kosovo and Schengen approval |
| Awards and honours: 58th Jnanpith Awards |
Recession in UK and Japan
Source: The Mirror
Context: UK Economy Plunges into Recession as Consumers Slash Spending
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Global Economy and Its Impact)
Why in news
- In recent news, the economies of the United Kingdom and Japan have both fallen into recession, with Japan losing its position as the world’s third-largest economy to Germany.
Understanding Recession
- A recession is typically defined as a sustained period of weak or negative growth in real GDP, accompanied by a notable increase in the unemployment rate.
- While there are several definitions, the most common one used in the media is a ‘technical recession, characterized by two consecutive quarters of negative growth in real GDP.
- The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession as a period between a peak and a trough in the business cycle, marked by a significant decline in economic activity across various sectors.
Causes of Japanese Recession
- Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) suffered a 0.4% annualized decline in the October-December period, following a previous quarter decrease of 3.3%, contrary to market forecasts of a 1.4% increase.
- Key pillars of the Japanese economy, such as consumption and capital expenditure, also experienced a decline.
- Private consumption, which constitutes over half of economic activity, fell by 0.2%, while capital expenditure decreased by 0.1%. Both indicators have now shrunk for three consecutive quarters.
- Furthermore, Japan’s nominal GDP fell below Germany’s in 2023, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy.
- Analysts attribute the recession to a delay in actual investment by big companies due to rising raw material costs and labor shortages.
- The most recent machinery orders data, considered a leading indicator of capital spending, showed a contraction in November.
Causes of UK Recession
- The UK economy has been stagnant for nearly two years, with a contraction in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- This marks two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP, and throughout 2023, the economy remained broadly flat.
- All major sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and wholesale, showed a decrease during this period, exerting significant drag on growth.
- The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the deepest contraction on record in early 2020, with a staggering 22% slump in the economy.
Main Causes of Recessions
- Recessions can arise from various factors, including sudden economic shocks like oil price spikes or global pandemics, as seen with COVID-19.
- Excessive debt, exemplified by the Great Recession of 2008, can also trigger economic downturns. Asset bubbles, driven by irrational exuberance, have the potential to burst and cause market crashes.
- Additionally, both excessive Inflation, as experienced in the 1970s, and deflation, as seen in Japan in the 1990s, can harm the economy.
- Technological advancements, while beneficial in the long term, can lead to short-term disruptions, as witnessed during the Industrial Revolution.
Conclusion
- The recent recessions in Japan and the UK shed light on the vulnerability of economies to various factors, including external shocks, excessive debt, and stagnation.
- They emphasize the importance of prudent economic management and the need for policies that promote sustainable growth and resilience.
- As these nations navigate through these challenging times, it becomes crucial to prioritize measures that support consumer confidence and stimulate spending, ultimately driving economic recovery and stability.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. What is the definition of a recession?
A. A sustained period of weak or negative growth in real GDP, accompanied by a significant rise in the unemployment rate. B. A sudden economic shock, such as an oil price spike or a pandemic, that leads to a downturn in the economy. C. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth in real GDP. D. A decline in economic activity spread across the economy that lasts for more thanks a year.
|
Q. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? (UPSC Prelims 2011)
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30%. 2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the% people have undergone a significant change. 3. The food supply chain has structural constraints.
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer B
|
| Ans 1 C
Explanation
|
SBI seeks RBI’s approval to ease CRR in terms of green deposits
Source: psuconnet
Context: State Bank of India (SBI) chairman Dinesh Khara is in talks with the Reserve Bank to reduce the cash reserve ratio on green deposits.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 (Indian Economy and Financial Inclusion)
Why in news
- India’s Largest Public Sector Bank, the State Bank of India has requested that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lower the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for green deposits.
About Green deposits
- Green deposits are long-term deposits used to fund green or climate-friendly projects. The bank has asked for a reduction in CRR for green deposits and next to incorporate it into the regulatory policy mechanism. RBI has earlier allowed banks to accept green fixed deposits [FD] schemes with three varying tenures 1,111, 1,777, and 2,222 days.
