Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 14 December 2022

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2022

Q) With reference to the ‘Western disturbance’, consider the following statements:

1. They are extra-tropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region.
2. They bring sudden winter rain to the north-western parts of the Indian sub-continent.
3. The western disturbances are generally embedded with retreating monsoon.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 13 December 2022

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Western disturbance are extratropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region which brings sudden winter rain to the north-western parts of the Indian sub-continent. They gradually travel across the middle-east from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to enter the Indian sub-continent. Recently, the temperature reached 28.4 degrees Celsius which is the second-highest maximum temperature for December from 2015 onwards, as per IMD data. The average maximum temperature from December 2 to 6 this year was 26.06 degrees Celsius, a notch higher than the long-term average of 25 degrees for these dates from 1981 to 2010.These above normal maximum temperatures have mostly been on account of fewer western disturbances affecting Delhi this year.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Important characteristics of ‘western disturbance’ are:
  • They are a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern which is driven by the westerlies.
  • These extratropical storms are a global phenomenon. They may happen during any season, not necessarily in monsoon.
  • This phenomenon usually carries moisture in the upper layer of the atmosphere, unlike their tropical counterparts where the moisture is carried in the lower layer of atmosphere.
  • The western disturbances are embedded in the mid-latitude subtropical westerly jet stream.

Q) Consider the following statements about the ‘end to end encryption’ mode of communication:

1. It is a method of communication in which data being shared between two devices is encrypted.
2. This method of communication is very effective in protecting the ‘metadata’
3. This technology secures users’ data from snooping by government agencies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: ‘End-to-end encryption’ is a method of communication in which data being shared between two devices is encrypted. This method prevents third parties like cloud service providers, internet service providers (ISPs) and cybercriminals from accessing data while it is being transferred. The algorithm used in this communication method transforms standard text into an unreadable format. This format can only be deciphered and read by those with the decryption keys. While, Quantum communication is a field of applied quantum physics closely related to quantum information processing and quantum teleportation. Its most interesting application is protecting information channels against eavesdropping by means of quantum cryptography.
• Statement 2 is incorrect but Statement 3 is correct: End to end encryption method of communication does not protect metadata, which includes information such as when a file was created, the date of sending message and the endpoints between which data was shared. However, ‘end-to-encryption’ is used while transferring business documents, financial details, legal proceedings, and personal conversations. It can also be used to control users’ authorization when accessing stored data. Moreover, ‘end-to-end encryption’ technology secures users’ data from snooping by government agencies. This makes it popular among activists, journalists, and political opponents.

Additional Information:

End-to-end Encryption: Pros and Cons

Q) Consider the following statements:

1. At present, nuclear fusion is used to produce nuclear energy at large scale around the world.
2. Nuclear fusion is considered as environment friendly as there are no residual radioactive waste materials as byproduct.
3. The only limitation of producing energy through nuclear fusion is the potential radiation risks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Current nuclear energy use across the world comes from the fission process, in which the nucleus of a heavier element is split into those of lighter elements in a controlled manner. Whereas, Nuclear Fusion Reaction happens when two light nuclei merge to form a single heavier nucleus. Since total mass of that single nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei, the leftover mass is energy that is released in the process. Recently, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have for the first time produced more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to ignite it.
• Statement 2 is correct but Statement 3 is incorrect: Nuclear-fusion is a clean and green route to producing energy, as it does not involve any remnant radioactive waste products. However, so far, fusion devices that show a net energy gain have not been demonstrated in labs. A Deuterium-Tritium fusion produces more energy than regular hydrogen. While Deuterium can be separated from sea water, Tritium can be manufactured. Thus, Nuclear fusion is a carbon-free source of energy, and has negligible radiation risks.

Q) With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), consider the following statements:

1. Its objective is to achieve integrated socio-economic development of every village having tribal population.
2. The scheme is expected to cover more than 80 percent of the total Tribal Population in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither1 or 2

Explanation:

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has revamped the existing Scheme of Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) by renaming it to Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY).

• Both the Statements are incorrect: The aim of PMAAGY is to transform villages with significant tribal population into model village (Adarsh Gram).It aims to cover 36,428 villages having at least 50% tribal population and 500 STs across States / UTs with notified STs.The main objective of Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh ram Yojana (PMAAGY)is to achieve integrated socio-economic development of selected villages through convergence approach. It includes preparing Village Development Plan based on the needs, potential, and aspirations. It also includes maximizing the coverage of individual / family benefit schemes of the Central / State Governments and improving the infrastructure in vital sectors like health, education, connectivity and livelihood. The scheme is expected to cover population of about 4.22 crore (About 40% of the total Tribal Population).

Q) Consider the following statements about ‘Lake’:

1. Ashtamudi Lake is designated as the wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention.
2. Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands in Ashtamudi Lake.
3. Ashtamudi Lake is known as the gateway to the backwaters of Tamil Nadu.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 2 and 3

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct but Statement 3 is incorrect: Ashtamudi Lake is situated in the Kollam District of Kerala, and is the most visited backwater and lake in the state. The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts. It was included in the list of wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention.
• Statement 2 is correct: Recently, the Kerala Tourism Department is launching ‘Ariyam Ashtamudiye’, a comprehensive campaign to promote Ashtamudi Lake and develop it as a major backwater destination in the State. The Lake possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and is home to several mangrove species and 57 species of avifauna (of which 6 are migratory and 51 resident species). Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands in Ashtamudi Lake.

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