UPSC QUIZ 27.04.2024

Explanation

• Recently, a study revealed a novel adaptation mechanism of the Mpox virus enhancing its ability to infect humans amidst recent outbreaks.
• The name was changed from "monkeypox" to "mpox" to avoid stigma towards monkeys and reflect the virus's direct human infectivity.
• Genomic accordion refers to the rhythmic expansions and contractions in the size of a virus's genome, specifically observed in poxviruses like mpox.
• This phenomenon is driven by the duplication or deletion of genes within the virus's genome, leading to changes in its size and content.

Mpox

• Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a DNA virus. It belongs to the family Poxviridae, which consists of large, double-stranded DNA viruses.
• The virus was first identified in monkeys in 1958 but has since been found to infect humans as well.
• Transmission: Mpox is primarily transmitted to humans from animals, particularly rodents and primates, through direct contact or through contaminated objects.

Explanation

• Scientists are testing a geoengineering technique called marine cloud brightening.
• This method involves using machines to inject tiny saltwater particles into marine stratocumulus clouds, aiming to increase their reflectivity and cool the Earth.

Marine Cloud Brightening

• Marine cloud brightening is a scientific initiative that explores how altering atmospheric particles (aerosols) can impact cloud reflectivity.
• By releasing tiny aerosol particles into the atmosphere, researchers aim to enhance cloud brightness, leading to increased sunlight reflection.
• Aerosols of the right size and concentration could significantly increase the reflectivity of specific types of clouds.

Explanation

• Bhutanese government hosted the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference on Earth Day 2024 to mobilise USD 1 billion over the next decade for conserving tigers and their habitats across Asia.

Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference

• The two-day conference will be hosted by Bhutan under the patronage of the country’s queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
• It seeks to mobilise the amount of USD 1 billion over 10 years for the preservation of tiger landscapes.
• The conservation of tiger landscapes is vital to maintaining biodiversity, sequestering carbon, supplying resources to over 100 million people, and ensuring the overall health of the planet.

Explanation

• According to the TRAI report, internet subscribers increased by 1.96% in the December quarter.
• On April 23, the "Indian Telecom Service Performance Indicator Report" for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, was released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
• In the total number of internet subscribers, the report shows an increase from 918.19 million in September 2023 to 936.16 million in December 2023, showing a quarterly growth of 1.96%.
• Of these subscribers, wired internet customers number 38.57 million, while 897.59 million access the internet wirelessly.
• The number of broadband internet subscribers reached 904.54 million by the end of December, compared to 885 million in September, showing a growth of 2.21%.
• During the period, wireline tele-density increased from 2.22% to 2.28%, showing a quarterly growth rate of 2.56%.
• Additionally, monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless services increased from Rs 149.66 in the September quarter to Rs 152.55 in the December quarter, showing a growth of 1.93%.
• On a year-on-year basis, monthly ARPU for wireless services grew by 8.09% during the quarter.

Explanation

• Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in India has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• This Jacket grants protection against the highest threat level 6 of BIS ammunition.
• Recently, successful test of this bullet proof jacket was done at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
• According to the Ministry of Defence, this jacket is based upon new design approach.
• In this approach, novel material along with new processes have been used.
• The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits.
• It is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing. This improves the wearability and comfort during the operation.