Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 24th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights the exceptional rainfall in India in May and the factors contributing to it, such as western disturbances and moisture-laden winds. Statement-II elaborates on the significance of heat lows in influencing the monsoon, explaining how their absence can impact rainfall patterns, especially in northwest and central India. The presence of heat lows creates conditions conducive to monsoon circulation, emphasizing their importance for agriculture and timely rainfall. Thus, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II providing a contextual explanation that complements Statement-I.

1. Correctness of Statement 1: This statement is correct. Keoladeo National Park is indeed recognized as a sanctuary for both birds and eight out of ten turtle species found in Rajasthan. It is a critical site for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing its dual role in protecting avian and reptilian species.

2. Correctness of Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Supreme Court ruled that Zudpi Jungle lands should be classified as forest land due to their ecological significance and their role as wildlife corridors. This classification is essential for ensuring their protection under forest conservation laws.

3. Correctness of Statement 3: This statement is correct. Keoladeo National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly due to its strategic location in the Central Asian migratory flyway, which is crucial for many migratory bird species.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

- Statement 1 is correct. The World Organisation for Animal Health's report indeed highlights that nearly 47 percent of infectious animal diseases are capable of zoonotic transmission, posing significant threats to human health. This statement is directly aligned with the findings presented in the report.

- Statement 2 is correct. The GENIUS Act requires that stablecoins are backed 1:1 by fiat currency or high-quality liquid assets as part of its regulatory framework, ensuring their stability and reducing the risk of financial instability.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While Alicella gigantea is found in deep-sea environments, it is more commonly associated with abyssal depths (3,000 to 6,000 meters) rather than primarily in hadal zones (greater than 6,000 meters). Though it can inhabit hadal zones, the statement's emphasis on "primarily" is misleading given the species' broader range.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate interpretations of the provided information, while statement 3 contains inaccuracies regarding the primary habitat of Alicella gigantea.

1. Zoonotic Diseases - Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans
This pair is correctly matched. Zoonotic diseases are indeed those that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing significant health risks.

2. Bluetongue - A disease affecting small ruminants like sheep
This pair is correctly matched. Bluetongue is a viral disease that primarily affects ruminants such as sheep, and it is spread by biting midges.

3. African Swine Fever - Recently spread to Europe
This pair is incorrectly matched. African Swine Fever has not recently spread to Europe; it has been present there for some time. The recent spread noted in the report is to Sri Lanka.

4. Binary Star System - Includes a neutron star and a helium-rich companion star
This pair is incorrectly matched. The report mentions a binary star system discovered with a millisecond pulsar and a helium-rich companion star, not specifically a neutron star.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

The primary goal of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative is to recognize and preserve eco-friendly traditional farm practices along with their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and knowledge systems of the local communities. By identifying and safeguarding these systems, the initiative aims to ensure sustainable agriculture, protect cultural heritage, and maintain biodiversity for future generations.

1. Keoladeo National Park - Located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan: This pair is correctly matched. Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is indeed located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
2. Zudpi Jungles - Recognized as forest land since the 1980s by the Maharashtra government: This pair is correctly matched. The Maharashtra government has recognized Zudpi Jungles as forest-like areas since the 1980s due to their ecological significance.
3. Keoladeo National Park - Ramsar Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site: This pair is correctly matched. Keoladeo National Park is both a Ramsar Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its international ecological importance.
4. Zudpi Jungles - Primarily a wet evergreen forest: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Zudpi Jungles are characterized by low-quality vegetation, primarily consisting of shrubs and dry plants, not wet evergreen forests. The soil type is Murmadi, which is not suitable for large trees.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Western Disturbances: This is incorrectly matched. Western disturbances originate from the Mediterranean region, not the Atlantic Ocean. They are important for winter and pre-monsoon rainfall in the northwestern parts of India.

2. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): This is correctly matched. A positive IOD is characterized by warmer waters near the western Indian Ocean (near Africa) and cooler waters near the eastern Indian Ocean (near Indonesia), which enhances monsoon winds and rainfall in India.

3. Heat Lows in Northwest India: This is incorrectly matched. Heat lows actually help in the formation and strengthening of the monsoon by creating low-pressure areas that attract moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean. They do not contribute to the weakening of the monsoon.

4. El Niño: This is incorrectly matched. El Niño weakens the Indian monsoon by suppressing the formation of low-pressure systems over the subcontinent, which often results in reduced rainfall.

The main goal of the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund is to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through equity funding. This initiative was launched to empower MSMEs, reduce their reliance on debt, and foster long-term growth in various sectors like manufacturing, services, innovation, research and development, and exports.

Statement-I correctly highlights the significance of Keoladeo National Park as a sanctuary for turtles, along with its reputation for avian diversity. Statement-II accurately reflects the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the classification of Zudpi Jungles as forest land in Eastern Vidarbha. However, these two statements do not have a direct explanatory link between them. While both statements are individually correct, they represent information from distinct contexts within the field of environment conservation, making option (b) the most appropriate choice.

Statement 1: Correct. The INSPIRE scheme was indeed launched in 2008 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) with the aim of enhancing India's scientific research capabilities. It focuses on building a robust human resource base in science and technology.

Statement 2: Incorrect. INSPIRE fellowship candidates are selected based on merit without any entrance examinations. The selection is primarily based on academic performance and the quality of research proposals, not through a national-level entrance exam.

Statement 3: Correct. The INSPIRE scheme includes three main components: SEATS (Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent), SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education), and AORC (Assured Opportunity for Research Careers). These components are designed to nurture scientific talent from school level to doctoral research.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.