[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 22 February 2024

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which can have significant impacts on weather patterns worldwide. The term “Triple Dip La Nina” describes an unusual scenario where a La Nina event weakens and reemerges two additional times within a single year. This phenomenon is relatively rare and can have complex effects on global weather patterns, including prolonged periods of cooler and wetter conditions in certain regions. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe the unique characteristics of Triple Dip La Nina.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/triple-dip-la-nina-and-air-quality-in-india/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Option C is correct because La Nina often brings colder-than-average temperatures to the northern United States during the winter months due to its influence on atmospheric circulation patterns

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/triple-dip-la-nina-and-air-quality-in-india/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Residents of Lodrani, unearthed a Harappan-era fortified settlement.
• The site, named Morodharo, yielded a large quantity of Harappan pottery similar to that found in Dholavira.
• The settlement, dating back 4,500 years, shows architectural similarities to Dholavira and depended on the sea, suggesting that the desert was once navigable water.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/morodharo/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The Supreme Court utilized its authority under Article 142 of the Constitution to nullify the outcome of the January 30 Chandigarh mayoral election due to deliberate invalidation of eight ballots by the presiding officer.
• It emphasized the need to uphold the sanctity of electoral democracy and cited potential harm to democratic principles if irregularities were allowed.
  • Article 142 gives the Supreme Court the discretion to pass decrees or make orders that are necessary for complete justice in any case or matter pending before it. This power can be used when the law or statute does not provide a remedy. In these situations, the court can extend itself to resolve a dispute in a way that fits the facts of the case

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/article-142-3/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: India has contributed $1 million to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund, which is part of the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) initiative.
  • This contribution reflects India’s commitment to promoting cooperation and development among nations of the Global South.
  • The IBSA Fund, established in 2004 and operational since 2006, aims to implement projects in developing countries to alleviate poverty and hunger, aligning with internationally agreed development goals.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/ibsa-fund/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Quasars, or quasi-stellar objects, are extremely luminous and distant celestial objects powered by the accretion of material onto supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. The energy emitted by quasars is generated as matter falls into the black hole and is heated to extremely high temperatures, producing intense radiation across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. This process makes quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe, despite their relatively small size compared to galaxies.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/quasar/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: Soils worldwide are experiencing a depletion of potassium, a crucial nutrient essential for plant growth, jeopardizing global food security.
  • A recent study proposes six actions to safeguard potassium supplies and food production.
  • These include reviewing current potassium stocks, improving forecasting of price fluctuations, defining optimal potassium levels for different regions, evaluating environmental impacts, promoting a circular potassium economy, and enhancing international cooperation.
• S1: While potassium is found in various parts of plants, including roots and stems, it is not primarily stored in these tissues. Potassium is mobile within the plant and is distributed to where it is needed.
• S2: Potassium deficiency in plants typically leads to symptoms such as leaf edge necrosis or browning, but not necessarily yellowing due to decreased chlorophyll production. This symptom is more commonly associated with nitrogen deficiency.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/potassium/

Ans: (b)

Explanation: About Vaitarna River:

• West-flowing river situated between Mumbai and the Tapi River.
• Originates in the Trimbakeshwar Hills of Nasik district, Maharashtra.
• Receives most rainfall from the South West monsoon, with 98% of annual rainfall occurring from June to October.
• The main tributaries include Pinjal, Ganjai, Surya, Daharji, and Tansa.
• The entire catchment area lies within the Thane and Nasik districts of Maharashtra.
• Drains an area of 2019 sq. km before flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/22/vaitarna-river/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) is a yearly report published by the World Economic Forum. Since 2004, the Global Competitiveness Report ranks countries based on the Global Competitiveness Index, developed by Xavier Sala-i-Martin and Elsa V. Artadi.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2019

Ans; (c )

Explanation:

• The Sohgaura copper plate inscription is an Indian copper plate inscription written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. It was discovered in Sohgaura, a village on the banks of the Rapti River, about 20km south-east of Gorakhpur, in the Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh.
• See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sohgaura_copper_plate_inscription

Refer: UPSC CSE 2019