UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 8 April 2026

Solution: A

• Criticality is a fundamental concept in nuclear engineering, representing a stable, self-sustaining fission chain reaction. It does not refer to the maximum power output (which is the rated capacity) but rather to the neutron economy of the reactor core. At the point of criticality, the “effective multiplication factor” (k) is exactly 1. This means that for every fission event, exactly one resulting neutron goes on to cause another fission event. The rest of the neutrons are either absorbed by non-fissionable materials or leak out of the system.

Achieving criticality is a precise engineering feat because it proves that the core geometry, fuel enrichment, and control rod configurations are perfectly balanced. For the PFBR, attaining criticality is the final validation of the indigenous design before it begins to supply power to the grid. It signifies that the reactor can maintain a steady-state power level safely. If the number of neutrons produced exceeds the losses, the reactor becomes “supercritical,” and if it falls below, it is “subcritical.”

Solution: A

• The ASISSE is a landmark statistical exercise launched by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• Statement 1 is incorrect because ASISSE specifically targets the incorporated (registered) services sector, such as companies registered under the Companies Act and LLPs. The unincorporated sector is covered by a separate survey known as ASUSE.
• Statement 2 is correct; by utilizing the GSTN database, the NSO can identify formal enterprises effectively, ensuring a granular and accurate data set. This reflects the increasing formalization of the Indian economy.
• Statement 3 is correct as the survey is conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, which provides the legal framework for data gathering, and it is also aligned with the updated provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023. This survey is critical because the services sector contributes more than 50% to India’s GDP, yet there has historically been a data gap in the formal non-agricultural economy. The ASISSE aims to bridge this gap, providing policymakers with reliable data on employment and economic indicators.

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is correct; DNS Poisoning is a common censorship technique where the DNS (the internet’s “phonebook”) is manipulated to redirect users away from a blocked domain.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is actually a highly advanced and expensive method. Unlike simple URL filtering, DPI analyzes the actual content of the data packets, allowing for more granular blocking of specific types of traffic.
• Statement 3 is correct; Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, is the primary legal tool used by the Indian government to block online content in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, and public order.
• Statement 4 is incorrect; while HTTP/HTTPS are the foundations of web data exchange, the protocol responsible for ensuring that data packets are delivered reliably and in the correct sequence is TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).

Understanding these protocols is vital in the context of digital rights and the technical implementation of government regulations. The recent study highlighting inconsistencies among ISPs shows the complexity of enforcing such regimes across different network architectures.

Solution: B

• Both statements are individually correct, but Statement II is not the reason why Statement I exists.
• Statement I is correct because the Indian Softshell Turtle is listed under Schedule I of the WPA, 1972, placing it on par with the tiger in terms of legal protection due to its “Endangered” status and the threat of poaching.
• Statement II is also correct; as omnivorous scavengers, these turtles are vital for maintaining the health of freshwater ecosystems. They clean rivers by consuming carcasses and organic debris, which is why their presence is an indicator of a healthy river system.
• However, the legal protection (Schedule I) is granted based on the threat perception, population decline, and smuggling risks (often driven by the “20-claw myth”), rather than solely because of their role as scavengers. Scavenging is a biological function, whereas Schedule I is a legal status determined by conservation necessity. They are also protected under CITES Appendix I.
• The recent rescue in Greater Noida highlights the persistent threat of illegal trade in this species despite its high level of protection.

Solution: D

• The conceptual clarity regarding Amaravati’s historical global status comes from archaeological and numismatic evidence. While the city is ancient, its status as a global trade hub is specifically validated by the discovery of Roman coins in the region, indicating active maritime and overland trade routes during the Satavahana period. This trade linked the Indian subcontinent with the Mediterranean world and Southeast Asian kingdoms.
• Statement a is incorrect because while Ashokan edicts exist elsewhere, the Roman trade connection is a hallmark of the later Satavahana era.
• Statement c is incorrect as “Aramavati” is a later descriptive name (“City of Gardens”) rather than a Vedic reference.
• Statement b refers to the modern potential of the city, not its ancient history. The historical glory of Amaravati as a center of learning (Buddhism) and a commercial hub is a primary reason why it was chosen as the modern “People’s Capital.” The revival of Amaravati is thus seen as a restoration of Telugu pride and heritage.

