31 January 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. Aadhar metadata can not be stored for more than three months.
2. State can not enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhar data.
3. Aadhar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
4. Aadhar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the consolidated fund of India.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1: Aadhaar authentication data can’t be retained beyond 6 months, said Supreme Court, see https://www.financialexpress.com/aadhaar-card/aadhaar-authentication-data-cant-be-retained-beyond-6-months-says-supreme-court/1328066/
• S2: This is correct, see the SC judgment here https://sflc.in/key-highlights-aadhaar-judgment This was done in order to protect a citizen’s right to privacy.
• S3: IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has clarified that Aadhaar is not required to buy an insurance policy.
• S4: Correct, see https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aadhaar-for-welfare-schemes-a-legitimate-exercise-says-supreme-court/story-rhb0kccKthpJRNnSvukzmO.html

Q2. ‘Mother Nature’ campaign is an initiative by the:

(a) Apple

(b) Meta

(c) Google

(d) Microsoft

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: The article discusses Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign and its environmental efforts,
• What is Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign?
• Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign is an environmental initiative launched by Apple, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Q3. The crop is sub-tropical in nature. Hard-frost is injurious to it and it requires at least 210 frost-free days. Only light-rainfall (50 to 100 centimetres) is preferred. It requires high temperatures and bright sunshine for its growth. These conditions hold good for which of the following crops?

(a) Cotton

(b) Sugarcane

(c) Tea

(d) Jute

Ans:(a)

Explanation:

Q4. What is the Yarkovsky Effect?

(a) It is a gravitational force that causes asteroids to collide with each other.

(b) It is a phenomenon that causes asteroids to change their brightness as they rotate.

(c) It is a force that affects the rotation rate of asteroids due to the way they emit thermal radiation.

(d) It is a sudden burst of energy observed when asteroids pass close to the Sun.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected a sample from asteroid Bennu and is now on an extended mission to study Apophis. The mission was significant for understanding the early solar system, potential asteroid impacts, and the Yarkovsky effect on asteroids.
• The Yarkovsky Effect is a phenomenon in which the way an asteroid absorbs and re-emits solar radiation causes a tiny but continuous force on the asteroid. This force can influence the asteroid’s orbit and rotation. As an asteroid absorbs sunlight, it heats up, and as it radiates heat back into space, it generates thrust in the opposite direction. Over time, this effect can lead to significant changes in an asteroid’s trajectory and rotation.

Q5. What are some characteristics of lunar soil (regolith)?

(a) Lunar soil is composed primarily of organic matter.

(b) It is rich in water content, making it suitable for agriculture.

(c) Lunar soil is a thick layer of regolith, fragmental and unconsolidated rock material, that covers the entire lunar surface.

(d) Lunar soil contains a significant amount of oxygen, making it suitable for human respiration.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The Chandrayaan-3 rover, Pragyan, which has the Indian national emblem and the ISRO logo on its rear wheels, has been unable to leave a clear imprint of these symbols on the lunar soil.
• This inability to imprint the symbols has provided new insights into the properties of lunar soil in the South Pole region.
• Features of Lunar Soil:
• It is not dusty but rather lumpy, indicating that something is binding the soil together.
• Lunar Soil is a thick layer of regolith, fragmental and unconsolidated rock material, that covers the entire lunar surface.
• Lunar soil contains no organic matter.
• This discovery could have significant implications for future missions targeting lunar habitation and sustained human presence, especially in the context of potential water discovery in the region.