Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (22-03-2024)
| News at a Glance
|
| National: Govt issues fresh categorisation of LWE-hit areas |
| International: India as Co-Chair of International Telecommunication Union |
| Environment And Ecology: Begusarai is the most air polluted city in the World |
| Science and Technology: Rising Cholesterol Levels Among the Young |
| Defence: India – Mozambique – Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024 |
| Awards: Michel Talagrand Wins Abel Prize for Randomness Studies |
Govt issues fresh categorisation of LWE-hit areas
Source: The Hindu
Context: : Govt issues fresh categorisation of LWE-hit areas, 12 out of 38 are ‘most affected districts’
UPSC Syllabus Relevance GS – 2 (Important International Institutions)
Why in news
- The Home Ministry has issued a fresh categorisation of the districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) across 10 states after their number came down by almost half in the past nine years.
Key highlights
- A total of 38 districts across these 10 states are categorised as LWE-affected with effect from April 1, 2024 compared to 75 in 2015.
- The categorisation of the LWE-affected districts in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal provide the basis for deployment of resources under the National Policy and Action Plan, approved in 2015.
- Chhattisgarh still topped the chart with LWE-affected 15 districts, followed by Odisha (seven districts), Jharkhand (five), Madhya Pradesh (three), Kerala, Maharashtra.
- Of these, 12 districts – seven in Chhattisgarh, two in Odisha and one each in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra – are categorised as “most affected districts”, and nine – four in Jharkhand, two in Odisha and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana – are categorised as “districts of concern”.
- The ‘most affected district’ section was created in 2015 with 35 districts to ensure focused deployment of resources.
- The ‘districts of concern’ group was added to address the resource gap where the LWE influence is waning.
- Eight districts in Bihar, six in Jharkhand, three in Odisha and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are categorized as “legacy and thrust” districts.
- The ‘thrust districts’ are the districts which are prospective sites of LWE expansion and therefore, continued support would be required for continued capacity building.
About Left-wing Extremism
- LWE organizations are the groups that try to bring change through violent revolution.
- They are against democratic institutions and use violence to subvert the democratic processes at the ground level.
- These groups prevent the developmental processes in the least developed regions of the country & try to misguide the people by keeping them ignorant of current happenings.
Left-wing extremism in India
- Left-wing extremists, popularly known as Maoists worldwide and as Naxalites/Naxalism in India, has been a major threat to India since the 1960s.
- Genesis:
- The term Naxalism derives from the name of the Naxalbari village in West Bengal where a peasant revolt took place against local landlords over a land dispute in 1967.
- The origins of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India goes back to the Telangana peasant rebellion (1946-51), the movement was at its peak in 1967, when the peasants, landless labourers, and Adivasis raided the granaries of a landlord in the Naxalbari village in West Bengal.
- The Naxal rebellion was led by Charu Majumdar and his close associates, Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal.
- These rebels not only were assisted by the people from nearby villages but also from the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Media had called this movement the “Spring Thunder”.
- The movement initially took inspiration from China’s founding father, Mao Zedong, but had later become radically different from Maoism.
Government Initiatives to control LWE
- SAMADHAN doctrine is the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels.
- The national strategy to counter LWE was formed in 2015 as a multipronged approach to combat LWE. Its main aim was to ensure participatory governance and protection of the rights of local tribals, inter alia.
- Intelligence sharing and raising of a separate 66 Indian Reserved Battalion (IRBs) was done by the government to curb the menace of LWE organizations.
- National Policy and Action Plan in 2015: It consists of a multi-pronged approach comprising security measures, development initiatives and ensuring rights & entitlements of local communities.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is supporting the State Governments extensively by way of deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Battalions, provision of helicopters and UAVs and sanction of India Reserve Battalions (IRBs)/ Special India Reserve Battalions (SIRBs) etc.
- Funds are provided under Modernization of Police Force (MPF), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for modernization and training of State Police.
- Several development initiatives have been implemented for construction of roads, installation of mobile towers, skill development, improving network of banks and post offices, health and education facilities.
- Funds for development are also provided to most LWE affected districts under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme.
