Prelims Daily Quest - 9 September 2024
- BPSC POINT
- Sep 9, 2024
- 7 min read
1.Which of the following statements is true regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit?
A) The visit to Brunei was the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
B) The visit to Singapore was the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
C) The visit to Brunei was part of the Act West policy.
D) The visit to Singapore marked the signing of a defense agreement.
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brunei was notable as it was the first time an Indian Prime Minister had officially visited the country. This visit underscores India's intent to strengthen relations with ASEAN countries under its "Act East" policy. While Modi's visit to Singapore also marked significant agreements, including the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership, the uniqueness of the Brunei visit lies in its being a historic first for India at the Prime Ministerial level.
2. What was the primary focus of the agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore?
A) Defense cooperation
B) Semiconductors and digital technologies
C) Climate change and environmental policies
D) Cultural exchanges and tourism
Correct Answer: B)
Explanation: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore, the primary focus was on signing agreements related to semiconductors and digital technologies, including the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership. This aligns with India's aim to enhance cooperation in the semiconductor industry and digital technologies.
3. Which country contributes around 10% of the global semiconductor output and has a significant presence in all segments of the semiconductor value chain?
A) India
B) Taiwan
C) Singapore
D) China
Correct Answer: C)
Explanation: Singapore is noted for its significant contribution to the global semiconductor industry, with around 10% of global output and a presence in all segments of the semiconductor value chain.
4. Consider the following statements regarding India’s Semiconductor Mission launched in 2021:
The mission includes a chip incentive scheme of Rs 76,000 crore, which covers half of the capital expenditure costs for semiconductor plants.
The mission primarily focuses on developing high-end logic chips used in the AI sector.
In February 2023, the Cabinet approved semiconductor-related projects amounting to investments of approximately Rs 1.26 lakh crore.
The mission was launched in partnership with Singapore’s semiconductor industry.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1, 2, and 3 only
C) 1, 3, and 4 only
D) 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer: A)
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The India Semiconductor Mission includes a Rs 76,000 crore chip incentive scheme covering half the capital expenditure for semiconductor plants and the Cabinet approved projects worth approximately Rs 1.26 lakh crore. Statement 2 is incorrect as the mission is not focused solely on high-end logic chips for AI. Statement 4 is also incorrect because the mission was not launched in partnership with Singapore’s semiconductor industry but aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
5. Consider the following statements about India's performance in the 2024 Paralympics:
India won a total of 29 medals, including seven golds.
The majority of India's medals came from para-badminton and para-shooting.
Preethi Pal won India's first-ever track medal at the Paralympics.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 1 and 3
C) 2 and 3
D) 1 and 2
Answer: B) 1 and 3
Explanation:
India won a total of 29 medals, including seven golds.This statement is correct. India achieved its best-ever performance in the Paralympics with 29 medals, including seven golds.
The majority of India's medals came from para-badminton and para-shooting.This statement is incorrect. The majority of medals came from para-athletics (17 medals), not para-badminton or para-shooting.
Preethi Pal won India's first-ever track medal at the Paralympics.This statement is correct. Preethi Pal won India’s first-ever track medal, a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 event.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
6. With reference to the Indian Summer Monsoon, consider the following statements:
The circum-global teleconnection (CGT) is a large-scale atmospheric wave that significantly influences the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR).
A decline in Arctic sea ice can delay the onset of the monsoon and increase its unpredictability.
Rossby waves, driven by the Earth's rotation, play no role in the monsoon system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 3 only
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The circum-global teleconnection (CGT) is a large-scale atmospheric wave that influences weather systems across the globe, including the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR). It operates in the mid-latitudes, affecting the monsoon's intensity and distribution by impacting the atmospheric pressure and wind circulation over the Indian subcontinent.
Statement 2 is correct: A decline in Arctic sea ice, particularly in regions like the Barents-Kara Sea, can significantly alter atmospheric circulation patterns. This results in a delay in the onset of the monsoon and increases its unpredictability. Reduced sea ice affects temperature and pressure gradients, which in turn influence air currents like the Rossby waves and jet streams, making the monsoon more erratic.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Rossby waves, also known as planetary waves, are large-scale atmospheric waves driven by Earth's rotation and temperature differences. These waves influence weather systems by steering winds and storm patterns across the globe. They play an important role in shaping the behavior of the monsoon by impacting the flow of air currents and pressure systems over India.
