Test: Weekly Current Affairs: July 8th to 14th - UPSC MCQ

Deploying a network of sensors for real-time crowd density monitoring is a crucial step in preventing stampedes. These sensors can provide valuable data that, when analyzed by AI models, can predict crowd surges and effectively issue early warnings to manage and control large gatherings. This proactive approach enhances safety measures and aids in preventing tragic incidents like stampedes.

1. Traumatic Asphyxia - External compression of the thorax or upper abdomen.

- Correct. Traumatic asphyxia is indeed caused by external compression of the thorax or upper abdomen, leading to difficulty in breathing.

2. Panic - A secondary factor contributing to stampedes.

- Incorrect. Panic is a primary trigger or amplifier of stampedes, not a secondary factor.

3. High crowd density - When density approaches 2-3 persons per square meter.

- Incorrect. High crowd density is considered a factor contributing to stampedes when the density approaches 3-4 persons per square meter, not 2-3.

4. Controlled crowd flow management - Poor regulation of pedestrian movement.

- Incorrect. The correct term should be "Poor crowd flow management," indicating failure to regulate pedestrian movement, which contributes to stampedes.

Thus, only one pair (Pair 1) is correctly matched.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, was enacted to safeguard the rights of Muslim women who have been divorced by or have obtained a divorce from their husbands. It specifically addresses matters related to the protection of these rights, including provisions for maintenance and support for divorced Muslim women. This act ensures that divorced Muslim women have legal provisions for maintenance and financial support beyond the period of marriage.

This question assesses the understanding of the primary objective of the mentioned legislation and its significance in protecting the rights of divorced Muslim women in India.

1. Flash Floods: Correctly matched. Flash floods are indeed caused by rapid and excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or storm surge, which quickly raises water heights.

2. River Floods: Incorrectly matched. River floods are not associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis. They occur when consistent rain or snowmelt forces a river to exceed its capacity.

3. Coastal Floods: Incorrectly matched. Coastal floods result from storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis, not from consistent rain or snowmelt forcing a river to exceed capacity.

4. National Flood Management Programme (NFMP): Correctly matched. The NFMP provides a flexible framework for states to implement flood control measures.

So, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched. Pairs 2 and 3 are incorrectly matched.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

The 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit prominently highlighted the recognition of the strategic partnership between the two nations with a significant honor. President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia's highest civilian honour, the "Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle," on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This award signifies the appreciation for Prime Minister Modi's efforts in promoting the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.

1. Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor – Transport and Connectivity - Correct. The Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is a transport and connectivity initiative aimed at enhancing maritime links between India and Russia.

2. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle – Economic Cooperation - Incorrect. The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle is Russia's highest civilian honor given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India. It falls under Diplomatic Achievements, not Economic Cooperation.

3. Ex AJEYA WARRIOR – Joint Exercise with Australia - Incorrect. Ex AJEYA WARRIOR is a joint military exercise between India and the United Kingdom, not Australia.

4. Ex INDRA – Joint Exercise with Russia - Correct. Ex INDRA is a joint military exercise conducted by India and Russia, aimed at enhancing bilateral defense cooperation.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Soil degradation refers to a change in soil health status resulting in a diminished capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods and services. It involves a decline in soil quality due to various factors like physical, biological, and chemical processes. This degradation impacts the ecosystem's ability to function properly and provide essential services.

1. Global Soil Partnership (GSP) - World Soil Day: Correctly matched. The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) is indeed associated with World Soil Day, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of soil health.

2. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) - Bonn Challenge: Incorrectly matched. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is a concept under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), while the Bonn Challenge is a separate initiative focused on forest landscape restoration.

3. Soil Health Card Scheme - Recarbonization of Agricultural Soils (RECSOIL): Incorrectly matched. The Soil Health Card Scheme is an initiative by the Indian government to promote soil health, whereas Recarbonization of Agricultural Soils (RECSOIL) is a global initiative aimed at enhancing soil carbon stocks.

4. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - Sustainable Development Goal 15: Incorrectly matched. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is an Indian government scheme to promote organic farming, not directly linked to Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on life on land, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Thus, only the first pair is correctly matched.

The WHO's REPLACE action framework aims to facilitate the elimination of industrially produced trans fats globally. This initiative focuses on encouraging countries to enact and enforce best-practice policies, engage in validation programs, and encourage companies to reformulate products to eliminate trans fats. By implementing this framework, the goal is to significantly reduce the health risks associated with trans fat consumption and improve public health outcomes.