- Rates on these deposits are around 10bps lower than rates on regular FDs with similar tenors. In December 2023, the PSU bank raised $250 million via senior unsecured green floating rate notes maturing in December 2028.
About Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
- Under CRR, commercial banks have to hold a certain minimum amount of deposit as reserves with the RBI.
- The percentage of cash required to be kept in reserves as against the bank’s total deposits is called the CRR.
- The RBI decides the amount, and is kept with them for financial security.
- The bank cannot use this amount for lending and investment purposes and does not get any interest from the RBI.
- The CRR applies to scheduled commercial banks, while regional rural banks and NBFCs are excluded.
- Following are the critical objectives of the CRR:
- CRR helps control inflation, In a high inflation environment, the RBI can increase CRR to prevent banks from lending more.
- CRR also ensures banks have a minimum amount of funds readily available to customers, even during huge demand.
- CRR serves as the reference rate for loans. Also known as the base rate for loans, banks cannot offer loans below this rate.
- Since CRR regulates the money supply, it boosts the economy whenever required by lowering the CRR.
How is the CRR Calculated?
- There is no CRR formula. In technical terms, CRR is calculated as a percentage of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
- NDTL for banking refers to the aggregate savings account, current account, and fixed deposit balances held by a bank.
- In case a bank fails to maintain its CRR, it will have to pay fines to the RBI because of that default. The fine is charged for the shortfall.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Regarding the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), consider the following statements:
1. The bank cannot use this amount for lending and investment purposes and does not get any interest from the RBI. 2. The CRR applies to scheduled commercial banks & regional rural banks while NBFCs are excluded.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and D. Neither 1 nor 2
|
Q. Which of the following is a step that the central bank will take to encourage greater investment in the economy? (UPSC Prelims 2020)
A. It will look to increase the cash reserve ratio B. It will look to reduce the cash reserve ratio C. It will look to increase the bank rate D. It will look to sell the government securities in the open market
Answer: B
|
| Answer 2– A
Explanation –
|
Our Ancestors Genomes and Modern Health issue
Source: The Hindu
Context: Ancient DNA (aDNA) studies powered by cutting-edge genomic techniques have provided insights into the genetic makeup of our ancestors
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS Paper – 3 (Scientific Innovations & Discoveries)
Why in News
- By extracting and analysing DNA from ancient skeletal remains, scientists can reconstruct the genetic profiles of our ancestors.
Key Highlights
- Studies of ancestral DNA have provided glimpses into the genetic diversity and population dynamics of ancient communities, their migration patterns, Interactions, and adaptations to local environments, and even into the diseases these people confronted and how the afflictions shaped human evolution.
- For example, genomic technologies have given researchers a way to understand pathogens that spread in the distant past, and trace their origins and evolutionary trajectories.
- By reconstructing the genomes of these lifeforms, they have been able to piece together the emergence, spread, and adaptation of infectious diseases throughout human history.
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an organic molecule with a complex molecular structure.
- DNA molecule’s strands are made up of a long chain of monomer nucleotides.
- James Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA is a double-helix polymer in 1953.
- It is arranged in a double helix structure.
- It is essential for the transfer of the genetic characteristic of the living being from one generation to the other generation.
- The majority of DNA is found in the cell nucleus so it is called nuclear DNA.
What can ancestral DNA say about health
- In a number of recent papers, researchers have also reported being able to use sequences of a DNA to understand genetic diseases that may have affected ancient humans, and through that open windows onto the medicines and tools that early human communities used.
- Such insights enrich our knowledge of evolutionary history as well as have implications for modern healthcare, since they can teach us about the diseases to which our genes have rendered us susceptible as well as how health disparities arose between different populations.
- For example, some of the more common genetic diseases are the result of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Many chromosomal abnormalities result in chromosome number changes that is, extra copies or deletions of entire chromosomes resulting in different clinical syndromes.
- For example, Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome 21; Klinefelter’s syndrome due to an extra X chromosome; and Turner syndrome by the loss of one of the two X chromosomes in women.
