Daily Current Affairs MCQ- March 23, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Recently, the Union Government has decided to rename the existing Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir.

• The Central government of India in 2018 announced that 1.5 lakh HWCs would be created in the country by transforming existing sub health centres and primary health centres to deliver comprehensive primary health care and declared this as one of the two components of Ayushman Bharat.
• It was decided the Centre would provide 60% of the funding and, in turn, states would follow its design manual.
• Till date 1.61 lakh AB-HWCs have been made functional across the country which is higher than the initial target.
• The AB-HWCs provide maternal and child healthcare services; first level care for emergencies and trauma, including free drugs and diagnostic services, among other things.
• The new tag-line of AB-HWCs is Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.

Key facts about Ayushman Bharat (AB)

• The union government in 2018 announced two major initiatives in health sector, as part of Ayushman Bharat programme.
• Curative care - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): For hospitalisation at secondary- and tertiary-level private hospitals
• Primary care - Health and Wellness Centres (HWC): To strengthen primary healthcare.
• PMJAY will provide a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year to poor and vulnerable people, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• The National Health Authority (NHA) is responsible for the implementation of PMJAY.  

Hence all statements are correct.

The Supreme Court recently explained the principles relevant for examining the admissibility of secondary evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

What is Primary Evidence?

• It is covered by Section 62 of the Evidence Act and is considered the highest class of evidence. 
• Primary evidence, also known as best evidence, refers to the actual documents produced for the court’s inspection.
• It is admissible without prior notice and takes precedence over secondary evidence.
• As per Section 62, when the document itself is produced for the inspection of the court, it is called the primary evidence. If the document is in parts, then each part forms the primary evidence. 
• Example: Birth Certificate issued by a Government authority.

About Secondary Evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872:

• It is defined under Section 63 of the Evidence Act.
• It can only be introduced if primary evidence is not available, and the reason for its absence must be explained.
• It is considered a substitute for the original or primary evidence.
• It is generally considered to be of lower evidentiary value compared to primary evidence. 
• However, if primary evidence is unavailable and the reason for its absence is explained, secondary evidence may be admitted in court. 
• Different types of secondary evidence are Certified copies, Copies prepared by mechanical process ,Counter foils ,Photographs ,Xerox copy, Photostat copy ,Carbon copy ,Typed copy ,Tape records, Counterparts ,Oral accounts ,Registration copy, etc.
• Example: Copy of the 10th mark sheet with Date of Birth or identification proofs like Voter Card or Aadhar Card as secondary evidence for a lost birth certificate.
• Principles laid down by the Supreme Court for examining the admissibility of secondary evidence:
• The law requires the best evidence to be given first, that is, primary evidence.
• Section 63 of the Evidence Act provides a list of the kinds of documents that can be produced as secondary evidence, which is admissible only in the absence of primary evidence.
• If the original document is available, it has to be produced and proved in the manner prescribed for primary evidence. So long as the best evidence is withinthe possession or can be produced, or can be reached, no inferior proof could be given.
• A party must endeavor to adduce primary evidence of the contents, and only in exceptional cases will secondary evidence be admissible. The exceptions are designed to provide relief when a partyisgenuinely unable to produce the original through no fault of that party.
• When the non-availability of a document is sufficiently and properly explained, then the secondary evidence can be allowed.
• Secondary evidence could be given when the party cannot produce the original document for any reason not arising from his default or neglect.
• When the copies are produced in the absence of the original document, they become good secondary evidence. Still, there must be foundational evidence that the alleged copy is a true copy of the original.
• Before producing secondary evidence of the contents of a document, the non-production of the original must be accounted for in a manner that can bring it within one or other of the cases provided for in the section.
• Mere production and marking of a document as an exhibit by the Court cannot be held to be due proof of its contents. It has to be proved in accordance with the law.

Hence both statements are correct.

India has voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that expressed deep concern over Israel not withdrawing from the Golan Heights.

