UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 11 October 2024

Solution: b)

UPI123Pay, designed for feature phone users without internet access, saw its per-transaction limit raised from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 in recent changes announced by the RBI. This allows users of UPI123Pay to make higher-value transactions while using simpler transaction methods such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), missed calls, and sound-based payments. The aim is to promote digital financial inclusion by enabling individuals without smartphones or reliable internet access to participate in the digital payment ecosystem for larger transactions.

Solution: d)

Chaukhamba is a prominent massif in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India. It is part of the Gangotri Group of peaks and plays a significant role in the geography of the region. Located at the head of the Gangotri Glacier, the Chaukhamba peaks are known for their towering heights, making them an important feature of the Garhwal range.

Solution: d)

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for their pioneering work in protein design and prediction. Their contributions include the development of computational techniques for designing new proteins and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict protein structures. This breakthrough has significantly advanced scientific research, particularly in areas like drug discovery, biotechnology, and materials science, showcasing the intersection of AI and chemistry.

Solution: b)

Slag is a byproduct of steel production and primarily consists of metal oxides and silicon dioxide. These components contribute to its composite nature, making it valuable in the creation of artificial ground. As an industrial byproduct, slag is often repurposed in construction and environmental restoration projects. Its mineral content and potential for carbon sequestration make it an environmentally significant material in addressing issues like greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable land use.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the indigenous construction of nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) focuses on developing India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, though foreign collaboration might be involved in specific technologies or components.

Statement 2 is correct as SSNs (nuclear attack submarines) are primarily used for stealth, long-range surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and can also be involved in offensive operations.

Statement 3 is also correct as the construction of SSNs will significantly enhance India’s strategic naval capabilities, particularly in terms of underwater warfare and maintaining a deterrence posture in the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions.

Solution: c)

The Humsafar Policy primarily aims to improve the overall travel experience on national highways by focusing on convenience, safety, and comfort for travelers. This includes the development of standardized wayside amenities, such as rest areas, food courts, and parking, along with clean washrooms. The policy is designed to improve the infrastructure and services available to highway users, while also fostering local economic development and environmental sustainability.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct as UPI Lite requires internet connectivity for transactions, whereas UPI123Pay functions without the need for an internet connection, making it suitable for feature phone users.

Statement 2 is incorrect because UPI Lite has a lower per-transaction limit (₹1,000) compared to UPI123Pay, which has a higher limit (₹10,000).

Statement 3 is correct since UPI Lite targets smartphone users, while UPI123Pay caters specifically to feature phone users who lack internet access. Thus, UPI123Pay supports wider financial inclusion.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct because slag undergoes mineral carbonation during its lithification process, where it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it as a mineral, which helps in carbon sequestration.

Statement 2 is correct because during lithification, calcite cement precipitation occurs, which traps atmospheric carbon dioxide in the form of calcite. This process effectively reduces the carbon footprint of steel production by reusing slag as a carbon-capturing material.

Statement 3 is incorrect because slag’s use in artificial ground can actually help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by trapping carbon dioxide, rather than increasing them. Therefore, slag contributes positively to environmental sustainability.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct because the Humsafar Policy promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of solar energy, water conservation, and waste recycling at highway facilities.

Statement 2 is also correct as the policy creates business opportunities and employment, particularly for marginalized communities, by integrating them into the management and operation of wayside amenities.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the policy is not focused on increasing the number of toll booths. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the travel experience through improved facilities, services, and sustainability initiatives along national highways.

Solution: c)

The Chaukhamba massif is located at the head of the Gangotri Glacier, which is one of the most significant glaciers in the Garhwal Himalayas. The massif forms the eastern anchor of this glacier, contributing to its prominence in the region’s geography. The Gangotri Glacier is an important source of the Ganges River and a major feature in the northern part of Uttarakhand.