UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 9 August 2025

Solution: C

Bombogenesis, or explosive cyclogenesis, occurs when a mid-latitude cyclone rapidly intensifies, with its central pressure dropping by at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. The most critical factor in this process is a sharp temperature contrast between cold and warm air masses. When frigid Arctic air clashes with warm, moisture-rich air, particularly over the ocean, it creates a highly unstable atmosphere. This contrast fuels the storm, intensifies wind speeds, and leads to rapid deepening of the cyclone.

While a stationary high-pressure system (option a) may influence the cyclone’s path, it does not drive its intensification. A rapid drop in surface temperature (option b) is not as crucial as the upper-atmosphere dynamics in bombogenesis. The merging of multiple storm systems (option d) can contribute to storm strength but is not a requirement.

Solution: c)

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary is not part of the Western Ghats Biosphere Reserve, as it lies outside the designated area (Option a – Incorrect).

Although home to diverse wildlife, it is not primarily designated due to the presence of the Lion-tailed Macaque (Option b – Incorrect).

It is a significant wetland ecosystem hosting various species of birds, making it an important conservation site (Option c – Correct).

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary is located in Tamil Nadu, not Kerala (Option d – Incorrect).

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) does not have a fixed five-year tenure. Instead, the CEC serves for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. This ensures continuity and experience in overseeing electoral processes.

Statement 2 is correct, as the ECI functions as a quasi-judicial body while resolving disputes related to elections. It has the authority to adjudicate matters concerning electoral malpractices, disputes over election symbols, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

Statement 3 is correct because the 2023 Supreme Court ruling altered the appointment process of Election Commissioners, ensuring greater transparency and reducing executive control. The ruling emphasized an independent selection process.

Statement 4 is correct as ECI has the power to deregister or withdraw recognition of political parties that violate electoral laws or fail to comply with mandatory guidelines.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because while glacier retreat exposes new land, it does not necessarily lead to an expansion of high-altitude ecosystems or promote biodiversity. Instead, it disrupts fragile alpine ecosystems, endangers species that rely on glacial habitats, and alters freshwater availability, often leading to biodiversity decline rather than expansion.

Statement 2 is correct as the loss of glacial ice reduces Earth’s albedo (reflectivity). Glaciers and ice sheets reflect a significant portion of solar radiation, helping regulate global temperatures. When they melt, darker surfaces such as land and water absorb more heat, intensifying global warming in a positive feedback loop.

Statement 3 is incorrect because while volcanic activity can contribute locally to glacier melting, the primary driver of global glacier retreat is climate change. Rising global temperatures, increased CO₂ levels, and black carbon deposits from human activities are the major contributors.

Solution: A

The State Emblem of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, symbolizing power, courage, and confidence.

Statement 1 is incorrect because the emblem was designed by Dinanath Bhargava, not Nandalal Bose. Bhargava, a student of Bose, was responsible for sketching the emblem when India adopted it.

Statement 2 is incorrect because while the emblem is used on official documents, government seals, and passports, it is not mandatory for all government buildings and currency notes. Its use is regulated under The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.

Statement 3 is correct because the Dharma Chakra in the emblem has 24 spokes, representing righteousness (Dharma), justice, and virtue. It is also seen on the Indian national flag, symbolizing continuous progress and motion.

Solution: C

The Debt-to-GDP ratio is an important indicator of a country’s financial health, representing the proportion of a nation’s total debt compared to its gross domestic product (GDP). It helps assess a country’s ability to repay its debt based on its economic output.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the ratio measures total accumulated government debt, including past deficits, rather than just the fiscal deficit of a single year.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because the Debt-to-GDP ratio includes both external (foreign) and domestic (internal) debt, giving a comprehensive picture of national liabilities.
• Statement 3 is incorrect as a high Debt-to-GDP ratio is not always negative. Some countries, like Japan, maintain high debt levels due to strong investor confidence, low interest rates, and stable economic policies.

Solution: B

The major limitation of using bacteria for large-scale plastic degradation is the extremely slow rate of degradation under natural conditions. Plastics are synthetic polymers designed for durability, making them resistant to microbial breakdown.

• Statement (a) is incorrect because scientists have identified several plastic-degrading bacteria, such as Ideonella sakaiensis, which breaks down PET (polyethylene terephthalate), but the process is slow.
• Statement (c) is incorrect as some bacteria can degrade plastics anaerobically (without oxygen), though the process is less efficient compared to aerobic conditions.
• Statement (d) is incorrect because bacteria can survive in landfill environments, but they struggle to efficiently degrade plastics due to unfavorable conditions like low moisture and oxygen.

Solution: A

• The Trickle-Down approach is an economic theory suggesting that benefits given to the wealthy and corporations eventually “trickle down” to the rest of society.
• Statement 1 is correct because this approach typically involves tax cuts for high-income individuals and businesses to encourage investment and economic expansion.
• Statement 2 is also correct, as Trickle-Down theory assumes that when the private sector flourishes, it leads to increased investments, job creation, and wage growth, benefiting the broader economy.
• However, Statement 3 is incorrect since real-world evidence does not support the claim that Trickle-Down policies lead to universal income growth. Instead, studies have shown that such policies often result in greater income inequality, with wealth accumulation concentrated among the richest while lower-income groups see little to no significant improvement.
• Countries like the S. and the U.K. have implemented Trickle-Down strategies, but wage stagnation and inequality have persisted.

Solution: C

Article 85 (for Parliament) and Article 174 (for State Legislature) of the Constitution do not mandate a minimum number of sittings, but they do state that the gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months. This ensures regular legislative scrutiny of government actions. The President dissolves the House of People (Lok Sabha) on the advice of the Prime Minister, not the Chief Justice of India. Similarly, the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers when convening legislative sessions, and cannot refuse unless advised by the state cabinet.

Solution: C

Deportation refers to the forced removal of foreign nationals from a country due to reasons such as visa violations, illegal entry, criminal activities, or threats to public security. In the United States, deportation is handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Deportation does not involve voluntary departure or asylum. While some international agreements influence deportation policies, it is not governed by human rights laws providing work permits to illegal migrants.