UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 6 November 2024

Solution: d)

The Sanjay Kumar Committee was tasked with reviewing state objections to the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) demarcations. Its mandate included conducting field visits to assess whether the demands for exclusion of specific villages from ESA listings were valid, aiming to finalize the ESA status in a way that balances conservation and local concerns.

Unlike the Gadgil Committee, which proposed the entire Western Ghats as ESA, and the Kasturirangan Committee, which focused on 37% of the Ghats, the Sanjay Kumar Committee had a narrower, validation-focused mandate.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect, as winter actually reduces oxygenation in the river, which exacerbates foam formation.

Statement 2 is correct. Surfactants, primarily phosphates from detergents, contribute to foam formation in the Yamuna River, especially during the winter when the lean river flow reduces the natural dilution capacity.

Statement 3 is incorrect because industrial effluents add more pollutants and chemicals, aggravating the problem rather than diluting it. Thus, the primary causes of foaming are surfactants, reduced dilution capacity, and pollutant buildup.

Solution: b)

Emperor Ashoka’s reign, marked by his dedication to spreading Buddha Dhamma, occurred between 268-232 BCE, placing it in the 3rd century BCE. After converting to Buddhism, Ashoka sent emissaries (dhamma-dutas) to promote Buddhist teachings within his empire and beyond, including to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and other regions. This period was significant for the expansion of Buddhism, establishing it as a major religious and philosophical tradition in Asia.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect because ISA is headquartered in India, making it the first intergovernmental organization headquartered in the country, not Geneva.

Statement 2 is incorrect because ISA’s mission is inclusive, aiming to promote solar energy in both developed and developing nations, with special emphasis on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Statement 3 is incorrect because ISA partners with both public and private sectors, along with development banks and civil society, to effectively mobilize resources for global solar initiatives.

Solution: c)

The Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway is known for its remarkable engineering feats, including the world’s highest multi-arc gallery bridge. This heritage railway route is famous for its scenic beauty and complex engineering, featuring numerous tunnels, bridges, and curves that allow it to navigate the rugged terrain between Kalka and Shimla. This unique bridge construction makes it an engineering marvel among mountain railways.

Solution: a)

The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1 is specifically designed to observe the solar corona and study Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and the solar wind. The VELC’s advanced instrumentation, including a coronagraph, spectrograph, and polarimetry module, allows for detailed imaging and analysis of the solar corona. This data is critical for understanding the dynamics of CMEs, which can have significant effects on space weather and can impact satellite and communication systems on Earth. The VELC’s capabilities are particularly important for continuous monitoring during the peak of Solar Cycle 25, aiding in predictive modeling of solar activities.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct; Lam Dal Lake, a notable glacial lake, is located within the Dhauladhar range.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range is Hanuman Tibba, not Indrahar Pass.

Statement 3 is also incorrect as the Dhauladhar range is primarily composed of granite, with only some deposits of limestone and sandstone.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the summit is organized by the Ministry of Culture, not the Ministry of Tourism.

Statement 2 is incorrect as the theme of the 2024 summit is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” not “Buddhism for Global Peace.”

Statement 3 is incorrect because the summit was initiated by the Government of India and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), not the United Nations.

Solution: c)

Lewotobi Laki-Laki is an active stratovolcano located on Flores Island in southeastern Indonesia. It is part of the Lewotobi twin volcano complex, along with Lewotobi Perempuan. Known for its geological activity within the “Ring of Fire,” Lewotobi Laki-Laki has recently erupted, releasing lava and ash and causing significant damage in nearby areas. This volcanic activity emphasizes the region’s susceptibility to tectonic and volcanic events due to its position along the Ring of Fire.

Solution: b)

The polyoxypropylene-based defoamer solution used is US FDA-approved, making it safe for environmental application. Additionally, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) oversees the defoaming process to ensure eco-friendly practices.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the defoaming process is a temporary solution, addressing foam accumulation in specific areas like the Okhla barrage but not eliminating the underlying pollution sources permanently.