Daily MCQs for UPSC Preparation » Daily MCQs 28 July

Daily MCQs 28 July

1. Which of the following countries are associated with the ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’ initiative?

1. Australia

2. New Zealand

3. Japan 

4. United Kingdom

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2, 3, and 4 only

(C) 2 and 4 only

(D) 1, 2 , 3 and 4 

Answer: (D)

Recently, the US and its allies have launched a new initiative called ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP)’ to checkmate China’s Influence in the Pacific region.

Option (D) is correct: The Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) is a five-nation “informal mechanism” to support Pacific islands and to boost diplomatic, economic ties in the region. It focuses on enhancing “prosperity, resilience, and security” in the Pacific through closer cooperation. Areas where PBP aims to enhance cooperation include “climate crisis, connectivity and transportation, maritime security and protection, health, prosperity, and education”. The Key Partners of initiative are: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

2. The term ‘Hermit’ often seen in news is related to:

(A) Spyware

(B) Environment

(C) Nanotechnology

(D) Microbiology

Answer: (A)

Option (A) is correct: ‘Hermit’ is the latest sophisticated spyware in the news, and it is believed to have targeted iPhones and Android devices in Italy and Kazakhstan. It was first reported by cyber security researchers at the Lookout, a San-Francisco-based cybersecurity firm. It is said to be modular as it allows the spyware to download additional components that the malware requires. 

Hermit Android app is distributed through text message. The message looks like coming from a legitimate source.  Malware can impersonate other apps developed by telecom companies and manufacturers such as Oppo and Samsung, which tricks the users to download it.

3. With reference to ‘Surety Bond’, consider the following statements:

1. A surety is a person or party that takes responsibility for the debt, default or other financial responsibilities of another party.

2. A surety bond is a mechanism to transfer risk for businesses. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(A) 1 only 

(B) 2 only 

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Recently, the Ministry for Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) has asked insurance regulator IRDAI to develop a model product on Surety Bonds in consultation with general insurers.

Surety Bond

  • A surety is a person or party that takes responsibility for the debt, default or other financial responsibilities of another party. (Statement 1 is correct)
  • A surety bond is a mechanism to transfer risk for businesses. (Statement 2 is correct)
  • Surety bonds are financial instruments that tie the principal, the obligee—often a government entity—and the surety.
  • In the case of surety bonds, the surety is providing a line of credit to the principal so as to reassure the obligee that the principal will fulfill their side of the agreement.

4. Which of the following minerals have been classified as ‘Critical Minerals’?

1. Beryllium

2. Chromium

3. Germanium

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 only

(C) 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Recently, India and Australia decided to strengthen their partnership in the field of projects and supply chains for critical minerals.

Critical Minerals

  • Critical minerals are elements that are the building blocks of essential modern-day technologies, and are at risk of supply chain disruptions. 
  • For Example:  Beryllium, chromium, germanium, niobium, graphite, rare earths, rhenium, strontium, tantalum and zirconium. (Option (d) is correct)
  • These minerals tend to lack substitutability and recycling processes. 
  • In addition, the global concentration of extraction and processing activities, the governance regimes, and environmental footprints in resource-abundant countries adversely impact their availability risks.

5. With reference to ‘Office of the Vice-President’, consider the following statements:

1. Article 66 lays down the process of the election of the Vice-President.

2. A formal impeachment is not required for his removal. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

The Election Commission of India issued the notification for the election of the Vice-President of India.

Office of the Vice-President:

  • Article 66 lays down the process of the election of the Vice-President. (Statement 1 is correct)
  • Vice-President is accorded a rank next to the President in the official warrant of precedence. 
  • The Vice-President, like the President, is elected not directly by the people but by the method of indirect election. 
  • He is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament. 
  • A formal impeachment is not required for his removal. (Statement 2 is correct)
  • Under article 67, the Vice President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days has been given of such an intention.