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

The primary goal of Delhi's Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 is to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and combat air pollution in the capital. This policy aims to phase out CNG-driven autorickshaws and fossil fuel vehicles, with measures such as transitioning waste collection vehicles to electric, mandating public transport buses to be electric, and enforcing a ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers. By encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles and setting specific deadlines for transitions, the policy focuses on reducing emissions and improving air quality in Delhi.

To determine the correct statements, let's analyze each statement based on the provided details of the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0:

1. Statement 1: "No new CNG autorickshaw registrations will be permitted from August 15, 2025." This statement is correct according to the policy details that specify the prohibition of new registrations of CNG autorickshaws starting from this date.

2. Statement 2: "A ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers will be enforced starting August 15, 2026." This statement is also correct. The policy indicates that starting from the mentioned date, there will be a ban on these types of two-wheelers.

3. Statement 3: "All municipal solid waste collection vehicles will transition to electric by December 31, 2025." This statement is incorrect. The policy specifies that the complete transition of municipal waste collection vehicles to electric must be achieved by December 31, 2027, not 2025.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. No new CNG autorickshaw registrations: Starting January 1, 2026 - Incorrect. According to the Delhi's Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, no new CNG autorickshaw registrations will be permitted from August 15, 2025.

2. Transitioning waste collection vehicles to electric: By December 31, 2027 - Correct. The policy mandates that all municipal solid waste collection vehicles transition to electric by December 31, 2027.

3. Ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers: Starting August 15, 2026 - Correct. The policy enforces a ban on petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers starting August 15, 2026.

4. Private car owners required to purchase electric vehicles if they own two vehicles: Effective August 15, 2025 - Incorrect. The policy states guidelines for private car owners to purchase electric vehicles if they already own two vehicles, but the start date is not specified in the policy as August 15, 2025.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope, situated at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, is primarily dedicated to studying interstellar gas, with a specific focus on elements like hydrogen and ammonia, while also investigating star formation processes. This telescope marks a significant advancement in China's astronomical research capabilities, leveraging Antarctica's unique atmospheric clarity to enhance observations in the field of astronomy.

Let's analyze each statement for its correctness:

1. Statement 1: "The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope is located at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica and features a 3.2-metre aperture."
- This statement is correct. The telescope is indeed located at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica and has a 3.2-metre aperture. This information is directly supported by the key details about the telescope's specifications.

2. Statement 2: "The primary focus of the telescope is to study the spectral lines of neutral hydrogen and ammonia in the Milky Way."
- This statement is correct. The telescope's scientific objectives include studying spectral lines of neutral hydrogen and ammonia, which are crucial for understanding star formation processes in the Milky Way.

3. Statement 3: "The construction of the telescope faced challenges due to the extreme cold and strong winds of Antarctica but did not require any modifications to withstand these conditions."
- This statement is incorrect. While it is true that the construction faced challenges due to harsh Antarctic conditions, significant modifications were required to ensure the telescope could withstand extreme cold and strong winds.

Since statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is incorrect, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Both statements are accurate according to the provided information. Statement-I correctly describes the focus of the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope on studying interstellar gas elements like hydrogen and ammonia. Statement-II accurately highlights the issue of biases in healthcare diagnostics generated by generative artificial intelligence tools based on factors like race, gender, or income level. Furthermore, the biases discussed in Statement-II are a distinct topic from the telescope's research focus, hence explaining Statement-I. Therefore, Option (a) is the correct answer.

The primary goal of the Himalayan High-Altitude Atmospheric & Climate Centre is to enhance climate monitoring and research in the unique high-altitude environment of the Himalayas. By focusing on studying atmospheric processes specific to high-altitude conditions, the Centre aims to provide accurate weather forecasts and contribute to global climate monitoring. This initiative signifies a pivotal moment in climate research, emphasizing the importance of the Himalayas in understanding climate dynamics and their global implications.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Himalayan High-Altitude Atmospheric Centre is indeed aimed at enhancing climate monitoring and conducting research in the unique high-altitude environment of the Himalayas. This aligns with the Centre's primary goal of providing accurate weather forecasts and conducting comprehensive climate research.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The ICE-CRUNCH project, as mentioned, investigates ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei. This project is a key part of the Centre's research initiatives, focusing on understanding atmospheric processes specific to high-altitude conditions.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Centre is not solely operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences; it involves collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department and the Central University of Jammu. Additionally, there is an international collaboration with Swiss scientists in the ICE-CRUNCH project, highlighting the Centre's global research connections.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 are accurate, while statement 3 is incorrect.

