December 04 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Both statement 1 and 2 are correct

• Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large scale destruction due to violent winds (squalls), very heavy rainfall (torrential rainfall) and storm surge.
• They are irregular wind movements involving closed circulation of air around a low pressure center. This closed air circulation (whirling motion) is a result of rapid upward movement of hot air which is subjected to Coriolis force. The low pressure at the center is responsible for the wind speeds.
• The cyclonic wind movements are anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere (This is due to Coriolis force).
• Recently cyclone Fengal made landfall over Puducherry.
• Cyclone Fengal has formed due to a weather disturbance that has intensified into a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal.
• The name “Fengal” was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is of Arabic origin.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Researchers found potential in the Tropical plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes.
• Subabul is a fast-growing leguminous species found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• In India, it is found in Assam, Bihar, Maharastra, MP, and Rajasthan. It is also efficient for nitrogen fixation.
• Economic Impact: Subabul is grown as an industrial crop in India’s southern and central states. It is the most important pulpwood species for the pulp and paper industry.
• Traditional Uses: The leaves and immature seeds of Subabul are consumed in soups or salads, providing a rich source of protein and fibre.
• Term related to the news:
  • Marker-assisted fractionation: It is a scientific process used to identify and isolate bioactive components of a plant extract.
  • Insulin Resistance: A condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
  • Skeletal Muscle Cells (C2C12): A type of muscle cell often used in research to study muscle development and diseases.

Answer: (b) Identification of bioactive components in plant extracts; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

All are correct

• December 3rd marks the birth anniversary of Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern Indian art and a prominent figure in the neo-Bengal school.
• Notably, the illustrations in the Constitution of India were conceived and created by Nandalal Bose and his team in Santiniketan.
• He was mentored by Abanindranath Tagore and became renowned for his distinctive “Indian style” of painting. In 1922, he became the principal of Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan.
• He drew inspiration from diverse art traditions, including Japanese Nihonga, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and Ajanta Cave murals.
• His paintings frequently depicted scenes from Indian mythology, village life, and women in various roles.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Madhya Pradesh government has officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 8th Tiger Reserve.
• Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges.
• In addition to tigers, the sanctuary supports a variety of wildlife, including Leopards, Hyenas, Jackals, and various herbivores such as Chital, Sambar, Nilgai and the Paradise flycatcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh (2022 census).
• Historical Significance: It includes the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of international importance that adds cultural and historical value to the reserve.

Answer: (b) Madhya Pradesh; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) was recently in the news.
• The scheme aims to regulate Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H) medicines in India, utilising the framework provided by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules.
• Implemented By: Ministry of Ayush.
• Objectives of AOGUSY:
  • Boost Manufacturing and Exports: Enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports of tradi-tional medicines and health promotion products, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Upgrade Infrastructure: Facilitate infrastructural and technological advancements aimed at stand-ardisation, quality manufacturing, and analytical testing of Ayush drugs and materials.
  • Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Reinforce regulatory structures, including the safety of ASU&H drugs, at both central and state levels to ensure effective quality control and safety monitoring and address misleading advertisements of Ayush drugs.
  • Promote Synergies and Collaborations: Encourage building up synergies, collaborations, and con-vergent approaches to enhance the standards and quality of Ayush drugs and materials.
  • Standards and Certification: Support the development of standards and accreditation/ certification of Ayush products and materials in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Quality Council of India (QCI), and other relevant scientific institutions and industrial R&D centres.

Answer: (d) All of the above; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Researchers found potential in the Tropical plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes.
• Subabul is a fast-growing leguminous species found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• In India, it is found in Assam, Bihar, Maharastra, MP, and Rajasthan. It is also efficient for nitrogen fixation.
• Economic Impact: Subabul is grown as an industrial crop in India’s southern and central states.
• It is the most important pulpwood species for the pulp and paper industry.
• Traditional Uses: The leaves and immature seeds of Subabul are consumed in soups or salads, providing a rich source of protein and fibre.

Answer: (b) Industrial pulpwood; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• The 14th AOMSUC is held in India and hosted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences. The first AOMSUC was held in China.
• It is held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region.
• It is a conference focused on using meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management.
• The conference aims to:
  • Promote the importance of satellite observations.
  • Advanced satellite remote sensing science.
  • Provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration between satellite operators and users.
  • Inform the community about the current status and plans of international space programs.
  • Encourage the development of new technologies for weather satellite sensing.
  • Engage young scientists in the field.

Answer: (c) Satellite data for weather forecasting; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct

• The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) completed nine years.
• It was launched by the PM on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2015.
• It aims to create a barrier-free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (PwDs) nationwide.
• Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Components of the Accessible India Campaign:
  • Improving built environment accessibility in public spaces.
  • Creating an accessible Information and Communication ecosystem (Eg. Sugamya Bharat app)
  • Enhancing transportation accessibility for independent mobility.
  • Expanding sign language access through interpreter training and better media support.

Statement 4 is incorrect

• Direct financial assistance to individuals is not a stated component.

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium