[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 25 September 2023

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only statement 2 is correct.
• A parliamentary committee means a committee that:
• It is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman.
• Works under the direction of the Speaker / Chairman
• Presents its report to the House or to the Speaker / Chairman.
• Has a secretariat provided by the Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha.
• The consultative committees, which also consist of members of Parliament, are not parliamentary committees as they do not fulfill above four conditions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/parliamentary-panel-on-meme-system-in-nep-2020/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The Estimates Committee (India)is a committee of selected members of parliament, constituted by the Parliament of India (the Lok Sabha), for the purpose of scrutinising the functioning of government ministries and departments in terms of expenditure and utilisation of funds.
• It also suggests alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration.
• It also examines whether the finances are laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates and also to suggest the form in which the estimates shall be presented to Parliament. This committee along with the Public Accounts committee (PAC) and Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) are the three financial standing committees of the Parliament of India.
• The committee consists of thirty members, all elected from Lok Sabha. There are no members from Rajya Sabha.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/parliamentary-panel-on-meme-system-in-nep-2020/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Standing Committees not only supervise the work of various departments but also their budget, their expenditure and bills that come up in the house relating to the department.
• It is a permanent and regular committee which is constituted from time to time according to the provisions of an Act of Parliament or Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. The work done by the Indian Parliament is not only voluminous but also of a complex nature, hence a good deal of its work is carried out in these Parliamentary Committees. There are two types of Parliamentary Committee, the Standing Committee and the Ad hoc Committee. The Public Accounts Committee is an example of the Standing Committee. Members of the Standing committees are selected from both Houses, except for the Estimates Committee where all the members are from Lok Sabha Only.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/parliamentary-panel-on-meme-system-in-nep-2020/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Keeladi is a tiny hamlet in the Sivaganga district in south Tamil Nadu. It is about 12 km south-east to the temple city of Madurai and is located along the Vaigai river. The excavations here from 2015 prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai river.
• Context: Excavations in Keeladi have uncovered two carnelian beads, reaffirming the historical trade connections between Tamil Nadu and the western regions of India, specifically Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/excavation-in-keeladi/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes namely arasar (ruling class), anthanar (priests), vanigar (traders), and vellalar (agriculturalists).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/excavation-in-keeladi/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The reigns of Sangram Singh II and his successor Jagat Singh II are considered the last significant phase of manuscript painting within the Mewar school. This phase was also characterised by the emergence of the genre now known as tamasha painting.
• 

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/mewar-school-of-painting/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About Five Eyes Alliance:

• Five Eyes Alliance: The Five Eyes Alliance refers to an intelligence-sharing partnership among five countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
• These nations collaborate closely on intelligence matters, sharing information to protect their shared national interests.
• Origins of the Alliance: The alliance traces its origins back to World War II when the UK and the US decided to share intelligence after successfully breaking German and Japanese codes.
• It began as the Britain-USA (BRUSA) agreement, later evolving into the UK-USA (UKUSA) agreement, with Canada joining in 1949 and New Zealand and Australia in 1956.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/five-eyes-alliance/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in solar panel technology using a nanoscale “ink” coating.
• This innovation could potentially accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. The researchers found that this coating can enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells, making them suitable for mass production.
• About Perovskite:
  • Perovskite solar cells are cheaper, lighter, and more efficient than traditional silicon-based cells.
  • However, they face challenges related to a drop in efficiency and energy output during the manufacturing process. The researchers identified an aluminium oxide that minimizes this efficiency drop during the conditioning of perovskite solar cells.
  • Perovskite has been recognized as a “miracle material” with the potential to revolutionize various industries, including renewable energy.
  • Recent advancements have enabled the creation of self-healing solar panels and improved efficiency when combined with silicon in tandem cells.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/perovskite/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: Vibrio vulnificus, a marine bacterium, could pose a major threat to coastal populations due to ideal conditions created by climate change.
• This bacterium can cause life-threatening infections and has a high mortality rate, particularly among those with weakened immune systems or comorbidities.
• Issues:
  • Underreported Cases: Researchers suggest that cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections are likely underreported in India.
  • Climate Change Impact: As climate change leads to more frequent cyclones, heavy rainfall, and flooding, coastal communities may face an increased risk of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.
  • India’s sea surface temperatures are conducive to the growth of Vibrio vulnificus.
    • option b: Vibrio vulnificus is commonly found in warm seawater and is not typically associated with freshwater sources.
  • Mortality Rate: Vibrio vulnificus has a high mortality rate, particularly when it enters the bloodstream.
  • Preventive Measures: Researchers are developing tools to predict the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus based on sea surface temperature and phytoplankton levels

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/vibrio-vulnificus/

Ans: (d )

Explanation:

• India is on the verge of finalizing agreements for the acquisition of five lithium blocks in Argentina through the State-owned joint venture, KABIL.
• Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, is a significant producer of lithium, holding the world’s third-largest lithium reserve.
• KABIL is a joint venture, involving NALCO, MECL, and HCL, and is focused on identifying and acquiring strategic minerals overseas for India’s use. It is also exploring opportunities for lithium partnerships and acquisitions in other Latin American nations like Chile and Brazil, as well as in Australia for lithium and cobalt exploration.
• Argentina is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil. The Andes Mountains, which run through both Argentina and Chile, are known for hosting lithium-rich brine deposits. The region’s unique geological conditions make it conducive to the formation and concentration of lithium resources.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/09/25/argentina-2/