Q1. With respect to tantalum, consider the following statements:
- Tantalum is a rare metal with the atomic number 73
- It is named after a Greek mythological figure
- It was discovered by Andres Gustaf Ekenberg
- Platinum is frequently used as a substitute for tantalum as the latter is more costly
How many of the above statements are true?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) All of the above
Ans: (a)
Source: Rare metals found in Sutlej sands: What is tantalum, what it is used for (The Indian Express, November 22, 2023.
Explanation:
- Tantalum is often used instead of platinum due to its high melting point and lower cost.
- This rare metal finds its application in various sectors, including chemical plants, nuclear power plants, and aerospace for making components.
- In the medical field, tantalum is used to manufacture surgical equipment and implants like artificial joints because it doesn’t react with bodily fluids.
- A composite of tantalum carbide and graphite is extremely hard, making it ideal for high-speed machine tools’ cutting edges.
- The most significant use of Tantalum is in the electronics sector.
- Tantalum capacitors can store more electricity in smaller sizes without leakage.
- These capacitors are favored in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras due to their efficiency and compact size.
- Tantalum, a rare metal, was discovered in 1802 by Swedish Chemist Andres Gustaf Ekenberg. He found it in minerals from Ytterby, Sweden.
- At first, people thought Ekenberg had discovered a variant of niobium. This is because the two elements are chemically similar.
- The confusion was cleared in 1886. Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac proved that tantalum and niobium were separate elements.
- Tantalum got its name from the Greek mythological character, Tantalus. Tantalus was a rich but wicked king. He received a severe punishment from Zeus, the king of the gods.
- The US Department of Energy explained the reasoning behind the name. Tantalum, like Tantalus, is unable to absorb any acids surrounding it.
- Recently, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, made a significant discovery. They found tantalum in the sand of the Sutlej river in Punjab.
- This discovery is important for Punjab and India. This is because tantalum is a metal widely used in electronics and semiconductors.
Q.2. With reference to Emission Gap Report 2023, consider the following statements:
- GHG emissions across the G20 increased by 1.2% in 2022
- All G20 India has an 8% implementation gap between Current Policies and NDC pledges.
- All G20 countries reported an increase in GHG emissions in 2022
How many of the above statements are true?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) All of the above
- (d) None of the above
Ans: (b)
Source: Emissions Gap Report 2023
Explanation
- BDS movement stands for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions
- GHG emissions across the G20 increased by 1.2% in 2022, with increases in China, India, Indonesia, and the USA but decreases in Brazil, EU and Russia.
- India to date has only contributed 5% of warming.
- India has 8% implementation gap between Current Policies and NDC pledges.
Q3. With respect to BDS movement, consider the following statements:
- BDS movement stands for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions
- It is inspired from the South African anti-apartheid movement.
- It calls for withdrawal of support to MNCs which hire child labour
How many of the above statements are true?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) 1 and 3
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) All of the above
Source: What is the BDS movement, led by Palestinian groups against Israel? (The Indian Express, November 17)
Explanation
- The Indian poet and curator, Ranjit Hoskote, stepped down amid accusations of his alleged support for the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement.
- The BDS movement is a pro-Palestinian campaign launched in 2005. Its main goal is to gather international backing for Palestinian rights.
- The movement urges a stop to the support for the Israeli government and advocates ending Israeli apartheid.
- The campaign draws its inspiration from the South African anti-apartheid movement.
- Key demands of the BDS movement include:
- An end to Israeli control over the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Syrian Golan Heights.
- Recognition of the full fundamental rights of Arab Palestinian citizens residing in Israel.
- Allowing Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.