Daily Current Affairs MCQ- July 3, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The main goal of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in India is to position the country among nations with their own fifth-generation aircraft. This initiative marks a significant step in indigenous defense technology, distinct from the 4.5-generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. By developing the AMCA, India aims to enhance its defense capabilities and strategic positioning in the global military landscape.

1. Correct: The AMCA Mk1 will indeed use the US-built GE414 engine, while the Mk2 variant is expected to feature a more powerful 110kN engine developed in collaboration with a foreign defense major. This aligns with the information provided about the phased development of the AMCA.

2. Correct: The AMCA is designed to have a 6.5-tonne internal fuel tank and an internal weapons bay for various armaments, including indigenous weapons. This feature is crucial for its stealth capabilities and operational efficiency.

3. Incorrect: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) did clear the AMCA project in March 2024, but the prototype is expected by 2028-29, not 2026. This discrepancy makes the third statement incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I is incorrect because the AMCA project aims to develop a 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft, not necessarily larger than existing Indian Air Force fighters. Statement-II is correct as it mentions that the AMCA Mk1 will use the US-built GE414 engine, while the more powerful engine for the Mk2 variant is planned to be developed in collaboration with a foreign defense major. Thus, Statement-I is inaccurate, while Statement-II provides a correct detail regarding the engine specifications for the AMCA project.

The BharatNet project in India aims to bring broadband internet connectivity to over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats nationwide by utilizing optical fiber technology. This initiative intends to ensure universal access to online services, especially for those residing in rural India, by establishing last mile connectivity through optical fiber, not just in urban regions but across the country.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. BharatNet aims to provide broadband internet connectivity to over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats using optical fiber.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The BharatNet project includes the provision of last mile connectivity through Wi-Fi and other means.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. As of now, approximately 1.94 lakh gram panchayats have been connected, which is around 77% of the total target, not 50%.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

1. BharatNet Project - World's most extensive optical fiber-based rural broadband connectivity initiative.

- This is correctly matched.

- BharatNet is indeed the world's most extensive optical fiber-based rural broadband connectivity initiative, aiming to connect all gram panchayats in India with high-speed internet.

2. Core Network (CN) - Includes base stations that offer wireless connectivity to mobile devices within a defined area.

- This is incorrectly matched.

- The Core Network (CN) primarily handles the connection to other networks like the Internet and does not include base stations. Base stations are part of the Access Network (AN).

3. Tele-density in Urban India - 127%

- This is correctly matched.

- Urban regions in India do exhibit a tele-density of 127%, meaning each person on average has more than one mobile connection.

4. IEEE - United Nations agency tackling crime and drug abuse.

- This is incorrectly matched.

- IEEE is a professional association for electronic and electrical engineers, not a United Nations agency. The agency tackling crime and drug abuse is UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime).

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are accurate. Statement-I correctly identifies the two main sub-networks of a cellular network, the Access Network (AN), and the Core Network (CN). Statement-II provides additional details about these networks, explaining that the AN includes base stations for wireless connectivity in designated areas, while the CN is centrally located and connected to external networks like the Internet. Statement-II further elucidates the roles and functions of the AN and CN, thereby explaining Statement-I. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

1. Saryu River - Flows through the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

- Correct. The Saryu River indeed flows through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

2. Saryu River - Joins the Yamuna River at Pancheshwar, on the India-Nepal border.

- Incorrect. The Saryu River joins the Sharada River at Pancheshwar, not the Yamuna River.

3. Down Syndrome - People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21.

- Correct. Down syndrome is characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21.

4. Down Syndrome - Treatment includes a cure to completely eliminate the condition.

- Incorrect. There is no cure for Down syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life through early therapy programs tailored to individual needs.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Senna spectabilis is classified as an Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in India.
This statement is correct. Senna spectabilis is indeed classified as an Invasive Alien Species in India due to its adverse impact on native species and ecosystems.

2. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
This statement is correct. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Steel slag is primarily composed of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and aluminum silicates and oxides.
This statement is correct. Steel slag consists mainly of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and aluminum silicates and oxides in various combinations, making it useful for various industrial and environmental applications.

All three statements provided above are correct. Thus, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

To determine the correct option regarding the statements, let's analyze each statement separately:

Statement I: Senna spectabilis is classified as an Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in India.

• Senna spectabilis is indeed recognized as an invasive species in India. It has been introduced from other regions and is known to spread aggressively, often outcompeting native flora.

Statement II: Steel Slag is primarily composed of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and aluminum silicates and oxides in various combinations.

• Steel slag is a by-product of the steel-making process and contains a mixture of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and aluminum silicates and oxides. This statement accurately describes the typical composition of steel slag.

Analysis of the options:

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

   • While both statements are correct, Statement II does not explain Statement I. They are related to different subjects.

2. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect

   • This is not correct because both statements are correct.

3. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I

   • This is accurate. Both statements are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.

4. Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

   • This is not correct because Statement I is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

       3. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I