Prelims Daily Quest - 10 September 2024

1.What is the primary objective of the ₹26,000-crore contract signed by the Defence Ministry with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 AL-31FP aero-engines?

A) To acquire new Su-30MKI aircraft

B) To support the operational capability of the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI aircraft

C) To replace outdated aircraft in the Indian Air Force

D) To enhance international defense collaboration with Russia

Answer: B) To support the operational capability of the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI aircraft

Explanation:

The ₹26,000-crore contract signed by the Defence Ministry with HAL is primarily aimed at supporting the operational capability of the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI aircraft. The contract involves the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines, which are crucial for the maintenance and effective operation of these aircraft. These engines will be assembled under license from Russia by HAL's Koraput Division and will be delivered over the next eight years. The deal also focuses on increasing the indigenisation of engine parts, which will bolster the domestic defense manufacturing sector and enhance self-reliance in defense production. The contract does not involve acquiring new aircraft, replacing outdated ones, or specifically enhancing international defense collaboration with Russia.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. India and the UAE have signed their first memorandum of understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation during the visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince.

2. The agreement was made between Nuclear Power Cooperation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC).

3. The deal focuses exclusively on long-term LNG supply and oil exploration.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India and the UAE signed their first MoU for civil nuclear cooperation during the visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, and the agreement is between NPCIL and the ENEC-led Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Statement 3 is incorrect because the deal also includes agreements on food park development, not just LNG supply and oil exploration.

3. Consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Navy recently launched two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft vessels, INS Malpe and INS Mulki, at Cochin Shipyard.

2. These vessels are designed for anti-submarine operations, mine-laying, and search and rescue, and are equipped with indigenously developed sonar and various weapons systems.

3. The new vessels are intended to replace the older Abhay-class ASW corvettes and are part of a contract signed in 2018 with Cochin Shipyard Ltd.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Indian Navy launched the vessels INS Malpe and INS Mulki, which are designed for various anti-submarine and other operations, and are equipped with indigenously developed systems. Statement 3 is incorrect because the contract for these vessels was signed in 2019, not 2018.

4. Consider the following statements:

1. Recent advancements in the study of the photoelectric effect have been driven by ultrashort light pulses and attosecond physics.

2. These advancements have led to the discovery of photoionisation delays and enhanced imaging techniques for proteins and viruses.

3. The study has shown large delays in electron emissions from carbon atoms, linked to complex effects like shape resonance and multi-electron scattering.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Modern research using ultrashort light pulses and attosecond physics has provided new insights into electron behavior, enhancing imaging techniques and understanding photoionisation delays. Statement 3 is incorrect because the recent studies focused on electron emissions from oxygen and nitrogen atoms, not carbon.

5. Consider the following statements:

1. Helium is essential in rocket technology for pressurizing fuel tanks and cooling systems due to its low boiling point and inert nature.

2. The European Ariane 6 rocket successfully used argon as an alternative to helium, avoiding the issues faced by other rockets.

3. Recent helium leaks have affected several space missions, including NASA’s Boeing Starliner and ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 3

B) Only 2 and 3

C) Only 1 and 2

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) Only 1 and 3

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Helium is crucial in rocket technology for its properties, and helium leaks have impacted missions like Boeing Starliner and Chandrayaan 2. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Ariane 6 did not successfully use argon as a replacement for helium; it faced issues with its new pressurisation system.

6. Consider the following statements:

1. The Union Health Ministry has adopted the BPaLM regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis, which includes Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin.

2. The BPaLM regimen reduces the treatment duration for drug-resistant TB from 20 months to 6 months.

3. India aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2030, aligning with the global target.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 2

B) Only 2 and 3

C) Only 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) Only 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Union Health Ministry's adoption of the BPaLM regimen aims to shorten the treatment duration for drug-resistant TB from 20 months to 6 months. Statement 3 is incorrect because India aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, which is five years ahead of the global target.

7. Consider the following statements:

1. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to revive the District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

2. DAMUs, established in 2018, were shut down due to claims of misrepresentation and a push for privatization by the NITI Aayog.

3. DAMUs provided weather advisories to farmers through text messages and WhatsApp groups, focusing on rain-fed agriculture.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 2

B) Only 1 and 3

C) Only 2 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

All statements are correct. The IMD's plan to revive DAMUs under the GKMS scheme aims to restore localized agricultural advisories. DAMUs were initially established in 2018 but were shut down due to claims of misrepresentation and a push for privatisation by the NITI Aayog. They provided crucial weather-related advisories through various communication channels, especially beneficial for rain-fed agriculture.

8. Consider the following statements regarding the recent Central team visit to Andhra Pradesh:

1. A six-member Central team led by Anil Subramaniam arrived in Andhra Pradesh to assess damage from recent heavy rain and floods.

2. The team is tasked with evaluating the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) on local infrastructure.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1

B) Only 2

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A) Only 1

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct as a Central team led by Anil Subramaniam is indeed in Andhra Pradesh to assess damage from heavy rain and floods. Statement 2 is incorrect because the team's visit is not related to evaluating the impact of PMGSY-IV.

9. Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV):

1. PMGSY-IV aims to construct 62,500 km of all-weather roads and provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations.

2. The road alignment planning for PMGSY-IV will be managed via the PM Gati Shakti portal.

3. The programme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 2

B) Only 2 and 3

C) All of the above

D) None of the above

Answer: C) All of the above

Explanation:

All statements are correct. PMGSY-IV aims to construct roads, provide connectivity, and use the PM Gati Shakti portal for planning. The programme is scheduled for implementation from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

10. Consider the following statements regarding Mission Mausam:

1. Mission Mausam, approved by the Union Cabinet, has an allocation of ₹2,000 crore for two years.

2. The mission aims to enhance research and development in atmospheric sciences, including weather surveillance and forecasting.

3. Key components include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 2

B) Only 2 and 3

C) All of the above

D) None of the above

Answer: C) All of the above

Explanation:

All statements are correct. Mission Mausam has been allocated ₹2,000 crore and aims to improve atmospheric sciences research, including deploying advanced radars and satellite systems.

11. Consider the following statements about India's renewable energy goals:

1. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is engaging with financial institutions to secure loans for renewable energy projects.

2. The Re-Invest summit in Gandhinagar will see banks and financial institutions present "shapath patra" outlining their funding plans.

3. India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

12. Which of the statements is/are correct?

A) Only 1 and 2

B) Only 2 and 3

C) All of the above

D) None of the above

Answer: C) All of the above

Explanation:

All statements are correct. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working on securing funding, the Re-Invest summit will involve presenting promissory notes, and India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.