Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was indeed established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Its primary objectives include promoting economic integration, coordinating foreign policy, and fostering functional cooperation among member states.

- Statement 2 is correct. Guyana is rapidly emerging as a significant oil producer due to its substantial hydrocarbon reserves and is projected to surpass Venezuela in oil production by 2026.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Chancay Port in Peru is primarily owned by China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), which holds a 60% stake, while a local company retains the remaining interest. Therefore, the statement that a Peruvian company primarily owns it is incorrect.

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

1. Developed by: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC) - This pair is correctly matched. The 'Bhu-Neer' Portal is indeed developed by the CGWA in collaboration with the NIC to manage groundwater withdrawal permits effectively across India.

2. Objective: Facilitate the issuance of environmental clearances for industrial projects - This pair is incorrectly matched. The primary objective of the 'Bhu-Neer' Portal is to manage permits for groundwater withdrawal, focusing on transparency and sustainable usage of groundwater resources, not on environmental clearances for industrial projects.

3. Feature: User-friendly interface with PAN-based single ID system - This pair is correctly matched. The portal includes user-friendly features like a PAN-based single ID system, which simplifies the application process for obtaining permits.

4. Regulation: Established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 - This pair is incorrectly matched. The Central Ground Water Authority, which oversees the 'Bhu-Neer' Portal, was established under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, not the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Thus, out of the four pairs, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly identifies high-altitude sickness, known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), as a condition that occurs when the body struggles to adapt to altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet due to decreased oxygen levels. Statement-II elaborates on the severe conditions that can arise from AMS, explaining High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) as consequences of high-altitude sickness. HAPE involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to breathing issues, while HACE results from fluid build-up in the brain, causing symptoms like confusion and coma. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing additional details that align with and explain Statement-I.

The main objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is to provide financial support to meritorious students pursuing higher education without facing economic barriers. This scheme aims to offer collateral-free, guarantor-free loans to cover tuition fees and other related expenses, aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020.

The primary objective of the 'Bhu-Neer' Portal is to regulate groundwater resources across India in a sustainable manner. This centralized platform, developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), aims to ensure transparency and sustainability in the usage of groundwater resources. By managing permits for groundwater withdrawal, the portal focuses on efficient regulation to safeguard this critical resource for future generations.

1. **Statement 1:** This statement is incorrect. The 'Bhu-Neer' Portal was developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This partnership highlights the importance of external collaboration in creating the portal.

2. **Statement 2:** This statement is correct. The portal indeed aims to enhance transparency and sustainability in the management and usage of groundwater resources in India. This focus is a key aspect of the portal's objectives.

3. **Statement 3:** This statement is correct. The 'Bhu-Neer' Portal incorporates a PAN-based single ID system, which is designed to simplify the user experience for project proponents by streamlining the process of accessing and managing groundwater withdrawal permits.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Loan Eligibility - This pair is incorrectly matched. The scheme is not limited to low-income families; it includes middle-income families as well. The scheme aims to support meritorious students without regard to caste and provides benefits to a broader income group.

2. Institutional Coverage - This pair is correctly matched. The scheme applies to institutions ranked in the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), selected state government HEIs ranked 101-200, and all central government institutions.

3. Credit Guarantee Support - This pair is correctly matched. The scheme provides a 75% credit guarantee on the outstanding amount for loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, encouraging banks to offer more education loans.

4. Interest Subsidy - This pair is correctly matched. The interest subsidy is available to students from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakhs, provided they are not receiving other government scholarships or interest subsidies.

The correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs are correctly matched.

The Sabarmati Riverfront development project in India primarily aims at revitalizing the riverbanks and generating revenue. This initiative, spanning approximately 38 kilometers from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, is focused on transforming the Sabarmati Riverfront into a vibrant hub for various activities and urban development, ultimately leading to economic benefits and improved aesthetics along the river.

1. CARICOM - Caribbean Community and Common Market

This pair is correctly matched. CARICOM stands for the Caribbean Community and Common Market, established to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states.

2. Chancay Port - Located in Chile

This pair is incorrectly matched. The Chancay Port is located in Peru, not Chile. It is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America and Asia.

3. Dornier 228 - Aircraft supplied by India to Guyana

This pair is correctly matched. India has indeed supplied Dornier 228 aircraft to Guyana as part of expanding its defense cooperation with the Caribbean nation.

4. Belt and Road Initiative - Initiative by Japan

This pair is incorrectly matched. The Belt and Road Initiative is a global development strategy adopted by China, not Japan, to enhance international trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond by developing trade routes.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's efforts in bolstering Guyana's defence capabilities by providing aid in the form of aircraft and equipment. This aligns with the information provided in the text regarding India's defense partnerships with Guyana.

However, Statement-II is inaccurate. The Chancay Port project in Peru was actually inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, not by India. The Chancay Port holds significance in enhancing trade relations between China and Latin America, not specifically involving India as indicated in the statement. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect, making option (c) the correct answer.