UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 9 April 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: India is making strides in embracing green hydrogen as a promising alternative fuel, evident from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Rs 496 crore scheme supporting pilot projects.
• Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
• In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/opportunities-and-challenges-of-green-hydrogen-in-india/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, typically natural gas, through processes like steam methane reforming (SMR) without capturing the carbon emissions. It is called “grey” because it doesn’t utilize carbon capture technology, resulting in significant emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes it environmentally less favorable compared to hydrogen produced through other methods such as electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (option B) or hydrogen produced with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies (which would be called “blue hydrogen”). Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it accurately describes the production process and environmental impact of grey hydrogen.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/opportunities-and-challenges-of-green-hydrogen-in-india/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
  • In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.
• Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (under the Union Ministry of Power) is the nodal authority responsible for accrediting agencies for monitoring, verifying and certifying green hydrogen production projects.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/opportunities-and-challenges-of-green-hydrogen-in-india/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
• Context: The United Nations Human Rights Council recently made a historic decision by adopting a resolution aimed at combating discrimination and harmful practices against intersex people.
• S1: The UNHRC is not a subsidiary body of the General Assembly but rather an intergovernmental body established by the General Assembly in 2006.
• S2: The Human Rights Council consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by a majority of the 193 states of the UN General Assembly. Elections take place every year. Seats are equitably distributed among the five UN regional groups, with one-third of the members being renewed each year.
• S3: The headquarters of the Council are at the United Nations Office at Geneva in Switzerland.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/unhrc-resolution-on-intersex-people/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: Recently around 3,730 lead coins were unearthed in an earthen pot at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site in Telangana.
• The coins, bearing an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse, are believed to belong to the Ikshvaku period.
• Phanigiri is considered an important Buddhist monastery located strategically on the hilltop, along the ancient trade route connecting the west and east coast of the Deccan.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/ikshvaku-era/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This type of solar eclipse is a rare event for any particular spot.
• According to Royal Museums Greenwich, once a place on Earth witnesses a total solar eclipse, it will be about 400 years before that part sees the next one.
• A total solar eclipse is a rare event because it occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface.
• Total solar eclipses are infrequent because the Moon’s orbit is tilted with respect to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, causing the Moon’s shadow to usually pass above or below the Earth.
• Additionally, the umbra, or the darkest part of the Moon’s shadow where a total eclipse is visible, covers only a small portion of the Earth’s surface during each event.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/total-solar-eclipse/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024” was released by UNESCAP
• About UNESCAP: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) (est. 1947; HQ: Bangkok) serves as a pivotal forum for governments across the region to convene and deliberate on matters pertaining to economic and social development. Currently, it comprises 53 member countries and 9 associate members, with India being one of its prominent members.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/reports-in-news-3/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: India has successfully achieved its target to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, according to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC)
• It is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania (transmitted by sandfly bites). It progresses slowly and primarily affects organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. In India, it’s caused by Leishmania donovani, with the term “kala-azar” meaning “black disease” due to skin discoloration. Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) occurs when the parasite affects skin cells, resulting in dermal lesions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/india-has-eliminated-kala-azar/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: An unusual occurrence of venomous jellyfish blooms, particularly Pelagia noctiluca, was reported along the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh recently.
  • Pelagia noctiluca, rarely seen on the East coast of India, is known for causing various illnesses including diarrhoea, vomiting, extreme pain, and anaphylactic shock.
  • The blooms are attributed to rising ocean temperatures, posing risks to both fishing industries and tourism.
• Nematocysts are specialized organelles found in the cells of cnidarians, which include jellyfish, sea anemones, corals, and hydras. These organisms use nematocysts primarily for defense and prey capture. Nematocysts are capsules containing venomous threads that can be discharged to stun or kill prey or deter predators. Arachnids (option A), such as spiders and scorpions, use different mechanisms for predation, like venom injection through fangs. Mollusks (option C) and annelids (option D) do not possess nematocysts; instead, they may employ other methods for protection and predation, such as shells or burrowing.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/venomous-jellyfish-blooms/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: India maintains its unfortunate status as one of the top countries for doping cases, with 3.2% of samples testing positive according to WADA’s 2022 statistics.
• What is Doping?
  • Doping refers to the use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance athletic performance.
  • Reasons for doping include seeking publicity, recovering from injury, technological advancements, and a win-at-all-costs mindset.
• S1 – this statement is incorrect. While the use of performance-enhancing drugs is a common form of doping, it is not the only method. Doping can also involve the use of prohibited methods or substances to enhance performance.
• S2 – this statement is incorrect. While intentional doping is a significant concern, there have been cases where athletes inadvertently consume banned substances through contaminated supplements or medications.
• S3 – this statement is correct. Doping encompasses a range of prohibited methods, including the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as well as prohibited methods such as blood transfusions, gene doping, and manipulation of blood components.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/08/doping-in-sports/