Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 05 to 10 August, 2024

EXPLANATION: 

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court declared 8 lakh rupees as the Creamy Layer limit to exclude the SC/STs from availing of the reservation: The concept of the "creamy layer" is typically applied to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) rather than Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Supreme Court has not set a specific income limit of 8 lakh rupees for SCs and STs in this context. The creamy layer concept excludes the more affluent individuals within a category from availing of reservations. However, for SCs and STs, the focus is more on ensuring that reservations are provided to historically disadvantaged groups without applying an income-based exclusion criterion.

statement 2 is correct. The state has the power to subcategorize the SC/STs. it is important to note that while states can make specific provisions for the welfare of SCs and STs, any subcategorization within these groups must align with constitutional principles and should not undermine the fundamental rights of these communities. The Constitution does allow for affirmative action and provisions for SCs and STs, but any categorization must be done in a manner that adheres to legal and constitutional guidelines.

Statement 3  is correct: The case underlines the principle of Real Equality: The judgment in Dalvir Singh vs State of Punjab addresses the principle of "Real Equality," which emphasizes not just formal equality (equality before the law) but also substantive equality. Real Equality focuses on ensuring that policies and provisions are effective in addressing the real-life disparities faced by marginalized communities. The case likely involved issues related to the effective implementation of reservations and affirmative action to achieve substantive equality, reflecting the principle that equality must address the actual social and economic inequalities faced by different groups.

EXPLANATION:

Pulsars: Pulsars are neutron stars that emit beams of radiation from their magnetic poles. As the neutron star rotates, these beams sweep across the sky, creating observable pulses of radiation. Hence, the first pair is correct.

Pulsation: The radiation is observed at very regular intervals, ranging from milliseconds to seconds, due to the rapid rotation of the neutron star.

Magnetic Fields: Pulsars have incredibly strong magnetic fields, which channel particles along their magnetic poles, producing intense beams of light and radiation.

Magnetars: Definition: Magnetars are a subclass of neutron stars with exceptionally strong magnetic fields, much stronger than those of typical neutron stars and terrestrial magnets. Magnetic Field: The magnetic field strength of magnetars can be 10^14 to 10^15 gauss, compared to the Earth’s magnetic field of about 0.5 gauss.

This intense magnetic field can lead to significant geological activity, including starquakes and bursts of X-rays and gamma rays.

Cepheid: Cepheid variables are a type of star that exhibits periodic variations in brightness. These stars are named after the prototype star, Delta Cephei, in the constellation Cepheus.Pulsation: Cepheid variables pulsate in size and brightness at regular intervals. This pulsation is caused by the interplay between gravity and pressure in the star's outer layers. Period-Luminosity Relationship: Cepheids follow a well-defined relationship known as the period-luminosity (P-L) relationship. This means there is a direct correlation between the star’s pulsation period and its intrinsic luminosity (actual brightness). Longer pulsation periods correspond to higher luminosities.

EXPLANATION:

Statement-I is correct: In India, the commercial production of GM food crops is completely prohibited by the legislation. This statement is correct. While the commercial production of GM cotton (such as Bt cotton) is permitted, the commercial cultivation of GM food crops (like GM rice or GM vegetables) is not allowed in India. The regulatory framework in India, overseen by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and other bodies, has approved GM cotton but has not permitted GM food crops for commercial production.

Statement-II is incorrect: There have been no GM crops cultivated in India since independence. GM crops, specifically Bt cotton, have been cultivated in India since 2002. Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in the country.

EXPLANATION:

MILITANT GROUPS AND THEIR ACTIVE REGIONS/COUNTRIES.

Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL): Originally in Iraq and Syria, with affiliates in Libya, West Africa (Boko Haram), and other regions. A radical Islamist militant group that declared a caliphate in 2014. Although its territorial control has been largely dismantled, it continues to operate through affiliates and carry out attacks.

Boko Haram: Nigeria, with activities spilling over into Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. Description: An extremist Islamist group known for its insurgency in Nigeria. It has conducted numerous attacks and kidnappings, including the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.

Hezbollah: Lebanon. Description: A Shiite militant group and political party based in Lebanon. It has been involved in various conflicts with Israel and is also active in the Syrian civil war fighting alongside the Assad regime.

Al-Shabaab: Somalia, with operations extending to neighboring countries like Kenya. An Islamist militant group with links to Al-Qaeda, known for its insurgency in Somalia and its terrorist attacks in the region, including the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya.

