1. Which of the following elements is/are used in the production of semiconductors?
- Neon
- Palladium
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- The global supply of semiconductors is being threatened by the Ukraine crisis. Russia supplies over 40 per cent of world’s palladium and Ukraine produces 70 per cent of neon. These two are the key raw materials for manufacturing of semiconductors.
- A semiconductor material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor, such as metallic copper, and an insulator, such as glass. It is commonly used in the development of electronic chips, computing components, and devices.
- It’s generally created using silicon, germanium, and other pure elements.
- Neon gas is used in the photolithography process that is the most common method for fabricating integrated circuits. More than half of semiconductor-grade neon comes from Ukrainian companies Ingas (based in Mariupol) and Cryoin (based in Odessa).
- Palladium is used to coat electrodes that help control flow of electricity. It is also used in plating of microprocessors and printed circuit boards — which is an essential process of chip making.
2. With respect to the military weapons in news, terms ‘Stinger’, ‘Igla’, Starstreak’ pertain to which of the following?
[A] MANPADS
[B] Drones
[C] Assault Rifle
[D] Submarines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [MANPADS]
Notes:- Man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) are surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by an individual or a small team of people against aircraft. These weapon systems often are described as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircrafts.
- MANPATs or Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems work in a similar manner but are used to destroy or incapacitate military tanks.
- The United States and the Soviet Union first deployed MANPADS—the Redeye and Strela systems respectively—in the 1960s to provide their infantries with portable anti-aircraft weapons.
- Stinger Missiles (US), Igla MANPADS (Russia), Starstreak (Britain), RBS-70 MANPADS Series (Sweden), Next Generation Light Antitank Weapon or NLAW missiles and Javelin missiles (US and NATO).
3. Mumbai Climate Action Plan was prepared by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with the technical support of which of the following agencies?
- World Resource Institute
- C40 Cities Network
- World Bank
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:- The Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) has laid down a 30-year roadmap for the city to tackle the challenges of climate change by adopting inclusive and robust mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prepared the plan with technical support from the World Resources Institute (WRI), India and the C40 Cities network.
- The action plan has set short-, medium- and long-term climate goals aimed towards zero emission of greenhouse gas or a net-zero target for 2050.
- Six strategic areas to be focussed—sustainable waste management, urban greening and biodiversity, urban flooding and water resource management, energy and buildings, air quality and sustainable mobility.
