Test: Weekly Current Affairs: April 1st to 7th, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

• India Gaming Report 2024 Released by Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) and WinZO
• Key findings: India is the largest gaming market with 568 million users, accounting for 1 in 5 online gamers globally. The Indian gaming market is expected to reach $6 Billion by 2028. The number of Indian gaming companies surged from 25 in 2015 to over 1400 in 2023
• Regulations: MeitY acts as the nodal agency for online gaming regulations and development; Draft National AVGC Policy, and National AVGC Centre of Excellence; 100% FDI allowed in the gaming sector utilizing automatic route within Electronic System and IT & BPM sectors

To evaluate the correctness of the statements about the International Finance Corporation (IFC), let's examine each statement:

1. It is a sister organization of the International Monetary Fund.
   - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is indeed a sister organization, but it is part of the World Bank Group, not the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank Group and the IMF are both part of the Bretton Woods institutions, but they are distinct entities with different focuses.

2. It is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.
   - This statement is correct. The IFC is the largest global development institution that is focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.

3. Its goals are to increase sustainable agriculture opportunities, improve healthcare and education.
   - This statement is also correct. The IFC aims to create opportunities in various sectors, including sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and education, as part of its mission to foster economic development in developing countries through the private sector.

Given this analysis:

- The first statement is incorrect because the IFC is a sister organization of the World Bank Group, not the IMF.
- The second and third statements are correct.

So, only two of the statements are correct.

The correct answer is:

B: Only two

To determine the correctness of the statements about the Group of Friends (GOF), let's examine each statement:

1. It was launched by India in 2022.
   - This statement is correct. The Group of Friends (GOF) to promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, also known as Blue Helmets, was indeed launched by India in 2022.

2. It aims to promote accountability for crimes against the Blue Helmets.
   - This statement is also correct. The GOF's primary aim is to promote accountability for crimes committed against United Nations peacekeepers.

Since both statements are accurate, the correct answer is:

C: Both 1 and 2

• Released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report co-authored with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) was published ahead of International Day of Zero Waste (observed annually on 30 March)
• Key Findings: Households across all continents wasted over 1 billion meals a day in 2022, while 783 million people were affected by hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity. Food Waste generates an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Issues: Due to the lack of robust cold chains, hotter countries generate more food waste per capita in households; Fragmented food system.

Statement 1: It involves transplanting rice seedlings into flooded fields. - This statement is incorrect. Dry Seeded Rice (DSR) refers to the direct seeding of rice into the field, either manually or mechanically, without transplanting seedlings. This method contrasts with the traditional practice of transplanting rice, which typically involves planting seedlings into flooded fields.

Statement 2: It typically requires less water compared to traditional flooded rice cultivation. - This statement is correct. DSR requires significantly less water than traditional rice cultivation methods which involve maintaining a constant level of water (flooded fields). DSR can be more efficient in water usage, as it eliminates the need for puddling and reduces the period during which water must be standing in the field.

Statement 3: It is primarily practiced in regions with abundant rainfall. - This statement is incorrect. DSR is particularly advantageous and often practiced in regions where water availability is limited or where water conservation is a priority. It allows for rice cultivation with less dependence on abundant rainfall or extensive irrigation systems.

Given these clarifications:

• Only one statement (Statement 2) is correct.

• Context: The 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge (1MYAC) by the UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) aims to mobilize youth aged 10 to 30 to take concrete actions for a sustainable future, with a goal of reaching 1,000,000 youth actions.
  • It focuses on promoting four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land.
  • 1MYAC was founded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the RéSEAU.
• The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) is a collaborative initiative of more than 30 multilateral organizations that support countries in designing and implementing climate change. UN CC:Learn offers information on climate change and free online courses.

• Context: Addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings is crucial, with initiatives like Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introducing the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) to measure heat transfer.
• What is RETV?
  • The Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) is a metric used to measure heat transfer through a building’s envelope. It indicates the thermal efficiency of a building, with lower RETV values corresponding to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage.

