Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 12th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary goal of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) is to promote the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the Asia-Pacific region. This organization plays a crucial role in coordinating policies, regulations, and technical standards related to ICT, fostering telecommunication services' growth, and enhancing information infrastructure within the region. By facilitating collaboration and harmonization in the ICT sector, APT aims to advance technological development and connectivity among its member countries.

Statement-I correctly distinguishes between FPI and FDI, highlighting the difference in control and ownership levels. FDI, as stated in Statement-II, indeed involves activities like management participation, joint ventures, and technology transfer. Hence, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II provides additional relevant information that explains Statement-I effectively.

Gluten serves as a binding agent in processed foods, helping them maintain their shape. It contributes to the texture and structure of various food products. This function is essential in baking, as it allows dough to rise and gives baked goods their characteristic chewy texture.

1. Sirpur Lake - Located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Incorrect. Sirpur Lake is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, not Bhopal.

2. Painted Stork - Commonly sighted at Sirpur Lake: Correct. The Painted Stork is one of the bird species commonly sighted at Sirpur Lake, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

3. Ramsar Site Designation - Awarded to Sirpur Lake on January 7, 2022: Correct. Sirpur Lake was designated as a Ramsar site on this date, highlighting its ecological importance.

4. Bar-headed Goose - Migratory bird found in Sirpur Lake: Correct. The Bar-headed Goose is indeed a migratory bird found at Sirpur Lake, contributing to its rich avian diversity.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. The Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project is planned to become the largest hydroelectric power plant in India upon completion.
This statement is correct. The Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP), once completed, will indeed hold the title of the largest hydroelectric power plant in India with a capacity of 2,000 MW.

2. The project is located on the Subansiri River, which is a left-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
This statement is incorrect. The Subansiri River is actually a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

3. The development of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project is being carried out by a private corporation.
This statement is incorrect. The development of the project is managed by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), which is a state-run enterprise, not a private corporation.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct. Thus, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

To determine the correct statements, let's analyze each one:

Statement 1: The FCRA mandates that all NGOs receiving foreign contributions must open an account at the State Bank of India's New Delhi branch.

- This statement is correct. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Act, 2020, requires NGOs to open a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India's New Delhi branch to ensure better monitoring and regulation of foreign contributions.

Statement 2: The FCRA prohibits the transfer of foreign contributions to any person or organization that is not registered under the Act.

- This statement is correct. The 2020 amendment to the FCRA explicitly disallows the transfer of foreign contributions to any other person, which includes individuals, associations, or companies, unless they are also registered under the FCRA.

Statement 3: The initial registration under the FCRA is valid for a period of ten years and can be renewed upon compliance with norms.

- This statement is incorrect. The initial registration under the FCRA is valid for five years, not ten. After this period, it can be renewed provided the NGO continues to comply with the norms set by the Act.

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

Statement-I accurately reflects the information provided in the news article regarding Germany's economic growth in Q3 and its connection to broader industry challenges, including those faced by Volkswagen. Statement-II outlines specific reasons for Volkswagen's struggles, aligning with the information presented in the text, such as issues with transitioning to electric vehicles and reliance on internal combustion engines, among other factors. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing a deeper explanation of the situation outlined in Statement-I.

1. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) - This pair is correctly matched. TEN is indeed often referred to as Lyell's syndrome and involves blistering and peeling of skin affecting at least 30% of the body.

2. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) - This pair is correctly matched. SJS is a less severe form of TEN and typically affects less than 10% of the body with skin peeling and blistering.

3. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) - This pair is correctly matched. CESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited and focuses on renewable energy solutions and promoting electric mobility.

4. 'EV as a Service' Programme - This pair is incorrectly matched. The programme aims to introduce 5,000 electric cars into government departments over the next two years, not 10,000 over five years.

- Statement 1 is correct. Dicliptera polymorpha is noted for having unique spicate inflorescences, which sets it apart from other Indian species of the same genus. This particular structure is a defining characteristic of the species, distinguishing it from its relatives found in other regions, such as Africa.

- Statement 2 is correct. Dicliptera polymorpha has adapted to its environment by developing a pyrophytic habit, meaning it can withstand and even thrive following fires. It blooms twice a year: the first flowering phase occurs after the monsoon from November to March or April, and a second phase is triggered by grassland fires in May and June.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Dicliptera polymorpha is not found in dense forest areas but rather in open grasslands on slopes in the Northern Western Ghats. It is adapted to these grassland ecosystems, which are subject to extreme weather conditions and frequent fires, enabling its dual-blooming cycle.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Sirpur Lake was designated as a Ramsar site on January 7, 2022. This recognition highlights the ecological significance of the lake and emphasizes its importance as a wetland of international importance for the conservation of global biodiversity.

Note: Ramsar sites are designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.