Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 14th April 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I correctly states the historical roots of Kathak, mentioning its origins in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan where storytellers called Kathakars used dance and music for mythological storytelling. Statement-II is also correct as it highlights how Kathak declined during British colonial rule but experienced a revival as a classical dance form after India gained independence. Statement-II explains the historical trajectory of Kathak from decline to resurgence, making it the correct option.

- Statement 1 is correct: High-income countries are indeed projected to experience a significant labour shortage, with estimates of 40-50 million by 2030 and 120-160 million by 2040. This reflects a global demand for skilled labour that countries like India can fulfill by leveraging their demographic dividend.

- Statement 2 is correct: Research has shown that remittances have a developmental impact, and a 10% increase in remittances can indeed lead to a 3.5% reduction in poverty. This highlights the potential of migration and remittances as tools for economic development and poverty alleviation.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: While India's remittances are accurately reported at $125 billion annually, the percentage of its population that are migrants is approximately 1.3%, not 5%. This indicates a significant untapped potential for India to increase its global workforce participation.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right choice.

Statement-I correctly highlights the significant remittances India receives annually and the low percentage of its population that are migrants. Statement-II suggests that India can enhance its global talent supply through structured overseas employment strategies, which is a valid point but does not directly explain or correlate with the information provided in Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are individually correct but are not directly related or explanatory of each other.

1. Statement 1: Phawngpui National Park was officially notified in 1997, but it is often cited as established in 1992 for conservation planning purposes.
- This statement is correct. Phawngpui National Park was indeed notified in 1997, although it is often referenced as established in 1992 for the purposes of conservation planning.

2. Statement 2: The park is located in the Lawngtlai District of southeastern Mizoram, near the India-Myanmar border.
- This statement is also correct. The information provided confirms that Phawngpui National Park is situated in the Lawngtlai District of southeastern Mizoram close to the India-Myanmar border.

3. Statement 3: The Chhimtuipui River, also known as the Kalodyne, runs along the park's western boundary.
- This statement is incorrect. The Chhimtuipui River, also known as the Kalodyne, runs along the park's eastern boundary, not the western boundary.

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

Statement-I is correct as Phawngpui National Park covers an area of 50 square kilometers and was indeed established in 1997. Statement-II is also correct as Phawngpui Peak, the highest point in Mizoram at 2,157 meters above sea level, is indeed located within the park. Furthermore, Statement-II explains Statement-I as the establishment of the park in 1997 encompasses the area where Phawngpui Peak is situated.

1. Urban Income Concerns: Increased income levels

- Incorrect. The concern is about income stagnation despite job optimism, not increased income levels.

2. Rising Cost of Living: Prioritization of essential goods

- Correct. Urban consumers are adjusting their spending habits, prioritizing essential goods due to inflation pressures.

3. Rural vs. Urban Economic Outlook: Greater income pessimism in urban areas

- Incorrect. The greater income pessimism is noted in rural areas, not urban areas, due to reliance on agriculture and limited access to high-paying jobs.

4. Kathak: Dance form evolved during the Bhakti movement

- Correct. Kathak evolved in North India, particularly during the Bhakti movement (8th-12th centuries CE).

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Phawngpui National Park - Mizoram: Correctly matched. Phawngpui National Park is indeed located in Mizoram. It is a significant ecological site within the state, known for its rich biodiversity.

2. Mrs. Hume’s pheasant - State bird of Mizoram: Correctly matched. Mrs. Hume’s pheasant is recognized as the state bird of Mizoram, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance in the region.

3. Thlazuang Khâm - River in Phawngpui National Park: Incorrectly matched. Thlazuang Khâm is not a river but a steep cliff located in Phawngpui National Park. The Chhimtuipui River, also known as the Kalodyne, runs along the park's eastern boundary, marking the border with Myanmar.

4. Eulalia triplicate - Species of bamboo found in the park: Correctly matched. Eulalia triplicate is a species of bamboo that is found in Phawngpui National Park, contributing to its diverse flora.

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

Statement 1 is correct. The India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) is indeed part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). This initiative was formally endorsed on September 10, 2023, during the 2023 G20 summit held in New Delhi, which highlights the international backing and collaboration involved in this project.
Statement 2 is correct. The primary objective of the IMEEC is to foster integration between Asia and the Middle East by focusing on infrastructure development that enhances economic cooperation and trade. This is aimed at improving regional connectivity, which is crucial for stimulating economic growth and facilitating trade routes.
Statement 3 is correct. The IMEEC plans to connect several key ports across different regions, thereby establishing a robust trade network. These include ports like Mundra in India, Haifa in Israel, and Piraeus in Greece. By connecting these strategic locations, the corridor aims to create a cost-efficient transit network that improves existing transport links.
All three statements accurately describe the components and objectives of the IMEEC initiative. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Phawngpui National Park is named after Phawngpui Peak, with the term derived from the Lai language where "phong" means meadow and "pui" means great. This name signifies the region's grassy ridges, highlighting the park's unique landscape. The park is alternatively known as the Blue Mountain due to the cloud cover that gives the peak a bluish appearance from afar.

1. UAE - Jebel Ali Port: Correct. Jebel Ali Port is one of the key ports in the UAE connected to the IMEEC.
2. Saudi Arabia - Haifa Port: Incorrect. Haifa Port is in Israel, not Saudi Arabia. The correct Saudi Arabian port involved in the project is Dammam.
3. Italy - Messina Port: Correct. Messina Port is one of the ports in Italy connected to the IMEEC.
4. France - Marseille Port: Correct. Marseille Port is one of the ports in France connected to the IMEEC.
In conclusion, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Hence, there are three correctly matched pairs.