Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 7th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) does indeed aim to double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers. This is a central objective of the scheme as it aligns with the broader goal of promoting the Blue Revolution in India's fisheries sector by enhancing productivity and sustainability.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While the PMMSY has the target to increase fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25, this target is for the entire nation, not specifically for the Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Tuna Cluster aims to leverage the potential of the area, but it does not individually account for the entire national target.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands does cover an area of approximately 6.0 lakh square kilometers, which is abundant in marine resources, especially various species of tuna.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right answer.

1. Kiphire - Part of the proposed 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' - Correct. Kiphire is indeed one of the six districts in Eastern Nagaland proposed to be part of the 'Frontier Nagaland Territory', which seeks greater autonomy.

2. Article 371(A) - Provides special provisions for all Indian states - Incorrect. Article 371(A) specifically provides special provisions for the State of Nagaland, not all Indian states. It safeguards Naga customs and addresses specific issues in the Tuensang region, which includes some of the Eastern Nagaland districts.

3. ENPO - Eastern Nagaland People's Organization advocating autonomy - Correct. The Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO) has been a key advocate for autonomy for the six districts in Eastern Nagaland and has been actively involved in negotiations for greater autonomy since 2010.

4. 16-Point Agreement - Led to the formation of Eastern Nagaland - Incorrect. The 16-Point Agreement was instrumental in the formation of the state of Nagaland from Assam in 1963. It did not specifically lead to the formation of Eastern Nagaland but acknowledged the special needs of certain areas like Tuensang.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the CZMP aims to protect sensitive ecological regions such as mangroves, coral reefs, and habitats for wildlife, aligning with the goals of the plan to manage and regulate activities in coastal areas for environmental preservation. Statement-II accurately states that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019 mandates coastal states and Union Territories in India to develop CZMPs, emphasizing the requirement for these plans to be established in accordance with national regulations. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically supports and provides the necessary context for Statement-I, making option A the correct answer.

1. United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) - Drug trafficking: Correct. The ULFA is known for its involvement in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, to fund its operations.

2. National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) - Arms smuggling: Correct. The NSCN has been involved in arms smuggling as part of its insurgent activities in the northeastern states of India.

3. Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) - Human trafficking: Incorrect. Hizb-ut-Tahrir is primarily known for its ideological and political activities rather than direct involvement in human trafficking. It is more associated with radicalization and spreading extremist ideologies.

4. Rameshwaram cafe blast - Drone usage in smuggling: Correct. Although the specific connection to the Rameshwaram cafe blast is not directly about drones, the conference discusses emerging threats like drone usage for smuggling, which is a relevant issue in current terrorism and organized crime discussions.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is not.

Statement-I is correct because vitamin D indeed plays a crucial role in maintaining the thymus gland, which is vital for immune function. The thymus gland is responsible for training T-cells to recognize and accept the body's own tissues, thus preventing autoimmune reactions.
Statement-II is also correct as vitamin D deficiency can indeed lead to autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D is crucial for regulating immune responses and fostering immune tolerance, which helps in preventing the immune system from attacking healthy tissues. Additionally, variations in the vitamin D receptor gene can increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, making individuals more sensitive to vitamin D levels.
Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically explains how Vitamin D deficiency can trigger autoimmune conditions by impacting immune responses and genetic pathways.

The primary objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is to provide financial support to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education without facing economic barriers. This scheme aims to ensure financial inclusion in education, support top educational institutions, and provide transparent and digital access to loans for students seeking higher education opportunities.

1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) : Initiative to promote inland fisheries only

- Incorrect. The PMMSY is a comprehensive scheme aimed at promoting the Blue Revolution in the fisheries sector, covering both marine and inland fisheries. It is not limited to inland fisheries.

2. Tuna species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands : Estimated harvest potential of 60,000 metric tons

- Correct. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a significant potential for harvesting various species of tuna, with an estimated potential of 60,000 metric tons.

3. Bluefin Tuna : Known for being low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids

- Correct. Bluefin Tuna, like other tuna species, is indeed known for being low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for health.

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands EEZ : Approximately 6.0 lakh square kilometers

- Correct. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is about 6.0 lakh square kilometers, providing a large area for marine resource exploitation.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 2, 3, and 4.

The upcoming anti-terror conference in New Delhi will focus on various critical issues, including exploring the role of organized crime in terror funding. This topic highlights the symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorist groups, shedding light on how these criminal enterprises can facilitate and finance terrorist operations. By addressing this issue, the conference aims to develop strategies to combat terrorism effectively by understanding and disrupting the financial networks that support such activities.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The demand for greater autonomy in Eastern Nagaland stems from historical administrative differences and significant developmental deficits. After the formation of Nagaland from Assam in 1963, these districts were administered differently due to their limited infrastructure and resources, which has led to ongoing developmental challenges.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the state of Nagaland, including safeguarding Naga customs and addressing specific issues in the Tuensang region. However, it does not explicitly provide for a separate legislature for the six eastern districts.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO) has been a key advocate for greater autonomy. They have been actively seeking negotiations directly with the central government, bypassing the state government, as they are dissatisfied with the current administration's approach to addressing the issues faced by Eastern Nagaland.

In summary, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right answer.

• Statement-I correctly highlights potential positive changes in India-U.S. trade relations under Trump 2.0, including the revival of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and enhanced military and technology access for India.
• Statement-II accurately reflects potential challenges that India might face under Trump 2.0's policies, such as issues related to immigration, technology transfer, and trade tariffs.
• Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.