UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 3 April 2024

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• All of the above GI products belongs to Assam [Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Pani Meteka Craft, Sarthebari Metal Craft, Jaapi (Bamboo Headgear), Mishing Handloom Products]

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/gi-tags-granted-to-60-products/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Tripura: Pachra-Rignai, Matabari Peda
• Meghalaya: Garo Textile Weaving , Lyrnai Pottery, Chubitchi

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/gi-tags-granted-to-60-products/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Cesium atomic clocks are widely used because cesium atoms have a particularly stable atomic structure, making them reliable for timekeeping purposes.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/atomic-clocks/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Atomic clocks maintain accuracy by counting the regular oscillations or vibrations of atoms. This method provides extremely precise timekeeping.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/atomic-clocks/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.
• Atomic frequency standard refers to the process of using the frequency of atomic oscillations, typically of cesium or other suitable atoms, to define the standard unit of time, the second.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/atomic-clocks/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: World leaders from over 30 countries (including India) and the EU convened at the recently inaugurated Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, emphasizing nuclear power’s role in achieving energy security, climate goals, and sustainable development.
• Atoms4NetZero is an IAEA initiative that supports efforts by Member States to harness the power of nuclear energy in the transition to net zero. The initiative provides Member States and stakeholders including industry, financial institutions, and international organizations with technical expertise and scientific evidence on the potential of nuclear energy to decarbonize electricity production as well as hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and transport.

Refer; https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/first-ever-nuclear-energy-summit/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Option (a), (b) and (d) are potential applications of genetic profiling.
• Option(c) : While genetic profiling can provide information about various aspects of an individual, such as disease risk and ancestry, determining a person’s favorite color based on their DNA is not a scientifically supported application of genetic profiling.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/genetic-profiling-of-captive-elephants/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1 is Correct: USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is indeed a communication protocol used by mobile phones to access various services such as mobile banking, prepaid recharge, and interactive inquiries.
• S2 is Incorrect: USSD sessions do not require an internet connection. They work over the GSM network, making them accessible even on basic mobile phones without internet capability.
• S3 is Correct: USSD messages are typically shorter in length compared to SMS messages, which makes them suitable for quick interactive sessions.
• S4 is Correct: USSD sessions are initiated by dialing a specific code, often starting with ‘*’ and ending with ‘#’. These codes trigger actions or interactions with the mobile operator’s server.
• S5 is Incorrect: USSD transactions are not inherently encrypted end-to-end. While security measures may be implemented by service providers, USSD transactions do not universally guarantee encryption like some other communication protocols.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/ussd-based-call-forwarding/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: H5N1 bird flu, highly pathogenic since 2020, threatens birds and mammals globally. It’s infected birds in 80+ countries, leading to mass culling in poultry farms.
• H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus and belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae. It is commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu. Option A is incorrect because H5N1 is a virus, not a bacterium. Option C is incorrect because H5N1 is caused by a virus, not a parasitic infection. Option D is incorrect because H5N1 is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected birds or their droppings, not through mosquito bites. Therefore, option B is the correct statement about H5N1.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/02/h5n1-bird-flu/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Katchatheevu island, located in the narrow Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, lies approximately 20 kilometres from the Rameswaram coast of Tamil Nadu, India.