[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 19 October 2023

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Legal Status of Same-Sex Marriage in India:
  • In India, the legality of same-sex marriages is not expressly recognized as a fundamental or constitutional right but is governed by statutory law. In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex marriage.
• Earlier views of SC:

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/supreme-courts-verdict-on-same-sex-marriage/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only Statement 2 is correct.
• The Theosophical Society was founded in New York (USA) in 1875 by Madam H.P. Blavatsky, a Russian lady, and Henry Steel Olcott, an American colonel.
• Their main objectives were to form a universal brotherhood of man without any distinction of race, colour or creed and to promote the study of ancient religions and philosophies. They arrived in India and established their headquarters at Adyar in Madras in 1882.
• Later in 1893, Mrs. Annie Besant arrived in India and took over the leadership of the Society after the death of Olcott. Mrs. Annie Besant founded the Central Hindu School along with Madan Mohan Malaviya at Benaras which later developed into the Banaras Hindu University.

Refer:: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/theosophical-society/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was set up in 1985 with the principal bench at Delhi and additional benches in different states.
• The CAT exercises original jurisdiction in relation to recruitment and all service matters of public servants covered by it. Its jurisdiction extends to the all-India services, the Central civil services, civil posts under the Centre and civilian employees of defence services. However, the members of the defence forces, officers and servants of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of the Parliament are not covered by it.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/theosophical-society/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Young Bengal Movement (1826-1831); – Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (founder), Rasikkrishna Mullick,
• Tarachand Chuckervati, Krishanmohan Banerjee
• Dharma Sabha; Calcutta (1830); – Radhakant Deb (founder).
• Indian Reform Association; Calcutta (1870); – Keshub Chandra Sen.
• The Theosophical Society— founded in New York but headquarters shifted to Adyar, near Madras (1875). Madam H.P. Blavatsky (1831- 91), a Russian, and Col. H.S. Olcott (1832-1907), an American (founders); Annie Besant (one of its presidents).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/theosophical-society/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has introduced a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations that include a “leniency plus” program to combat cartel activities.
• What are ‘Leniency plus’ norms?
  • In the “Leniency Plus” program, a cartel member cooperating with CCI for leniency can disclose the existence of another unrelated cartel during the original leniency proceedings in exchange for an additional reduction in penalties, thereby saving time and resources in cartel investigations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/leniency-plus-norms-to-curb-cartelisation/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Estivation, also known as aestivation, is a biological phenomenon in which some animals enter a prolonged state of dormancy or inactivity during hot and dry conditions.
• It serves as a survival strategy to conserve energy and water. Animals undergoing estivation typically seek shelter in cool underground burrows, crevices, or cocoons, reducing their metabolic activity and energy consumption.
• This behaviour helps them avoid extreme dryness and the risk of predation.
• Examples of estivating animals include the West African lungfish, desert tortoises, and certain land snails.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/estivation/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: A study published in the journal Nature Microbiology has revealed that microalgae, crucial in the ocean’s food chain and carbon capture, have developed a unique strategy to adapt to global warming and declining nutrient levels in the sea.
• As climate change reduces nutrient availability, these microalgae activate a protein called rhodopsin, similar to the protein in the human eye responsible for vision in dim light.
• This light-responsive protein enables microalgae to thrive by using sunlight as an alternative to traditional chlorophyll for growth.
• The study suggests that microbial rhodopsins are significant light capturers in the ocean, potentially absorbing as much light as chlorophyll-based photosynthesis.
• As global warming leads to nutrient scarcity at the ocean’s surface due to reduced mixing between the surface and deeper waters, microalgae struggle to produce food and capture carbon dioxide.
• This mechanism may have applications in biotechnology for enhancing the activity of light-dependent microbes for various purposes, from insulin production to biofuel.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/microalgae/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The Amazon Rainforests are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because they play a crucial role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate and oxygen levels. They are one of the planet’s most significant sources of oxygen.
• About Amazon Rainforests:
  • The Amazon Rainforests are vast, tropical forests in South America, covering 6,000,000 square km. They are found within 28 degrees north or south of the equator, receiving over 200 cm of rainfall annually. It plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and stabilizing the global climate and water cycle. Covering about 40% of Brazil, it’s bordered by the Guiana Highlands, the Andes, the Brazilian central plateau, and the Atlantic Ocean. The basin is shared by eight countries and French Guiana.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/19/amazon-rainforest/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Tropical rainforests are known for their rapid decomposition of leaf litter due to high temperatures and moisture, leading to nutrient cycling and quick recycling of organic matter. In rainforests, the soil surface is often almost bare because the leaf litter decomposes rapidly. Additionally, rainforests have a diverse plant community, including epiphytes and climbers, which grow on and up into the canopy, making them an excellent match for the description provided.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2021

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• Article 39(c) of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that “the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment”.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2021