Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 19th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary goal of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) is to enhance maritime trade between India and Russia. By connecting Chennai to Vladivostok, this corridor aims to significantly shorten cargo transit time, reduce logistical costs, and improve transportation efficiency between the two countries.

- Statement 1: The Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) indeed connects Chennai, India, to Vladivostok, Russia, and reduces the shipping distance by approximately 40%. This is a correct statement as the EMC offers a shorter route compared to traditional maritime paths.

- Statement 2: The EMC significantly reduces cargo transit time by up to 16 days, which is accurate. The reduction in distance and improved efficiency of the route allow for faster shipping times compared to the longer routes previously used.

- Statement 3: The traditional route from Mumbai to St. Petersburg spans 8,675 nautical miles and takes around 40 days for a large container ship via Europe. This statement is correct as it describes the current scenario for shipping before the EMC was operational.

Therefore, all three statements are correct. The correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

Statement-I is accurate as per the information provided in the content about the Chennai-Vladivostok EMC shortening cargo transit time by up to 16 days. Statement-II is also correct, as it correctly states the distance of the traditional route from Mumbai to St. Petersburg as approximately 8,675 nautical miles. Furthermore, Statement-II explains the context of the distance comparison, supporting Statement-I about the significant reduction in transit time. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional information that reinforces Statement-I.

The primary aim of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) is to assess the efficiency of grievance redressal mechanisms in organizations. It provides a comparative analysis of various organizations, highlighting their strengths and areas needing improvement in grievance redressal. By evaluating dimensions like efficiency, feedback, domain, and organizational commitment, GRAI aims to enhance the effectiveness of grievance redressal processes across different ministries and departments.

1. Correctly Matched: Pair 1 is correct. The Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) was indeed developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) as highlighted in the source material.

2. Incorrectly Matched: Pair 2 is incorrect. The inaugural edition of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) was released in 2023, not 2022.

3. Incorrectly Matched: Pair 3 is incorrect. Sickle Cell Disease predominantly affects marginalized tribal populations in India, not urban populations. This is a key point in the initiative focusing on these communities.

4. Correctly Matched: Pair 4 is correct. The national mission aims to eradicate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, as part of a broader public health initiative.

Thus, out of the four pairs, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-II explains Statement-I as the creation of GRAI by DARPG based on recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee aligns with the aim of providing a comparative analysis to identify strengths and areas needing improvement in grievance redressal mechanisms. Statement-I sets the foundation for the purpose and development of GRAI, while Statement-II elaborates on the specific objective and function of the grievance redressal assessment and index.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) aims to phase out fossil fuels and facilitate a just transition to renewable energy sources. This initiative, inspired by nuclear disarmament treaties, seeks to address the escalating climate crisis by limiting fossil fuel production and ensuring equitable global access to renewable energy. By regulating fossil fuel production, the treaty aims to contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices.

To determine the correct statement(s), let's analyze each one based on the provided information:

1. Statement 1: "The Thai sacbrood virus primarily affects the larvae of western honey bees, causing significant mortality."
- This statement is incorrect. The Thai sacbrood virus poses a significant threat specifically to the Asiatic honey bee population, not primarily the western honey bees. The viral strain affecting western honey bees is less harmful compared to that affecting the Asiatic honey bees.

2. Statement 2: "An outbreak of the Thai sacbrood virus in the early 1990s led to the loss of nearly 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India."
- This statement is correct. The text clearly mentions that between 1991 and 1992, an outbreak of the Thai sacbrood virus resulted in the loss of approximately 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India.

3. Statement 3: "The virus was first identified in China and has since spread to India and Vietnam."
- This statement is incorrect. The information provided indicates that the virus resurfaced in 2021 in Telangana, India, and has been identified in other countries such as China and Vietnam, but it does not specify that it was first identified in China.

Based on this analysis, only Statement 2 is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 Only.

1. Thai Sacbrood Virus affects only the western honey bee population - Incorrect. The Thai Sacbrood Virus poses a significant threat primarily to the Asiatic honey bee population, not exclusively the western honey bee population. The viral strain affecting western honey bees is less harmful compared to that affecting Asiatic honey bees.

2. The virus was first identified in South India in the early 1990s - Correct. An outbreak of the Thai Sacbrood Virus led to the loss of approximately 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India between 1991 and 1992.

3. Apis cerana indica is a native bee species in India - Correct. Apis cerana indica, commonly known as the Indian honey bee, is one of the four native honey bee species in India.

4. Pathogen spillback refers to a virus moving from a new host back to its original host - Correct. Pathogen spillback describes the phenomenon where a virus or pathogen is transmitted from a new host species back to its original host.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.

- Statement 1: Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana indeed offers cashless health coverage up to ₹5 lakh annually for senior citizens aged 70 and above. This is a key feature of the scheme aimed at providing essential health benefits to the elderly, allowing them access to necessary medical treatments without financial stress. Hence, this statement is correct.
- Statement 2: The scheme is administered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) framework, which ensures its integration with the national health insurance system and facilitates its implementation across the country. This allows for a coherent approach to health coverage for senior citizens. Therefore, this statement is also correct.
- Statement 3: There is no requirement for a minimum family income to qualify for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana. The scheme is open to all Indian citizens aged 70 and above without any income or family size restrictions, ensuring broad accessibility regardless of economic conditions. Consequently, this statement is incorrect.
Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2, making Option B the correct answer.