weekly-current-affairs-quizzes-22-to-27-may-2023

Explanation:

• The Trimbakeshwar Temple, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. Thus statement 1 is not correct.
• is a highly revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus statement 2 is correct.

• It is famous for its architectural brilliance and intricate stone carvings. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• The temple displays a distinctive Hemadpanthi architectural style, known for its intricate carvings and embellishments. It showcases the craftsmanship of the medieval period in Maharashtra.
• The temple is situated at the source of the Godavari River in the Brahmagiri hills near Trimbak, Maharashtra.
• The main sanctum of the temple houses three Lingas, representing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Thus statement 4 is not correct.
• SHIV JYOTIRLINGA:LOCATION
  • Somnath:Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
  • Mallikarjuna:Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
  • Mahakaleshwar:Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
  • Omkareshwar:Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
  • Kedarnath:Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
  • Bhimashankar:Pune, Maharashtra
  • Kashi Vishwanath:Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Trimbakeshwar:Nashik, Maharashtra
  • Vaidyanath:Deoghar, Jharkhand
  • Nageshwar:Dwarka, Gujarat
  • Rameshwaram:Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
  • Grishneshwar:Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Explanation:

• Nuclear Tests were conducted by India at the Pokhran Test Range in the state of Rajasthan. The tests took place in May 1998. Thus statement 1 is correct.
• The code name of Pokhran-2, India's second series of nuclear tests conducted in 1998, was "Operation Shakti." The fusion bomb, codenamed "Shakti," was the most significant test and demonstrated India's ability to develop and deploy a thermonuclear weapon. The fission bombs included a boosted fission device and three miniaturized fission devices. Thus statement 2 is not correct.
• The first series of nuclear tests conducted by India was known as Pokhran-1 and took place in 1974.
• The Pokhran-2 tests had significant political and strategic implications, with India's nuclear capabilities being seen as a deterrent against potential adversaries and a demonstration of its technological prowess.

• India's nuclear doctrine, based on "No First Use," asserts that nuclear weapons are solely for deterrence. It aims to maintain a credible minimum deterrence while emphasizing a policy of non-use against non-nuclear states. India will retaliate massively if attacked with nuclear weapons, but seeks global nuclear disarmament.

Explanation:

• The NGT is a Statutory body established on October 18, 2010, by the Central Government. Thus statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• The NGT's jurisdiction extends to the entire country, including Union territories. It covers both civil and criminal cases related to environmental matters, including disputes arising from the implementation of environmental laws, forest conservation, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• The NGT can order compensation for environmental damage, restoration of the environment, and take preventive measures to mitigate environmental harm. Thus statement 4 is correct.
• The NGT consists of both judicial and expert members. The tribunal is headed by a Chairperson, who is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. The NGT also has judicial members, who are typically retired high court judges, and expert members who possess qualifications and experience in environmental matters.

Explanation:

• English holds a significant role in India's legal system. It is recognized as the official language for the proceedings of the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court conducts its proceedings, including the filing of petitions, drafting of judgments, and oral arguments, primarily in English. Thus statement 1 is correct.
• Hindi is one of the official languages of India, and its use as a court language is mandatory in the states and Union territories where it is the official language. In these regions, courts conduct proceedings in Hindi, and individuals have the right to use Hindi for communication and documentation. Thus statement 2 is correct.
• The Constitution of India allows the use of regional languages as court languages in their respective states, subject to certain conditions and provisions. This means that in states where a regional language is the official language, courts can conduct proceedings, record evidence, and issue judgments in that language. However, the provision for regional languages may come with requirements such as the availability of qualified translators or the permission of the presiding judge. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• The Constitution of India allows individuals to use any language of their choice in court proceedings. This provision ensures that individuals who are not proficient in the language of the court or prefer a different language can seek translation or interpretation services to present their case in a language they are comfortable with. Thus statement 4 is correct.
•  While the proceedings may be conducted in a particular language, the interpretation of laws, judgments, and legal documents is generally provided in English. This means that even if the court proceedings are in a regional language, the final judgments and important legal texts are usually translated into English for wider accessibility and consistency across the country.

Explanation:

• The National Population Register (NPR) is a comprehensive identity database of residents in India. NPR was first prepared in 2010 and updated in 2015.

• Objective: The primary objective of the NPR is to create a comprehensive and reliable population database for better targeting of welfare schemes and services provided by the government. Preparation and Updating: The NPR is prepared and updated by the Office of the Registrar General of India, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The NPR exercise involves collecting demographic details of individuals such as name, age, gender, and address.
• Linkage with Census: The NPR is linked to the decennial Census conducted by the Government of India. The data collected during the Census is used as the basis for updating the NPR. Thus statement 1 is correct.

• Biometric Information: The collection of biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans, is an essential component of the NPR. Biometric data adds an additional layer of accuracy and authentication to the database. Thus statement 2 is correct.
• Applicability: The NPR is applicable to all residents of India, irrespective of their citizenship status. It includes both Indian citizens and non-citizens residing in the country. Thus statement 3 is not correct.
• The NPR data is primarily used for policy planning, administration, and targeted delivery of government schemes and services. It may be shared with other government agencies for these purposes. Thus statement 4 is not correct.

• Voluntary Participation: Participation in the NPR is voluntary, and individuals can choose not to provide certain details.

• Periodic Updates: The data collected in the NPR is updated periodically to ensure its accuracy and relevance. Regular updates help in maintaining an up-to-date and reliable population database.

Explanation:

• The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is an initiative that aims to digitize the functioning of legislatures in India, making parliamentary proceedings and documents accessible through a digital platform. Thus statement 1 is correct.

• While NeVA primarily focuses on digitizing the functioning of state legislatures, it does not provide a platform specifically for members of parliament. It is primarily meant for state legislatures. Thus statement 2 is not correct.

