UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 16 July 2024

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution addressing the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP).
• Ukraine shares its borders with the following countries:
  • Poland: To the west of Ukraine.
  • Russia: To the east and northeast of Ukraine.
  • Hungary: To the southwest of Ukraine.
  • Romania: To the southwest of Ukraine.
• Ukraine does not share a border with Germany or France. Germany is located to the west of Poland, and France is further west in Europe.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Option A is correct because an Additional Protocol (AP) to the Safeguards Agreement between the Government of India and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities entered into force on 25 July 2014.
• Option C is incorrect as IAEA protocol ratification will not give the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
• Option D is incorrect because NSG membership is not based on IAEA Additional Protocol ratification.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1: The IAEA is an independent agency, but it does report to both the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council. This dual reporting structure helps integrate the IAEA’s activities within the broader framework of international peace and security.
• S2: The IAEA is primarily responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, facilitating international cooperation in the nuclear field, and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It conducts inspections and offers technical assistance to ensure compliance with its guidelines and treaties.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and serves as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. It includes representatives from all 193 member states, each having one vote. Unlike the UN Security Council, the General Assembly does not have permanent members with veto power; instead, it operates on a principle of sovereign equality, giving equal representation to all member states. The General Assembly meets annually in a regular session, with additional special sessions as needed, to discuss and work on a wide array of international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as development, peace and security, international law, and human rights. However, it does not have the power to enforce international law directly; its resolutions are generally non-binding recommendations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1: Correct. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, although it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
• S2: Correct. Insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, is a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: A study on vulture conservation awareness in Mudumalai (MTR) and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves (STR) in Tamil Nadu revealed that local communities lack knowledge on “vulture-safe” livestock practices and the importance of vultures.
• The primary vegetation type in Mudumalai National Park is tropical moist deciduous forest. These forests support a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Mudumalai National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The biosphere reserve spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka and includes several protected areas.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1 is incorrect: Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is not located in the Eastern Ghats but in the Western Ghats, which are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• S2 is incorrect: While Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is known for its population of leopards, it is also notable for its significant population of tigers, not just leopards.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1: The primary function of the ZSI is to conduct surveys of the fauna of India, which includes the documentation and research of animal species across the country.
• S2: The ZSI is not headquartered in Mumbai; it is headquartered in Kolkata.
• S3: The ZSI publishes several scientific journals, including the “Records of the Zoological Survey of India,” which is a prominent publication in the field of zoology.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: The Mackenzie River, Canada’s longest river, is experiencing historically low water levels, stranding communities that rely on it for essential goods.
• The Mackenzie River, known for being the longest river system in Canada, flows through the Northwest Territories. Its extensive basin includes significant bodies of water like the Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake. Ultimately, the river drains into the Arctic Ocean, making it a crucial waterway for the northern regions of Canada and an important part of the Arctic drainage system.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/15/upsc-current-affairs-15-july-2024/