UPSC EXAN QUIZ 20.07.2024

Explanation:

• Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways participated in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
• India, as an elected member of the IMO Council for countries with a large interest in international seaborne trade, highlighted the pressing issue of seafarer abandonment.
• Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea.
• India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the Joint Tripartite Working Group, dedicated to addressing seafarers' issues and the human element in maritime operations.
• Other proposed members are the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.

Explanation:

• Electroencephalography has been in the news due to the centenary year of the first human EEG, pioneered by German physiologist Hans Berger.
• Vladimir Pravdich-Neminsky achieved the first mammalian EEG in 1912 with a dog's brain, followed by Hans Berger in 1924 with the first human EEG.

EEG

• EEG stands for electroencephalography. ‘Electro-’ pertains to electricity; ‘-encephalo-’ refers to the brain; and ‘-graphy’ is a suffix meaning to show or to represent.
• The EEG is a remarkable tool in physics and neurobiology, offering a straightforward glimpse into the human brain's workings, without invasive procedures.
• An EEG setup is simple, cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, space-efficient, and doesn't emit high-energy radiation or sounds, unlike MRI.

Explanation:

• Andhra Pradesh government initiative, Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), has won the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.
• The APCNF will share the one million euro prize money with the renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal and the SKEEM of Egypt.
• They were awarded the prize for their substantial contribution to global food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming

• The government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) through its Rythu Sadhikara Samstha scheme in 2016.
• The APCNF was launched to encourage small farmers to adopt natural farming methods instead of the widely prevalent chemically intensive farming. Farmers were encouraged to use organic residues, minimise tillage to improve soil health, use indigenous seeds and diversify crops, including the plantation of trees.

Explanation:

• Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Justice R. Mahadevan were sworn in as Supreme Court judges on 18 July 2024.
• The Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, administered the oath of office to both judges in a ceremony at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi.
• With the swearing-in of both judges, the total number of judges in the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, is 34.
• The total number of judges, including the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court, could be 34.

Explanation:

• Visa-free policy will be introduced by Belarus for 35 European countries.
• The policy will become effective from 19 July 2024. It will continue till December 31st of this year.
• Without a visa, citizens of 35 countries, including members of the European Union and the United Kingdom, can enter Belarus for up to 30 days at a time.
• According to a statement from Belarus's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, supports the temporary entry and stay of people of 35 European countries without the need for a visa at road and rail checkpoints.
• Belarus's commitment to openness, peace, and good neighbourliness, as well as its desire to simplify personnel exchanges, is further demonstrated by its visa-free policy.
• Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. Its capital is Minsk. Its currency is the Belarusian ruble.