Current Affairs MCQs – July 02

With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements:

1. The intensity of the Indian Ocean Dipole is measured using the Dipole Mode Index (DMI), which compares sea-surface temperature differences between the western and southeastern Indian Ocean.
2. During a positive IOD event, the eastern Indian Ocean near Indonesia becomes warmer than the western Indian Ocean near Africa.
3. A positive IOD can partially offset the adverse impact of El Niño on the Indian summer monsoon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is measured using the Dipole Mode Index (DMI), which is based on the sea-surface temperature difference between the western Indian Ocean (near Africa) and the southeastern Indian Ocean (near Indonesia).

Statement 2 is incorrect

• During a positive IOD, the western Indian Ocean warms while the eastern Indian Ocean near Indonesia cools. The reverse pattern occurs during a negative IOD.

Statement 3 is correct

• A positive IOD enhances moisture transport towards India and can counterbalance the monsoon-suppressing effect of El Niño, often resulting in better monsoon rainfall than would otherwise occur. Conversely, a negative IOD, especially when coinciding with El Niño, can significantly weaken the Indian summer monsoon.

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

With reference to the Civil Registration System (CRS) Report, 2024, consider the following statements:

1. India recorded birth and death registrations exceeding 99% of the estimated births and deaths for the first time in 2024.
2. The Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) measures the number of females in the total population per 1,000 males.
3. According to the CRS Report, 2024, more than two-thirds of the recorded stillbirths occurred in urban areas.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Civil Registration System (CRS) Report, 2024 reported that birth and death registrations crossed 99% of the estimated births and deaths for the first time, indicating near-universal civil registration coverage in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) refers to the number of girl children born per 1,000 boys, not the number of females in the total population per 1,000 males. The latter refers to the overall sex ratio.

Statement 3 is correct

• The report recorded 81,117 stillbirths in 2024, of which about 69% occurred in urban areas, i.e., more than two-thirds of the total.

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

With reference to the Miniratna status granted to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), consider the following statements:

1. Miniratna status is granted only to profit-making CPSEs and was introduced to provide greater operational and financial autonomy.
2. A CPSE must have earned continuous profits for three consecutive years and possess a positive net worth to qualify as a Category-II Miniratna.
3. A Category-I Miniratna can make capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore or its net worth, whichever is higher, without prior government approval.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Miniratna scheme, introduced in 1997, aims to provide greater autonomy to profit-making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) by reducing the need for prior government approvals in certain financial and operational decisions.

Statement 2 is correct

• To qualify as a Category-II Miniratna, a CPSE must have earned profits continuously for the preceding three years and possess a positive net worth.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• A Category-I Miniratna can incur expenditure on new projects, modernisation, or joint ventures up to ₹500 crore or its net worth, whichever is lower, without prior government approval—not whichever is higher.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

With reference to Green Urea, consider the following statements:

1. Green urea has the same chemical composition and nutrient value as conventional urea, but differs in the production pathway.
2. The production of green urea completely eliminates the need for carbon dioxide during the urea synthesis process.
3. While green urea reduces emissions during manufacturing, it does not eliminate nitrous oxide emissions arising after its application to agricultural soils.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Green urea is chemically identical to conventional urea (CO(NH₂)₂) and provides the same nutrient value. The term “green” refers to its low-carbon production process, which uses green hydrogen and captured CO₂ instead of fossil-derived feedstocks.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Although green hydrogen replaces fossil-derived hydrogen, urea synthesis through the Bosch–Meiser process still requires an external source of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This CO₂ is typically captured from industrial sources such as cement, steel, or thermal power plants.

Statement 3 is correct

• Green urea reduces greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacturing stage but does not prevent nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions released from soils after application due to volatilisation, nitrification, and leaching.

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