UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 15 May 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The colors of auroras are determined by the types of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. When charged particles from the Sun collide with gas molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, they emit light of various colors. Oxygen molecules typically produce green and red auroras, while nitrogen molecules produce blue and purple auroras.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/geomagnetic-storms/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Geomagnetic storms occur when there is a significant disturbance in the Earth’s magnetosphere, caused by changes in the solar wind or solar magnetic field interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. These storms can lead to fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field, causing disturbances in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. These disturbances can result in various effects such as auroras, radio communication disruptions, and potential damage to satellites and electrical power grids. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it accurately describes the impact of geomagnetic storms on the Earth’s magnetic field.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/geomagnetic-storms/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: Correct. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are indeed bursts of solar wind expelled from the Sun’s corona. These ejections are significant events involving the release of a large amount of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona into space.
• S2: Incorrect. While CMEs do consist of charged particles, they are not primarily composed of charged particles. CMEs contain mostly plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of ionized gas particles. This plasma contains charged particles like protons and electrons, but it also includes neutral particles.
• S3: Incorrect. CMEs can have a significant impact on Earth’s magnetic field and ionosphere. When the charged particles associated with a CME interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can cause geomagnetic storms, which may disrupt satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/geomagnetic-storms/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Measles is not caused by bacteria but by a virus known as the measles virus.
• Measles primarily affects the respiratory system, not the digestive system.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine, typically administered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, provides immunity against the virus.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/measles-vaccine/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Trans fats are artificially created through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to make it solid at room temperature. This process is often used in the production of margarine, shortening, and some processed foods to increase their shelf life and improve texture. Trans fats have been linked to various health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease, as they raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/ultra-processed-foods-upf/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: Incorrect. While plastics are commonly used in 3D printing, the technology is not limited to plastics. It can also work with metals, ceramics, and various other materials.
• S2: Incorrect. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process, meaning it adds material layer by layer to create an object, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing, which removes material from a block or stock.
• S3: Correct. 3D printing is widely utilized for rapid prototyping and customized manufacturing due to its ability to create complex shapes and designs quickly and cost-effectively.
• S4: Incorrect. While 3D printing started with producing small-sized objects, advancements in technology have enabled the production of larger objects, including entire buildings and aircraft components.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/hot-test-of-a-liquid-rocket-engine/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at Princeton University discovered that the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, commonly known as C. elegans, exhibits an intriguing behaviour where offspring inherit the knowledge of avoiding disease-causing bacteria consumed by their parents.
• Roundworms or eelworms constitute the phylum Nematoda.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/roundworm-caenorhabditis-elegans/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized. Therefore, it accurately reflects the role of RNA in protein synthesis.
• S2: RNA is generally less stable than DNA and is more prone to mutations due to the presence of ribose sugar and the lack of a stabilizing thymine base pair.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/roundworm-caenorhabditis-elegans/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to the genetic material obtained directly from environmental samples such as soil, water, or air. It can provide valuable information about the organisms present in an environment without the need to directly observe or capture them.
• S2: While eDNA is frequently used in aquatic ecosystems due to the ease of sample collection and the high concentration of genetic material in water, it is also applicable to terrestrial and aerial environments.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/armoured-sailfin-catfish-asc/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Kaziranga National Park in Assam has achieved a significant milestone by recording its highest revenue in its 50-year history during the 2023-24 tourism year. The park also witnessed a surge in visitors, with a total of 3,27,493 tourists, including 13,919 foreign visitors.
• About Kaziranga National Park:
  • Located in the State of Assamand is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
  • International Status:
    • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
    • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/14/kaziranga-national-park/