Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd March 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Sheathia rosemalayensis, the newly identified species of freshwater algae, was found in Rosemala, situated in the Western Gats of Kerala. This discovery is significant as species of the Sheathia genus are exceptionally rare in India, with this particular species being unique to the southern Western Gats region.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Dog-Faced Water Snake has been typically found in mangroves and coastal mudflats across Southeast Asia. Recently, it has been spotted in Northeast India, which is beyond its usual coastal habitat, making this statement accurate.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Dog-Faced Water Snake indeed has a wide head and snout that gives it a "dog-faced" appearance, it is not adapted for swimming in deep ocean waters. Instead, it is well-adapted for swimming in slow-moving, shallow, and murky waters, not deep ocean waters.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Dog-Faced Water Snake is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, not Endangered. Therefore, this statement is false.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

The doctrine of precedent in the Indian legal system plays a crucial role in promoting consistency and fairness in legal decisions. This principle requires lower courts to follow the decisions made by higher courts, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike. By adhering to precedent, the legal system maintains stability and upholds the rule of law, preventing arbitrary judgments based on personal preferences.

Statement-I is accurate as astronauts indeed experience various physiological changes due to extended spaceflight, such as fluid shifts, muscle weakening, and reduced bone density. Statement-II is also correct as post-flight rehabilitation is crucial for astronauts to re-adapt to Earth's gravity. However, Statement-II does not directly explain the physiological changes mentioned in Statement-I but rather focuses on the critical need for rehabilitation post-space missions. Thus, both statements are correct but do not have an explanatory relationship, making option (b) the correct answer.

• Statement 1 is correct. Extended stays in space lead to various physiological changes such as fluid shifts, muscle weakening, and reduced bone density. These issues are managed through strict exercise and diet routines while astronauts are in space.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. NASA and Roscosmos have different recovery protocols in place for their astronauts. Each space agency follows its own set of guidelines to ensure the well-being of their personnel after missions.
• Statement 3 is correct. The majority of astronauts are able to regain their pre-flight fitness within 45 days after returning from space. However, the rehabilitation period might extend for some astronauts depending on their individual recovery progress and specific needs.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

- Statement 1 is correct. Article 141 of the Indian Constitution states that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within India. This ensures consistency and uniformity in the application of law across different cases and courts.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Obiter Dicta are non-essential remarks or observations made by a judge that are not binding. They do not have the force of law like Ratio Decidendi, which is the principle or reason for the decision in a case.

- Statement 3 is correct. Ratio Decidendi is the legal reasoning or principle underlying a judicial decision, which is binding on lower courts in similar future cases. It is the essential part of a judgment that must be followed to maintain legal consistency.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Nano Urea Production - Emphasized for enhancing crop yields

This pair is correctly matched. The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended increasing the production capacity of Nano Urea due to its potential to enhance crop yields.

2. Urea Subsidy Scheme - Scheduled for discontinuation in 2025

This pair is incorrectly matched. The continuation of the Urea Subsidy Scheme was emphasized because of its critical role in food grain production, not its discontinuation.

3. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme - Impacted by budget cuts

This pair is correctly matched. The budget for the Department of Fertilizers was cut, impacting the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme.

4. Domestic Mining Initiatives - Aimed at reducing dependency on imports

This pair is correctly matched. The Committee highlighted the need for domestic exploration and production through mining lease agreements to achieve self-reliance and reduce dependency on imports.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly reflects the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers regarding the expansion of Nano Urea and Nano DAP production capacity to enhance agricultural productivity. Statement-II accurately captures India's efforts to seek a global ban on the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) due to concerns about its activities. However, these statements address distinct topics without a direct explanatory link between them, making option (B) the correct choice.

Astronauts undergo a structured recovery process after extended space missions, including a tailored rehabilitation program that is customized to address each astronaut's individual needs. This program focuses on regaining fitness and strength, essential for readjusting safely to life on Earth after exposure to microgravity. It is crucial in helping astronauts overcome the physiological changes they experience during space missions and facilitates their re-adaptation to Earth's gravity.

1. Dog-Faced Water Snake - Found in Rosemala, Kerala: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Dog-Faced Water Snake is typically found in coastal areas and mangroves, not specifically in Rosemala, Kerala. Rosemala is the discovery site for Sheathia rosemalayensis, a freshwater algae, not the snake.

2. Sheathia rosemalayensis - Newly discovered species of freshwater algae: This pair is correctly matched. Sheathia rosemalayensis is indeed a newly discovered species of freshwater algae found in Rosemala, Kerala.

3. Dog-Faced Water Snake - Typically found in mangroves and coastal mudflats: This pair is correctly matched. The Dog-Faced Water Snake is known for inhabiting mangroves, coastal mudflats, and estuarine environments.

4. Sheathia rosemalayensis - Previously found in the Himalayas: This pair is incorrectly matched. Sheathia rosemalayensis is a new discovery and has not been previously found in the Himalayas. It is distinct to the Western Ghats in Kerala.

Only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.