[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 6 December 2023 – INSIGHTSIAS

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• About World Soil Day (WSD):
• It is observed annually on December 5, emphasising the significance of healthy soil and advocating for sustainable soil management. Proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002, it was formally established under the Global Soil Partnership, with FAO’s support. The UN General Assembly designated December 5, 2014, as the first official World Soil Day, commemorating the late King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej’s commitment to sustainable soil management. The theme for this year is “Soil and Water: A Source of Life.”

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/world-soil-day-soil-degradation/

Correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: S&P Global predicts that India will become the third-largest economy globally by 2030, with a forecasted nominal GDP rise from $3.5 trillion in 2022 to $7.3 trillion in 2030.
• S1: This statement is correct. Nominal GDP is calculated at current market prices, while Real GDP adjusts for changes in the price level by using constant prices from a base year.
• S2: This statement is incorrect. Real GDP is considered a better indicator of economic growth because it accounts for changes in the price level, providing a more accurate picture of the actual physical output of the economy.
• S3: This statement is incorrect. It is Nominal GDP that is more affected by changes in the price level because it does not adjust for inflation or deflation. Real GDP, on the other hand, is adjusted for changes in the price level.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/india-set-to-become-3rd-largest-economy-by-2030/

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed an action plan to make the global cooling sector more sustainable, aiming to reduce predicted greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050.
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/action-plan-to-reduce-emissions-from-the-cooling-sector/

Correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: This statement is correct. GPS consists of a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites continuously transmit signals that contain information about their location and the precise time the signals were transmitted. GPS receivers on Earth receive signals from multiple satellites, and by triangulating these signals, the receiver can calculate its precise location.
• S2: This statement is incorrect. GPS does not rely on measuring the Earth’s magnetic field. It primarily uses signals transmitted by satellites.
• S3: This statement is incorrect. GPS does not bounce signals off landmarks. It relies on direct line-of-sight communication with satellites.
• S4: This statement is incorrect. While some navigation methods historically used celestial bodies, GPS relies on signals from satellites, not the movement of celestial bodies.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/how-does-gps-work/

Correct

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Option D is correct. Atomic clocks operate based on the vibrations or oscillations of atoms. The most common type of atomic clock, the cesium atomic clock, measures the vibrations of cesium atoms, while other types, such as the more accurate optical lattice clocks, use vibrations of other atoms. The regularity of these vibrations serves as a highly precise and stable reference for measuring time.
• Option A is partially true. While some types of atomic clocks do utilize quartz oscillators, the actual timekeeping is based on the vibrations of atoms, not the quartz crystal itself.
• Atomic clocks work by:
  • Using a quartz oscillator as a reference: This oscillator creates a stable, but not perfectly accurate, frequency.
  • Exciting atoms with microwaves: Cesium atoms are commonly used, and their electrons have specific energy levels. The microwave frequency is adjusted to match the energy difference between these levels.
  • Measuring the absorption of microwaves: When the microwave frequency matches the energy difference, the atoms absorb the energy and jump to a higher energy level. This absorption can be detected and measured.
  • Fine-tuning the microwave frequency: By comparing the absorption rate to the quartz oscillator, the microwave frequency is adjusted to be exactly equal to the energy difference between the atomic levels.
  • Counting the oscillations: As the atoms jump up and down between energy levels, they emit electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is counted to measure the passage of time.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/how-does-gps-work/

Correct

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• All statements given above are correct.
• GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) implemented jointly by ISRO and Airport Authority of India (AAI).
• The main objectives of GAGAN are to provide Satellite-based Navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. The system will be interoperable with other international SBAS systems and provide seamless navigation across regional boundaries. The first GAGAN navigation payload was flown on GSAT-8 which was launched on May 21, 2011 and the second on GSAT-10 launched on Sep 29, 2012.
• The implementation of GAGAN has resulted into numerous benefits to the aviation sector in terms of fuel saving, saving in equipment cost, flight safety, increased air space capacity, efficiency, enhancement of reliability, reduction in work load for operators, coverage of oceanic area for air traffic control, high position accuracy, etc.
• In addition to aviation sector, GAGAN is expected to bring benefits to other sectors like:
  • Navigation and Safety Enhancement in Railways, Roadways, Ships, Spacecraft
  • Geographic Data Collection
  • Scientific Research for Atmospheric Studies
  • Geodynamics
  • Natural Resource and Land Management
  • Location based services, Mobile, Tourism, etc.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/how-does-gps-work/

Correct

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: The first WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum, held on November 20-21, 2023, brought together around 130 experts from 43 countries to discuss and develop a global vision for sustainable clinical research infrastructure.
• Aim: The forum aimed to strengthen clinical research capabilities aligned with the World Health Assembly resolution, focusing on improving the quality and coordination of clinical trials.
• Option A: Phase I trials primarily assess the drug’s effectiveness in a large population: This is incorrect. Phase I trials are actually the earliest phase of clinical trials and involve a small group of participants (usually 20-80). The primary objective is to assess the safety of the drug and determine the best dosage.
• Option B: Informed consent is not necessary for participants in clinical trials: This is also incorrect. Informed consent is crucial for ethical conduct of clinical trials. Participants must be fully informed about the nature of the trial, potential risks and benefits, and they must freely consent to participate.
• Option D: Placebos are never used in clinical trials: This is not entirely accurate. While placebos are not used in all trials, they can be used in some to compare the effectiveness of the new drug against an inert contro This helps to determine if the observed effects are truly due to the drug itself.
• Option C: Phase III trials come after Phase I and Phase II trials. These trials involve a larger group of patients and are designed to confirm and expand on the effectiveness and safety of the drug. They provide crucial data for regulatory approval.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/who-global-clinical-trials-forum/

Correct

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About Mount Merapi

• Mount Merapi, is an active stratovolcano located on the border between the province of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. Indonesia, situated on the subduction zone (the Indo-Australian Plate is subducting under the Eurasian Plate), part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent volcanic and seismic events.
• It has steep and often dangerous slopes, characteristic of a stratovolcano.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/06/mount-merapi-indonesia/

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation

• Dadu Dayal was a follower of Kabir and he believed that God does not belong to any particular religion or sect. He was a contemporary of the Mughal emperor, Akbar and it is said that Akbar respected him. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
• Kabir emphasised the idea of unity of Gods whom he calls by several names interchangeably, such as Allah, Rama, Rahim, Hari, etc. He strongly criticised the discriminatory caste system, especially untouchability. Hence Statement 2 is correct.
• Vallabhacharya was the founder of Suddhadvaita (Pure Non dualism) and his philosophy is known as ‘Pushti Marg’. This sect was Krishna centered, especially his child manifestation, and is enriched with the use of traditions, music and festivals. Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.

Correct

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Both the statements are correct.
• Chess is believed to have originated in Eastern India in the Gupta Empire, where its early form was known as Chaturanga.
• The game of snakes and ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev.