Welcome to the Daily Quiz 480, brought to you by GK Tribune News Service, Chandigarh. This edition covers five crucial topics: India's Deep Ocean Mission, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the heritage significance of Moidams, and the various types of Interpol Notices. Each question is followed by a detailed explanation to enhance your understanding.
Question 1: India's Deep Ocean Mission
With reference to India's 'Deep Ocean Mission', consider the following statements:
- It is a completely central sector scheme spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- The manned submersible vehicle 'Samudrayaan' (Matsya 6000) is being developed to carry human beings to a depth of 6,000 metres.
- One of its primary objectives is the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Deep Ocean Mission is a flagship project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), not the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It is, however, a Central Sector Scheme. Statement 2 is correct: Under this mission, India is developing 'Samudrayaan' (Matsya 6000), a manned submersible capable of deep-sea exploration with a crew of three people. Statement 3 is correct: India has been allocated a site in the Central Indian Ocean Basin by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the exploration of polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable metals like copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
Question 2: Strait of Hormuz
The 'Strait of Hormuz', a critical maritime chokepoint frequently seen in the news, connects which of the following water bodies?
- (a) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
- (b) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- (c) Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
- (d) Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (b) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important choke points for oil transit. It separates Iran (to the north) from Oman and the United Arab Emirates (to the south). It links the Persian Gulf on its west with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea on its east. Nearly a fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas and oil passes through this narrow strait, making its geopolitical stability vital to global energy security.
Question 3: Green Hydrogen
Consider the following statements regarding 'Green Hydrogen':
- It is produced through the electrolysis of water powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for the production and export of Green Hydrogen.
- The only byproduct of using green hydrogen as a fuel source is water vapor.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen is distinct because its manufacturing process relies on split-water technology (electrolysis) powered cleanly by solar, wind, or hydro energy, resulting in zero carbon emissions during production. Statement 2 is correct: India's National Green Hydrogen Mission targets building export capabilities and replacing fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen in industrial sectors like steel, refineries, and fertilizers. Statement 3 is correct: When used in a fuel cell to generate electricity, hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air. The chemical reaction generates electricity, leaving behind only pure water (H2O) and heat as byproducts.
Question 4: Moidams
The 'Moidams', which achieved significant international heritage recognition, are best described as:
- (a) Rock-cut cave temples belonging to the Satavahana dynasty.
- (b) Ancient stepwells utilized for rainwater harvesting in western India.
- (c) Mound-burial systems of the Ahom dynasty in Assam.
- (d) Terracotta structures used for grain storage during the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (c) Mound-burial systems of the Ahom dynasty in Assam
Explanation: The Charaideo Moidams are the sacred burial mounds of the Ahom kings and royalty in Assam. Often referred to as the "Pyramids of Assam," these vaulted mounds represent exceptional medieval architectural and spiritual engineering. They gained immense contemporary relevance after being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making them a prime target for UPSC culture and current affairs linkage.
Question 5: Interpol Notices
With reference to 'Interpol Notices', match the following pairs:
- Red Notice: To seek the location and arrest of wanted persons wanted for prosecution.
- Blue Notice: To locate, identify or obtain information on a person of interest in a criminal investigation.
- Yellow Notice: To help locate missing persons, often minors, or to help identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched: A Red Notice is an international alert issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence. Pair 2 is correctly matched: A Blue Notice is used to collect additional information about a person's identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. Pair 3 is correctly matched: A Yellow Notice is a highly valuable tool to locate missing persons or victims of parental abductions/human trafficking. (Note: Other notices include Black for unidentified bodies, Green for career criminals, and Orange for imminent threats.)