- Greyhounds: It was raised in 1989 as an elite anti-naxal force.
- Operation Green Hunt: It was started in 2009-10 and massive deployment of security forces was done in the naxal-affected areas.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Which of the following is/are correct regarding left wing extremism states?
1. Odisha 2. Chhattisgarh 3. Jharkhand 4. Madhya Pradesh 5. Maharashtra 6. Kerala Arrange the states affected by Left Wing Extremism in descending order in terms of number of districts affected? A. 1-2-3-4-5-6 B. 2-1-3-4-6-5 C. 4-5-6-1-2-3 D. 5-6-4-3-2-1
|
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2023)
1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government must protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention. 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, of 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.
How many of the above statements are correct? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None Answer: B |
| Ans 1 B
Explanation · The Home Ministry has issued a fresh categorisation of the districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) across 10 states after their number came down by almost half in the past nine years. · Chhattisgarh still topped the chart with LWE-affected 15 districts, followed by Odisha (seven districts), Jharkhand (five), Madhya Pradesh (three), Kerala, Maharashtra. · Therefore, option B is correct answer.
|
India as Co-Chair of International Telecommunication Union
Source: PIB
Context: International Telecommunication Union Elects India as Co-Chair of its Digital Innovation Board
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS- 2 (Important International Institutions International Treaties & Agreements
Why in news
- Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, led a high-level delegation to Geneva from March 18-20, 2024, for a series of crucial meetings at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters.
Key highlights
- During the visit, Dr. Neeraj Mittal was unanimously elected as the co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of ITU.
- The Digital Innovation Board is formed under the aegis of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development and comprises ministers and vice ministers of telecom/ICT from 23 member countries of ITU across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development to respond to the significant unmet needs of ITU membership in the area of innovation.
- This initiative is in line with the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22) and the outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22).
The alliance consists of three main vehicles
- 1. Digital Transformation Lab
- 2. Network of Acceleration Centres
- 3. Digital Innovation Board
- The Digital Innovation Board provides strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy to build critical local enablers and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development, with the aim of creating a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
Network of Acceleration Centres
- The ITU has selected 17 organizations from around the world to host Network of Acceleration Centres.
- The Global Innovation Centre at ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre in New Delhi, India, will coordinate the efforts of these Network Acceleration Centres globally.
Bilateral Meetings and Increased Participation of India in ITU Activities
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal held bilateral meetings with various officials during the visit. A meeting between India and Japan took place on the sidelines of the Digital Innovation Board Meeting at ITU Headquarters.
- The leaders discussed engagements in the telecom and ICT sector and proposed collaboration on AI, 5G use cases, and Quantum Products certification.
- They also emphasized the need to develop a framework on trusted products and agreed to operationalize sub-working groups on 5G use cases and massive MIMO under the India-Japan Joint Working Group on ICT.
- Additionally, Dr. Mittal co-chaired a bilateral meeting between India and Bahrain with Mr. Mohammed Bin Thamir, Minister of Transport and Telecom of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- The two countries agreed to collaborate actively in the ICT sector, including areas such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G use cases, Cybersecurity, and the development of Data Embassy.
- They also decided to revisit the MOU on ICT between the two countries that lapsed in 2015.
About International Telecommunication Union (ILO )
- It is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies.
- World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly is a four-yearly global conference of ITU dedicated to standardisation of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).
- It is headquartered in Geneva.
- History: It is the oldest UN agency.
- It was established on 17 May 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.
- Membership: 193 countries and over 900 private-sector entities and academic institutions.
- Functions: It promotes the shared global use of the radio spectrum.
- It facilitates international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits.
- It assists in developing and coordinating worldwide technical standards.
- It works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Recently the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. What is the correct statement regarding this?
