UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 16 May 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’. This inclusion is a proud moment for India, a confirmation of the country’s rich literary heritage and cultural legacy. It signifies a step forward in global cultural preservation efforts, highlighting the importance of recognizing and safeguarding the diverse narratives and artistic expressions that shape our shared humanity. By honouring these literary masterpieces, society not only pays homage to the creative genius of their creators but also ensures that their profound wisdom and timeless teachings continue to inspire and enlighten future generations.
• The ‘Ramcharitmanas’, ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’ are such timeless works that have deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, shaping the nation’s moral fabric and artistic expressions. These literary works have transcended time and place, leaving an indelible mark on readers and artists both within and outside India. It is noteworthy that ‘Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’, ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘Ramcharitmanas’ were authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas, respectively.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/unescos-memory-of-the-world-asia-pacific-regional-register/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Chabahar Port is indeed located in Iran, specifically in the southeastern region of the country, near the border with Pakistan. It serves as a significant strategic point for trade, particularly for India, Afghanistan, and Iran, providing an alternative route for connectivity and reducing dependence on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port has garnered international attention for its potential to boost regional trade and economic development, especially with the construction of infrastructure such as roads and rail links connecting it to Afghanistan and beyond.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/chabahar-port-4/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• In the fiscal year 2023-24, China has overtaken the US as India’s largest trading partner, with a total two-way commerce of $118.4 billion, as per the data from the economic think tank GTRI. India’s exports to China rose by 8.7 percent to $16.67 billion, while imports increased by 3.24 percent to $101.7 billion. Conversely, exports to the US dipped slightly to $77.5 billion, and imports decreased by about 20 percent to $40.8 billion.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/china-indias-largest-trading-partner/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1 is incorrect because the IIBX is not solely focused on trading in gold bullion. It facilitates trading in various precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
• S2 is incorrect as the IIBX is headquartered in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, not in Mumbai.

Refer:  https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/india-international-bullion-exchange-iibx/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Photons are elementary particles that behave both as particles and waves. This phenomenon is known as wave-particle duality, a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/high-energy-photon-source-heps/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The photoelectric effect refers to the emission of electrons from a material when it is exposed to light. This phenomenon can be explained by the particle-like nature of photons, where each photon carries a discrete amount of energy that can be transferred to an electron upon collision.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/high-energy-photon-source-heps/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Telescopes work by using mirrors or lenses to gather and focus light from distant objects, thus making them appear closer and more detailed. This process enables astronomers and enthusiasts to observe celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and galaxies with greater clarity and precision.

Refer:: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/nancy-grace-roman-telescope/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Xenotransplantation involves the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, typically from animals to humans. This approach holds promise for addressing the shortage of human organs available for transplantation

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/first-human-recipient-of-pig-kidney-transplant-dies/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The production of red blood cells is primarily regulated by the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced in the kidneys. However, the kidneys themselves do not directly produce red blood cells.
• Red blood cell (RBC) production (erythropoiesis) takes place in the bone marrow under the control of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/first-human-recipient-of-pig-kidney-transplant-dies/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The Keeling Curve, named after Charles David Keeling, is a graph that plots the ongoing change in concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) over time. Initiated in the late 1950s, this curve is one of the most critical pieces of evidence for ongoing climate change due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Keeling’s measurements from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii show a steady increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations over decades. This curve is pivotal in understanding the relationship between human activities and the rise in greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming and climate change.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/15/concentration-of-carbon-dioxide-keeling-curve/