UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 29 June 2024

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance. The GSI or the respective state governments take necessary measures to protect these sites.
• Coming under the Ministry of Mines, the GSI was established in 1851 to investigate and assess coal and other mineral resources of the country through regional-level exploration.
• Geoheritage sites are “sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest; and includes such portion of land adjoining the site,” that may be required for their conservation or to access to such sites.
• A Geo-relic is defined as “any relic or material of a geological significance or interest like sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorite or fossils”. The GSI will have the power to acquire geo-relics “for its preservation and maintenance”.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Ambenali Ghat: Maharashtra
• Akal Fossil Wood Park:Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan
• Mary’s Islands: Udupi District, Karnataka
• Lonar Crater:Buldhana District, Maharashtra

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Millions of flamingos at Lake Natron in Tanzania face threats from climate change and human activities, which disrupt their habitat and food sources.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The Government of India grants “Mini RATNA” status to certain Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) that have consistently shown good financial performance, enabling them to have greater autonomy and operational flexibility. There are two categories of “Mini RATNA” status:
  • Category-I: These PSEs can incur capital expenditure on new projects, modernization, and purchase of equipment without the approval of the Government up to ₹500 crore or equal to their net worth, whichever is lower.
  • Category-II: These PSEs can incur capital expenditure on new projects, modernization, and purchase of equipment without the approval of the Government up to ₹300 crore or up to 50% of their net worth, whichever is lower.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati have developed an efficient method for generating hydrogen gas from a mixture of methanol and paraformaldehyde.
• Methanol is used as an antifreeze in windshield washer fluid and in some coolants due to its low freezing point and ability to lower the freezing point of water.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans:(a)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati have developed an efficient method for generating hydrogen gas from a mixture of methanol and paraformaldehyde.
• S1 is True: Paraformaldehyde is commonly used as a disinfectant and fixative in laboratories. It is often used to fix biological tissues and cells to preserve their structure.
• S2 is False: Paraformaldehyde is not highly soluble in water. It needs to be depolymerized to formaldehyde in an aqueous solution to be effective, often requiring heating.
• S3 is True: Paraformaldehyde is used in the production of synthetic resins, such as phenol-formaldehyde resins and urea-formaldehyde resins, which have applications in various industries including plastics and adhesives.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: ISRO is set to launch the 450kg Optimus spacecraft, Australia’s largest designed and built spacecraft, on its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
  • This mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research, and Innovation), marks a significant collaboration between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Australia’s Space Machines Company.
  • The mission underscores the strategic partnership between India and Australia, focusing on sustainable space exploration and debris management.
• About Space MAITRI:
  • It aims to foster closer ties among commercial, institutional, and governmental space organizations from both countries in the space domain.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: A mainland serow, a vulnerable antelope-like mammal, has been recorded at the lowest elevation in Assam’s Raimona National Park.
  • This discovery is significant as the mainland serow typically inhabits altitudes between 200 and 3,000 meters, primarily in Bhutan.
  • Species of serow native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia and China.
  • IUCN Status– Vulnerable
  • CITES– Appendix I
• S1 is True: Mainland serows are generally solitary animals. They are rarely found in groups except during the mating season or a mother with her young.
• S2 is False: Mainland serows are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk rather than being diurnal

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Raimona National Park is located in the state of Assam along the Indo-Bhutan border.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Denmark will impose a tax on livestock CO2 emissions from 2030, the first country to do so, aiming to meet its 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels.
  • The government reached a compromise with farmers, industry, labour unions, and environmental groups. The tax will start at 300 Danish crowns per tonne of CO2, rising to 750 crowns by 2035, with income tax deductions and subsidies to support farmers. This initiative is expected to inspire similar actions in other countries.
  • Denmark is a Nordic country, part of the Jutland Peninsula, shares a territorial boundary with Germany to the south and is bordered by the North Sea on the west coast and Kattegat Bay on the east coast. Geographically, Denmark is an archipelago of around 400 islands, with Zealand being the largest.
• S1 is True: The Jutland Peninsula is shared by both Denmark and Germany. The northern part belongs to Denmark, while the southern part is part of Germany.
• S2 is True: The peninsula does separate the North Sea from the Baltic Sea, making it a significant geographical feature in the region.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/28/upsc-current-affairs-28-june-2024/