Welcome to this week’s current affairs quiz, where we’ll test your knowledge on the latest and most significant events happening around the world. In a rapidly changing global landscape, staying informed is essential. This quiz aims to challenge your understanding of the key developments in politics, science, technology, culture, and more. So, whether you’re a news enthusiast or just looking to keep up with the world’s happenings, join us as we delve into the headlines of the week and put your current affairs expertise to the test. Let’s get started!
Q 1. Consider the following statements:
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2020 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI. It has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.
- The Food Standards and Safety Act, 2006 replaced several Acts and Orders like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954; Fruit Products Order, 1955; etc. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- FSSAI is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or have held a position not below the rank of Secretary to the GoI. It is not under the charge of Director General of Health Services. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
- FSSAI has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to human consumption.
- Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 2. Consider the following statements:
- UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2014.
- Creative Cities Network aims to “promote cooperation among cities which recognize creativity as a strategic factor in their urban development”.
- The network covers design, literature and music creative field across the cities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d)
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- It was created in 2004.
- It aims to “promote cooperation among cities which recognize creativity as a strategic factor in their urban development”.
- Sustainable Development Goal 11 aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- The network covers seven creative fields: crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.
Q 3. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: Cloud Seeding is the process of artificially generating rain by implanting clouds with particles silver iodide crystals.
Statement-II: Cloud seeding is done to enhance winter snowfall and increase mountain snowpack.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a)
Cloud Seeding
It is the process of artificially generating rain by implanting clouds with particles such as silver iodide crystals.
Cloud seeding uses planes to spray clouds with chemicals to condense smaller particles into larger rain droplets.
- Cloud Seeding Methods:
- Static Cloud Seeding:
- This method involves introducing ice nuclei, such as silver iodide or dry ice, into cold clouds that have supercooled liquid water droplets.
- The ice nuclei can trigger the formation of ice crystals or snowflakes, which can grow at the expense of the liquid droplets and fall as precipitation.
- Dynamic Cloud Seeding:
- Dynamic cloud seeding is a method of inducing rain by boosting vertical air currents.
- The process is considered more complex than static cloud seeding because it depends on a sequence of events working properly.
- Hygroscopic Cloud Seeding:
- This method involves spraying fine particles of hygroscopic materials, such as salts through flares or explosives into the base of warm clouds.
- The particles can act as cloud condensation nuclei and increase the number and size of the cloud droplets, which can enhance the reflectivity and stability of the clouds.
- Applications:
- Cloud seeding is done to enhance winter snowfall and increase mountain snowpack, which can supplement the natural water supply for communities in the surrounding area.
- Cloud seeding can also be done to prevent hailstorms, dissipate fog, induce rainfall in drought-prone regions, or reduce air pollution.
- Static Cloud Seeding:
Q 4. Consider the following statements:
- Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.
- Cattle release ammonia into the environment.
- Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM 2.5, the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illness, says the first-ever quantitative assessment of nitrogen pollution (Indian Nitrogen Assessment) in India. Besides, the Indian Nitrogen Assessment has also released other data regarding nitrogen. They are as follows: Agricultural soils contributed to over 70% of N2O emissions from India in 2010, followed by waste water (12%) and residential and commercial activities (6%). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Cattle account for 80% of the ammonia production, though their annual growth rate is 1%, due to a stable population. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The poultry industry, on the other hand, with an annual growth rate of 6%, recorded an excretion of reactive nitrogen compounds of 0.415 tonnes in 2016. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 5. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: (2020)
- At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
- Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
- Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
The Union Government subsidies the urea manufacturing units. For the cost of transportation to facilitate the availability of urea at the same maximum retail price all over the country. Also, the Government is subsidizing fertilizers for their availability at reasonable prices for agricultural purposes. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Urea (NH2CONH2 ) is produced from ammonia (NH3 ) and gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2 ) at high pressure and relatively high temperature. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Sulphur is a by-product of processing natural gas and refining high-sulfur crude oils. And Sulphur is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 6. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Q 7. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: Reference fuels represent high-value premium products specifically utilized for calibrating and testing vehicles by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Statement-II: Hindustan Petroleum has now indigenously developed ‘reference’ grade petrol at its Paradip refinery in Odisha and diesel at its Panipat unit in Haryana.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (c)
Reference Fuel
- About:
- Reference fuels (petrol and diesel), represent high-value premium products specifically utilized for calibrating and testing vehicles by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and institutions engaged in automotive testing and certification.