1. Himalayan High-Altitude Atmospheric Centre - Located at Nathatop in Udhampur district: This pair is correctly matched. The Centre is indeed located in Nathatop, Udhampur district, aimed at climate monitoring and research in the high-altitude environment of the Himalayas.

2. ICE-CRUNCH Project - Collaborative research between Indian and Swiss scientists: This pair is correctly matched. The ICE-CRUNCH project involves collaboration between Indian and Swiss scientists to study ice-nucleating particles and their effects on cloud microphysics and regional climate.

3. Artemis Accords - Established in October 2020: This pair is correctly matched. The Artemis Accords were initially established in October 2020 by the United States and several other nations to promote peaceful and collaborative exploration of outer space.

4. Outer Space Treaty - Initiated in 1970: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Outer Space Treaty was actually initiated in 1967, not 1970. It serves as the foundational legal framework for international space law.

Thus, only the fourth pair is incorrectly matched, making the number of correctly matched pairs three.

The main aim of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme is to enhance the nutritional status of children in Government and Government-aided schools. This scheme provides hot cooked meals to students from Balvatika to Class VIII, emphasizing nutritional support and boosting school attendance among disadvantaged groups. Additional Details: The scheme also extends nutritional support during summer vacations in drought and disaster-affected areas, highlighting its focus on addressing hunger and educational challenges.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The agreement explicitly prohibits the establishment of new U.S. military bases along the Panama Canal. While it allows U.S. military personnel to conduct training and exercises, it does not permit the creation of new bases to prevent local dissent.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Panama Canal is indeed responsible for about 5% of global maritime traffic, highlighting its critical role in international trade and its significance to U.S. national security.

3. Statement 3 is correct. China has expressed significant opposition to the U.S. military presence in Panama, arguing that these actions could threaten regional stability. This reflects the geopolitical tensions involving U.S. and Chinese interests in the region.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, leading us to Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

1. U.S. Military Deployment: Establishment of new U.S. bases allowed in Panama - Incorrect. The agreement explicitly prohibits the establishment of new U.S. military bases in Panama, focusing instead on conducting training and exercises at existing facilities.

2. Panama Canal Importance: Facilitates approximately 40% of U.S. container traffic - Correct. The Panama Canal is indeed vital for global trade, facilitating around 40% of U.S. container traffic.

3. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme: Covers students from Balvatika to Class VIII - Correct. The scheme provides hot cooked meals to students from Balvatika to Class VIII in Government and Government-aided schools.

4. Nutritional Requirements for Upper Primary Students: 30g of pulses, 75g of vegetables, and 7.5g of oil - Correct. The nutritional requirements for upper primary students indeed include 30g of pulses, 75g of vegetables, and 7.5g of oil as part of their meal.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The BM-04 missile, developed by DRDO, aims to bolster India's conventional strike capabilities, particularly in the context of strategic operations. By introducing advanced features like a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and a conventional warhead with high precision, this missile enhances India's ability to conduct precise strikes, contributing to its military strategy.

Let's evaluate each statement:

1. Statement 1: "The BM-04 missile uses a two-stage liquid-fuel propulsion system and can strike targets up to 1,500 km away."

- This statement is incorrect. The BM-04 missile utilizes a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, not a liquid-fuel system. The range mentioned is correct, as it can strike targets up to 1,500 km away, but the propulsion system detail makes this statement incorrect.

2. Statement 2: "It features a hypersonic re-entry vehicle designed to evade enemy air defense systems."

- This statement is correct. The BM-04 does incorporate a hypersonic re-entry vehicle, which enhances its ability to evade enemy air defense systems, making it effective against time-sensitive targets like missile launchers and command centers.

3. Statement 3: "The missile's canisterised launch system allows for rapid deployment and reduces launch preparation time."

- This statement is correct. The BM-04 features a canisterised launch system that allows for rapid deployment by pre-mating the warhead with the delivery system, thus reducing launch preparation time.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D, as statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect due to the error in describing the propulsion system.

