UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | October 27 to November 02, 2024Sign In to read

UPSC Weekly Quiz is a current affairs-based quiz on relevant topics from the past week, curated for the aspirants of competitive examinations. Attempt the weekly quiz every Saturday and find answers to the MCQs with explanations.

With reference to the Delimitation, consider the following statements:

1. It is the process of fixing or redrawing the boundaries of territorial constituencies.

2. The delimitation exercise has been carried out only seven times since Independence.

3. The 2002 delimitation readjusted both the boundaries of constituencies based on population and in the number of seats.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Explanation

— The Centre has stated that the much-delayed Census could possibly begin as early as next year and be completed by 2026. The exercise had two significant outcomes: constituency delimitation and the establishment of women’s reservations in elected entities.

— The timeline is noteworthy since it includes the delimitation exercise. Delimitation is the process of defining or redrawing the boundaries of geographical constituencies. A Delimitation Commission is constituted to carry out the exercise. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Though the decadal Census has been undertaken seven times since independence (1951–2011), the delimitation procedure has only been carried out four times. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— However, the most recent delimitation (2002) simply modified constituency borders based on population, not increasing the number of seats, which has stayed constant since 1976. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Lok Sabha currently has 543 seats, while the state assemblies have a total of 4,123. These figures were based on the 1971 Lok Sabha Census and the 2001 State Constituency Census, when the country’s populations were 54.81 crore and 102.87 crore, respectively.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

With reference to the C-295 aircraft, consider the following statements:

1. It was originally produced by a Spanish aircraft manufacturer named Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA.

2. A plant has been inaugurated at Bengaluru, where Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will manufacture the C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a plant in Vadodara where Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) would construct C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also present in Gujarat, where the two leaders laid the groundwork for the Final Assembly Line (FAL) factory in October 2022.

— According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the facility will be India’s first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft.

— Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, a Spanish aircraft constructor, originally developed the C295. This company is now part of Airbus, and the planes are manufactured at Airbus’s facility in Spain. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— In September 2021, India signed a Rs 21,935 crore contract with Airbus Defence and Space to purchase 56 C295 aircraft to replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 planes, which first entered service in the early 1960s.

— The 16 fly-away aircraft will be delivered from September 2023 to August 2025. The first Made-in-India aircraft will leave the manufacturing site in September 2026, with the remaining 39 required by August 2031.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Consider the following pollutants:

1. PM 10

2. Nitrogen dioxide

3. Ozone

4. Carbon dioxide

5. Sulphur

Which of the pollutants given above are included under the pollutants measured in the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

— The Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi was approximately 351 on November 1, the day after Diwali. Despite the ban on firecrackers in the national capital, violations occurred in several areas of the city.

— Factors such as the arrival of winter and the cool, dense air that surrounds the city, road dust and traffic pollution, and stubble burning in the adjacent states of Punjab and Haryana all contribute to the annual drop in air quality.

— The 24-hour average air quality on pre-Diwali and Diwali days this year was worse than the previous two years. However, with the wind speed notably increasing in the morning hours on Friday, a day after Diwali, pollution levels did not rise to levels seen in recent years.

— The post-Diwali 24-hour average AQI of 339 on Friday was higher than the 358 recorded last year (on November 13, 2023). Several elements influenced this conclusion, the most important of which being weather conditions. Around 9 a.m., the wind speed increased to 10kmph, allowing pollutants to disperse more easily.

— The AQI is a number that measures air quality; the greater the AQI, the poorer the air. There are six levels of AQI: ‘Good’ (0-50), ‘Satisfactory’ (50-100), ‘Moderately polluted’ (100-200), ‘Poor’ (200-300), ‘Very Poor’ (300-400), and ‘Severe’ (400-500).

— The colour-coded AQI index was introduced in India in 2014, and it assists the public and the government in understanding the state of the air and the subsequent measures that will be done to tackle the problem based on its severity.

— According to the Central Pollution Control Board, a division of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the AQI converts complex air quality data for multiple pollutants into a single number (index value), name, and colour. The pollutants measured include Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).

— It does not measures carbon dioxide and sulphur.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Hasdeo Arand forest recently saw clashes between the villagers and the local police. This forest is associated with the mining of:

(a) Bauxite

(b) Copper

(d) Coal

Explanation

— The Hasdeo forest in Chhattisgarh saw villagers clash with the police earlier this month, after tree-felling for mining of coal resumed in the green belt.

— The Hasdeo Arand is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity. According to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Hasdeo Arand is the “largest un-fragmented forests in Central India consisting of pristine Sal (Shorea robusta) and teak forests.”

— The Hasdeo-Arand Coalfield (HAC) spans three districts in Chhattisgarh’s northern tribal zone, Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur, totalling 1,879.6 square kilometres.

— So far, 23 coal blocks have been found, covering an area of 437.72 square kilometres, or approximately 25% of the HAC. Seven coal blocks have been auctioned, including PEKB, Parsa, Kente Extension, Tara, Paturiya Gidmuri, Chotia, and Madanpur South. However, the Paturiya Gidmuri, Madanpur South, and Tara coal blocks have been handed over to the Union coal ministry by the former state government.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

With reference to the livestock census, consider the following statements:

1. It carries out a headcount of the number of domesticated animals and not for stray animals.

2. It is conducted every five years.

3. The census does not conduct ownership status of the animals.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Explanation

— Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi.