How is ancestral DNA linked to a disease’s history
- Chromosomal karyotyping is a method to visualise the complete set of chromosomes in a cell, and is among the best techniques to diagnose such abnormalities.
- However, karyotyping requires live cells, which in turn requires scientists to adopt laborious methods to culture and stain them.
- But thanks to advances in the last decade, scientists today can fortunately use whole-genome sequencing data from fragmented and/or degraded DNA to understand chromosomal abnormalities.
- Scientists have since adopted these approaches to study chromosomal abnormalities in a DNA as well.
- For example, on January 11, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London published evidence of some of the earliest known instances of Turner syndrome, Kinefelter’s syndrome, and Down’s syndrome in a DNA dating from the Iron age in Britain.
- Similarly, a research group from Italy, Germany, and the U.S. reported an interesting analysis of genetic variants associated with cardiovascular diseases in modern humans.
- They studied DNA Isolated from 22 mummified individuals from a variety of geographical regions and time periods.
- Some 17 samples from ancient Egypt were dated to 3600 BC whereas those from Bolivia, Peru, Switzerland, and Australia were from 1500-1900 AD.
- These scientists used a novel approach to enrich specific parts of each genome that we know are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in modern humans.
- Then, once they had sequenced these parts, the scientists computed the ancient people’s risk of developing the disease based on 87 genetic variants that mapped to 56 genes- also well-studied in modern humans.
- This way, the team concluded that five of the mummified samples had significantly high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and two had calcified heart vessels, suggesting they already had the disease.
- In all, the scientists said they believe cardiovascular disease has been widespread in human populations for at least 5,000 years.
How can ancestral DNA be linked to diets
- Insights into the lifestyles of ancient humans can also be gleaned from their genetic remains. One such material is pitch from the birch tree.
- There is some evidence that ancient humans extensively used birch pitch to repair stone tools and possibly fix arrowheads.
- Microbes from the pitch sample can thus reveal information about the oral health of the individuals who chewed it.
- In a January 18 study, for example, scientists from Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Turkey analysed DNA from three pieces of chewed pitch estimated to be around 9,500 years old, obtained from a site in Sweden.
- Upon sequencing the pitch samples, the scientists identified organisms associated with the sort of imbalance of microbial species observed in people with inflamed gums (periodontitis).
- The team also matched DNA with a number of plant and animal species, hinting at the ancient people’s diet.
What else can ancestral DNA reveal
- Studies of a DNA could also provide big clues about the creation and development of stone tools. In the 1930s, for instance, researchers dug a cave in Ranis, Germany, where they identified a number of ancient stone tools.
- This site was believed to have been occupied by an old human population, from around 50,000 years ago, when modern humans, neanderthals, and denisovans coexisted.
- So, the question was who actually made these tools.
- A tide of interest in this question prompted archaeologists to re-excavate the cave more recently, when they found several bone remains.
- When they sequenced genetic material from these bones using high-throughput sequencing, the DNA sequences they found unequivocally pointed in the direction of Homo sapiens.
- When they dated the samples using radiocarbon dating, the samples were found to be some 45,000 years old.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements:
1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent. 2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage. 3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3
|
Q. In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person? (UPSC Prelims 2014)
1. Iris scanning 2. Retinal scanning 3. Voice recognition Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D
|
| Answer 3 D
Explanation
|
Young Scientists Program YUVIKA
Source: The Economic Times
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 1 and GS 3 (Government Initiative, Science Tech development) Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA)
Why in news
- “Young Scientist Programme”, or “YUva Vigyani Karyakram” YUVIKA, is a learning and awareness creating programme of the ISRO to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications to younger students with a preference to rural areas.
Key Highlights
- The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation.
- ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”.
- The programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research/career.
Eligibility
- Those who have finished class 8 and are currently studying in class 9 can apply for the programme.
- Three students from each state/Union Territory will participate in this programme every year, covering CBSE, ICSE, and state-board syllabus.
- The selection is based on 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities.
- Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.
