DAY – 13 (InstaTest-13): Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2022: Topic – Science & Technology, Subject-wise Revision of Test 16 & Test 27, Textbook based Test 10 and November 2021 CA

Solution: b)

Justification:  The country’s first Government-owned Waste-to-Energy Plant was commissioned at the Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop in Odisha sometime back. The plant, a patented technology called Polycrack, is first-of-its-kind in the Indian Railways and fourth in the country. It converts multiple feed stocks into hydrocarbon liquid fuels, gas, carbon and water.

Polycrack is the world’s very first patented heterogeneous catalytic process which converts multiple feedstocks into hydrocarbon liquid fuels, gas, carbon as well as water. The waste generated will become the feeder material for the waste to energy plant. The energy which will be produced at the plant, will be in the form of light diesel oil and this oil will be used to light furnaces.

The plant, having a capacity of 500 kg per batch can be fed with the following: All kinds of existing plastic; Petroleum sludge; Un segregated MSW with moisture up to 50 per cent; E-waste; Automobile fluff; Organic waste including bamboo, garden waste etc.

Q Source: Additional Research (AR): Insights modules

Solution: c)

Justification:  UNIDO and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are partnering with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India, to support capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST). UNIDO and National Institute of Solar Energy to initiate a skill development programme for different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector.

Concentrated solar power (CSP, also known as concentrating solar power, concentrated solar thermal) systems generate solar power by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a receiver. Electricity is generated when the concentrated light is converted to heat (solar thermal energy), which drives a heat engine (usually a steam turbine) connected to an electrical power generator or powers a thermochemical reaction

NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best practices by developing specialized training material.

The agreement is part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project implemented jointly by UNIDO and to support capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST) which are being used to replace conventional fossil fuels e.g. coal, diesel, furnace oil etc. and save costs and emissions in the industrial process heat applications.

Different concentrating technologies have been developed or are currently under development for various commercial and industrial applications. For industrial processes where temperatures above 80°C are required, concentrating solar collectors such as parabolic trough or dish collectors, non-imaging concentrators or a Linear Fresnel system are required to be used.

The project strategy builds on the existing favorable framework for solar thermal in India. Factors in favor of the project include the high commitment by the government to the development of its solar thermal industry, and significant interest by the industrial sector to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Primary target beneficiaries of the project are energy policy-making and implementing institutions, primarily MNRE, MSME, IREDA, industrial unit owners (end beneficiaries), CS manufacturers, designers, installers, training institutes, energy professionals and service providers and the financial sector.

Q Source: AR: Insights modules

Solution: c) 

Justification: Statement 1: Coalbed methane (CBM) is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams.

CMB is formed during the process of coalification, the transformation of plant material into coal.

CBM can be used

In Power generation.

As Compressed natural gas (CNG) auto fuel.

As feedstock for fertilisers.

Industrial uses such as in cement production, rolling mills, steel plants, and for methanol production.

Statement 2 and 3:  Coalbed methane is associated with coal deposits, and is found in coal seams. In the past, the gas was the cause of numerous explosions in underground mines. More recently, the gas has been vented to the surface from underground mines. It is only during the last twenty-five years that it was realized that coalbed methane could be used as a resource. Various basins in the Rocky Mountains hold much of this country’s coalbed methane resources.

When water is removed from a coal seam, it lowers the reservoir pressure. Methane that was held in place by water pressure tends to follow the water as it is pumped to the surface, where it is captured and transported through pipelines to storage facilities or shipped. This relatively inexpensive and straightforward procedure has made coalbed methane a useful, easily accessible form of energy.

However, CBM production behaviour is complex and difficult to predict in the early stages of recovery.

Another concern is the effect water discharges from CBM development could potentially have on downstream water sources.

Disposal of the highly salinized water that must be removed in order to release the methane creates a challenge, as its introduction into freshwater ecosystems could have adverse effects.