Hamas: Palestinian territories (Gaza Strip). Description: A Palestinian Islamist militant group that governs the Gaza Strip and is involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has engaged in various conflicts with Israel and has a military wing known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM): Pakistan, with significant activity in India (particularly Jammu and Kashmir). A Pakistan-based militant group involved in insurgency and terrorist activities in Indian-administered Kashmir. It has been responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT): Pakistan, with significant activities in India (particularly Jammu and Kashmir). A militant group responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It operates primarily from Pakistan and targets Indian interests, particularly in Kashmir.

EXPLANATION: 

Statement 1 is correct: State governments can propose any area as a Tiger reserve:. State governments can propose areas to be declared as tiger reserves. The proposal needs to be in line with guidelines provided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and the final declaration requires approval from the central government.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Once the area is declared a tiger reserve the power of state governments is transferred to the National Tiger Conservation Authority: This statement is incorrect. While the NTCA provides guidelines, and oversight, and ensures compliance with national policies for tiger conservation, the actual management and administration of tiger reserves are retained by the state governments. The NTCA does not take over the powers of the state governments.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tiger reserves are declared under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980: This statement is incorrect. Tiger reserves are designated under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 deals with the conservation of forests and forest lands but is not specifically concerned with the declaration of tiger reserves.

EXPLANATION:

Statement 1 is incorrect. Bangladesh has a parliamentary republic system, not a presidential system. The head of government is the Prime Minister, while the President has a largely ceremonial role.

Statement  2 is incorrect. Bangladesh shares its borders with India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast. It also has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal to the south.

statement 3 is correct. Bangladesh is a member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a regional organization aimed at promoting cooperation among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.

Explanation: 

• Transgenic Basmati rice is also known as golden rice. Statement 1 is correct.
• Transgenic Basmati rice is a genetically modified crop. These varieties of Basmati rice have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Its main objective is to promote sustainable rice farming practices, which encourage water conservation and reduction of carbon emissions. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• It was modified to give higher yields of vitamin A. Statement 3 is correct Because transgenic Basmati rice has been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to give higher yields of Vitamin A.
• Paddy is a major Rabi crop. In Assam and Tripura, farmers grow three major crops of rice named ‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’. Statement 4 is wrong, Because paddy is a major Kharif crop it requires high temperatures (above 25 °C) and high humidity with annual rainfall of more than 100 cm to grow. 
• In West Bengal, farmers grow three major crops of rice named ‘Aus’, ‘Aman’, and ‘Boro’. Thus option C is the correct answer.

Explanation: 

• Draupadi Murmu, President of India During her first official visit to Fiji from 5 to 7 August 2024, she was awarded Fiji's highest civilian award, ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ Was honored with. 
• She is the first Indian President to visit Fiji, where she met Prime Minister Sitivan Rabuka and President Ratu William Mawalili Katonivere. The Fiji government has also allocated land for a 100-bed super specialty hospital supported by India. Hence option A is the correct answer।

EXPLANATION: 

• Under the provisions of the 'Consumer Rights/Privileges' Act in India, any consumer has the right to take samples for food testing. Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• When a consumer files a complaint in a consumer forum, he does not have to pay any fee. Statement 2 is incorrect Because, Under the provisions of 'The Consumer Rights/Privileges Act in India, the consumer Generally the place of the complaint is decided based on compensation. If this amount is less than Rs 20 lakh, then a complaint has to be made in the District Consumer Forum and if this amount is more than Rs 20 lakh but less than Rs 1 crore, then before the State Consumer Commission, and if it is more than Rs 1 crore, then A complaint has to be lodged before the National Consumer Commission. A nominal court fee is charged for this work. There is no charge for disputes up to Rs 5 lakh. Whereas for up to Rs 10 lakh, Rs 200 is charged and for Rs 20 lakh or more, only Rs 400 is charged. 
• Under the provisions of the 'Consumer Rights/Privileges' Act in India, in the event of the death of a consumer, his legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his behalf. Statement 3 is correct। 
• Thus option C is correct.

EXPLANATION: 

Statement-I is incorrect:  The carry trade, a risk-free trade, is allowed in the Indian stock market by RBI.

Risk-Free Trade: Carry trades are not inherently risk-free. They involve risks associated with fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, and market conditions. Allowance by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not allow carry trades in the Indian stock market. Such trades typically involve borrowing in one currency with a lower interest rate and investing in another currency or asset with a higher return. While carry trades can be used in forex markets, they are not permitted in the domestic Indian stock market due to regulatory restrictions aimed at controlling financial risk and maintaining market stability.

Statement-II is correct: Carry trade is a trading strategy that involves borrowing at a lower interest rate and investing in an asset that offers a higher rate of return. This statement is correct. A carry trade involves borrowing funds at a lower interest rate and using those funds to invest in assets or currencies that offer higher returns. This strategy aims to profit from the difference between the borrowing rate and the return on the investment.