Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Starlink Service - Operational in India: Incorrect. Starlink is not operational in India due to regulatory restrictions.

2. Starlink Satellites - Low Earth Orbit: Correct. Starlink satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet service.

3. Regulatory Approval - Received in Bhutan: Correct. Starlink has received regulatory approval in more than 60 countries, including Bhutan.

4. Total Planned Satellites - 42,000: Correct. SpaceX plans to launch a total of 42,000 satellites to form a mega-constellation for global coverage.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 2, 3, and 4.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar can increase the cost of imports, such as crude oil, which India imports in large quantities. This increase in import costs can widen the trade deficit and, consequently, the current account deficit due to a higher expenditure on imports compared to earnings from exports.

2. Statement 2 is correct. When India's inflation is higher compared to that of the United States, the real value of returns on investments in India diminishes. This can lead to capital outflows as investors seek higher returns in countries with lower inflation, thereby weakening the rupee further.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While a weaker rupee can make Indian goods cheaper and more competitive in international markets, the benefit is not universal for all exporters. Exporters who rely heavily on imported raw materials may not benefit as much because the cost of imports will rise, potentially offsetting the advantages of a weaker rupee.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Great Rann of Kutch - Largest salt desert in India: This pair is correctly matched. The Great Rann of Kutch is indeed the largest salt desert in India, known for its unique white salt marshes and cultural significance.

2. Indian Wild Ass - Found only in the Little Rann of Kutch: This pair is correctly matched. The Indian Wild Ass, also known as the Khur, is primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch, which is part of the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Holocene Sedimentation - Associated with the Thar Desert: This pair is incorrectly matched. Holocene sedimentation refers to geological processes that occurred after the last Ice Age and is linked to the Rann of Kutch, not specifically to the Thar Desert itself.

4. Indus Valley Civilization - Had settlements in the Rann of Kutch: This pair is correctly matched. The Rann of Kutch was indeed home to neolithic settlements and later became an important center for the Indus Valley Civilization, reflecting its historical significance.

To determine the correct statements:

1. Statement 1: "Speed guns use the principle of the Doppler effect to measure the speed of moving objects."
This statement is correct. Speed guns utilize the Doppler effect, which involves the change in frequency or wavelength of waves in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source. This principle is fundamental to the operation of speed guns, enabling them to measure the speed of moving objects accurately.

2. Statement 2: "Originally developed for civilian purposes, speed guns later found applications in military operations during World War II."
This statement is incorrect. Speed guns were originally developed for military applications during World War II, not for civilian purposes first. They were later adapted for civilian use, such as traffic monitoring and sports.

3. Statement 3: "The speed of an object is calculated by analyzing the change in frequency of radio waves emitted and received by the speed gun."
This statement is correct. Speed guns work by emitting radio waves towards a moving object and then receiving the waves reflected back. By examining the frequency change (Doppler shift) between the emitted and received waves, the speed of the object can be calculated.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer award symbolizes goodwill and diplomatic ties between Kuwait and the recipient country. It is the highest national award of Kuwait, established in 1974 to honor foreign dignitaries and strengthen international relations.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. While Starlink aims to provide broadband internet through a network of low Earth orbit satellites, it is not currently operational in India due to regulatory restrictions. This disqualifies any option that includes statement 1 as correct.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. SpaceX's Starlink project indeed plans to launch a total of 42,000 satellites to form a mega-constellation that will provide global internet coverage. This is a significant part of their strategy to ensure wide and reliable internet access across the globe.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. Starlink has received regulatory approval in more than 60 countries, allowing it to operate or plan operations in these regions, although it is not yet operational in India.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the current status and plans of the Starlink project, while statement 1 is incorrect due to India's regulatory constraints on Starlink's operations.

Statement-I correctly highlights the recent significant depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, exceeding the 85 mark. Statement-II accurately recalls the exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar around a decade ago, which was approximately 61. Together, both statements provide a contextual understanding of the Indian rupee's depreciation trend over time, indicating a decline in value relative to the US dollar. Statement-II supports Statement-I by offering a historical perspective on the exchange rate, demonstrating how the rupee has weakened considerably against the dollar. Thus, Option A is the correct answer choice.

Speed guns operate based on the Doppler Effect principle to calculate the speed of an object accurately. This effect describes the change in frequency of waves as an object moves closer to or farther away from the speed gun. By analyzing this frequency change, speed guns can precisely determine the speed of the object in question.

Terms of trade have improved more for agricultural laborers than farmers. While wages for laborers have risen substantially, farmers have faced challenges with stagnant incomes and increasing input costs, leading to a decline in their terms of trade.

The main objective of the Rann Utsav cultural festival is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Kutch region. This annual event organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department aims to showcase the artistic and cultural traditions of Kutch, attracting visitors from both within India and around the world. It provides a platform to exhibit the local art, music, dance, handicrafts, and cuisine, offering a unique experience that highlights the cultural vibrancy of the area.