Prelims Daily Quest - 23 September 2024

1.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the estimation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India?

1. The National Statistical Office (NSO) is responsible for revising the GDP series based on various datasets.

2. The current base year for India's GDP is 2004-05.

3. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) data is proposed to replace the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ MCA-21 database for estimating value addition.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The National Statistical Office (NSO) is indeed responsible for revising the GDP series, utilizing a variety of datasets to ensure accurate economic measurement.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The current base year for India's GDP is 2011-12, not 2004-05. The 2011-12 base year was adopted during the last revision of the GDP series.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The proposal to use Goods and Services Tax (GST) data to estimate value addition represents a shift from the previously used Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ MCA-21 database, which accounted for about 38% of GDP.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making the answer (b).

2. With reference to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), consider the following statements:

1. MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics.

2. Vancomycin has been used as a primary treatment for MRSA infections for over 40 years.

3. All MRSA strains are resistant to vancomycin.

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: MRSA is resistant to methicillin and other common antibiotics.

• Statement 2 is correct: Vancomycin has been a reliable treatment for MRSA infections for decades.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: MRSA is not universally resistant to vancomycin; only rare cases of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) exist.

3. Mount Penteli, recently in the news due to wildfires, is located in which of the following countries?

(a) Italy

(b) Greece

(c) Turkey

(d) Spain

Answer: (b) Greece

Explanation:

Mount Penteli is located in Greece, specifically in the region of Attica, near Athens. The mountain has recently been in the news due to devastating summer wildfires. These wildfires have raised significant concerns about environmental sustainability and forest management, sparking a debate over whether to continue with reforestation efforts that might fuel future fires or to adopt new strategies for adapting to changing climate conditions.

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding the butterfly effect as introduced by mathematician Edward Lorenz?

1. It suggests that small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes in chaotic systems.

2. It was first observed in the context of quantum mechanics.

3. It has no practical implications outside of meteorology.

4. Henri Poincare and Norbert Wiener were the first to mathematically model the butterfly effect.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 4 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer: B) 1 and 4 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: True. The butterfly effect describes how small changes in initial conditions can lead to significantly different outcomes in chaotic systems, such as weather patterns. This concept was popularized by Edward Lorenz's work in meteorology.

2. Statement 2: False. While quantum chaos is a field of study that explores chaos in quantum systems, the butterfly effect as originally formulated by Lorenz pertains to classical systems, particularly weather prediction.

3. Statement 3: False. The butterfly effect has practical implications not only in meteorology but also in various fields such as economics, ecology, and engineering, where small changes can lead to large consequences.

4. Statement 4: True. Henri Poincare and Norbert Wiener recognized the inherent instability of the atmosphere and the sensitivity to initial conditions, which laid the groundwork for Lorenz's later modeling of chaotic systems.

Thus, the correct option is B) 1 and 4 only.

5. India recently achieved a historic milestone by winning gold medals in both the Open and women’s sections at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest. Which of the following statements are correct regarding this achievement?

1. The Indian men's team defeated the United States to secure the gold medal.

2. D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi won individual gold medals for their performances in the Open section.

3. The Indian women's team secured a victory against Azerbaijan in the final round.

4. The Indian women's team was the runner-up in the competition.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2, and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

The Indian men's team defeated Slovenia, not the United States, to secure the gold medal. D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi did win individual gold medals, and the women’s team indeed secured a victory against Azerbaijan. The Indian women's team finished first, not as runner-up.

6. Consider the following statements regarding the recent Quad summit held in the United States:

1. The summit included discussions on a new coast guard exercise and a logistics network for disaster response.

2. The Quad countries expressed support for Ukraine and condemned maritime aggression in the East and South China Seas.

3. India is set to host the first Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) workshop in 2024.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Quad summit announced the launch of a new coast guard exercise, a logistics network for disaster response, and other maritime initiatives.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The Quad leaders condemned maritime aggression in the East and South China Seas and expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, showing their unified stance on these issues.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. India is set to host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025, not 2024.

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

7. Which of the following initiatives was launched at the recent Quad summit in Delaware?

(a) Quad Cancer Moonshot

(b) Indo-Pacific Security Framework

(c) Global Climate Change Initiative

(d) Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement

Answer: (a) Quad Cancer Moonshot

Explanation:

The Quad leaders announced the 'Quad Cancer Moonshot' initiative to combat cervical cancer, which involves contributions from all four countries.

8. The Quad countries expressed their concerns regarding which of the following issues at their recent summit?

(a) Climate change

(b) Maritime aggression in the East and South China Seas

(c) Global health crises

(d) Cybersecurity threats

Answer: (b) Maritime aggression in the East and South China Seas

Explanation: The Quad summit strongly condemned maritime aggression and expressed concerns over tensions in the East and South China Seas, particularly regarding China's actions.

9. What is the primary goal of the 'Quad Cancer Moonshot' initiative announced at the summit?

(a) To develop a vaccine for cervical cancer

(b) To increase funding for cancer research

(c) To combat cervical cancer through screening and vaccination

(d) To establish cancer treatment centres in the Quad countries

Answer: (c) To combat cervical cancer through screening and vaccination

Explanation: The initiative aims to reduce cervical cancer through funding for screening and providing vaccines, including a commitment from India for $10 million.

10. As part of the Quad initiatives, which country will contribute $10 million towards cervical cancer screening?

(a) United States

(b) Australia

(c) India

(d) Japan

Answer: (c) India

Explanation: India has committed $10 million for cervical cancer screening as part of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative announced at the summit.

11. The Quad leaders condemned maritime aggression specifically targeting actions from which country in their joint statement?