— The census is conducted every five years and counts the number of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in the country. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 1 is not correct..

— The census collects data on the species, breed, age, gender, and ownership status of animals. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— There have been 20 livestock censuses since 1919, the most recent of which was conducted in 2019. The enumeration for the 21st census will take place from October 2024 to February 2025.

— The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying will collect information on sixteen animal species during the 21st census. Cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant are a few examples.

— The 21st census will capture several new data points. These include:

— Data on pastoral animals, pastoralists: The census will, for the first time, collect data on the contribution of pastoralists to the livestock sector, their socio-economic status, and livestock holding.

— More details, granular information: The census will find out the proportion of households whose major income comes from the livestock sector. It will also contain data on the gender of stray cattle.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

With reference to the “black hole triple”, consider the following statements:

1. The system comprises a black hole at its centre and a second star, which appears to be circling the black hole but is actually far away.

2. It is situated in the constellation of Cygnus.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— A recent study claims that scientists have detected a “black hole triple” in space for the first time. The system contains a black hole in the middle, which is now eating a little star spinning extremely close to it. There is also a second star that looks to be orbiting the black hole but is actually far distant. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— A black hole is a location in space where gravity is so powerful that neither matter nor light can escape. Astronomers believe that most black holes develop when enormous stars explode at the conclusion of their lives, known as a supernova. However, the triple system proposes a gentler approach.

— Many of the black holes identified so far have been part of binary systems, which include a black hole and a secondary item. However, the black hole triple contains not just one star that orbits the black hole every 6.5 days, but also a more distant star that orbits it once every 70,000 years.

— The system is located in the Cygnus constellation and contains one of the oldest known black holes, the V404 Cygni, which is nine times the size of our Sun. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

The Charding Nullah, also known as the Lhari stream is located in:

(a) Galwan region

(b) Demchok region

(d) Drass region

Explanation

— The Chinese military stated on Thursday that troops from India and China are “making progress” in implementing the recent agreement to disengage from the friction points along the eastern Ladakh border, but would comment on claims that the disengagement was completed.

— India and China agreed to disengage from the two contention points of Demchok and Depsang Plains along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh via border patrol.

— Previously, the Chinese PLA had restricted Indian access to patrolling posts (PPs) 10 through 13 in the Depsang Plains. Chinese troops had occupied the Charding Nullah in Demchok.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

With reference to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), consider the following statements:

1. India submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) spelling out its 23 national biodiversity targets which are aligned with the themes of the KM-GBF treaty – reducing threats to biodiversity.

2. The KM-GBF was adopted in 2022 at the 15th meeting under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— As part of its commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), India submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which outlines its 23 national biodiversity targets, at the annual United Nations biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— India’s 23 aims are consistent with the KM-GBF treaty’s three basic themes: decreasing threats to biodiversity, addressing people’s needs through sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming.

— The KM-GBF was adopted in 2022 at the 15th summit of the Convention on Biological Diversity, where 196 countries resolved to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in order to create a nature-positive world. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— In order to address biodiversity threats, India’s NBSAP has declared that it will prioritise effective restoration of at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal habitats.

— This will contribute to increased biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services, ecological integrity, and interconnectedness. India is home to roughly 8% of the world’s known plant and animal species, as well as 9.24% of all known plant species.

— “The updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aims to support both national and global conservation agendas. It seeks to effectively address key national challenges such as water crisis, food insecurity, unsustainable livelihoods, growing human-wildlife interactions, pollution, emerging diseases, disaster risks, and the overall vulnerabilities of communities and ecosystems,” the NBSAP stated.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Vizhinjam seaport was in the news. It is located in:

(a) Karnataka

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Kerala

Explanation

— Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to release the Centre’s share of Rs 817.80 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the Vizhinjam seaport without requiring the state to reimburse it later.

— The VGF is always issued as a grant, not a loan, and its distinguishing features are that “the payment to the concessionaire is non-repayable, it is a one-time grant, and it is over the construction period of the project,” according to the CM.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

With references to the tuberculosis (TB) cases in India, consider the following statements:

1. There has been a decline of 18 per cent in TB cases between 2015 and 2023 as against the target of 50 per cent by 2025.

2. India saw a slight increase in the estimated number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023.

3. TB deaths have declined by 24 per cent as against a target of 75 per cent by 2025.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Explanation

— India saw a slight decline in the estimated number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Globally, 82 lakh individuals were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2023, the largest number documented since WHO began global TB tracking in 1995, making it the leading infectious killer once more, surpassing Covid-19 in 2023.

— India also observed a decrease in the expected number of deaths from the virus, from 3.31 lakh in 2022 to 3.2 lakh in 2023.

— India has set a goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global aim, but the country still has the highest disease burden, accounting for more than a quarter of all cases worldwide.

