UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 30 May 2024

Ans: (b)

Explanation: Prehistoric art in India

• Upper Palaeolithic Period: Earliest paintings, such as linear representations of animals like bison, elephants, and tigers, alongside stick-like human figures, found at sites like Bhimbetka and Jwalapuram.
• Mesolithic Period: Predominantly depicting human scenes of hunting and community dances, with animals painted in a naturalistic style and humans in a stylistic manner. Major sites include Pachmarhi and Adamgarh Hills.
• Neolithic-Chalcolithic Period: Characterized by pottery and metal tools depicted in rock paintings, with predominant colours of white and red possibly made from grinding haematite and limestone. Men are portrayed as adventurous, and animals appear youthful and majestic. Notable sites include the Chambal region and Daimabad in Maharashtra.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/ancient-rock-paintings/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Article 329(b) of the Constitution, found in Part XV alongside articles 324-329, governs electoral matters.
• Article 324 grants the Election Commission powers to oversee elections, while Article 329 addresses the judiciary’s role in electoral affairs.
• Article 329(a) prohibits the judiciary from challenging laws regarding electoral district boundaries or seat allocation.
• Article 329(b), as amended by the Constitution (19th Amendment) Act, 1966, mandates that elections can only be questioned through an election petition presented according to laws made by the appropriate Legislature.
• The Representation of the People Act, 1951, further establishes the authority of high courts to hear and decide on election petitions, with Supreme Court review possible.
• In past rulings, the Supreme Court clarified that “election” in Article 329(b) encompasses the entire electoral process, from notification to result declaration, and barred judicial interference at intermediary stages.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/article-329-b/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: At the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) emphasizes sustainable development for SIDS.
• The GEF was established in 1991 to address global environmental issues.
• The GEF provides grants and funding to developing countries for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, and chemicals and waste.
• The GEF operates independently of the United Nations.
• The World Bank serves as the trustee of the GEF Trust Fund.
• The GEF works in partnership with international institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/small-island-developing-states-sids4/

Ans: (c)

Explanation: What is Bond Yield?

• Bond yield represents the return on capital invested in a particular bond. It is inversely related to bond price, meaning as the price of a bond increases, its yield decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is crucial in the bond market, as fluctuations in yield impact the attractiveness of bonds to investors.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/sovereign-bond-yields/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Bonds are indeed long-term debt securities that provide periodic interest payments (coupons) and return the principal at maturity. They are used by corporations and governments to raise capital for long-term investments.
• Equity instruments (like common stocks) represent ownership in a company and give shareholders a claim to a portion of the company’s profits, usually through dividends and appreciation in stock value.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/sovereign-bond-yields/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Zimbabwe has launched its newest currency, the ZiG, which is backed by gold and aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing issues with currency instability and hyperinflation.
• About Gold-backed currency:
  • It has a fixed value directly tied to gold and is convertible into the precious metal. Its money supply is constrained by available gold reserves, offering inherent value and potential long-term stability.
  • In contrast, fiat currency lacks intrinsic value and is designated as legal tender by governments. Its value is dictated by supply and demand dynamics and isn’t backed by any physical commodity. Fiat currency affords central banks greater control over printing money as needed.
• Fiat currency is a type of money that is not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver but rather derives its value from the trust and confidence that people have in the government that issues it. This trust is based on the government’s stability and its ability to maintain the currency’s value. Unlike commodity money, which has intrinsic value due to the material it is made from, fiat currency’s value is largely dependent on the economic policies and stability of the issuing authority.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/zimbabwe-zig/

Ans: (a)

Explanation: About Eucalyptus:

• It is native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands, and is an evergreen tree primarily planted for fuel and furniture wood, as well as paper and pulp production. However, concerns arise due to its high water consumption, toxicity to animals, and flammable oil emissions. Despite being a biomass production champion, its rapid growth exacerbates water depletion and soil fertility reduction, leading to ecological concerns.
• known for their fragrant leaves, which contain essential oils used in various medicinal and industrial applications.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/eucalyptus-trees/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:  Kumaon Himalayas:

• Location: West-central Himalayas in northern India, within Uttarakhand, northwest of Nepal.
• Boundaries: Between the Sutlej River (west) and Kali River (east).
• Ranges: Part of the Siwalik Range (south) and Great Himalayas (north).
• Highest Peaks: Nanda Devi and Kamet.
• Lakes: Naini Lake, Sattal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiya Tal.
• Hill Stations: Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora.
• Indigenous People: Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas, Rajis.
• Concerns: Ecologically fragile and seismic-prone area.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/kumaon-himalayas/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Shiwalik Range is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks. However, it does not have significant fossil fuel deposits and has a lower average elevation, typically ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
• Extent: 1,600 km from the Teesta River (Sikkim) through Nepal and India to northern Pakistan.
• Parallel: Runs with the Himalayan system from Haridwar (Ganges) to the Beas River.
• Composition: Low sandstone and conglomerate hills.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/kumaon-himalayas/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Anshu Jamsenpa, the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh’s Nyishi tribe, has scaled Mount Everest.
• About the Nyishi tribe
  • It is the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh. They consider themselves descendants of Abo Tani, believed to be the first human, thus aligning with the Tani Group of Tribes, which includes the Adi, Gallo, and Apatani. Their society lacks a caste system and rigid class distinctions. Polygyny is practised, and their major festival is Longte.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/05/29/anshu-jamsenpa/