14 May 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 14 May 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ENVIRONMENT
1. Groundwater exploitation and Land Subsidence
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. U.K. sees success in mitochondrial replacement therapy
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
1. Study on butterflies’ migration opens door for conservation
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Operation Samudragupt
G. Tidbits
1. Gaganyaan
2. Cyclone Mocha
3. Storm Shadow Missiles
4. Kerala’s first fully insured ward
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. U.K. sees success in mitochondrial replacement therapy

Syllabus: Developments in the field of Science and Technology.

Mains: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy.

Prelims: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy.

Details

  • The United Kingdom was the first country to approve a reproductive technique known as mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT).
  • The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reported that “less than 5” children have been born using the procedure.
    • HFEA is a fertility regulator in the U.K. that approves In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) based procedures on a case-by-case basis.
  • In 2022, Australia became the second country to approve the MRT procedure.

Three-Parent IVF:

  • In the procedure of Mitochondria replacement, nuclear genetic material is transferred from a mother’s egg into a donor egg (nuclear DNA removed).
  • This would prevent the embryo from inheriting the mitochondrial disease and have healthy children.
  • Thus the baby has DNA from each of his parents along with 37 genes from the donor.
  • As per HFEA, one in 6500 babies in the U.K. suffers from mitochondrial disorder. It further leads to issues like heart and liver disease, respiratory problems, and even death.
  • It was highlighted that the MRT can save 10 lives each year.
  • The procedure was accepted in the U.K. in the year 2013 citing that approximately 12000 people in the U.K. live with mitochondrial disorders.
  • Notably, 1000 to 4000 babies in the U.S. are born with mitochondrial disease every year.
MITOCHONDRIA:
  • Mitochondria is the powerhouse of a cell.
  • Any mutation that damages the mitochondria significantly impacts the energy-hungry organs.

Nut Graf: The United Kingdom has registered the success of a reproductive technique called mitochondrial replacement therapy. It is popularly known as three-parent In Vitro Fertilization. It further helps in reducing the risk of mitochondrial disorders in babies.
Category: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Study on butterflies’ migration opens door for conservation

Syllabus: Biodiversity.

Mains: Butterflies migration between Eastern and Western Ghats.

Prelims:  Butterfly migration.

Context: Research on migration patterns of milkweed butterflies in southern India.

Details

  • The milkweed butterflies migrate between the Eastern and the Western Ghats in order to seek refuge from harsh summers.
  • A group of researchers has recently analyzed their migration pattern and the impact of land use change, habitat degradation, and climate warming on migration.
  • It is observed that after the southwest monsoon, milkweed butterflies migrate westward from the Eastern Ghats and plains to the Western Ghats. They become active for almost two months.
  • These butterflies congregate in specific sites of the Western Ghats in large numbers during winter and dry seasons (between October and April).
  • After summer rains, they migrate to the Eastern Ghats and the plains.
  • It was found that the wings of the butterflies batter during their eastward journey (in comparison to their westward journey).
  • It was also found that the dominant species(in migration) namely the Dark blue tiger and Double-branded crow do not breed in the mid and high-altitude evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
  • The migration of butterflies also plays an important ecological role in pollination and the entire ecosystem.
  • Tha analysis of migration pattern and their feeding habits have the potential to unravel various mysteries of the nature and the interconnectedness of plant and animal life.
image 46

Source of images: The Hindu

Nut Graf:  A research on the migration pattern of milkweed butterflies will not only help in further analysis of the environment but also help in its conservation. 

G. Tidbits

1. Gaganyaan

  • Indigenous parachutes developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) are set to undergo fitment tests at an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru for the Gaganyaan programme.
  • The ADRDE is a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based in Agra.
  • The parachutes will be used to ensure the safe return of the capsule that will carry three astronauts in low-earth orbit for India’s manned space flight programme, Gaganyaan.
  • The parachute configuration consists of 10 parachutes and each parachute has undergone sub-system level testing to evaluate their performance.
  • The first test demonstration is scheduled to take place in July 2023, with the unmanned mission to be undertaken only after the success of two such demonstrations. 
  • The Test Vehicle Demonstration (TVD-1) flight will be a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan programme.

