May 29 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Virupaksha temple is originally believed to have been built by the Chalukyas in the 7th century and was enlarged later with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire, under which it flourished.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha/Pampa pathi (worshipped in the form of linga), as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi, who is associated with the Tungabhadra River.
• It is also otherwise known as Pampapathi temple.

Statement 2 is correct

• It is a prime example of Dravidian temple architecture, characterised by its grand gopurams (towering gateways), the shikhara towering over the sanctum sanctorum, its intricate carvings and pillared halls.
• There is the usage of mathematical concepts in its construction and decoration. The repeated patterns in the construction depict the concept of fractals.

  

  Credit: Indian Express

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi, in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, on the south bank of the river Tungabadra.

Statement 4 is correct

• The Group of Monuments at Hampi is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its universal cultural significance.
• This vast site contains numerous temples, shrines, palaces, fortifications, and other structures that date back to the 14th to 16th centuries.
• It’s recognized for its cultural, architectural, and historical significance, attracting visitors from all over the world.

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Article 329(b) specifies that no election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as may be provided for by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature.
• The Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, provides this framework.
• In K. Venkatachalam vs A.Swamickan, the Supreme Court held that Article 329(b) is not applicable if the matter pertains to Articles 191 and 193, which deal with disqualifications and penalties for members of Parliament and state legislatures.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Only candidates officially recognised by the EC are eligible to file election petitions.
• By merely filing a nomination paper, a person does not become a duly nominated candidate.
• A candidate becomes a nominated candidate when the EC recognises him to be a valid candidate fulfilling all the statutory obligations.

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• At 100% relative humidity, the air is fully saturated with moisture, meaning it cannot hold any more water vapor.
• In this state, the wet-bulb temperature is equal to the dry-bulb temperature because no evaporation occurs to cause cooling.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Wet bulb temperatures below 30°C are generally considered safe for human activities.
• Between 30°C and 35°C, the human body starts to experience hyperthermia, a condition where body temperature rises excessively, leading to serious health risks.
• A wet bulb temperature of 35°C is typically regarded as the maximum limit for human survival without artificial cooling methods.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The technique involves releasing genetically engineered male mosquitoes into the wild, which mate with females, leading to sterile female offspring, effectively reducing the population of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes.
• The genetic modification technique aims to reduce the population of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes by targeting female offspring, thereby controlling the spread of malaria.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Anopheles stephensi is a malaria vector native to South Asia.
• It had migrated to Africa from South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Transmits Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax (Parasites).
• Unlike other malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Africa that primarily breed in rural areas, Anopheles stephensi is well adapted to the urban environment.
• It bites both during the day and at night and is resistant to chemical insecticides.

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

Explanation

• Cyclonic Storm ‘Remal’ is originating in the central Bay of Bengal.
• The name was suggested by Oman.
• The word means ‘sand’ in Arabic.
• It will cross the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm.
• It is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has made coordination efforts with the concerned state administrations to facilitate a synchronised response to potential contingencies arising from the cyclonic storm.
• The ICG’s Remote Operating Stations at Haldia and Paradip are broadcasting regular and multilingual Very High Frequency alerts, advising transit merchant mariners to take necessary precautions.
• ICG ships and aircraft are conducting surveillance along the projected path of the cyclonic storm to provide timely assistance and support.
• 9 disaster relief teams have been positioned at strategic locations including Haldia, Paradip, Gopalpur, and Frazerganj, ready to provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency.

Answer: (c) Oman; Difficulty Level: Medium