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Prelims Daily Quest - 19 September 2024


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1.Consider the following statements regarding the tax devolution framework in India:


  1. The Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended a 41% divisible pool of taxes for States.

  2. The GST framework has enhanced States' ability to collect taxes.

  3. The upcoming Sixteenth Finance Commission is expected to provide recommendations on tax devolution by October 2025.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, and 3


Answer: B


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1 is correct:The Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended that the divisible pool of taxes be set at 41%.

  2. Statement 2 is incorrect:The GST framework has restricted States' ability to collect certain taxes, rather than enhancing it.

  3. Statement 3 is correct:The Sixteenth Finance Commission is expected to provide recommendations on tax devolution by October 2025.


Thus, the correct answer is B (1 and 3 only).



2. Which of the following dates is recognized globally as Drowning Prevention Day?


a) March 22

b) September 15

c) April 25

d) July 25


Answer: d) July 25


Explanation:


Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on July 25. This global event, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about drowning, a major public health issue. The day highlights the importance of preventive measures and strategies to reduce drowning incidents, which are particularly high in low- and middle-income countries. The observance serves as a platform to promote water safety practices and advocate for effective drowning prevention policies and interventions.



3. Consider the following statements regarding Storm Boris:

  1. Storm Boris primarily affected countries in Eastern Europe.

  2. The storm led to widespread flooding and damage, resulting in a significant death toll.

  3. Storm Boris is known for bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.


Which of the statements given above 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:

  • Statement 1: Correct. Storm Boris primarily affected Austria, Poland, and Romania in Eastern Europe.

  • Statement 2: Correct. The storm caused severe flooding, leading to 23 deaths.

  • Statement 3: Incorrect. Storm Boris brought heavy rainfall and flooding, not heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Thus, the correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only.


4. Consider the following statements regarding Spintronics:


  1. Spintronics involves the study and manipulation of the magnetic properties of electrons.

  2. Spin currents can represent binary data (0s and 1s) for data storage in computer devices.

  3. The concept of Optical Intersite Spin Transfer (OISTR) allows light to manipulate electron spin without relying on magnetic fields.


Which of the above statements are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3


Answer: (d)


Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. Spintronics deals with the magnetic properties of electrons, particularly their spin, which can be manipulated for various applications.

  • Statement 2: Correct. Spin currents can indeed represent binary data, making them useful for data storage and processing.

  • Statement 3: Correct. OISTR allows the manipulation of electron spins through light without relying on traditional magnetic fields.


5. Consider the following statements regarding simultaneous elections in India:


  1. Simultaneous elections involve conducting elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time.

  2. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting elections for both Lok Sabha and local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats.

  3. A common electoral roll is proposed for all elections under the simultaneous election scheme.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, and 3


Answer: B


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1 is correct: Simultaneous elections refer to conducting elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and State Assemblies at the same time. The Kovind panel has recommended this as a step toward improving electoral efficiency in India.

  2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, but local body elections for municipalities and panchayats are conducted by State Election Commissions (SECs), not the ECI.

  3. Statement 3 is correct: The proposal for simultaneous elections includes the introduction of a common electoral roll for all elections, which would require coordination between the ECI and SECs. This would simplify the election process and reduce duplication.


Thus, the correct answer is B (1 and 3 only).


6. Consider the following statements regarding Pulikali:


  1. Pulikali is a traditional dance performed during the festival of Onam in Kerala.

  2. It is mainly performed in the streets of Thrissur as part of the Onam celebrations.

  3. The dance involves artists painted as lions, symbolizing strength and valor.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, and 3


Answer: B


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1 is correct:Pulikali is a folk art form that is traditionally performed during the Onam festival in Kerala.

  2. Statement 2 is correct:The dance is most prominently performed in Thrissur, and it is a major attraction during the Onam celebrations.

  3. Statement 3 is incorrect:In Pulikali, artists are painted as tigers, not lions, symbolizing the wild and vibrant spirit of the performers.


Thus, the correct answer is B (1 and 2 only).


7. Which of the following statements regarding Palliyodams (snakeboats) are correct?


  1. Palliyodams are traditional longboats used in boat races primarily in Kerala.

  2. These boats are used during the Aranmula regatta, which is part of the Onam festival.

  3. Palliyodams are manned by fewer than 50 rowers.

  4. They are associated with the worship of Lord Krishna in the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.


Select the correct answer using the code given below:


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3, and 4 only


Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4 only


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1 is correct: Palliyodams are traditional longboats used in Kerala, particularly in boat races known as "Vallam Kali." These boats are famous for their length and speed, especially during snakeboat races.

  2. Statement 2 is correct: The Palliyodams participate in the annual Aranmula boat race, which is a significant cultural and religious event held as part of the Onam celebrations in Kerala.

  3. Statement 3 is incorrect: Palliyodams are manned by around 100 rowers, not fewer than 50. These boats are larger and require more rowers for operation, making them unique in scale compared to other traditional boats.

