Test: Weekly Current Affairs: May 22nd to 31st - UPSC MCQ

1. Cyclone Intensity Increase - Warmer ocean temperatures: Correctly matched. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for cyclones, leading to increased intensity and higher wind speeds.

2. Mangrove Vulnerability - Increased salinity from freshwater influx: Incorrectly matched. Mangrove vulnerability is primarily due to stronger cyclones causing soil erosion and increased saltwater intrusion, not freshwater influx.

3. Electric Vehicle Impact - Increased tyre wear due to heavier vehicles: Correctly matched. Electric vehicles are heavier due to their batteries, leading to increased tyre wear and microplastic pollution.

4. Himalayan Climate Regulation - Acts as a shield against cold winds: Correctly matched. The Himalayas influence weather patterns and act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, impacting the climate of the Indian subcontinent.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making three pairs correct.

1. Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) - Correctly matched. The MJO is a weather pattern that affects tropical regions and can enhance rainfall during the monsoon season.

2. Mascarene High - Incorrectly matched. The Mascarene High is a high-pressure area that influences the southwest monsoon by directing winds towards the Indian subcontinent, not by creating low-pressure areas.

3. Nafithromycin - Incorrectly matched. Nafithromycin is not developed to combat viral infections; it is an antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections, specifically developed to address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

4. Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) - Incorrectly matched. Low OLR values, not high, are indicative of conducive conditions for rainfall as they suggest increased cloud cover and potential precipitation.

Only the first pair is correctly matched, thus the correct answer is Option A: Only one pair.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. Acute Physical Risks involve short-term, high-impact events such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves that lead to immediate infrastructure damage and loss of life. Chronic Physical Risks, on the other hand, refer to long-term changes in climate, such as rising sea levels and increasing temperatures, which affect agriculture and health.

- Statement 2 is correct. Rising temperatures in India have indeed increased by approximately 0.7°C from 1901 to 2018, contributing to significant climate-related challenges, including prolonged heatwaves expected by 2100.

- Statement 3 is correct. India is heavily dependent on coal for its electricity production, with 77% of its electricity generated from coal sources. This reliance poses challenges to reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the accurate choice.

1. Type-1 Regulatory T-cells (TR1 cells) - Primary drivers of immune response to malaria: Correct. TR1 cells are indeed highlighted as the primary drivers of the immune response to malaria by regulating the immune system to balance fighting the parasite and preventing excessive immune reactions.

2. Plasmodium falciparum - Virus causing malaria: Incorrect. Plasmodium falciparum is not a virus; it is a protozoan parasite responsible for malaria. This pair is incorrectly matched because malaria is caused by protozoa, not a virus.

3. Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) - Include asteroids with orbits that bring them close to Earth: Correct. Near-Earth Asteroids are defined as those whose orbits bring them close to Earth's orbit, which is accurately matched.

4. Quasi-satellites - Asteroids that are influenced gravitationally by Earth and can shift orbits over periods of 100-300 years: Correct. Quasi-satellites are indeed asteroids that are influenced by Earth's gravity and their orbits can shift over long periods, as stated.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

The decline in the population of Gangetic dolphins is primarily attributed to high levels of chemical pollution in their habitat. The presence of harmful Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in the fish they consume poses significant health risks, disrupting their hormonal and reproductive systems. This situation highlights the critical need for pollution control measures in river ecosystems. An interesting fact is that the decline of a keystone species like the Gangetic dolphin can serve as an indicator of the overall health of the river ecosystem, emphasizing the interconnectedness of species and environmental health.

1. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Over 5.5 lakh pending cases.

- This statement is correctly matched. The NCDRC has reported over 5.5 lakh pending cases due to various systemic issues such as vacant posts and inadequate digital infrastructure.

2. PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Effective from October 2025 to March 2027.

- This statement is incorrectly matched. The PM E-DRIVE Scheme is set to be effective from October 2024 until March 2026, not from October 2025 to March 2027.

3. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

- This statement is correctly matched. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, indeed replaced the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986, and expanded its scope to include e-commerce and other contemporary issues.

4. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Directly enforceable in courts for consumer protection.

- This statement is incorrectly matched. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not directly enforceable in courts; they serve as guiding principles for the state to frame policies and laws, including those related to consumer protection.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

The Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act of 2023 indeed empowers commanders with administrative and disciplinary authority over personnel from multiple services, as stated in Statement-I. Furthermore, the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Rules of 2025 specifically focus on ensuring effective management of discipline across joint commands and theatre commands, aligning with and elaborating on the Act. Hence, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing an explanation and extension of the authority granted by the Act.

