UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 9 June 2025

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct. The Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken are the key tributaries that join the Yamuna after it descends to the plains. These are major rivers in their own right, originating in the Malwa Plateau and Vindhya Range, and significantly augment the Yamuna’s flow before it meets the Ganga.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, and Giri are listed as originating in the Himalayan Region, not the peninsular Deccan Plateau. They are glacial or mountain-fed streams that join the river in its upper reaches.

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is incorrect. A member elected in a bye-election to the Rajya Sabha serves only for the remainder of the term of the member whose vacancy they are filling, not for a full six-year term. This ensures the continuity and the cyclical retirement schedule of the House.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The original requirement for a candidate to be a domicile of the state they wished to represent was removed by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2003. A person can now contest for a Rajya Sabha seat from any state, regardless of their state of residency.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250, but currently 245. Out of these, 12 members are not elected but are nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service. Only the remaining 233 members are elected.
• Statement 4 is correct. The Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) provides for disqualification if a member voluntarily gives up party membership or votes/abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction issued by their political party, without prior permission.

About Biennial Election for Rajya Sabha:

• What It Is?
  • Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament, representing the States and Union Territories.
  • It is a permanent body, and elections are held periodically to fill the seats of retiring members.
• Term and Membership:
  • Total strength: 250 (maximum), currently 245 members.
    • 233 elected members (States and UTs)
    • 12 nominated members by the President (experts in literature, art, science, or social service)
  • Tenure: Each member serves a 6-year term.
  • Retirement: One-third of members retire every 2 years.
• Election Process:
  • Indirect Elections:
    • Conducted via proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
    • State MLAs elect representatives from States.
    • UT Electoral Colleges elect members from Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K).
  • Bye-Elections:
    • Held when a seat becomes vacant before the term ends.
    • Member elected serves only the remainder of the predecessor’s term.
  • Qualifications (Article 84):
    • To be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, a person must:
      • Be a citizen of India.
      • Be at least 30 years of age.
      • Make and subscribe an oath of office (as per the Third Schedule).
      • Meet any other qualifications prescribed by law.
    • Disqualifications:
      • A person can be disqualified if:
        • They hold an office of profit under the government.
        • They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent.
        • They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship.
        • They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The prize was awarded not to individuals but collectively to the four major experimental teams at CERN: ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb. These teams comprise over 13,500 researchers. The award recognized their broad contributions to physics based on LHC Run-2 data, including but not limited to studies of the Higgs boson, quark-gluon plasma, and matter-antimatter asymmetry.
• Statement 2 is correct. The award was given for findings from the LHC Run-2 data, which spanned from 2015 to 2024. This period of operation at higher energies allowed for more precise measurements and new discoveries beyond the initial Higgs boson confirmation.
• Statement 3 is correct. Indian institutions like TIFR, BARC, IITs, and IISc made crucial contributions to the LHC experiments. Their involvement included hardware aspects like detector R&D, software and analysis through the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid, and providing trained manpower, demonstrating India’s active role in this global scientific endeavor.

About Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025:

• What It Is?

• • Often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize honors transformative achievements in fundamental physics.

• Awarded by: Given annually by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
• Awarded to: Teams behind ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb experiments at CERN, comprising over 13,500 researchers.
• Prize Amount: $3 million awarded jointly to the four LHC experiments.
• Eligibility Criteria:

• • Recognizes major discoveries and data-driven contributions that advance understanding of the Universe.

• Awarded For: Work contributing to understanding the:
  • Higgs boson
  • Quark-gluon plasma
  • Matter-antimatter asymmetry
  • Physics beyond the Standard Model
• India’s Contributions:

• • Indian institutions like TIFR, BARC, IITs, IISc, VECC, IUAC, IOP etc., made crucial contributions in:
    • Detector R&D
    • Data analysis
    • Worldwide LHC Computing Grid
    • Manpower training
  • India plays an active governance role in CERN’s scientific boards and decision-making.

Solution: c)

The breakthrough at the Raman Research Institute revolves around a novel application of the spectral function. Specifically, the scientists discovered that the momentum-space spectral function (SPSF) can act as a “quantum fingerprint” to reveal hidden topological properties of a material.

Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, have discovered a new method to detect topological invariants in quantum materials using spectral function.

About A New Method to Detect Topological Invariants in Quantum Materials:

• What is Spectral Function?

• • The spectral function is a quantum tool that describes how energy and particles like electrons behave inside a material.
  • It’s widely used to study electronic structure, such as density of states and dispersion relations.

• Developed By: Developed by Raman Research Institute (RRI), under the Department of Science and Technology.
• How It Works?

• • The team analysed momentum-space spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a quantum fingerprint.
  • SPSF maps how electrons distribute over energy and momentum, revealing hidden topological features.

