UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | January 19 to January 25, 2025

QUESTION 1

With notation to the Ramjets engines, see the pursuing statements:

1. These pitchy engines usage the vehicle’s guardant question to compress inflowing aerial for combustion without a rotating compressor.

2. Ramjets enactment efficiently astatine supersonic speeds astir Mach 3.

3. The ramjet ratio increases erstwhile the conveyance reaches hypersonic speeds – supra Mach 5.

How galore of the statements fixed supra are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) demonstrated the scramjet combustor crushed trial for 120 seconds for the archetypal clip successful India. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has called it a important milestone successful processing next-generation hypersonic missiles.

— Hypersonic missiles are a people of precocious weaponry that question astatine speeds greater than ‘Mach 5’ – 5 times the velocity of sound.

What are ramjets engines?

— Ramjets are air-breathing pitchy engines that usage the vehicle’s guardant question to compress inflowing aerial for combustion alternatively of a rotating compressor. The substance is injected into the combustion chamber, wherever it reacts with the blistery compressed aerial to ignite. Hence, connection 1 is correct.

— A ramjet-powered conveyance requires an aided take-off, specified arsenic a rocket assist, to accelerate to a velocity astatine which it tin nutrient thrust.

— Ramjets enactment astir efficiently astatine supersonic speeds astir Mach 3, 3 times the velocity of sound. Hence, connection 2 is correct.

— However, the ramjet ratio reduces erstwhile the conveyance reaches hypersonic speeds – supra Mach 5. Hence, connection 3 is not correct.

— This is wherever the Supersonic Combustion Ramjet oregon Scramjet motor comes in. It efficiently operates astatine hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion.

What are scramjet engines?

— The basal quality with a scramjet is that the aerial does not dilatory down successful the combustion enclosure and remains supersonic passim the engine. This importantly complicates the design, development, and cognition of the scramjet.

— The scramjet combustor employs a caller occurrence stabilisation mechanics that maintains a continuous occurrence wrong the combustor astatine aerial speeds of much than 1.5 kilometres per second. Before settling connected the Scramjet Engine configuration, DRDO scientists tested a assortment of unsocial and promising ignition and flame-holding techniques connected ground.

— According to the MoD, the scramjet combustor’s crushed trial revealed galore singular breakthroughs, proving its imaginable for operational employment successful hypersonic vehicles, specified arsenic effectual ignition and unchangeable combustion.

— Another important milestone successful the improvement of hypersonic technologies is the instauration of Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC), which is intended to past the terrible temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight. DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) collaborated to make a caller precocious ceramic TBC with fantabulous thermal absorption and the quality to run beyond steel’s melting point.

Therefore, enactment (b) is the close answer.

QUESTION 2

Which of the pursuing were the objectives of the Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao program?

1. Improving the Sex Ratio astatine Birth

2. To trim sex differentials successful under-five kid mortality

3. Empowerment of the miss child.

4. To summation the enrollment of girls successful secondary education

Select the close reply utilizing the codes fixed below:

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— Exactly a decennary ago, connected January 22, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) program to apprehension the diminution successful the kid enactment ratio.

— Originally intended for 100 districts, it was expanded to 61 further districts successful 2015-16 and yet to each 640 districts successful the country.

— Its goals included eliminating gender-biased enactment enactment and supporting the survival, education, and empowerment of pistillate children. Hence, connection 3 is correct.

— It established galore targets for girls’ nutritional status, schoolhouse attendance, and the proviso of capable schoolhouse facilities, among different things. This was to beryllium accomplished by nationalist consciousness programs, inspections, and raids to forestall unlawful gestation detection astatine clinics, among different methods.

— The superior extremity was to amended the Sex Ratio astatine Birth (the ratio of antheral to pistillate births) successful designated important districts by 2 points each year. Hence, connection 1 is correct.

— The 2nd extremity was to minimise sex disparities successful under-five kid mortality (the likelihood of a newborn dying earlier reaching 5 years of age, expressed per 1,000 unrecorded births). Hence, connection 2 is correct.

— The 3rd purpose was to boost organization deliveries by astatine slightest 1.5% per year. Data from the National Family Health Surveys uncover that the stock of organization deliveries has risen implicit time.

— When BBBP was introduced, hospitals and assemblage wellness centres accounted for 78.9 percent of each births (NFHS-4 statistic for 2015-16). In 2019-21, this fig has risen by 9.7 percent points to 88.6% (NFHS-5). Almost each states reported an summation successful organization deliveries.

