Q1. Consider the following statements about ‘Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’(OECD):
- It is a group of 38 European, American, and Pacific countries.
- India is not a member, but a key economic partner of OECD.
- It maintains a “blacklist” of nations that are considered uncooperative tax havens.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation
- S1: OECD is an intergovernmental organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
- S2: India is one of the many non-member economies with which the OECD has working relationships in addition to its member countries. The OECD has been co-operating with India since 1995.
- S3: The organisation works to end financial crimes, including bribery, on a global scale. Additionally, it keeps track of countries on its “blacklist” that are regarded as uncooperative tax havens. Eliminating tax evasion by wealthy companies and inside the G-20 nations also required work.
Q2. What does the term “code of conduct” mean to you?
(a) A set of traffic rules for pedestrians.
(b) Guidelines for ethical behavior and professional conduct within a specific organization.
(c) Programming instructions for computer software.
(d) A code used by secret societies for communication.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Context: The US Supreme Court has released its first-ever code of conduct, comprising nine pages of ethics rules for its justices.
- Recent Controversy in the US Justice System:
- The need for a code of conduct move comes as the court faces increased scrutiny over recent reports of gifts and holiday arrangements received by some of its jurists. While federal judges in lower courts have had an ethical code since 1973, this marks the first time the Supreme Court has established its own set of rules. Recent opinion surveys indicate that public trust in the Supreme Court is near an all-time low.
What is a Code of Conduct?
- A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the norms, rules, and responsibilities or proper practices of an individual party or an organization. It can be voluntary or non-voluntary.
Q3. Which substance is commonly used in cloud seeding to promote the formation of ice crystals in clouds?
(a) Sodium chloride
(b) Silver iodide
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Oxygen
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Silver iodide is a common substance used in cloud seeding. When released into a cloud, silver iodide particles provide a surface for ice crystals to form around. This process is intended to modify the cloud’s microphysical properties and potentially enhance precipitation.
Q4. What is the primary goal of cloud seeding?
(a) To create artificial clouds for aesthetic purposes.
(b) To prevent the formation of clouds in specific regions.
(c) To modify weather conditions by enhancing precipitation.
(d) To increase atmospheric pressure in certain areas.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The primary goal of cloud seeding is to modify weather conditions by enhancing precipitation. By introducing substances like silver iodide into clouds, the aim is to influence the processes of cloud formation and precipitation, ultimately increasing rainfall or snowfall in a targeted area.
Q5. What is the role of hygroscopic seeding agents in cloud seeding?
(a) To induce cloud condensation by absorbing water vapor.
(b) To cool the surrounding air and promote cloud formation.
(c) To generate electrical charges within the cloud.
(d) To disperse clouds and reduce precipitation.
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Option A: The role of hygroscopic seeding agents in cloud seeding is to induce cloud condensation by absorbing water vapor. These substances have a property of attracting and holding water molecules, providing a nucleus for cloud droplets to form around. This can enhance the cloud’s ability to produce precipitation.
- Option B: This option is incorrect. Hygroscopic seeding agents do not cool the air; instead, they facilitate the process of water vapor condensation.
- Option C: This option is incorrect. Generating electrical charges within the cloud is not the primary purpose of hygroscopic seeding.
- Option D: This option is incorrect. The use of hygroscopic seeding agents is generally intended to enhance precipitation, not disperse clouds or reduce precipitation.
