Daily Current Affairs Quiz March 12, 2025

Question Paper

1. Consider the following statements regarding Rare Earth Metals in India:

   1. India possesses approximately 6% of the world’s rare earth reserves but produces only 1% of global output.

   2. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested establishing an ‘India Rare Earths Mission’ as part of the Deep Ocean Mission.

   3. India is self-sufficient in rare earth mineral production and does not rely on imports from other countries.

   4. Rare earth metals consist of only ten metallic elements with similar properties.

   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 and 3 only
   c) 1, 3, and 4 only
   d) 3 and 4 only

2. With reference to Space Stations, which of the following statements is correct?
   a) The International Space Station operates in geostationary orbit at approximately 36,000 kilometers from Earth
   b) India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station is scheduled to be launched as a joint initiative with Russia and China
   c) The Tiangong Space Station was developed by the European Space Agency
   d) Low Earth Orbit, where most space stations operate, typically ranges from 300 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface

3. With reference to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), consider the following statements:

   1. The BAS will be placed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

   2. It is being constructed in phases by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

   3. The revised Gaganyaan programme includes the scope of development and precursor missions for BAS

   4. The first module of BAS is expected to be launched by 2028

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   a) 1 and 3 only
   b) 2, 3, and 4 only
   c) 1, 2, and 4 only
   d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

4. The Right to Information Act, 2005, is grounded in the principles of transparency and accountability, which are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic republic as enshrined in the Constitution of India. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution supports the principles of transparency and accountability in governance?
   a) Article 14 and Article 21
   b) Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21
   c) Article 14, Article 19(1)(a), and Article 21
   d) Article 19(1)(a) only

5. The Vigyan Dhara Scheme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, includes which of the following components?
   a) Space exploration, agricultural technology, and pharmaceutical research
   b) S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Technology Development and Deployment
   c) Artificial intelligence development, quantum computing, and nuclear energy
   d) Environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation

6. With reference to Blockchain Technology, consider the following statements:

   1. The Genesis Block is the first block in a blockchain

   2. Blockchain was introduced by Vitalik Buterin as the foundation for Ethereum

   3. Immutability is a key feature of blockchain technology

   4. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to leverage blockchain technology

   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   a) 1, 3, and 4 only
   b) 2, 3, and 4 only
   c) 1 and 2 only
   d) All of the above

7. The Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack recently introduced by the Government of India includes:
   a) A centralized database system for government applications
   b) A Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with infrastructure distributed across NIC Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad
   c) A private permission-less blockchain platform accessible only to government departments
   d) A cryptocurrency mining platform for digital India initiatives

8. The BioE3 policy recently launched by the Government of India primarily focuses on:
   a) Biodiversity conservation in Eastern Ecological Enclaves
   b) Bioeconomy, bioethics, and bioenergy development
   c) Biomedical engineering, education, and entrepreneurship
   d) Biofortification, eradication of malnutrition, and ecological farming

9. The Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) is implemented under which of the following schemes?
   a) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
   b) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission
   c) National Urban Livelihoods Mission
   d) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

10. With reference to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, consider the following statements:

    1. It applies only to government organizations and public sector undertakings

    2. Every employer with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee

    3. The Act mandates completion of inquiry within 60 days of the complaint

    4. The Act covers both organized and unorganized sectors

    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    a) 1 and 3 only
    b) 2 and 4 only
    c) 2, 3, and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, and 3 only

Answers and Explanations

1. Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

   Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as India possesses approximately 6% of the world’s rare earth reserves but produces only 1% of global output. Statement 2 is correct as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested establishing an ‘India Rare Earths Mission’ as a critical component of the Deep Ocean Mission. Statement 3 is incorrect as India is heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China. In 2018-19, 92% of rare earth metal imports by value and 97% by quantity were sourced from China. Statement 4 is incorrect as rare earth metals consist of seventeen metallic elements, including the fifteen lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.

2. Answer: d) Low Earth Orbit, where most space stations operate, typically ranges from 300 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface

   Explanation: The correct statement is that Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where most space stations operate, typically ranges from 300 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. The International Space Station operates in LEO at approximately 400 km, not in geostationary orbit which is much higher at about 36,000 km. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is being developed independently by India, not as a joint initiative with Russia and China. The Tiangong Space Station was developed by China, not the European Space Agency.

3. Answer: b) 2, 3, and 4 only

   Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the BAS will orbit the Earth in low earth orbit at a height of about 400 kilometers, not in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Statement 2 is correct as the BAS is being constructed in phases by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Statement 3 is correct as under the Revised Gaganyaan Programme, ISRO will undertake four missions under the ongoing Gaganyaan Programme by 2026 and development of BAS-1 & four missions for demonstration & validation of various technologies for BAS by December 2028. Statement 4 is correct as the first module is expected to launch in 2028.

4. Answer: c) Article 14, Article 19(1)(a), and Article 21

   Explanation: The principles of transparency and accountability are supported by Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution. Article 14 ensures equal protection under the law, which supports accountability. Article 19(1)(a) protects freedom of speech and expression, which is essential for transparency. Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, also supports the need for transparency and accountability in governance to ensure due process.

5. Answer: b) S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Technology Development and Deployment

   Explanation: The Vigyan Dhara Scheme has three broad components: Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development and Innovation, and Technology Development and Deployment. This unified central sector scheme merges three umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) with a proposed outlay of Rs. 10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

6. Answer: a) 1, 3, and 4 only

   Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the Genesis Block is indeed the first block in a blockchain, forming the foundation upon which all subsequent blocks are added. Statement 2 is incorrect as blockchain technology was introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the foundation for Bitcoin, not by Vitalik Buterin. Statement 3 is correct as immutability is a key feature of blockchain, ensuring that once data is added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered, making the system tamper-resistant. Statement 4 is correct as Bitcoin, introduced in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency to leverage blockchain technology.

7. Answer: b) A Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with infrastructure distributed across NIC Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad

   Explanation: The Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack provides Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with a geographically distributed infrastructure for various permissioned blockchain applications. It is hosted across NIC Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad, ensuring robust and scalable service. It also includes NBFLite, a lightweight blockchain platform, along with Praamaanik, a solution for verifying mobile app origins.

8. Answer: b) Bioeconomy, bioethics, and bioenergy development

   Explanation: The BioE3 policy primarily focuses on bioeconomy, bioethics, and bioenergy development. It aims to harness biotechnology for sustainable development, establish ethical frameworks for research and applications, and promote clean energy solutions through biological processes. The policy is designed to position India as a global leader in biotechnology innovation while ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.

9. Answer: b) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission

   Explanation: The Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It aims to provide safe, affordable, and community-monitored rural transport services to connect remote rural areas with key services and opportunities. The scheme helps Self Help Group members operate vehicles, creating economic opportunities while addressing rural connectivity challenges.

10. Answer: c) 2, 3, and 4 only

    Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act applies to all workplaces in both public and private sectors, not only to government organizations and public sector undertakings. Statement 2 is correct as every employer with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee. Statement 3 is correct as the Act mandates completion of inquiry within 60 days of the complaint. Statement 4 is correct as the Act covers both organized and unorganized sectors, providing protection to all women regardless of their employment status or workplace.