In the union budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (asphalt).What is the importance of these materials?
1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1,2 and 3 only
1,3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1,2,3 and 4
The question asks about the importance and characteristics of bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt) in the context of its exemption from basic customs duty in the Union Budget 2011-12. We need to evaluate each given statement to determine its correctness.
B) 1, 3 and 4 only. Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
Consider the following :
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Oxide of sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?
The question asks to identify the emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants. We need to consider the chemical composition of coal and the combustion process to determine the primary gaseous byproducts.
D) 1, 2 and 3. All three substances (Carbon dioxide, Oxides of nitrogen, and Oxides of sulphur) are major emissions from coal combustion in thermal power plants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be such an orbit when:
1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
2. The orbit is circular.
3. The orbit lies in the plane of the earth's equator.
4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1,2 and 3 only
1,3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1,2,3 and 4
The question asks for the characteristics of a geostationary orbit, which is crucial for telecommunication satellites. We need to evaluate each given statement to determine its correctness in defining a geostationary orbit.
A) 1, 2 and 3 only. Statements 1, 2, and 3 accurately describe the characteristics of a geostationary orbit. A geostationary orbit is geosynchronous, circular, and lies in the plane of the Earth's equator. Statement 4 provides an incorrect altitude for a geostationary orbit.
India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons?
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last years by about 30%.
2. As a consequence of increasing income, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural change.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1,2, and 3
The question asks to identify the reasons for persistent and high food inflation in India. We need to evaluate each given statement for its accuracy and relevance to food inflation.
B) 2 and 3 only. Statements 2 and 3 correctly identify significant factors contributing to persistent and high food inflation in India. Statement 1 contains an exaggerated claim regarding the decrease in food grain cultivation area.
At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?
1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The question asks about the benefits of knowing the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. This knowledge is fundamental to genetics and has wide-ranging applications in biology, medicine, and agriculture. We need to evaluate each statement based on current scientific understanding.
Correct Option: C) 1 and 3 only
This question tests understanding of basic economic concepts related to international transactions. We need to determine how the spending by foreign nationals in India is classified in economic terms.
Correct Option: A) Export
When foreign nationals visit India and spend money, they are consuming services (like tourism, hospitality, transportation, entertainment) and goods (souvenirs, food) provided by India. From India's perspective, these are services and goods sold to foreign entities, which constitutes an export of services and goods. This brings foreign currency into the country, boosting the economy.
Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substances.
2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
The question asks to identify the correct statements regarding why microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered a source of sustainable energy. We need to evaluate each given statement based on the principles and applications of MFCs.
C) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct because MFCs indeed use living microorganisms as catalysts to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Statement 3 is correct because MFCs offer a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment by simultaneously purifying water and generating electricity. Statement 2 is not entirely accurate as MFCs are primarily known for utilizing organic substrates, not a wide variety of inorganic ones as their main function.
The question asks for the appropriate description of "fiscal stimulus." Fiscal stimulus refers to government actions aimed at boosting economic activity, typically during a recession or slowdown. This involves increasing government spending or reducing taxes.
Correct Option: B) It is an intense affirmative action of the government to boost economic activity in the country.
This statement accurately captures the essence of fiscal stimulus, which involves deliberate government intervention (through spending or tax policies) to invigorate a sluggish economy or accelerate growth.
The question asks for the reasons behind the formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region. This phenomenon is primarily driven by specific atmospheric conditions unique to the polar regions and the presence of ozone-depleting substances.
B) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons. This option accurately describes the critical conditions for ozone hole formation. The prominent polar front (polar vortex) isolates the Antarctic stratosphere, leading to extremely low temperatures. These low temperatures facilitate the formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs). CFCs, when they reach the stratosphere, are broken down by UV radiation to release chlorine atoms. The PSCs provide surfaces for chemical reactions that convert inactive chlorine reservoirs into active, ozone-destroying forms. When sunlight returns in spring, these active chlorine species rapidly deplete ozone.
Consider the following actions that the government can take:
1. Devaluing the domestic currency.
2. Reduction in the export subsidy.
3. Adopting suitable policies that attract greater FDI and more funds from FIIs.
Which of the above action/actions can help in reducing the current account deficit?
The current account deficit (CAD) occurs when a country's total imports of goods, services, and transfers are greater than its total exports. To reduce CAD, a government needs to either increase exports, decrease imports, or attract more capital inflows to offset the deficit. We will analyze each given action to see its impact on CAD.
D) 1 and 3. Devaluing the domestic currency makes exports cheaper and imports dearer, improving the trade balance. Attracting more FDI and FIIs increases capital inflows, which helps finance the current account deficit, thus managing the overall balance of payments.