Current Affairs MCQs – July 16

With reference to the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS), recently approved by the Union Cabinet, consider the following statements:

1. The scheme seeks to promote domestic value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support the development of Indian brands in the mobile phone sector.
2. The scheme provides an additional incentive linked to domestic sourcing of key components and sub-assemblies.
3. The scheme is scheduled to be implemented for a period of ten years beginning from FY 2026–27.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) aims to scale up production, deepen domestic value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, improve global competitiveness, and promote Indian brands, technological sovereignty, and indigenous R&D capabilities.

Statement 2 is correct

• The scheme provides an additional incentive of up to 1.5% for manufacturers that source key components and sub-assemblies domestically, thereby encouraging localization of the supply chain.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The scheme has a tenure of five years, running from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, and not ten years.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium

 With reference to Spin Hall Nano-Oscillators (SHNOs), recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:

1. SHNOs are spintronic devices that utilise the spin of electrons to generate microwave-frequency signals from a direct current.
2. Large networks of synchronised SHNOs have potential applications in neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient artificial intelligence systems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

• Spin Hall Nano-Oscillators (SHNOs) are emerging nanoscale devices in the field of spintronics, an area of electronics that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons, in addition to their electric charge, for information processing and signal generation.

Statement 1 is correct

• SHNOs convert a direct current (DC) into microwave-frequency signals. They typically consist of a bilayer structure comprising a heavy metal and a ferromagnetic material. Through the Spin Hall Effect, a spin current is generated in the heavy metal layer, which induces a continuous precession of magnetization in the ferromagnetic layer, resulting in the emission of microwave signals.

Statement 2 is correct

• Large arrays of mutually synchronized SHNOs can mimic the functioning of biological neurons and are therefore considered promising candidates for neuromorphic computing. They also have potential applications in energy-efficient artificial intelligence, including reservoir computing and Ising machines, enabling the solution of complex optimization and time-dependent computational problems with significantly lower energy consumption than conventional digital processors.
• The recent achievement by researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar, the University of Gothenburg, and Tohoku University in creating a network of over 105,000 synchronized SHNOs highlights the growing importance of spintronics in next-generation computing technologies.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium

Which one of the following best describes the term “Dark Web”, recently seen in the news?

1. A secure government-controlled segment of the internet used exclusively for classified communications between states.
2. A hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines and generally requires specialized software to access.
3. A decentralized blockchain-based network used exclusively for cryptocurrency transactions.
4. A high-speed private internet infrastructure used by multinational corporations for confidential data transfer.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• A ransomware group allegedly leaked sensitive files related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) on the dark web, highlighting the growing cyber threat to critical infrastructure.

• The KKNPP is India’s largest nuclear power station, located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Russia’s Rosatom.
• About the Dark Web
  • The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines and requires special software such as the Tor (The Onion Router) browser to access.
  • It provides anonymity to users and hosts, making it difficult to trace identities and activities.
  • While it has legitimate uses (e.g., protecting privacy under repressive regimes), it is also widely used for cybercrime, including sale of stolen data, ransomware operations, illegal marketplaces, & hacking tools.

Answer: (b) A hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines and generally requires specialized software to access.; Difficulty Level: Easy

 With reference to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), consider the following statements:

1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
2. The standards adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission are legally binding on all member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
3. The World Trade Organization recognizes Codex standards as benchmark references under the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).
4. India is a founding member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation

• Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) held its 49^th session in Geneva, Switzerland, to adopt international food-safety standards.
• CAC49 adopted 7 Codex standards developed or co-developed under India’s leadership, covering dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves. It approved India’s proposal to develop a Codex Standard for cashew kernels.
• India was elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems. Standards for vanilla and large cardamom, developed under India’s co-chairmanship, were also adopted.

Statement 1 is correct

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established in 1963 jointly by the FAO and the WHO to develop international food standards aimed at protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Codex standards are generally voluntary in nature. They are not automatically legally binding on member countries, although countries may adopt them into domestic legislation.

Statement 3 is correct

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards, guidelines, and codes of practice as international benchmark references under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement).

Statement 4 is incorrect

• India joined the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1964 and is not a founding member.

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only.; Difficulty Level: Medium

 With reference to Semicon 2.0 (India Semiconductor Mission 2.0), consider the following statements:

1. The scheme provides fiscal support for semiconductor fabrication, packaging, and indigenous chip design activities.
2. Under Semicon 2.0, financial support for CMOS-based silicon fabs is lower than that provided for compound semiconductor and display fabs.
3. One of the stated objectives of the scheme is to promote research into semiconductor technologies beyond mature nodes and develop indigenous semiconductor intellectual property.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Semicon 2.0 adopts a holistic approach to semiconductor ecosystem development. It provides support across multiple segments, including semiconductor fabrication (fabs), packaging (ATMP/OSAT), and indigenous chip and system design, particularly for start-ups and MSMEs.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The scheme offers the highest fiscal support (40% of total capital expenditure) to CMOS-based silicon fabs. In comparison, compound semiconductor, discrete semiconductor, display fabs, and advanced packaging units are eligible for 35% support, while conventional packaging units receive 25%.

Statement 3 is correct

• A major objective of Semicon 2.0 is to move India up the semiconductor value chain by promoting indigenous intellectual property (IP) and supporting R&D in technologies beyond mature nodes (28 nm–110 nm), including sub-10 nanometre technologies.

Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only.; Difficulty Level: Medium