  4. Statement 4 is correct: Palliyodams are closely associated with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, where they are used in ceremonies and races as an offering to Lord Krishna, whom the temple is dedicated to.


Thus, the correct answer is (b) 1, 2, and 4 only.



8. With reference to the India-France space cooperation, consider the following statements:


  1. TRISHNA is a joint Indo-French project aimed at monitoring climate, agriculture, and drought using infrared technology.

  2. France is providing expertise in human spaceflight and space medicine for India’s Gaganyaan mission.

  3. The India-France space collaboration started with the Chandrayaan missions.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3


Answer: a) 1 and 2 only


Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is correct: TRISHNA is an Indo-French joint infrared satellite project focusing on climate, agriculture, and drought monitoring.

  • Statement 2 is correct: France is providing expertise in human spaceflight, particularly in space medicine for India’s Gaganyaan mission.

  • Statement 3 is incorrect: India-France space collaboration began much earlier, not with the Chandrayaan missions.


9. Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT):

  1. The treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 to manage the sharing of six Himalayan rivers.

  2. The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) established under the treaty is mandated to meet annually.

  3. The treaty allows for the revision of its provisions under changing circumstances, such as environmental issues and demographic changes.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3


Answer: b) 1 and 2 only


Explanation:

  • The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was indeed signed in 1960 to manage the sharing of six rivers between India and Pakistan.

  • The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is mandated to meet annually to resolve issues related to river water sharing and hydel projects.

  • However, the treaty does not explicitly allow for revisions under changing circumstances like environmental issues or demographic changes, making statement 3 incorrect.



10. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) and its recent initiatives:


  1. PMJUGA aims to enhance tourist facilities in tribal areas by providing financial support to tribal households for establishing homestays.

  2. The total outlay for PMJUGA is ₹79,156 crore, with a significant portion funded by the central government.

  3. The scheme intends to improve agricultural practices exclusively for Scheduled Tribe communities.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1: Correct. PMJUGA aims to enhance the tourist potential of tribal areas by providing up to ₹5 lakh to tribal households and villages for developing tourist homestays. This initiative seeks to create alternative livelihoods for tribal communities.

  2. Statement 2: Correct. The total outlay for the PMJUGA is ₹79,156 crore, which includes a central share of ₹56,333 crore. This funding will come from various ministries under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes.

  3. Statement 3: Incorrect. While the PMJUGA intends to bring sustainable agricultural practices to all Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders, it is not limited to Scheduled Tribe communities alone; it includes other traditional forest-dwelling groups as well.


Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.



11. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), consider the following statements:


  1. The PM-AASHA aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and stabilize the prices of essential commodities for consumers.

  2. The total financial commitment for PM-AASHA during the 15th Finance Commission cycle is ₹35,000 crore.

  3. PM-AASHA includes components solely from the Price Support Scheme (PSS).


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


Explanation:


  1. Statement 1: Correct. PM-AASHA is designed to provide remunerative prices to farmers and control prices for consumers.

  2. Statement 2: Correct. The total financial commitment for PM-AASHA during the 15th Finance Commission cycle is indeed ₹35,000 crore.

  3. Statement 3: Incorrect. PM-AASHA includes components from both the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF).


Thus, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.12. Consider the following statements regarding the NPS Vatsalya scheme launched by the Union Government:


  1. The scheme allows parents and guardians to contribute to a pension plan for minors.

  2. A minimum annual contribution of ₹1,000 is required until the child turns 21.

  3. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3


Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: The NPS Vatsalya scheme is indeed a pension plan for minors that parents and guardians can contribute to.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The annual contribution must be made until the child turns 18, not 21.

  • Statement 3 is correct: The scheme was announced in the Union Budget.


Correct answer: B) 1 and 3 only



13. Which of the following statements about Manganese Ore India Ltd. (MOIL) is/are correct?


  1. MOIL is seeking to expand its operations by acquiring manganese ore mines overseas, including in South Africa and Gabon.

  2. The company plans to enter joint ventures for manganese ore mining in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

  3. MOIL currently operates 15 mines located across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.


Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3


Explanation:


  • Statement 1 is correct: MOIL is indeed looking to acquire manganese ore mines in South Africa and Gabon.

  • Statement 2 is correct: The company plans to enter joint ventures in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for manganese ore mining.

  • Statement 3 is incorrect: MOIL currently operates 10 mines, not 15, in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.


Therefore, the correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only.



14. What is the primary use of manganese ore in industrial applications?


  1. To produce aluminum

  2. To regulate manganese content in steel

  3. As a fertilizer component

  4. For lithium battery production


Select the correct answer from the options below:


A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 only

C) 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2 and 3 only


Correct Answer: B) 2 only


Explanation:


  • Manganese ore is mainly used to regulate manganese content in steel-making.

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