Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement in the context of the Gyan Bharatam Mission:

1. Statement 1: The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to conserve and document manuscripts that are at least 50 years old.
- This statement is incorrect. According to the definition provided, a manuscript is a handwritten document that dates back at least 75 years, not 50 years. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: A key component of the mission is the establishment of a national digital repository for the Indian knowledge system.
- This statement is correct. The mission indeed focuses on creating a national digital repository to facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure the accessibility of traditional knowledge to researchers, students, and institutions globally.

3. Statement 3: The mission includes the preservation of lithographs and printed volumes as part of its conservation efforts.
- This statement is incorrect. The mission specifically targets manuscripts, which do not include lithographs and printed volumes. Only handwritten documents on materials such as paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf are considered manuscripts.

Given the analysis, only Statement 2 is correct. Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

The Indian shipping industry, despite governmental efforts to boost the maritime sector, faces substantial financial challenges such as high borrowing costs and financial constraints. These obstacles hinder the industry's growth and competitiveness. Addressing these financial issues is crucial for the sustainable development of India's shipping sector.

To determine the correct statements, let's analyze each one:

1. Statement 1 is correct. Araku Valley is renowned for its organic coffee plantations, which have indeed received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This highlights the unique quality and origin of the coffee produced in this region.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests are part of the Araku Valley, they are not primarily known for tea cultivation. Instead, these forests are recognized for their biodiversity and are also notable for bauxite mining activities.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Araku Valley does receive significant rainfall during the monsoon season, which is typical from June to September. Additionally, the valley experiences pleasant winters with temperatures ranging from 5-10°C, making it a popular tourist destination during this time.

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

1. Araku Valley - Known for its organic coffee plantations with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This statement is correctly matched. Araku Valley is renowned for its organic coffee cultivation, which has received a GI tag.

2. Anantagiri Reserved Forests - Located in the Western Ghats, rich in biodiversity. This statement is incorrectly matched. Anantagiri Reserved Forests are part of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats, and are indeed rich in biodiversity.

3. Katiki Waterfalls - Situated in the Araku Valley, known for their natural beauty. This statement is correctly matched. Katiki Waterfalls are indeed located in the Araku Valley and are celebrated for their scenic beauty.

4. Asteroid 2024 YR4 - Passed closest to Earth on New Year's Day, at a distance of approximately 800,000 kilometers. This statement is incorrectly matched. The asteroid 2024 YR4 passed closest to Earth on Christmas Day, not New Year's Day, at a distance of approximately 800,000 kilometers.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3.

Statement-I correctly highlights that Araku Valley is known for its organic coffee plantations, which have indeed received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying their unique identity and quality. This statement is accurate based on the provided information.

However, Statement-II is incorrect. The economic activities mentioned in Araku Valley do not include bauxite mining in the Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests. While the forests are rich in biodiversity and are known for bauxite mining, this activity is not listed as one of the economic activities in the region. The primary economic focus mentioned in the text is organic coffee cultivation, not bauxite mining.

The recent observation of black kites nesting in a tower structure in Chennai primarily indicates the unavailability of natural nesting sites for these birds. Black kites are known for their adaptability to diverse environments, and their nesting behavior in urban structures like towers underscores their ability to make use of available habitat resources. This behavior highlights the challenges faced by these birds due to habitat fragmentation and loss of natural nesting sites, leading them to explore alternative nesting options in urban settings.

- Statement 1 is correct. Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) does belong to the Zingiberaceae family and is native to the evergreen rain forests of the Western Ghats. This statement accurately reflects the botanical classification and native habitat of green cardamom.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Green cardamom is ideally cultivated in forest loamy soils that are acidic, not alkaline, with a pH range from 5.0 to 6.5. Therefore, this statement does not correctly describe the soil requirements for green cardamom cultivation.

- Statement 3 is correct. Green cardamom thrives at elevations between 600 to 1500 meters and requires a temperature range of 10 to 35 degrees Celsius for optimal growth. This statement correctly captures the altitude and temperature conditions suitable for the crop.

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

1. Elettaria cardamomum - Native to evergreen rain forests of the Western Ghats: Correct. Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is indeed native to the evergreen rain forests of the Western Ghats in India.

2. E. facifera - Found in the Agasthyamalai hills: Incorrect. E. facifera is identified in Kerala's Periyar Tiger Reserve, not the Agasthyamalai hills. It is E. tulipifera that is found in the Agasthyamalai hills.

3. Black Kite - Classified as Endangered by the IUCN: Incorrect. Black kites are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, not Endangered. Their ability to adapt to various environments, including urban areas, has contributed to their stable conservation status.

4. Green Cardamom - Thrives in loamy soils with a pH range from 5.0 to 6.5: Correct. Green cardamom does thrive in forest loamy soils that are acidic, with a pH range from 5.0 to 6.5, which supports its growth.

Thus, only two pairs (1 and 4) are correctly matched.

The primary objective of the five-year initiative announced by the Union Finance Minister is to promote the cultivation of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties in India. This initiative aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming by emphasizing the adoption of ELS cotton, known for its fiber lengths of 30 mm and above. By promoting ELS cotton, the mission seeks to improve India's cotton yields, which currently lag behind those of other countries.

1. Gossypium barbadense : Extra-long staple cotton - Correct. Gossypium barbadense is indeed the species known for producing extra-long staple cotton, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton. It is characterized by fiber lengths of 30 mm and above, and is cultivated in regions of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in India.

2. Maize : Primary source of ethanol production in India - Incorrect. While maize is becoming an important source for ethanol production, sugar and molasses are the primary sources in India. Maize, along with broken rice, is being promoted to diversify the feedstock for ethanol production.

3. North Sea : Connects to the Baltic Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar - Incorrect. The North Sea connects to the Baltic Sea through the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits, not the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Rotterdam : Largest port in the North Sea - Correct. Rotterdam is one of the largest ports in the world and the largest in Europe, situated on the North Sea.

Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.