Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The survey conducted by the RBI highlights that more than 70% of Indian farmers still use cash for selling their produce in 2024. This is consistent with the data provided, showing a gradual decrease in cash usage from 88% in 2019 to 72% in 2024, thus confirming the continued predominance of cash transactions.

- Statement 2 is correct. The adoption of electronic payments among traders has indeed increased from 8% in 2019 to 31% in 2024. This trend showcases a significant shift towards digital payment methods among traders over the years.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The DPDP Act, 2023 does not mandate that all Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) must obtain consent from a court-appointed guardian. Instead, the Act has been criticized for requiring consent from legal guardians for processing personal data of PwDs, which is seen as undermining their autonomy. However, it does not explicitly state that all guardians must be court-appointed.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only because both statements 1 and 2 are accurate according to the provided information, while statement 3 misrepresents the requirements of the DPDP Act, 2023.

1. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions - Reduction in rice and wheat yields: Correct. Research has shown that NO2 emissions from coal plants have direct negative effects on crop health, resulting in reduced yields of rice and wheat due to phytotoxic effects and ozone formation that harm plant vitality.

2. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) - Predominant mode of payment among farmers: Incorrect. The RBI survey highlights that over 70% of Indian farmers still rely on cash for selling their produce, despite the growth in digital payment methods like UPI. Thus, cash remains the predominant mode of payment, not UPI.

3. Guardianship laws - Aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: Incorrect. The DPDP Act's provisions on guardianship do not align well with the RPWD Act, 2016. The RPWD Act promotes supported decision-making, whereas the DPDP Act's requirement for guardian consent undermines the autonomy of PwDs, indicating a misalignment.

4. Weather forecasts - Most important factor for crop sowing and harvesting decisions: Correct. The survey indicates that 90% of farmers consider weather forecasts the most important factor in decisions related to crop sowing and harvesting, highlighting its critical importance in agricultural decision-making.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

The main goal of the SPHEREx telescope is to map the universe by detecting optical and infrared cosmic light, aiming to investigate cosmic inflation and understand the formation of the universe. This telescope will complement the research conducted by other space telescopes and provide valuable insights into the early stages of the universe's development.

The main goal of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is to protect the genetic material of crops and ensure the preservation of global crop diversity. This facility plays a crucial role in safeguarding unique crop genetic material from various gene banks worldwide. By storing seeds under specific conditions and providing long-term storage, the Seed Vault aims to minimize unnecessary duplication and contribute to the conservation of plant genetic diversity essential for food security and agricultural sustainability.

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. The Kundi Water Harvest System involves the use of a deep, circular or rectangular pit, which can be either dug into the ground or constructed above ground, but it is not primarily about above-ground tanks. The emphasis is on these pits being reinforced with stones or bricks to prevent seepage rather than above-ground tanks.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The Kundi system includes measures to prevent contamination and reduce evaporation by covering the storage pit with a lid or stone slab. This design aspect is crucial for maintaining water quality and volume in regions where water is scarce.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The Kundi system is vital for water conservation, particularly in arid areas with erratic rainfall. It ensures the availability of water for drinking, irrigation, and domestic uses during dry periods.

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights the continued reliance on cash among Indian farmers despite the availability of digital payment options. Statement-II discusses the effects of coal-fired power plants on crop production, which is a separate issue from the use of cash by farmers. Therefore, while both statements are independently correct, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

1. Kundi Water Harvest System: This system is not predominantly used in the Himalayan regions of India. It is primarily found in the desert areas of Rajasthan, India, where it addresses water scarcity issues. This pair is incorrectly matched.

2. Cholanaikkan Tribe: Indeed, the Cholanaikkan tribe resides in the Nilambur region of Kerala, specifically within the Karulai and Chungathara forest ranges of the Western Ghats. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Svalbard Global Seed Vault: The vault is not located in the Arctic region of Canada. It is situated in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, designed to preserve crop genetic diversity. This pair is incorrectly matched.

4. Cholanaikkan Language: The language is a distinct Dravidian language spoken by the Cholanaikkan tribe, forming a crucial part of their cultural identity. This pair is correctly matched.

Pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I is correct because the Kundi Water Harvest System is indeed a traditional rainwater harvesting technique prevalent in the desert regions of Rajasthan, India. Statement-II is also accurate as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is situated in the Norwegian archipelago and functions as a crucial backup facility for preserving crop diversity. Furthermore, Statement-II explains the location and purpose of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, hence both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional information about a separate topic related to crop diversity preservation and not the Kundi Water Harvest System.

The recent release of 10 gharials into the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh was primarily aimed at increasing the population of the critically endangered gharials. Gharials are facing the threat of extinction, and conservation efforts such as this initiative are crucial for their survival and the preservation of biodiversity.

1. Gharial - Family Crocodylidae: Correctly matched. The gharial is indeed a member of the Crocodylidae family, falling under the order Crocodylia.

2. National Food Security Act, 2013 - Provides ₹6,000 maternity benefit per child: Correctly matched. The NFSA mandates a minimum financial aid of ₹6,000 per child for maternity benefits, although its implementation has been inadequate.

3. PM Matru Vandana Yojana - Provides universal maternity benefits: Incorrectly matched. The PMMVY does not provide universal maternity benefits; it offers limited benefits and does not cover all pregnant women, violating the universal nature of maternity entitlements intended by the NFSA.

4. Tamil Nadu's maternity benefit program - Provides ₹10,000 per child: Incorrectly matched. Tamil Nadu's model provides ₹18,000 per child, not ₹10,000. This figure corresponds to the Odisha Mamata Scheme, which offers ₹10,000.

Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.