UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 22 June 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Xuan Zang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who visited India during the 7th century. His journey to India took place during the reign of King Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, who ruled from approximately 606 to 647 CE. Xuan Zang traveled extensively across India, visiting major Buddhist sites and documenting his observations in his work “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.” His accounts provide valuable insights into the social, political, and religious conditions of India during Harsha’s reign.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation: About East Asia Summit (EAS)

• Establishment: Founded in 2005 as an ASEAN-led initiative.
• Significance: The only leader-led forum in the Indo-Pacific, discussing political, security, and economic issues.
• Principles: Operates on openness, inclusiveness, respect for international law, ASEAN centrality, and ASEAN’s driving role.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: GST is an indirect tax that has replaced many indirect taxes in India, such as excise duty, VAT, and services tax. This was done to simplify the tax structure and create a unified market across the country.
• S2: While GST aims to standardize tax rates across the country, there are different GST rates for different categories of goods and services. Moreover, some items are exempted, and there are different rates for different items, which means it’s not a uniform rate across all states for all items.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation: “Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2024” Report

• By World Economic Forum
• The Energy Transition Index (ETI) evaluates 120 countries on their energy system performance and readiness for secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy systems, focusing on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions.
• Key findings from the report highlight that clean energy infrastructure investments reached $1.8 trillion in 2023, with 90% of the growth occurring in advanced economies and China.
• Top performers in the index include Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and France
• India ranks 63rd on the ETI. Notably, eight countries, including Bhutan and Panama, achieved net-zero emissions in 2022.
• About World Economic Forum:
  • It is an international advocacy non-governmental organization and think tank, based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer Klaus Schwab.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Nine Indian ports have found their position among the top 100 global ports in CPPI in 2023.
• The Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, assesses performance based on vessel time in port. It identifies improvement opportunities for terminals and ports, benefiting public and private stakeholders. The top-ranked container port in CPPI 2023 is Yangshan Port in China.
• Also in the News:
  • The Union Cabinet approved the development of a Greenfield Major Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra (Palaghar District). This port will be constructed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Maharashtra Maritime Board on the basis of the Landlord Model.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: State of Global air-2024’ Report

• The report by the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF examines global air pollution trends from 1990 to 2021, highlighting significant health impacts.
• Almost the entire global population (99%) resides in areas with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 pollution, which refers to fine airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.
• Low- and middle-income countries typically face 1.3 to 4 times higher levels of PM2.5 exposure. Air pollution exacerbated COVID-19 outcomes by compromising immune systems and causing lung inflammation and oxidative stress.
• In India, along with China, over half of the global disease burden associated with air pollution was reported, and nearly half of all ozone-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) deaths occurred in India in 2021.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1 is True: The Excessive Deficit Procedure is indeed part of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), which is designed to ensure that EU member states maintain fiscal discipline by pursuing sound public finances.
• S2 is True: The EDP sets specific fiscal benchmarks, requiring member states to keep their budget deficit below 3% of their GDP and their public debt below 60% of GDP. These thresholds are essential to prevent excessive deficits that could destabilize the economy of the EU.
• S3 is True: If a member state does not comply with the deficit and debt criteria, the European Commission can propose corrective actions, including sanctions such as fines. This enforcement mechanism is crucial for maintaining adherence to the fiscal rules set out in the SGP.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Capsaicin is an active component found primarily in chili peppers, giving them their characteristic heat and spiciness. It is also present in paprika, which is made from dried and ground red peppers. Capsaicin binds to receptors in the mouth and throat, producing a sensation of heat or burning. This compound is not found in black pepper, white peppercorns, garlic, onions, cinnamon, or nutmeg, which derive their flavors from different chemical compounds.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/

Ans:(b)

Explanation:

• S1: Algae perform photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This makes them important oxygen producers in many ecosystems.
• S2: Algae are not classified under the plant kingdom. They belong to different groups such as protists and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
• S3: Algae can be used as a source of biofuel. They are considered a promising alternative energy source because of their rapid growth rates and high lipid content, which can be converted into biodiesel.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/21/upsc-current-affairs-21-june-2024/