Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 13th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) introduced at the 2023 G20 summit is designed to revolutionize global shipping by reducing transit times by 40% and costs by 30%. This corridor aims to bolster regional partnerships through enhanced infrastructure, energy grids, and digital connectivity, serving as an alternative to existing maritime routes such as the Suez Canal. This initiative holds the potential to reshape trade dynamics and enhance economic cooperation among participating nations.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is indeed located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It was established in 2007 by merging the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandoli National Park, making it the northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The terrain of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is actually characterized by undulating landscapes with barren rocky lateritic plateaus, known locally as "Sadas," which are marked by minimal perennial vegetation. This unique feature is contrary to the statement that suggests the absence of such plateaus.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The reserve is home to major carnivores such as tigers, leopards, and smaller wild cat species. These species are part of the diverse fauna that inhabit the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, which aligns with Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve - Located in Maharashtra

This pair is correctly matched. The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is indeed located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.

2. Anjani (Memecylon umbellatum) - Common fauna in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

This pair is incorrectly matched. Anjani (Memecylon umbellatum) is a floral species, not fauna. It is a common plant found in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

3. IMEC - Introduced at the 2023 G20 Summit

This pair is correctly matched. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) was introduced at the 2023 G20 summit.

4. Sadas - Barren rocky lateritic plateaus in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

This pair is correctly matched. Sadas are indeed barren rocky lateritic plateaus, which are a characteristic feature of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

Thus, three pairs (1, 3, and 4) are correctly matched.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement 1 is correct. Prabowo Subianto, upon becoming the president of Indonesia, is expected to adopt a more assertive foreign policy. This could position Indonesia strategically between China and India, leading to increased competition with China. His leadership change could influence the dynamics of regional politics significantly.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Indonesia's economic dependency on China does impact its ability to maintain full sovereignty. While Indonesia benefits from economic ties with China, particularly in infrastructure and technology, this dependency poses challenges to its sovereign decision-making, especially in managing assertive Chinese influences.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Both India and Indonesia have a vested interest in maintaining maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. This mutual interest provides a solid basis for enhanced cooperation between the two nations, leveraging Indonesia's strategic location and resources to counterbalance China's influence.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Prabowo Subianto - Current President of Indonesia: This pair is correctly matched. Prabowo Subianto is indeed the current President of Indonesia.

2. Sabang Port - Developed by India to enhance connectivity with Indonesia: This pair is correctly matched. India is involved in the development of Sabang Port to improve connectivity and trade routes with Indonesia.

3. Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) - Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited: This pair is incorrectly matched. The LRLACM was developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment of DRDO in Bengaluru, with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited serving as development-cum-production partners, not as developers.

4. Natuna Sea - Area of strategic concern between Indonesia and China: This pair is correctly matched. The Natuna Sea is indeed an area of strategic concern, as it is a point of contention between Indonesia and China due to ongoing territorial disputes.

Based on the analysis above, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

The primary purpose of the Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India, is to promote coordination and cooperation between the central and state governments. This council plays a crucial role in discussing and advising on matters of common interest, helping to maintain a harmonious relationship between the different levels of government in the country.

1. Spadix - Emits scent: Correctly matched. The spadix is the central column-like structure of the Corpse Flower that plays a key role in emitting the flower's characteristic odor to attract pollinators.
2. Corm - Underground storage organ: Correctly matched. The corm is a large, underground storage organ that can weigh up to 45 kg, storing nutrients to support the plant's growth and flowering cycle.
3. Spathe - Fruit-bearing structure: Incorrectly matched. The spathe is not a fruit-bearing structure; it is a large, dark red, petal-like structure that encases the spadix. It does not bear fruit.
4. Thermogenesis - Heat production: Correctly matched. Thermogenesis refers to the heat production by the spadix, which can increase the temperature by up to 20°F above the surrounding environment, aiding in the dispersal of the flower's odor.
Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Inter-State Council was indeed established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. This is accurate as per the constitutional provisions regarding the formation of the council.
Statement-II is also correct because it correctly states that the President holds the authority to establish the Inter-State Council if it is considered to be in the public interest. This power of establishment is vested in the President as per the constitutional framework. Furthermore, Statement-II explains why the Inter-State Council can be formed, aligning with the legal framework surrounding its creation. Therefore, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II providing an explanatory basis for Statement-I.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Voyager 1 was the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, achieving this milestone in August 2012. Voyager 2 entered interstellar space later, in December 2018.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. Voyager 2 is indeed the only spacecraft to have visited both Uranus and Neptune during its mission. It made its closest approach to Uranus in January 1986 and to Neptune in August 1989.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. Voyager 2 carries a Golden Record, which is a phonograph record containing sounds and images from Earth. The purpose of the Golden Record is to communicate the story of our world to any extraterrestrial beings that may encounter the spacecraft.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly states that comb jellies are the largest known animals that use cilia for locomotion, aiding in their movement through water. This is a factual and accurate statement based on the description of comb jellies.
Statement-II correctly mentions that comb jellies lack stinging tentacles and do not pose any harm to humans. This statement also aligns with the characteristics of comb jellies as described in the provided information.
Therefore, both Statement-I and Statement-II are individually correct, and Statement-II indeed explains why comb jellies, unlike jellyfish, do not harm humans. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.