UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 07 March 2024

Ans: (d)

Explanation

• Context: Raksha Mantri launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, aiming to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
• Under this scheme, start-ups can receive a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research and development efforts in defence technology.
• More about the Scheme:
  • The scheme is part of the iDEX framework and aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies while bridging the gap between defence requirements and innovation capabilities.
  • Additionally, the event unveiled the 11th edition of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) with 22 problem statements, inviting innovators to propose solutions to enhance defence capabilities.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/06/aditi-scheme/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative, aiming to ease warehousing logistics for farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce.
• The initiative will reduce security deposit charges at WDRA-registered warehouses from 3% to 1%, encouraging small farmers to utilize them.
• The platform can prevent distress sales by farmers, offering improved post-harvest storage opportunities.
• The initiative facilitates simplified digital processes for farmers to store produce at WDRA warehouses for six months at 7% interest per annum.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/06/e-kisan-upaj-nidhi/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The Gurugram Police arrested the manager of an eatery that served dry ice instead of mouth freshener, resulting in their hospitalization with severe corrosive injuries to the oral cavity and food pipe.
• Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) formed by compressing and cooling carbon dioxide gas. Unlike regular ice, which melts into liquid water, dry ice undergoes sublimation, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase.
• This sublimation process releases large volumes of CO2 gas, making dry ice useful for applications such as cooling, preservation, and creating special effects like fog or smoke.
• However, dry ice can be hazardous if mishandled or ingested. When in contact with moisture in the mouth or digestive tract, dry ice sublimates rapidly, releasing CO2 gas and potentially causing serious internal injuries, such as burns, bloating, vomiting, and even life-threatening complications like stomach or intestinal perforation.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/06/dry-ice/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: PM witnessed core loading at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
• This reactor, developed by BHAVINI, marks a significant step in India’s nuclear capabilities.

Refer:https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/06/indias-first-indigenous-fast-breeder-reactor/

Ans: (c)

Explanation

• Context: The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC), India’s first dolphin research facility, was inaugurated in Patna by Bihar.
• The centre aims to study Gangetic dolphins and understand the river ecosystem. It is located on the Ganges within the Patna University campus.
• Protection Status of Gangetic Dolphins:
  • International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered
  • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS):Appendix 1

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/03/06/national-dolphin-research-centre/