Welcome to this week’s current affairs quiz, where we’ll test your knowledge of 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
Statement-I: Bahrain is an island country in West Asia.
Statement-II: Bahrain is situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia and connected by the King Fahd Causeway.
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)
Bahrain
Due to the escalating attacks on Gaza, Bahrain has decided to withdraw its ambassador from Israel.
About Bahrain
- Officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia.
- It is situated on the Persian Gulf, and comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, cantered on Bahrain Island which makes up around 83 per cent of the country’s landmass.
- Bahrain is situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway.
- Bahrain spans some 760 square kilometres (290 sq. mi), and is the third-smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore.
- The capital and largest city is Manama.
Q 2. Consider the following statements about White Hydrogen?
- White Hydrogen is a clean burning energy source produced through renewable energy electrolysis.
- White hydrogen deposits have been discovered in Oman and Mali.
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: (d)
White Hydrogen
In northeastern France, two scientists have uncovered a significant reservoir of “white hydrogen,” representing one of the most substantial concentrations of this environmentally friendly energy source ever detected.
About White Hydrogen
- White hydrogen is a naturally occurring, clean-burning energy source found in the Earth’s crust, distinct from green hydrogen produced through renewable energy electrolysis and Gray, brown, or black hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels. (Statement 1 is correct)
- Its significance lies in being an abundant and underutilized clean energy source with an estimated cost of approximately $1 per kilogram, making it a more cost-effective option compared to green hydrogen at $6 per kilogram.
- White hydrogen deposits have been discovered globally, including in the US, eastern Europe, Russia, Australia, Oman, France, and Mali. (Statement 2 is correct)
Q 3. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: Hunger Hotspots report is jointly released by World Food Programme (WFP) and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Statement-II: Indian Government launched One Nation One Ration Card system to address hunger issues
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: (b)
Hunger Hotspot Report
A report from WFP and FAO underscores the critical need for urgent attention in 22 countries or territories, as a lack of funding hinders essential support.
Key highlights of the report
- The Hunger Hotspots report, jointly released by WFP and FAO, highlights 18 critical humanitarian emergencies in 22 countries or territories, drawing attention to the potential risk of food insecurity and starvation in these regions, including Palestine, Burkina Faso, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan. (Statement 1 is not correct)
- This necessitates urgent humanitarian action amid rising conflict and other contributing factors such as climate-related disasters and economic issues.
- The report emphasizes the need for prompt responses, preparedness, and anticipatory actions to address these impending crises, citing challenges associated with funding shortfalls and various destabilizing factors, from conflict and climate change to economic struggles.
India has implemented various initiatives to ensure food security
- National Food Security Mission to enhance crop production
- PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana providing free grains to those covered by the National Food Security Act
- One Nation One Ration Card system to address hunger issues
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi to support small and marginal farmers
- National Food Security Act, legally entitling a significant portion of the population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System, with the eldest woman of the household as the ration card head.
Q 4. Consider the following statements:
- Kawah Ijen lake is situated in East Java, Indonesia.
- It is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
- The region surrounding Kawah Ijen is renowned for traditional sulphur mining.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Kawah Ijen Crater Lake
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, known for its optical Earth surface imagery, has recently captured breathtaking pictures of Kawah Ijen Crater Lake.
- Kawah Ijen, situated in East Java, Indonesia, is a volcanic crater lake within the Ijen volcano complex, known for its dazzling turquoise-coloured lake, which derives its vivid hue from a high concentration of dissolved sulfuric acid and other minerals.
- This highly acidic lake holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in the world and is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
- The Ijen volcano complex remains active, and Kawah Ijen is a site where volcanic activity is observed, releasing sulphur gases that can ignite to create mesmerizing blue flames, often referred to as “blue fire.”
- The region surrounding Kawah Ijen is renowned for traditional sulphur mining.
Q 5. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third-party files a suit
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c)
- Most of the cybersecurity policies not only offer a comprehensive cover against cyber risks and frauds but also pay for the legal costs and expenses. Hence statement 1 and 4 are correct.
- It also covers the expenses incurred on counselling sessions with a psychologist due to any traumatic stress one may face as a result of cyber-bullying or harassment. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- But the cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilful damages it, is not covered under insurance. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Q 6. Consider the following statements:
- Deep-sea mining
- Ocean climate change advisory services
- Biodiversity exploration
- Mineral survey
How many of the above is/are the part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d)
About India’s Deep Ocean Mission
- The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a Ministry of Earth Sciences initiative with the objective of advancing technologies and capabilities for deep-sea exploration
- It consists of multiple key pillars such as
- deep-sea mining
- ocean climate change advisory services
- biodiversity exploration
- mineral survey
- A significant milestone in the DOM’s objectives is the launch of India’s flagship deep ocean mission, Samudrayaan, which involves a crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 meters using the Matsya6000 deep-ocean submersible designed to withstand extreme pressures.
