UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 24 April 2024

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, covering an area of about 182,000 square miles. It floats in, and covers, a large southern portion of the Ross Sea and the entire Roosevelt Island located in the east of the Ross Sea.
• Ice shelves are extensions of glaciers or ice sheets that float on the sea, but they remain connected to the landmass. Thus, the Ross Ice Shelf is not completely detached from the Antarctic landmass.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/ross-ice-shelf/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc-of-india/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: UN Secretary-General Guterres highlights Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) reform as a key theme at the upcoming Summit of the Future during UNGA, praising the Indian G20 presidency’s efforts.
• About the Summit:The Summit of the Future 2024 is a flagship event organized during the annual high-level UN General Assembly meeting in September. It focuses on key global issues, with a particular emphasis on reforming multilateral development banks (MDBs) to address contemporary challenges like poverty and climate crisis.
• Originating from the Our Common Agenda report, it emphasizes renewing trust and solidarity across nations and generations. Member States aim to create a Pact for the Future, reaffirming the UN Charter, reinvigorating multilateralism, and agreeing on solutions to current and future challenges.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/summit-of-the-future-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Sustainable Development Goal 6 declares the importance of achieving “clean water and sanitation for all”. It is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly to succeed the former Millennium Development Goals.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/summit-of-the-future-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: Mpox, a DNA virus, exhibits a unique evolutionary strategy known as the genomic accordion, involving expansions and contractions of its genome.
• Researchers identified 4-kilobase sections of the genome, previously deemed unimportant, as critical for human-to-human transmissibility and evolutionary adaptability.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/genomic-accordion/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• A genome refers to the complete set of genetic material present in an organism. This includes not only genes but also non-coding sequences like regulatory elements, introns, and other DNA sequences that do not code for proteins. Option A is incorrect because genomes can vary in complexity and can be made up of DNA or RNA. Option B is also incorrect; the human genome is estimated to contain around 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes, not 50,000. Option D is incorrect because genomes are found in all living organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/genomic-accordion/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Following red flags raised by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore regarding the presence of a cancer-causing ingredient in certain Indian spice products from some brands, the Indian government has ordered food commissioners to collect samples of spices from all manufacturing units in the country.
• The harmful substance, ethylene oxide, has been classified as a ‘Group 1 carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Ethylene oxide is banned for use in food items in India.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/ethylene-oxide-in-indian-spices/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: India is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to allow private investments in the nuclear sector, aiming to boost nuclear capacity and promote clean energy initiatives, particularly hydrogen.
• Currently, the Act restricts private ownership of nuclear plants, but proposed amendments would enable private companies to participate in certain activities, such as financing, project development, and equipment supply.
• The production of ‘pink’ hydrogen, which is generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/pink-hydrogen/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Meta has unveiled its most advanced Large Language Model (LLM) yet, the Meta Llama 3, which boasts significant improvements in performance and capabilities over its predecessors
• Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) programs that use deep learning to process large amounts of text data. LLMs can perform a variety of tasks, including:
  • Translation, Summarization, Object recognition, Content generation, Classification, and Predicting.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/23/llama-3/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Andaman and Nicobar administration’s plan to establish wildlife sanctuaries on islands traditionally managed and inhabited by the indigenous southern Nicobarese people ignores their rights and disregards the ecological and social impacts.
• The Andaman Islands consist of 572 islands, with key ones including North Andaman, South Andaman, Little Andaman, and Middle Andaman. It boasts the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India, totalling 96, along with 9 national parks.