MCQS
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Academic Freedom Index (AFI) and choose the correct option?
- The AFI is published by the Global Public Policy Institute.
- Australia and Brazil are the top performers in the index.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : a
Explanation
Academic freedom, in general, refers to a scholar’s freedom to express ideas without
risk of official interference or professional disadvantage.
It has been published by Global Public Policy Institute as a part of a global time-series dataset (1900-2019) in close cooperation with Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Scholars at Risk and the VDem Institute.
Top Performers: Uruguay and Portugal top the AFI, with scores of 0.971 each,
followed closely by Latvia (0.964) and Germany (0.960).
The index did not report data for 35 countries – including the United States and Australia.
India has scored considerably low in the international Academic Freedom Index
(AFI) with a score of 0.352 and is closely followed by Saudi Arabia (0.278) and Libya
(0.238).
Q:
With reference to National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), consider the
following statements and choose the correct option:
- The Indian government has a 100% stake in NIIF.
- Strategic Opportunities Fund is one of its components.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : b
Explanation
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is a government backed entity established to provide long-term capital to the country’sinfrastructure sector.
The Indian government has a 49% stake in NIIF with the rest held by foreign and domestic investors.
With the Centre’s significant stake, NIIF is considered India’s quasi-sovereign wealth fund.
It was set up in 2015 as a Category-II Alternate Investment Fund. Across its three funds viz. Master Fund, Fund of Funds, and Strategic Opportunities Fund, it manages over USD 4.3 billion of capital. Its registered office is in New Delhi.
Q3:
With reference to the Hyperloop Transportation System, consider the following
Statements and choose the correct options:
- In this system a pod-like vehicle is propelled through a near-vacuum tube.
- The low air pressure allows the pod to travel substantially free of air friction.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : c
Explanation
Hyperloop Transportation System is a transportation system where a pod-like vehicle is propelled through a near-vacuum tube connecting cities at speeds matching that of an aircraft.
The hyperloop concept is a brainchild of Tesla founder Elon Musk. The hyperloop system is being designed to transport passengers and freight.
Hyperloop is a sealed tube or system of tubes with low air pressure through which a pod may travel substantially free of air resistance or friction. The Hyperloop could convey people or objects at airline or hypersonic speeds while being
very energy efficient.
Q4:
With reference to E-YUVA Scheme, consider the following statements and choose the correct options:
- It aims to promote a culture of applied research.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Education.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 and 2
Answer : a
Explanation
Encouraging Youth for Undertaking Innovative Research through Vibrant Acceleration (E-YUVA) Scheme aims to promote a culture of applied research and need-oriented (societal or industry) entrepreneurial innovation among young students and researchers.
It will engage a number of universities and technology institutes to serve as
mentors, which will help to create a pan-India network to encourage a larger number of student entrepreneurs.
The scheme is implemented through E-YUVA Centres (EYCs) to inculcate entrepreneurial culture through fellowship, pre-incubation and mentoring support.
EYCs are housed within the University/Institute set up and mentored by a
Biologically-inspired Resilient Autonomic Cloud (BIRAC).
BIRAC helps more and more students who try to set up start-ups and help India become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant).
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