1. BM-04 Missile: Can strike targets up to 2,000 km away.

- Incorrect. The BM-04 missile is capable of striking targets up to 1,500 km away, not 2,000 km.

2. BM-04 Missile Weight: Weighs 11,500 kg.

- Correct. The BM-04 missile indeed weighs 11,500 kg as per the information provided.

3. BM-04 Warhead: Weighs 1,000 kg.

- Incorrect. The warhead of the BM-04 missile weighs 500 kg, not 1,000 kg.

4. BM-04 Launch System: Features a canisterised design for rapid deployment.

- Correct. The BM-04 missile utilizes a canisterised launch system which allows for rapid deployment.

The correctly matched pairs are 2 and 4. The answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the BM-04 missile features a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and can strike targets up to 1,500 km away, as highlighted in the key takeaways of the missile's capabilities.
Statement-II correctly states that the BM-04 missile incorporates a hypersonic re-entry vehicle to enhance its ability to evade enemy air defense systems, as mentioned in the additional details section. This feature is crucial for the missile's effectiveness against time-sensitive targets like missile launchers and command centers. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains how the advanced technology in the missile aids its operational capabilities.

Malnutrition is a major contributing factor to the rise in paediatric tuberculosis cases in India. Malnutrition weakens children's immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, including tuberculosis. Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system that can effectively combat diseases. In the context of tuberculosis, malnutrition can significantly increase the vulnerability of children to TB infections and complicate the treatment process. Addressing malnutrition through improved nutritional support and public health interventions is essential to effectively combat the growing burden of paediatric tuberculosis in India.

1. Clobazam - Increases salmon swimming speed: This pair is correctly matched. The study mentioned that clobazam, a human pharmaceutical, has been linked to increased swimming speeds in wild Atlantic salmon.

2. Antidepressants - Improve salmon health: This pair is incorrectly matched. While antidepressants are among the substances found in wastewater that affect wildlife behavior, the study does not specifically mention that they improve salmon health. Rather, pharmaceuticals are generally noted for altering behaviors, which may have negative ecological impacts.

3. Painkillers - Enhance salmon navigation through dams: This pair is incorrectly matched. The study specifically mentions that clobazam, not painkillers, improved the navigation of juvenile salmon through hydropower dams.

4. Pharmaceuticals - Disrupt predator-prey dynamics: This pair is correctly matched. The study highlights that altered behaviors due to pharmaceuticals can disrupt predator-prey dynamics, affecting ecosystem health.

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

Statement-I is correct as pharmaceutical pollution primarily enters waterways through human waste, contributing to river contamination. Statement-II is also correct as it highlights the impact of over 900 different substances, including antidepressants and painkillers, on wildlife behavior. These two statements are interconnected because the contamination of rivers by pharmaceuticals, as mentioned in Statement-I, leads to the presence of various substances affecting wildlife behavior, as detailed in Statement-II. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides an explanation for Statement-I.

The recent agreement allows U.S. military troops to conduct essential training exercises at facilities managed by Panama while explicitly prohibiting the establishment of new military bases. This arrangement is designed to reassure allies and maintain stability in the region without provoking local dissent.

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme is designed to enhance the nutritional status of children enrolled in Government and Government-aided schools. By providing hot cooked meals, it addresses hunger and encourages school attendance, particularly among disadvantaged groups.

The BM-04 missile includes a hypersonic re-entry vehicle, which significantly enhances its ability to evade enemy air defense systems. This technology allows for precision strikes on time-sensitive targets, such as missile launchers and command centers, thereby improving India's military capabilities.

The Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk aims to assist stakeholders in navigating the complexities of international trade, particularly in light of changing tariff regulations and increasing import pressures. It provides support for import and export challenges, which is crucial for businesses operating in the global market.

There has been a significant rise in pediatric tuberculosis cases in India, with a 38% increase noted among children aged up to 14 years from 2020 to 2024. This surge is primarily attributed to factors such as malnutrition and the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a critical public health challenge.

The primary source of pharmaceutical contamination in rivers, which affects wild Atlantic salmon behavior, is human waste. Drugs like clobazam have been shown to alter the swimming speeds and navigation abilities of salmon, raising concerns about the broader ecological impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Addressing this pollution is essential to safeguard wildlife and their habitats.