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

Lipulekh Pass is a crucial link between India and Nepal, facilitating trade and pilgrimage routes between the two countries due to its strategic location in the Himalayan region.

1. Rani Durgavati - Chandel Dynasty: Correct. Rani Durgavati was indeed from the Chandel dynasty, as she was born into the family of the Chandel emperor, Keerat Rai.

2. Dalpatshah - Sultan of Malwa: Incorrect. Dalpatshah was not the Sultan of Malwa; he was the eldest son of King Sangramshah of the Gond Dynasty and was married to Rani Durgavati.

3. Baz Bahadur - Mughal General: Incorrect. Baz Bahadur was not a Mughal General; he was the Sultan of Malwa, whom Rani Durgavati successfully combated during her reign.

4. Garha-Katanga - Gond Kingdom: Correct. Garha-Katanga was the kingdom over which Rani Durgavati ruled, and it was indeed part of the Gond Kingdom.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement 1 is correct. VSHORADS is indeed a type of Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances. Its primary function is to provide a defense mechanism against aerial threats that occur at lower altitudes, making it a crucial component for short-range air defense.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The VSHORADS missile utilizes a dual-thrust solid motor, not a single-thrust solid motor. The dual-thrust mechanism is vital for enhancing the missile's performance and reliability, allowing it to effectively engage and neutralize potential threats quickly.

Statement 3 is correct. The VSHORADS system is specifically designed to be lightweight, which is a significant advantage in terms of portability and rapid deployment. This feature is particularly beneficial in challenging terrains such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where quick and efficient deployment can be crucial for maintaining defense preparedness.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Row 1: The World Bank publishes the Doing Business Index, focusing on ease of doing business (correct).
• Row 2: The Global Innovation Index is published by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and focuses on innovation, not human development (incorrect).
• Row 3: The World Economic Forum publishes the Global Competitiveness Index, which measures the competitiveness of countries (correct).
• Row 4: The United Nations (through UNDP) publishes the Human Development Index, which measures life expectancy, education, and income (correct).

Thus, three rows are correctly matched.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:
Statement I is correct because the B-READY Index is a new initiative designed to evaluate the business environment globally. Statement II is incorrect because the B-READY Index incorporates broader parameters such as digitalization, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. Statement III is correct, as the index plans to initially cover 54 economies with the goal of expanding to 180 countries by 2026. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

The primary objective of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM 2.0) is to enhance livelihood opportunities for specific urban groups, including construction workers, gig workers, waste management workers, care workers, domestic workers, and transportation workers. This mission aims to organize the urban poor into grassroots institutions, provide skill development opportunities, and assist in establishing self-employment ventures through easy access to credit. By focusing on these key areas, the NULM 2.0 seeks to uplift the livelihoods of vulnerable groups in urban areas and promote sustainable economic development.

Statement 1 is correct. Rani Durgavati was indeed a ruler who is celebrated for her valiant defense of her kingdom against the Mughal forces. She belonged to the Chandel dynasty by birth but became a part of the Gond kingdom through marriage.

Statement 2 is correct. Rani Durgavati moved the capital of her kingdom from Singaurgarh to Chauragarh, which is strategically located in the Satpura range. This move was significant for the defense and administration of her territory.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Rani Durgavati was born into the Chandel dynasty, not the Gond dynasty, although she did become a Gond queen through her marriage to Dalpatshah. While she was known for her bravery and administrative skills, the statement inaccurately suggests her birth into the Gond dynasty.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B

Statement-I is accurate. The Lipulekh Pass is indeed a vital link connecting Uttarakhand in India with the Tibet region of China. This geographical fact is well-documented and established.
However, Statement-II is incorrect. The Indian grey wolf is known to travel in smaller packs compared to other wolf species, not larger packs. This characteristic behavior sets the Indian grey wolf apart from its counterparts.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (c): Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

Statement-I is accurate. The Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) has indeed been developed and designed in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, as mentioned in the source material.

However, Statement-II is Correct. The National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) was initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MHUPA) in 2013. 

1. Statement 1: Lipulekh Pass is indeed located near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, making it strategically significant for access to the upper Himalayan regions. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: The pass is indeed part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, which is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus. This statement is correct as well.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Lipulekh Pass was not the first Indian border post opened for trade with China in the early 2000s. It was opened in 1992, followed by others like Shipki La Pass in 1994 and Nathu La Pass in 2006.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.