Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

To understand which statements are correct, let's analyze each one:

1. Statement 1: "The MADMAX experiment primarily uses a stack of dielectric disks and a reflective mirror to enhance the detection of dark photons."
- This statement is correct. The MADMAX experiment specifically employs a setup involving a stack of dielectric (sapphire) disks and a reflective mirror. This arrangement creates a resonator that is crucial for enhancing the detection of dark photons by boosting their conversion into detectable microwave photons.

2. Statement 2: "Dark photons, unlike regular photons, are massless and cannot convert into regular photons."
- This statement is incorrect. Dark photons are hypothesized to have mass, unlike regular photons, and under certain conditions, they can convert into regular photons. The conversion frequency is dependent on the mass of the dark photons, which is a key aspect of their detectability in experiments like MADMAX.

3. Statement 3: "The initial prototype run of MADMAX did not detect dark photon signals but demonstrated sensitivity improvements over previous attempts."
- This statement is correct. Although the initial prototype run did not detect any dark photon signals, it significantly improved sensitivity, achieving performance three orders of magnitude better than previous efforts. This advancement is crucial for future research in dark matter detection.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.

The primary goal of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is to promote sustainable forest management on a global scale. This involves encouraging practices that maintain the balance between environmental, social, and economic aspects of forests to ensure their long-term health and productivity. Sustainable forest management aims to meet the current needs for forest products while preserving the forest ecosystem for future generations.

This question tests the understanding of the key objectives of the UNFF and the concept of sustainable forest management, which is a vital aspect of environmental conservation efforts globally.

1. Extended Fund Facility (EFF) - Incorrect. The EFF provides financial assistance to countries with severe medium-term balance of payments issues, helping implement structural reforms. It is not specifically for low-income countries or for short-term issues; it is available to all IMF member countries.
2. Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) - Correct. The RSF is indeed aimed at enhancing macroeconomic resilience and sustainability for low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries.
3. Songar Drones - Incorrect. While Songar drones were developed by Turkey, they are known for being armed unmanned aerial systems, including lethal capabilities such as assault rifles and grenade launchers. They are not primarily used for riot control with non-lethal capabilities.
4. Heat Action Plans (HAPs) - Correct. HAPs in Indian cities often focus on short-term relief measures during heatwaves, addressing immediate needs rather than long-term strategies.

Pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, leading to the answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I is correct as the New York Declaration on Forests was indeed first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014. Statement-II is also correct as the declaration does endorse a global timeline to end the loss of forests. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I; hence, option (b) is the most appropriate choice. The New York Declaration on Forests is not a legally binding international declaration but rather a voluntary political declaration.

The main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is to support micro-enterprises in upgrading and formalizing their operations. This scheme aims to enhance access to credit, integrate enterprises into organized supply chains, facilitate the transition of existing enterprises into a formal framework, and provide essential services like processing facilities and training. It plays a crucial role in strengthening the food processing sector by assisting micro enterprises for growth and formalization, ultimately contributing to economic development.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's abstention from the IMF vote on financial assistance to Pakistan due to concerns about Pakistan's reform implementation history. Statement-II accurately describes the purpose of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF), linking financial aid to necessary structural reforms. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides an explanation for Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

- Statement-I is correct: According to the 'Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006', the 'medium enterprises' are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore.

- Statement-II is correct: All bank loans to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

- However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I. The definition of medium enterprises and the qualification of bank loans under the priority sector are separate concepts, hence both statements are correct but not directly related or explanatory of each other.

The MADMAX collaboration plays a crucial role in advancing the detection of dark photons through innovative technologies and methodologies. By enhancing the sensitivity of detectors, they aim to explore the elusive nature of dark matter, particularly axions. This research is pivotal in understanding the composition of the universe and shedding light on the mysterious realm of dark matter.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. While Turkey is a significant arms supplier to Pakistan, it is not the largest; China remains Pakistan's largest arms supplier. Turkey is the second-largest, providing various military equipment, including drones and missiles.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Turkey has not expressed support for India's Operation Sindoor. In fact, Turkey has condemned the operation, aligning itself more strongly with Pakistan on regional issues.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The relationship between Turkey and Pakistan is indeed rooted in a shared Islamic identity, which dates back to Cold War alliances. This historical and ideological bond forms a significant part of their bilateral relations.

Thus, the correct statement is 3 only.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is actually the most common form of lupus, accounting for approximately 70% of all lupus cases. Therefore, it is not the least common but the most prevalent type of lupus.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. Lupus is known to affect multiple body systems, including but not limited to the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. This systemic nature is particularly characteristic of SLE, which can vary in severity and affect various parts of the body.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. Drug-induced lupus is a form of lupus that can be triggered by certain medications. Unlike other forms of lupus, drug-induced lupus typically resolves once the causative medication is discontinued, making it a distinct and temporary condition.

Based on the analysis above, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.