• S1 is incorrect: Interest rates generally rise with increasing inflation to compensate lenders for the diminishing value of money over time.
• S2 is incorrect: Lower interest rates typically encourage borrowing and spending by making it cheaper to finance purchases, while they discourage saving by offering lower returns on savings accounts and investments.
• S3 is correct. Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the United States, use monetary policy tools, including adjusting interest rates, to influence the money supply in the economy. By raising or lowering interest rates, central banks can influence borrowing, spending, and investment, which in turn affects economic activity and inflation.
• S4 is incorrect: Rising interest rates usually have a dampening effect on the housing market as higher mortgage rates make it more expensive for individuals to borrow money for home purchases, potentially reducing demand for homes and slowing down housing market activity.

All of the above GI products belongs to Assam [Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Pani Meteka Craft, Sarthebari Metal Craft, Jaapi (Bamboo Headgear), Mishing Handloom Products]

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Cesium atomic clocks are widely used because cesium atoms have a particularly stable atomic structure, making them reliable for timekeeping purposes.

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Atomic frequency standard refers to the process of using the frequency of atomic oscillations, typically of cesium or other suitable atoms, to define the standard unit of time, the second.

Let's verify each pair to determine if it is correctly matched with the corresponding state:

1. Pachra-Rignai: Assam
   - Pachra and Rignai are traditional garments, but they are associated with Tripura, not Assam. 

2. Matabari Peda: Tripura
   - Matabari Peda is a well-known sweet from Tripura, associated with the Matabari temple in Udaipur, Tripura. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Lyrnai Pottery: Meghalaya
   - Lyrnai Pottery is indeed a traditional craft from Meghalaya. This pair is correctly matched.

4. Chubitchi: Nagaland
   - Chubitchi is a traditional Garo bamboo handicraft from Meghalaya, not Nagaland. 

Based on the verification, the correct pairs are:
- Matabari Peda: Tripura
- Lyrnai Pottery: Meghalaya

Therefore, only two of the pairs are correctly matched.

The correct answer is:

B: Only two

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Atomic clocks maintain accuracy by counting the regular oscillations or vibrations of atoms. This method provides extremely precise timekeeping.

To determine the correctness of the statements regarding Kallakkadal, let's analyze each one:

1. Kallakkadal are flash-flood events that take place without any noticeable advance change in local winds in the coastal environment.
   - This statement is correct. Kallakkadal, also known as "freak waves" or "rogue waves," are unexpected and suddenly occurring waves that can cause flash-flood-like events without prior changes in local wind conditions.

2. They occur along the Indian coast, particularly the west coast.
   - This statement is correct. Kallakkadal events have been reported along the Indian coast, with a higher frequency on the west coast of India.

3. Tsunami and Kallakkadal are similar types of waves with similar causes or mechanisms.
   - This statement is incorrect. While both are large and potentially dangerous waves, tsunamis are caused by seismic activities like earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions, whereas Kallakkadal are caused by different factors, including wave interactions and changes in ocean currents. They do not share the same causes or mechanisms.

Based on this analysis, two of the statements are correct.

The correct answer is:

B: Only two

Earth rotates once in about 24 hours with respect to the Sun, but once every 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds with respect to other distant stars (see below). Earth’s rotation is slowing slightly with time; thus, a day was shorter in the past. This is due to the tidal effects the Moon has on Earth’s rotation.

• Context: The indigenous knowledge of the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the Indian laurel tree’s water-storing ability has been confirmed by forest officials in the Papikonda National Park.
• Forest authorities conducted an experiment by cutting the bark of the Indian laurel tree, revealing water splashing out, particularly in the summer, as claimed by the tribe.
• Indian Laurel Tree known as Indian Silver Oak and valued for its timber commercially.

• Context: A recent study suggests that the accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica due to climate change is affecting Earth’s rotation, potentially postponing the need for a “negative leap second” to keep clocks aligned with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
• Option 1 is Incorrect: Earth makes one complete rotation on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes, which is rounded up to 24 hours.
• Option 2 is Incorrect: Earth rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above the North Pole, not when viewed from the North Pole itself.
• Option 3 is correct: Earth’s rotation speed is indeed faster at the equator compared to the poles due to the larger circumference of the equator, resulting in a greater distance traveled in the same amount of time.
• Option 4 is Incorrect: Earth’s rotation axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun, not perpendicular.

• The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES) program was conceptualized in 2012 and is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space, along with other ministries, under the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
• Its primary objective is to generate and disseminate long-term Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) derived from Indian and other Earth observation satellites, which are essential for understanding Earth’s climate.