• Key Features:

• • Topology Detection: Unveils invariants like winding numbers (1D) and Chern numbers (2D).
  • Non-Invasive Technique: Avoids complex physical manipulation or destructive probing.
  • Faster and Accessible: Easier than traditional tools like ARPES (Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy).
  • Universal Application: Can be applied across different classes of topological materials.
  • Quantum Insight: Provides deeper understanding of electron dynamics and material behaviour at the quantum level.

• Significance:

• • Revolutionizes Quantum Research: Opens new avenues in condensed matter physics.
  • Boosts Quantum Technology: Aids development of quantum computing, energy-efficient devices, and fault-tolerant electronics.
  • Simplifies Material Classification: Helps identify topological materials without advanced experimental setups.

Solution: d)

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Madhubani art, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the Mithila region of Bihar, not Madhya Pradesh. The art form practiced by the Pardhan Gond tribes in Madhya Pradesh is Gond art.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While Madhubani art is famous for its bold black outlines made from charcoal and cow dung, it is characterized by filling those outlines with vibrant, natural colors. The use of bright pigments derived from plants and other natural sources is a hallmark of the style, making it far from monochrome.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The themes of Madhubani art are diverse and deeply rooted in religion and mythology, alongside secular subjects. Depictions of Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Shiva, and Saraswati are extremely common and central to the tradition.

About Madhubani Art (Mithila Art):

• Region: Originates from the Mithila region of Bihar; also referred to as Mithila painting.
• What It Is?

• • A folk-art form traditionally created by women on walls and floors of huts during auspicious occasions.
  • Now practiced on cloth, canvas, and handmade paper.

• Key Features

• • Natural Materials: Uses plant-based pigments, cow dung-treated paper, and bamboo pens.
  • Bold Outlines: Black lines made with cow dung and charcoal; filled with vibrant natural colors.
• Themes:
  • Religious: Depictions of Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Shiva, Saraswati, etc.
  • Social: Scenes from village life, weddings, and festivals.
  • Nature: Birds, animals, trees (Tulsi, Banyan), sun, and moon.
  • Cultural Identity: Symbol of female creativity and rural tradition passed down through generations.

Solution: d)

• Statement-I is incorrect. The key innovation of base editing is that it avoids making a double-strand cut in the DNA. Traditional CRISPR-Cas9 acts like “molecular scissors,” cutting both strands to allow for gene removal or insertion. In contrast, base editing acts more like a “pencil and eraser.” It uses a modified Cas9 enzyme fused to a base-modifying enzyme to directly and chemically convert a single incorrect nucleotide base into the correct one on just one strand of the DNA.
• Statement-II is correct. By chemically converting a base without cutting the DNA backbone, it avoids the potential for errors (like insertions or deletions) that can occur when the cell repairs a double-strand break. This makes the process more precise and safer, reducing the risk of off-target effects and unintended genetic modifications.

About Custom Gene Editing Technique:

• What It Is?

• • A personalised gene therapy based on an evolved form of CRISPR-Cas9, known as base editing.
  • It allows for single-base correction in DNA without breaking both strands, unlike traditional CRISPR.

• Organisation Involved: Developed by University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
• Procedure:

• • Diagnosis: The child (KJ) was found to have a mis paired base in his DNA, leading to CPS1 deficiency.
  • Programming the Edit: Scientists designed a guide RNA and attached it to a base-modifying enzyme fused with Cas9.
  • Targeted Delivery: The tool identified the faulty base and converted it to the correct base without making a double-strand cut.
  • Analogy: Base editing is like using a pencil and eraser, whereas CRISPR is like scissors and glue.

• Gene editing vs Base Editing:

• Significance:

• • First Human Success: Pioneering example of real-time precision medicine in rare genetic disorders.
  • No Foreign DNA Required: Unlike older CRISPR methods, this does not require external DNA insertion.
  • Compact Delivery: Easier to deliver using viral vectors due to fewer components.
  • Potential Reach: Can treat thousands of genetic conditions once personalised sequencing is done.

• Limitations:

• • High Cost: Currently costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it unaffordable for most.
  • One-Time Customisation: Each tool is unique to the patient, making mass-scale application difficult.
  • Lack of Regulatory Clarity: Countries like India face regulatory bottlenecks, delaying clinical use.
  • Low Pharma Incentive: Not commercially viable for pharmaceutical firms due to individual-specific design.

Solution: c)

The most significant and defining feature of the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) is its unprecedented resolution and speed. The system utilizes a 6 km x 6 km grid, which is the highest resolution for any global weather prediction model currently in operation. This allows for extremely detailed and localized forecasts. This is coupled with its ability to generate these forecasts in just 4 hours using the ‘Arka’ supercomputer, cutting the processing time by 60% compared to its predecessor. While it uses data from various sources (including radars, which are not satellites), and its forecasts aid in various sectors, its core technological leap lies in the combination of ultra-high resolution and faster processing.