1. This initiative is in line with the outcomes of the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunications Development Conference 2022. 2. The Global Innovation Center at the ITU Area Office and Innovation Center is located in New Delhi, India. Code A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
|
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to International Telecommunication Union? (UPSC Prelims 2016)
1. It is the oldest UN agency. 2. It is headquartered in New York. Code A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A
|
| Answer 2– C
Explanation – · The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development to respond to the significant unmet needs of ITU membership in the area of innovation. · This initiative is in line with the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22) and the outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22). So, statement 1 is correct. · The Global Innovation Centre at ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre in New Delhi, India, will coordinate the efforts of these Network Acceleration Centres globally. So, statement 2 is correct. · Therefore , option C is correct answer.
|
Begusarai is the most air polluted city in the World
Source: Indian Express
Context: Despite the success of initiatives like Ujjwala, a significant number of rural households may still be burning solid fuels for cooking, leading to elevated pollution levels.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS- 3 (Environmental Pollution & Degradation)
Why in News
- A new report on air quality in cities around the world has ranked Begusarai in Bihar as the most polluted — not just in India but in the whole world.
Key highlights
- According to the report, Delhi was the worst polluted capital city in 2023 — with its average PM2.5 concentration being more than double every other capital city in the world except Dhaka.
- Begusarai is not the only city from Bihar on the list of worst polluted.
- Siwan, Saharsa, Katihar, Bettiah, Samastipur, and Arrah (Ara) figure in the top 15 worst polluted cities in Central and South Asia.
- In fact, this regional top 15 list has only one city outside of India — Lahore in Pakistan, which is ranked at No. 4, just below Delhi.
- These rankings have been released by a little-known Swiss technology company called IQAir, which also sells air purifiers, air quality monitoring units, and US$125 face masks.
- The rankings have been made by using data “obtained from ground-level air monitoring stations” and aggregated from “a combination of regulatory air quality monitoring equipment and low-cost air quality sensors”, operated by a “diverse range of entities” including government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and even “individual citizens”.
Why Begusarai?
- Unusual Pollution Sources: Despite not being an industrial town and lacking obvious local sources of pollutants, Begusarai has been identified as the most polluted town in Bihar.
- This raises the question of what factors contribute to this distinction, especially considering similar conditions in other Bihar towns on the most-polluted list.
- Potential Causes of Pollution: According to Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a Professor at IIT Kanpur, the primary contributors to the pollution in these areas could be solid fuel burning and solid waste burning.
- This suggests that despite the success of initiatives like Ujjwala, a significant number of rural households may still be burning solid fuels for cooking, leading to elevated pollution levels.
Regional Impact and Insufficient Data:
- Additionally, towns in Bihar are affected by pollutants transported from the northern region during certain seasons due to atmospheric conditions.
- However, the lack of comprehensive data on pollution sources in these towns makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons for Begusarai’s heightened pollution levels.
- The available data from monitoring stations is limited, and while efforts to collect air quality data in Bihar have been initiated, the findings are not yet publicly available.
Conclusion:
- The unique factors contributing to Begusarai’s high pollution levels, such as solid fuel burning and the impact of pollutants from the northern region, highlight the complex nature of air quality issues in the region.
- Efforts to gather more comprehensive data through initiatives like the AMRIT network will be crucial in understanding and addressing the causes of poor air quality in Bihar.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statement with reference to a new report on air quality in cities, released by IQAir:
1. New York has been ranked the most polluted in the world. 2. Ninty-six per cent of India’s population reside in areas where air quality exceeds WHO guidelines by seven times. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
|
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (UPSC Prelims 2016)
1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: B
|
| Answer 3 B
Explanation · A new report on air quality in cities around the world has ranked Begusarai in Bihar as the most polluted — not just in India but in the whole world. · These rankings have been released by a little-known Swiss technology company called IQAir. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · India ranked third worst out of 134 countries in terms of average annual PM2.5 concentration, trailing behind Bangladesh and Pakistan, as highlighted in this 6th Annual World Air Quality Report · Ninty-six per cent of India’s population reside in areas where air quality exceeds WHO guidelines by seven times, according to the report. So, statement 2 is correct. · Therefore, option B is correct answer. |
Rising Cholesterol Levels Among the Young
Source: Indian Express
Context: In recent years, there has been a significant rise in cholesterol levels among the younger population, leading to a worrying trend.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Health Issue in Country and behind Reasons)
Why in News
- Many individuals in their early 20s are unaware of their high cholesterol levels until they see their lipid profile reports, as high cholesterol rarely presents noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.
