Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. NavIC Satellite Configuration: This pair is correctly matched. NavIC consists of three satellites in geostationary orbit at 32.5°E, 83°E, and 129.5°E, and four satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbit, crossing the equator at 55°E and 111.75°E, with an inclination of 29°.
2. NavIC Service Offerings: This pair is incorrectly matched. NavIC provides two main services: Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users, not Enhanced Position Service (EPS).
3. NavIC Frequency Bands: This pair is correctly matched. NavIC operates in both the L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S band (2498.028 MHz).
4. NavIC Coverage Area: This pair is incorrectly matched. NavIC covers users in India and extends approximately 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass, not limited to only the Indian mainland.
Hence, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

The primary objective of the Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS) is to engage in indirect area fire. This artillery weapon system, developed by the DRDO, is designed to deliver fire against enemy positions at a distance, providing effective coverage over a specified area. The system's quick response capabilities, high pointing accuracy, and ability to fire a substantial volume of rockets make it a valuable asset for targeting critical enemy positions from a distance.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The asteroid 2024 YR4 was indeed discovered by an observatory located in Chile and possesses a slightly more than 1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. This statement accurately reflects the discovery location and the assessed probability of impact, making it a correct statement.

2. Statement 2 is correct. If the asteroid were to collide with Earth, it is expected to release between 8 to 10 megatons of energy, equivalent to multiple nuclear explosions. This is a significant potential impact, highlighting the destructive capacity of such an event.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Torino Scale is used to assess the risk of asteroid impacts, there is no information indicating that 2024 YR4 is rated at the highest level of 10, which would indicate a certain collision capable of causing global catastrophe. The statement exaggerates the rating on the Torino Scale, thus making it incorrect.

Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I is correct as NavIC indeed provides precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the NavIC system consists of a constellation of 7 satellites, not 10 as mentioned. The system includes three satellites in geostationary orbit and four satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbits, totaling 7 satellites in the NavIC constellation, not 10.

If the asteroid 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, it is estimated to release between 8 to 10 megatons of energy, which is equivalent to multiple nuclear explosions. Such an impact could potentially cause injuries to around 1,500 people and damage thousands of buildings across various cities. This highlights the destructive potential of asteroid impacts and the importance of planetary defense initiatives to prevent such catastrophic events.

1. Statement 1: NavIC provides positioning accuracy of better than 5 meters across India.
- This statement is incorrect. NavIC provides positioning accuracy of better than 10 meters across India, not 5 meters. The accuracy is stated to be better than 20 meters in the surrounding region.
2. Statement 2: The NavIC system operates on both L5 and S band frequency bands.
- This statement is correct. NavIC services are offered in both the L5 band (1176.45 MHz) and the S band (2498.028 MHz).
3. Statement 3: NavIC is interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems like GPS and BeiDou.
- This statement is correct. NavIC's Standard Position Service (SPS) signals are compatible with other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou.
Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

To determine which statements are correct, let's examine each one based on the details provided about the Pinaka MRLS:
1. Statement 1: "The Pinaka MRLS was first deployed during the Kargil War for targeting enemy positions."
- This statement is correct. The Pinaka system was indeed first deployed during the Kargil War, where it was effectively used to target enemy positions.
2. Statement 2: "The Pinaka system has a maximum operational range of 150 kilometers."
- This statement is incorrect. The Pinaka system has an operational range exceeding 75 kilometers, not 150 kilometers.
3. Statement 3: "The recent contracts for the Pinaka MRLS signify an increased investment in enhancing the mobility of the Indian Army."
- This statement is incorrect. While the contracts indicate a significant investment in enhancing artillery capabilities, they do not specifically signify an increased investment in mobility. The Pinaka system is already mounted on a Tatra truck, which provides its mobility.
Thus, only Statement 1 is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

The Storming of the Bastille was a pivotal event during the French Revolution as it marked the symbolic beginning of the revolution and signified the fall of the monarchy's authority. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, by Parisian revolutionaries seeking to obtain weapons and gunpowder was a turning point that provoked further revolutionary actions across France. This event is often considered as the spark that ignited the broader revolutionary movements and symbolized the people's resistance against the oppressive regime.

1. Pinaka MRLS - Developed by Tata Advanced Systems: Incorrect. The Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), not Tata Advanced Systems.

2. Guidance System - Uses INS/GPS for enhanced precision: Correct. The Pinaka-Guided version employs INS/GPS navigation for improved accuracy during strikes.

3. Range - Operational range exceeds 75 kilometers: Correct. The Pinaka system has a proven operational range of more than 75 kilometers.

4. Launcher Configuration - Each launcher can carry 6 rockets: Incorrect. Each Pinaka launcher is capable of carrying 12 rockets, not 6.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the key provisions of the Rajasthan Bill against 'Unlawful' Religious Conversions, emphasizing the prohibition of conversions through misrepresentation, coercion, or deceptive means. This aligns with the information provided in the source material.
Statement-II accurately describes the process individuals must follow for voluntary conversion, including the requirement to submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance and adhere to a specific conversion process. This statement provides additional details regarding the voluntary conversion process mentioned in the source material, thereby explaining Statement-I.