— The BBBP besides projected a minimum 1% yearly summation successful the archetypal trimester antenatal cheque (ANC). This is important for reducing maternal mortality rates. In 2015-16, conscionable 58.6 percent of moms received a prenatal checkup successful the archetypal trimester (NFHS-4). However, since then, this fig has risen countrywide.

— The BBBP aimed to boost girls’ secondary acquisition enrolment to 82% by 2018-19. In 2014-15, the fig stood astatine 75.5%. The strategy failed to conscionable its aim, with an enrolment ratio of 76.9 percent successful 2018-19. Hence, connection 4 is correct.

Therefore, enactment (d) is the close answer.

QUESTION 3

With notation to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), see the pursuing statements:

1. The IWT was signed by India and Pakistan successful 1960 to find the organisation of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries.

2. It was signed successful Delhi by past Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and past Pakistan President Ayub Khan.

3. Under the IWT, India enjoys “unrestricted use” of the 3 “Western Rivers” Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.

How galore of the statements fixed supra are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The World Bank’s Neutral Expert, appointed nether the presumption of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), has determined that helium is “competent” to adjudicate connected the differences betwixt India and Pakistan regarding the plan of 2 hydroelectric projects successful Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming New Delhi’s long-held position.

— “The determination upholds and vindicates India’s basal that each the 7 questions that were referred to the Neutral Expert, successful narration to the Kishenganga and the Ratle hydroelectric projects, are differences falling wrong his competence nether the Treaty,” according to the ministry’s statement.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

— On September 19, 1960, India and Pakistan signed the International Water Treaty to specify the allocation of the Indus and its tributaries. Hence, connection 1 is correct.

— It was signed successful Karachi by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan pursuing 9 years of World Bank-arranged discussions. Hence, connection 2 is not correct.

— Under the IWT, India has “unrestricted use” of the 3 “Eastern Rivers” (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej), whereas Pakistan controls the 3 “Western Rivers” (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum). This efficaciously gives India astir 30% of the h2o carried by the Indus River System, portion Pakistan receives 70%. Hence, connection 3 is not correct.

— According to Article III (1) of the Treaty, “India is nether work to fto flow” waters from the Western Rivers into Pakistan.

Ongoing dispute

— Pakistan objects to the plan elements of 2 hydroelectric projects presently nether improvement successful Jammu and Kashmir: the Kishenganga HEP connected the Kishenganga, a tributary of the Jhelum, and the Ratle HEP connected the Chenab. Although they are “run-of-the-river” facilities that make vigor without impeding the river’s earthy flow, Pakistan has often claimed that they interruption the IWT.

— In 2015, Pakistan requested the assignment of a Neutral Expert to analyse its method concerns astir the projects. However, a twelvemonth later, it unilaterally rescinded the request, alternatively proposing adjudication by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

— India made a supplementary petition that the taxable beryllium referred to a Neutral Expert. It declined to prosecute with the PCA system, claiming it violates the IWT.

Therefore, enactment (a) is the close answer.

QUESTION 4

With notation to the force property, see the pursuing statements:

1. It refers to the assets which are lone immovable near down successful India by individuals who migrated to countries designated arsenic “enemy nations” during times of conflict.

2. Under the Enemy Property Act, 1968, properties that are declared arsenic force assets stay permanently vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property, with nary country for inheritance oregon transfer.

Which of the statements fixed supra is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked histrion Saif Ali Khan to attack the appellate authorization against an bid of the cardinal authorities that declared humanities properties of the Pataudi household successful Bhopal, estimated to beryllium worthy Rs 15,000 crore, arsenic “enemy property”.

— Nawab Hamidullah Khan became the ruler of the princely authorities of Bhopal successful 1947. He had 3 daughters, the eldest of which, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan successful 1950.

— Sajida Sultan, the 2nd daughter, remained successful India and joined Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played cricket for some England and India, and whose lad was the famed Mansoor Ali Khan ‘Tiger’ Pataudi.

— Saif Ali Khan, Sajida’s grandson and Tiger Pataudi’s son, inherited a stock of the Bhopal assets. However, Abida Sultan’s migration became the focal constituent of the government’s assertion to the properties arsenic “enemy property”.

What is force property?

— Enemy spot refers to the assets, both movable and immovable, near down successful India by individuals who migrated to countries designated arsenic “enemy nations” during times of conflict. Hence, connection 1 is not correct.

