3. Consider the following statements about the Global Digital Compact.
1) It evolved from the ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United Nations.
2) It intends to harness and regulate digital technologies for the common good.
3) It is binding on all its members.
1) It evolved from the ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United Nations.
2) It intends to harness and regulate digital technologies for the common good.
3) It is binding on all its members.
Answer: B
● NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an Earth-observation satellite jointly
developed by U.S. space agency NASA and ISRO under a partnership agreement signed
in 2014. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar
(SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
● While NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to
store data, and a payload data subsystem, ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV
launch system and spacecraft.
● Another important component of the satellite is its large 39-foot stationary antenna
reflector. Made of a gold-plated wire mesh, the reflector will be used to focus the radar
signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
What is the mission?
● Once launched into space, NISAR will observe subtle changes in Earth’s surfaces,
helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of such
phenomena.
● Designed as a low earth orbit (LEO) observatory, NISAR will map the entire globe in 12
days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in
Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, groundwater and natural
hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● Synthetic Aperture Radar refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images.
Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it
can collect data day and night in any weather.
● NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an Earth-observation satellite jointly
developed by U.S. space agency NASA and ISRO under a partnership agreement signed
in 2014. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar
(SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
● While NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to
store data, and a payload data subsystem, ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV
launch system and spacecraft.
● Another important component of the satellite is its large 39-foot stationary antenna
reflector. Made of a gold-plated wire mesh, the reflector will be used to focus the radar
signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
What is the mission?
● Once launched into space, NISAR will observe subtle changes in Earth’s surfaces,
helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of such
phenomena.
● Designed as a low earth orbit (LEO) observatory, NISAR will map the entire globe in 12
days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in
Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, groundwater and natural
hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● Synthetic Aperture Radar refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images.
Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it
can collect data day and night in any weather.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
13%
A. 1 only
72%
B. 1 and 2 only
12%
C. 2 and 3 only
3%
D. 3 only
4. Consider the following statements about appointment of Supreme Court Judges.
1) He/She must be a citizen of India.
2) Minimum age for being a judge in the Supreme Court is 40 years.
3) He/she should have been an advocate of a High Court for ten years.
1) He/She must be a citizen of India.
2) Minimum age for being a judge in the Supreme Court is 40 years.
3) He/she should have been an advocate of a High Court for ten years.
Answer: B
Explanation
Global Digital Compact
What’s in the news?
● In the recently concluded ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United
Nations, member countries adopted the ‘Global Digital Compact’ (GDC). Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
● This ambitious instrument focuses on the potential of digital technologies, with
the specific intention to harness and regulate them for the common good.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
What is the GDC?
● The GDC is not a binding law but a diplomatic instrument with a set of shared
goals for governments, institutions, firms, and other stakeholders to bear in mind.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● The GDC is a collaborative project with the objective of ensuring human
oversight of technologies in ways that advance sustainable development.
● To meet the Compact’s goals, UN member countries have committed to establish
two panels — an ‘Independent International Scientific Panel on AI [Artificial
Intelligence]’ and a panel for ‘Global Dialogue on AI Governance’.
● To address the digital divide, the GDC proposes “digital public goods” that will
include open-source software, open data, and open AI models.
○ Such infrastructure involves the development and use of shared digital
systems according to specific priorities and needs of stakeholders.
Explanation
Global Digital Compact
What’s in the news?
● In the recently concluded ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United
Nations, member countries adopted the ‘Global Digital Compact’ (GDC). Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
● This ambitious instrument focuses on the potential of digital technologies, with
the specific intention to harness and regulate them for the common good.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
What is the GDC?
● The GDC is not a binding law but a diplomatic instrument with a set of shared
goals for governments, institutions, firms, and other stakeholders to bear in mind.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● The GDC is a collaborative project with the objective of ensuring human
oversight of technologies in ways that advance sustainable development.
● To meet the Compact’s goals, UN member countries have committed to establish
two panels — an ‘Independent International Scientific Panel on AI [Artificial
Intelligence]’ and a panel for ‘Global Dialogue on AI Governance’.
● To address the digital divide, the GDC proposes “digital public goods” that will
include open-source software, open data, and open AI models.
