24 July 2024

Q1. With reference to Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer, consider the following statements:

1. It is a part of the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload.
2. It is designed to measure fast-moving charged particles generated by processes within the Moon.

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: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has begun collecting data using the Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) sub-system, one of the seven instruments on board.

• What is STEPS?

• STEPS stands for Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer. It is a sub-system onboard India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft and part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload. It is designed to measure fast-moving charged particles generated by processes within the Sun. STEPS helps scientists analyze the behaviour of particles surrounding Earth and provides valuable data for solar science and space weather research.

Q2. ‘Operation Sajag’ is conducted by the:

(a) Central Bureau of Investigation

(b) Enforcement Directorate

(c) Indian Coast guard

(d) Indian Army

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a coastal security drill named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast.
• This drill aimed to involve all stakeholders in the coastal security system, reaffirm the effectiveness of coastal security measures, and raise awareness among fishermen at sea.

Q3. Consider the following statements about Narmada River:

1. It is the largest flowing river in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
2. It rises from the Amarkantak Plateau.
3. It flows in a rift valley bordered by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• It is one of only two major rivers in peninsular India that runs from east to west (longest west flowing river), along with the Tapti River. It is one of the rivers in India that flows in a rift valley, bordered by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges. As a rift valley river, the Narmada does not form a delta; Rift valley rivers form estuaries.
• It is also the largest flowing river in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This river flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in India.
• The Narmada River rises from the Amarkantak Plateau in Anuppur district Madhya Pradesh.

Q4. Which one of the following issues the “Global Economic Prospects” report periodically?

(a) The Asian Development Bank

(b) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(c) The US Federal Reserve Bank

(d) The World Bank

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• ‘Global Economic Prospects’ is a World Bank Group flagship report.

Q5. When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

(a) India’s GDP growth rate increases drastically

(b) Foreign Institutional Investors may bring more capital into our country

(c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut their lending rates

(d) It may drastically reduce the liquidity to the banking system.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• If SLR is reduced, banks have to park lesser money with RBI in form of securities, cash etc. So, they have more money to lend and the return on lending is also greater than what they get in SLR. Hence, the scheduled commercial banks may cut their lending rates.