Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 25th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Curriculum integration in madrasas is aimed at combining religious education with subjects like science and mathematics to meet contemporary educational standards.

- This statement is correct. One of the key reforms needed for modernizing madrasa education is to integrate religious education with modern disciplines such as science, mathematics, and social studies. This integration aims to ensure that madrasa education aligns with contemporary educational standards, providing a more holistic learning experience.

2. Legislative actions such as cutting government funding for madrasas do not influence their perception among minority communities.

- This statement is incorrect. Legislative and policy decisions, such as cutting government funding, can significantly impact the perception of madrasas. Such actions can foster feelings of bias and alienation among minority communities, as they may perceive these measures as discriminatory or as targeting their educational institutions.

3. Awareness programs are recognized as essential for building community support for madrasa modernization efforts.

- This statement is correct. Awareness programs are crucial for educating communities about the benefits of modernizing madrasa education. By highlighting the advantages of incorporating modern subjects and teaching methodologies, these programs can garner community support and help dispel misconceptions about madrasas.

The correct answer, therefore, is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the aspects of madrasa education modernization and perception discussed in the content.

Both statements are accurate. Statement-I highlights the features of EOS-06/Oceansat-3, emphasizing its role as an Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO with enhanced capabilities for oceanographic and atmospheric research. Statement-II correctly describes INSAT-3DR as an advanced meteorological satellite launched in 2016 with imaging systems and an atmospheric sounder, focusing on improved Sea Surface Temperature estimation. INSAT-3DR complements EOS-06 by providing crucial meteorological data. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed provides additional information that complements Statement-I.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was indeed established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was the first Education Minister of independent India. This statement is factual and aligns with historical records regarding the establishment of the ICCR.

2. Statement 2 is correct. ICCR administers numerous scholarship programs, providing over 3000 scholarships each year to international students from approximately 180 countries. This is part of ICCR's mission to foster cultural exchanges and promote Indian culture internationally, which includes educational opportunities for students worldwide.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary objective of ICCR is not to promote Indian trade relations, but rather to actively engage in shaping and executing policies and programs related to India’s cultural relations with the world, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and cultural ties. Trade relations are outside the scope of ICCR's primary objectives.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are correct while statement 3 is not.

1. EOS-06 (Oceansat-3) - This pair is incorrectly matched. EOS-06, also known as Oceansat-3, was launched on November 26, 2022, for enhanced oceanographic and atmospheric studies, not in September 2016 with features related to imaging and atmospheric sounder. The date and features are mismatched.
2. INSAT-3DR - This pair is incorrectly matched. INSAT-3DR was launched in September 2016, not November 2022, and it is known for advanced imaging and atmospheric sounding capabilities, not for oceanographic studies.
3. Environmental Ship Index (ESI) - This pair is correctly matched. ESI indeed evaluates emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter. This is part of its environmental performance assessment for ships.
4. Asiatic Golden Cat - This pair is incorrectly matched. The Asiatic Golden Cat is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, not Vulnerable. The IUCN status was incorrectly stated.
Thus, only the third pair is correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I is correct as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was indeed established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Statement-II is also accurate as ICCR does administer numerous scholarship programs each year, offering over 3000 scholarships through 21 different schemes for international students from around 180 countries. Furthermore, Statement-II explains the significance and operations of ICCR, supporting Statement-I. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context to Statement-I, making option (A) the correct choice.

The primary objective of identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) is to pinpoint regions that require protection from governments and other stakeholders due to their international significance in biodiversity conservation. KBAs play a crucial role in safeguarding critical ecosystems and ensuring the preservation of diverse species and habitats.

Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was indeed established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) do not focus solely on the conservation of bird species. They broaden the concept of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) to include various taxonomic groups. Pair 3 is correctly matched. IN-SPACe is a single-window, independent agency established to authorize, promote, and supervise private non-governmental entities involved in space activities. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. The naming of cyclones is managed by six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs), not just five specialized centers. Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Teacher Training and Certification is a crucial reform necessary for modernizing madrasa education. By providing educators with training in modern teaching methodologies and subjects, the effectiveness of teaching within madrasas can be significantly enhanced. This reform ensures that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality education that aligns with contemporary educational standards.

The main purpose of the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is to assess the environmental performance of ships, with a specific focus on their air pollution emissions. This scoring system aims to encourage ships to adopt practices that reduce emissions, contributing to better air quality and efforts to combat climate change.

The correct option is:

C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I discusses the potential for madrasas to engage in community service and promote national values, which can indeed contribute to social cohesion. This statement is conceptually correct as educational institutions, including madrasas, play a significant role in community engagement and fostering societal values.

Statement-II describes the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as a constitutional body established under the Government of India Act, 1919. This statement is incorrect because the PAC, while an important parliamentary committee in India, is not a constitutional body. It was established by the Government of India in 1921 based on the recommendations of the Government of India Act, 1919, but it is set up annually by the Parliament and not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India.