UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | October 22 to October 28, 2023

1. Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation.

2. The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

3. Extra tropical cyclones occur in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.

4. Cyclones Tej and Hamoon are regarded as twin cyclones developed over the north Indian ocean.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 2

Consider the following statements:

1. EV makers are mandated to follow a specific standard for charging connectors in India.

2. Combined Charging System (CCS) standard that is widely used in India.

3. France is the world’s largest electric car market in terms of both sales and vehicles on the road.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 3

With reference to the Ethics Committees, consider the following statements:

1. A Presiding Officers’ Conference held in 1996 first mooted the idea of ethics panels for the two Houses.

2. The Committee entertains complaints based only on media reports.

3. The Rules applicable to the Committee of Privileges also apply to the ethics panel.

4. The members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the Speaker for a period of one year.

How many statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 4

With reference to the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), consider the following statements:

1. It is envisioned as a special ID system for all students in India.

2. It would also serve as a gateway to Digilocker.

3. The goal behind introducing APAAR is to make education hassle-free and reduce the need for students to carry physical documents.

4. It was launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020 by the Education Ministry.

How many of he statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 5

Consider the following statements:

1. India has set itself an ambitious target to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 40% by 2025.

2. India’s largest source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports depends on Saudi Arbaia.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

QUESTION 6

With reference to the preventive detention, consider the following statements:

1. It means detention of a person by the state without trial and conviction by court, but merely on suspicion.

2. Article 22 prescribes protection against arrest and detention but has a major exception.

3. Detention period up to the period of one year does not require the approval of an Advisory Board.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 7

Consider the following places:

       (Place)                  (Location)

1. Seongnam             North Korea

2. Acapulco               United States

3. Bhairab                  Nepal

How many of the pairs given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 8

With reference to the Lunar eclipses, consider the following statements:

1. It occurs when the Earth is positioned almost exactly between the Moon and the Sun.

2. During partial eclipse, part of the moon turns red colour.

3. It causes the shadow of our Sun to fall on the Earth’s surface.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 9

With reference to the India and Qatar, consider the following statements:

1. India’s LNG imports from Qatar were approximately half the total imports from Qatar in FY 2022-23.

2. The major exports from India include food products.

3. The value of India’s exports was higher than imports value for FY 2022-23.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 10

With reference to the Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023, consider the following statements:

1. India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, exceeding the use of the United States and China combined.

2. The majority of the wells in Punjab are considered overexploited.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWERS TO THE MCQs

1. (c)

FYI:

— Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Cyclones are classified as:

(i) extra tropical cyclones (also called temperate cyclones); and

(ii) tropical cyclones.

— In India, cyclones are classified by:

(i) Strength of associated winds,

(ii) Storm surges

(iii) Exceptional rainfall occurrences.

— Extra tropical cyclones occur in temperate zones and high latitude regions, though they are known to originate in the Polar Regions. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Cyclones that develop in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer are called tropical cyclones.

— Cyclones are given many names in different regions of the world – They are known as typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean; hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean; tornados in the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.; willy-willies in north-western Australia and tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean.

— A cyclonic storm is characterised by a maximum sustained wind speed of 62-88 kmph, while it is termed a severe cyclonic storm if the maximum sustained wind speed reaches 89-117 kmph.

After landfall process began yesterday, the ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ weakened into a cyclonic storm and crossed Bangladesh coast. (Source: IMD/X)

— Cyclones Tej and Hamoon are regarded as twin cyclones developed over the north Indian ocean. The last such twin cyclones ‘Luban’ and ‘Titli’ were recorded in 2018, according the IMD. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: ndma.gov.in)

2. (d)

FYI:

— The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved an indigenously developed AC and DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as scooters, bikes, and rickshaws. Electric vehicle (EV) charging connector standards are conceptually similar to charging connector standards for mobile phones, such as the USB Type-C charger or Apple’s lightning charger.

— The new standard, ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, has been developed through collaboration among NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy, and various other government and industry stakeholders.

— The indigenously developed charging standard is the first in the world that combines alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) for LEVs.

— The combined AC and DC charging standards for electric four-wheelers are already in use around the world, like the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard that is widely used in Europe. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— In India, EV makers are not mandated to follow a specific standard for charging connectors. Thus, electric two-wheeler makers such as Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive, all use different charging standards for their EVs. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The world’s largest electric car market in terms of both sales and vehicles on the road is China. It uses a national standard for EV charging connectors that is called GB/T. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— United States does not have a national standard, but EV makers have been collaborating to push for some degree of standardisation.

— In Europe, CCS is the predominant charging connector standard, and is also a European Union (EU) requirement for EV charging networks.

— Japan’s predominant charging standard is called CHAdeMO, a charging standard developed in 2010. CHAdeMO is being phased out in North America, where the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are among the few EVs that are only compatible with CHAdeMO charging stations.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

3. (c)

FYI:

— A Presiding Officers’ Conference held in Delhi in 1996 first mooted the idea of ethics panels for the two Houses. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Then Vice President (and Rajya Sabha Chairman) K R Narayanan constituted the Ethics Committee of the Upper House on March 4, 1997, and it was inaugurated that May to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of members and examine cases of misconduct referred to it.

