Daily Current Affairs (MCQ) | Date 15.02.22

Q1. 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the longterm evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks. 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and highfrequency spectrum — all of which have their own uses as well as limitations. Millimetre waves, also known as extremely high frequency (EHF), is a band of radio frequencies that is well suited for 5G networks. Consider the following statements in this regard

1. 5G will provide high-speed internet with low latency
2. High frequency 5G signals can be obstructed by buildings, trees and humans
3. 5G will require a closely spaced network of Antennas

Which of the following is/are correct?

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

Why is the Question ?

What is 5G technology and how is it different?
5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks. 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high-frequency spectrum — all of which have their own uses as well as limitations. While the low band spectrum has shown great promise in terms of coverage and speed of internet and data exchange, the maximum speed is limited to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second). This means that while telcos can use and install it for commercial cellphone users who may not have specific demands for very highspeed internet, the low band spectrum may not be optimal for specialised needs of the industry.
The mid-band spectrum, on the other hand, offers higher speeds compared to the low band but has limitations in terms of coverage area and penetration of signals. Telcos and companies, which have taken the lead on 5G, have indicated that this band may be used by industries and specialised factory units for building captive networks that can be moulded into the needs of that particular industry.
What Is a Millimetre Wave?
Millimetre waves, also known as extremely high frequency (EHF), is a band of radio frequencies that is well suited for 5G networks. Compared to the frequencies below 5 GHz previously used by mobile devices, millimetre wave technology allows transmission on frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. These frequencies are called millimetre waves because they have wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm, while the wavelengths of the radio waves currently used by smartphones are mostly several dozen centimetres.
What Are the Advantages of Millimetre Wave Technology?
There are two ways to increase the speed of wireless data transmission: increase the spectrum utilisation, or increase the spectrum bandwidth. Compared to the first approach, increasing the spectrum bandwidth is simpler and more direct. Without changing the spectrum utilisation, increasing the available bandwidth several times over can increase data transmission speeds by a similar amount plus it will allow for high network density that means more number of devices will be able to be online. The problem is that the commonly used frequencies below 5 GHz are already extremely crowded. 5G's use of millimetre waves uses the second of the two methods to increase transmission speeds.
What Are the Disadvantages of Millimetre Wave Technology?
The use of millimetre waves has one major drawback. Millimetre waves are not capable of penetrating structures and other obstacles. Even leaves or rain can absorb these signals. This is also why 5G networks will have to adopt the small base station method to enhance traditional cell tower infrastructure. Thus the 5G network will require a closely spaced network of Antennas Because millimetre waves have high frequencies and short wavelengths, the antennas used to receive them can be smaller, allowing for the construction of small base stations. We can predict that, in the future, 5G mobile communication will no longer depend on the construction of large-scale base stations, but rather many small base stations. This will allow 5G to cover peripheral areas not reached by large base stations.

The present 5G band plans adopted by major carriers use more traditional frequencies below 6 GHz to ensure signal coverage in open spaces and use micro base stations with millimetre wave technology to provide ultra-fast data transmission indoors.
Using millimetre waves and other 5G technology, engineers hope that 5G networks will not only serve smartphone users but also it will allow a large number of devices to be online thus it will play a critical role in self-driving cars, VR, IoT, and other fields.
Researchers and companies already have high hopes for 5G, promising consumers that it will provide ultra-low latency (response time) and unprecedented data speeds. If they can overcome the remaining challenges and find a clear way to allow cooperation throughout the entire ecosystem, we can expect to see the commercial deployment of 5G services within the next five years.

Q2. Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Systems and Drones, Semiconductor and its ecosystem, Space Economy, Genomics and Pharmaceuticals, Green Energy, and Clean Mobility Systems are Sunrise Opportunities in front of India as per Budget 2022-23. These will help in

1. Sustainable development at scale and modernise the country
2. Providing employment opportunities for youth
3. Making Indian industry more efficient and competitive

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

Why is the Question ?

Sunrise Opportunities
Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Systems and Drones, Semiconductor and its ecosystem, Space Economy, Genomics and Pharmaceuticals, Green Energy, and Clean Mobility Systems  have immense potential to assist sustainable development at scale and modernise the country. They provide employment opportunities for youth, and make Indian industry more efficient and competitive.

Q3. Which of the following chemicals can be produced from coal gasification?

1. Hydrogen (H2)
2. Ammonia (NH3)
3. Methane (CH4)
4. Higher hydrocarbons and tar

Select the correct answer from the codes given below

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1, 2 and 3 only
c. 2, 3 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer : d

Why is the Question ?

Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry will be set-up to evolve technical and financial viability
The raw gaseous products from coal gasification include hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), and, for the lower-temperature processes, higher hydrocarbons and tar.

Q4. Which of the following is/are benefits of agroforestry?

1. Soil enrichment
2. Additional income to farmers
3. Maintenance of farm biodiversity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

Why is the Question ?

Budget 2022-23
The policies and required legislative changes to promote agro forestry and private forestry will be brought in. In addition, financial support will be provided to farmers belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who want to take up agro-forestry.

Q5. Which of the following are benefits of co-firing biomass pellets in thermal power plants?

1. Saving in carbon emissions
2. Extra income to farmers
3. Help in avoiding stubble burning in agriculture fields

Select the correct answer from the codes given below

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

Why is the Question ?

Five to seven per cent biomass pellets will be co-fired in thermal power plants resulting in CO2 savings of 38 MMT annually. This will also provide extra income to farmers and job opportunities to locals and help avoid stubble burning in agriculture fields.