Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. The International Energy Efficiency Hub was indeed established in 2020, succeeding the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC). This transition marks a continuation and enhancement of global efforts to promote energy efficiency by bringing together various stakeholders.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While India is a member of the International Energy Efficiency Hub, it is not the only Asian country in the group. Other countries, such as China and Korea, are also members. Therefore, the assertion that India is the only Asian country in the Hub is false.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been designated as the implementing agency for India’s involvement in the International Energy Efficiency Hub. This role includes coordinating India’s participation and aligning the Hub’s initiatives with national energy efficiency objectives.

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

Statement-I is incorrect because the only viable population of pygmy hogs in the wild can currently be found in the Manas Tiger Reserve located in Assam, not Kaziranga National Park. Statement-II is correct as the pygmy hog is indeed classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN status.

Statement-I highlights the impact of embankments on the flooding situation in Bihar, particularly focusing on the Kosi River. The construction of embankments has worsened flooding by trapping sediments and increasing the riverbed height, exacerbating the flooding crisis.
Statement-II emphasizes the Flood Atlas of Bihar's recommendation to prioritize non-structural solutions like risk minimization and damage reduction over purely relying on structural measures along rivers such as the Kosi. This aligns with the need for comprehensive approaches to address flooding issues beyond just engineering solutions.
Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II provides a broader context and explanation for the implications mentioned in Statement-I.

1. Tamil - Recognized as a classical language in 2004: This pair is correctly matched. Tamil was the first language to be granted classical status in 2004.

2. Odia - Recognized as a classical language in 2014: This pair is correctly matched. Odia was recognized as a classical language in 2014.

3. Marathi - Recognized as a classical language in 2018: This pair is incorrectly matched. As of the knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Marathi had not been conferred the classical language status. The Union Cabinet's recent approval mentioned in the document is not included in the historical list of recognized classical languages.

4. Pali - Recognized as a classical language in 2020: This pair is incorrectly matched. Pali has not been recognized as a classical language by the Government of India.

Only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

1. Pygmy Hog - Indicator species for tall and wet grasslands: Correct. The Pygmy Hog is indeed an indicator species, meaning its presence signifies the health of its habitat, which is primarily tall and wet grasslands.

2. Manas National Park - Located in West Bengal: Incorrect. Manas National Park is located in Assam, not West Bengal. It is situated on the border with Bhutan.

3. Pygmy Hog - Critically Endangered status by IUCN: Correct. The Pygmy Hog is classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List due to its declining population and limited distribution.

4. Manas National Park - UNESCO Natural World Heritage site: Correct. Manas National Park is recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, highlighting its global significance and biodiversity importance.

Out of the four pairs, three are correctly matched. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

1. International Energy Efficiency Hub - Established in 2020: This pair is correctly matched. The International Energy Efficiency Hub was indeed established in 2020, succeeding the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).

2. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) - Implementing agency for India's involvement: This pair is correctly matched. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is the designated implementing agency for India's participation in the International Energy Efficiency Hub.

3. International Medical Device Regulators Forum - Founded in 2015: This pair is incorrectly matched. The International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) was founded in 2011, not 2015.

4. PM Internship Scheme - Provides a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 funded by the central government: This pair is incorrectly matched. The PM Internship Scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹4,500 funded by the central government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with an additional ₹500 contributed by companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly mentions that India has recently become an affiliate member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) to enhance global regulatory harmonization for medical devices. Statement-II accurately describes the IMDRF as a collective of global medical device regulators founded in 2011 to promote regulatory alignment and enhance public health safety. Statement-II provides the foundational information about IMDRF, which complements and explains the context behind Statement-I, making both statements correct and logically connected.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Pygmy Hog is indeed the smallest and rarest species of wild pig globally and is notable for its ability to construct a habitat, complete with a 'roof' for shelter.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The only viable population of Pygmy Hogs in the wild is found in the Manas National Park, not Kaziranga National Park. This is a critical detail as it pertains to their conservation efforts and current habitat.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Pygmy Hog is classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List, which highlights the severe risk of extinction they face.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the accurate answer.

The pygmy hog serves as an indicator species, meaning its presence signifies the overall health of its primary environment, particularly tall and wet grasslands. This unique mammal plays a crucial role in reflecting the well-being of its habitat due to its specific ecological requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes.

"Bamboo Diplomacy" refers to Vietnam's foreign policy that emphasizes flexibility and resilience in maintaining strong relations with various global powers, including China, while also engaging with countries like the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan. This approach allows Vietnam to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and reduce over-reliance on any single country, particularly in light of its economic interdependence with China. The term symbolizes Vietnam's adaptability and strategic balancing in international relations.