December 06 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Foundation of Akal Takht: It was established by the sixth Sikh master, Guru Hargobind, in 1606 following the execution of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, by the Mughals.
• Purpose: Guru Hargobind used this platform for governance and issued the first directive (Hukamna-ma) from here, urging Sikh congregations to contribute horses and weapons to the Panth.
• Symbolism: The Guru requested two swords, one shorter symbolising miri (temporal power) and one longer symbolising piri (spirituality), indicating the primacy of spiritual authority over temporal power.
• Defiance: The Akal Takht symbolised Sikh defiance of Mughal authority, with its 12-foot-high platform challenging Emperor Jahangir’s 11-foot-high throne.

Answer: (c) Guru Hargobind; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect

• Jama Masjid Shamsi was commissioned by Sultan Shams ud-Din Iltutmish in 1223 AD, according to inscriptions on the mosque.
• The mosque’s construction occurred during the governorship of Iltutmish’s son, Rukn-ud-Din Firoz.
• It was repaired in the 16th century after a fire, with domes added under Akbar’s reign.

Statement 3 is correct

• The mosque is recognised as a Monument of National Importance and a National Heritage Site.

Statement 4 is correct

• Architectural Features:
  • It is one of the oldest and largest congregational mosques in North India.
  • The mosque showcases Persian and Afghan architectural influences.
  • The mosque is constructed using red sandstone and white marble.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Article 34 of the Indian Constitution covers Martial Law. This concept is borrowed from the British.

Statement 2 is correct

• Article 34 provides for restrictions on Fundamental Rights while martial law is in force in any area within territory of India.

Statement 3 is correct

• It provides Parliament with the right to make any law indemnifying any government servant for acts done during the operation of martial law.
• The power of Parliament under this Section is subject to the following two conditions:
  • The act must have been done concerning the maintenance or restoration of order.
  • Martial law must be in force in the area where the act was done.

Statement 4 is incorrect

• The term ‘martial law’ is not defined in the IC. There are no explicit grounds mentioned for the imposi-tion of Martial law.
• Post-independence, it was never applied in India.

Answer: (c) Only three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Gharcholas Saree from Gujarat received the GI tag.
• Traditional Use: They are worn by newlywed brides to symbolise joining their new home, particularly within Hindu and Jain communities. The name “Gharchola” means “Outfit for Home”.
• Fabric and Design: These sarees are woven on cotton or silk fabric using silk & zari threads. They feature checkered patterns filled with small golden motifs of peacocks, lotuses, human figures & floral designs.
• Bandhani Technique: The sarees are coloured using the Bandhani or tie-and-dye technique. This tech-nique frequently uses red, maroon, green, and yellow.
• Varieties: A Gharcholas Saree with 12 squares is known as “Bar Bagh,” while one with 52 squares is called “Bavan Bagh”.

Answer: (b) Gujrat; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• According to the World Drought Atlas, around 75% of the global population will be affected by drought by 2050.
• It is released by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre.
• Aim: To provide data-driven insights and guidelines to combat the increasing global drought risks.
• It highlights the effects of droughts on energy, trade, and agriculture.
• For India: It predicts significant losses in soybean crops due to drought and recalls the 2019 water crisis in Chennai, caused by poor water management despite ample rainfall.

Answer: (c) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

• The Ministry of Forest, Environment & Climate Change launched ‘Nano Bubble Technology’ to clean & purify the water of National Zoological Park, Delhi.
• Nanobubbles is an advanced technique for enhancing water quality by using tiny bubbles.
• Nanobubbles have a strong negative charge, which helps them attract & break down impurities in water.
• Size: Nanobubbles are incredibly tiny, measuring between 70 and 120 nanometers in diameter, 2500 times smaller than a single grain of salt.
• Oxygenation: Nanobubbles enhance oxygen levels in the water, promoting aerobic degradation by aerobic bacteria, which naturally breaks down organic matter.
• Brownian Motion: Nanobubbles remain in the water for a long time, ensuring a uniform distribution of oxygen and maintaining dissolved oxygen levels for extended periods.

All five options are correct

• Applications of Nanobubble Technology:
  • Water Treatment: Nanobubbles remove contaminants, pollutants, and pathogens from water, providing a chemical-free solution for water purification.
  • Agriculture: Infusing water with oxygen-rich nanobubbles can significantly improve plant growth.
  • Aquaculture: Oxygen nanobubbles can enhance health and growth of fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • Industrial Cleaning: The small size and high reactivity of nanobubbles allow them to penetrate and clean hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for industrial cleaning applications.
  • Medical Field: Research is exploring the use of nanobubbles for targeted drug delivery, medical imaging, and even cancer treatment.

Answer: (d) All five; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• About “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” Program:
  • Purpose: The program aims to celebrate and promote India’s rich cultural heritage by recognising and supporting traditional crafts and products through the GI tag.
  • Organised by: Ministry of Textiles.
  • The program is part of the One District, One Product (ODOP) Initiative, which focuses on promot-ing local crafts and boosting the economy of specific districts by highlighting GI-tagged products.

Answer: (d) Ministry of Textiles; Difficulty Level: Easy