UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 1 February 2025

The Current Affairs Quiz 2024 is a daily quiz based on the DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS AND PIB SUMMARY from the previous day, as posted on our website. It covers all relevant news sources and is designed to test your knowledge of current events. Solving these questions will help you retain both concepts and facts relevant to the UPSC IAS civil services exam.

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• Question 1 of 10 1. Question 1 points Which of the following was an important economic measure taken by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar? a) She implemented a standardized currency system for trade. b) She granted land to merchants and weavers to promote the textile industry. c) She imposed high import tariffs to protect local industries. d) She created a centralized banking system for agricultural finance. Correct Solution: b) Ahilyabai Holkar actively encouraged trade and industry, especially in Maheshwar, which became famous for Maheshwari sarees. She granted land to weavers and merchants, ensuring economic stability. However, there is no evidence that she implemented a standardized currency, imposed high import tariffs, or introduced a centralized banking system. Incorrect Solution: b) Ahilyabai Holkar actively encouraged trade and industry, especially in Maheshwar, which became famous for Maheshwari sarees. She granted land to weavers and merchants, ensuring economic stability. However, there is no evidence that she implemented a standardized currency, imposed high import tariffs, or introduced a centralized banking system.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following was an important economic measure taken by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar?

• a) She implemented a standardized currency system for trade.

• b) She granted land to merchants and weavers to promote the textile industry.

• c) She imposed high import tariffs to protect local industries.

• d) She created a centralized banking system for agricultural finance.

Solution: b)

Ahilyabai Holkar actively encouraged trade and industry, especially in Maheshwar, which became famous for Maheshwari sarees. She granted land to weavers and merchants, ensuring economic stability. However, there is no evidence that she implemented a standardized currency, imposed high import tariffs, or introduced a centralized banking system.

Solution: b)

• Question 2 of 10 2. Question 1 points Which of the following best describes the scientific objectives of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)? a) Conducting medical research on the effects of prolonged space travel on the human body b) Testing commercial space tourism feasibility for extended orbital stays c) Developing bioengineering and material science experiments under microgravity conditions d) Performing robotic assembly of satellite components aboard the ISS Correct Solution: c) Ax-4’s primary scientific objectives focus on microgravity-based experiments, particularly in the fields of bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and material science. While medical research is an aspect of many ISS missions, Ax-4 is not specifically a long-term human endurance mission like NASA’s twin study on prolonged spaceflight. Similarly, the mission is not solely focused on space tourism or robotic assembly. Incorrect Solution: c) Ax-4’s primary scientific objectives focus on microgravity-based experiments, particularly in the fields of bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and material science. While medical research is an aspect of many ISS missions, Ax-4 is not specifically a long-term human endurance mission like NASA’s twin study on prolonged spaceflight. Similarly, the mission is not solely focused on space tourism or robotic assembly.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following best describes the scientific objectives of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)?

• a) Conducting medical research on the effects of prolonged space travel on the human body

• b) Testing commercial space tourism feasibility for extended orbital stays

• c) Developing bioengineering and material science experiments under microgravity conditions

• d) Performing robotic assembly of satellite components aboard the ISS

Solution: c)

Ax-4’s primary scientific objectives focus on microgravity-based experiments, particularly in the fields of bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and material science. While medical research is an aspect of many ISS missions, Ax-4 is not specifically a long-term human endurance mission like NASA’s twin study on prolonged spaceflight. Similarly, the mission is not solely focused on space tourism or robotic assembly.

