UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 4 September 2024

Solution: d)

• The Munich Agreement, signed in 1938, was a deal between Germany, France, Great Britain, and Italy, which permitted Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a border region of Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population. Czechoslovakia, despite being directly affected, was not involved in the negotiations.
• The agreement, championed by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, was an attempt to appease Adolf Hitler and maintain peace.
• However, Hitler violated it within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, marking the failure of the appeasement policy.

Solution: c)

Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease primarily include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, postural instability, and dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions). Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and drooling are non-motor symptoms. These non-motor symptoms significantly affect the quality of life but are often underrecognized compared to motor issues.

Solution: d)

“Operation Bhediya” was launched to capture the wolves responsible for the attacks in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Despite ongoing efforts, some wolves have yet to be captured, leaving the local community in fear. The operation has successfully captured four wolves so far.

Solution: a)

The Indian Gray Wolf is indeed listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, giving it full protection under Indian law. However, it is listed under Appendix I of CITES, not Appendix III. As per the IUCN Red List, it is classified as “Least Concern” rather than “Critically Endangered.”

Solution: c)

Sudan has a coastline along the Red Sea to the east. Its strategic position along this important body of water allows for significant maritime activities and is key to its trade and economic relationships with neighboring countries.

Solution: b)

The Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 to honor the legacy of Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Philippines. However, it is not limited to Southeast Asian citizens—it recognizes individuals from all over Asia who have shown exceptional dedication to serving the people of the continent. The award is often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize and includes a certificate, medallion, and a cash prize, making statement 2 correct.

Solution: a)

IUCN Least Concern refers to species not currently at significant risk, while CITES Appendix I regulates international trade in endangered species. Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 provides the highest protection to species in India. “Endangered” refers to species at high risk of extinction.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect

Mitochondria are dynamic structures, constantly changing in size, number, and location within the cell to meet cellular energy demands. Imbalances in this dynamic process, particularly excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction, including impaired energy production, is a key factor in the death of neurons in Parkinson’s, contributing to the progressive nature of the disease.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct as Article 21 of the Indian Constitution recognizes the right to clean water as part of the right to life, making access to clean water a fundamental right.

Statement 2 is also correct; the Model Groundwater Bills have been revised multiple times to empower state boards to manage water resources effectively by creating state-specific laws.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the Polluter Pays Principle mandates that the polluter, not the government, bears the cost of cleaning up groundwater contamination. This principle ensures accountability and encourages the prevention of environmental damage by placing the financial burden on those responsible for pollution.

Solution: c)

The Asiatic cheetah, which is critically endangered with only about 40-50 individuals surviving in Iran, is distinguished by its ‘red eyes’. This feature differentiates it from the African cheetah, which is generally larger in size and has a darker coat. The reintroduction project in India focuses on African cheetahs, as the Asiatic cheetah is nearly extinct and has a very limited population confined to Iran.