— Following the wars betwixt India and Pakistan successful 1965 and 1971, and the Sino-Indian War successful 1962, the Indian authorities assumed power of properties and businesses owned by those who adopted the nationality of Pakistan oregon China.

— These properties were assigned to the Custodian of Enemy Property for India nether the Defence of India Rules, which were enacted successful effect to the Defence of India Act of 1962. The custodian is liable for administering these assets connected behalf of the Indian government. Hence, connection 2 is correct.

— According to the Enemy Property Act of 1968, properties declared arsenic force assets enactment permanently vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property, with nary country for succession oregon transfer.

— The instrumentality establishes a ineligible model for the cardinal authorities to administer and support power implicit force properties crossed galore states.

Therefore, enactment (b) is the close answer.

QUESTION 5

“Stargate” was successful the quality recently. It refers to:

(a) AI infrastructure successful the US

(b) A spherical ammunition astir our star system

(c) AI-enabled precision spraying exertion for farming

(d) A portal for probe and therapies for bosom failure

Explanation

— Soon aft being sworn arsenic President of the United States, Donald Trump made a large revelation that could impact the aboriginal of artificial intelligence.

— He said that $500 cardinal would beryllium spent successful AI infrastructure successful the United States done Project Stargate, which volition make implicit 100,000 employment immediately.

— Stargate is simply a $500 cardinal effort aimed astatine processing an artificial quality infrastructure successful the United States implicit the adjacent 4 years. Trump stated $100 cardinal would beryllium invested consecutive away. This is simply a large-scale effort aimed astatine propelling the United States to the forefront of AI breakthroughs worldwide.

— “This immense task represents a important ballot of assurance successful America’s aboriginal and enactment nether this administration. “This task ensures that the United States remains the planetary person successful AI and technology, alternatively than allowing competitors similar China to summation an advantage,” Trump said erstwhile unveiling the project.

Therefore, enactment (a) is the close answer

QUESTION 6

With notation to the NVS-02, see the pursuing statements:

1. It is simply a navigation outer on-board GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota.

2. It volition beryllium the 100th motorboat by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

3. It has a lifespan of 12 years and is equipped with indigenously developed, much close atomic clocks.

4. It volition utilise L1 frequence which is astir commonly utilized successful the US Global Positioning System (GPS).

How galore of the statements fixed supra are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to motorboat a 2,250-kg navigation outer connected GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota connected January 29 astatine 06.23 a.m., marking its 100th launch. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

— The NVS-02 is the 2nd of 5 second-generation satellites designed by the abstraction bureau to regenerate the existent satellites successful the country’s navigation constellation, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

— The caller bid of satellites has a 12-year lifespan and includes indigenously built, much close atomic clocks. Hence, connection 3 is correct.

— The caller procreation of satellites besides uses L1 frequency, which is astir extensively utilized successful the United States Global Positioning System (GPS), and this is anticipated to pb to accrued adoption by smaller devices specified arsenic fittingness trackers. Hence, connection 4 is correct.

— The motorboat connected January 29 volition people the 17th formation of the GSLV vehicle, with the 11th employing an indigenous cryogenic engine.

Therefore, enactment (d) is the close answer.

QUESTION 7

Recently, Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, and Kilnamandi were successful the news. These sites are associated with:

(a) Iron Age successful India

(b) Sea ports

(c) Chola temple sites

(d) Paleolithic archaeological sites

Explanation

— In an announcement that challenges long-held assumptions astir the origins of the Iron Age, a caller survey discovered grounds indicating the usage of robust successful what is present Tamil Nadu dates backmost to the archetypal 4th of the 4th millennium BC.

— This discovery, based connected rigorous radiometric dating from assorted worldwide laboratories, establishes the determination arsenic a pioneering centre of aboriginal metallurgy, outlasting planetary timeframes by astir 2 millennia.

— K Rajan and R Sivanantham published a study titled ‘Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu’ that elaborate their findings.

— The findings, which amusement that robust exertion successful Tamil Nadu dates backmost to 3345 BCE, are supported by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) analyses of samples from archaeological sites including Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, and Kilnamandi.

— Until recently, the Iron Age successful India was thought to person begun betwixt 1500 and 2000 BCE, soon aft the Indus Valley Civilisation. However, caller information from Tamil Nadu shifts this play adjacent further back. A paddy illustration from a burial urn astatine Sivagalai was dated to 1155 BCE, portion charcoal and potsherds (broken fragments of ceramic material) from the aforesaid tract yielded dates ranging from 2953 BCE to 3345 BCE, making it the earliest recorded grounds of robust exertion successful the world.

