Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 24th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, are primarily aimed at providing high-speed internet access to remote regions globally. This constellation of satellites orbits the Earth to deliver connectivity to areas lacking internet access, particularly rural or underserved locations. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and improve global internet coverage.

1. Incorrect: India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974, not 1988.

2. Correct: India established its Representative Office in Gaza in 1996.

3. Correct: India supported Palestine's bid to become a full member of UNESCO in 2011.

4. correct: India offered a Line of Credit of USD 50 million to Palestine for development and sustainable projects in July 2021, but this fact is correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct as it accurately describes the primary goal of Starlink satellites, which is to provide enhanced global internet coverage by transmitting signals from space. Statement-II is also correct as it highlights the adverse impact of Starlink satellites on astronomical observations, specifically mentioning the interference caused by unintended electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, Statement-II logically explains Statement-I by illustrating a consequence of the satellite system's operation, which is the interference with astronomical activities due to the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Thus, both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II indeed provides an explanation that aligns with Statement-I's context.

Statement 1 is correct. India indeed was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. This recognition was a significant step in India's foreign policy concerning the Palestinian cause.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Contrary to being one of the last countries, India was among the initial countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. This early recognition underscores India's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.

Statement 3 is correct. India has made substantial financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These contributions have been a part of India's consistent support for Palestinian refugees, totaling approximately US$ 36.5 million from 2002 to 2022-23.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

Statement 1: Correct. Starlink satellites produce unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which interferes with both optical and radio astronomy. This interference poses significant challenges for astronomers.

Statement 2: Correct. The primary function of Starlink satellites is to enhance global internet coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas that lack adequate internet access.

Statement 3: Incorrect. Currently, there are no strict regulations governing the amount of radio pollution these satellites can generate, making it difficult to mitigate their impact on astronomical research.

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

Mahatma Gandhi initiated a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail in 1932 to protest against the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes. This act was a significant part of the debate between Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar on the issue of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes. Gandhi's stance was rooted in his belief in the unity of all castes within Hindu society, advocating for broader participation in political leadership rather than segregation based on caste identities.

1. Starlink Satellites - Provide high-speed internet to remote regions
This is correctly matched. Starlink satellites, operated by SpaceX, are designed to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas globally.

2. Radio Astronomy - Studies celestial objects through visible light
This is incorrectly matched. Radio astronomy studies celestial objects through their radio frequencies, not visible light.

3. Greenland Landslide - Triggered a mega-tsunami with waves up to 200 meters high
This is correctly matched. The massive landslide in Greenland's Dickson Fjord did trigger a mega-tsunami with waves reaching heights of up to 200 meters.

4. PM Modi's Speech at UNGA - Advocated for a conflict-centric approach to global challenges
This is incorrectly matched. PM Modi emphasized a human-centric approach and collective strength for addressing global challenges, not a conflict-centric approach.

Hence, only two pairs (1 and 3) are correctly matched.

Statement-I is accurate as Mahatma Gandhi indeed initiated a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail, Pune, to oppose the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes as mentioned in the news. This is historically documented and aligns with the provided information.
However, Statement-II is incorrect. Ambedkar's stance was not solely about rejecting the religious basis of the caste system. Instead, he focused on empowering the lower castes politically to combat oppression within the Hindu social hierarchy. The statement misinterprets Ambedkar's core argument, making it incorrect in the context of the discussion provided in the source material.

1. Mary Poonen Lukose was the first woman to join the Travancore Legislative Council in 1924. - Correct. On September 23, 1924, Mary Poonen Lukose became the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, specifically the Travancore Legislative Council.

2. She was the first woman to graduate from Madras University. - Correct. Mary Poonen Lukose was the first woman to graduate from Madras University in 1909.

3. She was appointed the first woman Surgeon General of Travancore in 1924. - Incorrect. Mary Poonen Lukose was appointed the first woman Surgeon General of Travancore in 1938, not in 1924.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only. Hence, the correct answer is Option B

Mary Poonen Lukose made history by becoming the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, specifically the Travancore Legislative Council. She was a trailblazer in various fields, including medicine and public service, leaving a lasting impact on society through her pioneering work and contributions.

(Note: This question tests the candidate's knowledge of historical figures and their achievements in the context of gender equality and public service in India.)