2. Cyclone Mocha

  • Cyclone Mocha was the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea in the 2023 season. It formed on May 10, 2023, and intensified into a cyclone on May 12.
  • As Cyclone Mocha, the most powerful cyclone to hit the region in over a decade, approached, hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from the coasts of Myanmar and Bangladesh. 
  • This “Super Cyclone” was classified as a dangerous category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds reaching up to 240 kilometres per hour.
    • According to India’s meteorological office, it is equivalent to a category four hurricane.
  • The cyclonic storm Mocha (pronounced as Mokha) was named after a port city located in the Red Sea that is famous for its coffee production, following the suggestion of Yemen. This city is also the namesake of the popular beverage, café Mocha.

3. Storm Shadow Missiles

  • Recently, the Defense Ministry of Russia reported that two industrial locations in the Russian-controlled city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine were attacked by using Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles provided by Britain. 
  • This marks the first instance of Britain supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, enabling them to strike Russian troops and supply depots well beyond the front lines in preparation for a significant counter-attack.
  • According to the British Defense Minister, Ukraine has given assurance that these missiles will not be employed to attack targets situated inside Russia’s recognized international borders.
  • Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French low-observable, long-range(over 400 km), air-launched cruise missile developed since 1994 by Matra and British Aerospace, and now manufactured by MBDA, an European multinational developer and manufacturer of missiles.
  • It can be launched from aircraft or ground-based launchers and is capable of hitting targets deep inside enemy territory.
  • Storm Shadow is a highly accurate missile, designed to hit targets with pinpoint precision. It uses GPS and inertial navigation systems to guide it to its target, and has a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 3 metres, making it an extremely effective weapon for destroying high-value targets.
  • Storm Shadow is currently in service with several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. 
  • It has been used in several other conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and the Iraq War, and has proven to be an effective weapon for destroying high-value targets at long range.

4. Kerala’s first fully insured ward

  • Kalangummukal, a rural area in Kerala is set to become Kerala’s first fully insured ward.
  • The ward’s 1,382 residents aged between 5 and 70 have been provided insurance coverage against accidental death and disability under a plan provided by United India Insurance, a public sector company.
  • This initiative was led by the ward councillor, G. Jayaprakash, who arranged for over ₹13.82 crore worth of insurance coverage.
  • It was aimed at providing help to financially weak families who do not typically have insurance, making them vulnerable to financial crises in the event of a tragedy.
  • Dependents of any policyholder will receive ₹1 lakh in the case of accidental death, and those with permanent or partial disability will receive financial assistance up to a maximum of ₹1 lakh based on the percentage of disability.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. What is 'C-PACE', sometimes seen in the news? (Level-Medium)
  1. It is a proposal of the Department of Commerce to give focused attention to 12 identified Champion Services Sectors for promoting their development, and realising their potential.
  2. It is a centre to speed up the voluntary winding-up of companies.
  3. It is a Simplified electronic form for Company Incorporation with a number of new functionalities, designed to facilitate ease of incorporation.
  4. It is a fraud investigating agency to investigate corporate frauds of very serious and complex nature. 
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:  The Union Budget 2022-23 has proposed to establish the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) for speedy winding- up of companies. The finance minister proposed that the C-PACE with process re-engineering, will be established to facilitate and speed up the voluntary winding-up of these companies from the currently required 2 years to less than 6 months.

