UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 1st July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Law Commission of India stressed the need to revisit the laws related to bail in order to prevent the prolonged detention of individuals. This recommendation aims to ensure that the process of granting bail is efficient and fair, preventing unnecessary delays in trials.

The Kavach System in Indian Railways primarily aims to prevent train collisions and enhance safety on railway tracks. Developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Indian vendors, this system acts as a vigilant watchdog over the existing signaling system, alerting the loco pilot when approaching a 'red signal' and applying automatic brakes if necessary to prevent overshooting the signal. It adheres to Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards, ensuring a high level of safety integrity.

As part of the Kavach system deployment, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is integrated into the tracks. RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and read information from a wireless device without requiring physical contact or a line of sight. This integration plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety features of the Kavach System by enabling effective communication and tracking capabilities.

The RELOS agreement benefits both India and Russia by facilitating uninterrupted military presence during wartime and peacetime missions. It enables the replenishment of essential supplies like fuel, rations, and spare parts, allowing for continuous military operations in crucial regions. Additionally, it provides berthing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft, enhancing the operational capabilities of both countries.

Statement 1 is correct. The Patna High Court struck down the Bihar government's decision to increase the reservation quota to 65% as it violated the 50% limit set by the Supreme Court in the Indira Sawhney case (1992).

Statement 2 is correct. The court noted that with the addition of the 10% EWS quota, the total reservation reached 75%, which is unconstitutional.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill was passed in November 2023, not 2022.

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

Statement 1 is correct. Bihar has the lowest per capita income in the country, which is 30% of the national average.

Statement 2 is correct. Only 12% of Bihar's population lives in urban areas, compared to the national average of 35%.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Bihar has the lowest college density in the country, not the highest.

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

- Statement 1 is incorrect. The Finance Commissions have not consistently supported the inclusion of heatwaves as a notified disaster due to various concerns, including financial implications.

- Statement 2 is correct. The government is required to provide monetary compensation (Rs 4 lakh) for every life lost due to a notified disaster.

- Statement 3 is correct. Designating heatwaves as a notified disaster would enable affected regions to receive financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. The 53rd GST Council Meeting introduced Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to combat fraudulent GST input tax credit claims.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The exemption for hostel accommodation services up to Rs 20,000 per person per month applies only for stays up to 90 days, not regardless of the duration of stay.

Statement 3 is correct. The GST rate on milk cans has been uniformly reduced regardless of whether they are made of steel, iron, or aluminum.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. The GST Council has recommended new monetary thresholds for filing appeals by the department, which includes Rs 20 lakh for the GST Appellate Tribunal.

Statement 2 is correct. The central government has indeed expressed its intent to bring petrol and diesel under the GST regime, pending consensus among the states.

Statement 3 is correct. The 53rd GST Council Meeting decided to reconvene in August 2024 to discuss restructuring the multiple tax rates under the seven-year GST.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

1. Fermentation : Converts sugars into carbon dioxide (Correct)

2. Methanol : Produced by combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen (Correct)

3. Fomepizole : Binds to ADH enzymes to slow methanol metabolism (Correct)

4. Folinic Acid : Breaks down ethanol in the body (Incorrect, Folinic Acid helps break down formic acid)

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Correct. The PESA Act was enacted on 24 December 1996.

2. Incorrect. PESA does not apply to all states in India. It applies to Scheduled Areas in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

3. Correct. The Gram Sabha as a forum for community participation is a significant provision of the PESA Act.

4. Incorrect. The study found that the Forest Rights Act, 2006 had no additional impacts on conservation beyond those caused by PESA.

1. Correct. Article 243D mandates reservation of seats for STs in Panchayats.

2. Correct. Article 330 provides reservation of seats for SC and STs in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

3. Correct. Article 342 defines Scheduled Tribes and empowers the President to identify them through a public notification.

4. Incorrect. Article 332 mandates reservation of seats for SC and STs in the Legislative Assemblies of the States, not the Rajya Sabha.

- Article 355: Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance - Correct

- Article 357: Exercise of legislative powers under proclamation issued under Article 356 - Correct

- Article 359: Suspension of the enforcement of the rights conferred by Part III during Emergencies - Correct

- Article 360: Suspension of the provisions of Article 19 during Emergencies - Incorrect. Article 360 deals with provisions as to financial emergency.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly reflects the decrease in India's hydropower generation from FY23 to FY24. However, Statement-II is incorrect as India's large hydro capacity, constituting about 10% of the nation's total power generation capability, does not explain the specific decline in hydropower generation mentioned in Statement-I.

Statement-I accurately describes the challenges faced by India in terms of low reservoir levels and delayed monsoons affecting hydropower generation. Statement-II complements this by highlighting the crucial role of India's groundwater in meeting a significant portion of the country's drinking water needs, hence explaining the impacts mentioned in Statement-I.

Statement-I accurately describes the objective of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to provide rooftop solar systems to 1 crore households as mentioned in the provided information. However, Statement-II incorrectly states that participating households receive 500 units of electricity free every month, whereas the correct information is that households can receive 300 units of electricity free every month under this scheme, not 500 units as mentioned in Statement-II.

Statement-I accurately describes the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), highlighting its route and connectivity between specific regions. However, Statement-II is incorrect as INSTC does not primarily facilitate trade routes between South America and Asia. Instead, it focuses on connecting regions like India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe to enhance trade and transportation cooperation along the specified corridor.

Statement-I is correct as it accurately highlights the advantages of the INSTC over the Suez Canal route, showcasing the reduction in transit time and freight costs. Statement-II is incorrect as the INSTC indeed offers significant advantages over traditional trade routes, as mentioned in Statement-I, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for transportation and trade between the specified regions.

Statement I correctly highlights the role of Vedic hymns in religious rituals and their accompaniment with musical instruments. Statement II accurately mentions early Tamil treatises providing insights into ragas and musical elements like 'pans,' sthayi, srutis, and swara sthanas. Moreover, Statement II explains how these elements contributed to the understanding of music presented in Statement I, making option A the correct choice.

Statement-I is accurate as it defines remittances accurately as funds or goods sent by migrants to their home countries. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the text mentions that the majority of remittances to India come from high-skilled Indian migrants in high-income countries, not low-income countries. Therefore, while Statement-I is correct, Statement-II does not align with the provided information.