Current Affairs MCQs – June 21

With reference to Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs), consider the following statements:

1. AZIBs employ water-based zinc-salt electrolytes, making them inherently safer than batteries that use flammable organic electrolytes.
2. The recently developed electrolyte additive BDIM enhances AZIB performance by promoting zinc dendrite growth, thereby improving ion transport at the anode.

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

Statement 1 is correct

• AZIBs use water-based zinc-salt electrolytes instead of flammable organic solvents, making them safer, cheaper, and more sustainable alternatives for large-scale energy storage applications.

Statement 2 is not correct

• The newly developed additive BDIM forms a protective layer on the zinc anode that suppresses zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and surface corrosion, thereby improving battery safety and lifespan. It does not promote dendrite growth.

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

Consider the following countries:

1. India
2. Indonesia
3. Japan
4. Germany

The G4 nations are an informal coalition of countries that support each other’s bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). How many of the above countries are members of the G4?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

The G4 is an informal grouping of four countries—India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil—that support each other’s bids for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Answer: (c) Only three; Difficulty Level: Easy

With reference to recent developments in India’s defence sector, consider the following statements:

1. Mission Shakti demonstrated India’s capability to destroy a satellite in outer space using an anti-satellite weapon.
2. Mission Divyastra involved the successful testing of Agni-V equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
3. The government has permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 74% under the Automatic Route and up to 100% under the Government Route for advanced technology transfer in the defence sector.

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

• Mission Shakti (2019) demonstrated India’s anti-satellite (ASAT) capability, making it the fourth country to possess such a capability.

Statement 2 is correct

• Mission Divyastra (2024) successfully tested the Agni-V missile with MIRV technology, allowing a single missile to carry multiple independently targetable warheads.

Statement 3 is correct

• The government has permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 74% under the Automatic Route and up to 100% under the Government Route for advanced technology transfer in the defence sector.

Answer: (c) All three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements:

1. Persons with benchmark disabilities are entitled to monthly disability pensions, subject to income ceilings notified by the appropriate government.
2. Government and government-aided higher education institutions must provide a minimum 8% reservation for students with benchmark disabilities.
3. The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) directly provides concessional loans for self-employment to persons with disabilities.

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

• Disability Pension: Persons with benchmark disabilities are entitled to monthly disability pensions, subject to income ceilings notified by the appropriate government.
• Caregiver Allowance: Families and caregivers of persons with high support needs receive a dedicated caregiver allowance to offset the burden of specialised round-the-clock care.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Government and government-aided higher education institutions are required to reserve at least 5% of seats for students with benchmark disabilities.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The DDRS does not provide concessional loans; instead, it funds NGOs for rehabilitation services, early intervention, vocational training, and community-based support for PwDs.

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