UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 21 October 2024

Solution: b)

The National Green Hydrogen Mission primarily focuses on decarbonizing key sectors such as steel, shipping, and mobility, which are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. These industries require large amounts of energy, and transitioning them to green hydrogen is seen as a major step toward reducing carbon emissions.

While agriculture is important for overall environmental sustainability, it is not a primary focus of this mission as it is more centered on industrial and energy-heavy sectors.

Solution: b)

Bombing a military installation is an example of kinetic warfare, which involves physical combat and destruction through traditional military tactics. In contrast, non-kinetic warfare encompasses tactics like cyberattacks, disinformation, psychological manipulation, and electronic jamming, all of which can disrupt a nation’s critical infrastructure or public sentiment without direct physical confrontation.

The example of bombing, while targeting communication infrastructure, still involves physical destruction, making it a kinetic tactic.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect because haemodialysis (HD) machines are used to treat patients with kidney failure, not heart failure. The machines help filter blood, removing wastes, toxins, and excess fluids that the kidneys can no longer eliminate.

Statement 2 is incorrect because HD machines use a process called dialysis in which toxins are removed from the blood through a dialyzer and the use of dialysate fluid. The fluid helps to draw waste products out of the blood via diffusion.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the dialyzer does interact with dialysate fluid. The blood passes through thin fibers in the dialyzer, and waste products diffuse through the fibers into the dialysate fluid, which then flushes them away.

The HD machine is a life-saving technology for patients with severe kidney dysfunction, and it relies on the interaction between blood and dialysate fluid to cleanse the blood effectively.

Solution: c)

Artificial stone, also known as engineered stone or quartz, contains over 90% silica, making it significantly more dangerous in terms of silicosis risk compared to natural stones like marble (3% silica) and granite (30% silica).

When artificial stone is cut or polished, it generates fine silica dust, which workers can inhale, leading to severe lung diseases such as silicosis.

The Thorax study has highlighted severe cases of lung disease among workers exposed to this silica dust, emphasizing the need for stronger safety measures.

Solution: d)

India provided haemodialysis (HD) machines to Papua New Guinea as part of its healthcare assistance under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

These machines are critical for patients suffering from kidney failure, as they help filter blood and remove waste products from the body. This initiative highlights India’s growing role in providing humanitarian and medical aid to the Pacific Islands region.

Lebanon, on the other hand, received 33 tonnes of medical supplies from India to support its healthcare system, but not haemodialysis machines.

Solution: a)

The Karmayogi Saptah, launched on 19th October 2024 aims to promote capacity-building among civil servants, focusing on both individual and organizational growth. This is achieved through competency-linked learning, where civil servants are encouraged to engage in continuous development and knowledge acquisition to improve governance and public service delivery.

This initiative is part of the larger Karmayogi program, focusing on a lifelong learning approach for civil servants.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct: The E-Cube Hindi Language Lab is designed for students in classes 5 to 7, providing an interactive, game-based learning environment for Hindi language skills. Students can practice essential language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on real-life conversational practice.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The lab uses Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS), not proprietary technology, which allows greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The program includes monitoring mechanisms for teachers and head teachers, with separate logins to track student progress. This ensures that teachers can provide necessary feedback to guide students through the learning process.

Solution: d)

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was established to foster cooperation between India and Pacific Island nations across several sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, and climate change. It is not focused on providing financial assistance to Middle Eastern countries, forming military alliances, or promoting free trade agreements. Through FIPIC, India has committed to helping countries like Papua New Guinea with medical aid, including the provision of haemodialysis machines and other healthcare infrastructure.

Solution: a)

The National Green Hydrogen Mission does not aim to promote fossil fuel-based hydrogen production. Instead, its objective is to foster the production of green hydrogen, which is generated using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power.

The mission is focused on decarbonizing industries such as steel, mobility, and shipping and making India a global hub for green hydrogen. The focus is on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the use of renewable energy for sustainable economic growth.

Solution: c)

• a-2: Cyber warfare involves attacking critical infrastructure, such as power grids, communication systems, or financial systems, often through hacking or malware.
• b-3: Economic warfare targets a nation’s financial systems or trade, aiming to destabilize its economy through sanctions, cyberattacks, or manipulation of trade networks.
• c-4: Psychological warfare seeks to disrupt morale and manipulate public opinion or the enemy’s mindset through methods like fear, misinformation, or propaganda.
• d-1: Information warfare involves controlling or manipulating information and disinformation to influence public perception, often by spreading false narratives or propaganda.