- Additionally, the successful deep-sea trials of ‘Varaha,’ an underwater mining system, at a depth of 5,270 meters represent a significant advancement in deep-sea resource exploration, particularly for valuable resources like polymetallic nodules and sulphides found at these depths.
Q 7. Consider the following statements:
- QCI is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
- It was jointly established by the Indian Government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
- QCI’s primary purpose is to promote and improve quality standards across diverse sectors in India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
- QCI is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
- It was jointly established by the Indian Government and leading industry associations: ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI, in 1997.
- QCI’s primary purpose is to promote and improve quality standards across diverse sectors in India.
- It plays a key role in accreditation, certification, and quality enhancement within India.
- DPIIT, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as the central point for quality-related matters and supports QCI in implementing government decisions.
- QCI is governed by a Council consisting of 39 members, including the Chairperson and Secretary General, with equal representation from the government, industry, and other stakeholders.
Q 8. Consider the following statements:
- Haemoglobin is vital for chondrocytes’ survival, and its absence leads to embryonic lethality in mice.
- It plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and storage within chondrocytes.
- Haemoglobin enables chondrocytes to cope with low oxygen levels by transporting and releasing oxygen when needed.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Importance of Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes
- Haemoglobin is vital for chondrocytes’ survival, and its absence leads to embryonic lethality in mice.
- It plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and storage within chondrocytes.
- Haemoglobin enables chondrocytes to cope with low oxygen levels by transporting and releasing oxygen when needed.
- Without haemoglobin, chondrocytes experience hypoxic stress and impaired functionality.
Q 9. Project Kusha was recently mentioned in the news, it is related to:
- Evacuation of Indian stranded in Palestine.
- A long-range air defence system.
- Evacuation of Indian stranded in Israel.
- ISRO new project for Mars.
Answer: (b)
Project Kusha
- Project Kusha, led by DRDO, is India’s ambitious endeavour to create a long-range air defence system by 2028-29.
- This system aims to detect and neutralize enemy threats like cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones from long distances.
- It will include three interceptor missile types with ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km, as well as advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars.
- Project Kusha is anticipated to rival the effectiveness of Russia’s S-400 and Israel’s Iron Dome systems.
Q 10. Consider the following Gases:
- Carbon monoxide
- Methane
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (d)
- Agricultural crop/ biomass residue burning contribute towards the emission of greenhouse gases, air pollutants, particulates matter and smoke thereby posing threat to human health.
- Burning crop residues are cheap and easiest method to dispose the leftover crop residues after harvesting, for land clearing and pest control. Burning of crop residues is a common approach to eliminate waste after harvesting all over the world.
- Burning of these residues emit gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), methane (CH4), volatile organic compounds (VOC), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), ozone (O3), and aerosols etc which affect the global atmospheric climate.
Q 11. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: The Galapagos Islands are the part of Ecuador situated in Pacific Ocean.
Statement-II: Galapagos Islands are recognised as UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site.
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: (b)
The near Galápagos Islands boast untouched coral reefs, unveiling a realm teeming with abundant marine biodiversity.
About Galapagos Island
- The Galapagos Islands, part of Ecuador, cover an extensive area of almost 60,000 sq. km in the Pacific Ocean, situated about 1,000 km from the South American continent.
- Protected status: Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, later becoming the Galapagos National Park in 1959. In 1978, they earned UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site recognition.
- Rich biodiversity: Home to diverse aquatic species like manta rays, sharks, marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, and critically endangered species like the Galápagos penguin, fur seal, sea lion, and iconic giant tortoises.
- Scientific significance: Charles Darwin conducted crucial observations in 1835, shaping his theory of evolution and describing the islands as a unique “world in itself.”
- Resilient corals: The waters off the west coast of Ecuador, where the islands are located, stand out for the corals’ ability to resist bleaching and death.
Q 12. Consider the following statements:
- Formaldehyde primarily used in the production of industrial resins, such as those used in particle board and coatings.
- It has a pungent-smelling colorless gas that polymerises spontaneously into paraformaldehyde.
- Formaldehyde is stored as an aqueous solution formalin.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
About Formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula CH2O.
- In its pure form, it’s a colourless gas with a pungent smell, but it spontaneously polymerizes into paraformaldehyde, so it’s typically stored as a solution known as formalin.
- As the simplest aldehyde (R−CHO), its name relates to its similarity to formic acid.
- Formaldehyde serves as a crucial precursor for various materials and chemical compounds.
- It is primarily used in the production of industrial resins, such as those used in particle board and coatings.
Q 13. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: Stirling engine operates on a micro scale using a laser beam as fuel instead of gas
Statement-II: Electric fields cannot be applied to Stirling engine because it significantly increase heat loss.
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)
Sterling Engine
- A Stirling engine operates on a micro scale using a laser beam as fuel instead of gas.
- It functions like a piston with a single particle.
- Electric fields can be applied to this micro engine to significantly reduce heat loss, resulting in an efficiency of nearly 95 percent.
- It’s designed as a ‘Stirling’ engine, which compresses and expands air or gas between various temperature ranges periodically, converting heat energy into mechanical work.
