UPSC Static Quiz, 19 June 2023

Correct Answer: C
● Option C is correct.
The idea of ‘friend-shoring’ supply chains is gaining purchase among economic policymakers
concerned about relying on geopolitical competitors for accessing critical materials and technologies.
Friend-shoring, which prioritises the security of global trade and supply chains over economic
considerations, has been given several labels in recent years, including ‘ally-shoring’.
● US Keen to Deepen India Ties Under ‘Friend shoring’ Plan Friend-shoring is pitched (by US) as a
means to insulate global supply chains from external disruption or economic coercion.
● Idea is for a group of countries with shared values to deploy policies encouraging companies to
spread manufacturing within that group.
● Sectors under importance are semiconductor industry, green energy, telecommunications and
mineral industries.

Correct Answer: D
● Option D is correct.
● India announced a US$ 100 million fresh line of Credit for the Greater Male Connectivity Project
(GMCP). GMCP is an India funded infrastructure project to link Male with its nearby islands of Villingli,
Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Correct Answer: A
● Option A is correct.
● Airglow occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, excited by sunlight, emit light
to shed their excess energy. Or, it can happen when atoms and molecules that have been ionized by
sunlight collide with and capture a free electron. In both cases, they eject a particle of light — called a
photon — in order to relax again. The phenomenon is similar to auroras, but where auroras are driven
by high-energy particles originating from the solar wind, airglow is energized by ordinary, day-to-day
solar radiation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● In visible light, oxygen produces green and red light, hydroxyl (OH) molecules produce red light, and
sodium produces a sickly yellow. Nitrogen, while far more abundant in the air than sodium, does not
contribute much to airglow. The distinct colours of airglow are the result of atoms and molecules
releasing particular amounts of energy (quanta) in the form of light. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Correct Answer: C
● Option C is correct.
● State Energy and Climate Index (SECI) is the first index that aims to track the efforts made by states
and union territories (UTs) in the climate and energy sector. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Objectives of the index is to rank the States based on their efforts towards improving energy access,
energy consumption, energy efficiency, and safeguarding environment.
● SECI rank states and UTs on six parameters which include a total of 27 indicators. The weightage of
discoms is 40% while deciding ranking. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● NITI Aayog has recently launched the State Energy & Climate Index (SECI)-Round I. Hence, statement
3 is correct.

Correct Answer: B
● Option B is correct.
● The highest contributor to Methane Emissions is Wetland followed by fossil fuel extraction. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● Highest contributor to Greenhouse effect is CO2 and Water vapour (Both are not hydrocarbon).
Among Hydrocarbon the largest contributor to Greenhouse Gas is methane. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
● Methane has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime than carbon dioxide. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.