Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 19th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is an extension of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) that specifically targets children under 18 years of age. It aims to provide a pension scheme tailored for minors, with the account being managed by a parent or guardian until the child reaches adulthood. This scheme allows for contributions, various investment options, and specific withdrawal rules to benefit the child's financial future.

- Statement 1 is correct: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) allocates the rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas to India, while Pakistan is allocated the rivers Sindh, Jhelum, and Chenab. This allocation is a fundamental aspect of the treaty, which was facilitated by the World Bank to manage water distribution between the two countries.

- Statement 2 is correct: The treaty allows India to construct storage facilities on the western rivers (Sindh, Jhelum, and Chenab) up to a capacity of 3.6 million acre-feet. This provision is intended for India to utilize the water for consumptive uses, although the full potential of this allowance has not been realized.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The dispute resolution mechanism under the IWT does not involve the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Instead, it includes three levels: the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) for initial discussions, the appointment of a neutral expert by the World Bank if the PIC cannot resolve the issue, and finally, if necessary, the matter is referred to a Court of Arbitration (CoA) with its chair appointed by the World Bank. The ICJ is not mentioned as a part of this mechanism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Ravi River - Allocated to Pakistan under Indus Waters Treaty: Incorrect. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, Ravi River is allocated to India.

2. Kishanganga Project - Run-of-the-river project on Jhelum River: Correct. The Kishanganga project is indeed a run-of-the-river project on the Jhelum River.

3. NGLV - Next Generation Launch Vehicle for ISRO: Correct. The NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) is a project by ISRO.

4. BAS-1 - First module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Correct. BAS-1 is the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I is accurate as per the information given in the content provided. India indeed wants a review and modification of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Statement-II is also correct based on the information presented. The Union Cabinet has indeed approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). However, there is no direct correlation or explanation provided in the context between Statement-I and Statement-II. Thus, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

The primary aim of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas developed by researchers at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is to identify potential sites along India's coastline that can generate energy from blue renewable sources such as tidal waves and currents. This atlas helps in mapping out areas with significant energy-generating potential from the ocean's natural forces, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution for the country.

Statement 1: The fourth Lok Sabha was indeed dissolved prematurely in 1971, which marked the beginning of the end for simultaneous elections in India. This disruption in the election cycle made it difficult to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies thereafter.

Statement 2: The National Emergency declared in 1975 extended the term of the Lok Sabha beyond its normal five-year period, further disrupting the cycle of concurrent elections. This extension was significant because it delayed the scheduled elections, thereby affecting the synchronization of Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.

Statement 3: The Union Cabinet's proposal for simultaneous elections indeed requires the passage of two Constitutional Amendment Bills by Parliament. This legislative process is essential to align both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, as well as to integrate local body elections within the simultaneous election framework. These amendments require a 'special majority' in both houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.

Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. First General Elections in India - 1951: Correct. The first general elections in independent India for both the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies were held in 1951.

2. Mid-term Election in Kerala - 1962: Incorrect. The mid-term election in Kerala took place in 1960, not 1962.

3. Formation of Nagaland Assembly - 1962: Correct. Nagaland had its Assembly formation after the general elections of 1962.

4. Last Instance of Near-Simultaneous Elections - 1967: Correct. The last instance of near-simultaneous elections occurred in 1967.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is not.

Statement-I is correct based on the information provided in the text. The passage clearly states that India could generate up to 9.2 lakh TWH from its Blue Renewable Energy Sources.
However, Statement-II is incorrect. While the information about the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is provided in the text, it mentions that INCOIS is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and not directly affiliated with the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO). This makes Statement-II inaccurate and hence the correct answer is (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

The Naga King Chilli is renowned globally for its intense heat, measuring over 1 million Scoville heat units (SHU). This exceptional spiciness places it among the hottest chillies worldwide, contributing to its significant cultural and economic importance for the Naga people.

1. Naga King Chilli belongs to the genus Capsicum in the family Solanaceae: This statement is correct. The Naga King Chilli is indeed part of the genus Capsicum, which is within the Solanaceae family.

2. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008: This statement is also correct. The Naga King Chilli was awarded the prestigious GI tag in 2008, recognizing its unique origin and quality.

3. The main harvest time for Naga King Chilli is in December and January: This statement is incorrect. The main harvest time for Naga King Chilli is actually in August and September, with the final harvest occurring in November and December. Therefore, the main harvest period does not include December and January as the primary months.

Given these explanations, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is not. Hence, the correct answer is Option B.