— India is not even close to meeting the WHO’s End TB targets. Between 2015 and 2023, TB incidences decreased by only 18%, compared to a target of 50% by 2025. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— According to the report, tuberculosis mortality has decreased by 24%, compared to a target of 75% by 2025. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— With an anticipated 28 lakh cases, India accounted for 26% of the worldwide tuberculosis burden in 2023. India also accounted for 27% of global multidrug-resistant TB. According to the research, the country’s 3.15 lakh deaths accounted for 29% of the worldwide burden.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

In 1921, she joined the Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-22), deeply driven by Gandhian principles. This marked the start of a political career that saw her involvement in the Neil Statue Satyagraha as well as the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and the Quit India movement (1942). She also presided over the All India Women’s Congress in Madras in 1931. Mahatma Gandhi is believed to have then called her “South India’s Rani of Jhansi”.

Who is the freedom fighter referred to in the above paragraph?

(a) Anjalai Ammal

(b) Velu Nachiyar

(d) Govindammal

Explanation

— Anjalai Ammal, ‘South India’s Rani of Jhansi’

— Vijay recognised Anjalai Ammal in his speech for her “selfless contribution during the freedom struggle” and for championing the cause of women in pre-independent India.

— She was born in 1890 in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, to a family of weavers and became entrenched in activism early in life. After her marriage to Murugappan in 1908, the couple joined the freedom struggle.

— In 1921, Anjalai Ammal joined the Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-22), deeply driven by Gandhian principles. This marked the start of a political career that saw her involvement in the Neil Statue Satyagraha — protesting a statue of Colonel James Neil, who had committed atrocities to suppress the 1857 revolt — as well as the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and the Quit India movement (1942). She also presided over the All India Women’s Congress in Madras in 1931.

— She courted arrest on multiple occasions for inciting rebellion against the British and gave birth to her youngest son while serving a six-month sentence for protesting the salt laws. Although she was released on bail for her delivery, she was sent back to prison within two weeks of her son’s birth.

— The British government barred her from meeting Mahatma Gandhi on his 1934 visit to Cuddalore. However, she wore a burqa and travelled in a horse-drawn carriage to meet him. He is believed to have then called her “South India’s Rani of Jhansi”.

— Anjalai Ammal was the first woman to be elected to the Madras legislature, representing the Congress party, and remained politically active until she died in 1961.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

The judgment in Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action v. Union of India, delivered by the Supreme Court recently refers to the issue of:

(a) student suicides

(b) impoverished beggary

(d) single parent child adoption

Explanation

— The judgment in Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action v. Union of India, delivered by the Supreme Court earlier this month, has moved the focus in cases of child marriage from penalising criminal actions to addressing the “harm meted out to the victim”.

— The judgment underlines that comprehensive efforts to address child marriage should go beyond prevention and prosecution, and must include substantial measures to help those already in child marriages reclaim their agency.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

With reference to DANA, seen in news, consider the following statements:

1. DANA or cold drop takes place when cold air descends over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

2. It results in a long spell of dry season recently seen in Spain and nearby areas.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Millions have been affected in southern and eastern Spain due to torrential rain, which began on Monday (October 28) night and has submerged villages and towns, and cut off roads. Flash floods caused by the immense deluge have led to the death of at least 64 people in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia, authorities said on Wednesday (October 30).

What is DANA or cold drop?

— DANA or cold drop takes place when cold air descends over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This results in atmospheric instability, causing hotter, moist air on the surface of the sea to rise quickly, leading to the formation of dense, towering cumulonimbus clouds in a matter of hours. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— These clouds then dump heavy rain in parts of Spain. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The weather pattern’s occurrence is related to the polar jet stream — a fast-moving wind current at high levels of the troposphere (the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) which circulates from west to east and separates the cold polar air from the warm tropical air.

— Often, a pocket of cold air gets separated from the polar jet stream and collides with the warmer air over the Mediterranean Sea, which results in DANA.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Scientists have recently detected a lost Mayan city, hidden for centuries by the dense Mexican jungle. Which of the following technologies was used?

(a) CRISPR

(b) Cloud seeding

(d) LiDAR

Explanation

— Scientists have detected a lost Mayan city, hidden for centuries by the dense Mexican jungle, using LiDAR.

What is LiDAR?

— LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (or variable distances) of a sensor, usually mounted aboard an aircraft, to Earth’s surface. LiDAR data can be used to create high-resolution 3-D models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of upto 10 cm, according to the US Geological Survey.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

With reference to the latest developments in international relations, consider the following statements:

1. In a major setback to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Brazil has decided against joining Beijing’s multi-billion-dollar initiative.

2. Brazil is the third country after India and South Africa in the BRICS bloc not to endorse the mega project.

Which of the above given statement/s is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— In a major setback to China’s BRI, Brazil has decided against joining Beijing’s multi-billion-dollar initiative becoming the second country after India in the BRICS bloc not to endorse the mega project.

— Brazil, headed by President Lula da Silva, will not join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and instead seek alternative ways to collaborate with Chinese investors, Celso Amorim, special presidential adviser for international affairs, said.

— Brazil wants to “take the relationship with China to a new level, without having to sign an accession contract”, he told Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Hence, statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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