[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 24 February 2024

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Except S3 all statements accurately describe characteristics of capitalism.
• Context: Capitalism exhibits diverse variations both between and within countries, with the classic division between liberal market economies (LMEs) and coordinated market economies (CMEs).
• What is Capitalism?
  • Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. In capitalist economies, goods and services are produced and distributed based on market demand and supply, with minimal government intervention. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany are often cited as examples of countries with capitalist economies

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/capitalism-and-its-types/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Inclusive growth is a concept that emphasizes economic development benefiting all members of society, especially those who are typically marginalized or disadvantaged. Option B correctly captures this idea by highlighting the aim of inclusive growth to ensure that economic progress is broad-based, reaching all segments of the population. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the concept or prioritize narrow interests over broader societal welfare.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/capitalism-and-its-types/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana.
• Nodal Ministry: https://www.msde.gov.in/
• Features of the scheme:
  • This initiative, tailored for PM SVANidhi scheme beneficiaries, aims to provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training over 22 weeks, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure.
  • The training will be conducted offline, online, and in hybrid modes, with certificates awarded upon completion.
  • The project will be implemented through 20 Centres of the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and 10 Centres of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), initially focusing on selected districts with a 40% participation target for women.
  • The project reaffirms the government’s commitment to harnessing skill potential and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, aligning with the vision of a “Kushal Bharat Viksit Bharat.”

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/rashtriya-udyamita-vikas-pariyojana/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: In 2023, Indian start-ups experienced a significant surge in venture debt financing, raising a total of over $1 billion, marking a notable 50% increase from the previous year.
• What is Venture Debt Financing?
  • Venture debt is a financing option commonly utilized by early-stage startups that have yet to establish a consistent revenue stream. Unlike traditional debt financing, venture debt is offered by specialized lenders who are willing to assume greater risk in exchange for the possibility of higher returns. This type of financing allows startups to access additional capital without diluting ownership, providing them with the financial resources needed to fuel growth and development.
• S1: Incorrect. Venture debt is not typically provided in exchange for equity. Instead, it’s a form of debt financing where the lender provides capital in exchange for interest payments and potential warrants, but not equity ownership.
• S2: Incorrect. Venture debt is not a fixed-return investment. Instead, lenders usually receive interest payments along with potential warrants or equity kickers, which means their returns are tied to the performance and success of the venture.
• S3: Correct. Venture debt is commonly utilized by startups to supplement equity financing and extend the time between equity rounds. It allows startups to access additional capital without diluting existing shareholders’ ownership.
• S4: Incorrect. Venture debt often carries higher interest rates compared to traditional bank loans due to the increased risk associated with lending to early-stage startups. However, it can be an attractive option for startups due to its flexibility and ability to preserve equity.

Refer; https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/venture-debt-financing/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: In a significant breakthrough, scientists at CERN have achieved laser cooling of Positronium for the first time, during Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS)
• What is Positronium?
  • Positronium is a unique atomic system consisting of an electron and a positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron. It has a very short lifespan, typically around 142 nanoseconds, before it annihilates. Positronium holds the distinction of being a pure leptonic atom, with its mass being twice that of an electron.
  • Uses: Due to its properties, Positronium is a valuable system for studying fundamental physics theories and conducting experiments in areas such as quantum electrodynamics.
• What is the AEgIS experiment?
  • Antihydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, and Spectroscopy, aims to directly measure Earth’s gravitational acceleration on antihydrogen.
• How was laser cooling done?
  • Laser cooling of Positronium was accomplished by lowering its temperature from ~380 Kelvin to ~170 Kelvin using a 70-nanosecond pulse of the alexandrite-based laser system, operating in either the deep ultraviolet or infrared frequency bands.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/positronium/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1: True. Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and highest frequency of all electromagnetic waves, making them highly energetic.
• S2: True. Due to their high energy and short wavelength, gamma rays have the ability to penetrate most materials, including dense substances like lead and concrete.
• S3: True. Gamma rays are commonly emitted during the radioactive decay of unstable atomic nuclei and during various nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in nuclear reactors or during nuclear fusion processes.
• S4: True. Like all electromagnetic waves, gamma rays travel at the speed of light (approximately 299,792 kilometers per second) in a vacuum.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/positronium/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only s3 is correct.
• Context: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) in Bengaluru have developed a synthetic human antibody capable of neutralizing a potent neurotoxin produced by highly toxic snakes from the Elapidae family, including cobras, king cobras, kraits, and black mambas.
• This breakthrough marks the first time a specific strategy has been applied to create antibodies for snakebite treatment.
• Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells in response to the presence of foreign substances called antigens. These antigens could be pathogens such as bacteria or viruses.
• When an antigen enters the body, B cells recognize it and produce antibodies specifically designed to target and neutralize that particular antigen. This immune response is crucial for fighting off infections and providing immunity against future exposures to the same pathogen. Option C accurately describes the role and origin of antibodies, making it the correct answer. S1, S2, and S4 are incorrect as antibodies are not produced by T cells, they are not made of lipids, and they are not primarily involved in phagocytosis (the process of engulfing and destroying foreign particles by certain cells like macrophages and neutrophils).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/venom-neutralising-antibody/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: A new fast-breeding protocol has been developed by scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to accelerate the development of improved varieties of pigeonpea, an essential legume crop for nutritional security in drylands.
• Traditionally, developing a new pigeonpea variety takes around 13 years, but the new protocol can potentially reduce this breeding cycle to just two to four years.
• About Pigeon Peas:
  • Pigeon peas are widely cultivated in tropical and semitropical regions around the world. In India, more than 80% of tur production comes from six states: MS, MP, Karnataka, UP, Gujarat, and Jharkhand.
  • Pigeon peas are commonly eaten in the form of the split pulse as “dal”
• S1: Pigeon peas have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years, likely beginning in India and then spreading to Africa, Europe, the Americas and elsewhere around the world.
• S2: In the financial year 2024, the minimum support price of pigeon pea was about seven thousand Indian rupees in India. More commonly called tur (arhar) is a widely consumed legume in the south Asian country.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/pigeonpea/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Conservationists, including those from the University of Portsmouth, have uncovered the first breeding population of the critically endangered and elusive Cantor’s giant softshell turtle along the Chandragiri River in Kerala.
• About Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle:
  • It is also known as the Asian giant softshell turtle and the frog-faced softshell turtle is a critically endangered species known for its rarity and secretive nature. Found in eastern and southern India, Bangladesh, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries, these turtles primarily inhabit slow-moving freshwater rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are carnivores, mainly feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, employing a sit-and-wait strategy to capture prey.
  • Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, urgent conservation efforts are necessary to protect this species from extinction.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/cantors-giant-softshell-turtle/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Albania and India are bolstering diplomatic relations, with plans unveiled for the opening of new embassies in each other’s capitals. Albania’s representation in India is currently led by an Honorary Consul General.
• About Albania
  • Albania is situated in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, and is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Tirana serves as its capital.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/02/24/albania/