Therefore, enactment (a) is the close answer.

QUESTION 8

With notation to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), see the pursuing statements:

1. It is simply a uncommon neurological upset wherein the body’s immune strategy tends to onslaught the peripheral nerves.

2. It is triggered by infections similar respiratory oregon gastrointestinal illnesses.

3. It is characterised by the abrupt onslaught of weakness successful the hands oregon legs.

How galore of the statements fixed supra are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Pune has recorded much than 50 suspected instances of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). According to the Pune Municipal Corporation, the patients, some children and adults, complained of symptoms associated with contaminated nutrient and drink, including diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.

— Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an uncommon neurological ailment successful which the immune strategy attacks peripheral nerves. Hence, connection 1 is correct.

— It is induced by infections specified arsenic respiratory oregon gastrointestinal illnesses. Hence, connection 2 is correct.

— “Patients with this upset whitethorn acquisition weakness, tingling successful their limbs, and, successful terrible cases, paralysis,” said Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, president of the section of neurology astatine Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.

— It is simply a “neurological emergency” upset that causes abrupt paralysis successful the hands oregon legs, arsenic good arsenic occupation with oculus movements, swallowing, and speaking. Hence, connection 3 is correct.

— It affects the immune strategy by destroying our nerves alternatively than the microorganism oregon germs. This is owed to the molecular mimicry mechanism. As a result, the nerves weaken and neglect to operate.

Therefore, enactment (c) is the close answer.

QUESTION 9

Operation Gibraltar is simply a subject cognition during:

(a) India-Pakistan warfare 1947

(b) India-China warfare 1962

(c) India-Pakistan warfare 1965

(d) India-Pakistan warfare 1999

Explanation

— Defence Minister Rajnath Singh precocious stated that if the Indian authorities had transformed the “strategic advances” made by soldiers into “strategic advantages” connected the bargaining array pursuing the 1965 warfare with Pakistan, the occupation of cross-border infiltration would person been resolved.

— India has a 740-kilometer Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan that runs crossed the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Indian Army has installed barbed ligament barriers on the 540-kilometre Line of Control successful Jammu and Kashmir to forestall militant infiltration and the smuggling of arms, ammunition and narcotics.

Operation Gibraltar

— In August 1965, Pakistani soldiers penetrated Kashmir disguised arsenic locals, utilizing the Haji Pir Pass arsenic a large route.

— The nonsubjective was to provoke Kashmir’s Muslim-majority radical against the Indian government. Pakistan believed that an uprising by the section colonisation would assistance its Kashmir origin successful planetary forums.

— Its subject strategy was to person respective columns inhabit cardinal heights successful the Kashmir Valley, portion others would premix with the section colonisation and destruct Indian Army bridges, highways, connection and logistical installations, giving the quality of a section uprising against the Indian government.

— However, the program failed from the commencement due to the fact that autochthonal Kashmiris did not resist, alternatively informing the Army and constabulary of the beingness of Pakistani infiltrators.

— As a result, further forces were dispatched to the Valley, resulting successful the seizure oregon sidesplitting of the bulk of the infiltrators.

— Following the extremity of the 1965 warfare with Pakistan, the authorities recognised respective locals for their assistance.

Therefore, enactment (c) is the close answer.

QUESTION 10

Which of the pursuing country’s presidents volition beryllium the main impermanent astatine the Republic Day celebrations successful 2025?

(a) Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia)

(b) Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt)

(c) Isaac Herzog (Israel)

(d) Donald J. Trump (United States)

Explanation

— Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto volition beryllium the main impermanent astatine this year’s Republic Day celebrations, becoming the 4th Indonesian person to person this privilege.

— After arriving successful New Delhi connected January 23, helium met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected Saturday arsenic India and Indonesia question to grow political, defence, and information cooperation.

— Prabowo precocious stated that Indonesia is present a afloat subordinate of BRICS, stating a willingness to service arsenic a “bridge betwixt developed and processing nations”.

Therefore, enactment (a) is the close answer.

Previous Weekly Quiz

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | January 12 to January 18, 2025

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | January 05 to January 11, 2025

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 29, 2024 to January 04, 2025

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 22 to December 28, 2024

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 15 to December 21, 2024

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