February 25 2025 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum chip designed to make quantum computing more stable and reliable by leveraging a new state of matter.
• About Majorana 1:
  • Purpose: To create less error-prone qubits for practical quantum computing.
  • Key Feature: Uses topological superconductors (materials engineered to host Majorana fermions) to enhance qubit stability.
  • Material Used: Indium arsenide and aluminium, forming the world’s first topoconductor.

Answer: (d) Microsoft; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct

• Battle of Karnal fought on February 24, 1739 between Nadir shah and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah also known as ‘Rangila’ and marked the sharp decline of the Mughal Empire.
• Background:
  • In the early 18th century, the Mughal Empire was weakening due to internal strife, administrative inefficiencies, and regional rebellions.
  • Sensing this vulnerability, Nadir Shah, the founder of the Afsharid dynasty in Persia, launched an invasion to expand his control and plunder India’s wealth.
  • After successfully invading Afghanistan in 1738, he advanced into the Mughal Empire.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Only Pairs 1 and 4 are correct

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

Explanation

Statements 1 and 3 are correct

• Biobank:
  • A biobank is a repository that collects, stores, and manages biological samples (blood, cell, tissues, DNA, and reproductive samples (gametes) etc.) for research and medical purposes.
  • Used in genomic research, drug development, disease studies, and personalised medicine.
• Biobank at Darjeeling Zoo:
  • The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) now hosts India’s first biobank, set up in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
  • Purpose: To support conservation breeding, genetic research, and future species restoration efforts.
  • Target Species: Endangered species like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves.
  • Global References: Species like the American black-footed ferret and northern one-horned rhino have been revived using similar techniques worldwide.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Cryogenic Storage: The samples are preserved at –196°C in liquid nitrogen, ensuring long-term storage for 40-45 years.

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

• First breeding site of Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater in Peninsular India was discovered in Kanniyakumari, marking its southernmost breeding range, thus shifting its status from seasonal migrant to year-round resident in Tamil Nadu.

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Habitat: Prefers open areas, semi-desert regions, and sparse woodlands found across Northern Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and India, with occasional sightings in Italy and Greece.

Statement 2 is correct

• Diet: Feeds primarily on insects, especially dragonflies, and builds nests in sandy banks, embankments, low cliffs, and dunes.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Conservation Status: IUCN: LC
• Forms small, loose colonies but can nest solitarily, sometimes sharing sites with European Bee-Eaters.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I

• A study reveals Black plastic household products such as kitchen utensils and takeaway containers contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals that pose serious risks to human health.
• Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste such as computers, TVs, and appliances.
• These electronics typically contain substances such as flame retardant bromine, antimony and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.
• Study finds that products made from Black Plastic contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) that has been linked to potential human health risks.
• It may leach potentially harmful chemicals or microplastics (tiny plastic particles) into food, especially if it comes into contact with heat from cooking.
• A study in 2024 found that high levels of cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting flame retardant chemicals in a variety of household products made with black plastics.
• Even at very low levels, toxic chemicals in black plastic can cause serious reproductive and developmental problems, poisoning the brain and kidneys, disrupting human thyroid function etc.

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes weakness or temporary paralysis of the facial muscles.
• It is caused by inflammation or irritation of the facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the movement of muscles in the face.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Bell’s Palsy can affect anyone, at any age, but is more common in adults.
• Often linked to viral infections, but in most cases, the exact cause remains unknown (idiopathic), hence also called Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Palsy.

Statement 3 is correct

• Symptoms:
  • Facial drooping, difficulty in making facial expressions, drooling, difficulty in closing the eyelid, facial pain, trouble smiling, problems with taste and eating/drinking.
  • Symptoms appear suddenly, usually affecting one side of the face.
• Diagnosis & Treatment:
  • In most people symptoms of Bell’s Palsy usually start to improve within a few weeks and eventually go away completely. Most cases do not need treatment.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Established in April 1988 as a non-statutory body, SEBI became statutory on April 12, 1992, under the SEBI Act, 1992.
• It acts as the principal regulator of the securities market, and watchdog of the Indian capital market functioning under the Ministry of Finance.
• Its headquarters is in Mumbai, with regional offices in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
• The Board of Directors has 9 members including chairperson nominated by the Government of India, 2 members from the Union Ministry of Finance, 1 member from the Reserve Bank of India and 5 other members appointed by the Government, including at least 3 full-time Members.

Statement 2 is correct

• SEBI Chairperson:
  • Appointment: Appointed by the Government of India for a maximum period of 5 years or till 65 years, whichever is earlier.

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