Short News and Explanation – 15 Nov
2024
|
News |
Explanation
and Analysis |
|
PM to launch stamp,
coin on Munda’s birth anniversary |
Why in News: Prime
Minister Modi will launch a commemorative stamp and coin to honor tribal
leader Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, celebrated as Janjatiya
Gaurav Divas. Projects worth ₹6,640 crore for tribal welfare will also be
inaugurated. Analysis: This highlights the government’s focus on
recognizing tribal contributions to India’s freedom movement. It aligns with
its efforts to promote tribal welfare and integrate their legacy into
national consciousness, especially in underserved regions like Jamui, Bihar. |
|
Sabarimala temple
all set for the annual pilgrimage season |
Why in News: The
annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala begins, with
arrangements for virtual queues, security, and infrastructure at base
stations. Analysis: Sabarimala is one of India's most significant
religious pilgrimages. The extensive arrangements, including virtual queues
for 70,000 pilgrims daily, reflect efforts to balance tradition and modern
crowd management. This also highlights the state’s focus on ensuring safety
and infrastructure for millions of devotees. |
|
Insurgent group
HNLC banned for 5 more years |
Why in News: The
Home Ministry extended the ban on Meghalaya-based HNLC under the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act for its secessionist agenda and involvement in
extortion and violence. Analysis: This emphasizes the government’s
ongoing efforts to counter insurgency and maintain sovereignty in the
Northeast. The ban underscores the challenges in Meghalaya, where insurgent
groups exploit ethnic identities, requiring consistent vigilance and
negotiation strategies. |
|
The message of Guru
Nanak |
Why in News: On Guru
Nanak Jayanti, his teachings of equality, social justice, and devotion were
revisited. His Bani continues to inspire spiritual harmony. Analysis:
Guru Nanak’s philosophy of egalitarianism and unity remains relevant in
addressing modern issues like social divisions, gender inequality, and
religious intolerance. His emphasis on honest living and selfless service
serves as a guide for personal and societal transformation. |
|
DRDO announces
successful trials of Pinaka rocket system |
Why in News: DRDO
successfully conducted trials of the guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket
system, enhancing its range to 75 km and meeting staff quality parameters. Analysis:
The Pinaka system demonstrates India’s advancing indigenous defense
capabilities. The success in trials aligns with India’s broader defense
modernization and self-reliance initiatives, crucial for reducing dependence
on imports and addressing evolving security challenges. |
|
UPPSC agrees to
conduct PCS exam in a single shift |
Why in News:
Following protests by aspirants, UPPSC agreed to hold the PCS preliminary
exams in a single shift, reverting to the old pattern. Analysis: This
shows the responsiveness of state institutions to public grievances. The
decision balances administrative convenience with candidate demands,
addressing concerns about exam fairness and accessibility. |
|
Poor onion, tomato,
potato crop pushing up prices, says Centre |
Why in News: Excess
rainfall has affected the production of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes,
causing price volatility. The government has intervened to stabilize prices
through buffer stock release. Analysis: The rise in vegetable prices
underscores the impact of climate variability on agriculture. Government
measures like buffer stock management are critical for mitigating inflation,
but long-term resilience strategies are needed to address climate-related
disruptions. |
|
Pharmacists issue
caution over online platform for drug delivery |
Why in News:
Pharmacists oppose using food delivery platforms for medicine delivery,
citing risks to patient safety and potential violations of the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act. Analysis: This raises concerns about the unregulated
nature of online pharmacies, including issues of quality control, misuse of
prescription drugs, and displacement of traditional pharmacists. A regulatory
framework is essential to balance innovation with public health safeguards. |
|
The discovery of
insulin and the ‘Flame of Hope’ |
Why in News: World
Diabetes Day commemorates Sir Frederick Banting’s discovery of insulin, a
milestone in treating diabetes. The "Flame of Hope" in Canada
symbolizes the ongoing search for a cure. Analysis: Insulin's
discovery transformed diabetes treatment, enabling patients to live normal
lives. The story of its discovery highlights collaboration and ethical
responsibility in medical advancements. The "Flame of Hope"
signifies the commitment to further research for a definitive cure. |
MCQs for Practice
1. PM to Launch Stamp, Coin on Munda’s Birth
Anniversary
Question 1:
Which of the following is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in India?
- (a)
Birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu
- (b)
Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
- (c)
Tribal uprising in 1857
- (d)
Formation of the Tribal Affairs Ministry
Answer: (b) Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
Question 2:
What is the primary focus of the welfare projects launched on Birsa Munda’s
150th birth anniversary?
- (a)
Urban infrastructure development
- (b)
Promotion of tribal welfare and development
- (c)
Establishment of cultural centers in cities
- (d)
Introduction of new tax policies for rural areas
Answer: (b) Promotion of tribal welfare and development
2. Sabarimala Temple Pilgrimage Season
Question 1:
The Sabarimala Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage is significant for the worship
of which deity?