○ Such infrastructure involves the development and use of shared digital
systems according to specific priorities and needs of stakeholders.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
6%
A. 1 only
17%
B. 1 and 2 only
75%
C. 1 and 3 only
2%
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C
Explanation
● A person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court should have the following
qualifications
○ He should be a citizen of India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
○ He should have been a judge of a High Court (or high courts in succession) for five
years; or
○ He should have been an advocate of a High Court (or High Courts in succession)
for ten years; or (Hence, statement 3 is correct)
○ He should be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the president.
It’s to be noted that the Constitution has not prescribed a minimum age for appointment as a
judge of the Supreme Court. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Explanation
● A person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court should have the following
qualifications
○ He should be a citizen of India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
○ He should have been a judge of a High Court (or high courts in succession) for five
years; or
○ He should have been an advocate of a High Court (or High Courts in succession)
for ten years; or (Hence, statement 3 is correct)
○ He should be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the president.
It’s to be noted that the Constitution has not prescribed a minimum age for appointment as a
judge of the Supreme Court. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
5. Consider the following statements about The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
1) It is a free trade agreement (FTA) between countries around the Pacific Rim.
2) China is a party to the CPTPP.
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
1) It is a free trade agreement (FTA) between countries around the Pacific Rim.
2) China is a party to the CPTPP.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
38%
A. 1 only
16%
B. 2 only
42%
C. Both 1 and 2
4%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Exclusive Guidance Session for Personal Interview
Prepare to ace your personal interview for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme with expert insights from none other than Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, ex-IAS, and Director of Officers IAS Academy!
Date: Today, 18/11/24
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Gandhi Hall, OIA (Officers IAS Academy), Anna Nagar, Chennai
Mode: Online & Offline
What to Expect:
Expert strategies to ace your personal interview
Tips to present yourself with confidence and clarity
Insights into the expectations of the panel
Comprehensive DAF SWOT Analysis
Contact us now: +91 7397 767 226
Address: 935, 6th Ave, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600040
#TamilNaduCMFellowship #PersonalInterviewPreparation #OfficersIASAcademy #GuidanceSession #ExIASMentor #TamilNaduGovernmentProgram #ChennaiEvents
1.Antariksha Abhyas, conducted by Defence Space Agency, aimed at improving?
choose the best answer
Anonymous Quiz
11%
A. Nuclear Warfare
69%
B. Space Warfare
17%
C. Cyber Warfare
3%
D. Bio Warfare
Answer: B
Explanation
● The tri-service Defence Space Agency has conducted its maiden tabletop Exercise
'Antariksha Abhyas 2024' aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian armed
forces in the domain of space warfare. Hence, answer is option B.
● The discussions highlighted the importance of monitoring and protecting critical assets and
maintaining situational awareness in the increasingly contested space environment
Explanation
● The tri-service Defence Space Agency has conducted its maiden tabletop Exercise
'Antariksha Abhyas 2024' aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian armed
forces in the domain of space warfare. Hence, answer is option B.
● The discussions highlighted the importance of monitoring and protecting critical assets and
maintaining situational awareness in the increasingly contested space environment
2. Consider the following statements about NATO.
1) Article 5 of the Washington Treaty provides for collective defence.
2) Article 5 of the Washington Treaty has never been invoked.
3) New Zealand and Israel are part of NATO Plus grouping.
1) Article 5 of the Washington Treaty provides for collective defence.
2) Article 5 of the Washington Treaty has never been invoked.
3) New Zealand and Israel are part of NATO Plus grouping.
How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
21%
A. Only one
64%
B. Only two
14%
C. All three
0%
D. None
Answer: B
About NATO
● Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a political
and military alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe.
● Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one Ally is an
attack against all — is at the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defence.
Hence. statement 1 is correct.
Did you know?
● Article 5 has been invoked only once in NATO history. It happened after the
September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, which led the alliance into
Afghanistan. Hence. statement 2 is incorrect.
● NATO's Headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.
Members:
● At present, NATO has 32 members.
