Daily MCQs – 30th Oct 23

Q1. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have found diverse applications. Which of the following is the fundamentalprinciple behind the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)?

1. Aerodynamics
2. Hydrodynamics
3. Thermodynamics
4. Quantum Mechanics

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) All of the above

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are aircraft that fly without a human pilot on board. They can be controlled remotely or programmed to fly autonomously. UAVs operate on the principle of aerodynamics, which is the study of how air moves around objects. UAVs use their wings and propellers to create lift, which is the force that counteracts gravity and allows them to fly. In addition to aerodynamics, UAVs also use other principles of physics, such as thrust and drag, to fly.

Hydrodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with fluid motion, forces on bodies immersed in fluids, and the motion of a body relative to the motion of fluids. The fundamental principles governing hydrodynamics are the laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy.

Thermodynamics can be used to describe how systems respond to changes in their environment. This can be applied to a wide variety of topics in science and engineering, such as engines, phase transitions, chemical reactions, transport phenomena, and even black holes.

Quantum mechanics is the field of physics that explains how extremely small objects simultaneously have the characteristics of both particles (tiny pieces of matter) and waves (a disturbance or variation that transfers energy). Physicists call this the “wave-particle duality.”Quantum mechanics led to the development of things like lasers, light-emitting diodes, transistors, medical imaging, electron microscopes, and a host of other modern devices.

 

Q2. With reference to the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20), consider the following statements:

1. It is a declaration by the G20 leaders on the need for enhanced global cooperation and sharing of best practices on sustainable use of water.
2. The group is led by the leaders of the G20 countries.
3. During the recently concluded 9th P20 summit, discussions were held on the challenges pertaining to the integration of the Massive Infrared and Radio Astronomy (MIRA) concept within the domain of scientific research.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The P20 summit is a meeting of the Speakers of Parliament of the G20 countries, and it is not a decision-making body. The G20 leaders are expected to issue a declaration on water at the end of their summit in November 2023, but this declaration will not be the result of the P20 summit.

Statement 2 is incorrect:The P20 Summit is an important event as it provides a platform for the Speakers of Parliament to have a direct dialogue with the G20 leaders. The Speakers of Parliament are responsible for representing the people of their countries and for making laws. They have a unique perspective on global issues and can provide valuable insights to the G20 leaders.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The 9th P20 Summit was hosted by the Parliament of India in New Delhi on October 13-14, 2023. The theme of the summit was “Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The summit hosted discussions on four subjects:

• Accelerating SDGs
• Sustainable Energy Transition
• Women led Development and
• Transformation in Peoples’ Lives through Public Digital Platforms.

 

Q3. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding “Social democracy”?

(a) It is a political philosophy that supports the idea of a completely free market with no government intervention.

(b) It is a philosophy that supports the idea of a completely planned economy with no private ownership of the means of production.

(c) It is a movement that seeks to establish a society based on individualism and laissez-faire capitalism.

(d) It is based on the principles of liberty, equality, solidarity, and justice.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Social democracy is a political, social, and economic philosophy within socialism that supports gradual and democratic means to achieve socialism. It is based on the principles of liberty, equality, solidarity, and justice. It seeks to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and to live a decent life.

 

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. India is home to nearly 18% of the world’s population but has only 4% of its freshwater resources.
2. Agriculture in India utilizes less than 70% of the available freshwater resources.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: India is home to nearly 18% of the world’s population but has only 4% of its freshwater resources. India is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people. However, it has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. This makes India a water-stressed country, with a per capita water availability of only 1,500 cubic meters per year. This is well below the global average of 6,000 cubic meters per year.

Statement 2 is incorrect: India’s high dependency on water for agriculture is highlighted by two different sources: FAO estimates 90% of the water is used in farming, while India’s Central Water Commission suggests it’s 78%.

 

Q5.  Consider the following statements:

1. The Baltic states refer to the three countries located on the western coast of the Baltic Sea.
2. All three countries are members of NATO, the European Union, the Eurozone, and the OECD.
3. The Baltic Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Baltic states are three countries on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They are bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, Poland to the southwest, and the Baltic Sea to the west and north. These countries are also classified as high-income economies by the World Bank and maintain a very high Human Development Index.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct: All three countries are members of NATO, the European Union, the Eurozone, and the OECD. The Baltic Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean.