Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls to 10°C or below for plains and 0°C or lower for hilly regions. This definition is crucial in identifying and responding to cold wave conditions in various geographical regions.

1. Cold Wave Zone - Telangana: Correct. Telangana is indeed identified as one of the states in the core cold wave zone.

2. Ashtamudi Lake - Ramsar Site: Correct. Ashtamudi Lake is recognized as a Ramsar wetland situated in Kerala.

3. Severe Cold Wave - Coastal Regions: Incorrect. A severe cold wave in coastal regions does not have the condition of falling to 0°C. Instead, cold waves in coastal regions are noted when minimum temperatures drop to 15°C or lower with a negative departure of 4.5°C or more.

4. Ashtamudi Lake - Primary Source: Correct. The Kallada River is indeed the primary source of water for Ashtamudi Lake.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 2, and 4. Pair 3 is incorrect as it misrepresents the temperature conditions required to define a severe cold wave in coastal regions.

Both statements are factually correct. Statement-I establishes the Ramsar wetland status of Ashtamudi Lake, situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, while Statement-II accurately identifies the Kallada River as the primary water source for Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada River indeed plays a significant role in feeding the lake, contributing to its ecological significance and sustenance. Therefore, both statements are true, and Statement-II logically supports and explains Statement-I.

1. Tebhaga Movement - Aimed at increasing crop share for landlords
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Tebhaga Movement, which started in the 1940s in Bengal, aimed to reduce the crop share of landlords, advocating for farmers to retain two-thirds of their production, not increase it for landlords.

2. Naxalite Movement - Emphasized violent class warfare
This pair is correctly matched. The Naxalite Movement, which emerged in the late 1960s, is indeed characterized by its emphasis on violent class warfare and aimed to overthrow the state through armed struggle based on radical Maoist ideology.

3. Alternative for Germany (AfD) - Focuses on increasing immigration
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is known for its right-wing populist stance, which includes opposition to immigration, particularly from non-European countries, rather than focusing on increasing immigration.

4. Islamic State - Known for creating centralized jihadist cells
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Islamic State is known for its decentralized approach to jihad, encouraging lone-wolf attacks and inspiring homegrown extremists globally, rather than creating centralized jihadist cells.

Thus, only the second pair is correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly identifies the RS-26 Rubezh missile as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) based on the information provided in the content. The missile is indeed a type of intercontinental ballistic missile.
Statement-II provides a general characteristic of ICBMs, stating that they typically have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometers and are designed to deliver nuclear warheads. This statement is also correct in a broader context about ICBMs, but it does not directly explain why the RS-26 Rubezh missile falls under the category of ICBMs. The statement provides a general feature of ICBMs but does not specifically relate to the classification of the RS-26 Rubezh missile.
Therefore, both statements are individually correct, but Statement-II does not provide a direct explanation for why the RS-26 Rubezh missile is classified as an ICBM, making option (b) the correct choice.

The primary purpose of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes. Established under the Rome Statute in 1998, the ICC aims to bring justice to those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes of aggression on an international scale. By holding individuals accountable for such grave offenses, the ICC plays a crucial role in upholding human rights and promoting global justice.

To determine the correct statements, let's analyze each one:

1. The Arkavathi River originates from the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka.

- This statement is correct. The river indeed originates from Nandi Hills, which is located in the Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka.

2. It is a tributary of the Krishna River.

- This statement is incorrect. The Arkavathi River is actually a tributary of the Kaveri River, not the Krishna River.

3. The river basin covers one-third of Bengaluru city and historically served as a primary source of drinking water for the region.

- This statement is correct. The Arkavathi River basin does cover a significant portion of Bengaluru and historically provided drinking water to the city and its surrounding areas.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This is a fundamental aspect of the ICC's mandate as outlined in the Rome Statute.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The United States is not a member of the ICC. Although the ICC is supported by many nations, the United States has expressed concerns about the court's jurisdiction and potential implications for its citizens, which is why it has not ratified the Rome Statute.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute. While Palestine is a member of the ICC, Israel has not joined, which affects the ICC's jurisdiction concerning actions involving Israeli nationals.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

Statement-I is correct. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is indeed located in The Hague, Netherlands, as mentioned in the source material. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The ICC primarily focuses on prosecuting individuals for serious international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression, rather than settling disputes between states.

Statement-I correctly highlights one of the key aims of the Paris Agreement, which is to limit global temperature rise below specific thresholds. Statement-II accurately points out a limitation of the agreement, emphasizing the lack of an enforcement mechanism for non-compliant countries. The absence of enforcement mechanisms is a known criticism of the Paris Agreement, making both statements correct, with Statement-II providing a relevant explanation for Statement-I.