● In 1949, there were 12 founding members of the Alliance: Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
● The other member countries are: Greece and Turkey (1952), Germany (1955), Spain
(1982), the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009),
Montenegro (2017) North Macedonia (2020), Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024).
NATO Plus:
● NATO Plus is a security arrangement that brings together NATO and five
aligned nations (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea) to
enhance global defence cooperation. Hence. statement 3 is correct.
About NATO
● Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a political
and military alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe.
● Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one Ally is an
attack against all — is at the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defence.
Hence. statement 1 is correct.
Did you know?
● Article 5 has been invoked only once in NATO history. It happened after the
September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, which led the alliance into
Afghanistan. Hence. statement 2 is incorrect.
● NATO's Headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.
Members:
● At present, NATO has 32 members.
● In 1949, there were 12 founding members of the Alliance: Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
● The other member countries are: Greece and Turkey (1952), Germany (1955), Spain
(1982), the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009),
Montenegro (2017) North Macedonia (2020), Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024).
NATO Plus:
● NATO Plus is a security arrangement that brings together NATO and five
aligned nations (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea) to
enhance global defence cooperation. Hence. statement 3 is correct.
3. Consider the following statements about ‘Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)’?
1) CCS can contribute to stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels.
2) CCS can contribute to energy security.
3) CCS can help cut down on the cost of industrial processes.
1) CCS can contribute to stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels.
2) CCS can contribute to energy security.
3) CCS can help cut down on the cost of industrial processes.
Which of the above given statement(s) is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
18%
A. 1 and 2 only
17%
B. 1 and 3 only
12%
C. 2 and 3 only
53%
D. 1, 2 and 3
4. Consider the following statements about innocent passage.
1) Only merchant ships of foreign countries are allowed innocent passage through territorial
sea.
2) Under UNCLOS, the right to the innocent passage can never be suspended.
1) Only merchant ships of foreign countries are allowed innocent passage through territorial
sea.
2) Under UNCLOS, the right to the innocent passage can never be suspended.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
21%
A. 1 only
17%
B. 2 only
25%
C. Both 1 and 2
38%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
Explanation
What is meant by carbon capture and storage?
● Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to technologies that can capture carbon dioxide
(CO₂) at a source of emissions before it is released into the atmosphere.
● These sources include the fossil fuel industry (where coal, oil and gas are combusted to
generate power) and industrial processes like steel and cement production.
● Process involved
○ Capture: CO2 is captured at its source, typically from industrial facilities or power
plants, before it is released into the atmosphere.
○ Transportation: The captured CO2 is then transported, often by pipelines, to a
suitable storage site.
○ Storage: The final step involves injecting the CO2 into geological formations such
as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
Benefits of CCS
● By capturing CO2 emissions from various sources, CCS can help stabilize atmospheric CO2
levels, which is crucial for addressing climate change. Hence. statement 1 is correct.
● CCS can contribute to energy security by allowing for the continued use of domestic fossil
fuel resources, which can help reduce reliance on imported energy sources. Hence.
statement 2 is correct.
● CCS technologies can be integrated into industrial processes to improve efficiency and reduce
emissions, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits. Hence. statement 3 is
correct.
Explanation
What is meant by carbon capture and storage?
● Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to technologies that can capture carbon dioxide
(CO₂) at a source of emissions before it is released into the atmosphere.
● These sources include the fossil fuel industry (where coal, oil and gas are combusted to
generate power) and industrial processes like steel and cement production.
● Process involved
○ Capture: CO2 is captured at its source, typically from industrial facilities or power
plants, before it is released into the atmosphere.
○ Transportation: The captured CO2 is then transported, often by pipelines, to a
suitable storage site.
○ Storage: The final step involves injecting the CO2 into geological formations such
as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
Benefits of CCS
● By capturing CO2 emissions from various sources, CCS can help stabilize atmospheric CO2
levels, which is crucial for addressing climate change. Hence. statement 1 is correct.
● CCS can contribute to energy security by allowing for the continued use of domestic fossil
fuel resources, which can help reduce reliance on imported energy sources. Hence.
statement 2 is correct.
● CCS technologies can be integrated into industrial processes to improve efficiency and reduce
emissions, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits. Hence. statement 3 is
correct.