UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | September 01 to September 07, 2024

1. It is the most common type of dementia.

2. Recent research has found a correlation between light pollution at night and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. It involves the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain.

4. There is no cure available for this disease.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— Researchers in the US have found a correlation between light pollution at night and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— “Exposure to artificial light at night is one environmental factor that may influence Alzheimer’s,” researchers Robin Voigt, Bichun Ouyang, and Ali Keshavarzian of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center wrote in the study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

— Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, an umbrella term for a range of conditions that involve the loss of cognitive functioning. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It involves the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain, and the accelerated aging of certain neurons concerned with storage and processing of memory. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Early symptoms include amnesia; as the illness continues, individuals grow increasingly confused, lose their way in familiar places, and struggle to plan and complete routine tasks.

— According to WHO estimates for 2023, more than 55 million individuals worldwide suffer from dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for around 75% of those cases. The condition is thought to affect between 3 and 9 million Indians, and the figure is expected to rise as the country’s population ages.

— The latest medications may reduce cognitive deterioration, but no cure is yet available. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

The Centre unveiled its BioE3 policy to harness the power of biotechnology. The E3 refers to:

1. Energy

2. Employment

3. Environment

4. Economy

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

— The Centre unveiled its BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy. The policy appears to be a routine attempt to create incentives and opportunities to energise growth in the biotech sector.

— The policy intends to accomplish this by leveraging the power of biotechnology and inventing innovative manufacturing methods that reproduce, or mimic, processes inherent in natural biological systems. Government officials see it as the first step towards biological industrialisation, which has the potential to have far-reaching economic implications.

— Biotechnology, or the study of altering biological organisms and processes to produce desired goods or applications, is a broad and diverse field. It encompasses fields such as genomics, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and gene therapy.

— Knowledge in these areas has been used to identify remedies for genetic illnesses or to create new plant kinds with desirable characteristics. So far, biotechnology-based solutions have been mostly used in medical science and agriculture.

— However, recent advances in gene editing technologies, protein synthesis, and the ability to grow specific enzymes using genetically modified microorganisms, combined with improved data processing capabilities and the use of artificial intelligence, have opened up new avenues for biotechnology.

— Traditional products such as synthetic clothes, plastics, meat or milk, and fuel can have more environment-friendly alternatives, produced using modern biology. Similarly, several chemical processes in the industry can be replaced by organic and less polluting biological processes.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the genome mapping, consider the following statements:

1. It refers to the process of determining the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes.

2. It provides important clues on where a virus comes from and how it is changing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV), which caused at least one-third of the encephalitis or brain swelling cases in Gujarat during the July-August outbreak.

— Chandipura is a viral infection that can cause acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and brain oedema. It is known to induce fever, headache, and encephalitis, which can progress to convulsions, coma, and death within a few days of symptom onset.

— Genome mapping is the process of finding the locations of genes on an organism’s chromosomes. Scientists at the GBRC undertook this method to better understand the virus that was infecting so many children in the state. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Genome mapping sheds light on where a virus originated, how it is evolving, and whether it contains any alterations that are likely to make it more transmissible or deadly. Sequencing viral genomes allows researchers to keep a watch on viruses that may cause epidemics in the future. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

The application of semiconductor covers:

1. Integrated circuit (IC) design

2. Packaging and testing

3. Raw material production

4. Wafer fabrication

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Singapore this week as part of a two-nation trip to South-East Asia, after visiting Brunei Darussalam.

— The Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore included agreements on semiconductors, digital technologies, health, and talent development. The PM and his newly elected Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for an India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership.

— Given the vital role of semiconductor chips in practically everything from missiles to mobile phones, cars to computers, the agreement with Singapore is of immense geostrategic and economic importance.

— Today, Singapore accounts for around 10% of worldwide semiconductor output and 5% of global wafer fabrication capacity.

— Nine of the world’s top 15 semiconductor companies have established themselves in Singapore, and the semiconductor industry contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth.

— Singapore has players at all stages of the semiconductor value chain, including integrated circuit (IC) design, assembly, packaging, and testing; wafer manufacturing; and equipment/raw material manufacture.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Consider the following statements about Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll collection in India:

1. It is a GIS based software for Real-time monitoring of the waiting time at the Toll Plazas.

2. It will provide congestion alerts and lane distribution recommendations.

3. It does not provide updates and information about local festivals.

4. This software is implemented at all the toll plazas across India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— Following the announcement of the deployment of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll collection in India, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) stated that it has created a GIS-based program for “real-time monitoring” of the waiting time at Toll Plazas.

— This new software was created by Indian Highways Management business Limited (IHMCL), a business backed by the National Highway Authority of India. Initially, this new system will be implemented at 100 toll plazas designated by NHAI for live monitoring purposes. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

How will it work?

