Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) - Launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

- Incorrect. The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) is launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and is part of the Climate Club initiative. UNEP is not involved in launching the GMP.

2. Climate Club - Co-hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Energy Agency (IEA)

- Correct. The interim Secretariat of the Climate Club is indeed co-hosted by the OECD and the IEA.

3. Design Law Treaty (DLT) - Adopted by the World Trade Organization (WTO)

- Incorrect. The Design Law Treaty (DLT) was adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), not the WTO.

4. Climate Club Interim Secretariat - Managed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

- Correct. UNIDO manages the secretariat of the Climate Club, supporting its operations.

Two pairs are correctly matched, which are pair 2 and pair 4.

1. Gelephu Mindfulness City - Located in northern Bhutan: Incorrect. Gelephu Mindfulness City is actually located in the south-central region of Bhutan, not in the northern part.

2. GMC - First Special Administrative Region of Bhutan: Correct. Gelephu Mindfulness City will be Bhutan's inaugural Special Administrative Region (SAR), enjoying executive autonomy and legal independence.

3. ASCI - Established in 1985: Correct. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) was indeed established in 1985.

4. ASCI - A governmental regulatory body: Incorrect. ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organization, not a governmental body. It operates independently to promote self-regulation in advertising.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly describes Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in terms of its location in the south-central region of Bhutan and its extensive area coverage of 2,500 square kilometers.
Statement-II is also accurate as it highlights that GMC is envisioned to be Bhutan's inaugural Special Administrative Region (SAR) with executive autonomy and legal independence. Statement-II logically explains the significance of GMC being designed as a SAR, which aligns with the details provided in Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II appropriately elaborates on the context provided in Statement-I.

National Milk Day, observed on November 26, commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as 'The Milkman of India', in recognition of his pivotal role in making India self-sufficient in milk production. Dr. Kurien's contributions to the dairy sector, including establishing Amul and leading Operation Flood, have significantly impacted India's dairy industry, emphasizing the importance of this day in honoring his legacy and achievements.

1. Statement 1: The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) is indeed an initiative aimed at reducing emissions in high-emission industries by connecting countries with technical and financial resources. It facilitates the transfer of technology and investments necessary for decarbonization, making this statement correct.

2. Statement 2: The Design Law Treaty (DLT) does require the ratification by at least 15 contracting parties to come into effect. It aims to streamline the registration processes for industrial designs, making them more efficient and accessible. This statement is also correct.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The GMP was launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club, not by the OECD. The OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA) co-host the interim secretariat for the Climate Club but did not launch the GMP.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Annie Mascarene, born in 1902, was a strong advocate for universal adult franchise and local government autonomy in the Constituent Assembly of India. She faced societal barriers but actively supported a strong central government while advocating for local autonomy. Her contributions marked a significant achievement in Indian politics, emphasizing the importance of grassroots representation and governance.

This question tests your understanding of the roles played by women in advocating for political reforms during the Constituent Assembly discussions.

Statement-I correctly describes the purpose of the Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) as aiming to accelerate the decarbonization process of industries in emerging and developing economies. This aligns with the information provided in the text about the GMP.
However, Statement-II inaccurately attributes the objective of standardizing industrial design protection procedures to the Design Law Treaty (DLT). This information does not correspond to the actual aim of the DLT, which focuses on streamlining design registration processes and promoting global innovation in design, as outlined in the text.

1. Statement 1: The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal is indeed classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This classification highlights its historical and cultural significance, and it is protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

2. Statement 2: The survey conducted at the Shahi Jama Masjid was controversial and raised issues regarding the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This Act aims to maintain the religious character of a site as it was on August 15, 1947, and prohibits the conversion of a place of worship of one religious denomination into that of another. The survey and the legal proceedings leading to it have been challenged as potentially violating the spirit and provisions of this Act. Thus, Statement 2 is incorrect as the survey was not in compliance with the Act.

3. Statement 3: The dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid has indeed brought back discussions about the Places of Worship Act, 1991, especially concerning its interpretation and application amidst current legal challenges. This is due to the ongoing debates and petitions questioning the Act's provisions in other similar disputes across India. Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.

In conclusion, Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect. Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. Operation Flood, launched in 1970, was a landmark initiative aimed at increasing milk production and reducing India's reliance on imported milk powder. It was instrumental in transforming India's dairy industry through its cooperative model, which empowered farmers and improved milk supply chains.

Statement 2 is correct. By the late 1990s, as a result of the efforts under the White Revolution and Operation Flood, India became the world's largest milk producer, surpassing countries like the United States. This achievement marked a significant milestone in India's agricultural and dairy sectors.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary aim of the White Revolution was not to enhance the export capabilities of India's dairy products but to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers through cooperative structures. While increased production did eventually provide surplus for potential export, it was not the primary goal of the initiative.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right choice.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian Constitution, when initially adopted, outlined 98 subjects in the Union List, 66 in the State List, and 47 in the Concurrent List. Over the years, these numbers have changed, reflecting shifting governance needs.

2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 indeed transferred subjects to the Concurrent List, but education and forests were moved from the State List, not the Union List. This movement was aimed at standardizing and addressing national concerns in these areas.

3. Statement 3 is Correct: The Indian Constitution employs a rigid amendment procedure, particularly for provisions related to the federal framework, to maintain the balance and integrity of the federal structure. This rigidity ensures that changes to the federal nature require a special majority in Parliament and, in some cases, ratification by half of the state legislatures.

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