- (a)
Lord Vishnu
- (b)
Lord Shiva
- (c)
Lord Ayyappa
- (d)
Lord Kartikeya
Answer: (c) Lord Ayyappa
Question 2:
What modern arrangement has been introduced to manage the crowd at Sabarimala
during the pilgrimage season?
- (a)
AI-powered drones for surveillance
- (b)
Virtual queue system for scheduling pilgrim visits
- (c)
Dynamic pricing for temple entry fees
- (d)
Special trains for pilgrims
Answer: (b) Virtual queue system for scheduling pilgrim visits
3. HNLC Banned for 5 More Years
Question 1:
The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is primarily associated with
which Indian state?
- (a)
Assam
- (b)
Meghalaya
- (c)
Nagaland
- (d)
Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: (b) Meghalaya
Question 2:
Under which Act can an organization be declared an “unlawful association” in
India?
- (a)
Indian Penal Code, 1860
- (b)
National Security Act, 1980
- (c)
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- (d)
Prevention of Insurgency Act, 1958
Answer: (c) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
4. The Message of Guru Nanak
Question 1:
Which of the following is central to Guru Nanak’s teachings?
1. Equality of all humans
2. Honest living
3. Gender discrimination
- (a)
1 and 2 only
- (b)
2 and 3 only
- (c)
1 and 3 only
- (d)
1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Question 2:
Which scripture includes the teachings of Guru Nanak?
- (a)
Bhagavad Gita
- (b)
Sri Guru Granth Sahib
- (c)
Ramcharitmanas
- (d)
Dhammapada
Answer: (b) Sri Guru Granth Sahib
5. DRDO Announces Successful Trials of Pinaka
Rocket System
Question 1:
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system has an enhanced range of up to:
- (a)
50 km
- (b)
75 km
- (c)
100 km
- (d)
150 km
Answer: (b) 75 km
Question 2:
Which organization is responsible for the development of the Pinaka rocket
system?
- (a)
ISRO
- (b)
HAL
- (c)
DRDO
- (d)
BHEL
Answer: (c) DRDO
6. UPPSC Agrees to Conduct PCS Exam in a Single
Shift
Question 1:
What led to the UPPSC’s decision to conduct the PCS Preliminary Exam in a
single shift?
- (a)
Government directives
- (b)
Protests by aspirants
- (c)
New examination guidelines by UPSC
- (d)
High administrative costs
Answer: (b) Protests by aspirants
Question 2:
What is the PCS examination conducted by the UPPSC primarily for?
- (a)
Recruitment of engineers
- (b)
Selection of administrative officers
- (c)
Recruitment of police personnel
- (d)
Selection of medical professionals
Answer: (b) Selection of administrative officers
7. Poor Onion, Tomato, Potato Crop Pushing Up
Prices
Question 1:
What is the primary reason cited for the rise in prices of tomatoes, onions,
and potatoes?
- (a)
Export bans
- (b)
Excess rainfall and climatic conditions
- (c)
Reduction in agricultural subsidies
- (d)
Hoarding by traders
Answer: (b) Excess rainfall and climatic conditions
Question 2:
What measure has the government taken to stabilize onion prices?
- (a)
Importing onions from neighboring countries
- (b)
Releasing buffer stocks
- (c)
Imposing price caps
- (d)
Subsidizing onion cultivation
Answer: (b) Releasing buffer stocks
8. Pharmacists Issue Caution Over Online Drug
Delivery
Question 1:
Which Act regulates the sale and distribution of medicines in India?
- (a)
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- (b)
Medical Practices Act, 1970
- (c)
Public Health Act, 1986
- (d)
Pharmacy Regulation Act, 1965
Answer: (a) Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Question 2:
What is a primary concern raised about online pharmacies in India?
- (a)
High costs of medicines
- (b)
Lack of quality control and prescription misuse
- (c)
Long delivery times
- (d)
Unavailability of essential medicines
Answer: (b) Lack of quality control and prescription misuse
9. The Discovery of Insulin and the ‘Flame of
Hope’
Question 1:
Who is credited with the discovery of insulin?
- (a)
Paul Langerhans
- (b)
Frederick Banting
- (c)
John Macleod
- (d)
Charles Best
Answer: (b) Frederick Banting
Question 2:
What is the significance of the “Flame of Hope” in Canada?
- (a)
It commemorates diabetes awareness campaigns.
- (b)
It symbolizes the search for a cure for diabetes.
- (c)
It honors global medical breakthroughs.
- (d)
It marks the centenary of insulin discovery.
Answer: (b) It symbolizes the search for a cure for diabetes
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