Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 9th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary objective of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is to boost aid and development support to African countries. Through this platform, China offers loans, aid, and developmental assistance to enhance economic growth and infrastructure development in African nations. Additionally, FOCAC aims to strengthen political cooperation, encourage cultural exchanges, and support peace and security initiatives in the region.

Statement 1 is correct. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Singapore was indeed signed in 2005. This agreement has significantly enhanced trade and investment activities between the two nations.

Statement 2 is correct. Singapore is the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, impacting various sectors positively. This highlights the strong economic ties and the significance of Singapore's investments in India's development.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While India and Singapore initially elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2015, the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership occurred more recently, not in 2015. This recent upgrade signifies an even deeper level of cooperation and collaboration across various fields.

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

1. Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre - Singapore: Correct. The Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre is indeed being inaugurated in Singapore, highlighting the strong cultural ties between India and Singapore.

2. FOCAC Member - Eswatini: Incorrect. Eswatini is not a member of FOCAC as it recognizes Taiwan and does not have diplomatic relations with China.

3. Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) - 2005: Correct. The CECA between India and Singapore was signed in 2005, significantly enhancing trade and investment activity between the two nations.

4. Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules - 2021: Correct. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules were indeed introduced in 2021 in India and implemented in 2022.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's position as the world's leading plastic polluter, contributing significantly to global plastic emissions. Statement-II accurately mentions China's reduced ranking in global plastic pollution due to advancements in waste management strategies, moving from the top position to fourth place. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but provides additional context about China's efforts in waste management, making option (b) the correct choice.

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, ensuring their well-being and providing a safe, enriching educational setting. These schools aim to offer a variety of learning experiences, ensuring students have access to quality infrastructure and necessary resources, with a focus on cognitive development and nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with essential 21st-century skills. The teaching methods in PM-SHRI Schools emphasize play-based learning, experiential, holistic, integrated approaches, and learner-centered experiences, moving away from rote memorization towards competencies and real-life applications.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Arabian Sea does experience fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal, mainly due to higher wind shear and cooler sea temperatures post-monsoon, which inhibit cyclone formation.

- Statement 2: This statement is also correct. Climate change is indeed causing rapid warming in the Indian Ocean. This warming trend affects monsoon patterns and increases the frequency of extreme weather events, including cyclones.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, which is atypical compared to other global regions that usually have only one cyclone season.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

1. Cyclone Asna - Correctly matched. Cyclone Asna formed in August 2023 and was notable as the first cyclone in the North Indian Ocean for that month since 1981.

2. Vertical shear - Incorrectly matched. Vertical shear actually diminishes the strength of cyclones during the monsoon season, not enhances it.

3. PM-SHRI Scheme - Incorrectly matched. The PM-SHRI scheme aims to establish over 14,500 schools managed by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local authorities, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), not solely by the Central Government.

4. Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - Correctly matched. The PAC reviews accounts and audit reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the factor of vertical shear in the North Indian Ocean, which indeed diminishes cyclones' strength during the monsoon season, leading to fewer cyclones in this region compared to others. Statement-II also accurately portrays the role of the Indian Ocean in global warming and its influence on other oceans, affecting cyclone unpredictability. The warmer temperatures in the Indian Ocean and its impact on cyclone patterns align with the global climate change narrative, making both statements correct. Furthermore, Statement-II explains why the North Indian Ocean experiences fewer cyclones compared to other basins, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's cyclonic activity.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 aims to guarantee food and nutritional security for the citizens of India. It ensures access to an adequate supply of quality food at affordable prices, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. This act plays a crucial role in promoting food security across the country and addresses various stages of life to ensure nutritional well-being.

1. Incorrect: The NFSA provides subsidized food grains to up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, not the other way around.

2. Correct: The NFSA indeed includes special provisions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, ensuring nutritional support.

3. Correct: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) plays a crucial role in procuring food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) as part of the NFSA implementation.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3 only.