Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th March 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The World Spice Organisation (WSO) indeed focuses on food safety, sustainability, and market development in the spice industry. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including farmers and global spice associations, to enhance these aspects within the industry.

- Statement 2 is correct. The WSO was established in 2011 in Kochi, Kerala, which is known as the spice capital of India. This location is significant given India's prominent role in global spice production.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Despite being the largest producer and exporter of spices globally, India's share in the international seasoning market is only about 0.7%, not over 10%. Countries like China and the USA have larger shares, with China accounting for 12% and the USA for 11%.

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

The World Spice Organisation (WSO) primarily concentrates on ensuring food safety, sustainability, and market development in the spice industry. By collaborating with various stakeholders and emphasizing these aspects, the WSO aims to enhance the overall quality and competitiveness of the spice market, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.

1. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Incorrectly matched. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a campaign by the Government of India aimed at cleaning the streets, roads, and infrastructure of the country's cities and rural areas, not specifically providing financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission: Correctly matched. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.

3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Correctly matched. This scheme focuses on financial inclusion by opening bank accounts for the unbanked, including a significant focus on women, promoting their savings and financial independence.

4. Stand-Up India Scheme: Incorrectly matched. The Stand-Up India Scheme is meant to promote entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by facilitating bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, not focusing on digital connectivity.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a government initiative, indeed constructed over 116 million household toilets, which have significantly improved sanitation and dignity for women in rural areas. Similarly, the Jal Jeevan Mission has provided safe drinking water to over 150 million households, contributing to reducing the burden on women who previously spent significant time fetching water. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II explains how the Jal Jeevan Mission has positively impacted women's lives by enhancing their participation in economic activities.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. Dulcibella camanchaca is a newly discovered species of amphipod, but it was identified in the Atacama Trench, not the Mariana Trench. The Atacama Trench is located in the South Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Chile, and the discovery highlights life forms thriving under extreme conditions.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Semicon India Programme was indeed initiated in 2021 to foster semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems in India. The program includes constructing several semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facilities, such as the Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility in Assam and the Dholera Semiconductor Fabrication Facility in collaboration with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.

- Statement 3 is correct. Obesity in India has seen a significant increase, particularly among children, with a reported 244% increase in childhood obesity over the last 30 years. This rise is linked to changes in dietary habits and lifestyle.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative in India has made significant strides in improving women's access to sanitation and clean water. This initiative has constructed over 116 million household toilets, enhancing security and dignity for women in rural areas.

1. World Spice Organisation (WSO) - Established in 2011 in Chennai: Incorrect. The World Spice Organisation (WSO) was established in 2011 in Kochi, Kerala, not Chennai.

2. India - Largest producer and exporter of spices globally: Correct. India holds the title of being the largest producer and exporter of spices in the world.

3. Vietnam - Emerging competitor in spice trade: Correct. Vietnam is indeed an emerging competitor in the global spice trade, alongside countries like Indonesia, Brazil, and China.

4. Chili - Top export earner among Indian spices: Correct. Chili is noted as the top export earner among the various spices produced in India.

The pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is primarily caused by a viral infection. The varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, can reactivate in the body, leading to the development of shingles. This reactivation typically occurs in individuals who have previously had chickenpox and can result in a painful rash or blisters along with various symptoms like pain, itching, fever, and fatigue. The condition is most commonly observed in individuals over the age of 50.

1. Shingles - Contagious viral infection: Incorrect. Shingles itself is not contagious. However, the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox, potentially causing chickenpox in that person.

2. Shingrix - Vaccine for prevention: Correct. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

3. Postherpetic Neuralgia - Complication causing prolonged pain: Correct. Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles, characterized by prolonged pain even after the shingles rash has healed.

4. Varicella-Zoster Virus - Causes Chickenpox and Shingles: Correct. The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing chickenpox initially and can later reactivate as shingles in an individual.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I accurately describes Dulcibella camanchaca as a newly discovered species found at extreme depths near Chile. However, Statement-II is incorrect in suggesting that Dulcibella camanchaca exhibits scavenging behavior. The passage clearly states that Dulcibella camanchaca actively hunts for its food, showcasing predatory behavior unlike many deep-sea amphipods which scavenge. Thus, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.