Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 26th April 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) - Aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2050.
This statement is correct. The KMGBF aims to halt biodiversity loss and ensure harmony between humans and nature by 2050, aligning with its goals to protect significant land and marine areas.
2. Revive Our Ocean Initiative - Launched to protect 50% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
This statement is incorrect. The Revive Our Ocean Initiative aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, not 50%. This aligns with the global 30x30 target set in the KMGBF.
3. Medes Island, Spain - Generates economic benefits from diving tourism.
This statement is correct. The economic benefits from diving tourism in Medes Island, Spain, are highlighted as generating €16 million annually, showcasing the economic advantages of marine protected areas.
4. Ocean Acidification - Negatively affects coral reef health.
This statement is correct. Ocean acidification has significant adverse effects on marine life, including the health and survival of coral reefs, which are sensitive to changes in ocean pH levels.
Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. The United Nations has indeed extended the Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, underscoring the need for nutrition education as a crucial component for tackling malnutrition and promoting healthy eating habits among children.

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Black Sea does not offer Russia its coldest waters. Instead, it provides warm waters that are strategically significant for Russia, enabling direct maritime access to the Mediterranean. The Black Sea serves as Russia's warmest maritime region, crucial for its economic and military operations.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. The initiative to integrate nutrition education into school curriculums aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

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

The United Nations extended the Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030 to emphasize the importance of addressing malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition and obesity. This initiative underscores the global focus on tackling malnutrition and integrating nutrition education in schools, highlighting the significance of promoting healthy eating habits from a young age. By extending this commitment, the aim is to prevent long-term health issues and foster healthier future generations through effective nutrition education.

Pakistan's decision to close its airspace has led to longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and operational challenges for Indian airlines. This closure impacts west-bound flights from northern Indian cities like Delhi to various international destinations. Airlines are now required to reroute flights over the Arabian Sea, resulting in extended travel durations and higher fuel consumption. Additionally, operational adjustments such as fuel management and payload modifications may be necessary to comply with weight limits, potentially impacting passenger numbers or baggage allowances. This closure is expected to increase operational costs and could lead to potential fare hikes for Indian carriers.

1. Air India - Most affected airline due to the closure. This pair is correctly matched. Air India is expected to be the most affected due to its numerous direct flights from Delhi to Europe, the US, and Canada, which are impacted by the closure.

2. IndiGo - Faces no impact as it does not operate in affected regions. This pair is incorrectly matched. IndiGo has expanded its operations into Central Asia, Turkey, and the Caucasus, regions affected by the airspace closure, thus it will face significant impacts.

3. Increased Costs - Expected for Indian airlines due to rerouted flights. This pair is correctly matched. The closure leads to longer flight paths over the Arabian Sea, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.

4. Foreign Airlines - Experience no competitive advantage over Indian carriers. This pair is incorrectly matched. Foreign airlines that can utilize Pakistani airspace will have a cost advantage over Indian carriers on shared routes.

Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the goal of the 'Revive Our Ocean' initiative, aiming to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Statement-II correctly mentions the launch of the initiative by notable figures including David Attenborough, in collaboration with Dynamic Planet and National Geographic's Pristine Seas. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation or additional information related to Statement-I, making option (b) the most appropriate answer.

The primary objective of the 'Revive Our Ocean' initiative is to enhance marine conservation efforts by scaling up effective, community-led marine protected areas (MPAs). This initiative aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). By focusing on successful MPA models, this initiative highlights the importance of community involvement and sustainability in marine conservation.

1. Atomic Energy Act of 1960 - Restricts nuclear energy operations to state-owned entities

- Correct. The Atomic Energy Act of 1960 indeed restricts nuclear energy operations to state-owned entities in India, which is why amendments are considered to allow foreign investment.

2. Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) - Allows unilateral suspension of water sharing in case of security concerns

- Incorrect. The Indus Waters Treaty does not provide for unilateral suspension based on security concerns. It involves mechanisms for dispute resolution and requires mutual consent for significant changes.

3. Scramjet Technology - Uses atmospheric oxygen for propulsion

- Correct. Scramjet technology is designed to use atmospheric oxygen for propulsion, making it more efficient for hypersonic speeds as it does not need to carry oxidizers.

4. Simla Agreement - Contains enforceable legal obligations between India and Pakistan

- Incorrect. The Simla Agreement is largely a political agreement with non-binding, advisory clauses rather than enforceable legal obligations, aiming to guide bilateral relations and dialogue.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. The airspace closure mainly affects flights from northern cities in India, such as Delhi, heading towards Central Asia, the Caucasus, West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America, rather than affecting flights from southern cities heading towards Southeast Asia. The northern location of the cities and the direction to which these flights are headed make them primarily impacted by this closure.

- Statement 2 is correct. Due to the closure of Pakistan's airspace, Indian airlines are required to reroute their flights over the Arabian Sea. This rerouting results in longer travel times and increased fuel consumption, as flights need to take a more circuitous route to avoid the closed airspace.

- Statement 3 is correct. Foreign airlines that are still able to use Pakistani airspace maintain shorter and more direct flight paths, thus retaining a cost advantage over Indian carriers. This can lead to a competitive disadvantage for Indian airlines, as their operational costs increase due to the longer routes.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

The main aim of India's proposed policy to permit 49% foreign investment in nuclear power plants is to attract global investment and expertise, which is crucial for meeting the country's energy demands and carbon reduction goals. This move is intended to enhance India's clean energy capacity and reduce its reliance on coal, aligning its energy strategy with both climate objectives and economic growth.

(Note: This question aligns with the provided content on the potential benefits and objectives of allowing foreign investment in India's nuclear power sector.)