Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 1st October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

White goods primarily refer to large household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines. These items were traditionally only available in white, hence the name 'white goods.' Despite being available in various colors today, they are still commonly referred to as white goods. In a broader sense, white goods can also include white or light-colored fabric-based products like linen, cotton items, curtains, towels, and bed sheets.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. White goods primarily refer to large household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines.

Statement 2: This statement is correct. The term "white goods" originally referred to household items that were only available in white. However, contemporary versions come in various colors yet are still commonly referred to as white goods.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. In the alcoholic beverage industry, white goods refer to colorless spirits like vodka and gin.

Hence, all the statements given above are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Statement-I incorrectly states that the Harpoon missile is primarily designed for land-strike missions. In reality, the Harpoon missile is a subsonic anti-ship cruise missile designed for engagements against ships, not specifically for land-strike missions. On the other hand, Statement-II is accurate in mentioning that the Harpoon missile uses GPS-aided inertial navigation for precise targeting of designated locations. This system helps ensure the accuracy of the missile when striking its intended targets, whether on land or at sea.

An annular solar eclipse is characterized by the Moon not entirely covering the Sun, leaving a visible "ring of fire" around the Moon. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. During an annular solar eclipse, observers witness a striking ring-like appearance around the silhouette of the Moon against the backdrop of the Sun.

1. Total Solar Eclipse: Correct. This pair is correctly matched. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely obscures the Sun, resulting in darkness during the day.
2. Annular Solar Eclipse: Incorrect. This pair is not correctly matched. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth, and it does not entirely cover the Sun, leaving a visible "ring of fire" around the Moon.
3. Partial Solar Eclipse: Correct. This pair is correctly matched. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks only a portion of the Sun, giving it a crescent appearance.
4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse: Correct. This pair is correctly matched. A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare type of eclipse that transitions between total and annular as the Moon's shadow moves across the Earth.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The correct answer is (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. The Kosi River is not known for its consistent eastward flow across the northern Indian plains. In fact, the Kosi River is notorious for its significant sediment transport and its propensity to shift its course, typically moving westward. Over the past 200 years, the river has migrated approximately 112 kilometers westward, causing extensive damage to agricultural lands. This history of the river's westward movement contradicts Statement-I. Statement-II is correct in highlighting the historical course changes and the river's tendency to shift its path, causing considerable human hardship due to flooding and unpredictable course alterations.

Neutrinos are challenging to detect due to their low interaction rate with other particles. This property allows them to pass through matter, including our bodies, without any harmful effects. Despite being abundant in the universe, their elusive nature stems from this minimal interaction, making them difficult to study and detect, even with advanced scientific instruments.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:
Statement-I is correct as ASI is a key source of data on organized manufacturing in India.
Statement-II is correct because ASI collects data from factories registered under the Factories Act of 1948, employing 10 or more workers with power.
Statement-III is also correct as ASI includes data from all electricity undertakings involved in generation, transmission, and distribution, regardless of their registration with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Both Statement-II and Statement-III contribute to the explanation of Statement-I by detailing the type of factories and establishments surveyed by ASI.

Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation:

• Row 1 is correct: Automotive is a significant contributor to manufacturing GVA, driven by the PLI scheme.
• Row 2 is correct: Food products do contribute to 18% of manufacturing GVA, and growth is driven by increased domestic demand.
• Row 3 is correct: Basic metals play a crucial role, especially due to global infrastructure demand.
• Row 4 is incorrect: While chemicals contribute significantly, the major growth driver here is not only green technologies but also demand in pharmaceuticals and other sectors.

Thus, only three rows are correctly matched.

1. Munda: Correctly matched. The Munda are indigenous to the Chotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand and migrated to Assam during colonial times to work in tea plantations.

2. Santhal: Incorrectly matched. The Santhal are originally from Jharkhand, not Assam, and are known for their traditional music and dance. They also migrated to Assam for tea plantation work.

3. Oraon: Correctly matched. The Oraon, originating from central India, have a significant presence in Assam's tea gardens, having migrated for work.

4. Kurukh: Correctly matched. The Kurukh are related to the Oraon, sharing linguistic and cultural connections, and are part of Assam's tea tribes.

Additional Information: The Santhal, while recognized for their cultural heritage, are not originally from Assam but from Jharkhand. They, along with other tribes, migrated to Assam's tea plantations during colonial times.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.