Solution: c)

• Question 3 of 10 3. Question 1 points Which of the following statements correctly explains why ammonia contamination in the Yamuna is more severe during winter? a) Water flow increases in winter, causing higher ammonia accumulation. b) Increased agricultural activity in winter releases higher levels of ammonia. c) Lower atmospheric pressure allows ammonia to remain dissolved in the water. d) Cold temperatures slow down the natural oxidation of ammonia in water. Correct Solution: d) During winter, the rate of natural oxidation of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates (via nitrification) slows down due to lower temperatures. This causes ammonia to persist in the water for longer periods, exacerbating contamination. Agricultural activity is actually higher in monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Incorrect Solution: d) During winter, the rate of natural oxidation of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates (via nitrification) slows down due to lower temperatures. This causes ammonia to persist in the water for longer periods, exacerbating contamination. Agricultural activity is actually higher in monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following statements correctly explains why ammonia contamination in the Yamuna is more severe during winter?

• a) Water flow increases in winter, causing higher ammonia accumulation.

• b) Increased agricultural activity in winter releases higher levels of ammonia.

• c) Lower atmospheric pressure allows ammonia to remain dissolved in the water.

• d) Cold temperatures slow down the natural oxidation of ammonia in water.

Solution: d)

During winter, the rate of natural oxidation of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates (via nitrification) slows down due to lower temperatures. This causes ammonia to persist in the water for longer periods, exacerbating contamination. Agricultural activity is actually higher in monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Solution: d)

• Question 4 of 10 4. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding ammonia and its sources: Ammonia in the environment is produced both naturally and anthropogenically. Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of ammonia into the atmosphere. Agricultural activities contribute to ammonia pollution through livestock waste and fertilizer application. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2, and 3 c) 2 and 3 only d) 1 and 3 only Correct Solution: d) Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct. However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect. Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct. Incorrect Solution: d) Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct. However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect. Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ammonia and its sources:

• Ammonia in the environment is produced both naturally and anthropogenically.

• Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of ammonia into the atmosphere.

• Agricultural activities contribute to ammonia pollution through livestock waste and fertilizer application.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 1, 2, and 3

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1 and 3 only

Solution: d)

Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct.

However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

Solution: d)

However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

• Question 5 of 10 5. Question 1 points Which of the following correctly describes the role of livestock farming as a major source of ammonia emissions? a) Ammonia emissions are primarily due to the digestion of food by livestock. b) Livestock excrete nitrogen-rich waste, which volatilizes into ammonia. c) Most ammonia in livestock farming comes from animal feed production rather than waste. d) Ammonia emissions from livestock farming are negligible compared to industrial sources. Correct Solution: b) Livestock manure is rich in nitrogen compounds like urea and undigested proteins, which decompose and volatilize into ammonia when exposed to air. Animal digestion itself does not directly produce ammonia emissions in significant amounts, making option (a) incorrect. While animal feed production has environmental impacts, it does not directly contribute to ammonia emissions as much as waste decomposition. Livestock ammonia emissions are substantial, often exceeding those from industrial sources, making option (d) incorrect. Incorrect Solution: b) Livestock manure is rich in nitrogen compounds like urea and undigested proteins, which decompose and volatilize into ammonia when exposed to air. Animal digestion itself does not directly produce ammonia emissions in significant amounts, making option (a) incorrect. While animal feed production has environmental impacts, it does not directly contribute to ammonia emissions as much as waste decomposition. Livestock ammonia emissions are substantial, often exceeding those from industrial sources, making option (d) incorrect.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following correctly describes the role of livestock farming as a major source of ammonia emissions?

• a) Ammonia emissions are primarily due to the digestion of food by livestock.

• b) Livestock excrete nitrogen-rich waste, which volatilizes into ammonia.

• c) Most ammonia in livestock farming comes from animal feed production rather than waste.

• d) Ammonia emissions from livestock farming are negligible compared to industrial sources.

Solution: b)

Livestock manure is rich in nitrogen compounds like urea and undigested proteins, which decompose and volatilize into ammonia when exposed to air. Animal digestion itself does not directly produce ammonia emissions in significant amounts, making option (a) incorrect. While animal feed production has environmental impacts, it does not directly contribute to ammonia emissions as much as waste decomposition. Livestock ammonia emissions are substantial, often exceeding those from industrial sources, making option (d) incorrect.

