Daily Current Affairs (MCQ's) | 01-08-2022

Q1. The International North-South Transport Corridor's founding members are

1. India
2. Iran
3. Russia

Select the correct answer from options given below

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (d)

Explanation:

The International North-South Transport Corridor, which aims to bring Eurasia closer together, is a laudable initiative

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

• The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), is a 7,200-km multi-modal transport corridor that combines road, rail and maritime routes connecting Russia and India via Central Asia and Iran. The corridor is expected to consolidate the emerging Eurasian Free Trade Area.
• The legal framework for the INSTC is provided by a trilateral agreement signed by India, Iran and Russia at the Euro-Asian Conference on Transport in Since then Kazakhstan, Belarus, Oman, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Syria have signed instruments of accession to become members of the INSTC.
• Once fully operational, the INSTC is expected to reduce freight costs by 30% and the journey time by 40% in comparison with the conventional deep sea route via the Suez Canal.
• Indeed, the need for an alternative route was deeply felt last year, when the Ever Given container ship was stuck in the Suez, halting maritime traffic between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
• The INSTC provided an opportunity for the internationalisation of India’s infrastructural state, with state- run businesses taking the lead and paving the way for private companies.

Non-alignment to multi-alignment

• For India, the INSTC achieves several things all at once. Firstly, India can now bypass Pakistan to access Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.
• Second, the INSTC can shape a north-south transport corridor that can complement the east-west axis of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

• India’s founding role in both the INSTC and the Quad exemplifies its departure from non-alignment to multi- The INSTC offers a platform for India to closely collaborate with Russia, Iran and Central Asian republics.
• That two of its partners are subject to Western sanctions hasn’t prevented India from collaborating with the U.S., Japan and Australia as part of the Quad to create and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Indian policymaking in international affairs has often been criticised for its moral indecisiveness, diplomatic reticence and ideological confusion. These critics have failed to observe the subtle shifts in Indian foreign policy from non-alignment to multi-alignment.

The INSTC has received far less media attention than initiatives such as the Quad, the BRI and the New Development Bank. However, as a transcontinental multi-modal corridor that aims to bring Eurasia closer together, the INSTC is a laudable initiative in its own right. That it helps India consolidate its multi-alignment strategy sweetens the deal.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the Regenerative braking system (RBS) in Hybrid electric vehicles

1. A Regenerative Braking System (RBS) enhances fuel economy
2. RBS helps in reducing carbon emissions
3. RBS helps in energy optimisation resulting in minimum energy wastage

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (d)

Explanation:

In recent months, automakers Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda have launched hybrid electric vehicles in India, offering car buyers more choices in the nascent electric vehicle market.

Hybrid electric vehicle

• A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses an ICE (a petrol/diesel engine) and one or more electric motors to run. It is powered by the electric motor alone, which uses energy stored in batteries, by the ICE, or both.
• The powertrain of the HEV is more complex than a regular ICE-powered car as it has EV components and a conventional Moreover, the battery is also charged through regenerative braking technology.

Regenerative braking work:

• A regenerative braking system (RBS) used in automotive applications has several advantages like better braking efficiency in stop-and-go traffic which enhances fuel economy and also helps in reducing carbon emissions. Besides, RBS also helps in energy optimisation resulting in minimum energy wastage.
• The adoption of regenerative braking technology in the auto industry is increasing on account of the operating efficiency of vehicles through reduced fuel consumption and the extended range of batteries.
• Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda have introduced HEVs with multiple powertrain choices, including self-charging strong- hybrid electric vehicles (SHEVs) that use RBS for self-charging the HEVs.

• As per a study by iCAT, a government testing agency, SHEVs can run 40% of the distance and 60% of the time as an EV with the petrol engine shut off.
• While regenerative braking systems are already available in most EVs, the technology is also used in electric railways.

The main advantages of using hybrid technology:

• Fuel efficiency is a major factor for most people considering buying a Most vehicles with hybrid technology offer better fuel efficiency, more power, and minimum emissions.
• The design of hybrid vehicles for reduced engine size and car weight as compared to ICE vehicles translates into increased mileage to favour the demand for these vehicles.
• Moreover, with the increase in total power and torque, HEVs can deliver instant torque and provide high torque even at low speeds.
• SHEVs will play a critical role not only in reducing fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and pollution but also in creating a local EV parts manufacturing eco-system while simultaneously protecting the huge existing investments and jobs related to ICE parts manufacturing thus ensuring a faster and disruption-free technology transition.

Challenges of hybrid technology:

• In a price-sensitive market like India, one of the major challenges for HEVs is the high vehicle cost.
• Battery, a vital component of an HEV, increases the cost of the vehicle, making it pricier than vehicles powered only by an The RBS also adds to the higher cost of an HEV.

Q3. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Assam and the State’s only Ramsar site besides being an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

1. Loktak lake
2. Simlipal Lake
3. Nokrek Lake
4. Deepor Beel

Answer (d)

Explanation:

Deepor Beel

• It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Assam and the State’s only Ramsar site besides being an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.
• It is located southwest of Guwahati city, Assam and is the erstwhile water channel of the River Brahmaputra.
• The lake expands up to 30 sq. km in summer and reduces to about 10 km in the winter. The wildlife sanctuary measures 4.1 sq. km within this wetland (beel).
• It constitutes a unique habitat for aquatic flora and avian It has both biological and environmental importance besides being the only major storm-water storage basin for Guwahati city.
• It provides a means of livelihood for a number of local Recently, six young girls from the fishing community in Assam have developed a biodegradable and compostable yoga mat called ‘Moorhen Yoga Mat’.

Concerns:

• Its water has become toxic and it has lost many of its aquatic plants that elephants would feed on.

• It has for decades been threatened by a railway track — set to be doubled and electrified — on its southern rim, a garbage dump, and encroachment from human habitation and commercial

Q4. Loktak lake and The Keibul Lamjao National Park are situated in the state of

1. Manipur
2. Sikkim
3. Nagaland
4. Assam

Answer (a)

Explanation:

• Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in the The oval-shaped water body is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, 1990. The lake is recognized as an “Important Bird Area” site considering the wide diversity of migratory and local resident avifauna and waterfowl population, with some species arriving here for their winter stay from as far as Europe and China.
• The Keibul Lamjao National Park, in the southern part of the lake, is the only floating national park in the country, and home to the endangered Manipur Brow Antlered Deer locally called Sangai.
• The future of the lake is now under fresh scrutiny after the Loktak Development Authority, in an order in July 2022, gave locals 15 days to remove their homestays, huts and athaphum (circular fish culture pond), failing which they would be Its motive, according to the notice, was to protect the lake.

  

Q5.     The theme of Mara-Vijaya is related to Buddha's enlightenment. It is depicted in which of the following caves?

1. Ajanta caves
2. Ellora caves
3. Udaygiri Khandagiri Cave
4. Bagh Caves

Answer (d)

Explanation:

• The theme of Mara Vijaya has been painted in the caves of Ajanta in cave 26.
• It is sculpted near the colossal Buddha image of Mahaparinibbana.

• The panel shows the image of the Buddha in the centre surrounded by Mara’s army along with his The event is part of the enlightenment. It is a personification of the commotion of mind that the Buddha went through at the time of enlightenment. Mara represents desire.