Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The concept of a Zero FIR enables victims to file complaints at any police station, regardless of where the incident occurred. This provision was introduced to prevent victims from facing challenges related to jurisdictional boundaries and to ensure prompt initiation of investigations, emphasizing quick access to justice for the victims.

1. Correct: The World Bank has indeed revised its projection for India's GDP growth to 7% for FY25 from the previously estimated 6.6%. This revision is due to increased household investments in real estate and infrastructure development.

2. Correct: The industrial growth in India is projected to slow down to 7.3% in FY26 from 7.6% in FY25, indicating a decrease.

3. Incorrect: The statement about Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is inaccurate. The GFCF is anticipated to decelerate to 7.8% in FY25, compared to an estimated 9.0% in FY24, not the other way around.

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

The World Bank revised India's GDP growth estimate for FY25 to 7% from the initial projection of 6.6% due to an increase in household investments in real estate and infrastructure development. This change reflects the impact of these investments on the overall economic outlook and growth prospects for the country.

Statement-I correctly highlights the purpose of the SCOMET list, which is to regulate items with dual civilian and military applications.
Statement-II accurately states the legal foundation governing the SCOMET list under Chapter IVA of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, revised in 2010.
Statement-II explains the context and legal basis for the control of dual-use items as mentioned in Statement-I, making both statements correct and logically connected.

1. Lothal - Located in the Bhal region of Gujarat: Correct. Lothal is indeed located in the Bhal region of Gujarat and was a significant site during the Indus Valley Civilization.

2. Rakhigarhi - Known for an elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams: Incorrect. Dholavira, not Rakhigarhi, is known for its advanced water management system, including water reservoirs and channels.

3. Mohenjodaro - Discovered by S.R. Rao: Incorrect. Mohenjodaro was discovered by R.D. Banerji in 1922. S.R. Rao discovered and excavated Lothal.

4. Dholavira - Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014: Correct. Dholavira was indeed nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2014 due to its significant historical and archaeological importance.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

The SCOMET List, managed by the DGFT, aims to control the export of dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes, including items that could aid in the creation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their delivery systems. This regulatory framework helps prevent the misuse of sensitive technologies for military applications, ensuring compliance with international non-proliferation efforts.

1. The study confirms that the Sabarmati River flowed near Lothal during the Harappan period: This statement is correct. The IIT-Gandhinagar study indicates that the Sabarmati River previously flowed near Lothal during the Harappan period, unlike its current course, which is approximately 20 km away.

2. Satellite imagery revealed that Lothal was connected to a trade route passing through Nal Sarovar and the Little Rann to Dholavira: This statement is correct. The study identified a trade route connecting Ahmedabad through Lothal, Nal Sarovar, and the Little Rann to Dholavira, another significant Harappan site.

3. The dockyard at Lothal measured 150 x 30 meters according to the recent study by IIT-Gandhinagar: This statement is incorrect. The recent study by IIT-Gandhinagar provided evidence that the dockyard at Lothal measured 222 x 37 meters, not 150 x 30 meters.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. The correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I correctly highlights the role of the piezocatalytic effect of quartz under seismic stress in the formation of gold nuggets in orogenic quartz veins. This effect leads to the deposition of gold onto quartz surfaces. Statement-II mentions electrochemical reactions facilitated by quartz surfaces, which is also accurate but does not directly explain the piezocatalytic effect discussed in Statement-I. Both statements individually provide accurate information about the formation of gold nuggets in quartz veins, but they address different aspects of the process without one directly elucidating the other. Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I correctly describes that Zero FIRs can be filed at any police station by the victim, irrespective of the jurisdiction. Statement-II complements this by explaining that the primary purpose of a Zero FIR is to simplify the process for victims by allowing them to register a complaint without having to determine the jurisdiction of the crime. Therefore, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II providing additional context and explanation to Statement-I.

Lothal, located in Gujarat, was a significant trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments during the Harappan period. It played a crucial role in facilitating trade along a network that connected various Harappan sites and possibly extended to regions like Mesopotamia. The presence of a dockyard at Lothal suggests its importance in maritime trade, making it a pivotal hub for commerce and cultural exchange during ancient times.