Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 17th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate scale quantum computers and other quantum technologies. This statement is correct. The National Quantum Mission in India is focused on bolstering R&D in quantum computing, communications, sensors, and materials, with a specific goal of developing intermediate scale quantum computers and other related technologies.

2. India is ahead of China and the US in terms of quantum technology research output and patent registrations. This statement is incorrect. The text specifies that India trails behind China and the US in the quantum technology domain, particularly due to disparities in funding, research output, and patent registrations.

3. The National Quantum Mission includes establishing 'Thematic Hubs' to promote research and development in various quantum technology domains. This statement is correct. The mission explicitly aims to establish 'Thematic Hubs' to foster research and development across various areas of quantum technology.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

The primary objective of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched by the Indian Government is to combat air pollution nationwide and achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2026. This initiative focuses on city-specific plans for 131 non-attainment cities, monitoring and enforcing air quality regulations, promoting public awareness, and emphasizing inter-agency coordination for integrated pollution control measures. It is a crucial step towards ensuring cleaner air for all citizens and addressing the environmental challenges posed by air pollution.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister, not a Secretary to the Government of India.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The CEO of NITI Aayog is indeed appointed by the Prime Minister and holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. NITI Aayog can have a maximum of two part-time members, not four.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B: 2 Only.

1. Chairperson of NITI Aayog: The Vice President of India
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Chairperson of NITI Aayog is the Prime Minister of India.

2. CEO of NITI Aayog: Holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India
This pair is correctly matched. The CEO of NITI Aayog is appointed by the Prime Minister and holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

3. Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog: Hold the rank of a Minister of State
This pair is correctly matched. Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog hold the rank of a Minister of State.

4. Special Invitees to NITI Aayog: Experts in relevant domains nominated by the PM
This pair is correctly matched. Special Invitees are experts in relevant domains nominated by the Prime Minister.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 1 is incorrectly matched.

Answer: Option B

Statement-I talks about the objective of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which indeed aims to achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2026, as mentioned in the provided content under the topic of GS3/Environment.
Statement-II, is correct, 

Government establishes NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) to replace Planning Commission 01 Jan, 2015 

Statement-I is correct because the telecom industry has indeed put forward policy recommendations to the Ministry of Communications to advance digital empowerment and inclusivity. These recommendations aim to reduce levies and taxes, clarify revenue definitions, and allocate spectrum for 5G and future technologies.
Statement-II is also correct as the Telecommunications Act 2023 is expected to tackle crucial issues like Right of Way (RoW) for telecom infrastructure. Standardizing RoW rules, simplifying licensing procedures, and separating telecom infrastructure from property taxes are essential steps for facilitating rapid 5G deployment and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in the sector.
Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically explains the context behind Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

The National Quantum Mission launched by India in 2023 primarily aims to advance research and development in quantum computing, communications, sensors, and materials. This initiative seeks to propel advancements in quantum technologies, including the development of intermediate scale quantum computers, and foster growth in various quantum technology domains.

- Statement-I is correct. India did initiate the National Quantum Mission in 2023 to enhance research and development in quantum computing, communications, sensors, and materials, as mentioned in the provided source material.
- Statement-II is also correct. The Supreme Court's judgment in April 2024 upheld the EVM-VVPAT system and allowed second and third-placed candidates to request verification of burnt memories of EVMs and VVPATs for up to 5% of machines in specific constituencies, as outlined in the source material.
- Both statements are factually accurate, but they are not directly related or explanatory of each other, hence the correct answer is option (b).

- Statement 1: The telecom industry indeed proposes the elimination of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) levy. This would allow resources to be redirected towards investment in new technologies such as 5G and network upgrades. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

- Statement 2: The industry actually recommends reducing the license fee from 3% to 1%, not 2%. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.

- Statement 3: The telecom industry suggests reducing Customs Duty to zero for telecom manufacturing, with gradual increases for 4G and 5G products. This statement accurately reflects the industry's recommendations. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) - Funded by a 5% levy on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of telecom operators.
- Correct. The USOF is indeed funded by a 5% levy on the AGR of telecom operators.

2. EEG (Electroencephalogram) - Records electrical activity in the heart.
- Incorrect. EEG records electrical activity in the brain, not the heart.

3. Neuralink - Founded by Elon Musk in 2016.
- Correct. Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk in 2016.

4. OECD Recommendations (2019) - Address cognitive enhancement, consent capacity, and legal implications of neuroscience.
- Incorrect. The 2019 OECD recommendations provided principles for safeguarding personal brain data and monitoring potential misuse of neurotechnologies, not specifically addressing cognitive enhancement, consent capacity, and legal implications of neuroscience.

To summarize, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, while pairs 2 and 4 are incorrectly matched.