Test: Weekly Current Affairs: May 15th to 21st, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The colors of auroras are determined by the types of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. When charged particles from the Sun collide with gas molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, they emit light of various colors. Oxygen molecules typically produce green and red auroras, while nitrogen molecules produce blue and purple auroras.

• S1: Correct. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are indeed bursts of solar wind expelled from the Sun’s corona. These ejections are significant events involving the release of a large amount of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona into space.
• S2: Incorrect. While CMEs do consist of charged particles, they are not primarily composed of charged particles. CMEs contain mostly plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of ionized gas particles. This plasma contains charged particles like protons and electrons, but it also includes neutral particles.
• S3: Incorrect. CMEs can have a significant impact on Earth’s magnetic field and ionosphere. When the charged particles associated with a CME interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can cause geomagnetic storms, which may disrupt satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids.

Trans fats are artificially created through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to make it solid at room temperature. This process is often used in the production of margarine, shortening, and some processed foods to increase their shelf life and improve texture. Trans fats have been linked to various health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease, as they raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Geomagnetic storms occur when there is a significant disturbance in the Earth’s magnetosphere, caused by changes in the solar wind or solar magnetic field interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. These storms can lead to fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field, causing disturbances in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. These disturbances can result in various effects such as auroras, radio communication disruptions, and potential damage to satellites and electrical power grids. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it accurately describes the impact of geomagnetic storms on the Earth’s magnetic field.

• Measles is not caused by bacteria but by a virus known as the measles virus.
• Measles primarily affects the respiratory system, not the digestive system.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine, typically administered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, provides immunity against the virus.

• The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’. This inclusion is a proud moment for India, a confirmation of the country’s rich literary heritage and cultural legacy. It signifies a step forward in global cultural preservation efforts, highlighting the importance of recognizing and safeguarding the diverse narratives and artistic expressions that shape our shared humanity. By honouring these literary masterpieces, society not only pays homage to the creative genius of their creators but also ensures that their profound wisdom and timeless teachings continue to inspire and enlighten future generations.
• The ‘Ramcharitmanas’, ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’ are such timeless works that have deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, shaping the nation’s moral fabric and artistic expressions. These literary works have transcended time and place, leaving an indelible mark on readers and artists both within and outside India. It is noteworthy that ‘Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’, ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘Ramcharitmanas’ were authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas, respectively.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, China has overtaken the US as India’s largest trading partner, with a total two-way commerce of $118.4 billion, as per the data from the economic think tank GTRI. India’s exports to China rose by 8.7 percent to $16.67 billion, while imports increased by 3.24 percent to $101.7 billion. Conversely, exports to the US dipped slightly to $77.5 billion, and imports decreased by about 20 percent to $40.8 billion.

Photons are elementary particles that behave both as particles and waves. This phenomenon is known as wave-particle duality, a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

Chabahar Port is indeed located in Iran, specifically in the southeastern region of the country, near the border with Pakistan. It serves as a significant strategic point for trade, particularly for India, Afghanistan, and Iran, providing an alternative route for connectivity and reducing dependence on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port has garnered international attention for its potential to boost regional trade and economic development, especially with the construction of infrastructure such as roads and rail links connecting it to Afghanistan and beyond.

• S1 is incorrect because the IIBX is not solely focused on trading in gold bullion. It facilitates trading in various precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
• S2 is incorrect as the IIBX is headquartered in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, not in Mumbai.

Sahul refers to the landmass that existed during the last glacial maximum when the sea levels were lower, connecting present-day Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania into a single landmass. This land bridge facilitated human migration and the spread of flora and fauna between these regions.

• Context: The US has warned of potential sanctions following India’s signing of a 10-year contract with Iran to operate the Chabahar port.
• Chabahar port is located in Iran, not Iraq (S1 is incorrect). While India has invested significantly in the development of the Chabahar port, it is not solely operated by India (S2 is incorrect). The strategic importance of Chabahar lies in its role as a gateway for trade to Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing an alternative route that bypasses Pakistan. Chabahar port is primarily a commercial port, and its main purpose is trade, not military activities (S3 is incorrect).

• S1: The Tea Board is a statutory body set up under section 4 of the Tea Act, 1953 was constituted on 1st April 1954.
• S2: The present Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce.
• S3&S4: The head office of the Tea board is in Kolkata. Currently, the Tea Board has two overseas offices located in Dubai and Moscow. Its functions include rendering financial and technical assistance for the cultivation, manufacture and marketing of tea, export promotion, aiding Research and Development activities for augmentation of tea production and improvement of tea quality.

• Context: The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has deferred the accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the second consecutive year, which could impact India’s voting rights at the Human Rights Council and some UNGA bodies.
• 1: GANHRI is is a global network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) which coordinates the relationship between NHRIs and the United Nations human rights system, and is unique as the only non-UN body whose internal accreditation system, based on compliance with the 1993 Paris Principles, grants access to UN committees. Institutions accredited by the Subcommittee for Accreditation (SCA) of GANHRI with “A status”, meaning full compliance with the Paris Principles, are usually accorded speaking rights and seating at human rights treaty bodies and other UN organs, mainly to the Human Rights Council. GANHRI representatives often present statements on behalf of individual NHRIs or the regional groups.
  • GANHRI is constituted as a non-profit entity under Swiss law, and has one member of staff representing it at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
• S2: GANHRI’s primary focus is on promoting and protecting human rights through its member institutions, rather than providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones.

Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Context: Recently, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation surged to a 13-month high of 1.26%, up from 0.5%, driven primarily by increases in food and fuel prices.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is an economic indicator that measures the average change in prices of goods at the wholesale level, i.e., before they reach the retail level.
It is used to track inflation and deflation trends in the economy by reflecting price changes in a basket of wholesale goods.

