Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 1st January 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1: The statement is correct. The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative emphasizes women-led actions where women mobilize communities to adopt practices that conserve water and protect natural water bodies.

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 6, which focus on gender equality and empowerment of women, and ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, respectively, not SDG 13, which is related to climate action.

Statement 3: The statement is correct. The initiative mandates at least 33% women participation in the Gram Panchayat-level Water User Associations for water budgeting, highlighting the focus on women's involvement in water management at the community level.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, Option C: 1 and 3 Only is the correct answer.

The IPBES Transformative Change Assessment report underscores the crucial role of governance in preventing biodiversity loss by emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. This means that effective governance practices that prioritize inclusivity and sustainability are vital for safeguarding biodiversity and fostering long-term systemic change. By ensuring that governance strategies are inclusive and sustainable, we can work towards conserving biodiversity and promoting a harmonious relationship between society and nature.

The primary objective of the H-1B visa program in the United States is to address skill shortages in specialized fields by allowing US-based companies to hire foreign workers for roles in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and information technology (IT). This program was established to assist US employers in situations where qualified domestic workers are not readily available, thereby filling critical positions that require high skills and at least a bachelor's degree.

1. Statement 1 is correct. India's mobile phone production indeed saw a significant surge of 600%, which is a key indicator of India's growth as a global manufacturing hub. This dramatic increase underscores the positive impact of government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and reflects the increasing capacity and capability of India's manufacturing sector.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Gross Value Added (GVA) for India's manufacturing sector was reported at US$ 770.08 billion for the first quarter of FY24. This figure signifies substantial economic activity within the sector and is indicative of robust growth, contributing significantly to the country's overall economic performance.

3. Statement 3 is correct. India's ranking in the Global Innovation Index improved to 39th place in 2024, up from 81st in 2015. This improvement highlights India's advancements in innovation, technology, and economic competitiveness on the global stage.

Thus, all the statements provided are correct, making Option D: 1, 2 and 3 the right answer.

1. IPBES Establishment Year: Incorrect. IPBES was established in 2012, not 2010.

2. Location of IPBES Secretariat: Correct. The secretariat of IPBES is located in Bonn, Germany.

3. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Correct. NBAP is indeed a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in India.

4. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Incorrect. PMUY is a program to provide LPG connections to women from below poverty line households, not a scheme to promote electric and hybrid vehicles. The scheme for promoting electric and hybrid vehicles is the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME).

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly describes the purpose and function of the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specific fields. Statement-II accurately summarizes the goal of the Green Steel Mission in India, emphasizing the reduction of carbon emissions in the steel industry through the promotion of green steel production and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Additionally, Statement-II complements Statement-I by providing a contrast in focus on a different industry and region. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II offering an explanation for the context of the Green Steel Mission in India.

1. Toy Exports: Increased by 239% this year in India - This pair is correctly matched. The source mentions that toy exports in India have indeed increased by 239%.

2. Mobile Phone Production: Surge of 600% in India this year - This pair is correctly matched. The source confirms that mobile phone production has surged by 600% in India.

3. Vembanad Lake: Largest wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of India, designated as a Ramsar site in 2002 - This pair is correctly matched. Vembanad is the largest wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of India and was designated a Ramsar site in 2002.

4. SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0: Initiative focused on promoting community tourism around Vembanad Lake - This pair is incorrectly matched. SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 is an initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in India's capital goods market, not related to tourism around Vembanad Lake.

The correctly matched pairs are 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, the answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Visa Duration - Correct. The H-1B visa can be granted for a maximum of six years. After this period, the visa holder must either leave the US for at least 12 months before reapplying for another H-1B visa or apply for permanent residency (a Green Card).

2. Annual Cap - Correct. There is a regular annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas issued each fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available for applicants who hold a master’s degree or higher from a US university.

3. Non-immigrant Visa - Incorrect. A non-immigrant visa allows temporary entry into the US, not permanent entry. The H-1B visa is specifically for temporary employment in specialty occupations.

4. Dominance of Indian Applicants - Correct. Individuals born in India account for over 70% of all approved H-1B visa petitions annually since 2015.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: Visa Duration, Annual Cap, and Dominance of Indian Applicants. The Non-immigrant Visa pair is incorrectly described.

Statement-I correctly summarizes the remarkable growth and achievements of India's manufacturing sector, including record exports and the projected rise in middle-class consumption. Statement-II is incorrect as Vembanad Lake is not the largest lake in India; it is the largest lake in Kerala.

Therefore, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

Statement-I correctly describes the Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative, highlighting its focus on women's leadership in water conservation and its alignment with SDGs 5 and 6. This initiative indeed aims to empower women in water management.
Moreover, Statement-II accurately describes the Pangong Tso lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 14,300 feet and was formed due to tectonic activity during the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate. Recent developments, including the unveiling of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, are factual as per the latest updates.
Therefore, the correct answer is that both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.