- In case there is a tie between the selected candidates, the younger candidates will be given priority.
What is being offered
- It is a two-week residential programme offered by ISRO.
- It will include invited talks, experience sharing by eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts and practical and feedback sessions.
- A minimum participation will be ensured from each State/UT.
Significance of the program
- Interest in space activities: Its intent is to arouse their interest in the emerging areas of space activities. Indian students can reach for the skies if inquisitiveness is provided to them. The interest in space is instilled in them right from the school days, the students can really go big in the field of space and astronomy.
- Awareness: Many students do not know about space activities in the country. The program is aimed at creating awareness amongst the youngsters who are the future building blocks of our Nation
- Rural involvement: Rural students lack means to get information about space activities and how to make a career in it. Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.
- Leadership skills: YUVIKA would help in developing leadership skills and a fuller understanding of global, regional and industry agendas.
- Platform for engagement: The YUVIKA will provide the students an excellent opportunity and open discussion platform for a scientific and personal experience and exchanging ideas.
- Scientists will present and discuss their activities in laboratory medicine, benefit from career skills development.
- It is difficult for children to maintain an interest in science just from their activities in school. Thus, it is important to foster their interest outside the classroom through such programs. Young science program of ISRO will play an important role in inspiring students in space activities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Regarding the Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA), consider the following statements:
1. YUVIKA, is a learning and awareness creating programme of the ISRO to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology to younger students. 2. It is a two-week online learning programme for degree college students. 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
|
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
|
|
Answer 4: B Explanation: · YUVIKA, is a learning and awareness creating programme of the ISRO to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology to younger students. It is a two-week residential programme offered by ISRO. · The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”. So, statement 1 is correct. · The programme is expected to encourage more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research/career. · Those who have finished class 8 and are currently studying in class 9 can apply for the programme. · Three students from each state/Union Territory will participate in this programme every year, covering CBSE, ICSE, and state-board syllabus. · The selection is based on 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities. · Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria. · So, statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, correct answer is option B.
|
|
Study Uncovers Link Between Stress and Depression
Source: DD News
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS Paper-2 (Issues Related to Disability, Health, Human Resource)
Context: Researchers discovered that stress triggers an increase in key enzyme, that crosses into the brain that leads to behavioral changes.
Why in news
- A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH), in collaboration with the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich (PUK) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinal, New York, has revealed a significant connection between stress and depression.
Unraveling the Complex Interplay
- The study, led by first author Flurin Cathomas, focused on a key enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), which is found in the blood of both mice and humans.
- The researchers discovered that stress triggers an increase in MMP-8 levels, particularly in Individuals experiencing depression.
- Interestingly, MMP-8 not only remains in the bloodstream but also crosses into the brain, where it disrupts the functioning of specific neurons, leading to behavioral changes resembling depressive symptoms.
Novel Insights and Potential Treatment Avenues
- These findings provide novel insights into the intricate interplay between stress and depression.
- They unveil a “body- mind mechanism” that may not only be relevant to stress-related mental illnesses but also to other conditions affecting the immune and nervous systems.
- Moreover, the identification of MMP-8 opens up new avenues for exploring potential treatments for depression.
Animal Models and Validation
- To further understand the role of MMP-8 in driving behavioral changes, the researchers genetically modified mice to lack the MMP-8 gene.
- Remarkably, these mice did not exhibit stress-induced negative behaviors, highlighting the pivotal role of the enzyme in depressive symptoms.
Translatability to Human Contexts
- The relevance of these findings extends beyond animal models.
- Blood analyses of depressed patients revealed elevated levels of monocytes and MMP-8, reinforcing the potential translatability of the study’s findings to human contexts.
Implications for Treatment and Future Research
- While further clinical studies are necessary before implementing these findings in practice, integrating insights from immune-brain interactions into psychiatric treatments is crucial.
- Efforts are underway to explore how stimulating certain brain areas may influence the immune system and subsequently impact the behavior of patients with depression.
Mental illness Cases
- According to the WHO, mental illness makes about 15% of the total disease conditions around the world.