The Role of Cholesterol and Ideal Ranges
- Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that is essential for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and bile salt formation, which aids in digestion. It is carried as lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- HDL, known as the “good cholesterol,” should ideally be 50mg/dL or higher, while the amount of LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” should be kept low.
- Specifically, LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL for Indians, who are more prone to heart disease than other populations. Higher levels of LDL cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and related health issues.
Causes of Rising Cholesterol Levels in the Young
- The spike in cholesterol levels among the young is linked to lifestyle and dietary choices, including the prevalence of processed and fast foods high in saturated fats and trans fats.
- Unhealthy dietary habits, combined with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, create the perfect storm for cholesterol build-up in the body.
- Additionally, the increased consumption of added sugars from readily available sugary drinks and snacks can contribute to high triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol, further increasing the risk of heart disease and related health issues.
- Factors such as family history or diabetes can also affect cholesterol levels, with a condition known as diabetic dyslipidemia raising both LDL cholesterol and lowering HDL cholesterol.
The Invisible Threat and Early Detection
- One of the most concerning aspects of high cholesterol in young people is its asymptomatic nature, leading to a false sense of security and allowing the condition to progress unchecked until serious complications arise.
- High cholesterol can lead to a gradual buildup of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Early detection through regular cholesterol checks is crucial, even for young adults who may appear fit, as high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms on its own.
Prevention and Management
- Early identification of elevated cholesterol levels allows for appropriate lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medical interventions to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, are crucial for managing cholesterol levels.
- Additionally, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
- For individuals with high cholesterol levels warranting the use of cholesterol-lowering medication like statins, lifestyle changes can boost their efficacy.
Conclusion
- The rise in cholesterol levels among the young is a concerning trend linked to lifestyle and dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of long-term complications.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Which of the following statements define cholesterol’s function in the human body?
1. Facilitating nerve function 2. Aiding in muscle contraction 3. Supporting hormone production and digestion 4. Enhancing bone density Code A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 3 only D. All of these
|
Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (UPSC Prelims 2022)
A. They protect the body from environmental allergens. B. They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation. C. They act as immunosuppressants in the body. D. They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
|
| Answer 4 C
Explanation · Cholesterol is a crucial substance in the body, primarily known for its role in 1. supporting hormone production, including sex hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, 2. aiding in the synthesis of vitamin D and bile salts, which are essential for digestion. · Therefore, option C is correct answer.
|
India – Mozambique – Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024
Source: PIB
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS – 2 (Defence Diplomacy)
Context: The India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) is a joint maritime exercise between the Indian, Tanzanian, and Mozambican navies.
Why in news
- INS Tir and INS Sujata will participate in the forthcoming second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise, a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24.
About EXERCISE IMT TRILAT- 2024
- The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22, saw participation of INS Tarkash with the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies.
- The current edition of the exercise is planned in two phases.
- As part of the harbour phase scheduled from 21-24 Mar 24, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
- The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled from 24-27 Mar 24 covering practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres and firing exercise.
The exercise has three main objectives
- Capability development: Training and sharing best practices to address common threats
- Enhancing interoperability: Improving maritime cooperation
- Strengthening maritime cooperation: Improving maritime cooperation
- During the harbor phase, Indian naval ships will be open to visitors. Training visits are also planned for sea trainees of 106 Integrated Officers Training Course at the respective ports.
Significance
- These exercises reflect India’s and the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and cooperation with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and promoting SAGAR, Safety and Growth for All in the Region.
Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)
- SAGAR was launched in 2015.
- It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
INS Tir
- INS Tir, an indigenously built cadet training ship based at SNC, Kochi.
- Built by MDL, ship has rendered yeoman service in training more than 4000 officer trainees of Indian Navy and Friendly Foreign Countries.
- INS Tir joined First Training Squadron on 01 April 1986.
INS Sujata
- It is a Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.
- The Sukanya-class patrol vessels are large, offshore patrol craft in active service with the Indian Navy.
