UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 4 November 2024

Solution: c)

EVMs are used in all major elections, from local bodies to the national level. They support multilingual options to make the voting process accessible to people from different linguistic backgrounds. Each EVM can handle up to 2,000 votes. However, statement 2 is incorrect because EVMs are manufactured by two Indian PSUs (Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)), not private firms.

Solution: c)

The Annapurna Range, which includes Mount Annapurna, is part of Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal. Statement 1 is incorrect as Annapurna is located in Nepal, not Bhutan.

Statement 2 is incorrect because Annapurna has one of the lowest success rates among the world’s highest mountains, partly due to the difficult climbing conditions and high fatality rates.

Solution: d)

The RS-24 Yars missile is distinct due to its MIRV capability, allowing it to carry multiple warheads, each of which can strike different targets independently. This feature significantly enhances its strike potential, as it can impact multiple sites in one launch. It also uses solid fuel, which provides faster launch readiness and high mobility, making it challenging for adversaries to track and intercept. Unlike liquid-fueled missiles, solid-fueled ICBMs like the Yars are easier to deploy rapidly.

Solution: a)

The scheme is administered by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development. This joint administration aims to bridge rural empowerment and agricultural enhancement, focusing on utilizing advanced drone technology to boost productivity in agriculture while empowering women SHGs.

Solution: c)

VVPAT provides a printed slip with the candidate’s name, visible to the voter for a few seconds before it drops into a sealed compartment. It serves as an audit trail to cross-check the accuracy of the electronic vote, enhancing transparency. Statement 2 is incorrect because the voter cannot retain the slip; it is stored for auditing purposes by election officials.

Solution: b)

The analog space mission is designed to simulate extraterrestrial habitat conditions that would be encountered in future interplanetary missions, such as on Mars or the Moon. It includes testing life-support systems, habitat feasibility, and behavior in isolated environments to prepare astronauts for future deep-space missions.

Statement 1 is incorrect as the mission is not focused on the ISS but rather on long-term extraterrestrial habitat feasibility, which is beyond the scope of the ISS.

Solution: b)

VAJRA PRAHAR includes training in psychological warfare tactics, which are essential for Special Forces operations in hostile or isolated environments. Statement 1 is incorrect as the exercise is typically conducted between the Indian Army Special Forces and the US Army Green Berets, not involving all branches of both armed forces. Statement 2 is also incorrect since it does not rotate annually between India and the USA.

Solution: a)

EVMs store vote data in encrypted memory, providing security and making it tamper-resistant. The backup power feature ensures EVM functionality even in areas lacking electricity.

However, statement 2 is incorrect, as EVMs are standalone devices and do not connect to the internet, which prevents unauthorized access and remote tampering.

Solution: a)

Statement 3 is correct. Exercise GARUD SHAKTI is conducted to enhance interoperability between Indian and Indonesian Special Forces.

Statement 1 is incorrect, as the exercise is conducted in Indonesia at Cijantung, Jakarta.

Statement 2 is also incorrect because GARUD SHAKTI focuses on jungle warfare and counter-terrorism, not on amphibious or naval operations.

Solution: b)

The solid fuel in Hwasong-19 enables quicker deployment and launch readiness, as it does not require on-site fueling. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Hwasong-19 is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), not a short-range missile. Statement 3 is also incorrect; due to its large size (over 28 meters), it is challenging to transport discreetly, making it more susceptible to detection by adversaries.