Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 12th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The initiation of the impeachment process for a High Court judge indeed requires a motion signed by at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The requirement for the approval of the removal motion is a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, not a two-thirds majority of the total membership of both Houses. This is a crucial detail that ensures the process is rigorous yet feasible, considering the practicalities of parliamentary attendance and voting.

- Statement 3 is correct. Once both Houses of Parliament pass the impeachment motion with the requisite majority, the President of India issues the removal order. This step is the formal conclusion of the impeachment process, following the constitutional provisions to ensure judicial independence while holding judges accountable for misconduct.

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

Statement-I: The impeachment process in India is indeed complex, involving a detailed constitutional framework to ensure judicial independence. This process requires a majority vote in both houses of Parliament and is designed to prevent arbitrary removal of judges.
Statement-II: The Caspian Sea is bordered by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. This is factually correct.
Both statements are correct, but Statement-II regarding the geography of the Caspian Sea does not explain Statement-I about India's impeachment process. Thus, the correct answer is B.

The Vaikom Satyagraha movement was primarily motivated by the desire to challenge caste-based discrimination and advocate for religious reform. It aimed to highlight the need for social justice through reforms and access to temple entry for all castes within Hindu society. This movement played a significant role in breaking caste barriers in Travancore and inspired similar temple entry movements across India, marking a milestone in social reform efforts.

1. Statement 1: The Vaikom Satyagraha indeed aimed to challenge caste-based discrimination, specifically targeting the restrictions on backward castes accessing the Vaikom Mahadeva temple. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: The movement did not lead to the immediate enactment of the Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947. While the Vaikom Satyagraha was a significant precursor to temple entry movements, the specific act mentioned was enacted much later. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

3. Statement 3: Key leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Mahatma Gandhi were indeed involved in the Vaikom Satyagraha, using it as a platform to advocate for social reform and nonviolent protest. This statement is correct.

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

The main aim of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras managed by Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is to make generic medicines more accessible and affordable in underserved rural areas. By empowering PACS to operate these Kendras, the initiative seeks to enhance healthcare access in rural regions, thereby addressing the challenge of affordability and availability of essential medicines.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The PMBJK initiative is specifically aimed at making generic medicines more accessible and affordable in underserved rural areas, not primarily urban areas. The involvement of PACS is to enhance healthcare access in rural regions, leveraging their local presence and infrastructure.
2. Statement 2 is correct. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) managing PMBJKs do indeed receive a 20% incentive on their monthly purchases, which is capped at Rs. 20,000. This provides them with financial motivation to participate actively in this initiative, supporting their operational costs and encouraging the spread of affordable medicines.
3. Statement 3 is correct. The administration and support of the PMBJK program are indeed undertaken by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This statement highlights the governmental backing and structural support provided to the initiative.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only, as these statements accurately reflect the details of the PMBJK initiative as managed by PACS.

• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) operating Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) is a recent initiative aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas.
• "Willow" is incorrectly attributed to Google for quantum computing. As of my knowledge, Google is known for developing the "Sycamore" chip

The correct answer is C:Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

The primary cause of Haemophilia A is a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, which is essential for normal coagulation. This disorder is typically inherited and results from mutations in the gene responsible for factor VIII, impacting the blood's ability to clot effectively.

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. Haemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, not factor IX. Factor IX deficiency is actually associated with Haemophilia B, a different form of hemophilia. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: Correct. Recent advancements in medical research have indeed highlighted gene therapy as a promising treatment option for Haemophilia A. This approach aims to address the underlying genetic cause of the disorder by introducing functional copies of the gene responsible for producing factor VIII.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. Haemophilia A primarily affects males, not females, due to its X-linked genetic nature. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, so a single copy of the defective gene on the X chromosome will result in the disorder. Females have two X chromosomes, and a mutation must be present on both copies to manifest the disorder, which is rare. Thus, females are typically carriers rather than sufferers.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct, making Option C the right answer.

1. James Webb Space Telescope - This pair is correctly matched. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was indeed launched in 2021 and is positioned at the second Lagrange point (L2), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

2. Dark Matter - This pair is incorrectly matched. Dark Matter constitutes about 27% of the universe, not 69%. It is dark energy that makes up approximately 69% of the universe.

3. Ghost Guns - This pair is correctly matched. Ghost guns are indeed firearms that can be manufactured using 3D printing technology and typically lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.

4. Yuva Sahakar Scheme - This pair is correctly matched. The Yuva Sahakar Scheme offers long-term loans with a 2% interest subvention provided by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to encourage cooperative societies among the youth.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.