Daily Current Affairs MCQ- November 6, 2023 - UPSC MCQ

Recently, a new species of gecko has been discovered in the Western Ghats near Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.

• Cnemaspis rashidi is new species of gecko.
• So far, 93 species of gecko have been documented and this is the 94th species.
• The new species is also called Rashid’s dwarf gecko as it is the smallest among the genus.
• It is approximately two inches long from its snout to vent.
• It was found at an altitude of 1,245 metres at Kottamalai estate near Rajapalayam.
• Appearance: It displayed a combination of beautiful colour pattern of yellow, white and black adorning its back, making it stand out among its gecko relatives. 
•  It is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Key points about Western Ghats

• It is also called as Sahyadri, north–south-running range of mountains in western India. 
• It forms the crest of the western edge of the Deccan plateau parallel to the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea.
• The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hot spot, a biologically rich but threatened region, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• They play a huge role in India’s monsoon weather pattern.

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

The finance ministry has come out with an amnesty scheme for filing appeals against Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand orders.

• GST Amnesty Scheme will be open till January 31, 2024.
• It will be available for entities that were unable to submit their appeals against orders issued by the tax officer on or before March 31, 2023,
• The scheme aims to help those who missed the deadline for filing appeals due to various reasons, including administrative errors or unforeseen circumstances.
• The entities willing to avail of the scheme will have to pre-deposit 12.5 per cent of the tax demand, against 10 per cent currently.
• Significance
• This initiative can also promote enhanced compliance among taxpayers.
• A fair and lenient approach to appeal filing encourages better cooperation with tax authorities and a willingness to resolve disputes or clarify tax matters.
• Additionally, by allowing disputes to be resolved more efficiently, the scheme may reduce the burden on the legal system.
• This benefits both taxpayers and the tax administration by streamlining the appeal process and potentially reducing the need.

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, a youth delegation from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh who are attending Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP) called on the President of India.

• Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organizes Tribal Youth Exchange Programme for the development of tribal youth with the support of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• Objectives
• To provide an opportunity to the tribal youth of 30 selected districts of 07 States for exposure visit to 10 different places of the country to understand the cultural ethos, language, lifestyles of the people depicting socio–economic & cultural development & development process unity in diversity aspect of our national life.
• To expose tribal youth to the technological and industrial advancement that have taken place in different States of the country with focus on various developmental activities, skill development, educational & employment opportunities available there.
• To sensitize the tribal youth about their rich traditional & cultural heritage and enable them to preserve it for the future generation.
• To help the tribal youth to develop emotional linkages with their peer groups in other part of the country and enhance their self esteem.
• To provide opportunities to the participants for interactions with Hon’ble President of India, PM & CM, Governor & other VIPs, the local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions and the youths affiliated with the NYKS Youth Clubs so as understand development issues, seek guidance for their involvement in the process of development.
• To develop personality of the tribal youth by enhancing their understanding of Ten Core Life Skills, identify their skill development oriented training needs and fulfilment of their legitimate career aspirations through Employable Skills, Scheme of Government of India and State Govt and provide them necessary guidance and career counselling.
• To provide exposure to industry and Skill Development programme which can facilitate the provision of employment to the tribal youth?
• To provide literature on developmental schemes of the Centre & State pertaining to tribals.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Guindy National Park, teeming with blackbuck and birds, is one of the very few national parks situated in an Indian city.

• It is India’s eighth-smallest national park and one of the very few national parks located inside a city.
• It is located in the heart of Chennai’s metropolitan area of Tamil Nadu.
• It is one of the last remnants of the tropical dry evergreen forests of the Coromandel Coast.
• Flora: Tropical dry evergreen forest, Scrub and thorn forests.
• Fauna: Blackbuck, Toddy cat, Civet cat, Jungle cat, Pangolin, Hedgehog, Shrew and black-naped hare etc.

Key points about the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests of India

• The Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest is a unique forest found only in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• The dissymmetric climatic condition of this region, where rainfall occurs both during summer and winter monsoons and extended the dry season from March to September, favours the development and sustenance of the Tropical Dry Evergreen forest in this narrow strip.
• It looks like a scrub-woodland or an opportunistic assemblage of species adapted to local microclimatic conditions.
• It is known to have a mixture of trees, shrubs, climbers, grasses and herbs.

Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Russia recently carried out a successful test launch of the Bulava ballistic missile, designed to carry nuclear warheads.

About Bulava Ballistic Missile:

• It is a new Russian submarine-launched Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
• Development of this missile commenced in 1998. The first powered flight test of the Bulava missile occurred in September 2005. It’s first submerged test launch followed in December. 
• It was designed to be deployed onto Russia’s Borey-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN’s).
• Features:
• It was designed to be the backbone of Moscow's nuclear triad and has a range of over 8,000 kilometres (close to 5,000 miles).
• It is 12-13.5 m in length and has a diameter of approximately 2.0 m.
• Launch Weight: 36,800 kg.
• It is a three-stage solid-fuel missile.
• It is designed to carry multiple warheads. Each warhead will strike a different target. 
• It can carry 6 Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).  These MIRVs capable of maneuvering in-flight and re-targeting, in order to outmaneuver hostile air defenses.
• It is stated that this missile has an accuracy of 350 m.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

The Indian Army is preparing to induct six Apache attack helicopters armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets.

About Apache Attack Helicopter:

• It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• It is also known as the Apache Guardian.
• The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.
• Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.
• Features of AH-64E Apache: 
• It is designed and equipped with open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems. 
• It has greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability, and cognitive decision aiding.
• The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
• Apache for Indian defence forces: The Indian Air Force has a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and in 2020, Boeing signed an agreement with the Government of India for the acquisition of six more Apache helicopters for the Indian Army.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

A new snail species named Alycaeus himalayae was recently discovered from a cave in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Alycaeus himalayae:

• It is a new snail species belonging to the genus Alycaeus.
• Alycaeus is a genus of small land snails.
• The genus is the first to be reported in India, as this genus is restricted to Southeast Asia and not known in the Indian region.
• This new species differs from all other Himalayan alycaeid species due to its yellowish, conical shell.
• The most similar shell in the vicinity is Stomacosmethis spratti from the Shan States, Myanmar.
• It differs from all other Alycaeus species by the characteristic trumpet-like projection on the outer side of the operculum.
• It is, so far, the only Alycaeus species inhabiting the Himalayas.
• All other known Alycaeus species are reported from Laos, Vietnam, southern Thailand, and Peninsular Malaysia.

Hence option a is the correct answer.

Recently, a delegation of senior forest officers and frontline staff from Cambodia came for training at Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) and studied India’s tiger reintroduction programme and all its aspects.

About Panna Tiger Reserve:

• Location: It is a critical tiger habitat located in the Vindhyan mountain range in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994. 
• Landscape:
• It is characterized with a 'Table Top' topography.
• It consists of extensive plateaus and gorges.
• River: Ken River flows from south to north through the reserve.
• Flora:
• The dominant vegetation type is dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland areas.  
• In the north, it is surrounded by teak forest, and in the east, it is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forest.
• The tree species Acacia catachu dominates the dry, steep slopes of the plateaus here.
• Fauna:
• It supports a sizable population of Sloth Bear, Leopard, and Striped Hyena.
• Other prominent carnivores are Jackal, Wolf, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, and Rusty Spotted Cat.

Hence both statements are correct.

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Ltd. is diversifying its mineral portfolio by initiating gold mining operations in Western Australia through its subsidiary, Legacy Iron Ore Ltd.

About National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC):

• Incorporated in 1958 as a Government of India public enterprise, NMDC is India’s largest producer of iron ore.
• It is a Navratna public-sector enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
• The company is engaged in the exploration of a range of minerals, including iron ore, copper, rock phosphate, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, bentonite, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, and beach sands.
• It owns and operates highly mechanized iron ore mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
• It also operates the only mechanized diamond mine in India at Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
• NMDC is considered to be one of the low-cost producers of iron ore in the world.
• The company sells most of their high-grade iron ore production to the Indian domestic steel market, primarily pursuant to long-term sales contracts. 
• The registered office is located in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

The Prime Minister of India officially opened World Food India 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, New Delhi. During the event, the PM disbursed seed capital assistance to over one lakh self-help groups (SHGs) and inaugurated a “food street”. The first edition of the event was held in 2017.