— The Rules applicable to the Committee of Privileges also apply to the ethics panel. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— During the 13th Lok Sabha, the Committee of Privileges ultimately proposed the creation of an Ethics Committee. An ad hoc Ethics Committee was established in 2000 by the late Speaker, G M C Balayogi, and it wasn’t until 2015 that it became a permanent part of the House.

— The members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the Speaker for a period of one year. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Procedure for complaints

— Any person can complain against a Member through another Lok Sabha MP, along with evidence of the alleged misconduct, and an affidavit stating that the complaint is not “false, frivolous, or vexatious”. If the Member himself complains, the affidavit is not needed.

— The Speaker can refer to the Committee any complaint against an MP.

— The Committee does not entertain complaints based only on media reports or on matters that are sub judice. The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint. It makes its recommendations after evaluating the complaint. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The Committee presents its report to the Speaker, who asks the House if the report should be taken up for consideration. There is also a provision for a half-hour discussion on the report.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

4. (d)

FYI:

— APAAR, which stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is envisioned as a special ID system for all students in India, starting from childhood. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Under the initiative, each student would get a lifelong APAAR ID, making it easy for the learners, schools, and governments to track academic progress from pre-primary education to higher education.

— Additionally, APAAR would act as a portal to Digilocker, a digital system that allows students to keep their accomplishments and key papers online, including report cards and exam results. This feature makes it simpler for students to access and use these materials later on, for example, when applying for jobs or continuing their studies. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The goal behind introducing APAAR is to make education hassle-free and reduce the need for students to carry physical documents. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— This initiative was launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020 by the Education Ministry. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

— APAAR also aims to reduce fraud and duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, trusted reference for educational institutions.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

5. (d)

FYI:

— The balance of trade between India and Qatar is tilted heavily in the favour of Qatar.

— Qatar is India’s largest source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) — gas that has been super cooled to liquid form so that it can be transported by sea — accounting for more than half of overall import volumes of the fuel. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Government-owned Petronet LNG, India’s largest LNG importer, has a long-term contract with Qatar for the import of 8.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.

— India has set itself an ambitious target to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from a little more than 6% at present. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer

6. (b)

FYI:

— Preventive detention means detention of a person by the state without trial and conviction by court, but merely on suspicion. The detention could be up to a year unless extended. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— A pre-trial detention is not the same as preventive detention. While the former is an undertrial accused of a crime, a detainee can be taken into custody just as a preventive measure even if he has not committed a crime.

— The National Security Act, the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA) are examples of laws under which preventive detention can be ordered.

— Article 22 prescribes protection against arrest and detention but has a major exception. It says in Article 22 (3) (b) that none of those safeguards apply “to any person who is arrested or detained under any law providing for preventive detention.” Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— If the detention ordered is for more than three months, under Article 22(4), such a detention requires the approval of an Advisory Board. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— A detainee is generally not allowed legal representation before the Board. If the Board confirms the detention, the detainee can move to Court challenging the detention order.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

7. (d)

FYI:

Place	Location
Seongnam	South Korea
Acapulco	Mexico
Bhairab	Bangladesh

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

8. (a)

FYI:

— Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth is positioned almost exactly between the Moon and the Sun, causing the shadow of our planet to fall on the Moon’s surface. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 3 is not correct.

— During a partial eclipse, part of the Moon appears darkened, while during a total eclipse, the Moon sometimes turns a red colour. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The eclipse will be visible in any location where the Moon is above the horizon at the time. This includes parts of Asia, Russia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, Antarctica and Oceania. And yes, the eclipse will be visible in India.

— When the Sun, Moon and Earth align imperfectly, like on October 29, you get what is known as a partial solar eclipse. This means that only part of the Moon will pass through the planet’s umbra, which is the dark part of its shadow. During a partial eclipse, a shadow will grow on a Moon till it reaches a peak.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

9. (b)

FYI:

— A review of official trade statistics indicates that India’s total imports from Qatar in FY2022–2023 were valued at $16.81 billion, of which LNG imports alone were worth $8.32 billion, or 49.5%. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— India’s other major imports from Qatar are also fossil fuel-linked commodities and products, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), plastics, and other petrochemicals.

— India’s total imports from Qatar in FY2022-23 were valued at $16.81 billion while India’s exports to Qatar were valued at just $1.97 billion in FY2022-23. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The major exports include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food products. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— India imported a total 19.85 million tonnes of LNG in FY23, of which 10.74 million tonnes, or 54%, came from Qatar.

— Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of LNG, in a unique position of strength.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

10. (c)

FYI:

— India is close to reaching its groundwater depletion tipping point, a new report published by United Nations University — Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) — has warned.

— The report ‘Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023’, which looks at six environmental tipping points — accelerating extinctions, groundwater depletion, mountain glacier melting, space debris, unbearable heat and an uninsurable future.

— According to the report, 78% of wells in Punjab are considered overexploited, and the north-western region as a whole is predicted to experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The north-western region of India serves as the breadbasket for the nation’s growing 1.4 billion people, with the states of Punjab and Haryana producing 50 per cent of the country’s rice supply and 85 per cent of its wheat stocks.

— Agricultural intensification combined with new technologies and policies that make groundwater cheaper to use has accelerated extraction rates, leading to alarming levels of aquifer depletion.

— India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, exceeding the use of the United States and China combined. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Share your views, answers and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com. 

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