About Golan Heights:

• It is a rocky plateau in south-western Syria, about 60km (40 miles) south-west of the Capital, Damascus.
• It is bounded by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee on the west, Mount Hermon on the north, the seasonal Wadi Al-Ruqqād River on the east, and the Yarmūk River on the south.
• The Golan extends about 44 miles (71 km) from north to south and about 27 miles (43 km) from east to west at its widest point.
• It is roughly boat-shaped and has an area of 1,150 square km. 
• History:
• Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the closing stages of the 1967 Six-Day War.
• Most of the Syrian Arab inhabitants fled the area during the conflict.
• An armistice line was established, and the region came under Israeli military control. Almost immediately, Israel began to settle the Golan.
• Syria tried to retake the Golan Heights during the 1973 Middle East war. Despite inflicting heavy losses on Israeli forces, the surprise assault was thwarted.
• Both countries signed an armistice in 1974, and a UN observer force has been in place on the ceasefire line since 1974.
• Israel unilaterally annexed the Golan Heights in 1981.
• There are more than 30 Israeli settlements in the Golan. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.
• About 20,000 Syrians and 20,000 Israelis live in the Golan.
• Strategic Importance:
• The Syrian capital, Damascus, can be clearly seen from the top of the Golan Hills.
• When it rains here, its water goes to the Jordan River, which supplies water in dry areas. It is believed that this water supplies one-third of Israel's water.
• Apart from this, the land here is very fertile, which is very good for farming.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Angkor Wat temple, located in Cambodia, has defeated Pompeii in Italy to become the eighth Wonder of the World.

About Angkor Wat:

• It is the largest religious monument in the world.
• It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century.
• It was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.
• In 1992, the temple complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Features:
• Sandstone blocks were used to build the structure. 
• It is protected by a 15-foot high wall and a wide moat.
• It covers an area of 200 acres.
• The temple has five major towers symbolising the peaks of Mount Meru, believed to be the abode of the gods in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
• Thousands of bas-reliefs depicting important deities and figures in Hindu and Buddhist religions, as well as key events in their narrative traditions, adorn the temple walls.
• Where is Angkor Wat?
• It is located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
• The city of Angkor, home to Angkor Wat, was the capital of the Khmer Empire and thrived between the 9th and 15th centuries.
• Angkor itself stretched over 400km² and is now home to the magnificent remains of a variety of temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sajag, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, recently arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman for a three-day visit as part of the overseas deployment of ICG ships to West Asia.

About Sajag OPV:

• ICGS Sajag is part of the Indian Coast Guard fleet of OPVs, based on the West Coast of India in Porbandar, Gujarat.
• It has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
• It is the third in the series of 105-meter OPVs being built by GSL.
• It operates under the operational command of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North West). 
• Sajag has undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including coastal security, IMBL / EEZ surveillance, anti-transnational crimes, and maritime SAR and pollution response operations in the past.
• Features:
• The ship is equipped with modern weapon systems, sensors, and state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems.
• It is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines and can attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.
• It has an endurance of 6000 nm at an economical speed.
• It is fitted with a 40/60 Bofors gun and two 12.7 mm guns.
• It is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol.
• The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.
• The ship is also equipped with an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External firefighting (EFF) system.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

The Indian Navy is preparing to demonstrate its operational capabilities in a grand 'Operational Demonstration' on Navy Day at Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra.

About Sindhudurg Fort:

• It is a historical fort that occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Maharashtra in western India.
• The fortress lies on Kurte Island, very near the coast of Malvan town in Sindhudurg District in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, 450 kilometres south of Mumbai.
• The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire.
• The construction of the fort began in 1664 and took three years to complete.
• The main objective was to counter the rising influence of foreign colonizers (English, Dutch, French, and Portuguese merchants) and to curb the rise of the Siddis of Janjira.
• Features:
• It is spread over 48 acres with fortified walls that are29 feet high and 12 feet thick and stretch for two miles.
• As many as 52 bastions with embrasures for cannons guard its walls.
• One can enter the fort through the Dilli Darwaja, the main gate. Because of its architectural design, the gate is visible only from close quarters and seems to be part of the walls. 
• It is surrounded by several smaller forts, such as Padmagad, Rajkot, and Sarjekot Forts.
• A handprint and footprint of the Maratha King are embedded on a slab within the fort.
• A small temple dedicated to the Chhatrapati also finds a place within the bounds of the fort.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Recently, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrated its 75th Anniversary on November 26, 2023.