• Context: The 125th anniversary of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) was celebrated recently on April 1, 2024, by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
• Significant achievements of KoSO
  • Identified the Evershed Effect (a phenomenon observed in sunspots where gas flows radially outward from the centre of the sunspot)
  • Expanded research scope to cosmic rays, radio astronomy, ionospheric physics, and stellar physics
• The Evershed Effect refers to the radial flow of gas across the solar surface in sunspots. As sunspots are areas of intense magnetic activity on the Sun’s surface, the magnetic fields cause gases to flow radially outward from the center of the sunspot. This effect was discovered by the English astronomer John Evershed in the early 20th century. Options A, B, and C describe other astronomical phenomena but do not accurately represent the Evershed Effect.

• Context: The 125th anniversary of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) was celebrated recently on April 1, 2024, by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
• Instruments at KoSO:
  • Initially focused on sunspots, prominences, and solar radiation. Advanced instruments include the H-alpha telescope and the White Light Active Region Monitor (WARM)
• Option A is incorrect because the White Light Active Region Monitor (WARM) is not used for studying cosmic microwave background radiation; instead, it is focused on solar observations.
• Option B is incorrect because WARM does not utilize ultraviolet light for monitoring solar activity. Instead, it primarily relies on white light observations.
• Option C is incorrect because WARM is not a space-based telescope for observing distant galaxies. Its focus is on studying solar active regions.
• Option D is the correct answer because it accurately describes the purpose and function of the White Light Active Region Monitor (WARM). WARM is specifically deployed to track and study solar active regions using white light observations, providing valuable insights into solar activity and phenomena such as sunspots and solar flares.

To determine the correctness of the statements regarding the main functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), let's analyze each one:

1. It formulates, implements and monitors the monetary policy.
   - This statement is correct. One of the primary functions of the RBI is to formulate, implement, and monitor the monetary policy in India to ensure price stability and economic growth.

2. It issues, exchanges and destroys currency notes as well as puts into circulation coins minted by Government of India.
   - This statement is mostly correct. The RBI is responsible for the issuance, exchange, and destruction of currency notes. However, coins are minted by the Government of India and put into circulation by the RBI.

3. It introduces and upgrades safe and efficient modes of payment systems in the country to meet the requirements of the public at large.
   - This statement is correct. The RBI plays a crucial role in introducing and upgrading payment systems to ensure they are safe, secure, and efficient, meeting the needs of the public and enhancing financial inclusion.

Based on this analysis, all three statements are correct.

The correct answer is:

C: All three

Option B is correct because cosmic rays, which are energetic particles originating from outer space, are indeed affected by Earth’s magnetic field. As they enter Earth’s atmosphere, they can be deflected or redirected by the magnetic field lines, influencing their paths and interactions with particles in the atmosphere. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as cosmic rays consist of various particles such as protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei (not solely photons), they can travel at speeds approaching the speed of light, and they originate from various sources beyond our solar system, including distant galaxies, supernovae, and other astrophysical phenomena.

• The BIMSTEC Charter aims to enhance collaboration among member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, in areas such as economic prosperity, social progress, and connectivity.
• BIMSTEC, established in 1997, seeks to foster cooperation and development in the region.
• Leadership is rotated in alphabetical order of country names. The permanent secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• Context: The World Bank (as per “Jobs for Resilience, South Asia Development Update”) warned that South Asia, including India, is not utilizing its demographic dividend effectively.
• What is a Demographic Dividend?
  • The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that arises from changes in a population’s age structure.
  • It occurs when the proportion of working-age individuals (15-64) in a population is larger than the dependent population (children and elderly), leading to increased productivity and economic growth.
  • India is expected to enjoy this window for 37 years starting in 2018 and up to 2055

• Context: The Punnett square, named after British geneticist Reginald Punnett, is a grid used to predict the possible genetic outcomes of offspring when two individuals with known genotypes are crossed.
  • It consists of a simple grid with squares representing possible combinations of traits inherited from each parent.
  • This tool helps visualize the probabilities of different traits appearing in offspring and is commonly used in biology to understand inheritance patterns, such as dominant and recessive genes.
  • Researchers utilize Punnett squares alongside Mendelian inheritance principles to study genetic traits in offspring, including those of animals and humans.
• The letters in the boxes of a punnet’s square represent a particular genotype, with each alphabet representing an allele, contrasting forms of a gene.