UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 19 August 2025

Solution: D

• The Indian polyvalent antivenom is traditionally derived from the venom of the “Big Four” snakes, which are responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in India. These four species are the Indian cobra (Naja naja), the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), the Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus).
• The King cobra, while highly venomous, is not included in the “Big Four” for the purpose of creating the polyvalent antivenom.
• The effectiveness of this antivenom is based on its ability to neutralize the venom of these four widespread and medically significant snakes.
• This broad-spectrum approach aims to provide a single, widely available treatment for snakebites across most of India, reducing the complexity and cost of treatment.
• However, the geographical distribution of venomous snakes in India is not uniform, leading to challenges in regions where other species are more prevalent.

Solution: B

• The Sakura Science Programme, officially known as the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, is implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). JST is a core institution responsible for implementing Japan’s science and technology policy.
• The program was launched in 2014 by Japan to promote interest in science and technology among young people from Asia and other parts of the world. India has been an active participant in this program since 2016.
• The programme provides short-term educational visits to Japan, allowing students to interact with leading scientific institutions, universities, and research centers. This exposure to Japan’s advanced scientific landscape and unique culture aims to foster a global outlook and build a network of future innovators.

Solution: C

The engineered E. coli bacteria function as a living biosensor that converts the presence of mercury into an electrical signal. The process begins when the bacteria sense mercury in the water. This triggers a special protein, MerR, to switch on. This switch activates the bacteria to produce molecules called phenazines. These phenazines then interact with an electrode, creating an electric current. The strength of the electric current is directly proportional to the concentration of mercury in the water. This electrical signal can be read by simple electronic devices, making it a practical and portable solution for real-time water quality monitoring. This innovative approach combines synthetic biology with electronics to create a low-cost and efficient biosensor.

Solution: C

• Dibru–Saikhowa National Park is unique as it is the only known habitat in India for a population of about 200 feral horses. These horses are the descendants of animals that were abandoned during World War II.
• The park’s unique landscape, dominated by wetlands, grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests, provides a suitable environment for these wild horses.
• The pygmy hog and hispid hare are found in the grasslands of the Himalayan foothills, and the golden langur is found in the semi-evergreen and mixed-deciduous forests of Bhutan and Assam.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. One of the major benefits of SAF is its potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. It can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil-based aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
• Statement 2 is incorrect. SAF is chemically similar to conventional jet fuel and can be blended and used in existing aircraft engines without the need for major modifications. Major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus have approved blends of up to 50% SAF.
• Statement 3 is correct. The use of SAF helps airlines meet the requirements of international agreements like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which aims to stabilize CO2 emissions from international civil aviation.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The grazing of Arctic Reindeer maintains the balance in tundra vegetation and prevents shrub overgrowth, rather than contributing to it. This grazing activity is crucial for the health of the tundra ecosystem.
• Statement 2 is correct. By controlling plant dominance through their feeding habits, Arctic Reindeer indirectly regulate soil carbon release, thus influencing the carbon cycle.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Their influence on plant diversity benefits other Arctic species, such as birds and small mammals, by creating a more varied habitat. They do not have a negative impact on overall biodiversity.
• Statement 4 is correct. Due to their significant impact on the structure and function of the Arctic ecosystem, Arctic Reindeer are considered a keystone species. Their decline could have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

Solution: C

Mount Elbrus is a dormant stratovolcano situated in the Caucasus Mountains in Southwestern Russia, near the border with Georgia. It is the highest peak in both Russia and Europe, with an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet).

The Caucasus Mountains form a major mountain range that stretches between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and Mount Elbrus is one of its most prominent features. As the highest peak in Europe, it is part of the Seven Summits Challenge, a prestigious mountaineering feat.

Solution: A

4. Mount Everest is the highest peak in Asia and the world. So, A matches with 4.
5. Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America. So, B matches with 5.
6. Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is the highest peak in North America. So, C matches with 3.
7. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. So, D matches with 1.
8. Vinson Massif is the highest peak in Antarctica. So, E matches with 2.

Solution: D

The bill is a new legislation to replace the 1961 Act, aligns the MSME definition for uniformity, and empowers the CBDT for modern rule-making. Option (d) is incorrect. In fact, the bill includes a provision that is lenient towards taxpayers, allowing for refunds even if the ITR is filed after the due date, which is a measure to reduce taxpayer grievances, not to introduce stricter penalties.

Solution: A

• Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) (A) is listed as Endangered (2).
• African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) (B) is listed as Critically Endangered (1).
• African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana) (C) is listed as Endangered (2).