Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 9th February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Let's analyze each statement to determine its correctness:

1. Statement 1: "The Klub-S missile system can engage targets at distances of up to 500 kilometers."
- This statement is incorrect. The Klub-S missile system can engage targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers, not 500 kilometers. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: "The Klub-S system includes components such as a fire control system and a vertical launcher unit."
- This statement is correct. The Klub-S missile system indeed includes a fire control system and a vertical launcher unit (VLU) as part of its components, which are crucial for its operational capabilities. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.

3. Statement 3: "The missile operates at a high cruising altitude to avoid detection by enemy defenses."
- This statement is incorrect. The Klub-S missile operates at a low cruising altitude of 10-15 meters, which minimizes the reaction time available to enemy defenses, making it more challenging to detect and intercept. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Only Statement 2 is correct, making Option C: 2 Only the right choice.

Statement-I correctly highlights the combat efficiency of the Klub-S missile system in high-risk scenarios due to its speed and maneuverability. The missile's ability to reach supersonic speeds, operate at low cruising altitudes to minimize reaction time, and engage various targets makes it effective in combat situations.

Statement-II accurately identifies the capabilities of the Klub-S missile system, indicating its ability to engage surface ships, submarines, and ground targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers. This showcases the versatility and range of the missile system.

Both statements individually provide accurate information about different aspects of the Klub-S missile system. However, they do not directly relate to or explain each other. Hence, the correct answer is option (b), where both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Cayman Islands are indeed located south of Cuba and comprise three main islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. This geographical positioning is accurate and well-documented.

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While the Vishwamitri River is home to the mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris), they are classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered, by the IUCN. This classification highlights the need for conservation but does not denote the same level of threat as the Endangered status.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. Article 22(1) of the Indian Constitution provides that an arrested individual must be informed of the grounds for their arrest and affords them the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice. This is a key constitutional safeguard against arbitrary detention.

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

1. Klub-S Missile System - Developed by Russian defense company NPO Novator: This is correctly matched. The Klub-S missile system is indeed developed by NPO Novator, a Russian defense company.

2. Klub-S Missile System - Inducted into the Russian defense forces in 1994: This is correctly matched. The Klub-S cruise missile was first inducted into the Russian defense forces in 1994.

3. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) - Established by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003: This is correctly matched. The NCST was created through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003, which also led to the division of the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

4. National Bamboo Mission - Provides 100% funding for Union Territories: This is correctly matched. The restructured National Bamboo Mission provides 100% funding for Union Territories and Bamboo Technology Support Groups (BTSGs).

All four pairs are correctly matched, thus the correct answer is Option D: All four pairs.

1. Matsya - First incarnation of Vishnu: Correct. Matsya is indeed the first avatar of Vishnu, depicting the form of a fish.

2. Kalki - Current incarnation of Vishnu: Incorrect. Kalki is prophesied to be the future and final avatar of Vishnu, not the current one.

3. Tabla - Musical instrument used in Dashavatar Theatre: Correct. Tabla is one of the musical instruments prominently used in Dashavatar Theatre, along with the paddle harmonium and zanj.

4. Navratri - Festival marking the beginning of Dashavatar Theatre season: Correct. The Dashavatar Theatre season begins around the end of the Navratri fast in October, coinciding with the post-paddy harvest period.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The Klub-S missile system, acquired by India from Russia, aims to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy's submarine fleet. This system, developed by the Russian defense company NPO Novator, is known for its combat efficiency and the ability to engage surface ships, submarines, and ground targets effectively.

1. Cayman Islands - Largest Island: Little Cayman

- Incorrect. Grand Cayman is the largest and most populated island in the Cayman Islands. Little Cayman is one of the smaller islands in the territory.

2. Vishwamitri River - Tributary: Jambuva

- Correct. The Vishwamitri River is linked to two tributaries, Dhadhar and Jambuva.

3. Article 22 - Right to Legal Practitioner: Applies only to citizens

- Incorrect. Article 22 provides protections to all individuals, including non-citizens, but not to enemy aliens. The right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner is available to anyone arrested or detained.

4. Mugger Crocodiles - Conservation Status: Vulnerable

- Correct. Mugger crocodiles are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, indicating they face a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched: Pair 2 and Pair 4.

Dashavatar theatre holds significant importance in Maharashtra and Northern Goa by not only serving as a form of entertainment but also playing a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and storytelling traditions. This traditional folk theatre, with its narratives revolving around the ten incarnations of Vishnu, contributes to the rich cultural legacy of the region by showcasing traditional themes and performance styles that have been passed down through generations.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous institution established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1994 to assess and accredit higher educational institutions in India. Let us examine each statement:
1. Statement 1: Incorrect. Accreditation by NAAC is voluntary for higher educational institutions, not mandatory. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
2. Statement 2: Correct. The Chairperson of the UGC serves as the President of the General Council (GC) of NAAC, which aligns with the governance structure of the organization.
3. Statement 3: Correct. NAAC has indeed recently shifted towards e-inspections as part of its accreditation process, marking a significant change in how assessments are conducted due to evolving circumstances and the need for modern inspection methodologies.
Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the right answer.

The main ore of potash used in fertilizer production is sylvinite, which is a combination of sylvite (KCl) and halite (NaCl). This ore is crucial in the production of potash fertilizers, which play a significant role in enhancing agricultural productivity worldwide.