- This innovative engine design has the potential to achieve high power and high efficiency simultaneously
Q 14. Which of the following scheme is not related to Fisheries Production?
- National Mission on Protein Supplements
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Blue Revolution Scheme
- None of the above
Answer: (d)
Government Initiatives
- PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana)
- Blue Revolution Scheme
- National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
- National Mission on Protein Supplements (NMPS)
- National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen
Q 15. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the
(a) Preamble to the Constitution
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Ninth Schedule
Answer: (b)
Article 51 of the Constitution which is a Directive Principle of State Policy directs the state to promote international peace and security and maintain just and honorable relations between nations.
Q 16. Consider the following Instruments:
- Certificate of Deposit
- Commercial Paper
- Promissory Note
- Participatory Note
How many of the instrument given above is/are issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (a)
- P-Notes or Participatory Notes are Overseas Derivative Instruments that have Indian stocks as their underlying assets. They allow foreign investors to buy stocks listed on Indian exchanges without being registered.
- Certificate of Deposit (CDs) is short-term instruments issued by Commercial Banks and Special Financial Institutions (SFIs), which are freely transferable from one party to another. The maturity period of CDs ranges from 91 days to one year. These can be issued to individuals, co-operatives and companies.
- Commercial paper, or CP, is a short-term debt instrument issued by companies to raise funds generally for a time period up to one year. It is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of a promissory note and was introduced in India in 1990.
- A promissory note is a financial instrument that contains a written promise by one party to pay another party a definite sum of money.
Q 17. Consider the following statements
Statement-I: Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
Statement-II: Zika virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy through sexual contact and blood transfusion.
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)
Zika Virus
- The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
- It can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and blood products.
- The Zika virus possesses an RNA genome, making it highly prone to accumulating mutations.
- Genomic studies have identified two lineages of the Zika virus: African and Asian.
Q 18. Consider the following statements:
- Kamakhya Temple Situated on Nilachal Hill along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati.
- The temple’s architecture combines traditional Nagara (North Indian) and Saracenic (Mughal) styles, forming the distinctive Nilachala Style.
- Temple hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela to commemorate the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Kamakhya Temple
- Situated on Nilachal Hill along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati.
- Revered as a prominent center for Tantric practices.
- Recognized as one of India’s oldest Shakti Peethas among the 51.
- The temple’s architecture combines traditional Nagara (North Indian) and Saracenic (Mughal) styles, forming the distinctive Nilachala Style.
- It is the sole temple in Assam with a fully developed ground plan comprising five chambers: garbhagriha (sanctuary), antarala (vestibule), Jagan Mohan (principal chamber), bhogmandir (ritual chamber), and natmandir (opera hall for traditional dance and music associated with sukti temples).
- Each chamber boasts distinct architectural features, including a modified Saracenic dome in the main temple, a two-roofed design in the antarala, five domes resembling the main temple in the bhogmandir (pancharatna), and a shell-roof with apsidal end in the natmandir, reminiscent of some temporary namghars (prayer halls) in Assam.
- This temple hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela to commemorate the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
Source: TH
Q 19. Consider the following statements about Minamata Convention:
- It is an International environmental treaty focusing on mercury and its compounds’ harmful effects on human health and the environment.
- It operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
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: (c)
Minamata Convention and its objectives
- It is an International environmental treaty focusing on mercury and its compounds’ harmful effects on human health and the environment.
- It targets specific human activities contributing to widespread mercury pollution.
- Implementation is foreseen to significantly reduce mercury pollution in the coming decades.
- It was signed in 2013, the Convention became enforceable in 2017.
- Operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- 128 countries are signatories to the Convention,119 countries are active parties.
- India, a party to the Minamata Convention, ratified it in 2018.
Q 20. Consider the following:
- Film Dubbing
- Amplification of Message and its Reach
- Law enforcement
- Diagnosis
How many of the above is/are the application of Deepfakes?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (d)
Applications of Deepfakes:
Film Dubbing
- Utilizing deepfake technology for realistic lip-syncing, catering to actors speaking different languages, enhancing accessibility and immersion for a global audience.
Education
- Harnessing deepfake technology to facilitate engaging lessons by bringing historical figures to life in the classroom or creating interactive simulations of diverse scenarios.
Art
- Employing deepfake technology as a creative tool for artists to express themselves, experiment with styles, or collaborate with peers.
Autonomy and Expression
- Empowering individuals through deepfake technology to control their digital identity, protect privacy, or express identity in unique ways.
Amplification of Message and its Reach
- Leveraging deepfake technology to amplify the voice and impact of individuals with important messages, particularly those facing discrimination, censorship, or violence.
Digital Reconstruction and Public Safety
- Applying deepfake technology to reconstruct missing or damaged digital data, restore old photos or videos, and enhance low-quality footage.
- Enhancing public safety by creating realistic training materials for emergency responders, law enforcement, or military personnel.
Innovation
- Inspiring innovation across various fields and industries through deepfake technology, enabling new forms of storytelling, interaction, diagnosis, or persuasion.
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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