Statement-I correctly highlights the impact of climate change on cyclones, leading to their intensification and expansion into new regions. Statement-II is also accurate, emphasizing the vulnerability of mangroves to stronger cyclones due to soil erosion and increased saltwater intrusion. The connection between the intensification of cyclones and the vulnerability of mangroves is clear: as cyclones become stronger, they pose a greater threat to mangrove ecosystems by causing erosion and saltwater intrusion, ultimately putting them at risk. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing an explanation for the phenomenon described in Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. The IMD uses specific criteria to declare the monsoon onset, including the requirement that 60% of 14 designated weather stations in Kerala must record a minimum of 2.5 mm of rainfall for two consecutive days.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is not a low-pressure area over India. Instead, it is an atmospheric phenomenon that travels eastward around the globe and can enhance rainfall activity by influencing the atmospheric conditions conducive to monsoon development.

- Statement 3 is correct. The early onset of the monsoon positively impacts water resource management by helping to recharge groundwater levels and fill reservoirs, which are crucial for sustaining agriculture and other water needs.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

The Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act 2023 empowers commanders with administrative and disciplinary authority over personnel from multiple services. This provision is crucial for ensuring coordination and discipline within joint-service contexts, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness across the armed forces.

Heavy monsoon rainfall in India, particularly in regions like the Western Ghats and northeastern parts, overwhelms drainage systems, contributing significantly to urban flooding. This intense precipitation often leads to waterlogging and inundation in densely populated areas, exacerbating the risk of flooding.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Northeast Region (NER) is indeed significant for hydropower potential, contributing about 40% of India's total potential (around 62,000 MW), with only about 6.9% of this potential currently being harnessed. This highlights the untapped energy resources of the region, which are critical for India's energy strategy.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is an important part of India's Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing connectivity between the Northeast and Southeast Asian markets, particularly ASEAN, thereby facilitating trade and regional integration.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While Assam's tea production and Arunachal Pradesh's bamboo industries are indeed vital to the regional economy and contribute to India's bio-economy, they are not the sole or primary contributors. The bio-economy of the Northeast also involves other sectors like renewable energy, agro-based industries, and eco-tourism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both these statements accurately reflect the strategic significance and infrastructure developments in the Northeast Region of India.

Statement-I correctly identifies the Gangetic dolphins as exclusively freshwater creatures, not saltwater. They are primarily found in freshwater river systems like the Ganges. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as the Gangetic dolphin population has been decreasing rather than increasing, based on the information provided in the text. This decline is due to various threats like pollution, habitat loss, and human activities impacting their survival. Therefore, Statement-I is accurate while Statement-II is inaccurate, making option (c) the correct answer.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The text indicates that by the year 2100, due to climate change, up to 56% of global mangroves are projected to face high to severe risk, particularly due to intensified cyclones and their expansion into new geographical areas. This heightened risk is a result of increased cyclone intensity and a change in their geographical reach.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The expansion of the Hadley Cell is mentioned as a factor that influences the migration of tropical cyclone belts towards higher latitudes. This change in wind patterns helps push storm tracks further north or south, impacting regions that were previously unaffected by such weather disturbances.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Human activities such as deforestation for aquaculture and coastal development significantly contribute to the vulnerability of mangroves. These activities lead to habitat loss and increased susceptibility to cyclone damage, which means they indeed have a considerable impact on mangrove vulnerability.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B, as statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

The early onset of the southwest monsoon in India in 2025 is significant as it allows for the timely sowing of Kharif crops like rice and maize, which ultimately leads to higher yields. This early arrival is crucial for agricultural productivity and economic stability in the region, highlighting the importance of monsoon onset timings in agricultural practices.

TR1 cells play a crucial role in regulating the immune response to malaria by balancing immune responses, reducing inflammation, and preventing excessive immune reactions. Unlike traditional T-cells that primarily attack pathogens, TR1 cells help control and balance immune responses, thus aiding in maintaining a balance between fighting the malaria parasite and preventing immune damage.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Urban flooding in India is indeed significantly influenced by natural factors. Heavy monsoon rainfall, particularly in regions such as the Western Ghats and the northeastern parts of India, overwhelms the existing drainage systems. Additionally, the topography of many Indian cities, which are often located in floodplains or low-lying areas, exacerbates the accumulation of runoff, leading to flooding.