Q Source: AR: Insights modules

Solution: a)

Justification:  Technology Acquisition & Development Fund (TADF) was launched under National Manufacturing Policy to help Indian new & existing Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to acquire Clean, Green & Energy Efficient Technologies, in form of Technology / Customized Products / Specialized Services / Patents / Industrial Design (with requisite level of proof) available in Indian or Global market.

The Scheme is technically & administratively implemented by Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA).

TADF will support Indian MSMEs via subsidies in following modes:

• Direct Support for Technology Acquisition– Reimbursement of 50% of technology transfer fee or Rs. 20 lakhs, whichever is lower.
• In-direct Support for Technology Acquisition through Patent Pool– Technology/Patent will be licensed to selected companies, with a mutually agreed value and the selected companies will get a subsidy of 50% of the mutually agreed value or Rs. 20 lakhs.
• Technology / Equipment Manufacturing Subsidies– subsidies up to 10% of capital expenditure on new plant & machinery subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs for manufacturing of equipment / machines / devices for controlling pollution, reducing energy consumption, water conservation etc.
• Green Manufacturing – Incentive Scheme: The scheme facilitates resource conservation activities in industries located in NIMZ through the introduction of incentive/subsidy schemes for energy/ environmental/ water audits, construction of green buildings, implementation of waste treatment facilities and implementation of renewable energy projects through financial support under the TADF.

It aims to provide funding support for the acquisition and development of Clean and Green Technologies.

The Scheme is applicable to all existing and new Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) including those in the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) in respect of their investments made after notification of the Scheme.

Q Source: AR: Insights modules

Solution: d)

Justification: They are all considered renewable energy. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has clarified to all the stakeholders that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave, ocean thermal energy conversion among others shall be considered as renewable energy and shall be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO).

As of date, there is not any installed Ocean Energy capacity in India. Applications for such projects are under review.

Also, according to MNRE, the total identified potential of tidal energy is about 12,455 MW, with potential locations identified at Khambat & Kutch regions, and large backwaters, where barrage technology could be used. The total theoretical potential of wave energy in India along the country’s coast is estimated to be about 40,000 MW – these are preliminary estimates. This energy is however less intensive than what is available in more northern and southern latitudes. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW in India subject to suitable technological evolution.

Q Source: Developments in NRE

Solution : c

All the above statements are correct.

Allergies

An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander.

Your immune system’s job is to keep you healthy by fighting harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it thinks could put your body in danger. Depending on the allergen, this response may involve inflammation, sneezing, or a host of other symptoms.

Your immune system normally adjusts to your environment. For example, when your body encounters something like pet dander, it should realize it’s harmless. In people with dander allergies, the immune system perceives it as an outside invader threatening the body and attacks it.

Allergies are common. Several treatments can help you avoid your symptoms.

Solution: d

Definition of Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive principles of Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It has great health promotive, disease preventive and curative as well as restorative potential.

According to the manifesto of British Naturopathic Association, “Naturopathy is a system of treatment which recognises the existence of the vital curative force within the body.” It therefore, advocates aiding human system to remove the cause of disease i.e. toxins by expelling unwanted and unused matters from human body for curing diseases.

Salient Features of Naturopathy

The main features of Naturopathy are:

1. 1. All diseases, their causes and treatment are one. Except for traumatic and environmental conditions, the cause of all diseases is one i.e. accumulation of morbid matter in the body. The treatment of all diseases is elimination of morbid matter from the body.
   2. The primary cause of disease is accumulation of morbid matter. Bacteria and virus enter and survive in the body only after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favourable atmosphere for their growth is established in body. Hence, the basic cause of disease is morbid matter and bacteria secondary causes.
   3. Acute diseases are self-healing efforts of the body. Hence, they are our friends, not the enemy. Chronic diseases are outcome of wrong treatment and suppression of the acute diseases.
   4. Nature is the greatest healer. The human body itself has the healing power to prevent itself from disease and regain health if unhealthy.
   5. In Nature Cure it is not the disease but the entire body of the patient which is caused and is renewed.
   6. Naturopathy Cures Patients suffering from chronic ailments are also treated successfully in comparatively less time by Naturopathy.
   7. In Nature Cure the suppressed diseases are brought to surface and are removed permanently.
   8. Naturopathy treats all the aspects like physical, mental, social and spiritual at the same time.
   9. Naturopathy treats the body as a whole.
   10. According to Naturopathy, “Food is only the Medicine”, no external medications are used.
   11. Performing prayer according to one’s spiritual faith is an important part of treatment