1. Denmark - First country to receive TFA Validation Certificate
- Correct. Denmark was one of the first countries to receive the TFA Validation Certificate from WHO.

2. Lithuania - Implemented best-practice policies for TFA elimination
- Correct. Lithuania is listed among the countries that have implemented best-practice policies for TFA elimination and received the TFA Validation Certificate.

3. India - Ranked highest in insufficient physical activity in South Asia
- Incorrect. South Asia ranks second highest globally in terms of insufficient physical activity among adults, following the high-income Asia Pacific region. Within South Asia, India has significant rates of insufficient physical activity but is not the highest globally.

4. Saudi Arabia - Part of WHO REPLACE action framework
- Correct. Saudi Arabia is part of the WHO REPLACE action framework and received the TFA Validation Certificate.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

The primary difference between a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) lies in their power sources. BEVs are fully powered by electricity, drawing energy from a battery and charged externally. On the other hand, HEVs, also known as Strong Hybrid EVs, utilize both an internal combustion engine (typically petrol) and a battery-powered motor for propulsion. This dual powertrain setup in HEVs allows them to operate using both sources, providing a balance between traditional fossil fuel usage and electric power, making them a transitional technology in the move towards full electrification of vehicles.

1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): This pair is correctly matched. BEVs are fully powered by electricity and do not use any form of internal combustion engine, making them more efficient compared to hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

2. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): This pair is incorrectly matched. FCEVs use electric energy produced from chemical energy, such as hydrogen fuel cells, not from an internal combustion engine and a battery charged from an external socket.

3. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): This pair is correctly matched. HEVs use both an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) and a battery-powered motor powertrain. The petrol engine can drive the vehicle and also charge the battery.

4. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): This pair is correctly matched. PHEVs use both an internal combustion engine and a battery that can be charged from an external socket, making them more efficient than standard hybrids but less efficient than BEVs.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched while pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

• Origin: The Brahmaputra River indeed originates from the Angsi Glacier in the Himalayas.
• Flow: The river flows through three countries: China (Tibet), India, and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra river does not flow in Bhutan.
• Name in Tibet: In Tibet, the river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
• Delta: The Brahmaputra merges with the Ganges River to form the Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta.

- Statement 1 is correct. Traumatic asphyxia is indeed one of the most common causes of fatalities in stampedes, occurring due to external compression of the thorax or upper abdomen.

- Statement 2 is correct. Panic and loss of cooperative behavior are significant psychological factors that contribute to the occurrence of stampedes.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Proper lighting is not a contributing factor to stampedes; rather, it is the lack of proper lighting that can contribute to such incidents.

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

To determine the correct relationship between the two statements, let's analyze each one individually and then consider their relationship.

Statement-I:

"Stampedes can cause fatalities through traumatic asphyxia, myocardial infarction, direct crushing injuries to internal organs, head injuries, and neck compression."

This statement is correct. Stampedes can indeed result in severe injuries and fatalities due to the physical forces and pressures exerted on individuals within a crowd.

Statement-II:

"Uncontrolled crowds, induced panic, and multiple direction mergers can induce turbulent stampedes."

This statement is also correct. Stampedes are often caused by factors such as panic, lack of crowd control, and chaotic movement in multiple directions.

Relationship Between the Statements:

Statement-I describes the consequences of stampedes, while Statement-II explains the causes of stampedes.

Conclusion:

Statement-II explains the factors that lead to the events described in Statement-I. Therefore, the correct choice is:

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

This option accurately captures the causal relationship where the conditions described in Statement-II lead to the outcomes described in Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. Assam has more than 120 rivers, many of which originate from high rainfall areas. This contributes to sediment accumulation in the Brahmaputra river, exacerbating the flood situation. The large number of rivers and the significant rainfall in the region are primary causes of flooding.

- Statement 2 is correct. Climate change has indeed led to the melting of glaciers and snow caps in the Tibetan Plateau, increasing the water flow in the Brahmaputra river. This has contributed to the more frequent and severe flooding in Assam.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The construction of embankments has not significantly reduced the frequency and severity of floods in Assam. In fact, embankments can sometimes exacerbate flooding by restricting the natural flow of water and causing breaches during extreme weather conditions.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

The correct answer is: 3. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Explanation:

• Statement-I correctly states that India is a major supplier of low-cost vaccines and the largest provider of generic medicines, holding a significant share of global supply.
• Statement-II correctly claims that India accounts for a large percentage of global vaccine production, making it the largest vaccine producer.

