UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: April 7, 2025

• Javelin is a man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin: This is correct. The Javelin uses infrared homing guidance.
• Spike is a family of anti-tank guided missiles developed by the Israeli defense company Rafael: This is correct. Spike missiles can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms.
• Milkor MGL is a type of anti-tank missile system that uses a grenade launcher design: This is incorrect. Milkor MGL is a grenade launcher, not an anti-tank missile system.

Thus, two statements are correct. The correct answer is (b) Only two.

• Moore’s Law predicts that the number of transistors on a microchip will quadruple approximately every two years.”

  • Incorrect: Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles (not quadruples) approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power.

• “The term ‘Internet of Things’ refers to the interconnection of everyday devices via the internet.”

  • Correct: The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of interconnected devices—such as smart home appliances, wearables, and industrial sensors—that communicate and share data over the internet.

• “Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally different ways than classical computers.”

  • Correct: Quantum computing relies on quantum bits (qubits) that leverage quantum principles like superposition and entanglement, enabling them to perform certain computations much faster than classical computers.

1. Correct: The LCR was indeed recommended by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision following the 2007-09 financial crisis to enhance banks’ short-term liquidity resilience.
2. Correct: The LCR mandates that banks maintain a sufficient stock of High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) to meet liquidity needs during a 30-day stress scenario, ensuring financial stability.

1. It was originally known as Thule Air Base until its renaming in 2023. 
   This is correct. Recent developments confirm that the base formerly known as Thule Air Base was renamed Pituffik Space Base in 2023. The base was renamed to honor Greenlandic heritage.
2. The base is located about 1,200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
   This is correct. Located in northern Greenland, the base is indeed situated far above the Arctic Circle—roughly 1,200 km north—which is consistent with its geographical coordinates.
3. The Pituffik Space Base was established as part of a defense agreement between the U.S. and Canada.
   This is incorrect. The base was established under defense cooperation between the United States and Denmark (since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark), not Canada.
4. The base serves crucial roles in missile warning and space surveillance for the U.S. and NATO.
   This is correct. The base plays an important role in missile warning, early detection, and space surveillance, functions that are critical to both U.S. defense and NATO’s security framework.

• Channa andrao: Discovered in 2019, it exhibits a striking coloration and is endemic to India.
• Channa bipuli: This species is recognized for its bright hues and is sought after by aquarium enthusiasts.
• Channa aristonei: Identified through genetic studies, it is distinguished by its distinctive dorsal markings.
• Channa nachi: Its name reflects local Garo culture, emphasizing the connection between biodiversity and indigenous knowledge.