Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 28th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary objective of the PAN 2.0 Project is to enhance and modernize the processes related to the issuance and management of PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) to make them more efficient and user-friendly. This initiative aims to upgrade the current PAN system, integrate platforms, and establish PAN as a universal business identifier across various digital systems of designated government bodies.

Statement-I correctly identifies the king cobra, Ophiophagus Kaalinga, as a species endemic to the Western Ghats region of southwestern India, reflecting its habitat and distribution accurately as per the provided information.
However, Statement-II incorrectly states that Ophiophagus Kaalinga is classified as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List. In reality, the provided information indicates that the species is classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, not 'endangered.' The term 'vulnerable' signifies a lower risk category compared to 'endangered,' indicating that the conservation status of Ophiophagus Kaalinga is concerning but not as critical as being 'endangered.'

- Statement 1 is correct. CAFE norms were indeed introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The purpose of these norms is to regulate fuel consumption and carbon emissions for passenger vehicles, thereby reducing oil dependency and curbing air pollution.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. CAFE norms apply to a broader range of vehicles, not just those powered by petrol and diesel. The norms cover vehicles weighing under 3,500 kg, including those powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs).

- Statement 3 is correct. The penalty for non-compliance with CAFE norms includes a base penalty of ₹10 lakh. Additionally, there are specific charges per vehicle based on the extent of non-compliance, such as ₹25,000 per vehicle for a minor shortfall and ₹50,000 for exceeding the threshold.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B the right choice.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The ONOS initiative indeed aims to streamline and centralize journal access for all state and central government HEIs in India. This initiative is designed to replace the fragmented system of journal access, thereby providing equitable and centralized access through a unified platform.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET) has been designated as the implementing authority for the ONOS initiative. This institution is responsible for managing the platform that will provide access to the scholarly journals under the initiative.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the ONOS initiative provides access to a significant number of journals from international publishers, it does not provide unlimited access to all journals. HEIs can still subscribe individually to journals beyond those included in the 13,000 available through ONOS if they wish to access more resources.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only. The ONOS initiative centralizes access to journals and is implemented by INFLIBNET, but it does not offer unlimited access to all journals without additional subscriptions.

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology offers a significant advantage in that it is particularly well-suited for regions with limited access to the electrical grid. This innovative approach harnesses kinetic energy from moving water to generate electricity, providing a cost-efficient and simple setup compared to traditional methods. It aims to fulfill the increasing demand for base-load renewable energy, making it a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, especially in areas facing grid limitations.

Statement 1 is correct. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is criticized for focusing on severe AQI levels above 400, thereby neglecting the adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to moderate AQI levels (51-399). This oversight can lead to normalization of health risks associated with chronic exposure to pollution levels that are not deemed 'severe'.

Statement 2 is correct. School closures due to high pollution disproportionately impact underprivileged children. These children often rely on schools not just for education but also for essential services like mid-day meals and a safer environment compared to their homes, which may lack proper ventilation and clean air.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While online learning is a temporary solution during emergencies, it cannot fully substitute for in-person schooling. Schools provide more than academic education; they offer social interactions, extracurricular activities, and essential life skills that online learning cannot replicate. Furthermore, many children lack access to the necessary technology for effective online learning, exacerbating educational inequalities.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

- Statement 1 is correct. UNSC Resolution 1701 requires the full disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, which is aimed at ensuring that the Lebanese State maintains control over weapons and authority within its borders. This is a key provision to stabilize the region and prevent unauthorized military activities.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While the resolution and ceasefire agreements focus on the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the requirement is not for a complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territories but specifically from southern Lebanon and to respect the demilitarized zones as outlined by the resolution.

- Statement 3 is correct. The resolution indeed prohibits the presence of foreign forces in Lebanon unless authorized by the Lebanese government. This is intended to uphold Lebanese sovereignty and prevent external military influence without official approval.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

1. UNSC Resolution 1701: Incorrectly matched. The resolution aimed to halt hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, not Israel and Palestine. It was adopted to establish peace and a framework for a ceasefire following the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

2. Blue Line: Correctly matched. The Blue Line is indeed the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon, established by the United Nations to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

3. UNIFIL: Correctly matched. UNIFIL stands for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which is a peacekeeping force established to oversee the cessation of hostilities and help maintain peace between Israel and Lebanon.

4. Fengal: Incorrectly matched. Fengal is the name of a cyclone proposed by Saudi Arabia, not India. The naming of cyclones in the North Indian Ocean follows a predefined list submitted by member countries of the World Meteorological Organization's regional committee.

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

Statement I is correct as the resolution of the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is indeed based on the principles outlined in UNSC Resolution 1701. Statement II is also correct as UNSC Resolution 1701 was originally established to address the situation during the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Furthermore, Statement II explains the relevance of the resolution in the context of the ongoing conflict, making both statements correct and interconnected.