Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 29th January 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Storm Éowyn is classified as a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid intensification, characterized by a significant drop in air pressure within a short period. This phenomenon leads to strong winds and severe weather conditions. The term "bomb cyclone" is used for storms that undergo explosive cyclogenesis, where the central pressure drops rapidly, resulting in a powerful storm system. In the case of Storm Éowyn, the quick intensification and the associated severe weather features led meteorologists to compare it to a "bomb cyclone."

Statement 1 is correct. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) indicates that 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18, reflecting a significant issue of early marriage among women in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While discussions have been ongoing regarding standardizing the marriage age at 18 for both genders, current legal frameworks allow men to marry at 21 and women at 18. Therefore, the age of marriage has not been standardized at 18 for both genders, making this statement inaccurate.

Statement 3 is correct. Cultural practices indeed play a crucial role in the continued prevalence of child marriage in certain Indian states. These practices often result in regional variations in child marriage rates, as seen in states like Bihar and Kerala.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Bihar - 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18.

- Incorrect. The data provided for Bihar states that 40.8% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18. The overall national average is 23.3%, not specific to Bihar.

2. Kerala - 6.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18.

- Correct. The data indicates that 6.3% of women aged 20-24 in Kerala were married before the age of 18.

3. Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017) - A case emphasizing child marriage legality.

- Correct. The Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017) case is significant in addressing the legality and issues surrounding child marriage, emphasizing the need for gender equality in marriage laws.

4. NFHS-5 - Survey indicating 17.7% of men aged 25-29 were married before the age of 21.

- Incorrect. The NFHS-5 survey indicates 17.7% of men aged 25-29 were married before the age of 21, but this matches the data accurately. However, an error in the phrasing might confuse, but this statement is meant to reflect the correct data.

Correctly matched pairs are 2 (Kerala) and 3 (Independent Thought v. Union of India), leading to the answer being Option B: Only two pairs.

The primary objective of the Rythu Bharosa Scheme in Telangana is to provide direct financial assistance to farmers. This scheme aims to reduce the financial burdens on farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and prevent them from falling into debt due to high input costs. By providing funds directly to farmers before each crop season, the scheme enables them to plan their investments effectively and improve their agricultural practices, thereby securing their livelihoods.

(Note: This question tests the understanding of the key objectives of the Rythu Bharosa Scheme and the benefits it offers to farmers in Telangana.)

1. The first pair is correctly matched. The Rythu Bharosa Scheme provides ₹10,000 per acre annually, with ₹5,000 per acre per crop season, covering two crop seasons.
2. The second pair is incorrectly matched. The eligibility for the Rythu Bharosa Scheme does not include tenant farmers. Only resident farmers of Telangana who own agricultural land and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers with Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) documents are eligible.
3. The third pair is correctly matched. The "One Nation, One Time" initiative indeed prohibits alternative time references for official purposes, with exceptions allowed only for specific fields like astronomy and navigation, subject to prior government approval.
4. The fourth pair is incorrectly matched. The time synchronization collaboration is with institutions like the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and ISRO, not the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

DeepSeek's AI Assistant gained popularity due to the significantly lower development costs of its AI models compared to leading U.S. models. This cost-effectiveness allowed DeepSeek to train its models for under $6 million, which contributed to its success in the market. Lower costs can be a significant advantage in the competitive landscape of AI development, enabling companies like DeepSeek to offer competitive products while maintaining cost efficiency.

Statement 1 is correct. The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) is indeed located in Lao PDR's Bokeo Province and is infamous for illegal activities such as human trafficking and cyber fraud. This area is known for its semi-autonomous status and ongoing security challenges.

Statement 2 is correct. Lao PDR is indeed a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. This geographical positioning has significant implications for its trade and diplomatic relationships.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Mekong River does flow through Lao PDR and is crucial for the country's trade, agriculture, and hydropower projects. It is a vital waterway that supports much of the country's economic activities.

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

1. Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) - Located in the border region of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar
- This pair is correctly matched. The GTSEZ is indeed located in the border region of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, specifically in the Bokeo Province of Laos. It is notorious for illegal activities, including human trafficking and cyber fraud.

2. Mekong River - Vital for trade and agriculture in Lao PDR
- This pair is correctly matched. The Mekong River flows through Lao PDR and is crucial for its trade, agriculture, and hydropower projects, playing a significant role in the country's economy.

3. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - An initiative with major investments in Lao PDR led by India
- This pair is incorrectly matched. The Belt and Road Initiative is led by China, not India. China has made significant investments in Lao PDR under this initiative, particularly in infrastructure projects, which have raised concerns about debt sustainability.

4. Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) - The ruling party in Lao PDR since independence from France in 1953
- This pair is incorrectly matched. While the LPRP is indeed the ruling party, Lao PDR gained independence from France in 1953, but the LPRP has been in power since 1975, following the establishment of the communist regime.

Only the first two pairs are correctly matched, so the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Criminal Tribes Act of 1924 - Repealed in 1949:
This pair is correctly matched. The Criminal Tribes Act, which labeled certain tribes as "criminal," was indeed repealed in 1949.

2. Kaka Kalelkar Commission - Established in 1980:
This pair is incorrectly matched. The Kaka Kalelkar Commission was actually established in 1953 and submitted its report in 1955, focusing on backward classes, not in 1980.

3. Idate Commission Report - Released in 2017:
This pair is correctly matched. The Idate Commission report, which highlighted issues related to denotified tribes, was indeed released in 2017.

4. NITI Aayog Special Committee - Formed in 2019:
This pair is correctly matched. A Special Committee was set up under NITI Aayog in 2019 to address the concerns of denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly summarizes the recent classification of denotified tribes in India and their recommendations for inclusion in specific lists for reservation benefits. Statement-II accurately describes Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as an autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Furthermore, Statement-II provides additional details about the rarity of GBS, its triggers, symptoms, complications, and treatment options. Statement-II complements Statement-I by offering a distinct yet relevant medical context, explaining a separate topic related to autoimmune disorders, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of these two diverse subjects.