Solution: b)

• Question 6 of 10 6. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the geological history of the Yamuna River: The Yamuna was originally a tributary of the Saraswati River before shifting its course eastward. The river’s current alignment is primarily due to tectonic movements during the Quaternary period. The Yamuna follows a rift valley formation similar to the Narmada and Tapti rivers. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Solution: a) The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct). The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct). However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect). Incorrect Solution: a) The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct). The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct). However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

#### 6. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the geological history of the Yamuna River:

• The Yamuna was originally a tributary of the Saraswati River before shifting its course eastward.

• The river’s current alignment is primarily due to tectonic movements during the Quaternary period.

• The Yamuna follows a rift valley formation similar to the Narmada and Tapti rivers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2, and 3

Solution: a)

The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct).

The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct).

However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

Solution: a)

The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct).

The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct).

However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

• Question 7 of 10 7. Question 1 points Consider the following sources contributing to the hydrology of the Yamuna River: Glacial meltwater Monsoonal rainfall Groundwater inflow Treated wastewater discharge Which of the above contribute significantly to the flow of the Yamuna in its lower course (downstream of Delhi)? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 Correct Solution: c) In the upper course (Himalayas), glacial melt and rainfall are dominant sources. In the lower course (Delhi onward), the river largely depends on groundwater inflow and wastewater discharge, as most natural flow is diverted for irrigation and domestic use. Incorrect Solution: c) In the upper course (Himalayas), glacial melt and rainfall are dominant sources. In the lower course (Delhi onward), the river largely depends on groundwater inflow and wastewater discharge, as most natural flow is diverted for irrigation and domestic use.

#### 7. Question

Consider the following sources contributing to the hydrology of the Yamuna River:

• Glacial meltwater

• Monsoonal rainfall

• Groundwater inflow

• Treated wastewater discharge

Which of the above contribute significantly to the flow of the Yamuna in its lower course (downstream of Delhi)?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 3 and 4 only

• d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Solution: c)

In the upper course (Himalayas), glacial melt and rainfall are dominant sources.

In the lower course (Delhi onward), the river largely depends on groundwater inflow and wastewater discharge, as most natural flow is diverted for irrigation and domestic use.

Solution: c)

In the upper course (Himalayas), glacial melt and rainfall are dominant sources.

In the lower course (Delhi onward), the river largely depends on groundwater inflow and wastewater discharge, as most natural flow is diverted for irrigation and domestic use.

• Question 8 of 10 8. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act): The Act grants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) the authority to regulate, supervise, and control payment systems in India. The Act allows foreign entities to operate payment systems in India without requiring RBI approval. Under the Act, the RBI can impose monetary penalties and revoke authorization for non-compliance with regulatory norms. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has been given full authority under the PSS Act, 2007, to regulate, supervise, and control payment and settlement systems in India. Statement 2 is incorrect: Foreign entities cannot operate payment systems in India without RBI authorization. They must obtain specific approvals under the Act. Statement 3 is correct: The RBI can impose penalties, revoke authorizations, and take enforcement actions against payment system operators violating regulations. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has been given full authority under the PSS Act, 2007, to regulate, supervise, and control payment and settlement systems in India. Statement 2 is incorrect: Foreign entities cannot operate payment systems in India without RBI authorization. They must obtain specific approvals under the Act. Statement 3 is correct: The RBI can impose penalties, revoke authorizations, and take enforcement actions against payment system operators violating regulations.

#### 8. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act):

• The Act grants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) the authority to regulate, supervise, and control payment systems in India.

• The Act allows foreign entities to operate payment systems in India without requiring RBI approval.

• Under the Act, the RBI can impose monetary penalties and revoke authorization for non-compliance with regulatory norms.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has been given full authority under the PSS Act, 2007, to regulate, supervise, and control payment and settlement systems in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Foreign entities cannot operate payment systems in India without RBI authorization. They must obtain specific approvals under the Act.

