Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Kolkata tram system was introduced in 1873 using horse-drawn carriages. This historical fact is accurate.
Statement-II accurately states that Kolkata transitioned to electric-powered trams in 1902, making it the first city in India to adopt electric tram technology. This statement provides additional information about the evolution of the Kolkata tram system but does not directly explain the initial introduction of the system using horse-drawn carriages. Therefore, while both statements are correct, Statement-II does not provide a direct explanation for Statement-I, leading to the correct answer being option (b).

The Dhanauri wetlands in Uttar Pradesh are renowned for being a significant birding and nesting area, hosting over 120 species of Sarus Cranes. These wetlands play a vital role in supporting the diverse avian population, making them a crucial ecological site for bird conservation and observation. Sarus Cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, find a habitat in this wetland, attracting numerous bird enthusiasts and researchers due to its ecological importance.

Statement-I accurately describes the Philadelphi Corridor, highlighting its strategic significance and physical dimensions. Statement-II provides additional details about the corridor, explaining its connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Kerem Shalom crossing, along with its role as the primary border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Statement-II complements and provides further context to Statement-I, making both statements correct and logically interconnected.

Holding simultaneous elections can reduce policy paralysis by minimizing the frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, allowing for continuous governance without interruptions. This enables the government to pursue new policy initiatives efficiently and without delays.

1. The South China Sea is home to significant reserves of untapped oil and natural gas.
This statement is correct. The South China Sea is believed to contain significant reserves of oil and natural gas, which are vital for the energy security of several countries, including China.

2. In its 2019 Defence White Paper, China declares that the South China Sea islands and Diaoyu Islands are integral parts of its territory.
This statement is correct. In its 2019 Defence White Paper, China asserted that the South China Sea islands and the Diaoyu Islands (also known as Senkaku Islands) are integral parts of its territory, reflecting its territorial claims and sovereign assertions in these regions.

3. The Taiwan Strait is not considered a critical maritime choke point.
This statement is incorrect. The Taiwan Strait is indeed considered a critical maritime choke point. It is a vital route for international maritime trade and has significant strategic importance, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions in the region.

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

• Statement 1: Incorrect. The Dhanauri Wetland is located in Dhanauri village, situated near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh, within the floodplains of the Yamuna River, not the Ganga River.
• Statement 2: Correct. The Dhanauri Wetland is indeed home to over 120 species of Sarus Cranes, which is also the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, and hosts a total of 217 bird species.
• Statement 3: Correct. The wetland meets two essential Ramsar criteria: it supports over 1% of the biogeographic population of Sarus Cranes and serves as a congregation site for more than 20,000 waterfowl.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

1. Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands - Japan and China: Correct. These islands are controlled by Japan but claimed by China, leading to significant tensions between the two countries.

2. Second Thomas Shoal - Philippines and China: Correct. This shoal is a point of contention between the Philippines and China, with frequent incidents reported around it.

3. Taiwan Strait - South Korea and Japan: Incorrect. The Taiwan Strait is actually between Taiwan and mainland China, not involving South Korea or Japan.

4. Scarborough Shoal - Philippines and China: Correct. This shoal is disputed between the Philippines and China, with both nations asserting territorial claims over it.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The South China Sea holds significant reserves of oil and natural gas, making it a crucial region for energy resources. Securing these resources is vital for China's energy demands and plays a significant role in its strategic planning and economic development.

Statement-I correctly highlights China's territorial claims and ongoing disputes in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Statement-II, however, inaccurately suggests that China's actions have not impacted global trade, security alliances, or regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. In reality, China's activities in these seas have led to significant geopolitical tensions, affecting global trade routes, security alliances, and regional stability, making Statement-II incorrect and independent of Statement-I.

All the given statements accurately describe the potential benefits of holding simultaneous elections under the "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) concept.
1. Statement 1: Simultaneous elections can indeed reduce the risk of political instability. By having elections at both state and national levels happen at the same time, it creates a more predictable and stable political environment, which is beneficial for long-term economic and social development.
2. Statement 2: Organizing elections in a synchronized manner can lower the costs associated with multiple electoral processes. This is because resources such as security forces, election officials, and logistical arrangements are utilized more efficiently. The savings from reduced electoral costs can then be redirected towards developmental projects.
3. Statement 3: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is enforced during elections to ensure fair play. Frequent elections lead to repeated enforcement of the MCC, which can interrupt governance and delay policy implementation. Simultaneous elections reduce the frequency of MCC enforcement, thereby minimizing interruptions and allowing for more continuous governance and policy implementation.
Thus, as all three statements are correct, the answer is D.