Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1: Correct. The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has indeed developed radomes using cold isostatic pressing (CIP) technology. CIP technology involves pressing powdered materials with high pressure from all directions to shape the material evenly and enhance its strength and properties.

- Statement 2: Correct. Fused silica radomes are highly regarded for their electromagnetic and mechanical properties, including their ability to handle sudden temperature changes. These properties make them ideal for protecting radar or antenna systems from environmental factors while maintaining signal quality.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. The RAMSES mission by the European Space Agency is designed to study the asteroid 99942 Apophis before and after its closest approach to Earth in 2029. Therefore, the statement partially misrepresents the mission's timeline and purpose.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Statement-I is accurate because the RoDTEP scheme indeed replaced the MEIS scheme and aims to comply with WTO regulations. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the RoDTEP scheme is inclusive, catering to both manufacturers and merchant exporters without any restrictions based on turnover.

- Statement 1 is correct: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has indeed advised top medical institutions, including all AIIMS, to refrain from involving representatives from the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) on their boards or committees at present. This is due to ongoing disputes and lack of recognition of the current ISCA Executive Council by the DST.

- Statement 2 is incorrect: Contrary to this statement, the DST has suspended all office-bearers of the ISCA and does not recognize its current Executive Council. Therefore, the DST has not continued to support ISCA's office-bearers.

- Statement 3 is correct: The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) operates independently but with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the central government. This relationship includes financial support for salaries and annual grants.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the accurate answer.

1. RoDTEP Scheme - Replaces MEIS Scheme: Correct. The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in September 2019 to replace the MEIS scheme, prompted by a WTO ruling against MEIS for providing subsidies on a wide range of goods.

2. FOB Origin - Seller is responsible until the buyer receives the goods: Incorrect. FOB origin means the buyer is responsible and gains ownership once the seller ships the item.

3. National District Mineral Foundation Portal - Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry: Incorrect. The National District Mineral Foundation Portal was launched by the union Minister of Coal and Mines, not the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

4. District Mineral Foundation - Operates under the jurisdiction of the State Government: Correct. The operation of DMFs falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government.

Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Both statements about Zebra Mussels are accurate. Statement I describes their appearance, reproductive behavior, and impact on ecosystems and human infrastructure. Statement II details their origin and introduction to the Great Lakes, and subsequent spread.

However, Statement II does not explain the characteristics and impacts described in Statement I. The statements provide different pieces of information about Zebra Mussels: one focusing on their physical traits and ecological effects, and the other on their geographical origin and spread.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

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

1. Radome - Protects radar or antenna systems from the weather

This pair is correctly matched. A radome indeed serves to protect radar or antenna systems from environmental factors.

2. Fused Silica - Material used for radomes due to excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties

This pair is correctly matched. Fused silica is used for radomes because of its superior electromagnetic and mechanical properties.

3. Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) - Method used to create dense and strong radomes

This pair is correctly matched. CIP is a method where powdered materials are pressed under high pressure from all directions to create dense and strong structures, suitable for making radomes.

4. Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) - Mission by NASA to protect Earth from asteroid Apophis

This pair is incorrectly matched. The RAMSES mission is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission, not a NASA mission.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Correctly matched. These rules require plastic waste generators to undertake measures to reduce plastic waste, ensure segregated storage at the source, and hand it over to local bodies or agencies.

2. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: Incorrectly matched. These rules aim to ban identified single-use plastic items with low utility and high littering potential by 2022, not all plastic items.

3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Correctly matched. Producers, importers, and brand owners are accountable for collecting waste generated by their products under the EPR scheme.

4. Zebra Mussels: Correctly matched. They are originally from the Caspian and Black Seas, located south of Russia and Ukraine.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched, which aligns with Option C.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) advised medical institutions to exclude representatives from the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) due to allegations of financial irregularities and misappropriation of government funds. This action aimed to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance of these institutions, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in scientific organizations.

Statement-I correctly highlights the role and expertise of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) in developing advanced metallic and ceramic materials for various crucial defence applications, as mentioned in the provided text.
However, Statement-II inaccurately attributes the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) to the European Space Agency (ESA). In reality, the RAMSES mission is associated with protecting Earth from the asteroid named 99942 Apophis in 2029, as per the information provided, but not necessarily under the European Space Agency. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect.

The violations in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme were primarily attributed to recyclers' lack of understanding regarding the operational aspects of the scheme. This lack of comprehension led to the issuance of an excessive number of EPR certificates without corresponding evidence of actual recycling activities. It highlights the critical importance of awareness and education in ensuring the effective implementation of environmental regulations and schemes.