DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ – 17 October 2024

Ans. c

Why in News: Every year on March 14th, the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed.

About International Day of Mathematics:

• International Day of Mathematics, also known as Pi Day, is annually observed on March 14.
• It serves to acknowledge the mathematical constant, Pi, and its significance.
• Enthusiasts and educators worldwide celebrate this day to highlight the importance of mathematics in various aspects of life.

Why March 14?

• The date, March 14, corresponds to the first three digits of Pi, which is approximately 3.14.
• When written in the month/day format (3/14), it aligns with the numerical value of Pi.

History:

• The inaugural Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
• In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially recognized March 14 as Pi Day.
• UNESCO formally designated Pi Day as the ‘International Day of Mathematics’ during its general conference in 2019.
• Notably, mathematician and physicist Albert Einstein, renowned for his “General Theory Of Relativity,” was born on Pi Day in 1879.

Ans. d
Explanation:
Why in News: Recently, a United States national encountered severe legal repercussions due to their participation in unlawfully importing and selling refrigerants, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and a variant of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
Definition:,Refrigerants serve as gases that cool appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners by absorbing heat and transferring it to a cooler environment.
Types of Refrigerants: Refrigerants encompass hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and a specific type of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) identified as HCFC 22.
Emergence and Adoption: HFCs and HCFCs gained prominence as alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) during the 1990s.
Environmental Impact:
Refrigerants are released into the atmosphere due to damage to appliances or car air conditioning systems.
Approximately 90% of refrigerant emissions occur during improper disposal at the end of equipment life.
Environmental Classification:
HFCs are categorized as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).
HCFCs are identified as both ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and potent greenhouse gases.
Montreal Protocol:
An international treaty established to safeguard the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.
Adopted on September 16, 1987, and ratified by nearly all nations worldwide.
Phasing Out Schedule: Under the Montreal Protocol, countries were required to eliminate CFCs by 1996 and HCFCs by 2030.
Kigali Amendment:
A significant addition to the Montreal Protocol, ratified on October 15, 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Aims to reduce the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80% by the year 2047.

Why in News: North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters just as the United States Secretary of State was getting ready to commence a democracy summit in South Korea, its neighboring country.
About Ballistic Missiles:
A ballistic missile is a propelled and self-guided weapons system designed to deliver a payload to a predetermined target following a ballistic trajectory.
Launch Mechanism: Initially powered by rockets in stages, ballistic missiles follow an unpowered trajectory, arcing upwards before descending towards the target.
Payload Capabilities: Ballistic missiles can carry various types of payloads, including conventional explosives, chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
Launch Platforms: These missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms, including aircraft, ships, submarines, land-based silos, and mobile platforms.
Terminology and Classification: Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are categorized as theater ballistic missiles, while long-range ones are referred to as strategic ballistic missiles or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Ans. a
Explanation:
The Ahmadiya movement, established by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed in 1889, aimed to return to the original principles outlined in the Quran. Ghulam Ahmed became controversial by asserting his identity as a Messiah, a claim deemed heretical by mainstream Islam, though he garnered numerous followers. His primary focus was defending Islam against the arguments of the Arya Samaj and Christian missionaries. Despite its conservative stance on social morals, endorsing practices like polygamy, veiling of women, and traditional divorce rules, statement 1 is incorrect.

In contrast, the Deoband movement, initiated by the orthodox faction within Muslim scholars, functioned as a revivalist movement with the dual purpose of spreading the pure teachings of the Quran and Hadith among Muslims. Originating in Deoband in the Saranpur district, it was established by Mohammad Qasim Nanotavi (1833-1877) and Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (1828–1905) to educate religious leaders for the Muslim community.statement 2 is correct.

Ans. c
Explanation:
Why in News: Recently, scientists have discovered a novel mechanism through which Ebola replicates within the human body, pinpointing a potential target for drug development aimed at halting the spread of the viral illness.
About Ebola:
Ebola virus disease (EVD, or Ebola) is an uncommon yet highly severe illness affecting humans.
Viral Origin: Caused by various species of viruses belonging to the Ebolavirus genus, primarily prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Origins of Name: Named after the Ebola River, situated close to a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the disease was first identified.
Transmission:
Limited Contagion: Ebola is less contagious compared to common viruses such as colds, influenza, or measles.
Mode of Spread: Transmission occurs through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of infected animals like monkeys, chimps, or fruit bats, followed by person-to-person transmission through similar means.
High-Risk Activities: Those involved in caring for the sick or handling the deceased are particularly vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Non-Airborne Transmission: Ebola does not spread through air, water, or food, and asymptomatic individuals do not transmit the virus.
Symptoms:
Onset and Progression: Symptoms typically manifest between two to 21 days after exposure to the virus, initially resembling flu-like symptoms but can escalate to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological complications.