Solution: d

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation 5 Young Scientists Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in Bengaluru today.

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) are located in five cities viz, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Each lab will work on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems viz, Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.

The establishment of the five DRDO Young Scientist Labs lays down the foundation for research and development of futuristic technologies. It will be a big leap forward for DRDO  from the goal of making India self reliant to future ready in defence technologies.

Research in the area of rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence will be carried out at Bengaluru. The all-important area of Quantum Technology will be based out of IIT Mumbai. The future is dependent on Cognitive Technologies and IIT Chennai will house the lab embarking in this area of research. New and futuristic area of Asymmetric Technologies, which will change the way wars are fought, will be based out of the campus of Jadavpur University, Kolkata. The research in the hot and critical area of Smart Materials and their applications will be based out of Hyderabad.

Solution: b

Saras:

Context: The indigenous light transport aircraft (LTA) Saras PT1N recently completed the second of the proposed 20 test flights.

What is Saras? SARAS PT1N is first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in light transport aircraft category. It is an indigenous aircraft developed by the National Aeronautics Laboratories (NAL), which is overseen by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). 

ABHYAS – High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT):

Context: DRDO recently conducted the flight test of ABHYAS – High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from a test range in Odisha. 

• The configuration of ABHYAS is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine and it uses indigenously developed MEMS based navigation system.
• ‘Abhyas’ is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot.
• A Luneburg lens in the nose cone improves the radar cross-section of the target for weapons practice.
• It also has an acoustic miss distance indicator (AMDI) to indicate the missed distance.

Solution: d

About INS Vikramaditya:

• Vikramaditya was acquired from Russia for $2.3 billion.
• It was commissioned into the Navy in November 2013 without the crucial air-defence systems. They are now being installed during the “guaranteed refit”, in addition to scheduled maintenance, by the original equipment manufacturer.
• It is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier. She has been renamed in honour of Vikramaditya, a legendary 1st century BCE emperor of Ujjain, India.
• The Israeli-supplied Barak-1 point defence missile system and the Russian-origin AK-630 close-in weapon system, borrowed from a to-be-decommissioned Godavari-class ship, are installed on Vikramaditya.

The Indian Navy currently operates one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, while the second, INS Vikrant, is under construction in Cochin, due for commissioning in 2022. Both vessels have a displacement — the measure of a vessel’s weight — of 45,000 tonnes each.

Solution: c

Astra missile:

• It is the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air
• It is an all-weather, state-of-the-art missile developed by DRDO and can engage and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speed (1.2 Mach to 1.4 Mach) in head-on (up to 80 km) and tail-chase (up to 20 km) modes.
• The 3.8-metre-tall Astra is a radar homing missile and the smallest of the DRDO-developed missiles and can be launched from different altitudes.
• It can reach up to 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when launched from an altitude of eight km and 21 km when fired from sea level.

What is Astra missile?

Indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra is designed to be mounted on a fighter aircraft and is also designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft.

With a 15-kilogram high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead, Astra has a range of over 70 km and can fly towards its target at a speed of over 5,555 km per hour. The missile has all-weather day and night capability. 

The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with almost 50 other public and private organisations, which were involved in multiple variants to meet specific requirements.

For the IAF trials, the Astra Mk-I Weapon system integrated with SU-30 Mk-I aircraft was carried out by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Solution : c

Air-independent propulsion

What is Air-independent propulsion?

