Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
• The PROBA-3 mission (Project for Onboard Autonomy-3) is an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). Its primary objective is to demonstrate precise formation flying of two spacecraft in orbit, an advanced technique critical for missions that require extreme precision (e.g., large telescopes or interferometers). (Option (a) is correct)
• The Aditya-L1 mission by ISRO is dedicated to studying the Sun, including the corona, chromosphere, and solar winds.
• China’s Micius Satellite is a pioneering mission in testing quantum communication technologies, such as secure quantum key distribution over long distances.
• NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) mission is designed to study Mars’ atmosphere and its interaction with solar wind.

Source: https://www.isro.gov.in/PSLV_C59_PROBA-3_Mission.html#:~:text=PSLV%2DC59%20vehicle%20carried%20Proba,to%20demonstrate%20precise%20formation%20flying. & https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-launches-pslv-c59-rocket-with-european-space-agencys-proba-3-satellites/article68950571.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Global climate agreements focus on issues like carbon emissions reduction and renewable energy, unrelated to trade or supply chains. The Paris Agreement focuses on limiting global warming. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Space exploration deals with launching satellites, interplanetary missions, and commercial space ventures, not trade or supply chains. ISRO’s PSLV missions and private companies like SpaceX advancing space technologies. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Friendshoring and reshoring are key terms in the context of international trade and supply chain management.
• Friendshoring:
  • Refers to relocating supply chains to geopolitically aligned nations or countries with shared values to mitigate risks.
  • The USA encouraging chip manufacturing in allied countries like South Korea and India to reduce dependence on China.
• Reshoring:
  • Refers to bringing back production or supply chains to the home country to ensure economic security.
  • The USA promoting domestic semiconductor production under the CHIPS and Science Act.
• These strategies emerged due to disruptions in global trade during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events like the US-China trade war and the Ukraine conflict. (Option (c) is correct)
• Manufacturing in developing countries, known as offshoring, focuses on relocating production to low-cost nations, which is different from the concepts of friendshoring and reshoring. Companies moving production to Vietnam or Bangladesh to lower labor costs. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/states-and-the-challenge-before-the-finance-commission/article68951735.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of countries in West Africa, established in 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos. Its objectives include promoting economic integration, fostering political stability, and enhancing regional cooperation among its 15 member states.
• Nigeria is a founding member of ECOWAS and plays a dominant role due to its large economy and population. It often takes a leadership role in the bloc, especially in regional security matters, such as military interventions through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
• Kenya is not part of ECOWAS because it is located in East Africa, not West Africa. Kenya is a member of the East African Community (EAC), which focuses on regional integration among East African nations like Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. (Option (b) is correct)
• Ghana is a founding member of ECOWAS and a significant contributor to the bloc’s initiatives in trade and regional stability. Its capital, Accra, frequently hosts ECOWAS meetings and summits.
• Senegal, located in West Africa, is a member of ECOWAS and is known for its political stability and role in peacekeeping operations. Senegal also hosts several ECOWAS institutions and has contributed troops to ECOMOG missions.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-three-nation-visit-as-a-foray-into-summit-diplomacy/article68951760.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) comprises 15 members, with:
  • 5 permanent members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • 10 non-permanent members: Elected for a two-year term by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), ensuring regional representation.
• Non-permanent seats: Distributed as follows:
  • Africa (3), Asia-Pacific (2), Latin America and the Caribbean (2), Western Europe and Others (2), Eastern Europe (1). (Statement 1 is correct)
• Decisions of the UNSC require:
  • A majority vote of 9 out of 15 members, including the affirmative votes of all 5 permanent members (P5).
  • If any P5 member uses its veto power, the resolution cannot pass, regardless of the majority vote.
• Example of Veto Use:
  • Russia has frequently used its veto to block resolutions on the Ukraine conflict.
  • The USA has used its veto on matters concerning Israel-Palestine disputes. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• India has served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, most recently in 2021–2022. However, India has never been a permanent member, despite its strong advocacy for reforms in the UNSC. India supports the G4 grouping (India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil) to push for reforms and permanent membership for emerging powers. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/is-israels-war-in-gaza-putting-the-global-order-at-peril/article68952162.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• All three regions—Idlib, Al-Bab, and Afrin—are located in Syria, a country in the Middle East that has been heavily affected by a prolonged civil war since 2011. These areas have gained prominence due to their strategic importance and ongoing conflicts involving multiple stakeholders such as the Syrian government, rebel groups, and foreign powers.
• Idlib is a province in northwestern Syria, near the border with Turkey. It is one of the last major rebel-held territories in Syria. Dominated by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group, and other opposition forces. Idlib has been the focus of repeated military offensives by the Syrian government and its allies, especially Russia, to regain control. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Al-Bab is a city in northern Syria, northeast of Aleppo, near the Turkish border. It was under the control of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) before being recaptured by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels during Operation Euphrates Shield (2016–2017). Currently, Al-Bab is under the administration of Turkish-supported local councils. It remains a strategically important area due to its proximity to Turkey and Aleppo. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Afrin is a district in northern Syria, part of the Aleppo Governorate, located near the Turkish border. It was previously controlled by the Kurdish YPG (People’s Protection Units), a key ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS. In 2018, Afrin was captured by Turkish forces during Operation Olive Branch, aimed at countering Kurdish influence in the region. Afrin remains under Turkish control and is a sensitive area in the broader Syrian-Turkish conflict. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syria-government-loses-control-of-key-city-daraa-in-a-blow-to-assad/article68957700.ece