Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 28th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Sohrai Painting Origin: Meso-chalcolithic period - Correct. Sohrai painting has its roots in the Meso-chalcolithic period, approximately between 9000 and 5000 BC, as evidenced by excavations at the Isko rock shelter in Hazaribagh.

2. Materials Used: Synthetic paints and brushes - Incorrect. Sohrai paintings are traditionally created using natural materials such as charcoal, clay, or soil. The use of synthetic paints and brushes is not characteristic of traditional Sohrai art.

3. Practicing Communities: Kurmi, Santal, Munda tribes - Correct. Sohrai painting is practiced by indigenous communities, particularly by women from the Kurmi, Santal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal tribes.

4. Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand - Correct. The Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand has been awarded a GI tag for Sohrai art, recognizing its cultural significance and geographical origin.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is not. Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

- Statement 1 is correct. The BioE3 policy indeed aims to transform chemical industries into sustainable bio-based models by promoting biotechnology. This aligns with India's goals for economic growth, environmental protection, and job creation, supporting sustainable development and climate objectives.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Hasdeo Arand forest is known as the "lungs of Chhattisgarh" due to its rich biodiversity, including its role as a vital corridor for elephants and tigers. It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India and supports numerous species, reflecting its ecological significance.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. India did not rank in the top 10 of the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index. Instead, it received a low score and ranked 176th due to poor land management practices and increasing biodiversity threats, such as habitat loss and climate change impacts.

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

1. BioE3 Policy - Correctly matched. The BioE3 policy indeed aims to transform chemical industries into sustainable bio-based models, promoting biotechnology for economic growth and environmental protection.

2. Hasdeo Arand Forest - Incorrectly matched. The Hasdeo Arand forest is known for its rich biodiversity and environmental significance, and it is often in the news due to protests against coal mining, not for having large coal mining operations as its defining feature.

3. Nature Conservation Index - Incorrectly matched. The Nature Conservation Index is developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, not by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

4. FMCG Sustainable Practices - Correctly matched. FMCG companies aim to implement sustainable practices by using certified sustainable palm oil to prevent deforestation and protect the environment.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

To determine the correct statements about Sohrai Painting, let's evaluate each one:

1. Statement 1: "Sohrai painting is primarily practiced by men from the Kurmi, Santal, and Munda tribes."

This statement is incorrect. Sohrai painting is traditional mural art practiced primarily by tribal women (Adivasi) from communities such as the Kurmi, Santal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal tribes. The art form is an important cultural expression for these communities, with women being the main artists.

2. Statement 2: "The themes of Sohrai paintings are centered around urban landscapes and modern life."

This statement is incorrect. Sohrai paintings are inspired by natural elements such as forests, rivers, and animals. They reflect the close relationship between the tribal communities and their natural environment, rather than urban landscapes or modern life.

3. Statement 3: "The Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for this art form."

This statement is correct. The Hazaribagh region in Jharkhand is known for its unique style of Sohrai painting, which has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its cultural and geographical significance.

Therefore, only Statement 3 is correct. Thus, the correct answer is Option D: 3 Only.

Sohrai paintings, an ancient art form practiced by tribal women in India, predominantly feature themes inspired by natural elements such as forests, rivers, and animals. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic motifs in Sohrai paintings reflect a deep connection to nature and traditional cultural practices.

Statement-I is correct because Sambhar Lake was indeed designated as a Ramsar site in 1990, recognizing its importance as a wetland for migratory birds and biodiversity preservation. Statement-II is also correct as the Coral Triangle does encompass a vast marine area spanning over 10 million square kilometers, known for its high coral species diversity. However, Statement-II does not provide any direct explanation or connection to Statement-I regarding Sambhar Lake's Ramsar site designation, making option (b) the correct choice.

Statement-I is accurate as Sohrai painting is indeed an indigenous mural art form originating from India, as mentioned in the provided information. Statement-II is also true as the DF-26 missile is an intermediate-range ballistic missile developed by China, as detailed in the text. Statement-II explains Statement-I as it provides additional information about a separate topic, showcasing the independence and correctness of both statements in their individual contexts.

The primary environmental impact associated with the production and consumption of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) is water pollution. This pollution occurs through the discharge of untreated wastewater containing harmful substances, particularly from products like soaps and detergents. It is crucial for FMCG companies to take measures to diminish water usage in manufacturing and treat wastewater to prevent further pollution, thereby contributing to sustainable practices and environmental protection.

Statement-I correctly outlines the objectives of the BioE3 policy in transforming chemical industries towards sustainable bio-based models to support economic growth and environmental protection. Statement-II aligns with sustainable practices by emphasizing the importance of reducing water usage in manufacturing processes and treating wastewater to prevent water pollution. The integration of sustainable water management practices is crucial in fostering environmental sustainability across industries, complementing the goals set by the BioE3 policy. Hence, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II explaining the relevance of water usage and pollution control in the context of sustainable industrial practices.

The G20 Independent Expert Group's assessment primarily focuses on analyzing the progress and challenges faced by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in increasing their lending capacities, attracting private investment, and fulfilling global development and sustainability objectives. This evaluation highlights the disparities between current achievements and the ambitious goals set for MDBs to support sustainable and inclusive growth.