It is a technology which allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without the need to access atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel).

It can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels.

It is based on the combustion of stored oxygen and ethanol to augment battery-powered propulsion.

Significance of AIP:

• AIP significantly improves stealth because it enables a submarine to generate electricity for services and battery charging and propulsion while completely submerged.
• AIP systems also generate electricity, powering a submarine to operate and also generate oxygen, lighting and amenities for crew.
• The Non-nuclear submarines running on battery power or AIP can be virtually silent.

Solution : d

Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission (on behalf of the European Union) working to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy innovation with the objective to make clean energy widely affordable.

MI was announced at UNFCCC COP21 on November 30, 2015, as world leaders came together in Paris to commit to ambitious efforts to combat climate change.

India is a member of this initiative.

Solution : a

Physicists and engineers at CERN use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles. Subatomic particles are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives us clues about how the particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. We want to advance the boundaries of human knowledge by delving into the smallest building blocks of our universe.

The instruments used at CERN are purpose-built particle accelerators and detectors. Accelerators boost beams of particles to high energies before the beams are made to collide with each other or with stationary targets. Detectors observe and record the results of these collisions.

Founded in 1954, the CERN laboratory sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. It was one of Europe’s first joint ventures and now has 23 member states.

Who are our Member States?

Today CERN has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Cyprus and Slovenia are Associate Member States in the pre-stage to Membership. Croatia, India, Lithuania, Pakistan, Turkey and Ukraine are Associate Member States.

Solution: d

Space technology to safeguard thatched roofs

The scientists of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) are planning to use the technology that protects rocket launch vehicles from high-temperature fire to protect the thatched roofs and even prevent water seepage in concrete buildings.

Details:

The technology uses the ceramic-polymer hybrid (CASPOL). CASPOL is water-based ready-to-coat product. It was originally developed to protect the rockets from high temperature and fire to which they are exposed during the initial moments of launch. Caspol can withstand up to 800 degree Celsius. The centre has described the product as one which is eco-friendly as it is free of toxic materials.

Benefits:

• • This could protect public transport systems and poor men residing in thatched homes from fire accidents. Seats in automobiles, public transport system and seat cushions of railway coaches can be made fireproof when Caspol is applied.
  • Besides its ability to protect against fire and high temperature, Caspol can also make surfaces waterproof. When applied over the concrete surface of buildings, fill up the micro cracks and holes on concrete to prevent water from seeping in.

• • Also, when applied over concrete surface of buildings, the high emissivity of the product reduces the temperature inside the building by at least 5 to 6 degree Celsius.

Solution: c

• The Law commission of India has suggested legalising gambling with some safeguards. And it is not yet legalised.
• Lottery is under the List I of seventh schedule , and is excluded from the ambit of gambling.
• Online gambling is a State subject and the State governments have to make laws to regulate such activities.
• Lottery is regulated Lottery Regulation Act.

Solution : a

In 1979, India ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which sets forth internationally recognized standards for the protection of freedom of expression. However, misuse of sedition and arbitrary slapping of charges are inconsistent with India’s international commitments.

Solution : c

International agreements that support proactive state measures for women’s political development:

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW): Ratified by India in 1993, it provides appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full advancement of women and to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of the country.
• The Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), 1995 endorses affirmative action for women in the political spheres for the achievement of democratic transformation, women’s empowerment and achieving the goals of sustainable development.

Solution : d

• Under the amendment, a person who receives foreign contribution must not use more than 20% of the contribution for meeting administrative expenses (in the existing Act this limit is 50%).
• Increasing the period of suspension of registration: Under the Act, the government may suspend the registration of a person for a period of up to 360 days (under the existing Act it is 180 days).
• It amends Section 3 of FCRA and expanded the list of persons, who are prohibited from receiving foreign contribution. It has added “public servant”, as defined in Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 to this list.

