Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 3rd May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I accurately explains the historical context of the ceasefire line established through the Karachi Agreement in 1949 and formalized by the Simla Agreement in 1972. Statement-II provides additional crucial information about the LoC, emphasizing its significant stretch from Sangam in Kashmir to Point NJ-9842 near the Siachen Glacier. The differing perspectives held by India and Pakistan regarding the LoC indeed play a key role in shaping the border dynamics between the two nations. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, with Statement-II further elaborating and providing context to Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. The decline in globalization is indeed marked by the reduced influence of traditional multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). This decline is exacerbated by increasing nationalist tendencies among major economies, highlighted by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While China and Russia are significant players within BRICS, the emergence of these new institutions is not driven solely by their economic dominance. Instead, it is a broader movement involving multiple emerging economies, including India, Brazil, and South Africa, which seek to redefine the global agenda and fill the power vacuum left by declining Western powers like the G-7.

- Statement 3 is correct. Technological advancement is critical for India as it aims to enhance its capabilities in software and digital technologies. Establishing a robust digital infrastructure is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the global market and for India's future economic positioning.

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

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. During the 17th Lok Sabha, the Question Hour was conducted only 60% of the time in the Lok Sabha, highlighting inefficiencies in legislative scrutiny. This indicates that the Question Hour is not conducted over 90% of the time, contrary to the statement.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. Parliamentary committees, such as the Department-related Standing Committees, indeed face challenges in translating their findings into actionable reforms due to structural limitations. This highlights one of the key issues with the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight in India.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. While there are successful instances of oversight, such as the recommendations from standing committees, the overall effectiveness of India’s parliamentary oversight mechanisms is often lacking in practical application. There are significant gaps and challenges in ensuring that oversight mechanisms translate into effective governance, contrary to what the statement suggests.

Therefore, only Statement 2 is correct, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Karachi Agreement (1949) - Correctly matched. This agreement established the original ceasefire line between India and Pakistan after the 1948-49 war, marking the boundary in Kashmir.

2. Simla Agreement (1972) - Correctly matched. This agreement formalized the ceasefire line as the Line of Control (LoC) following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, further defining the military control line rather than an international boundary.

3. Directorates General of Military Operations (DGMOs) Agreement (2021) - Incorrectly matched. The 2021 agreement between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan was aimed at reaffirming the ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control and other sectors, not initiating joint military operations.

4. Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) - Incorrectly matched. The BBMB was established after the reorganization of Punjab in 1966 to manage water distribution among states, not before this reorganization.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 2.

Green hydrogen can indeed be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion engines, and it can also be blended with natural gas to be used as a fuel for heat or power generation. Both statements are individually correct regarding the applications of green hydrogen. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I but rather presents an additional application of green hydrogen, making Option (b) the correct choice.

The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS) aims to enhance transparency, credibility, and traceability in hydrogen production by certifying hydrogen produced in India as "green hydrogen" based on verified emissions data. This initiative supports India's goal of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen exports and ensures that hydrogen meets specific environmental standards, thus promoting sustainable practices in hydrogen production.

1. Question Hour: Incorrect. Question Hour is not for introducing bills. It is a period during which Members of Parliament (MPs) can ask questions to ministers, which allows them to hold the government accountable.

2. Zero Hour: Correct. Zero Hour is the time immediately following the Question Hour in the Indian Parliament where members can raise crucial issues without prior notice. It is intended for addressing urgent matters.

3. Standing Committees: Incorrect. Standing Committees are not temporary; they are permanent committees that focus on specific areas of government functioning. They play a crucial role in scrutinizing bills and policies and are reconstituted every year.

4. Public Accounts Committee: Correct. The Public Accounts Committee is responsible for examining the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which relate to the expenditure of the government.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

The 2021 Directorates General of Military Operations (DGMOs) ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan resulted in decreased ceasefire violations and improved civilian safety. This agreement marked a strategic understanding influenced by internal instabilities and geopolitical focuses, aiming to reduce tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and enhance peace in the region.

- Statement 1 is correct. The 2021 ceasefire understanding between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan resulted in a period of reduced ceasefire violations and improved safety for civilians living along the LoC. This strategic move was influenced by various factors, including internal instabilities and the geopolitical focus of both nations.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Line of Control (LoC) was formalized by the Simla Agreement in 1972, but it was not recognized as an international boundary. Instead, it is referred to as a 'line of military control'. The Karachi Agreement of 1949 was the first to establish a ceasefire line, following the 1948-49 war, but again, not as an international boundary.

- Statement 3 is correct. The recent ceasefire violations, following the April 22 terrorist attack, have indeed been the most significant since the 2021 DGMOs' ceasefire agreement. This indicates a considerable breakdown of the previously established peace and stability along the LoC.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the accurate choice.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Vizhinjam Port is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model involving the Adani Group and the Kerala government. This indicates collaboration between a private enterprise and the state government, rather than exclusive development by the state government.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The strategic location of the Vizhinjam Port near international shipping lanes indeed enhances India's maritime capabilities. Its proximity to these shipping lanes makes it an ideal location for accommodating large cargo vessels, thereby boosting India's logistics and transhipment potential.

- Statement 3: This statement is also correct. The Vizhinjam Port is expected to save India approximately $220 million annually by handling its own transhipment cargo. This reduction in dependency on foreign ports for transhipment will not only save costs but also optimize India's maritime logistics efficiency.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option C the accurate choice.