Solution: C

• Jabal ad Dukhan is the highest point in Bahrain, standing at 134 meters. The name translates to “Mountain of Smoke,” referring to the haze or mist that often gathers around it due to the intense heat and humidity of the Persian Gulf.
• It is located on the main Bahrain Island. This area is also significant because it contains the Dukhan Field, which holds the country’s primary oil and gas reserves. Bahrain’s landscape is mostly a low-lying, arid desert. Despite its small size, it is a crucial player in the region, hosting the S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
• The geography of Bahrain—as an archipelago—makes it distinct from its neighbors on the mainland. Historically, its freshwater springs allowed the Dilmun civilization to thrive. Today, its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz makes its stability vital for global energy security, as a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes through these waters.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect; the PFBR is a testament to indigenous design and was developed by BHAVINI almost entirely with Indian technology and materials. It is part of India’s self-reliant three-stage nuclear roadmap.
• Statement 2 is correct; liquid sodium has a very high boiling point, which allows the reactor to operate at higher temperatures compared to conventional water-cooled reactors. This result is a higher thermal efficiency, meaning more of the heat produced is converted into electricity.
• Statement 3 is correct; criticality is the ultimate technical validation. It confirms that the complex physics behind the core geometry, the arrangement of the MOX fuel, and the control systems are functioning exactly as intended. This milestone is the final step before the reactor begins regular power generation for the grid. The PFBR marks the beginning of the “Second Stage” of India’s nuclear programme, moving the country closer to utilizing its thorium reserves.

Solution: C

• The ASISSE is a critical addition to India’s statistical infrastructure.
• Statement 1 is correct; the NSO launched this first-ever survey for the reference period 2024-25. It targets approximately 21 lakh incorporated enterprises in the services sector.
• Statement 2 is correct; the ASISSE is designed to fill a long-standing gap in economic data. While the ASI tracks the manufacturing sector annually, there was no equivalent annual survey for the formal services sector until now. By providing operational and economic indicators, ASISSE helps in better planning and analysis. It covers diverse fields such as IT, transport, and hospitality.
• The survey uses a secure, web-based portal for digital data collection to ensure speed and accuracy. This shift toward formal data collection reflects the services sector’s massive contribution (over 50%) to the national GDP and its role as a primary engine of employment generation in India.

Solution: B

• A Greenfield project refers to building on land where no prior development or existing infrastructure exists. In the context of Amaravati, it implies that the city is being planned and constructed from the ground up on the banks of the Krishna River. This allows urban planners to design a modern, efficient city layout with integrated transportation, sewage, and utility systems that would be difficult to retrofit in an existing “Brownfield” city.
• While the city aims to be a hub for IT and pharmaceuticals and leverage its proximity to the river (blue economy), the term “Greenfield” specifically denotes the nature of the development site. The 2026 Act provides the legal finality needed for this massive undertaking.
• The location in the Guntur district was chosen for its central position and historical significance as the ancient Satavahana capital. This planned development is intended to transform Amaravati into a modern “People’s Capital” while reviving its ancient glory.

Solution: C

• Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) is a massive protected area of 2,339 sq km.
• Statement 1 is correct: It was officially notified in September 2023 after merging the Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries. It spans the districts of Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Mohli Range within the reserve features open grasslands and scrub forests, described as Savannah-like. This topography is very similar to the South African veld, providing the ideal open hunting ground required for the high-speed chases of Cheetahs.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Bamner River intersects the reserve, supporting a rich riverine ecosystem. This includes diverse aquatic life and rare turtle species such as the Tera Prince and Sundari. The reserve is unique as it will be the first site where cheetahs co-exist with significant populations of tigers, leopards, and Indian wolves, making it a vital landscape for large carnivore conservation in India.