UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 16 April 2024

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
• Context: Kuchipudi, a traditional dance-drama performance, has evolved from being male-dominated to a classical dance form with the prominence of female dancers across India.
• Most of the Kuchipudi recitals are based on stories of Bhagwata purana but have a secular theme. There is a predominance of Shringaara ras.
• The dance involves all three components of classical dances: Nritta, Nritya and Natya. It is similar to Bharatnatyam but has its own features.
• The Kuchipudi dance style is a manifestation of the earthly elements in the human body.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/kuchipudi/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and among the most active volcanoes, has been producing rare smoke rings known as volcanic vortex rings.
  • These circular rings of gas, primarily water vapour, emerge from a newly formed pit crater on the volcano’s north side.
• Mount Etna Italy
• Kīlauea Hawaiian Islands (Pacific Ocean)
• Mauna Loa Hawaiian Islands (Pacific Ocean)
• Mount Vesuvius Italy

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/volcanic-vortex-rings/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and among the most active volcanoes, has been producing rare smoke rings known as volcanic vortex rings.
  • These circular rings of gas, primarily water vapour, emerge from a newly formed pit crater on the volcano’s north side.
  • How Volcanic Vortex Rings are formed?
    • The phenomenon occurs when gas is rapidly released through a nearly circular vent, forming perfectly circular rings.
    • Volcanic vortex rings were first observed at Etna in 1724 and have since been documented at various volcanoes worldwide.
    • They can linger in the air for up to 10 minutes but may disintegrate quickly in windy conditions.
  • Vortex rings are toroidal vortices that form when a fluid is ejected into another fluid with a different density. They are three-dimensional structures and can move through both liquids and gases. They are characterized by a rolling motion that maintains their shape as they move through the surrounding fluid.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/kuchipudi/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The Directorate of Enforcement or Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a domestic law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crimes in India.
• It is part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government Of India.
• The Enforcement Directorate focuses on investigating and prosecuting cases related to money laundering, foreign exchange violations, corruption, and economic offenses. Its primary objective is to curb the generation and circulation of black money and to ensure compliance with the laws concerning foreign exchange and prevention of money laundering.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/adjudicating-authority-under-pmla-2002/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a ground-breaking initiative for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, providing the option of home voting for elderly citizens above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a 40% benchmark disability.
• This initiative aims to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/home-voting/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to address the issue of microplastic pollution in water.
• Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks composed of hydrophobic polymers synthesized by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.
• Hydrogels can retain a large quantity of water within their network without disturbing their original structure.
• This imparts flexibility and swelling properties to the hydrogel structures.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/hydrogel/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: An international team of astrophysicists, has made a ground-breaking discovery using gravitational waves.
• Gravitational waves are detected on Earth using interferometers like LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). These instruments measure tiny changes in the distance between mirrors caused by passing gravitational waves.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/gravitational-waves/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: NASA’s PACE satellite is now providing publicly available data, offering unprecedented insights into ocean health, air quality, and climate change effects.
• Equipped with advanced instruments, including the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and two multi-angle polarimeters, PACE can detect various wavelengths of light to study microscopic life in the ocean and atmospheric particles.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/plankton-aerosol-cloud-ocean-ecosystem-pace-satellite/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Doxxing, the act of publicly revealing a person’s private information online, poses significant risks to victims, including physical, digital, and emotional harm.
• Perpetrators often share personal data such as addresses, phone numbers, and financial information obtained through illegal means like hacking.
• Victims may face harassment, threats, and even job loss as a result.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/doxxing/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: In Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Asiatic wild dogs are affected by mange disease, likely spread by feral dogs.
• About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
  • Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India). The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as ‘Elephant Grass’

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/15/mudumalai-tiger-reserve-2/