Q2. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect with respect to the Eastern 
Ganga dynasty? (Level-Difficult)
  1. Eastern Gangas ruled much of the modern region of Odisha, West Bengal and Assam.
  2. The Eastern Ganga Dynasty was founded by King Anantavarman Chodaganga.
  3. He built the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Options:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

  • Statement 01 is incorrect, The Eastern Ganga dynasty reigned over the whole modern-day Indian state of Odisha, as well as large portions of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh And Chhattisgarh. They did not rule over Assam.
  • Statement 02 is correct, The dynasty was formed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga, a descendant of the Western Anant Dynasty who flourished in the southern sections of present Karnataka state from the 4th century until the end of the 10th century and under the Chola dynasty’s dominion.
  • Statement 03 is incorrect, The Jagannath Temple at Puri was rebuilt in the 11th century atop its ruins by Anantavarman Chodaganga. 
    • The Sun Temple at Konark was built during the reign of Narasimha Deva I (AD 1238-1264).
Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Storm Shadow cruise missiles:
(Level-Difficult)
  1. It is a long-ranged, air-launched, conventionally armed, deep-strike missile, which is manufactured by the France-based MBDA Missile Systems.
  2. With a range of more than 250 km, Storm Shadow weighs 1,300 kg and is 5.10m long.
  3. It is equipped with the fire and forget technology.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:  Storm Shadow is a long-ranged, air-launched, conventionally armed, deep-strike missile, which is manufactured by the France-based MBDA Missile Systems. 

  • The missile weighs about 1,300 kilograms (2,900 lb), with a conventional warhead of 450 kilograms (990 lb) and has a range of 400 km.
  • The missile is fire and forget, programmed before launch. Once launched, it cannot be controlled or commanded to self-destroy and its target information cannot be changed.

Screenshot 236

Q4. Consider the following statements: (Level-Difficult)
  1. He was a renowned Urdu and Persian poet who lived in India during the 19th century.
  2. He was honoured with titles Dabir-ul-Mulk and Najm-ud-Daula.
  3. He was the contemporary of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

The above statements best describe:

  1. Ahmad Faraz
  2. Daagh Dehlvi
  3. Faiz Ahmad Faiz
  4. Mirza Ghalib
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:  Mirza Beg Asadullah Khan (1797-1868), also known as Mirza Ghalibwas popularly known  by the pen names Ghalib and Asad. His honorific was Dabir-ul-Mulk, Najm-ud-Daula. 

  • Bahadur Shah Zafar II had appointed Ghalib as his tutor for poetry in 1854 and later he appointed him the tutor to his eldest son Prince Fakhr-ud Din Mirza. 
  • During this time, Ghalib was also appointed by the Emperor as the royal historian of the Mughal court.
  • In 1850, Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar bestowed upon Mirza Ghalib the title of Dabir-ul-Mulk ( ’secretary of state’). The Emperor also added to it the additional title of Najm-ud-daula ( ’star of the state’).
  • He wrote in both Urdu and Persian. 
Q5. The formation of ozone holes in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern.
What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?(Level-Medium)(PYQ-CSE-2011)
  1. Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
  2. Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
  3. Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
  4. Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:   The severe depletion of the Antarctic ozone layer known as the “ozone hole” occurs because of the special atmospheric and chemical conditions that exist there and nowhere else on the globe. 

  • The ozone hole in the Antarctic region is primarily caused by the presence of a prominent polar front. During the winter months, the polar front gets stronger and more pronounced, causing the formation of a polar vortex, which traps cold air in the Antarctic region.
  • In the Antarctic region, during the winter months, stratospheric clouds form due to the extreme cold. These clouds contain particles such as nitric acid, water, and sulfuric acid, which can react with chlorine and bromine compounds to release free radicals. These free radicals then go on to destroy ozone molecules.
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are very stable and can remain in the atmosphere for many years. When they reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms, which can then react with ozone and destroy it.
  • The formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region is a seasonal phenomenon. It occurs during the winter months, which last from June to August. During this time, the polar vortex becomes stronger, trapping cold air in the Antarctic region, and the stratospheric clouds form. These conditions create the ideal environment for the destruction of ozone molecules.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

  1. What is mitochondrial replacement therapy? Discuss the potentiality of this therapy? (150 words, 10 marks) (GS-3; Science and Technology)
  2. “Overexploitation of groundwater resources is the next man-made disaster waiting to happen”. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks) (GS-3; Environment)

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 14 May 2023:- Download PDF Here

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