QUIZ – 2017: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 16 March 2018

Solution: b.

• Nile Red (NR) can be used for the rapid detection of microplastics without the need for additional spectroscopic analysis. The dye sticks to free-floating pieces of plastic and makes them fluoresce under certain wavelengths of light.
• NR also adsorbs to some common organic (algae, seaweeds, wood and feathers) and inorganic (shells) environmental contaminants.
• NR is well-established to selectively adsorb to hydrophobic (‘water-fearing’) materials and, as such, will not adsorb to the only contents reasonably expected to be within bottled water, water &/or its mineral components.

This study (TH; BBC😉 by Orb Media was a follow-up to a tap water study released in September 2017. The methods used in this study differed slightly in comparison to this earlier study, most notably in the use of a different stain. ‘Rose Bengal’ was used in the earlier study, while ‘Nile Red’ was used here.

“Some of these particles – large enough to be handled individually – were then analysed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed as plastic and further identified as particular types of polymer.. Particles smaller than 100 microns – and down to a size of 6.5 microns – were much more numerous (an average of 314 per litre) and were counted using a technique developed in astronomy for totalling the number of stars in the night sky. The make-up of these particles was not confirmed but Prof Mason said they can “rationally expected to be plastic”.. This is because although Nile Red dye can bind to substances other than plastic – such as fragments of shell or algae containing lipids – these would be unlikely to be present in bottled water.”

The full scientific report (absolutely no need to go through this): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/14_03_13_finalbottled.pdf;

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Solution: b.

Data Point, The Hindu (15^th March);

Solution: c.

A GK question.

The particularly vivid shade of orange that has been adopted by gun control activists is also known as “blaze orange,” or “safety orange.” It is associated with hunting garments, road safety markers and caution signs. Many US states require hunters to don caps, shirts, and vests in “hunter orange” to help them stand out in the woods, offering a clear “don’t shoot” signal to fellow hunters.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-students-seek-action-on-gun-control/article23246839.ece;

https://qz.com/697954/the-story-behind-how-one-color-became-the-symbol-of-gun-control/;

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Solution: d.

China is setting up a new agency that will channel foreign aid and plan strategic projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The decision is in tune with Beijing’s emergence as a global aid donor, nearly at par with the United States. According to a study by U.S.-based AidData, released in October, China pitched $350 billion in foreign aid and other forms of State financing in five major regions of the world, between 2000-14. The U.S. overseas aid in the same period was marginally higher at $394.6 billion. But China could catch up soon as it started becoming a serious aid donor only in 2009.

Analysts say that the formation of SIDCA suggests China’s increasing reliance on economic and foreign aid as levers to project its international influence.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-to-set-up-new-mechanism-to-push-belt-and-road-initiative/article23238644.ece;

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Solution: c.

Banks can continue to issue Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees.

http://www.livemint.com/Industry/kie0j5CYbKIqweWAnyZ9sI/RBI-stops-use-of-LoUs-for-trade-credit-for-imports.html;

http://www.thehindu.com/business/lou-ban-hits-importers-as-cost-goes-up/article23246763.ece;

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Solution: c.

• Importers prefer taking loans based on LoUs as they are denominated in foreign currency and are cheaper.
• A letter of credit, on the other hand, is used to establish the credit worthiness of the buyer in the purchase of goods.
• LoUs are issued by banks in India to customers importing goods to avail short-term credit in a foreign country.
• LoUs and LoCs (Letters of Comfort) are used widely in several industries including gems and jewellery, oil and gas, electronic goods, solar panels and metals. The gems and jewellery sector was the main sector availing LoUs/LoCs.
• Charges on such credit had already started rising as banks became more cautious following the PNB fraud. The ban means importers will have to make do with costlier credit, affecting export competitiveness of Indian goods.

http://www.livemint.com/Industry/kie0j5CYbKIqweWAnyZ9sI/RBI-stops-use-of-LoUs-for-trade-credit-for-imports.html;

http://www.thehindu.com/business/lou-ban-hits-importers-as-cost-goes-up/article23246763.ece;

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