[MISSION 2023] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 15 Apr 2023

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Arctic warming and jet stream migration
  • The Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the globe as a whole, meaning there is ever less difference between northern temperatures and those closer to the equator.
  • That is resulting in swings in the North Atlantic jet stream, which in turn leads to extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods.
• Heat domes
  • Warmer oceans contribute to heat domes, which trap heat over large geographical areas. The heat dome is stretching from the southern plains of the Oklahoma/Arkansas area all the way to the eastern seaboard, according to the U.S. Weather Prediction Center.
  • Scientists have found the main cause of heat domes is a strong change in ocean temperatures from west to east in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the preceding winter.
  • As prevailing winds move the hot air east, the northern shifts of the jet stream trap the air and move it toward land, where it sinks, resulting in heatwaves.
• El Niño and La Niña
  • Every few years, the climate patterns known as El Niño and, less frequently, La Niña occur. El Niño brings warm water from the equatorial Pacific Ocean up to the western coast of North America, and La Niña brings colder water.
  • At present, La Niña is in effect. Because summer temperatures trend lower during La Niña, climate scientists are concerned about what a serious heatwave would look like during the next El Niño, when even hotter summer weather could be expected.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/el-nino-and-monsoon/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Most cyclones are forced to weaken post landfall as they detach from the sea.
• Cyclones are formed between the tropics while western disturbances are formed in the mid-latitudes. When the two interact, they influence each other. When cyclones come under the influence of western disturbances, it can retain its intensity even after entering land.
• Cyclone Tauktae in 2021 came under the influence of western disturbances, it slowed down as it was crossing over to land. This slow progress over the coast ensured that the cyclone continued to get sufficient moisture supply from the sea. Hence it did not weaken, but rather retained its intensity even 24 hours after coming over land.
• The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea generate only 7 per cent of the world’s cyclones. However, their impact are huge as some of the most densely populated regions of the world, including some mega-cities, are susceptible.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/el-nino-and-monsoon/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• A phenomenon associated with the monsoon is its tendency to have ‘breaks’ in rainfall. Thus, it has wet and dry spells. In other words, the monsoon rains take place only for a few days at a time. They are interspersed with rainless intervals.
• These breaks in monsoon are related to the movement of the monsoon trough. For various reasons, the trough and its axis keep on moving northward or southward, which determines the spatial distribution of rainfall.
• Withdrawal or the retreat of the monsoon is a more gradual process.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/el-nino-and-monsoon/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• According to a new report – The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems – by the FAO, tackling gender inequality in agri-food systems can reduce hunger, boost the economy and reinforce resilience to shocks like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/status-of-women-in-agri-food-systems/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The Constitution ­makers have used simple words such as ‘shall be appointed by the President’ in the appointment of:
  • the Prime Minister (Article 75),
  • the Attorney ­General for India (Article 76),
  • the Chairman and other members of the Finance Commission (Article 280),
  • the Chairman and other members of the Public Service Commission (Article 316)
  • and a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (Article 350B).
• The Constitution affixes the phrase “by warrant under his hand and seal” only to refer to appointment to positions (SC, HCs Judges; the CAG and the Governors) – distinguishing them from other constitutional positions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/constitutional-authorities-in-india/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
• Currently, two vaccines VPM (Vaccine Projekt Management) 1002 and MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) have been developed and identified for TB.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/whos-global-framework-for-new-tb-vaccines/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts that make up an organism’s DNA.
• Justification: Statement 1: Currently available newborn screening (genome) for childhood diseases allows detection of rare disorders that can be prevented or better treated by early detection and intervention.
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whole-genome-sequencing-predict-disease/
• Statement 2: Naturally if the gene potential can be identified by screening and sequencing, it will help in better genetic engineering.
• Statement 3: This can be reasoned logically based on the above.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_genome_sequencing

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/complete-human-genome/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran has been awarded the GI tag.
• Features of the Rice:
  • Name: The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper; hence it is known as Mircha or Marcha Rice.
  • The grains and flakes of this rice have a unique aroma that makes it different. The cooked rice is fluffy, non-sticky, sweet and easily digestible with a popcorn-like aroma.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-15-april-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The World Food Programme[a] (WFP) is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide.
• Founded in 1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.
• The World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflict, and to prevent the use of food as a weapon of war and conflict.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-15-april-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/04/15/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-15-april-2023