[MISSION 2023] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 25 Mar 2023

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Most cyclones are forced to weaken post landfall as they detach from the sea.
• Cyclones are formed between the tropics while western disturbances are formed in the mid-latitudes. When the two interact, they influence each other. When cyclones come under the influence of western disturbances, it can retain its intensity even after entering land.
• Cyclone Tauktae in 2021 came under the influence of western disturbances, it slowed down as it was crossing over to land. This slow progress over the coast ensured that the cyclone continued to get sufficient moisture supply from the sea. Hence it did not weaken, but rather retained its intensity even 24 hours after coming over land.
• The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea generate only 7 per cent of the world’s cyclones. However, their impact are huge as some of the most densely populated regions of the world, including some mega-cities, are susceptible.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/western-disturbances-science-behind-unseasonal-rains-and-hailstorms/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The World Press Freedom Index is released by the media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/press-must-remain-free-if-a-country-is-to-remain-a-democracy-cji-chandrachud/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• On January 31 2021, Stardust 1.0 was launched from Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US, becoming the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel, which is non-toxic for the environment as opposed to traditionally used rocket fuels.
• Biofuels are obtained from biomass, which can be converted directly into liquid fuels that can be used as transportation fuels. The two most common kinds of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel and they both represent the first generation of biofuel technology.
• Ethanol, for instance, is renewable and made from different kinds of plant materials. Biodiesel on the other hand is produced by combining alcohol with new and used vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled cooking grease.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/govt-amends-export-policy-for-biofuels/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Sharada Peeth is a ruined Hindu temple and ancient centre of learning located in the Neelum Valley of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
• It is situated in the valley of Mount Harmukh, believed by Kashmiri Pandits to be the abode of Shiva.
• It was probably commissioned by Lalitaditya Muktapida though no definitive evidence exists in favour.
• Al-Biruni recorded the place for the first time, as a revered shrine housing a wooden image of Sharda.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans; (b)

Explanation:

• Option A: They were applicable to both.
• Option C: This was due to commercialization of agriculture, not land reforms.
• Option B:The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Since S3 is clearly incorrect, the answer must be A.
• According to Articles 102(1)(a) and 191(1)(a) of Constitution, legislators (MP or MLA) can be barred from holding office of profit under Central Government or state government as it can put them in position to gain financial benefit.
• The Supreme Court recently held that the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Act, 2006 exempting 55 offices occupied by members of Parliament from disqualification was constitutionally valid. See https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Supreme-Court-upholds-office-of-profit-law/article16876481.ece

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Stagflation is a condition of slow economic growth and relatively high unemployment, or economic stagnation, accompanied by rising prices, or inflation.
• Deflation is the general decline in prices for goods and services occurring when the inflation rate falls below 0%.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• WPI reflects the change in average prices for bulk sale of commodities at the first stage of transaction while CPI reflects the average change in prices at retail level paid by the consumer.
• The prices used for compilation of WPI are collected at ex-factory level for manufactured products, at ex-mine level for mineral products and mandi level for agricultural products. In contrast, retail prices applicable to consumers and collected from various markets are used to compile CPI.
• The CPI basket consists of services like housing, education, medical care, recreation etc. which are not part of WPI basket. A significant proportion of WPI item basket represents manufacturing inputs and intermediate goods like minerals, basic metals, machinery etc. whose prices are influenced by global factors but these are not directly consumed by the households and are not part of the CPI item basket.
• Thus even significant price movements in items included in WPI basket need not necessarily translate into movements in CPI in the short run. The rise or fall in prices at wholesale level spill over to the retail level after a lag.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Feature Description
• What is Oumuamua Oumuamua is a comet. It is the first interstellar object found visiting our solar system.
• Name ‘Oumuamua’ is Hawaiian for “a messenger from afar arriving first“
• Previous assumption Oumuamua may have been an alien probe (2018 study) due to its unexpected acceleration and it lacks the tail of gas and dust characteristic of many comets.
• The shape of the Comet Elongated, cigar-like shape between 100-400 meters long
• Reason for unexpected Acceleration The comet sped up slightly as it left the Solar System, due to the release of trapped hydrogen
• Composition Made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen-rich ice
• Origin Possibly ejected from a nearby star system due to gravitational interactions
• Discovered First spotted in 2017, by a telescope in Hawaii
• Status No longer observable, as it has left the Solar System

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Long-tailed Ducks were seen in Kashmir after 84 years and were last seen at Hokersar.
• Smew Duck species spotted in Kashmir after 116 years.
• About Long-Tailed Ducks
  • Long-tailed ducks are slim, colourful sea ducks with long tails. That occurs around the Arctic and Antarctic.
  • Prefer to spend winter near major bodies of water.
  • Diet: Marine invertebrates like crabs & molluscs.
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable.

Refer:  facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/25/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-25-march-2023/