Solution : c

Solution: Mandatory registration of the e-tailer with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Solution : c

About the scheme:

This will be a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.

The idea is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.

This may also cover congested urban areas, where conventional mass transit systems are not feasible.

Implementation:

The scheme is being presently started in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir and the other North Eastern states.

Nodal Ministry:

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) will have responsibility for development of ropeway and alternative mobility solutions technology, as well as construction, research, and policy in this area.

Solution : d

ASEEM refers to all the data, trends and analytics which describe the workforce market and map demand of skilled workforce to supply.

It is developed and managed by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in collaboration with Bengaluru-based Company named Betterplace.

It is an AI-based portal which will map details of workers based on regions and local industry demands and will bridge the demand-supply gap of skilled workforce across sectors.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has started offering free online career skills training through its National Career Service (NCS) project for job-seekers registered with it.

Answer B

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed eSHRAM portal for creating a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) for optimum realization of their employability and extend the benefits of the social security schemes to them.

It is the first-ever national database of unorganised workers including migrant workers, construction workers, gig and platform workers, etc.

Any worker who is a home based-worker, self-employed worker or a wage worker in the unorganised sector including a worker in the organised sector who is not a member of ESIC or EPFO or not a Govt. employee is called an Unorganised Worker

Following is required to register on the portal:

Aadhar Number

Mobile number linked with Aadhaar.

Savings Bank Account number with IFSC code

Solution : c

Mission Shakti envisages a unified citizen-centric lifecycle support for women through integrated care, safety, protection, rehabilitation and empowerment to unshackle women as they progress through various stages of their life.

Mission Shakti has two sub-schemes ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’. While the “Sambal” sub-scheme is for safety and security of women, the “Samarthya” sub-scheme is for empowerment of women.

The Sambal sub-scheme consists of the existing scheme of One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helplines (181-WHL) and BetiBachaoBetiPadhao (BBBP). Besides, a new component of Nari Adalats has been added as women’s collectives to promote and facilitate alternative dispute resolution and gender justice in society and within families.

The “Samarthya” sub scheme is for empowerment of women, consisting of existing schemes of Ujjwala, SwadharGreh and Working Women Hostel. In addition, the National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers and the Pradhan Mantri Matru VandanaYojana (PMMVY), which have been under the Umbrella ICDS Scheme till now, are also subsumed in ‘Samarthya

Solution : c

Mission Vatsalya Children have been recognized by policy makers as one of the supreme national assets. India is home to 472 million children upto the age of 18 years and comprise 39 percent of the country’s population. The objective of Mission Vatsalya is to secure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in India; foster a sensitive, supportive and synchronized ecosystem for development of children; assist States/UTs in delivering the mandate of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015; achieve the SDG goals.

Components under Mission Vatsalya will include statutory bodies; service delivery structures; institutional care/services; non-institutional community based care; emergency outreach services; training and capacity building.

Solution : c

Total number of outcomes= 10C3 = 120
Number of outcomes not containing red balls= 5C3 = 10
∴Probability that at least one is red = 1 – (10/120) = (11/12)

Solution : b

Total number of outcomes= 10C4 = 210
Favourable number of outcomes = 3C2 × 2C2 = 3 ×1 = 3
∴Required probability= (3/210) = (1/70)

Solution : b

Total number of ways = n(S) = 6C2 = 15
Favourable number of ways = n(E) = 3C1× 3C1 = 9
∴Required probability = (9/15) = (3/5)

Solution : a

The required number of combinations when one fruit of each kind is taken
= 5C1 × 4C1 × 3C1 = 5× 4× 3 = 60

Answer: d

In the last two lines, the author clearly states that we can’t take all the credit away from Allen, the director and writer. So, option a is eliminated. Option c talks about something which is not discussed in the passage. Option b is a narrow point mentioned in one line of the passage. Option d is the best choice and expresses the essence of the passage where the director seems absolutely disinterested in his work and it’s the actors who put in greater effort in the movies.