24 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

24 March 2024 CNA
Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Anaemia prevalence in eight States found to be overestimated
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. Activists write to PM highlighting shortage of vital anti-TB drugs
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Chinese forces hit Filipino boat with water cannons
2. Dispersal out of Africa may have occurred during arid period
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Dispersal out of Africa may have occurred during arid period

Context: Recent study suggests that the dispersal of humans out of Africa may have occurred during an arid period following the Toba super-volcano eruption in Indonesia.

  • Contrary to previous beliefs that human migrations occurred during humid periods, the study proposes that arid conditions may have facilitated movement.

Issues

Timing of Human Dispersal

  • Dispersal out of Africa less than 100,000 years ago.
  • Occurred during the arid period post-Toba super-volcano eruption.

Environmental Context

  • Study site in northwest Ethiopia near the Shinfa River.
  • Evidence of human presence, tool manufacturing, and animal remains.
  • Chemical analysis links the site to the Toba supereruption around 74,000 years ago.
  • Oxygen isotopes indicate a particularly arid environment.

Impact on Human Behaviour

  • Paradoxical increase in reliance on fish during the arid period.
  • Fish were trapped in waterholes due to shrinking rivers in the dry season.
  • Adaptive foraging along dry-season waterholes may have facilitated human movement.
  • Proposal that arid conditions spurred human migration contrary to previous beliefs.

Out of Africa Theory

  • The “Out of Africa” theory, also known as the “Recent African Origin” model, is a widely accepted hypothesis in paleoanthropology that proposes all modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa.

Significance

  • Challenges conventional understanding of human migration patterns.
  • Highlights the role of arid conditions in shaping human behaviour and movement.
  • Provides insights into the adaptability of early humans in diverse environments.
  • Offers implications for understanding human expansion across different climates and habitats.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1) Consider the following statements regarding cholesterol and identify the correct ones.
  1. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and result in heart disease.
  2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is known as “good” cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
  3. Increasing dietary intake of trans fats and saturated fats can significantly raise HDL cholesterol levels.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All the three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q2) Consider the following statements about C-DOT:
  1. C-DOT is implementing the Common Alert Protocol for India.
  2. C-DOT was established in the 1980s with the primary aim of developing telecommunication technology and solutions for urban India.

Which among the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Q3) Consider the following countries:
  1. Yemen
  2. Djibouti
  3. Somalia
  4. Somaliland
  5. Ethiopia
  6. Sudan

How many of the above countries surround the Gulf of Aden?

  1. Only three
  2. Only four
  3. Only five
  4. All the six
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q4) Consider the following statements:
  1. Xenotransplantation is when non-human cells, tissues, or organs are used to treat medical conditions in humans.
  2. It has been used to transfer vital organs, such as the kidney, heart, or liver, from one animal to a different type of animal.
  3. Xenotransplantation can also use animal cells or tissues to treat other serious conditions like epilepsy, chronic intractable pain, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 1 diabetes, and severe burns.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q5) In India, 'Extended Producer Responsibility' (EPR) was introduced as an important 
feature in which of the following?
  1. The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
  2. The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
  3. The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
  4. The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*