[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 7 December 2023

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai has drawn attention due to a record attendance of fossil fuel lobbyists.
• What is Lobbying?
  • It is the act of individuals or groups attempting to influence decisions made by government officials or legislators. This influence can involve promoting specific policies, supporting or opposing legislation, or advocating for particular interests.
• Option A: This statement is true to some extent, as there have been cases of unethical lobbying involving bribery. However, it is not a universally accurate statement, and many lobbyists operate ethically without engaging in bribery.
• Option B: This statement is correct. One significant ethical concern with lobbying is that it can lead to unequal representation. Wealthy or powerful interest groups may have more resources to influence policymakers, potentially leaving less influential groups without a fair say in the legislative process.
• Option C: This statement is false. Lobbyists are not necessarily prohibited from providing information to policymakers. In fact, providing information is a legitimate and essential part of the lobbying process. However, there are concerns when information is misrepresented or manipulated unethically.
• Option D: This statement is false. Lobbying, by its nature, involves attempts to influence decision-makers, and the degree of transparency can vary. Lack of transparency can be an ethical concern, as it may hide the true extent of influence exerted by lobbyists.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/lobbying/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: Gujarat’s traditional dance form, “Garba,” has been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, becoming the 15th cultural element from India to receive this recognition.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/garba-of-gujarat/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a compilation maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that recognizes and safeguards cultural practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills that are considered intangible cultural heritage.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/garba-of-gujarat/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Google has unveiled its latest AI project, “Gemini,” designed to exhibit human-like behaviour.
• The rollout will occur in phases, introducing less sophisticated versions named “Nano” and “Pro” into Google’s AI-powered chatbot Bard and the Pixel 8 Pro
• Notable advancements are expected early next year with the introduction of the “Ultra” model, powering an advanced version of Bard.
• Google emphasizes Gemini’s potential in problem-solving, particularly in math and physics, while expressing commitment to addressing AI risks responsibly.
• Gemini aims to address concerns about transparency and interpretability that have plagued previous LLMs. The project emphasizes explainable AI, allowing users to understand the reasoning behind model outputs.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/gemini/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal have conducted the first-ever genome sequencing of the jamun tree (Syzygium cumini).
• A neopolyploidy event refers to the occurrence of polyploidy, a condition in which an organism has multiple sets of chromosomes, leading to an increase in the number of chromosomes in its cells.
• Polyploidy can arise through different mechanisms, including errors during cell division or hybridization between different species

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/genome-sequencing-of-jamun/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: The world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor, the JT-60SA in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture, has commenced operations, marking a significant step toward achieving clean energy.
• Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars. It involves the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
• Controlled nuclear fusion for practical energy production has been challenging to achieve on Earth. While there are experimental fusion reactors, commercial power plants that use controlled nuclear fusion are not yet a reality as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. Researchers are actively working on developing viable fusion reactors, but it remains a complex and technologically challenging task.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/jt-60sa-nuclear-fusion-reactor/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• IBM’s Condor is a 1,121-qubit quantum computer, currently the largest of its kind. It was launched in 2023 and plays a crucial role in advancing quantum computing research and development.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/ibms-condor/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:what are Qubits?

• A qubit, short for a quantum bit, is the basic unit of quantum information in quantum computing. Unlike classical bits, which can exist in a state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a superposition of both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property, along with entanglement and other Superposition, enables quantum computers to perform complex calculations much more efficiently than classical computers for certain tasks.
• However, qubits exhibit high sensitivity and may cause calculation errors, and the problem worsens as quantum computer size increases

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/ibms-condor/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and the enclaved microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. It has a territorial exclave in Switzerland (Campione) and an archipelago in the African Plate (Pelagie Islands).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/07/italy-leaves-bri/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1: While procurement is open-ended, it is not unlimited since our buffer stock is limited.
• S2: This is absurd. MSP is only an indicative price, and Market price can rise way above or way below MSP given the situation.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2020