• It is a Tri-Services Organization, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, engaged in grooming the youth into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
• It came into existence under the National Cadet Corps Act XXXI of 1948 under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• It is a voluntary organization which recruits cadets from high schools, colleges and universities all over India.
• The Cadets are given basic military training in small arms and parades. They are given preference in military service over normal candidates during selections.
• Aims
• To develop qualities of character, courage, comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular outlook, the spirit of adventure and sportsmanship and ideals of selfless service among the youth to make them useful citizens.
• To create a human resource of organized, trained and motivated youth to provide leadership in all walks of life including the Armed Forces, and be always available for the service of the nation.
• To create a suitable environment to motivate the youth to take up a career in the armed forces.
• It is headed by the Director General (DG), an Army Officer of the rank of Lieutnant General.
• Headquarter: New Delhi.

Hence both statements are correct.

The crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third amongst the four Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyers, was unveiled by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on November 28, 2023.

• It is the third in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• It is among the largest Destroyers constructed in India, with an overall length of 164 metres and a displacement of over 7500 tonnes.
• Speed: Over 30 knots (approx 55 Kmph).
• The ship is a potent platform capable of undertaking a variety of tasks and missions, spanning the full spectrum of maritime warfare.
• The ship boasts of a high indigenous content of approximately 75% that includes Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai) 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (BHEL, Haridwar).
• The crest design depicts the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right.
• The Kangla Palace is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur, and was the traditional seat of the past kingdom.
• With a dragon’s head and lion’s body, the ‘Kangla-Sa’ is a mythical being from Manipur history, and is symbolic as the guardian/protector of its people. ‘Kangla-Sa’ is also the state emblem of Manipur.
• It is the first capital warship to be named after a city in the North-east, Imphal -- the capital of Manipur.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have photographed the enigmatic Comet P12/Pons-Brooks by using the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) from the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh.

• It is a celestial object that has been playfully nicknamed the 'Devil Comet' or likened to the 'Millennium Falcon' for its distinctive appearance.
• This comet, first discovered in the year 1812, completes an orbit around the Sun every 71 years. Its recent activity has been particularly striking, with multiple outbursts of gas and dust that have dramatically increased its brightness.
• The comet's atmosphere, visible as a spherical halo, spans an impressive 3,50,000 kilometers in diameter, 

Key facts about Himalayan Chandra Telescope

• It is a 2-meter optical-infrared telescope named after Nobel laureate Subramaniam Chandrasekhar.
• It is at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle near Leh in Ladakh.
• It is currently the tenth highest optical telescope in the world, situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters.
• The telescope remotely operated using a dedicated satellite communication link from the Centre for Research & Education in Science & Technology (CREST), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
• Imaging instruments include a Faint Object Spectrograph, a near infra-red and an optical CCD camera.

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, experts said that world’s new biodiversity framework fund is without any real financial commitment to meet conservation targets. 

• Global Biodiversity Framework Fund is created to ramp up investment in nature restoration and renewal.
• It has been designed to mobilize and accelerate investment in the conservation and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems, whose health is under threat from wildfires, flooding, extreme weather, and human activity including urban sprawl.
• The fund was established at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in Vancouver, Canada.
• It will help countries achieve the 23 targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
• The framework was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity last December.
• It will be managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will raise funds through private, philanthropic and government investments.
• This is a departure from GEF, which relied on just 40 donors for finance.
• It will also have access to funds earmarked for biodiversity conservation under GEF.
• The facility has a cumulative budget of $5.25 billion for 2022-26, of which 36 per cent is earmarked for biodiversity.
• The remaining budget is for projects on climate change, pollution, land and ocean health.
• The GBF Fund Council will be open to representation by the following members,
• 16 Members from developing countries
• 14 Members from developed countries
• 2 Members from the countries of central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
• Decisions of the GBF Fund Council are to be taken by consensus, along the lines of the GEF Instrument. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.