[Mission 2023] Current Affairs Quiz , 29 April 2023

Solution: c)

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: b)

Roles and functions of UNGA:

• Takes a decision on important matters: such as peace and security, discusses various global issues and budgetary matters.
• Admission of members: Decides on matters such as the admission of new members.
• Decisions are taken through a vote.
• Voting by majority: Admission of new members and budgetary matters require a two-thirds majority, while the decision on other issues are taken by a simple majority.
• One vote one country: Each sovereign state gets one vote and the votes are not binding on the membership, except in budgetary matters.
• No binding veto powers: The Assembly has no binding votes or veto powers like the UN Security Council.

Opinion and recommendations: The UNGA can express world opinion, promote international cooperation in various fields and make recommendations to the UNSC and elect the Security Council’s non-permanent members.

Solution: c)

Presiding Officers use their discretion to refer a matter to a Parliamentary Committee, but this is usually done in consultation with leaders of parties in the House.

An invitation to appear before a Parliamentary Committee is equivalent to a summons from a court: If one cannot come, he or she has to give reasons, which the panel may or may not accept. However, the chairman should have the support of the majority of the members to summon a witness.

Reports of Departmentally Related Standing Committees are recommendatory in nature. They are not binding on the government, but they do carry significant weight. In the past, governments have accepted suggestions given by the Committees and incorporated them into the Bill after it has come back to the House for consideration and passage. These panels also examine policy issues in their respective Ministries and make suggestions to the government. The government has to report back on whether these recommendations have been accepted. Based on this, the Committees table Action Taken Reports, detailing the status of the government’s action on each recommendation.

Solution: d)

‘Grey Zone Operations’ which fall outside traditional concepts of conflicts have become the new battleground, especially in regard to cyber warfare. ‘Grey Zone Operations’ are already beginning to be employed to undermine the vitals of a state’s functioning, a trend likely to grow. The convergence of emerging technologies alongside new hybrid usages, pose several challenges to nations and institutions.

Solution: a)

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.

It is a major policy tool to understand the impact of global food prices on farmer’s income (export competitiveness) and domestic inflation.