However, while both statements are true, Statement-II does not directly explain the points made in Statement-I regarding generic medicines and low-cost vaccines.

All three statements provided are accurate reflections of the key highlights from the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

1. Bilateral Trade Target: The summit indeed set a new bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030, surpassing the previous target of USD 30 billion by 2025. This increase is largely driven by India's increased imports of Russian crude at a discount after the US and Europe imposed oil sanctions on Russia.

2. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle: President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia's highest civilian honour, the "Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle," on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This award was given in recognition of Modi's efforts to promote the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.

3. Transport and Connectivity: The summit placed a significant emphasis on the development of transport and connectivity initiatives, including the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, which is part of the broader effort to create stable and efficient transport corridors in Eurasia.

Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D: 1, 2 and 3 the right answer.

Statement-I mentions joint manufacturing of spare parts and components for Russian-origin arms and defence equipment in Russia, which is incorrect as the joint manufacturing is intended to happen in India under the Make-in-India program. Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect. Statement-II correctly states that the joint manufacturing is aimed at happening in India, aligning with the information provided in the content. Hence, Statement-II is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

All three statements accurately reflect key aspects of probity in governance:

1. Statement 1: Probity in governance indeed ensures fair and just decision-making processes. This is a fundamental principle as it promotes ethical standards and integrity within public administration.

2. Statement 2: Political interference in administrative decisions is a significant challenge to achieving probity. Such interference can undermine transparency and accountability, leading to corruption and unethical practices.

3. Statement 3: Transparent recruitment processes based on merit are crucial in preventing corruption and unethical practices. When recruitment is fair and merit-based, it ensures that the most qualified individuals are selected, thereby reducing opportunities for favoritism and malpractices.

Given that all statements are correct, the correct answer is Option D.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-II provides specific data and a projection regarding the extent of soil degradation according to UNESCO, while Statement-I gives a general definition of soil degradation. Statement-II supports Statement-I by exemplifying the seriousness of the issue, explaining how soil degradation affects billions of people and emphasizing the scope of the problem globally. Therefore, in this context, both statements are accurate and complement each other, making option (a) the correct choice.

1. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a target to eliminate trans fats from the global food supply by the end of 2023.

This statement is correct. In 2018, WHO indeed set a goal to eliminate trans fats from the global food supply by 2023, recognizing their significant health risks and contribution to heart disease.

2. Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were the first countries to receive the TFA Validation Certificate from WHO.

This statement is correct. WHO initiated a Validation Programme to recognize countries that achieved TFA elimination goals, and Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were the first to receive this certificate.

3. By 2023, WHO's REPLACE action framework had impacted 3.7 billion people, a substantial increase from 6% coverage five years earlier.

This statement is correct. The REPLACE action framework by WHO facilitated the adoption of best-practice policies in 53 countries by 2023, significantly impacting 3.7 billion people, up from 6% coverage five years prior.

All three statements are correct, hence the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

- Statement-I is correct: The WHO initiated a Validation Programme to recognize countries achieving Trans Fat elimination goals, as mentioned in the highlights of the WHO report on Trans Fats.

- Statement-II is correct: The Lancet Global Health journal published a study indicating an increase in physical inactivity levels globally, specifically mentioning the insufficient physical activity among adults.

Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II provides relevant information about a related health concern, supporting and explaining Statement-I.

Statement 1 is correct. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) indeed use both an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered motor powertrain. The internal combustion engine can drive the vehicle and also charge the battery when it is depleted.

Statement 2 is correct. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are more efficient than traditional Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) but are less efficient than Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which are fully powered by electricity.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) contribute to India's decarbonisation efforts by emitting lower total carbon emissions compared to traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. They are seen as a transitional technology towards full electrification and help reduce overall carbon emissions in the medium term.

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

• Statement-I states that Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are more efficient than Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). This statement is incorrect. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are actually more efficient than Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) because PHEVs can be charged from an external socket, allowing them to rely more on electricity and less on the internal combustion engine, thus reducing overall emissions.
• Statement-II suggests that Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) emit higher total carbon emissions compared to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This statement is also incorrect. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) emit lower total carbon emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, including both electric and ICE vehicles. BEVs are fully powered by electricity and emit zero tailpipe emissions, making them the cleanest option in terms of emissions among the discussed vehicles.