- In 2019, India’s suicide rate was at 12.9 per 1,00,000 persons.
- This was higher than the regional average of 10.2 and the global average of 9.0.
- Suicide has become the leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 in India.
- In 2017, an estimation of the burden of mental health conditions for the States across India revealed that as many as 197.3 million people (~14% of the population) required care for mental health conditions.
- This included around 45.7 million people with depressive disorders and 44.9 million people with anxiety disorders.
- According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS in 12 States, the prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas.
- Nearly 1 in 20 persons suffer from depression. 0.9% of the surveyed population were at high risk of suicide.
- The study’s findings shed new light on the complex relationship between stress and depression, offering potential avenues for future research and the development of Innovative treatments for this prevalent mental health condition.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 5. Consider the following statements with regards to mental illness:
1. In India, the prevalence of mental morbidity is high in rural and remote areas as compared to urban areas. 2. According to the WHO, mental illness is less than 1% of the total disease conditions around the world.
3. An enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), causes depression in humans as per new research. Which of the above statements is/is incorrect? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 only D. 1, 2, and 3
|
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent. 2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage. 3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC 2020) A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer-D |
| Answer 5– A
Explanation · According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS in 12 States, the prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · According to the WHO, mental illness makes about 15% of the total disease conditions around the world. So, statement 2 is incorrect. · A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH), in collaboration with the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich (PUK) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinal, New York, has revealed a significant connection between stress and depression. · The study, led by first author Flurin Cathomas, focused on a key enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), which is found in the blood of both mice and humans. · The researchers discovered that stress triggers an increase in MMP-8 levels, particularly in Individuals experiencing depression. Interestingly, MMP-8 not only remains in the bloodstream but also crosses into the brain, where it disrupts the functioning of specific neurons, leading to behavioral changes resembling depressive symptoms. So, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, correct answer is option A. |
Kosovo and Schengen approval issue
Source: The Hindu
Context: Approval process for Kosovo’s inclusion in the Schengen area faced significant delays.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS Paper – 2 (International Relations)
Why in news
- Kosovo, the last western Balkan non-European Union (EU) nation, recently obtained visa-free access to the Schengen zone in Europe, which is the world’s largest zone of free movement.
The Schengen Area and its Advantages
- The Schengen Area, named after the Luxembourg village where the agreement was signed in 1985, consists of 27 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.
It functions as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel purposes.
- The advantages of the EU’s border-free policy are evident for both nationals of any country and EU member states.
- For individuals, it allows freedom of travel with a single Schengen visa to other European nations within the borderless area.
- For EU states, it symbolizes the most visible aspect of European integration, alongside the adoption of a single currency by 20 EU countries.
Admission to the Schengen Area
- Although admission to the Schengen area is not mandatory for EU members, the majority of EU states have joined the passport-free zone.
- Currently, 23 out of the 27 EU member states are part of the Schengen area, with Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ireland being the exceptions.
- Additionally, the Schengen area includes four non-EU members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway. It is important to note that Kosovo, along with the other five western Balkan entrants, is not counted among the 27 Schengen members.
Challenges faced by the Schengen Region
- The Schengen region has faced significant challenges in recent years.
- The sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone and the arrival of thousands of migrants from conflict zones in Africa and West Asia have strained the area.
- Additionally, the rise of far-right populist parties advocating for anti-immigrant policies has further exacerbated tensions.
- Some EU member states have even considered reinstating their borders unilaterally, which could potentially lead to the dismantling of the Schengen agreement.
Delays in Kosovo’s Schengen Approval
- The delays in Kosovo’s application for Schengen approval can be attributed to several factors.
- In 2018, the European Commission cleared Pristina’s (capital of Kosovo) preparedness to tackle illegal migration and corruption, two preconditions for entry into the Schengen area.
- However, strong opposition from several EU members who do not recognize Kosovo’s 2008 unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia presented a major obstacle.
- Kosovo has not been granted legal statehood by the United Nations and is denied recognition by Russia and China.