7. Which of the following statements best describes the recent findings related to the role of fibrin in COVID-19 complications?
a) Fibrin is a byproduct of the immune response and does not directly contribute to COVID-19 complications.
b) Fibrin actively binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, driving inflammation and complications in COVID-19.
c) The spike protein plays no role in blood clotting or inflammation in COVID-19 patients.
d) Fibrin dissolves easily in the presence of spike proteins, reducing the risk of blood clots.
Answer: b) Fibrin actively binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, driving inflammation and complications in COVID-19.
Explanation:
A new study published in Nature has revealed that fibrin actively binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which contributes to severe complications such as inflammation and clotting in COVID-19 patients.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the recent study on COVID-19 complications:
The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to fibrinogen, triggering inflammation and clotting complications.
The study showed that the fibrin-spike protein interaction could be a therapeutic target for managing COVID-19 and long COVID.
The findings of this study are directly related to the clotting issues associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
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:
Statement 1 is correct: The study revealed that fibrinogen binds to the spike protein, contributing to inflammation and clotting complications.
Statement 2 is correct: The study suggests that targeting the fibrin-spike protein interaction could offer a therapeutic strategy for managing COVID-19 and long COVID.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The study clarified that the clotting complications associated with COVID-19 vaccines are not related to this mechanism but are instead linked to the adenovirus vector used in some vaccines.
9. On September 8, 2024, which country declared an education emergency to address the issue of 26 million out-of-school children?
A) India
B) Pakistan
C) Bangladesh
D) Afghanistan
Answer: B) Pakistan
Explanation:
On September 8, 2024, which coincides with International Literacy Day, Pakistan declared an education emergency to tackle the challenge of educating approximately 26 million out-of-school children. This declaration was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who called on the private sector and civil organizations to collaborate with the government in addressing this critical issue. The measure highlights Pakistan's commitment to improving literacy rates and ensuring educational access for all children in the country.
10. Which of the following statements about Australia's 2026 census is/are correct?
The 2026 census will include optional questions on sexual orientation and gender.
The decision to include these questions follows widespread public support and controversy over their initial exclusion.
Questions on sexual orientation and gender will be mandatory for all respondents over 16 years of age.
Select the correct answer from the codes below:
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 is correct: The 2026 Australian census will include questions on sexual orientation and gender, and these questions will be optional for those over 16 years of age.
Statement 2 is correct: The decision to include these questions came after controversy and criticism over the initial decision to exclude them, reflecting public debate on the issue.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The questions will not be mandatory; they will be optional for those over the age of 16.
Thus, the correct answer is A (1 and 2 only).
11. Consider the following statements regarding the Manene ritual:
The Manene ritual is practiced in Indonesia's North Toraja regency.
It involves exhuming and dressing the bodies of deceased relatives.
The ritual is held annually in all parts of Indonesia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct as the Manene ritual is practiced in Indonesia's North Toraja regency.
Statement 2 is correct as the ritual involves families exhuming and dressing the bodies of their deceased relatives.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the Manene ritual is specific to the North Toraja region and is not practiced annually or in all parts of Indonesia.
12. Which of the following statements is correct regarding recent sports achievements?
1. India defeated China 3-0 in the opening match of the Asia Cup Hockey.
2. Aryna Sabalenka won her maiden US Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula.
3. Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson won the women's doubles title at the US Open.
4. Indian women secured the top position at the U20 World Wrestling Championships.
Select the correct answer from the options below:
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 4
D) 3 and 4
Answer: A) 1 and 2
Explanation:
India defeated China 3-0 in the opening match of the Asia Cup Hockey – This statement is correct. India won their opening match against China with goals from Sukhjeet Singh, Uttam Singh, and Abhishek.
Aryna Sabalenka won her maiden US Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula – This statement is correct. Aryna Sabalenka won her first US Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula.
Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson won the women's doubles title at the US Open – This statement is incorrect. Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson won the men's doubles title, not the women's doubles title.
Indian women secured the top position at the U20 World Wrestling Championships – This statement is incorrect. Indian women finished second at the U20 World Wrestling Championships, not first.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) 1 and 2.
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