UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 1 February 2025

Solution: b)

Ahilyabai Holkar actively encouraged trade and industry, especially in Maheshwar, which became famous for Maheshwari sarees. She granted land to weavers and merchants, ensuring economic stability. However, there is no evidence that she implemented a standardized currency, imposed high import tariffs, or introduced a centralized banking system.

Solution: c)

Ax-4’s primary scientific objectives focus on microgravity-based experiments, particularly in the fields of bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and material science. While medical research is an aspect of many ISS missions, Ax-4 is not specifically a long-term human endurance mission like NASA’s twin study on prolonged spaceflight. Similarly, the mission is not solely focused on space tourism or robotic assembly.

Solution: d)

During winter, the rate of natural oxidation of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates (via nitrification) slows down due to lower temperatures. This causes ammonia to persist in the water for longer periods, exacerbating contamination. Agricultural activity is actually higher in monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Solution: d)

Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct.

However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

Solution: b)

Livestock manure is rich in nitrogen compounds like urea and undigested proteins, which decompose and volatilize into ammonia when exposed to air. Animal digestion itself does not directly produce ammonia emissions in significant amounts, making option (a) incorrect. While animal feed production has environmental impacts, it does not directly contribute to ammonia emissions as much as waste decomposition. Livestock ammonia emissions are substantial, often exceeding those from industrial sources, making option (d) incorrect.

Solution: a)

The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct).

The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct).

However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

Solution: c)

In the upper course (Himalayas), glacial melt and rainfall are dominant sources.

In the lower course (Delhi onward), the river largely depends on groundwater inflow and wastewater discharge, as most natural flow is diverted for irrigation and domestic use.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has been given full authority under the PSS Act, 2007, to regulate, supervise, and control payment and settlement systems in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Foreign entities cannot operate payment systems in India without RBI authorization. They must obtain specific approvals under the Act.

Statement 3 is correct: The RBI can impose penalties, revoke authorizations, and take enforcement actions against payment system operators violating regulations.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing foodborne illnesses.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all strains of Salmonella cause severe illness; many serotypes cause mild or asymptomatic infections.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Salmonella can survive in acidic conditions, such as the stomach, by activating acid resistance mechanisms, unlike some other bacteria that are more sensitive to acid.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella thrives in warm and humid conditions, increasing its spread in tropical regions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Refrigeration at 4°C does not kill Salmonella; it only slows down its growth. Freezing may reduce bacterial numbers but does not completely eliminate them.

Statement 3 is correct: Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods (e.g., using the same cutting board) is a major transmission route.