UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 6 September 2024

Solution: b)

• Black Coat Syndrome is a term that refers to the psychological unease and intimidation felt by common citizens when dealing with the judicial system, especially in courtroom settings.
• The anxiety stems from factors such as the complexity of legal proceedings, prolonged delays, financial burdens, and the unfamiliarity of the legal process.

This syndrome affects people, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, making them reluctant to seek justice despite legitimate grievances.

Solution: a)

• The FWD 200B UAV, developed by Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA), marks a significant achievement for India’s defense industry as it is the country’s first indigenous combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) is designed for both surveillance and combat roles, featuring optical payloads and missile-like weapons.

Its successful maiden flight reflects India’s growing capabilities in defense technology and a move towards reducing dependence on foreign military equipment.

Solution: b)

• The “VishanuYuddh Abhyas” mock drill focuses on assessing India’s preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks under the National One Health Mission (NOHM).
• It tests the readiness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), comprising experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
• The mock drill also involves collaboration between agencies such as the NCDC and ICMR to strengthen national health security.

Solution: b)

The GNSS-based ETC system aims to eliminate delays caused by stopping at toll plazas, which is currently necessary with the FASTag system. By using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, tolls are calculated automatically based on the distance travelled, allowing vehicles to pass seamlessly without the need to slow down or stop. This results in reduced congestion and improved traffic flow on highways. Over time, the GNSS-based system will phase out the physical toll barriers used in the current system.

Solution: b)

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain that plays a key role in regulating movement. The loss of these neurons leads to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct. SECs are responsible for delimiting constituencies before local body elections every five years, ensuring fair representation in Panchayats and Municipalities.

Statement 2 is incorrect, as the SEC’s delimitation powers do not extend to state assembly constituencies; this is under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India.

Statement 3 is also incorrect since voter lists are used for electoral purposes, not directly for delimitation.

Solution: c)

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) refers to the total value of a country’s investments in fixed assets such as infrastructure, machinery, equipment, and buildings over a specified period. It is a key indicator of the health and growth potential of an economy because it shows the level of investment in capital goods that are used to produce goods and services in the future.

High GFCF is generally associated with improved productive capacity, technological advancement, and overall economic growth. A country with a higher GFCF tends to have better infrastructure, industries, and employment opportunities, thereby fostering sustained long-term growth.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct as the GNSS-based ETC system uses satellite technology to calculate tolls based on the vehicle’s location and distance travelled. This represents a significant shift from traditional tolling methods.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the GNSS-based system eliminates the need for vehicles to pass through physical toll booths. Instead, it collects tolls automatically using satellite positioning.

Statement 3 is correct because, unlike traditional toll systems, the GNSS-based system allows for seamless, non-stop toll collection, reducing traffic delays and enhancing the efficiency of toll collection on highways. This makes it a more advanced and efficient solution compared to physical toll plazas.

Solution: b)

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) refers to investments in fixed assets like buildings, machinery, and equipment, which do not change their form in the production process. These assets are used for long-term productive purposes and contribute to economic growth by enhancing productive capacity. GFCF excludes inventories (such as raw materials or finished goods), which are classified under changes in stock. By focusing on assets that have a long-lasting effect, GFCF helps gauge the level of capital investment in infrastructure and production capabilities.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct, as the “VishanuYuddh Abhyas” mock drill is conducted under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), which promotes an integrated approach to managing health risks at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the drill’s main focus is on assessing India’s preparedness for zoonotic outbreaks, not specifically about reducing dependency on foreign experts.

Statement 3 is correct, as the mock drill includes real-time virus identification and outbreak control measures, simulating a real-world scenario to evaluate the effectiveness of the response.