UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 14 October 2024

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct because auroras are primarily visible near the poles where Earth’s magnetic field directs charged particles.

Statement 2 is also correct as strong solar activity, such as solar flares and CMEs, can expand auroras to mid-latitudes.

Statement 3 is incorrect because solar flares and CMEs actually increase the likelihood of auroras being visible, not reduce it.

Solution: c)

CDSCO does not regulate the export of Indian drugs. It focuses on approval, import control, and clinical trial oversight within India to maintain drug safety and standards.

Solution: c)

UNIFIL’s (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) mandate includes confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, which was one of the primary objectives of the UN mission following the 1978 invasion.

Solution: a)

The guided missile system of the T-90 Bhishma is designed to destroy armored targets, including those with explosive reactive armor (ERA), at a range of up to 5 kilometers.

Solution: d)

All statements are incorrect. LSAM 12 was indigenously designed by an Indian shipyard (SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd) and is used for logistics operations, not combat. It is the sixth barge in a series of eight, not the first in a series of 12.

Solution: d)

Green auroras are caused by charged particles interacting with oxygen, while purple hues are produced by nitrogen.

Statement 3 is incorrect as carbon dioxide does not produce blue auroras; rather, nitrogen can also emit blue light.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) was established by the UN Security Council, not the General Assembly, to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces and restore peace in southern Lebanon.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, as UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded in 2006 to monitor the ceasefire and prevent hostilities, and the force includes a maritime task force to prevent arms smuggling.

Solution: a)

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution focuses on the protection of tribal welfare, land rights, and the establishment of advisory councils in Scheduled Areas to safeguard the interests of indigenous populations.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct as the T-90 Bhishma has an advanced digital fire control system (FCS) that enhances its targeting capabilities.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the T-90 Bhishma can reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h on different terrains.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the T-90 Bhishma features a Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) protection system, which protects against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.

Solution: d)

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeepers are allowed to use force only in self-defense or to protect civilians, not pre-emptively. UNIFIL conducts joint operations with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), meaning it does not operate independently. Its personnel come from 48 countries globally, not exclusively from the Middle East.