UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: January 14, 2025
January 14, 2025 January 14, 2025
1. Consider the following:
- Lithium-ion Battery
- Lead-acid Battery
- Nickel-metal Hydride Battery
Which of the above batteries is known for its high energy density and is commonly used in electric vehicles?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] 1 and 3
[D] 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Lithium-ion batteries are favored in electric vehicles due to their high energy density, lightweight design, and ability to hold charge well. They offer longer lifespans and faster charging times compared to lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries, while cheaper, are heavier and less efficient for high-energy applications. Nickel-metal hydride batteries, used in some hybrid vehicles, provide moderate energy density and are less common than lithium-ion in fully electric models.
2. Regarding the Gibbon and its ecological significance, consider the following statements:
- The Hoolock gibbon and Black-crested gibbon are the only ape species found in India.
- Gibbons are exclusively arboreal, spending their lives in the treetops of tropical forests.
- Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary was established primarily to protect the Hoolock gibbon and its habitat.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- The Hoolock gibbon and Black crested gibbon are the only ape species found in India: This is incorrect. The Hoolock gibbon is the only ape species native to India.
- Gibbons are exclusively arboreal, spending their lives in the treetops of tropical forests. Correct: Gibbons are exclusively arboreal, spending their lives in the treetops of tropical forests. They are known for their distinct white eyebrows, long arms, and a throat sac used for vocalizations.
- Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary was established primarily to protect the Hoolock gibbon and its habitat. Correct: Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, formerly known as Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in Assam’s Jorhat district, India. Established in 1997, it boasts a rich biodiversity, housing India’s only gibbons, the western Hoolock hoolock, and the Bengal slow loris, the sole nocturnal primate in Northeastern India.
3. With reference to the Miyawaki method, consider the following statements:
- A technique to plant trees and shrubs closely to boost growth, ideal for urban areas.
- Trees planted using the Miyawaki technique absorb more carbon.
- Common indigenous plants used in Miyawaki forests in India include Anjan, Amala, Bel, etc.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Miyawaki Technique: Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, this method creates dense forests in small spaces. Known as the ‘pot plantation method,’ it involves planting trees and shrubs closely to speed up growth, with plants growing 10 times faster, making it ideal for urban areas. It mimics natural forests by using a mix of native species planted densely.
- Advantages of the Miyawaki Technique: It improves soil quality, boosts biodiversity, and accelerates forest growth. Trees grown using this method absorb more carbon, grow faster, and support greater biodiversity than traditional forests.
- Common native plants used in these forests include Anjan, Amala, Bel, Arjun, and Gunj. These forests foster new biodiversity and ecosystems, enhancing soil fertility.
4. In context with the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany, consider the following statements:
- It is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock.
- It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats.
- It is caused by a virus that spreads through direct contact and contaminated materials.
- It was the first disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) established official recognition.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All four]
Notes:- Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that causes significant economic losses.
- It affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants, but not horses, dogs, or cats. Intensively reared animals are more susceptible than traditional breeds.
- Transmission: FMD spreads through excretions and secretions from infected animals, especially via aerosolized virus expelled during breathing, which can infect others through respiratory or oral routes. The disease is rarely fatal in adults but can cause high mortality in young animals.
- FMD was the first disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) established official recognition. Vaccines are available, but they must match the specific type and strain of the virus causing the outbreak.
5. Match the following Interpol Notices with their respective purposes:
| Notice | Purpose |
|---|
| A. Red Notice | 1. To locate missing persons, especially minors |
| B. Yellow Notice | 2. To request the arrest of a fugitive living in another country |
| C. Black Notice | 3. To seek information about unidentified bodies |
| D. Green Notice | 4. To warn about a person’s potential threat to public safety |
Select the correct code:
[A] A – 2, B – 1, C – 3, D – 4
[B] A – 1, B – 2, C – 4, D – 3
[C] A – 3, B – 4, C- 1, D – 2
[D] A – 4, B – 3, C – 2, D – 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A – 2, B – 1, C – 3, D – 4]
Notes:- Red Notice: It requests the arrest of fugitives for prosecution or to serve a sentence, facilitating international cooperation.
- Yellow Notice: This notice helps locate missing persons or identify those unable to identify themselves, often used for minors.
- Black Notice: It seeks information on unidentified bodies, assisting in investigations into unidentified remains.
- Green Notice: It warns about a person’s criminal activities, indicating they may pose a threat to public safety.
The above questions are part of Daily UPSC 20 Current Affairs MCQs Series in GKToday Android Application. This series can be subscribed in the app only for user friendly test with detailed answers and explanations.
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