- Features:
- They have higher specifications than regular or premium fuels. It includes various specifications such as Cetane number, flash point, viscosity, sulfur and water content, hydrogen purity, and acid number.
- For instance, reference grade petrol and diesel feature an octane number of 97, exceeding the octane numbers of regular and premium fuels, which stand at 87 and 91, respectively.
- Indigenous Production by Indian Oil Corporation:
- India historically depended on imports to fulfill the need for these specialized fuels. However, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has now indigenously developed ‘reference’ grade petrol at its Paradip refinery in Odisha and diesel at its Panipat unit in Haryana.
- Reference gasoline (petrol) fuels will be available in E0, E5, E10, E20, E85, E100 from Paradip refinery.
- Reference diesel fuel shall be available in B7 grade from Panipat refinery.
Q 8. Consider the following statements about Thallium:
- Thallium sulfate banned for household use in developed nations.
- Thallium sulfate has application in electronics industry for photoelectric cells.
- Thallium oxide is used to create high-refraction glass and low-melting glass
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
- Thallium’s utilization is restricted due to its toxic nature.
- Thallium sulfate, once a rodent killer, is now banned for household use in many developed nations.
- It finds application in the electronics industry for photoelectric cells.
- Thallium oxide is used to create high-refraction glass and low-melting glass.
- It is also used in the manufacturing of low temperature thermometers, and imitation jewels.
Q 9. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Answer: (d)
Option (d) is correct: The epiphytic vegetation, mostly ferns, and orchids are found in South Andaman forests. Moist deciduous forests are found in the Middle Andamans. North Andamans is characterized by the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woody climbers. The North Nicobar Islands (including Car Nicobar and Battimalv) are marked by the complete absence of evergreen forests, while such forests form the dominant vegetation in the central and southern islands of the Nicobar group. Grasslands occur only in the Nicobars, and while deciduous forests are common in the Andamans. The present forest coverage is claimed to be 86.2% of the total land area.
Q 10. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Syria
How many states share border with Mediterranean Sea?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Q 11. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel
Answer: (b)
The Mediterranean Sea is the intercontinental sea that separates Europe from Africa. The countries bordered the Mediterranean Sea are Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. Jordan does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea, as it is bounded by Syria and Israel towards the side of the Mediterranean sea.
Q 12. With reference to India, the terms ‘HaIbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to:
(a) dance forms of Northwest India
(b) musical instruments
(c) pre-historic cave paintings
(d) tribal languages
Answer: (d)
Option (d) is correct: Halba, Ho, and Kui are Tribal languages. This Austro-Asiatic language is spoken by over a million people belonging to the Ho tribes mainly in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand and Mayurbhanj and Koenjhar districts of Odisha and parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Q 13. Brasilia Declaration was recently mentioned in the news, it is related to:
- Road Safety
- Conservation of Biodiversity
- Plastic Pollution
- Air Pollution
Answer: (a)
- Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015):
- The declaration was signed at the second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety held in Brazil. India is a signatory to the Declaration.
- The countries plan to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 i.e., to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030.
Q 14. Consider the following statements:
- Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC) is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC), the wildlife trade monitoring network, is a joint program of World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN – the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was founded in 1976. It is not a bureau under UNEP. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
TRAFFIC works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
TRAFFIC focuses on leveraging resources, expertise and awareness of the latest globally urgent species trade issues such as tiger parts, elephant ivory and rhino horn. Large scale commercial trade in commodities like timber and fisheries products is also addressed and linked to work on developing rapid results and policy improvements. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 15. Consider the following statements:
- Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Social Capital development
- Free electricity supply to farmers
- Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
How many of the above can be considered as public investment in agriculture?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All Six
Answer: (a)
Fixing Minimum Support Price for Agriculture for agricultural products of all crops and free electricity supply to farmers are subsidies, hence they are not categorized as public investment in agriculture. The waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system is a concession or indirect support. It is not considered as public investment in agriculture. Subsidies and incentives are not considered as public investment, hence statement 2 3, and 6 are correct.
Q 16. Consider the following Cities:
- Kashmir
- Mumbai
- Gwalior
- Hyderabad
How many of the above cities are included in UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d)
Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the addition of 55 new cities to its Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Among the new entrants, two Indian cities made their mark: Kozhikode in Kerala as the ‘City of Literature’ and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh as the ‘City of Music’.
Other Indian cities in the UCCN include Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts (2015), Varanasi: Creative City of Music (2015), Chennai: Creative City of Music (2017), Mumbai: Film (2019), Hyderabad: Gastronomy (2019), and Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Art (2021).
