UPSC EXAM QUIZ 15.01.2025

Explanation:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during talks with the Maldivian Defence Minister, reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing the Maldives' defence capabilities by providing defence equipment and platforms.
• This move reflects India's "Neighborhood First" policy and strengthening bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two nations.

How are India-Maldives Defence Cooperation

• Historical Context: India has been a key defense partner of the Maldives, often acting as the first responder in times of crisis. This was demonstrated by Operation Cactus in 1988, where India intervened to prevent a coup attempt in the Maldives, and during the 2004 tsunami. The "Neighborhood First" policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision underline India’s proactive approach to fostering regional security.

Explanation:

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), observed biennially on 9th January, is a noteworthy event that celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland.
• The 18th PBD Convention is being organised by Odisha from 8th to 10th January 2025, with the theme 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• Background & History: This bi-annual celebration commemorates the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi (migrant), returned to India from South Africa to lead the country's freedom struggle.

Primary Goals of PBD

• To commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India's development.
• To create a better understanding of India abroad.
• To support India's causes and work for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide.
• To provide a platform for overseas Indians to engage with the government and people of their ancestral land.

Explanation:

• This extreme weather is attributed to the southward expansion of the polar vortex, highlighting its role in causing frigid temperatures and severe storms.
• Winter storms are weather events characterized by extreme cold, snow, sleet, or freezing rain, often accompanied by strong winds.
• They form when moist air rises, cools, and condenses into precipitation, with cold temperatures ensuring it falls as snow or ice.

Polar Vortex

• The polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that rotates around the Earth’s polar regions.
• The term "vortex" describes the counter-clockwise flow of air that confines colder air near the poles.
• Polar Vortex exists year-round, but it weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.

Explanation:

• South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory will be established by BMCRI.
• Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) will establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL).
• This laboratory will allow infectious disease research to be conducted within Bengaluru.
• This facility will focus on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
• It will enable quicker diagnostics and improved management of such conditions.
• This facility has been established as part of the government initiative to establish specialized laboratories in medical colleges nationwide.
• Under this project, focus will be given to capacity building in areas like – bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology.

Explanation:

• India joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
• The UN-CEBD was formed to investigate the benefits and challenges of Big Data including the potential for monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals.
• India will contribute to shaping global standards and practices in harnessing Big Data and data science for official statistical purposes.
• Big Data and advanced data science techniques will revolutionize the production and dissemination of official statistics.
• India aims to modernize its statistical processes by integrating non-traditional data sources such as IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data streams.