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

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The SWAYATT initiative indeed aims to increase participation from startups, women, and youth in public procurement processes, aligning with its objective to empower these groups.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The GeM portal was established in 2016, not 2019. The SWAYATT initiative, however, was launched in 2019 to enhance the usage of the GeM portal by specific target groups.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The initiative is designed to facilitate business operations and ensure market access for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and other disadvantaged groups, supporting the principle of social inclusion.

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

The primary objective of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) is to enhance rural development through coordinated efforts and the exchange of experiences among member countries. This organization aims to leverage local knowledge, technology, and foster south-south cooperation to improve rural areas in Africa and Asia.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement based on the information provided:

Statement 1: "The NAKSHA initiative aims to create a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records using aerial and field surveys integrated with GIS technology."
- This statement is correct. The NAKSHA initiative is indeed focused on creating a geospatial database to modernize urban land records using advanced technologies like GIS.

Statement 2: "The initiative targets cities with an area greater than 35 sq km and a population over 2 lakhs."
- This statement is incorrect. According to the information, the NAKSHA initiative targets cities with an area less than 35 sq km and a population under 2 lakhs. This is intended to address the unique challenges faced by smaller urban areas in terms of land record modernization.

Statement 3: "The project is 100% centrally funded to ensure comprehensive coverage and implementation."
- This statement is correct. The project being 100% centrally funded is a key aspect of the NAKSHA initiative, ensuring that the necessary resources are available for its successful implementation.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. AARDO was indeed established in 1962 as an autonomous inter-governmental organization aimed at enhancing rural development through coordinated efforts and the exchange of experiences among member countries. This objective aligns with AARDO’s focus on leveraging local knowledge and fostering south-south cooperation.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. AARDO's membership is not exclusive to countries from the African continent. It includes countries from the Afro-Asian region, meaning both African and Asian countries can be members, provided they are full or associate members of the United Nations or its specialized agencies.
- Statement 3 is correct. The organization is headquartered in New Delhi, India, which serves as its central point for coordinating its various initiatives and collaborations across member countries.
Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the valid answer.

1. NAKSHA Initiative: Correctly matched. The NAKSHA initiative is indeed part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), focusing on modernizing urban land records.

2. Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP): Correctly matched. QIP is a mechanism for capital raising by publicly listed companies in India, introduced by SEBI in 2006 to simplify capital raising in the domestic market.

3. Cali Fund: Correctly matched. The Cali Fund was launched at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as an international financing mechanism for biodiversity conservation.

4. Digital Sequence Information (DSI): Incorrectly matched. DSI refers to genetic data extracted from various organisms and is used across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotechnology, not exclusively in pharmaceuticals.

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

1. AARDO Headquarters - New Delhi, India: This pair is correctly matched. AARDO is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

2. AARDO's Observer Status - United Nations Security Council: This pair is incorrectly matched. AARDO has observer status with international organizations such as FAO, IFAD, UNCTAD, UNESCO, and UNDP, but not with the United Nations Security Council.

3. Nighttime Arrests of Women - Mandatory prohibition after sunset: This pair is incorrectly matched. The provision in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, regarding nighttime arrests of women, is directory, not mandatory. This means arrests are not strictly prohibited but require adherence to specific guidelines.

4. Section 46(4) of CrPC - Directory, with flexibility in application: This pair is correctly matched. The Madras High Court ruled that Section 46(4) of the CrPC is directory, indicating flexibility in its application, especially concerning nighttime arrests of women.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

The primary objective of the NAKSHA initiative launched by the Union Rural Development Minister is to modernize urban land records and enhance transparency in property ownership. This initiative aims to create accurate and efficient urban land records, reduce land disputes, improve property tax collection, streamline ownership records, and facilitate smoother property transactions. It focuses on mapping urban areas to improve land governance and is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).

Statement I correctly highlights that human smuggling networks take advantage of vulnerable individuals who are seeking better opportunities abroad. Statement II accurately points out the deficiencies in the Emigration Act of 1983, stating that it lacks clear definitions for human smuggling and fails to impose significant penalties, thereby enabling traffickers to operate with impunity. Both statements are factually correct and are related to the topic of human smuggling, with Statement II providing additional context that helps explain the exploitation described in Statement I. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Both statements are accurate. Statement-I correctly highlights the objectives and focus of the SWAYATT initiative, emphasizing empowerment in public procurement. Statement-II provides additional information about the GeM portal, including its establishment year and purpose, which aligns with the context of the SWAYATT initiative. The GeM portal indeed serves as an online marketplace for government entities to procure goods and services efficiently. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the context and relevance of Statement-I.

The primary objective of the SWAYATT initiative is to increase the participation of startups and youth in public procurement processes. This initiative aims to empower various groups, including startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, by facilitating their direct market access and involvement in government procurement. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, the SWAYATT initiative aligns with GeM's commitment to promoting social inclusion and supporting economic growth.