• One of the objectives of NeVA is to promote transparency and public engagement by enabling the live streaming of parliamentary sessions. This allows citizens to view and participate in legislative proceedings. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• NeVA is not implemented or managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is implemented by the respective state legislatures in coordination with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA). Thus statement 4 is not correct.

• NeVA aims to streamline the legislative processes and enhance efficiency by leveraging technology. It provides features like digitized documents, search functionality, and improved access to parliamentary information for legislators and citizens. Thus statement 5 is correct.

Explanation:

• The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group aims to promote cooperation among G20 member countries in addressing and reducing the risks associated with natural disasters. This collaboration helps in sharing expertise and resources to mitigate the impact of disasters. Thus statement 1 is correct.
• The DRRWG was established in 2019 during the G20 Summit held in Osaka, Japan. Its establishment reflects the commitment of G20 nations to enhance international collaboration on disaster risk reduction strategies and policies. Thus statement 2 is not correct.
• The DRRWG serves as a platform for sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and developing joint initiatives to strengthen resilience against disasters, particularly in vulnerable regions. It emphasizes the importance of long-term measures for disaster risk reduction and prevention. Thus statement 3 is correct.

Explanation:

• The G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) was established in the year 2007 to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development among G20 member countries. It focuses on various aspects of environmental sustainability and conservation. Thus statement 1 is correct.
• The ECSWG primarily focuses on mitigating climate change by implementing policies and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other measures to combat climate change. Thus statement 2 is correct.
• The ECSWG facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices in environmental conservation, natural resource management, and biodiversity preservation among G20 nations. It aims to promote cooperation and collaborative efforts to achieve environmental sustainability goals. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• The ECSWG does not operate independently of international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement. On the contrary, it works in alignment with these agreements and aims to contribute to their objectives. Thus statement 4 is not correct.

Explanation:

• El Niño is a complex climate phenomenon that occurs irregularly in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It refers to the warming of the surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific, causing significant changes in weather patterns across the globe. El Niño events have far-reaching effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and economies, making it an important area of study for scientists and policymakers. Thus statement 1 is not correct.
• Under normal conditions, the trade winds blow from east to west, pushing warm surface waters towards the western Pacific. This process results in the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters along the coast of South America, supporting thriving marine ecosystems. During an El Niño event, however, the trade winds weaken or even reverse, leading to a reduction in the upwelling of cold water. This causes a shift in the distribution of warm waters towards the central and eastern Pacific, resulting in a significant increase in sea surface temperatures. As a consequence, the atmospheric circulation patterns change, triggering a cascade of effects on global weather systems. Thus statement 2 is not correct.
• El Niño has a profound impact on rainfall patterns. Regions that typically experience heavy rainfall may face droughts while other areas may encounter excessive rainfall and flooding. This can have severe consequences for agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. El Niño can also influence temperature patterns, leading to unusual heatwaves or cold spells in different parts of the world. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• Scientists use various indicators, such as sea surface temperature anomalies, changes in atmospheric pressure, and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), to track and forecast El Niño occurrences. Thus statement 4 is correct.

Explanation:

• Gaganyaan is India's ambitious manned space mission that aims to send a human crew into low Earth orbit. The primary objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate India's capabilities in crewed spaceflight and to conduct experiments in microgravity. Thus statement 1 is not correct.
• The Gaganyaan mission is being undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Gaganyaan is designed to carry a crew of two to three astronauts and will be launched using ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk III) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Thus statement 2 is not correct.
•  Gaganyaan will be a significant achievement for India, as it will make India the fourth nation to successfully launch a crewed mission after the United States, Russia, and China. It will demonstrate India's technological prowess and enhance its international standing in space exploration. Thus statement 3 is correct.

• Low Earth orbit refers to an orbit around the Earth at relatively close distances, typically ranging from about 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface. Satellites and crewed missions often operate in this region due to its proximity to Earth.

Explanation:

• Fly ash is a fine, powdery residue that is generated from the combustion of pulverized coal in thermal power plants. It is collected from the flue gasses through electrostatic precipitators. Thus statement 1 is not correct.
• Fly ash can be incorporated into the production of bricks, blocks, and other building materials, reducing the use of clay and conserving resources. It can be mixed with soil to enhance its fertility, water retention, and overall quality, benefiting agricultural practices. Fly ash is not used as a fuel in industrial furnaces and boilers. Thus statement 2 is not correct.
• Composition: Fly ash primarily consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3), calcium oxide (CaO), and small amounts of toxic elements such as mercury, arsenic, and lead. The leaching of heavy metals from fly ash can contaminate groundwater, posing a threat to human and aquatic life. Thus statement 3 is correct.
• Fly ash can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, enhancing its strength and durability while reducing costs. It is employed in the construction of roads and highways as a stabilizing agent, improving the strength and stability of the pavement. Thus statement 4 is correct.
• Improper disposal or containment of fly ash can lead to contamination of air, water, and soil, causing ecological damage and health hazards. Inhalation of fly ash particles can result in respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections

Explanation:

• QUAD, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic forum. Thus statement 1 is not correct.
• QUAD aims to promote a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Its primary focus is on regional security, defense cooperation, and fostering a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Thus statement 2 is not correct.

• It comprises four nations: the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. Thus statement 3 is not correct.

• QUAD member countries engage in regular dialogues, consultations, and cooperation on various security issues, including maritime security, counterterrorism, nonproliferation, and cyber security.
• QUAD has also engaged in discussions with other like-minded countries, including South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam, through the "Quad Plus" framework, to address common challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• The QUAD has drawn attention and raised concerns in China, which perceives it as an attempt to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, QUAD countries have repeatedly emphasized that the forum is not directed against any specific country.