Editorial Quiz: August 24

Editorial Quiz: August 24

1.       Consider the following statements about Waqf:

1.       Waqf is a religious obligation in Islam, similar to the payment of Zakat.

2.      Waqf involves the permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious, or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim law.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Waqf is not a religious obligation but a form of religious charity in Islam.
• Statement 2 is correct. Waqf involves the permanent dedication of properties for religious, pious, or charitable purposes according to Muslim law.

2.      Which of the following is a key amendment proposed in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

A. The Waqf Board will have unlimited powers to claim any land as Waqf property.
B. The composition of the Waqf Board will include women representatives.
C. The district magistrate will be removed from any role in Waqf property management.
D. The requirement for property verification before being declared as Waqf has been eliminated.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes including women representatives in the Waqf Board, promoting gender diversity.

Consider the following statements regarding the management of Waqf properties:

1.       A Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor.

2.      The Central Waqf Council (CWC) is responsible for directly managing all Waqf properties in India.

3.      Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. A Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Central Waqf Council (CWC) oversees and advises state-level Waqf Boards but does not directly manage all Waqf properties.

4.      Which of the following issues is raised by critics of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

A. The bill strengthens the autonomy of Waqf Boards by removing government oversight.
B. The bill introduces excessive government interference in Waqf properties, violating Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.
C. The bill allows for the unchecked sale of Waqf properties without any board approval.
D. The bill restricts the creation of new Waqfs by non-Muslim citizens.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Critics argue that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduces excessive government interference in Waqf properties, which they claim violates the rights of Muslim citizens under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.

5.      Consider the following changes introduced by the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

1.       District magistrates may oversee Waqf properties to address disputes and prevent misuse.

2.      The requirement of a Muslim CEO in the Waqf Boards has been eliminated.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Both statements are correct. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes that district magistrates may oversee Waqf properties, and it eliminates the requirement of having a Muslim CEO in the Waqf Boards.

6.     What role does the Waqf Board play in the management of Waqf properties?

A. The Waqf Board can directly sell any Waqf property without the need for a vote.
B. The Waqf Board administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties, and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties.
C. The Waqf Board only lists Waqf properties without any administrative control.
D. The Waqf Board manages properties for all religious communities in India.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Waqf Board administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties, and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties with at least two-thirds of the board members voting in favor of the transaction.

7.      Consider the following statements about Waqf in India:

1.       Waqf properties are public properties acquired using public funds.

2.      The Waqf Act, 1995, was amended in 2013 to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as ‘Waqf Property.’

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Waqf properties are private and self-acquired properties of Muslims, not public properties acquired using public funds.
• Statement 2 is correct. The Waqf Act, 1995, was indeed amended in 2013 to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as ‘Waqf Property.’

8.     Which of the following was NOT an amendment proposed in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

A. Mandatory verification of all Waqf property claims.
B. Introduction of new verification procedures to prevent misuse of Waqf properties.
C. Expansion of Waqf Board's powers to include properties belonging to non-Muslims.
D. Modification of the composition of Waqf Boards to include women representatives.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, does not propose expanding the Waqf Board’s powers to include properties belonging to non-Muslims. Instead, it focuses on verification procedures, transparency, and modifying the composition of the Waqf Boards.

9.     Consider the following statements about Generative AI:

1.       Generative AI can create new forms of media, including text, audio, and video.

2.      The generative AI industry is projected to increase global GDP by as much as $7 to $10 trillion.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Both statements are correct. Generative AI can indeed create various forms of media, and the industry is projected to have a significant impact on global GDP, estimated to increase by $7 to $10 trillion.

10.  Which of the following is NOT a threat posed by AI in 2024?

A. Deep fakes causing widespread disinformation
B. AI reducing the need for cybersecurity measures
C. Cyber attacks disrupting critical infrastructure
D. Increased incidents of phishing and credit card fraud

Answer: B

Explanation:

• AI does not reduce the need for cybersecurity measures; instead, it increases the complexity of threats such as disinformation, cyber attacks, and fraud.

11.    Consider the following statements about past cyber attacks:

1.       The Shamoon computer virus targeted oil companies like Saudi Aramco and RasGas.

2.      The 'Petya' malware primarily affected North America, with minimal impact on Europe and Australia.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Shamoon computer virus did target oil companies such as Saudi Aramco and RasGas.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The 'Petya' malware severely affected banks and infrastructure in Europe, the United Kingdom, and other regions, including North America and Australia.

12.   What is the primary function of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in the context of AI?

A. To detect security breaches in real-time
B. To generate new data and media such as images and videos
C. To optimize search engine results
D. To simulate human decision-making in financial markets

Answer: B

Explanation:

• GANs are a type of AI used to generate new data and media, including images, videos, and other creative content.

13.   Consider the following statements:

1.       The Stuxnet attack was specifically targeted at the Iran nuclear program.

2.      The attack led to widespread power outages across multiple countries.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Stuxnet attack specifically targeted Iran's nuclear program.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Stuxnet did not cause widespread power outages; it was a targeted attack on supervisory control and data acquisition systems.

14.  Which of the following AI advancements is used for text generation and can write blogs, computer code, and marketing copies?

A. GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks)
B. LLMs (Large Language Models)
C. DALL-E
D. Stuxnet

Answer: B

Explanation:

• LLMs, or Large Language Models, are AI advancements used for generating text, including blogs, computer code, and marketing content.

15.  Consider the following security threats from AI in 2024:

1.       Deep fakes creating false narratives that are difficult to distinguish from reality.

2.      AI simplifying the identification and neutralization of cyber threats.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. Deep fakes are a significant security threat, creating false narratives that can be difficult to detect.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. AI does not simplify the identification and neutralization of cyber threats; instead, it often complicates these efforts by introducing more sophisticated attack methods.