S3: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Raghuram Raja in 2014 announced that the central bank had adopted the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) (combined) as the key measure of inflation.

• Statement 1: Correct. Inflation is defined as the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, purchasing power is falling. Central banks attempt to limit inflation, and avoid deflation, to keep the economy running smoothly.
• Statement 2: Correct. Hyperinflation is an extremely high and typically accelerating inflation, often exceeding 50% per month. It can lead to the quick erosion of the real value of local currency, as the prices of all goods increase.
• Statement 3: Correct. Deflation is the decrease in the general price level of goods and services, which can increase the real value of money. This is the opposite of inflation and can be harmful to the economy, leading to reduced consumer spending and increased real value of debt.
• Statement 4: Correct. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output. Both are used to gauge inflation.

• Statement 1: Correct. Soil nailing is indeed a technique used to stabilize slopes and excavations. It involves inserting reinforcing elements, called soil nails, into the ground to create a composite mass that resists deformation.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. Soil nails are typically installed at an angle, not vertically. The angle of installation is usually between 10 to 20 degrees from the horizontal to provide optimal stability and resistance to the forces acting on the slope or excavation.
• Statement 3: Correct. The technique involves the insertion of reinforcing elements, usually steel bars, into the soil to enhance its strength and stability.
• Statement 4: Incorrect. While soil nailing can be used in various soil types, it is not primarily for soft soils with high moisture content. The method is versatile and can be used in a range of soil conditions, but it is particularly effective in stiff clays, dense sands, and other cohesive soils.

• Context: India and Iran signed a 10-year contract on Chabahar Port, but the US State Department warned against business deals with Iran due to potential sanctions under CAATSA.
• S1: CAATSA was enacted in response to various actions by Russia, including its interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, and its support for the Assad regime in Syria.
• S2: It, enacted in 2017, is a US law targeting countries engaged with Russia, North Korea, and Iran through economic sanctions. It imposes penalties on nations conducting significant transactions with Russian intelligence and military entities. In 2018, the US House of Representatives passed an amendment exempting India from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing the S-400 missile defence system from Russia.

The inflation target in India is indeed fixed in terms of the all-India Consumer Price Index (CPI)-Combined. This index reflects the price changes for a basket of goods and services consumed by households.

• S1: The NCDRC was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 to provide a mechanism for the quick resolution of consumer disputes.
• S2: Centre notifies rules for Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of the District Commission, the State Commission and the National Commission) Rules, 2021
• The revised pecuniary jurisdiction for entertaining consumer complaints shall be upto –
  • 50 lakh for District Commissions,
  • More than ₹50 lakh to ₹2 Crore for State Commissions and
  • More than ₹2 Crore for National Commission
• S3: The NCDRC is headquartered in New Delhi, not Mumbai.
• S4: Orders of the NCDRC can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of India, making it the apex consumer dispute redressal authority before reaching the highest judicial body.

It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Founded in 1865, it is the oldest of the UN’s 15 specialized agencies. ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops technical standards for network interconnectivity, and aims to improve ICT access for underserved communities. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, ITU is part of the UN Development Group and operates 12 regional offices. It functions as an intergovernmental public-private partnership with 193 member states and around 800 sector members. India, a member since 1952, was re-elected to the ITU Council for the 2019-2022 term.

• Statement 1: Correct. Nor’westers are indeed most commonly observed during the pre-monsoon months, particularly from March to May. This is the period when the conditions for their formation are most favorable.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. Nor’westers predominantly affect the eastern and northeastern regions of India, particularly states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Jharkhand, rather than the coastal regions of the western coast.
• Statement 3: Correct. Nor’westers are vital for the agriculture of eastern India as they provide essential rainfall for crops such as jute and rice, helping to mitigate the effects of dry conditions.
• Statement 4: Incorrect. While the interaction between hot, humid air from the Bay of Bengal and cold, dry air from the northwest contributes to the formation of Nor’westers, this is not the primary cause. The primary mechanism involves intense surface heating and the lifting of moist air, leading to the development of these violent thunderstorms.
  

Article 21 of the Constitution of India states, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.” This fundamental right is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, ensuring that every individual enjoys the right to live with dignity and personal freedom. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this article expansively to include various derivative rights such as the right to privacy, the right to a healthy environment, the right to shelter, and the right to education. This broad interpretation underscores the importance of Article 21 in safeguarding the fundamental human rights of individuals against arbitrary state actions.

About Dr. Verghese Kurien (1921-2012):

• Also known as the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India,’ he spearheaded ‘Operation Flood,‘ the world’s largest agricultural program. He established 30 farmer-run institutions and played a key role in the success of the Amul brand, leading India to become the world’s largest milk producer in 1998. His efforts extended to managing the Delhi Milk Scheme and making India self-sufficient in edible oils. Honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Krishi Ratna, World Food Prize, and India’s highest civilian awards (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan), National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates his birth anniversary.

• S1: Correct: The Earth’s magnetic north pole is indeed the point on the Earth’s surface where the geomagnetic field lines are directed vertically downwards. This is where a magnetic compass needle would point straight down.
• S2: Incorrect: The magnetic north pole is not located at the same position as the geographic North Pole. They are distinct and the magnetic north pole moves due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
• S3: Correct: The magnetic south pole is the point on the Earth’s surface where the geomagnetic field lines are directed vertically upwards.
• S4: Incorrect: While the magnetic north pole is indeed moving, the current rate is closer to approximately 34 miles (55 kilometers) per year, not 10 kilometers per year.