UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 7 September 2024

Solution: b)

In Mithu vs. State of Punjab (1983), the Supreme Court held that a mandatory death sentence violates Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life). The court ruled that such a law was unfair and unjust, depriving individuals of their right to life without due process.

Solution: c)

The Poshan Tracker is an ICT-based system developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to monitor the growth and nutrition of children aged 0-6 years in real-time. The initiative uses WHO growth charts and helps identify health issues for timely intervention at Anganwadi Centers.

Solution: d)

The Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack provides Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) using a geographically distributed infrastructure, primarily supporting permissioned blockchain applications. This service allows companies to build and manage blockchain apps through cloud-based tools while maintaining security and decentralization.

Solution: b)

Financialisation refers to the increasing dominance of financial markets, financial motives, and financial institutions in an economy, often overshadowing real economic activities like production and investment. It indicates a shift in focus from traditional economic sectors to finance-driven activities.

Solution: c)

The India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) was established to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization in the field of graphene technology, offering support to startups and industry to foster innovation and development in this high-potential field.

Solution: a)

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Quantum Theory deals with microscopic particles and their interactions, while General Relativity describes gravitational forces affecting large-scale objects.

Statement 3 is incorrect because Quantum Theory and General Relativity have not yet been fully unified, and the conflict between them is a central issue in modern physics, often referred to as the problem of quantum gravity.

Solution: c)

Graphene is a light material and 1 mm weighs less than a gram, making it much lighter than lead. The other properties listed (strength, conductivity, and biocompatibility) are correct descriptions of graphene.

Solution: d)

All three statements are correct. Statement 1 describes the core feature of blockchain technology, where each block is encrypted and tamper-proof.

Statement 2 refers to the decentralized nature of blockchain, where control is distributed across a network.

Statement 3 highlights the role of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts embedded within the blockchain that enforce the terms of an agreement automatically.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct because excessive financialisation can result in asset price inflation, making markets prone to crashes, as seen in various financial bubbles.

Statement 2 is also correct, as financialisation tends to benefit the wealthy more, leading to economic inequality.

Statement 3 is incorrect because financialisation can lead to increased debt levels, not a reduction in debt.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct, as graphene is made of pure carbon, like graphite, but it has a unique structure of a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms.

Statement 2 is also correct because graphene’s properties, like high strength, conductivity, and flexibility, make it promising for applications in electronics and aerospace.

Statement 3 is incorrect as graphene does not have natural magnetic properties.