Conclusion
- Despite the challenges faced by Kosovo in obtaining Schengen approval, the recent visa waiver represents a significant milestone for the country.
- It not only allows Kosovo citizens to enjoy the benefits of free movement within the Schengen area but also demonstrates progress towards integration with the EU.
- As the last western Balkan nation to obtain visa-free access to the Schengen zone, Kosovo now joins the other countries in the region that have already achieved this milestone.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Which of the following is/are not Included in the Balkan countries?
1. Kosovo 2. Romania 3. Bulgaria 4. Serbia 5. Albania
Code A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 4 and 5 only D. None of the above
|
Q. Consider the following pairs (UPSC Prelims 2022)
Region often mentioned in the news: Country 1. Anatolia : Turkey 2. Amhara : Ethiopia 3. Cabo Delgado : Spain 4. Catalonia : Italy
How many pairs given above are correctly matched? A. Only one pair B. Only two pairs C. Only three pairs D. All four pairs Answer: B
|
| Ans 6 D
Explanation · The Balkans are usually characterized as comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia-with all or part of each of those countries located within the peninsula. · The Balkan issue is considered to one of the major reasons for the First World War. · Russia’s war in Ukraine has put integration of the Western Balkans into the EU at the top of the 27-nation bloc’s agenda. · The EU is trying to reinvigorate the whole enlargement process, which has been stalled since 2013, when the last country to become a member was Croatia. · The EU had made it a requirement for Western Balkans to reform their economies and political institutions before joining the bloc.
|
58th Jnanpith Awards
Source: The Financial Express
Context: Gulzar, Sanskrit scholar Rambhadracharya selected for Jnanpith Award
UPSC Syllabus relevance: UPSC Prelims (Awards and Honours)
Why in news
- The Jnanpith selection committee has announced two popular names for the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award, Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
About Jnanpith Awards
- The Jnanpith Award, instituted in 1961, it has achieved the recognition of the highest literary award of the country.
- English along with other Indian languages is considered for the Award.
- The Award is open for only Indian citizens and is given annually.
- The prestigious award includes a cash prize of Rs 21 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi, and a citation.
- It is sponsored by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith.
- The recipients were chosen by a selection committee headed by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai.
- The first recipient of the award was the Malayalam writer G. Sankara Kurup who received the award in 1965 for his collection of poems, Odakkuzhal (The Bamboo Flute).
- In 1976, Bengali novelist Ashapoorna Devi became the first woman to win the award and was honoured for the 1965 novel Prothom Protishruti (The First Promise), the first in a trilogy.
- In the previous year, the prestigious award was conferred upon Goan writer Damodar Mauzo.
About Urdu poet Gulzar
- Gulzar is celebrated for his contributions to Hindi cinema and is recognized as one of the finest Urdu poets of our time.
- He has previously received several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Padma Bhushan in 2004, and multiple National Film Awards.
- Renowned for his musical prowess, some of his notable compositions include the song “Jai Ho” from the movie “Slumdog Millionaire,” which clinched both an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy in 2010.
Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, is a distinguished Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and author of over 100 books.
- He was also awarded with Padma Vibhushan award in 2015 by the former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi.
- Rambhadracharya, fluent in 22 languages, is a versatile poet and writer proficient in various Indian languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q7. Consider the following statements about Jnanpith Award:
1. Ashapoorna Devi, was the first woman to receive the Jnanpith Award in 1976. 2. The Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by KK Birla Foundation. 3. It is a literary award for Hindi literature only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. All of the above |
Q Which of the following are correct regarding Jnanpith Awards?( UPSC Prelims 2019)
A. Jnanpith Award 2018 is 58th Jnanpith Award B. First time in history of Jnanpith Awards, Jnanpith 2018 was awarded to the literacy works in English language. C. Amitav Ghosh was honoured with Jnanpith Award 2018. D. Ravuri Bhardwaja honoured with Jnanpith Award 2018. Code A. a, b & c only B. b, c & d only C. a & c only D. b & c only
Answer : D
|
| Answer 7– A
Explanation –
|