About Bharat Forecasting System (BFS):

• What is BFS?
  • BFS is India’s most advanced numerical weather prediction system.
  • It provides highly localized, short-term weather forecasts up to panchayat level using ultra-high-resolution grids.
• Developed by
  • Developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
  • Led by researcher Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay.
• How It Works?
  • Utilizes supercomputer Arka (11.77 PetaFLOPS, 33 Petabyte storage) to run simulations faster (within 4 hours).
  • Uses real-time inputs from 40+ Doppler Weather Radars, which will soon expand to 100.
  • Processes data for regions between 30° South to 30° North latitude, covering tropical zones including India.
• Key Features:
  • Highest global resolution: 6 km grid (compared to 9–14 km used by EU, UK, US models).
  • Faster processing: Cuts prediction time by 60% compared to previous model Pratyush.
  • Covers India comprehensively: Including small villages and blocks.
  • Supports nowcasting – forecasts for the next 2 hours.

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is correct. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, built and operated by CERN near Geneva, Switzerland.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The LHC operates at −271.3°C, which is colder than outer space (which is about -270°C). This extreme cold is necessary for its 1232 superconducting magnets to function without electrical resistance.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The LHC uses powerful dipole magnets to bend the particle beams along their 27-km circular path and quadrupole magnets to focus the beams, squeezing them into a fine point at the collision sites within the detectors.
• Statement 4 is correct. Experiments at the LHC, particularly the ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment), are designed to create and study quark-gluon plasma. This is achieved by colliding heavy ions (like lead ions) at high energies, recreating the conditions that are thought to have existed for a few microseconds after the Big Bang.

About the Large Hadron Collider (LHC):

• What It Is?

• • The LHC is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator used to probe the fundamental structure of matter.

• Developed By: Built and operated by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) near Geneva, Switzerland.
• Key Features:

• • Structure: 27-km underground ring using 1232 superconducting dipole magnets.
  • Cooling: Operates at −271.3°C using liquid helium—colder than outer space.
  • Collisions: Sends two beams of protons or heavy ions near light-speed in opposite directions for high-energy collisions.
  • Experiments: Four major detectors—ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, LHCb—placed at beam collision points.
  • Magnets and Control: Uses dipoles to bend and quadrupoles to focus beams, controlled centrally from the CERN Control Centre.

• Significance:

• • Helped confirm the existence of the Higgs boson (2012).
  • Enabled study of early universe conditions via quark-gluon plasma.
  • Essential for progress in quantum field theory, supersymmetry, and dark matter research.
  • Strengthens international science diplomacy and India’s global scientific stature.

Solution: d)

Statement-I is incorrect. Gond art is a tribal art form practiced by the Pardhan Gond tribes of Madhya Pradesh, not Bihar. Its themes are not typically royal court scenes but are deeply connected to nature, folklore, and mythical narratives reflecting the tribe’s animist beliefs. The art from Bihar known for geometric patterns is Madhubani painting.

Statement-II is correct. Artists first draw an outline and then meticulously fill the shape with intricate patterns of dots, dashes, and fine lines. This detailed infilling, known as pattern work, gives the art its unique visual rhythm and texture, making the static images appear dynamic and full of life. It is a signature element that distinguishes Gond paintings.

About Gond Art:

• Region: Practiced by Pardhan Gond tribes of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Central Indian states.
• What It Is?

• • Tribal art form with roots in oral storytelling and ritualistic practices.
  • Initially drawn on walls of homes to depict folk tales and nature.

• Key Features:

• • Mythical Narratives: Depicts divine stories, village folklore, and animist beliefs.
  • Pattern Work: Fills motifs with fine dots and lines to create visual rhythm.
  • Nature Connection: Harmonious coexistence of humans, flora, and fauna.
  • Colour Use: Bright, bold colour schemes with creative compositions.
  • Global Reach: Popularized internationally through works like “The Night Life of Trees” by Tara Books.

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct. The primary objective of the DIGIPIN portal is to enable digital address precision through a system of geo-coded grids. Each unique DIGIPIN is linked to a specific latitude-longitude coordinate, offering high-resolution location identification and facilitating enhanced last-mile service delivery.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The portal was developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, not IIT Bombay. The other collaborating body mentioned, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, is correct.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The platform is designed to be an open-source platform. The source material explicitly states that its technical data and source code are hosted on GitHub. This is done specifically to promote public adoption, transparency, and innovation,

About Know Your DIGIPIN Portal:

• Ministry Involved: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
• Objective: To enable digital address precision using geo-coded grids and enhance last-mile service delivery across India.
• Developed By: In collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO.

Features:

• Geo-coded Addressing: Each DIGIPIN corresponds to a precise latitude-longitude grid, offering high-resolution location identification.
• Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Supports government, private firms, and users with standardized and secure address solutions.
• Open-Source Platform: Technical data and source code are hosted on GitHub, promoting innovation and public adoption.
• GIS Integration: Enables accurate logistics, disaster response, and e-governance by integrating GIS into address systems.
• Inclusivity: Facilitates digital inclusion of rural and remote areas by offering uniform address identifiers.