UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 13 May 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The Bletchley Declaration, named after the historic code-breaking site, signifies a global commitment to addressing AI’s ethical and security challenges, particularly generative AI. Signed at the AI Safety Summit (in 2023), it highlights the increasing global recognition of AI risks and involves major world powers like China, the EU, India, and the US.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/artificial-intelligence-and-its-impact-on-cybersecurity/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The world’s largest Direct Air Capture and Storage (DAC+S) plant, Mammoth, has commenced operations in Iceland.
  • This Swiss company Climeworks’ second commercial DAC+S facility surpasses its predecessor, Orca, in size.
• Direct Air Capture and Storage (DAC+S) is a technology designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere at any location. It is a form of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology, distinct from carbon capture methods typically carried out at the point of emissions. The captured CO2 can then be permanently stored in deep geological formations or utilized for various applications. DAC+S plants aim to contribute to efforts to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere, addressing climate change concerns. ‘

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/mammoth-worlds-largest-direct-air-capture-and-storage-dacs-plant/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: UNESCO is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict
• The Convention is the first legal framework solely dedicated to safeguarding movable and immovable heritage. It shields cultural property during both peace and conflict. With 135 member states, including India, the Convention and its 1954 and 1999 Protocols aim to protect cultural treasures, with the latter introducing the concept of Enhanced Protection for Cultural Properties.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/hague-convention/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• WHO has released a progress report on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
• NTDs are a group of diverse infections caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that primarily affect populations in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases often receive inadequate attention and resources, leading to limited research, diagnosis, and treatment options. Examples of NTDs include malaria, dengue fever, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, etc
• S1: Incorrect. NTDs primarily affect populations in developing countries where access to healthcare and sanitation is limited.
• S2: Incorrect. There are more than 20 NTDs recognized by global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• S3: Incorrect. NTDs have a significant impact on socioeconomic development and public health, causing disability, stigma, and loss of productivity among affected populations. They often perpetuate cycles of poverty by hindering economic growth and development in affected regions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/reports-in-news-9/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The report released by the World Economic Forum
• Earth Observation (EO) technologies gather data about Earth’s natural and artificial features. EO includes remotely sensed data from satellites and in-situ data from sensors.
• EO could also help reduce over 2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030 through early warning systems and environmental impact monitoring.
• Global initiatives like MethaneSAT and Allen coral Atlas aim to address these challenges and leverage EO for various purposes.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/reports-in-news-9/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (founded 1911; HQ: New Delhi) is India’s top biomedical research organization, responsible for formulating, coordinating, and promoting medical research. Its mission includes conducting and implementing medical research for societal benefit and translating innovations into public health solutions. Funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI) is the government of India’s official clinical trial registry. The National Institute of Medical Statistics of the Indian Council of Medical Research established the CTRI on 20 July 2007. Since 2009 the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has mandated that anyone conducting clinical trials in India must pre register before enrolling any research participants.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/icmr-dietary-guidelines/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Recently, Apple launched the M4 chip with the iPad Pro. Its key feature includes a 16-core Neural Engine which is equivalent to an NPU.
• Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are specialized processors designed for accelerating machine learning operations, crucial for AI tasks like speech recognition and image processing.
• Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are specialized processors designed to accelerate neural network processes, crucial for machine learning algorithms. They excel in AI-related tasks like speech recognition and image processing, enabling efficient handling of complex operations in consumer gadgets. NPUs play a crucial role in deploying AI-powered applications directly on hardware, enhancing performance in various devices.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/neural-processing-units-npus/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Cook Islands in association with New Zealand, is spearheading deep-sea mining exploration for minerals crucial in electric car batteries.
• The Cook Islands, a self-governing island state, is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, with its capital at Avarua on Rarotonga Island. The Northern islands are low-lying coral atolls, while the Southern islands are larger and volcanic.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/places-in-news/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The National Green Tribunal has taken note of construction activities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam’s Sonitpur district, it is part of the Sonitpur Kameng Elephant Reserve along with Nameri National Park. Recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, it boasts diverse fauna including Asian Elephants, Indian Bison, Leopards, and various deer species, and rich flora with different types of forests. The sanctuary is intersected by perennial rivers like Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, Belsiri, and Sonairupai.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/places-in-news/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
• The Supreme Court has prohibited four states—Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat—from granting fresh mining leases in the Aravalli region.
• This directive, based on a report by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), includes hills and a 100-meter-wide buffer zone around them.
• The Aravalli Range, among the world’s oldest fold mountains, is home to diverse flora and fauna, with significant rivers originating from its slopes. However, it faces major threats such as illegal mining, deforestation, and undermining of the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ) designation, particularly by Haryana.
• Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station, which is located in the Sirohi district, within the Aravalli Range.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/11/places-in-news/