Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 1st February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct: The inauguration of Donald Trump as President indeed marked a significant shift in American policy with a focus on AI development. This was part of his broader 'America First' agenda, which emphasized technological advancement as a means to maintain U.S. supremacy in global innovation.

2. Statement 2 is correct: The push for AI development under Trump's administration posed existential challenges to India's IT sector. The rapid advancement in AI threatened job security for Indian IT professionals in the U.S. and had potential repercussions for India's IT-BPM sector, which is heavily reliant on software and technology services export.

3. Statement 3 is correct: Trump's strict immigration policies, which included potential mass deportations of undocumented individuals, could lead to a significant loss of remittances for India. The economic impact was particularly concerning, as remittances are a vital source of income for many Indian families, and the return of deported individuals would further strain India's job market.

Given that all three statements accurately reflect the implications of Trump's policies on U.S.-India relations, the correct answer is Option D

Statement-I discusses the potential consequences of the Trump administration's immigration policies on India, including mass deportations affecting the economy. Statement-II addresses the approval of a pilot study for controlled cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on revenue generation and job creation. Both statements are factually correct in the context provided. However, Statement-II does not directly explain or relate to Statement-I, as they discuss separate topics – immigration policies and cannabis cultivation. Thus, the correct answer is option B.

Statement-I correctly defines microplastics as small plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, which is a general characteristic of microplastics.
Statement-II correctly explains primary microplastics as tiny plastic particles intentionally created for commercial applications, including cosmetics, and microfibers from textiles. However, Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on the size range of microplastics as mentioned in Statement-I. Hence, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not provide a direct explanation for Statement-I. This makes option (b) the most suitable choice.

Microplastics are defined as small plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm. One of their key characteristics is their persistence in the environment, making them difficult to remove, and their ability to accumulate over time. Due to their small size and durability, microplastics pose a significant threat to ecosystems and wildlife, especially when ingested by marine organisms, contributing to bioaccumulation within the food chain.

1. Saffron reedtail damselfly - Indosticta deccanensis

- Correctly matched. Indosticta deccanensis is the scientific name for the saffron reedtail damselfly.

2. Family of saffron reedtail damselfly - Libellulidae

- Incorrectly matched. The saffron reedtail damselfly belongs to the family Platystictidae, not Libellulidae. Libellulidae is a family primarily associated with dragonflies, not damselflies.

3. Habitat of saffron reedtail damselfly - Pristine forest streams in the Western Ghats

- Correctly matched. The saffron reedtail damselfly thrives in pristine water conditions near slow-moving forest streams, particularly in the Western Ghats.

4. Supreme Court's ruling on manual scavenging - Focused on six Indian cities

- Correctly matched. The Supreme Court ordered a ban on manual scavenging and unsafe sewer cleaning in six major cities of India, aiming to eliminate this practice through the use of modern technology.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, thus making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.

The recent discovery of the saffron reedtail damselfly along the Netravati River in Karnataka serves as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Damselflies, particularly the saffron reedtail species, are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution. Therefore, their presence in an area signifies the quality of the habitat, emphasizing the importance of preserving their natural environment to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The saffron reedtail damselfly is found in habitats with pristine water quality, not poor water quality. They are typically found near slow-moving, not fast-moving, forest streams. These damselflies require clean water for their lifecycle and are sensitive to environmental changes and pollution.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The saffron reedtail damselfly, scientifically known as Indosticta deccanensis, is indeed endemic to the Western Ghats of India. This means that it is native to and can only be found in this particular region.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The discovery of the saffron reedtail damselfly in Karnataka is significant as these species are indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence suggests that the environmental conditions, particularly the water quality, are favorable and relatively undisturbed by pollution.

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

1. The first statement is correct. Geo-economic fragmentation is indeed driven by strategic geopolitical interests, leading to the creation of trade and financial partnerships based on political alignments. This process is characterized by a policy-induced reversal of globalization, as countries form alliances that reflect their geopolitical strategies.

2. The second statement is also correct. Technological decoupling is one of the key factors contributing to the economic losses associated with geo-economic fragmentation. This involves the separation of technological systems and standards between countries, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs, ultimately impacting global economic productivity.

3. The third statement is incorrect. Geo-economic fragmentation has a significant impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows. FDI is increasingly concentrated among countries that are geopolitically aligned, particularly in critical sectors. This shift in investment patterns highlights the influence of political considerations over purely economic factors in global investment flows.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate, whereas statement 3 is not.

1. Immigration Crackdown - Affects approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians in the U.S.
This is correctly matched. Trump's immigration policies could indeed affect this number of undocumented Indians, leading to potential deportations and significant economic repercussions for India.

2. Economic Consequences - Increases remittances to India due to deportations.
This is incorrectly matched. Deportations would likely decrease remittances, as undocumented workers return to India and are no longer able to send money back home.

3. Trade Policies - Tariffs used to enforce compliance with U.S. immigration measures.
This is correctly matched. Trump's administration is known for using tariffs as a tool for economic coercion, which could impact trade relations with countries like India if there is resistance to U.S. immigration measures.

4. AI Disruption - Threatens job security for Indian IT professionals in the U.S.
This is correctly matched. The focus on AI development in the U.S. could limit job opportunities for Indian software engineers, posing challenges to India's IT sector.

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

Geo-Economic Fragmentation signifies a policy-induced reversal of global economic integration driven by strategic geopolitical interests. It involves the formation of trade and financial partnerships based on political alignments, impacting various channels such as trade, capital, and migration flows. This trend poses challenges to global economic stability, emphasizing the need for renewed cooperation and strategies to mitigate its adverse effects.