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Prelims 2024: Current Affairs Quiz, Series 5

Q.1 Consider the following statements.

  1. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain
  2. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that creates artificial clouds with adequate moisture
  3. Artificial rains through cloud seeding do not require specific meteorological conditions
  4. Most cloud-seeding operations use a compound called silver iodide (AgI)

How many of the above statements is/are true?

  • (a) 1 and 4
  • (b) 2 and 3
  • (c) 1, 3 and 4
  • (d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Source: IIT-Kanpur ready to tackle Delhi-NCR air pollution with artificial rain: Report (HT; November 6)

Explanation:

  • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has come up with a solution for air pollution in Delhi. They suggest using “artificial rains”. This will help remove dust and pollutants from the air.
  • To execute artificial rains, certain weather conditions are needed. These include clouds with ample moisture and appropriate winds.
  • Cloud seeding is a technique that alters weather. It allows a cloud to produce more rain or snow. Tiny ice nuclei are added to specific cold clouds.
  • These nuclei are the base for the growth of snowflakes. After seeding, snowflakes grow rapidly and fall to the Earth. This increases the snowpack and the flow of streams.

Q.2. Consider the following statements:

  1. Digital Rupee, or e-Rupee is a central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by RBI
  2. CBDC is the same as a government-backed, fiat money
  3. The Sand Dollar of the Bahamas was the first CBDC of the world
  4. Cryptocurrencies and CBDCs both use blockchain technology
  5. Cryptocurrencies and CBDCs both are stored on a decentralised blockchain network

How many of the above statements is/are true?

  • (a) 1, 2 and 5
  • (b) 1, 3 and 4
  • (c) 1, 2 and 4
  • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Source: Indian govt pushes central bank digital currency amid crypto concerns (HT; November 6)

Explanation:

  • Digital currencies depend on their technological base.
  • Mining is necessary for private cryptocurrencies, but not for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
  • CBDCs can be issued by converting the existing balances of a central bank or sovereign.
  • Countries worldwide, like China, Ghana, Jamaica, and some in Europe, are exploring CBDCs.
  • Nine countries, mostly in the Caribbean, have fully launched their CBDCs.
  • The Bahamas launched the world’s first CBDC, the Sand Dollar, in 2019.
  • Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin are stored on a decentralised blockchain.
  • This blockchain allows for transactions to be made, verified, and recorded without third-party interference.
  • The main difference between cryptocurrencies and digital money is that cryptocurrencies use a decentralised network.
  • CBDCs are centralised, despite using blockchain technology, with transactions overseen by a central bank.
  • The Reserve Bank of India defines CBDC as a digital form of legal tender issued by a central bank.
  • CBDC is equivalent to fiat currency and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis.
  • The e-Rupee, a digital token issued by the Reserve Bank of India, serves as legal tender.

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Q. 3. With reference to the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, consider the following statements:

  1. MMP system is currently in use in Australia and New Zealand
  2. Under MMP, voters get two votes — a party vote and an electorate vote.
  3. The party vote largely decides the total number of seats each political party gets.
  4. Electorate vote decides who will represent the particular constituency
  5. MMP is also known as the ‘alternative vote’ system

How many of the above statements is/are true?

  • (a) Only 1
  • (b) 2, 3 and 4
  • (c) 1, 2 and 5
  • (d) All of the above

Ans: (b)

Source: A leaf out of New Zealand’s voting system (The Hindu, November 6)

Explanation:

  • New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system.
  • Until 1918, Australia used the ‘first past the post’ voting method, which is simple. Voters mark one candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins.
  • Australia now uses a ‘preferential voting’ system, also known as the ‘alternative vote.’
  • In New Zealand’s MMP, each voter has two votes: a party vote and an electorate vote.
  • The party vote determines the overall number of seats a political party earns in Parliament. A higher party vote share translates to more seats.
  • Parties also aim to secure as many electorate seats as possible.
  • When casting an electorate vote, voters select their local representative. This vote is based on your place of residence.
  • The candidate with the most electorate votes becomes a Member of Parliament (MP).

Q. 4. With reference to India-Bhutan rail link, consider the following statements

  1. The rail link will connect Assam to Bhutan
  2. The link will connect Assam’s Dibrugadh to Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan
  3. The link will connect Kokrajhar in Assam to Punakha in Bhutan

How many of the above statements is/are true?

  • (a) Only 1
  • (b) 1 and 2
  • (c) 1 and 3
  • (d) None of the above

Ans: (a)

Source: Bhutan king to meet PM today: Assam border project on agenda (The Hindu, November 6)

Explanation:

  • The Indian government is funding a significant railway project, estimated to cost ₹10 billion.
  • This railway line, spanning 57.5 kilometres, will link Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Sarpang, Bhutan.
  • The project could lead to improved export capabilities, cultural exchange, and stronger bilateral ties.
  • Accelerated progress was seen after the Bhutanese PM’s 2018 visit to India.
  • The start of the Gelephu-Kokrajhar rail link may prompt more railway projects in southern and eastern regions, such as Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrupjongkhar.
  • India and Bhutan share a 605-kilometre border, and India is Bhutan’s major trade partner, responsible for 98% of its exports and 90% of its imports.

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