Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 20th January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, was established primarily to combat corruption within the Indian political system and public administration. The Lokpal serves as an anti-corruption ombudsman, tasked with investigating complaints against public officials and ensuring accountability. Despite its noble intentions, the effectiveness of the act has been questioned due to the limited number of investigations and prosecutions initiated since its enactment. An interesting fact is that the concept of a Lokpal has its roots in the Indian freedom struggle, aiming to ensure transparency and integrity in governance.

The Jan Lokpal Andolan, led by activist Anna Hazare in 2011, played a crucial role in intensifying public demand for a robust anti-corruption framework in India. This movement galvanized widespread public support and awareness regarding corruption, ultimately leading to the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in 2013. The pressure created by the Andolan highlighted the need for an independent body to address corruption, influencing legislative changes.

An interesting fact about the Lokpal is that it was inspired by similar institutions in other countries, such as the ombudsman in Sweden, aiming to provide a mechanism for citizens to seek redress against corrupt practices by public officials.

The Lokpal and Lokayukta are established as key mechanisms in India's efforts to address and combat corruption. Their primary role involves investigating allegations of corruption against public officials and ensuring accountability within the government. This system is vital in promoting transparency and integrity in public service. An interesting fact is that the Lokpal was first proposed in India in 1968, but it took several decades for the legislation to be enacted, highlighting the challenges of implementing effective anti-corruption measures in the country.

The construction of a third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Center primarily aims to support the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions. This initiative is crucial for enhancing India's capabilities in space technology and satellite launches, allowing for more advanced and frequent space missions. An interesting fact about the launchpad is that it signifies India's commitment to becoming a more significant player in the global space industry, reflecting its ongoing advancements in aerospace technology.

Satish Dhawan is recognized as the 'Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research' in India. His significant contributions to this field laid the foundation for advancements in aerospace and fluid dynamics within the country. An interesting fact about Dhawan is that he played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and led many pivotal projects that advanced India's capabilities in space exploration.

The east coast location of Sriharikota is advantageous because launching rockets eastward utilizes the Earth's rotational speed, which provides a velocity boost of approximately 450 m/s. This boost is particularly beneficial for launching geostationary satellites, as it allows rockets to achieve the necessary speed with less fuel consumption. An interesting fact is that this strategic positioning greatly enhances the efficiency of space missions, making Sriharikota a vital asset for India's space program.

Launching rockets from an east coast location takes advantage of the Earth's rotational speed, which provides a velocity boost of approximately 450 m/s. This boost is especially beneficial for launching geostationary satellites, as it allows rockets to achieve higher velocities more efficiently. By leveraging the Earth's rotation, rockets can conserve fuel and reduce overall launch costs. Interestingly, this principle is why many spaceports are located closer to the equator where the rotational speed is greatest, making launches more energy-efficient.

The correct statement is that PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) are indeed capable of launching satellites into low Earth orbit, which is particularly useful for Earth observation and resource monitoring. On the other hand, GSLVs (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles) are designed for launching heavier communication satellites into geostationary orbits, which allows them to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface. An interesting fact is that the PSLV has been used successfully for multiple missions, including launching satellites for various countries, which showcases India's growing capabilities in space technology and international collaboration in satellite launches.

The recent development in India's space program signifies a solidification of its position in the global space arena, highlighting the country's commitment to advancing its technological capabilities, particularly in satellite and rocket launches. This commitment not only enhances India's reputation as a significant player in space exploration but also reflects its aspirations to innovate and contribute to global scientific advancements. An interesting fact is that India is known for its cost-effective space missions, which often achieve remarkable outcomes at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.

The Yala Glacier is experiencing rapid retreat and mass loss, which poses a significant threat to its existence. It is projected that the glacier may disappear by the 2040s if current trends continue. This situation highlights the broader impacts of climate change on glaciers worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. Interestingly, the Yala Glacier is the only glacier in the Himalayas that has made it onto the Global Glacier Casualty List, marking it as critically endangered.