— The GIS-based software will provide the name and location of the toll plaza to the officials. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— If the number of cars at a toll plaza exceeds the permitted limit, it will also send a congestion alert and lane distribution proposal. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The app will deliver real-time weather updates as well as information on local festivals. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 6

Consider the following statements:

1. The site is located in the Bhal region of Gujarat.

2. The study has revealed that the Sabarmati river used to flow by this site.

3. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is being constructed at this place.

4. It was a thriving trade centre in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.

The above mentioned statements refer to:

(a) Dholavira

(b) Surkotada

(c) Desalpur

(d) Lothal

Explanation

— Since the discovery of Harappan remains at Lothal in Gujarat’s Bhal district in the 1950s, scholars have disagreed on whether a dockyard existed at the site during the Indus Valley Civilisation.

— The Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has discovered new evidence that supports the dockyard’s existence. According to the study, during the Harappan Civilisation, the Sabarmati river flowed alongside Lothal (it now flows 20 km away).

— “Satellite images have unveiled the old channels of the River Sabarmati, suggesting Lothal’s key location on a significant river route linked to Koth [a village in Ahmedabad] and other resource-rich areas on the one hand and Little Rann of Kachchh through the Nal Sarovar on the other. The research supports the dockyard theory and addresses concerns about historical inlets, demonstrating Lothal’s importance for trade via river and sea routes,” according to a statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

— The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is currently under construction at Lothal.

— Lothal was the southernmost site of the Indus Valley civilisation, situated in the Bhāl region of Gujarat state. The port city is thought to have been constructed around 2,200 BC. Lothal was a major commercial city in ancient times, with beads, stones, and ornaments being traded throughout West Asia and Africa. In Gujarati, Lothal (a mix of Loth and (s) thal) means “the mound of the dead”.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 7

The Hema Committee report is related to:

(a) Banking reforms

(b) Sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry

(c) Internal security issues

(d) Child labour

Explanation

— The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is planning to elect a new governing body in two months, days after the executive committee stepped down in response to the release of the Justice K Hema Committee report.

— With the study indicating widespread sexual misbehaviour in the Malayalam cinema industry and pointing accusations at senior AMMA members, the executive committee, including president Mohanlal, resigned their positions on August 27.

— According to AMMA insiders, several of the main actors are still in communication with one another to negotiate the body’s next steps. “The question is: who will lead the next executive committee? The president of AMMA has always been someone who is acceptable to everyone. In the current situation, it is difficult to find such a person,” a senior actor stated, adding that the two huge stars have agreed to remain away from the body for as long as it is under investigation.

— The Kerala government appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate sexual harassment charges made by many female performers against director Ranjith and actors Siddique, Edavela Babu, Jayasurya, Mukesh, and Nivin Pauly.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 8

Which of the following is/are consequences when a person ascends to higher altitudes?

1. Decrease in red blood cell production

2. Improved capillary density

3. Breathing rate increases

4. Feels higher atmospheric pressure

5. Reduced oxygen levels

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 5 only

(c) 1, 3 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

— Living at high elevations poses distinct challenges and adaptations for the human body.

— As one ascends to elevations of more than 8,000 feet (2,400 metres), the air gets thinner, with decreased atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels. This environmental shift causes a number of physiological responses, both immediate and long-term, as the body struggles to function optimally under these difficult conditions. Hence, 4 is not correct and 5 is correct.

— Avinash Negi, Everest summiteer and head of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, explains, “When you ascend to greater altitudes, the lower oxygen supply provides a challenge to your cardiovascular system. Initially, your heart rate rises as your body attempts to pump more blood to compensate for the decreased oxygen saturation.”

— Over time, several changes occur to help your body acclimatise:

(i) Increased Red Blood Cell Production; Hence 1 is not correct.

(ii) Improved Capillary Density; Hence, 2 is correct.

(iii) Enhanced Lung Function;

(iv) Some of the most common adaptations include increased breathing rate, decreased plasma volume, increased heart rate and cellular adaptations. Hence, 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 9

Which of the following African countries have marked 500 days of war between the armed forces and support forces leading to the death of thousands of people?

(a) Libya

(b) Botswana

(c) Nigeria

(d) Sudan

Explanation

— Sudan’s war has lasted more than 500 days. Thousands of civilians have died as a result of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

— As the situation worsens and there is no sign of a ceasefire deal in the near future, experts predict the war will kill millions of people and become a geopolitical nightmare.

— The war began in April 2023 as a direct result of a vicious power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of RSF. The military generals have clashed about Sudan’s political destiny and the projected transition to civilian government.

— The conflict’s origins, however, date back to 2019, when the country’s long-serving authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir was deposed following a nationwide revolt against him. As a result, the military and civilian organisations decided to share power, and an agreement to that effect was signed. Abdalla Hamdok was appointed Prime Minister until elections were held.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 10

Consider the following statements:

1. The first phase of Indians arriving in this country started with the discovery of oil in the 1920s.

2. This country is part of India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.

3. This country has almost one-fourth of its residents as temporary residents.

The above mentioned statements refer to which country?

(a) Philippines

(b) Vietnam

(c) Brunei

(d) Laos

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei Darussalam’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, on Tuesday (September 3), for an official visit. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Southeast Asian nation, and his tour coincides with the 40th anniversary of India and Brunei’s diplomatic relations.

— The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India and paid a visit to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

— Brunei’s population is estimated to be 450,500 as of 2023. Brunei citizens account for around 76% of the population, with the remainder being permanent or temporary residents. More than 80% of the population is either Malay or Chinese.

— According to a press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the first wave of Indian immigrants arrived in Brunei in the 1920s, following the discovery of oil. “Currently, roughly 14,000 Indians live in Brunei. The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers to the growth and development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors has received widespread recognition,” it added.

— Brunei is a component of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The ‘Act East’ Policy was developed as the next step after the ‘Look East’ Policy, which began in the 1990s

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 11

Which of the following NASA’s mission has discovered Earth’s third energy field called ‘Polar wind’ :

(a) NISAR

(b) Lucy

(c) Artemis 2

(d) Endurance

Explanation

— Earth’s third energy field known as ‘Polar Wind’, which only existed in theory so far, has now been discovered by Nasa after a search that has lasted 60 years.

— Glyn Collinson, principal investigator of Endurance at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland, in a video released by Nasa, said that this field is fundamental to understanding the way our planet works. According to Collinson, the field has been there since the beginning alongside the other two energy fields – gravity and magnetic. The scientists said that although the field is weak, it is significant to Earth as it counters gravity and lifts the skies up.

— According to the team of scientists, Polar winds have crucial answers about how Earth’s atmosphere evaporates rapidly above the north and south poles. They feel that this field of energy may have played a critical role in the evolution of our atmosphere’s upper-most layer.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 12

Sindhudurg fort is associated to which historical personality

(a) Maharana Pratap

(b) Rani Lakshmi Bai

(c) Chhatrapati Shivaji

(d) Ahilya Bai Holkar

Explanation

— The 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan that collapsed recently was built less than a year ago. In contrast, the Sindhudurg Fort, which Shivaji Maharaj built 357 years ago, still stands strong. The fort is a proud symbol of the Maratha Navy, and the technology behind its construction.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 13

‘Safe harbour protection’, recently seen in news is in reference to:

(a) Money laundering

(b) Social media platforms

(c) Irregularities in sports

(d) Manned missions in space

Explanation

— The legal action initiated by the French authorities against Durov impinges on the protection that is accorded to social media platforms across jurisdictions under a provision known as “safe harbour”.

— The basic premise of safe harbour protection is: since social media platforms cannot control at the first instance what users post, they should not be held legally liable for any objectionable content that they host, provided they are willing to take down such content when flagged by the government or courts.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 14

‘Nambike Nakshe’ was recently seen in news in reference to which of the following city of India?

(a) Gurugram

(b) Pune

(c) Indore

(d) Bengaluru

Explanation

— The Karnataka Government on Monday extended its automated building approval programme to all wards of Bengaluru city in order to provide temporary building plan approvals online.

— Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, announced the expansion of ‘Nambike Nakshe’ (Trusted Plan) across all eight zones of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

— The system will help avoid harassment faced by property owners while seeking sanction for new buildings or alterations to existing buildings.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 15

With reference to the Law Commission, consider the following statements:

1. It is a statutory commission.

2. The commission is usually chaired by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court.

3. Serving judges cannot be appointed to the commission.

4. The recommendations of the report are binding on the government.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The Union government has notified the constitution of India’s 23rd Law Commission, which will take effect on September 1.

— The commission was notified at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed calls for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies during his Independence Day address.

— The statute Commission is a non-statutory commission (not founded by a statute of Parliament) established by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice through a gazette notification. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The commission was founded to assist the government in reviewing the operation of laws, proposing the repeal of old legislation, and making recommendations on issues presented to it by the government.

— The commission is usually chaired by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, and has legal scholars as members. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Serving judges can also be appointed to the commission, according to the notification on the appointment of the new panel. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The 22 Law Commissions appointed since Independence have submitted a total 289 reports to the government. The government is under no obligation to accept the reports; however, the commissions’ recommendations have over the decades led to the enactment of important legislation including the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act). Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Previous Weekly Quiz

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | August 25 to August 31, 2024

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | August 18 to August 24, 2024

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | August 11 to August 17, 2024

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | August 04 to August 10, 2024

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | July 28 to August 03, 2024

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhtsI_VXavI?si=a5GUz04AkufdaSWE