- The Sukanya class have large hulls, although they are lightly armed since they are utilized primarily for offshore patrol of India’s exclusive economic zone.
- However, they are capable of being heavily armed and upgraded to light frigates should the need arise.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Which statement is correct regarding India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise, 2024 (IMT TRILAT)?
1. This is the first edition of the trilateral exercise between India, Mozambique and Tanzania. 2. It enhances maritime security and cooperation with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region 3. Exercise promotes SAGAR scheme (Safety and Growth for All in the Region). Code A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
|
Q. Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of Army of which one of the following countries? (UPSC Prelims 2008)
A. China B. Japan C. Russia D. USA Ans: A
|
| Answer 5– B
Explanation · India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise, 2024 (IMT TRILAT) is second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · INS Tir, an indigenously built cadet training ship based at SNC, Kochi. · INS Sujata is a Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy. · The India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) is a joint maritime exercise between the Indian, Tanzanian, and Mozambican navies. These exercises reflect India’s and the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and cooperation with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and promoting SAGAR, Safety and Growth for All in the Region. · So, statements 2 and 3 are correct. · Therefore, option B is correct answer.
|
Michel Talagrand Wins Abel Prize for Randomness Studies
Source: BBC
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS – 3 (Scientific Innovations & Discoveries)
Context: The Abel Prize is an international award given annually to mathematicians for their extraordinary contributions to the field.
Why in news
- Michel Talagrand, a French mathematician, has been awarded the prestigious Abel Prize for his groundbreaking contributions in the field of probability theory and understanding random phenomena .
Contributions to Probability Theory
- Talagrand’s work in probability theory has been instrumental in reshaping several areas of the field.
- He particularly focused on understanding Gaussian distribution, also known as the “bell curve”.
- This distribution is observed in seemingly random events such as the weight of babies at birth, test results students receive at school, and the ages at which athletes retire.
- His contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of random and Gaussian processes.
Impact and Recognition
- The Abel Prize committee chair, Helge Holden, described Talagrand as an exceptional mathematician and a formidable problem solver.
- The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters recognized Talagrand’s exceptional work, which has had outstanding applications in mathematical physics and statistics.
About The Abel Prize
- The Abel Prize is an international award given annually to mathematicians for their extraordinary contributions to the field.
- The prize is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829) and is often called the “Mathematician’s Nobel Prize”.
- The Norwegian government established the prize in 2002 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abel’s birth.
- The prize is modeled after the Nobel Prizes and comes with a monetary award of 7.5 million Norwegian kroner (NOK).
- The Abel Prize recognizes contributions to the field of mathematics that are of extraordinary depth and influence.
What is the difference between the Nobel Prize and the Abel Prize
- The Nobel Prize is awarded in six different fields, including physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics.
- The Abel Prize is awarded annually to mathematicians for their contributions to the field of mathematics.
- The Abel Prize is often considered the Norwegian government’s equivalent of a Nobel Prize in mathematics.
- The Nobel Prize is considered one of the most important awards that anyone can receive.
- It’s widely considered the world’s most prestigious award.
- The Nobel Prize is awarded to those who have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind during the preceding year.
- The Abel Prize is not in competition with the Nobel Prizes because there isn’t a Nobel prize in mathematics.
- Some suggest that Nobel was more interested in practical fields whose inventions and discoveries have a direct impact on humankind.
- The Abel Prize is awarded by the Norwegian government and is presented by the King of Norway.
- The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters declares the winner of the Abel Prize each March.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Consider the following statement with reference to Abel Prize:
1. Recently, German mathematician Michel Tallagrand has been awarded the Abel Prize. 2. This award is named after a French mathematician. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 only 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 Ans: D
|
| Answer 6– C
Explanation · Michel Talagrand, a French mathematician, has been awarded the prestigious Abel Prize. · He has been given this award for his unprecedented contribution in the field of probability theory and understanding random events. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · The Abel Prize is an international award given annually to mathematicians for their extraordinary contributions to the field. · The prize is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829) and is often called the “Mathematician’ s Nobel Prize”. So, statement 2 is incorrect. · Therefore , option C is correct answer.
|