Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 6th August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights the historical context of India's relationship with Bangladesh and the issues that led to a deterioration in the mid-1970s. On the other hand, Statement-II inaccurately portrays Bangladesh as India's 25th largest trading partner with a bilateral trade size of $12.9 billion. This information is not supported by the provided text, which does not mention these specific trade statistics. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano: Only known volcano actively erupting carbonatite magma - Correct. Ol Doinyo Lengai is indeed the only known volcano in the world that actively erupts carbonatite magma.

2. Western Ghats: Longest mountain range in India - Incorrect. While the Western Ghats are significant, the longest mountain range in India is the Himalayas.

3. Anamudi: Highest peak in the Western Ghats - Correct. Anamudi is indeed the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

4. Godavari River: Originates in the Western Ghats - Correct. The Godavari River originates in the Western Ghats, specifically in the Nashik District of Maharashtra.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

All three statements are correct based on the context provided:

1. Sheikh Hasina's departure signifies India losing a trusted regional partner after 17 years.

- Sheikh Hasina had been a significant ally for India, fostering strong bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and achieving historic agreements like the land boundary agreement. Her departure indeed marks a loss of a trusted partner for India.

2. The demonstrations in Bangladesh were primarily against the reinstatement of a 30% quota in government jobs for individuals who fought for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan and their descendants.

- The text clearly indicates that the recent protests in Bangladesh were centered around the job quota system, specifically the reinstatement of a 30% quota for those who fought for independence and their descendants.

3. India's strategic and security interests could be compromised with an increasing Chinese presence in Bangladesh.

- The text highlights the growing concern over China's influence in Bangladesh, which could potentially isolate India from friendly neighboring countries and compromise its strategic and security interests.

Thus, all the statements are accurate reflections of the information provided.

1. Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant - India and Bangladesh: Correctly matched. This project is a key initiative between India and Bangladesh in the power and energy sector.

2. Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre - India and Pakistan: Incorrectly matched. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre is in Dhaka, Bangladesh, promoting cultural cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

3. GNCT Act - Powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Correctly matched. The Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) Act pertains to the powers and functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

4. Boko Haram Insurgency - Nigeria: Correctly matched. Boko Haram is a militant Islamist group based in Nigeria, and the insurgency is a major security threat in the country.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

1. The Constitution (69th Amendment) Act of 1991 introduced Article 239AA, which established an elected Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. - This statement is correct. The 69th Amendment to the Indian Constitution indeed introduced Article 239AA, which provides for an elected Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

2. The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi must act according to the advice of the Council of Ministers in all matters. - This statement is incorrect. The Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in matters where the Legislative Assembly has legislative powers. However, it did not state "in all matters," as the LG can exercise discretion when required by law.

3. Under Article 239AB, the President of India can suspend the provisions of Article 239AA for the administration of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. - This statement is correct. Article 239AB allows the President of India to suspend the operation of any provision of Article 239AA if deemed necessary for the proper administration of the NCT of Delhi.

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

1. Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only known volcano in the world that actively erupts carbonatite magma.

- This statement is correct. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique for its active eruptions of carbonatite magma, which is highly fluid and contains high concentrations of calcium and sodium but low in silica.

2. The volcano is located in the Arusha Region of Kenya.

- This statement is incorrect. Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, not Kenya.

3. The carbonatite magma of Ol Doinyo Lengai has a high silica content, typically above 45%.

- This statement is incorrect. The carbonatite magma of Ol Doinyo Lengai is noted for its low silica content, typically less than 25%, which is much lower than the 45-70% silica content found in most other terrestrial magmas.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

Substantive equality, as highlighted by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, aims to address the actual disparities and disadvantages faced by individuals or groups due to their unique circumstances or historical injustices. Unlike formal equality, substantive equality seeks to level the playing field by recognizing and addressing specific needs and barriers that different individuals or groups encounter. It does not focus on treating everyone the same but rather on providing support and adjustments based on historical contexts and unique challenges faced by various groups.

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano is unique for erupting carbonatite magma actively. This type of magma is characterized by its high alkali content, particularly calcium and sodium, and its low silica content. Unlike most terrestrial magmas rich in silica, carbonatite magma at Ol Doinyo Lengai contains less than 25% silica, making it an exceptional geological feature. Upon eruption, the lava initially appears black or dark gray but transitions to white due to its chemical composition and weathering process.

- Statement-I correctly describes the location and elevation of Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano in Tanzania.
- Statement-II accurately highlights the unique feature of Ol Doinyo Lengai as the only volcano globally that erupts carbonatite magma, which contains less than 25% silica by weight. This magma type is distinct due to its composition, setting Ol Doinyo Lengai apart from other volcanoes.

Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides an explanation for Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

- Statement-I is accurate as per the provided information. Sheikh Hasina did resign as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and subsequently left for India due to the ongoing violent protests demanding her resignation.
- Statement-II is factually correct. Statement-II: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) indeed implemented new FASTag regulations effective August 1, 2024. These regulations are aimed at improving toll collection efficiency, including mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) updates and linking FASTags to vehicle registration and chassis numbers​