19 Jan, 2024

1. Consider the following statements about the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):

  1. The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, of 2003 gave statutory status to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
  2. Its primary goal is to ensure non-discriminatory access to affordable telecom services in rural and remote areas.
  3. It operates as an attached office under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Government of India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

2. The government is going to set up a coordination cell for the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to establish four technology hubs in collaboration with academia, research labs, and industry. In this context consider the following statements:

  1. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) will be implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
  2. With the launch of this mission, India will be the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

3. Due to climate change, the Indian Himalayas are experiencing an unusual lack of snowfall this winter. What are the reasons for this unusual weather condition?

  1. Lack of active western disturbances
  2. Prevailing La Nina conditions
  3. A strong jet stream

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

4. With reference to the Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT), consider the following statements:

  1. DAT is an innovative instrument built by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
  2. It helps fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from their fishing boats.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

5. Regarding the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival which recently began in north east India, consider the following statements:

  1. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival is the nature and wildlife conservation festival celebrated in Pakke Tiger Reserve of North-east India.
  2. It is a state festival of Meghalaya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?