2. Statement 2 is also correct. Anthropogenic factors such as rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage infrastructure are significant contributors to urban flooding. Unplanned urban growth leads to the loss of natural drainage channels and wetlands, while many cities rely on outdated drainage systems that are insufficient to handle the volume of water during heavy rainfall events.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the introduction of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) is a step towards better flood management, it has not completely eradicated urban flooding in India. SUDS, which include the use of permeable surfaces and rain gardens, help in managing runoff but need to be integrated with other measures and require widespread implementation to be fully effective in mitigating urban flooding.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Assam - Known for bamboo-based industries: Incorrect. Assam is renowned for tea production, not bamboo-based industries. Bamboo-based industries are more prominent in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Arunachal Pradesh - Renowned for tea production: Incorrect. Arunachal Pradesh is known for its bamboo-based industries. Tea production is significant in Assam.

3. Meghalaya - Famous for living root bridges: Correct. Meghalaya is indeed famous for its unique living root bridges, which are a significant attraction and an example of sustainable tourism.

4. Siliguri Corridor - Vital link connecting Northeast to the rest of India: Correct. The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken's Neck, is a narrow stretch of land that connects the Northeast Region to the rest of India and is crucial for transportation and national security.

Thus, pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 indeed expanded the scope of consumer protection by including e-commerce and addressing unfair trade practices. This was a significant update from the earlier Consumer Protection Act of 1986, reflecting the evolving marketplace and the need for broader consumer rights protection, particularly in the digital domain.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 does ensure product safety and quality, it does not mandate certification for all consumer products. Instead, it requires certification for certain critical products to ensure they meet specific safety and quality standards. The focus is on critical sectors where safety is a significant concern rather than a blanket requirement for all consumer products.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 is concerned with the accurate weights and measures in commercial transactions to promote fair trade practices, protecting consumers from being cheated by incorrect measurements. While it indirectly supports consumer rights, its primary focus is not on pricing accuracy but on ensuring that quantity measurements are precise and not misleading.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the right choice.

1. Andaman and Nicobar Command - An example of an Inter-Service Organisation: Correctly matched. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is indeed an Inter-Service Organisation, as it involves personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

2. ISO Act 2023 - Addresses challenges from existing separate service laws: Correctly matched. The ISO Act 2023 is designed to address the challenges posed by separate service laws, facilitating better coordination and discipline across services.

3. Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) - Part of the ISO Rules 2025: Incorrectly matched. The GSCL is part of the WHO Global Pandemic Agreement, not the ISO Rules 2025. The GSCL aims to ensure equitable and timely access to health products during public health emergencies, not related to the Inter-Services Organisations.

4. Pathogen Access & Equitable Sharing - A key provision of the WHO Global Pandemic Agreement: Correctly matched. Pathogen Access & Equitable Sharing is indeed a key provision of the WHO Global Pandemic Agreement, focusing on equitable sharing of vaccines and therapeutics.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Among the listed options, increasing fossil fuel dependency contradicts the strategies aimed at mitigating Climate Physical Risks. The focus is on promoting sustainable practices such as drought-resistant crops and enhancing coastal resilience. This approach aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards cleaner energy sources, which is vital for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and achieving long-term sustainability.

To determine the correct statements, let us analyze each one:

Statement 1: TR1 cells are indeed a type of CD4 helper T-cells known for maintaining immune tolerance by reducing inflammation. This aligns with the description that TR1 cells control and balance immune responses, preventing excessive immune reactions. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. TR1 cells do not primarily attack and destroy the malaria parasite. Their role is not direct pathogen destruction but rather to regulate the immune response to avoid excessive inflammation, which helps in maintaining a balance between fighting the parasite and preventing immune damage.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. Recognizing the function of TR1 cells can indeed lead to new strategies for controlling malaria, as it involves modulating the immune response to prevent severe illness while managing the parasite load.

Thus, Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Gangetic dolphins play a vital role as indicators of the health of river ecosystems due to their sensitivity to changes in water quality and biodiversity. As such, their presence or absence can reflect the overall well-being of the rivers they inhabit. This makes them essential for monitoring and maintaining the ecological balance of these freshwater systems.

The heavier weight of electric vehicles (EVs) leads to increased tyre wear, resulting in the release of microplastic pollution. This pollution arises from both primary fragmentation due to sudden braking and sequential fragmentation from routine wear, contributing to air and soil pollution. It's essential to consider these environmental consequences while evaluating the overall sustainability of EVs.

Climate Physical Risks are categorized into Acute Physical Risks, which include short-term, high-impact events like hurricanes and floods, and Chronic Physical Risks, which involve long-term changes such as rising sea levels and increasing temperatures. Understanding these categories helps in formulating effective strategies to mitigate their impacts on ecosystems and human livelihoods. Interestingly, the distinction between acute and chronic risks highlights the varying time frames and response strategies required for effective climate adaptation.