Q 17. Consider the following statements:
- The number of taxpayers has progressively increased in between 2018-2022 years.
- Percentage of taxpayers paying nil tax has been decreased in between 2019-2022.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
- Overall Tax Filings:
- In the assessment year (AY) 2021-22 (financial year 2020-21), a total of 6.75 crore taxpayers submitted income tax returns, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year’s 6.39 crore filings.
- However, approximately 2.1 crore taxpayers paid taxes but did not file returns.
- Evolution of Taxpayer Base:
- The number of taxpayers has progressively increased in recent years: from 5.87 crore in AY 2018-19 to 6.75 crore in AY 2021-22.
- However, the percentage of taxpayers paying nil tax has also risen from 40.3% in AY 2018-19 to 66% in AY 2021-22.
Q 18. Consider the following statements:
- The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
- The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Of the total freshwater, 69% resides in glaciers, 30% underground, and less than 1% is located in lakes, rivers, and swamps. Thus, the amount of water in rivers and lakes is less than amount of groundwater.
Statement 2 is correct: Of the total freshwater, 69% resides in glaciers and 30% underground. Polar ice caps and glaciers has more water than groundwater.
Q 19. Consider the following statements about Biotoilet:
- The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
- Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
The bio-toilets, which have been developed by the railways and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), have a colony of anaerobic bacteria, kept in a container under the lavatories that convert human waste into water and small amounts of gases. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
The gases are released into the atmosphere and the water is discharged after chlorination on to the track. Under the bio-toilet concept of the DRDO, the bio-digester tank in every toilet is filled with inoculums containing four types of bacteria. The water trap system in the toilet prevents air from getting into the tank, the human waste is processed by anaerobic bacteria in seven chambers in the tank and the methane gas is allowed to escape into the air. After the completion of this process, only methane, carbon dioxide gases and water remains. These gases are left in the environment whereas water can be recycled and used in toilets again. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Q 20. With reference to Carbon Nanoflorets consider the following statements:
- The nanoflorets’ design ensures maximum heat dissipation, allowing for efficient utilization of as heat dissipator
- Coated nanoflorets exhibit Instability, with a maximum lifespan of eight years
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
About Nanoflorets
- The nanoflorets can absorb various sunlight frequencies, including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet, unlike traditional solar-thermal materials.
- The creation process involves heating dendritic fibrous nano silica (DFNS) with acetylene gas, resulting in carbon nanoflorets resembling marigold flowers under a microscope.
- The unique structure of carbon cones minimizes light reflection and maximizes internal absorption, capturing sunlight and converting it into thermal energy.
- The nanoflorets’ design ensures minimal heat dissipation, allowing for efficient utilization of generated thermal energy.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
Carbon nanoflorets have significant applications and commercial potential, particularly in the following areas:
- A one-square-meter coating of carbon nanoflorets can efficiently vaporize water, outperforming commercial solar stills.
- This technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water heating, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Nanoflorets can be applied to various surfaces, including paper, metal, and terracotta clay, making them versatile for different applications.
- Carbon nanofloret coatings enable users to harness solar energy for eco-friendly home heating, contributing to reduced carbon footprint and environmental sustainability.
Coated nanoflorets exhibit exceptional stability, with a minimum lifespan of eight years, and ongoing research is assessing their durability under various environmental conditions.
FAQs on Weekly Current Affairs
Q: What are weekly current affairs, and why are they important?
A: Weekly current affairs refer to the most significant events and developments in the world during the past week. They are important because they help individuals stay informed about what’s happening globally, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage in discussions on relevant topics.
Q: How can I stay updated with weekly current affairs?
A: You can stay updated with weekly current affairs by reading newspapers, watching news broadcasts, following credible news websites, or subscribing to news apps and newsletters. Weekly news summaries and quizzes can also help you stay informed.
Q: What types of topics are typically covered in weekly current affairs?
A: Weekly current affairs cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, culture, and more. They may include international and national news, as well as regional and local stories that have garnered significant attention.
Q: Are there any recommended sources for reliable weekly current affairs updates?
A: Reliable sources for weekly current affairs include established news organizations like BBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Guardian, as well as trusted magazines and websites dedicated to current affairs analysis, such as The Economist and Foreign Affairs.
Q: How can I use weekly current affairs to enhance my knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions?
A: To make the most of weekly current affairs, consider participating in discussions, forums, or social media platforms that focus on these topics. Additionally, you can use the knowledge gained from weekly current affairs to engage in debates, contribute to informed decision-making, and expand your overall awareness of global issues.
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