16.  Which past cyber attack employed ransomware that infected over 230,000 computers in 150 countries?

A. Stuxnet
B. Shamoon
C. WannaCry
D. Petya

Answer: C

Explanation:

• The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 infected over 230,000 computers in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage.

17.   Consider the following statements about the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

1.       The SSLV can be assembled in less than a week by a smaller team.

2.      The SSLV is primarily designed to carry large payloads exceeding 1,000 kg.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The SSLV can indeed be assembled in less than a week by a smaller team, which is one of its key advantages.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The SSLV is designed for smaller payloads up to 500 kg, not large payloads exceeding 1,000 kg.

18.  Consider the following statements regarding India’s space economy:

1.       India currently holds a 5% share in the global space economy.

2.      India aims to quadruple its share in the global space economy by 2033.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. India currently holds about a 2% share in the global space economy.
• Statement 2 is correct. India aims to significantly increase its share, potentially quadrupling it by 2033.

19.  Consider the following statements about India’s new space policy:

1.       The policy focuses on increasing ISRO’s monopoly in the space sector.

2.      The policy encourages a more diversified ecosystem involving private players.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The new space policy does not aim to increase ISRO’s monopoly; instead, it seeks to reduce it.
• Statement 2 is correct. The policy encourages a more diversified ecosystem that involves private players, moving away from an ISRO-centric model.

20. What is the payload capacity of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) developed by ISRO?

A. 200 kg
B. 500 kg
C. 1,000 kg
D. 1,500 kg

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) developed by ISRO can carry payloads up to 500 kg, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for launching small satellites.

21.   Which of the following is NOT an advantage of the SSLV over traditional launch vehicles?

A. Cost-effectiveness
B. Flexibility
C. Quick turnaround time
D. Ability to carry larger payloads**

Answer: D

Explanation:

• The SSLV is designed to carry smaller payloads (up to 500 kg). While it offers cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and a quick turnaround time, it is not intended for carrying larger payloads like traditional launch vehicles.

22.  What is one of the key market sectors expected to benefit from the deployment of small satellites?

A. Heavy cargo transportation
B. Weather forecasting
C. Deep space exploration
D. Manned space missions

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Small satellites are increasingly used in sectors like weather forecasting, communications, and disaster management, among others, making them highly beneficial in these areas.

23. Which country plans to launch over 13,000 satellites by 2030 to support 6G communications?

A. United States
B. India
C. China
D. Russia

Answer: C

Explanation:

• China plans to launch over 13,000 satellites by 2030 to support the development and deployment of 6G communications technology.

24. What percentage of the global space economy does India currently hold, and what is its target for 2033?

A. 1%, aiming to double by 2033
B. 2%, aiming to quadruple by 2033
C. 5%, aiming to triple by 2033
D. 10%, aiming to maintain by 2033

Answer: B

Explanation:

• India currently holds about 2% of the global space economy and aims to significantly increase its stake, potentially quadrupling it by 2033.

25. Which Indian space tech start-up has built its own launch pad within the Sriharikota range?

A. Skyroot
B. Agnikul
C. Pixxel
D. Dhruva Space

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Agnikul has made notable progress by building its own launch pad within the Sriharikota range and is working on a launch vehicle smaller than the SSLV.

26. What is the primary focus of India's new space policy introduced in April last year?

A. Expanding ISRO's monopoly on space activities
B. Shifting from ISRO-centric to a more diversified ecosystem involving private players
C. Reducing private sector involvement in space activities
D. Solely focusing on manned space missions

Answer: B

Explanation:

• India’s new space policy reflects a strategic shift from an ISRO-centric model to a more diversified ecosystem that involves private players, encouraging broader participation in space activities.

27.  Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge in balancing the expansion of private space activities with ISRO's core mission?

A. Space debris management
B. National security
C. Equitable distribution of space resources
D. Development of manned space missions

Answer: D

Explanation:

• The challenges mentioned include space debris management, national security, and equitable distribution of space resources. Manned space missions are not highlighted as a challenge in the context of balancing private sector involvement.

28. What role does ISRO continue to play in India's space sector despite the involvement of private players?

A. Focus exclusively on commercial satellite launches
B. Primarily achieve social objectives such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection
C. Shift completely to research and development
D. Operate only within international collaborations

Answer: B

Explanation:

• ISRO continues to play a crucial role in achieving social objectives, including education, healthcare, agriculture, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection, even as the private sector becomes more involved.

29. What is required for India to realize the potential of its growing space sector, according to the conclusion of the article?

A. Increased reliance on foreign technology
B. Limiting the number of private sector players
C. Robust regulatory mechanisms, sustained investment, and strategic partnerships
D. Reducing focus on technological advancements in favor of policy development

Answer: C

Explanation:

• To realize the potential of its growing space sector, India needs robust regulatory mechanisms, sustained investment, and strategic partnerships, which will enable both technological advancement and the contribution of the space program to national development and security.

30. Consider the following statements about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity:

1.       AI has made it easier to spread disinformation by creating deep fakes that are difficult to distinguish from reality.

2.      AI simplifies the detection and prevention of all types of cyber attacks.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. AI has indeed made it easier to spread disinformation, particularly through the creation of deep fakes, which are highly realistic but false digital content.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While AI can assist in cybersecurity, it does not simplify the detection and prevention of all types of cyber attacks; in fact, it can complicate these processes by enabling more sophisticated and harder-to-detect threats.