19 April 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

1. It is an initiative jointly launched by India and France in 2015 on the sidelines of UNFCCC in Paris.
2. It is headed by the Director General, who leads the operations and carries out the functions of the ISA Secretariat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1: This initiative was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech in November 2015 at Wembley Stadium (London HA9 0WS, United Kingdom), in which he referred to sunshine countries as Suryaputra (“Sons of the Sun”). The alliance is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization.
• S2: The International Solar Alliance is headed by the Director General, who leads the operations and carries out the functions of the ISA Secretariat and is responsible to the ISA Assembly.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Carnatic Wars:

1. The First Carnatic War (1744-48) was triggered by the War of the Austrian Succession.
2. Under the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, Madras was restored to the French.
3. The battle of Wandiwash ended the French threat to the British in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation

• The First Carnatic (1744-48) war was fought between Britishers and the French due to Austrian war of succession in Europe. The French forces under Dupleix defeated the English and captured Madras. Then, in 1748 AD, the peace treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed and Madras was restored to the British and the exchange of war prisoners took place.
• Battle of Wandiwash: This was the Third Carnatic War fought between the French and the British. Having made substantial gains in Bengal and Hyderabad, the British, after collecting a huge amount of revenue, were fully equipped to face the French in Wandiwash, whom they defeated.

Q3. What is the role of gravitational force?

(a) Gravitational force is responsible for the acceleration of charged particles in electrical circuits.

(b) Gravitational force is a short-range force that holds atomic nuclei together.

(c) Gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses and is responsible for phenomena like the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

(d) Gravitational force only acts between celestial bodies and has no influence on objects at the Earth’s surface.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Gravitational force is the mutual attraction between two masses, and it is a fundamental force in nature. It plays a crucial role in celestial mechanics, governing the motion of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. For example, it is responsible for the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Q4. What is the role of the Strong Nuclear Force in atomic nuclei?

(a) The Strong Nuclear Force repels protons within the nucleus.

(b) It is responsible for the radioactive decay of unstable isotopes.

(c) The Strong Nuclear Force binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

(d) It controls the electromagnetic interactions between electrons.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The primary role of the Strong Nuclear Force is to bind protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. It is a short-range force that acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons) and is responsible for holding the nucleus together.

Q5. Which of the following statements accurately describes electromagnetic waves?

(a) Electromagnetic waves require a medium, such as air or water, for propagation.

(b) Electromagnetic waves consist of only electrical energy.

(c) Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.

(d) Electromagnetic waves are solely longitudinal in nature.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• One of the distinctive features of electromagnetic waves is that they can propagate through a vacuum. This is in contrast to mechanical waves, like sound waves, which require a medium for transmission.