Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly mentions that the French government operates under a semi-presidential system established by the Fifth Republic in 1958, which is accurate based on the information provided in the text. However, Statement-II inaccurately states that the French Parliament consists of a National Assembly and a Senate, with the President holding significant powers. While the information about the French Parliament is correct, the part about the President holding significant powers is misleading. In the French political system, the President does hold significant powers but not within the Parliament itself; rather, the President's powers are more executive in nature, such as appointing the Prime Minister, presiding over the Council of Ministers, commanding the armed forces, and calling referenda.

The name "Tushil" of the Indian Navy's newest frigate, INS Tushil, signifies "Protector Shield," reflecting the ship's role in safeguarding India's maritime borders. Such names often carry deep symbolism and are chosen to represent the mission and capabilities of the vessel. In this context, "Protector Shield" embodies the ship's purpose of defending and protecting India's maritime interests with strength and resilience.

The reduction of the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by the Reserve Bank of India aims to enhance liquidity in the financial system. By lowering the CRR, more funds become available with banks for lending and investment purposes, thereby stimulating economic activities. This strategic move facilitates more lending and investment, ultimately supporting economic growth and stability.

1. RuTAG Initiative - Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development: Incorrect. The RuTAG (Rural Technology Action Group) initiative was launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, not the Ministry of Rural Development.

2. Gait Analysis - Used in forensic investigations: Correct. Gait analysis is indeed used in forensic investigations, as it can help identify individuals based on their movement patterns, such as in the recent case in Bengal.

3. RuTAG 2.0 - Focuses on commercialization of technologies: Correct. RuTAG 2.0 emphasizes the commercialization and wider dissemination of technologies to enhance socio-economic development in rural regions.

4. Gait Analysis - Evaluates visual input only: Incorrect. Gait analysis is a comprehensive evaluation that integrates inputs from the visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems, not just visual input.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. INS Tushil - Project 1135.6: Correct. INS Tushil is indeed a part of the Russian-designed Project 1135.6, which is an upgraded Krivak III-class series frigate. This pair is correctly matched.

2. Michel Barnier - Longest-serving French Prime Minister: Incorrect. Michel Barnier has been noted as the shortest-serving Prime Minister in modern French history, following his government's fall due to a no-confidence vote.

3. Western Fleet - Eastern Naval Command: Incorrect. The Western Fleet is part of the Western Naval Command, not the Eastern Naval Command. This pair is incorrectly matched as the commands are distinct entities within the Indian Navy.

4. National Assembly - Upper House of French Parliament: Incorrect. The National Assembly is the lower house of the French Parliament. The Senate is the upper house. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Only the first pair is correctly matched, making Option A: Only one pair the correct choice.

Statement-I is correct as it describes CAR T-cell therapy, which indeed involves genetically modifying T-cells to target cancer cells. Statement-II is also correct as it pertains to the PMKMY scheme, offering a pension scheme for farmers aged 18 to 40 years. However, the two statements are unrelated and do not explain each other, hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. RuTAG, or the Rural Technology Action Group, was indeed initiated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India in 2004. The focus of this initiative is to provide Science & Technology support tailored specifically for rural areas. This initiative was designed to address the unique needs of rural communities by bridging gaps in technology and enhancing existing technologies.

Statement 2 is also correct. RuTAG 2.0 was launched in April 2023, with a renewed emphasis on the commercialization and wider dissemination of technologies. This phase aims to transform innovative ideas into market-ready products to boost socio-economic development in rural regions, making a direct impact on the lives of rural populations.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Gait analysis is not related to the RuTAG initiative. Gait analysis is a method used to assess and understand an individual's locomotion, particularly for identifying abnormalities that may indicate health issues. While it has applications in forensic investigations and medical assessments, it is not aimed at enhancing socio-economic development in rural areas through technology solutions.

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

- Statement 1 is correct. The Angami Naga tribe primarily inhabits the Kohima district of Nagaland. This is a well-known fact about the geographical location of the Angami tribe.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Angami Naga language, Tenyidie, does not have its own script. Although Tenyidie is the most widely spoken language among the Angami, it lacks a script of its own.

- Statement 3 is correct. Sekrenyi is indeed a significant festival celebrated by the Angami tribe, reflecting their rich cultural traditions.

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

The primary objective of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in India is to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health issue by 2025. This initiative aims to reduce TB cases and mortality through targeted interventions and a comprehensive strategy. By focusing on early detection, complete treatment, prevention, and strengthening TB care services, the NTEP strives to achieve the goal of making India tuberculosis-free by 2025.

Statement-I correctly highlights that gait analysis involves assessing how an individual stands and walks by integrating inputs from various sensory systems. This is a fundamental aspect of gait analysis.

Statement-II correctly emphasizes that gait abnormalities can lead to discomfort in various body areas such as the hips, back, neck, feet, knees, or ankles, and these abnormalities may arise from underlying diseases or injuries. This statement further explains the implications of gait analysis in identifying potential health issues based on locomotion irregularities.

Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed elaborates on the practical consequences of gait abnormalities identified through gait analysis.