Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 2nd November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. PM2.5 - Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (Correct): PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. These particles pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

2. GRAP - Graded Response Action Plan for air quality improvement (Correct): The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures to be implemented to tackle air pollution in Delhi and other areas in India, depending on the severity of the air quality.

3. AQI - Introduced in 2015 in India (Incorrect): The Air Quality Index (AQI) was introduced by the Indian government in 2014, not 2015, as part of the Swachh Bharat initiative.

4. Temperature inversion - Helps in dispersing pollutants (Incorrect): A temperature inversion actually traps pollutants near the ground by preventing the usual rise of warm air, which would typically disperse pollutants. Inversions lead to increased pollution levels because they prevent the vertical mixing of air.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

To determine the correct statements, let's evaluate each one based on the provided information:

1. Statement 1 is correct. The text specifies that to achieve the 1.5°C target, global emissions must decrease by at least 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. This aligns with the urgent need for emission cuts to avoid surpassing the 1.5°C limit.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. According to the text, the UNEP Emissions Gap Report suggests that emissions could peak by 2023 or 2024 if significant additional measures are implemented, not by 2025. This discrepancy makes the statement inaccurate.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The text clearly states that surpassing the 1.5°C threshold could result in an increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events. This includes phenomena such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and severe storms, all of which are anticipated consequences of exceeding the temperature limit.

In conclusion, statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the challenges and consequences associated with the 1.5°C global warming target, while statement 2 does not. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Exercise Garuda Shakti - Joint Exercise between India and Indonesia Special Forces
This pair is correctly matched. Exercise Garuda Shakti is indeed a joint exercise between the special forces of India and Indonesia aimed at enhancing military cooperation and mutual understanding.

2. Exercise Garuda - Joint Air Force Exercise between India and Indonesia
This pair is incorrectly matched. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force, not between India and Indonesia.

3. Prevention of Money Laundering Act - Enacted in 2003
This pair is correctly matched. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was indeed enacted in January 2003 to prevent and control the offense of money laundering in India.

4. Chronic Wasting Disease - Affects cattle and pigs
This pair is incorrectly matched. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects deer, elk, and moose, not cattle or pigs. It is a prion disease that impacts the brain and central nervous system of these cervid species.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that warmer temperatures post-Diwali in Delhi facilitated better pollution dispersion, leading to improved air quality. Statement-II is also accurate in indicating that high wind speeds played a significant role in reducing pollution levels after Diwali. However, the two statements address different factors contributing to the improved air quality and do not necessarily explain each other. Warm temperatures and high wind speeds independently contributed to the better air quality, making option (b) the correct answer choice.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was implemented by the Indian government to simplify the comprehension of air pollution levels for the public. It consolidates data on various pollutants into a single numerical value and color code, making it easier for individuals to understand the quality of the air they are breathing. By providing a clear and concise representation of air quality, the AQI helps raise awareness about pollution levels and encourages actions to mitigate its harmful effects.

Statement-I incorrectly states that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) primarily affects cows, livestock, and pets. This is inaccurate as CWD primarily impacts deer, elk, and moose, not cows, livestock, or pets. The statement is incorrect.
Statement-II correctly identifies Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as a prion disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose. This statement is accurate.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. While Delhi's AQI improved after Diwali this year, it was not the lowest since 2015. The statement in the context mentions that the AQI on the day after Diwali this year was better than the previous year but not the lowest since 2015.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The AQI is indeed calculated by considering multiple pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, and Carbon Monoxide. The AQI framework uses the most severely weighted pollutant to determine the overall air quality.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The text specifies that high wind speeds after Diwali played a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, thus contributing to the reduction of air pollution levels in Delhi.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

The main objective of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is to share best practices and experiences in counter-terrorism efforts. This exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between special forces from both countries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combating terrorism effectively.

Statement 1 is correct. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act requires banking companies, financial institutions, and intermediaries to verify and maintain records of their clients' identities and all transactions. This is a measure to prevent money laundering by ensuring that all financial activities are traceable and legitimate.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Section 45 of the PMLA does not allow for bail without conditions. In fact, it imposes strict conditions for granting bail, including that the court must have reasonable grounds to believe that the accused is not guilty (prima facie innocence) and that the accused will not commit further offenses if released. These conditions make bail under PMLA quite stringent.
Statement 3 is correct. The PMLA establishes Special Courts to adjudicate offenses under the Act. These courts are designated to handle cases of money laundering specifically, ensuring that they are dealt with by judges who are familiar with the complexities of such financial crimes.
Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.

The information highlights that global emissions must decrease by at least 43% by 2030 to achieve the 1.5°C target, but current projections fall far short of this goal, indicating that the reductions achieved have not been sufficient to meet the necessary pace for the 1.5°C goal, making it unrealistic.