Statement 3 is correct: The RBI can impose penalties, revoke authorizations, and take enforcement actions against payment system operators violating regulations.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: The RBI has been given full authority under the PSS Act, 2007, to regulate, supervise, and control payment and settlement systems in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Foreign entities cannot operate payment systems in India without RBI authorization. They must obtain specific approvals under the Act.

Statement 3 is correct: The RBI can impose penalties, revoke authorizations, and take enforcement actions against payment system operators violating regulations.

• Question 9 of 10 9. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of the Salmonella bacterium: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that primarily infects the gastrointestinal tract. All strains of Salmonella cause severe illness in humans. Unlike Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella does not survive in acidic environments. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing foodborne illnesses. Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all strains of Salmonella cause severe illness; many serotypes cause mild or asymptomatic infections. Statement 3 is incorrect: Salmonella can survive in acidic conditions, such as the stomach, by activating acid resistance mechanisms, unlike some other bacteria that are more sensitive to acid. Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing foodborne illnesses. Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all strains of Salmonella cause severe illness; many serotypes cause mild or asymptomatic infections. Statement 3 is incorrect: Salmonella can survive in acidic conditions, such as the stomach, by activating acid resistance mechanisms, unlike some other bacteria that are more sensitive to acid.

#### 9. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of the Salmonella bacterium:

• Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that primarily infects the gastrointestinal tract.

• All strains of Salmonella cause severe illness in humans.

• Unlike Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella does not survive in acidic environments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2, and 3

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing foodborne illnesses.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all strains of Salmonella cause severe illness; many serotypes cause mild or asymptomatic infections.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Salmonella can survive in acidic conditions, such as the stomach, by activating acid resistance mechanisms, unlike some other bacteria that are more sensitive to acid.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus) bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing foodborne illnesses.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all strains of Salmonella cause severe illness; many serotypes cause mild or asymptomatic infections.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Salmonella can survive in acidic conditions, such as the stomach, by activating acid resistance mechanisms, unlike some other bacteria that are more sensitive to acid.

• Question 10 of 10 10. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding Salmonella outbreaks in foodborne diseases: Salmonella outbreaks are more common in warm and humid climates due to favorable bacterial growth conditions. The bacterium can be completely destroyed by refrigeration at 4°C. Cross-contamination between raw and cooked food is a major cause of Salmonella infections. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 2 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella thrives in warm and humid conditions, increasing its spread in tropical regions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Refrigeration at 4°C does not kill Salmonella; it only slows down its growth. Freezing may reduce bacterial numbers but does not completely eliminate them. Statement 3 is correct: Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods (e.g., using the same cutting board) is a major transmission route. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella thrives in warm and humid conditions, increasing its spread in tropical regions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Refrigeration at 4°C does not kill Salmonella; it only slows down its growth. Freezing may reduce bacterial numbers but does not completely eliminate them. Statement 3 is correct: Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods (e.g., using the same cutting board) is a major transmission route.

#### 10. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Salmonella outbreaks in foodborne diseases:

• Salmonella outbreaks are more common in warm and humid climates due to favorable bacterial growth conditions.

• The bacterium can be completely destroyed by refrigeration at 4°C.

• Cross-contamination between raw and cooked food is a major cause of Salmonella infections.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 3 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 2 only

• d) 1, 2, and 3

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella thrives in warm and humid conditions, increasing its spread in tropical regions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Refrigeration at 4°C does not kill Salmonella; it only slows down its growth. Freezing may reduce bacterial numbers but does not completely eliminate them.

Statement 3 is correct: Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods (e.g., using the same cutting board) is a major transmission route.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: Salmonella thrives in warm and humid conditions, increasing its spread in tropical regions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Refrigeration at 4°C does not kill Salmonella; it only slows down its growth. Freezing may reduce bacterial numbers but does not completely eliminate them.

Statement 3 is correct: Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods (e.g., using the same cutting board) is a major transmission route.

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