(a) India

(b) United States

(c) China

(d) Russia

Answer: (c) China

Explanation: The joint statement highlighted concerns regarding maritime aggression and tensions specifically related to China's activities in the East and South China Seas.

12. What does the term "banana republic" refer to in the context of political and economic stability?

A) A country that is politically stable and economically prosperous.

B) A country that relies heavily on the export of a single commodity and is marked by political instability and corruption.

C) A country with a diversified economy and strong governance.

D) A country that is exclusively dependent on tourism for its economic growth.

Correct Answer: B) A country that relies heavily on the export of a single commodity and is marked by political instability and corruption.

Explanation:

The term "banana republic" originally described Central American countries whose economies were dependent on banana exports, often dominated by foreign companies. It has since evolved to refer to any politically unstable nation with an economy largely reliant on a single export or commodity. Such countries typically exhibit weak governance, corruption, and may experience significant social unrest, making them vulnerable to external influences and exploitation. The phrase is often used pejoratively to highlight the negative aspects of a nation’s governance and economic reliance.

13. Which of the following statements is true regarding the gifts exchanged between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden during Modi's recent visit to the United States?

1. Prime Minister Modi gifted President Biden a silver train model made by artisans from Maharashtra.

2. The silver train model is inscribed with ‘Delhi-Washington’ on its sides.

3. First Lady Jill Biden received a traditional Kashmiri shawl from Modi.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

During his visit, PM Modi gifted President Biden an antique silver hand-engraved train model from Maharashtra, highlighting Indian craftsmanship. The model was inscribed with ‘Delhi-Delaware,’ not ‘Delhi-Washington.’ Additionally, Modi presented a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden, emphasizing the rich handcrafting legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.

14. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0?

1. It aims to achieve "Garbage-Free Status" by focusing solely on door-to-door waste collection.

2. As of now, only 470 out of 2,424 identified legacy waste dumpsites have been fully remediated.

3. Tamil Nadu has the lowest area reclaimed from legacy waste dumpsites among Indian states.

4. The mission was launched in 2020 with a focus on building new landfills.

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1, 2, and 4

D) Only 2

Correct Answer: D) Only 2

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: While the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 aims for "Garbage-Free Status," it emphasizes 100% source segregation and scientific management of waste, not just door-to-door collection.

2. Statement 2 is correct: Only 470 out of 2,424 identified legacy waste dumpsites have been fully remediated, indicating a significant backlog in addressing this issue.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: Tamil Nadu has reclaimed the maximum area (837 acres) from dumpsites, not the lowest.

4. Statement 4 is incorrect: The mission was launched in 2021, not 2020, and it primarily focuses on remediating existing dumpsites rather than building new landfills.

Thus, the only true statement is Statement 2, making the correct answer D.

15. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the report on atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India for the year 2022?

1. A significant majority of SC and ST atrocities were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh leading in SC-related cases.

2. The conviction rate for cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has increased from 39.2% in 2020 to 32.4% in 2022.

3. Special courts for expediting trials under the Act are present in only 194 out of 498 districts.

Select the correct answer from the options below:

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1 and 3 only

Answer: A) 1 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The report indicates that a significant majority of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were indeed reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest number of SC-related cases.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The conviction rate under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act actually decreased from 39.2% in 2020 to 32.4% in 2022, indicating a decline in the rate of successful prosecutions.

3. Statement 3: Correct. So far only 194 out of 498 districts had established special courts to expedite trials under the Act.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making option A the right choice.

16. Consider the following statements regarding coal shipments and electricity generation in India:

1. Between January and August 2024, coal shipments to India increased by 10% year-on-year.

2. Indonesia accounts for over 50% of India’s seaborne coal imports.

3. The minimum blending ratio of imported coal for power plants was recently reduced from 6% to 4%.

4. Hydropower generation in India has seen a consistent increase due to favorable monsoon conditions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 3, and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as coal shipments increased by 10% year-on-year.

• Statement 2 is incorrect; Indonesia provides 45% of seaborne coal imports, not over 50%.

• Statement 3 is correct as the blending ratio was temporarily reduced from 6% to 4%.

• Statement 4 is incorrect; hydropower generation has faced a decline due to low water levels.

17. Which of the following initiatives has been launched in the Sundarbans to prevent child drowning?

A) Introduction of safety barriers around water bodies

B) Establishment of Kavach (protector) centres for child supervision

C) Mandatory swimming lessons for all children

D) Increase in natural pond areas

Answer: B) Establishment of Kavach (protector) centres for child supervision

Explanation:

The Kavach centres, launched in September 2023, are community-run initiatives where designated 'mothers' supervise children aged 4 months to 5 years. This program aims to reduce the risk of drowning by ensuring that children are not left unattended, addressing the high incidence of drowning in the Sundarbans due to environmental factors and parental work commitments. Other options, such as safety barriers or mandatory swimming lessons, were not specifically implemented as part of this initiative.

18. Which of the following statements about the Minimum Value Register (MVR) in Bihar is/are correct?

1. The MVR is revised periodically to reflect changes in market rates for land.

2. The last revision for urban land in Bihar was conducted in 2016.

3. The MVR directly affects the income tax rates for property transactions.

4. The state government is considering a new proposal to revise the MVR to align it closer to market rates.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2, and 4 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: B) 1, 2, and 4 only.

Explanation:

• Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. The MVR is revised to reflect market conditions, the last revision for urban land was in 2016, and the government is considering a new proposal for revision.

• Statement 3 is incorrect as the MVR relates to stamp duty, not income tax.

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