Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 9th January 2025 - UPSC MCQ

The main objective of the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 is to identify the fastest-growing jobs and major factors that are expected to shape the global labor market. This report focuses on trends such as job disruption, creation and displacement, drivers of change, skill gaps, and the need for reskilling and upskilling to remain competitive in the evolving job market.

Statement-I mentions that the AnemiaPhone technology starts with a small finger prick to collect a drop of blood. This is correct, as the technology involves analyzing a blood sample to assess anemia levels.

Statement-II states that the AnemiaPhone technology utilizes a breath analysis method for assessing iron deficiency. This is incorrect because the technology does not involve breath analysis; rather, it analyzes a blood sample for iron deficiency indicators.

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

The primary goal of the EmpowHER Biz Initiative, a component of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform by NITI Aayog, is to establish a strong retail ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs and promotes sustainable growth in the sector. This initiative provides mentorship and extensive training in various areas such as retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development to aspiring women entrepreneurs. By reducing entry barriers and offering support, the initiative aims to create a conducive environment for women to succeed in the retail sector.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Gravitational lensing is indeed a phenomenon that occurs due to the curvature of spacetime around massive objects like galaxies or galaxy clusters. This concept was first proposed by Albert Einstein as part of his General Theory of Relativity in 1915.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Garudakshi system is not exclusively implemented in wildlife sanctuaries; it is piloted in divisions such as Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions. Therefore, it is not limited to only wildlife sanctuaries.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Gravitational lensing is a powerful tool in astrophysics that allows scientists to study the early universe. By amplifying light from distant galaxies, gravitational lensing makes it possible to observe objects that would otherwise be too faint to detect, providing insights into the formation and evolution of early galaxies.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as statements 1 and 3 are correct while statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement-I correctly defines gravitational lensing as the phenomenon where a massive object bends the path of light due to spacetime curvature. Statement-II accurately describes Garudakshi as an online FIR system to combat wildlife and forest crimes. While both statements are factually correct, they address different concepts and do not directly relate to each other, hence Option (b) is the correct answer.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Neuroptera, an order of insects, includes species like lacewings, whose larvae are known for their predatory behavior. This makes them valuable biological control agents, especially in agriculture, as they help control pest populations.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The larvae of Indophanes barbara, unlike typical antlion larvae, do not construct pits. Instead, they live under the surface in loose soils, which provides them protection from environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain. This sets them apart from other pit-building antlion species.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Glenochrysa zeylanica was indeed rediscovered in India after being thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka. This discovery highlights its presence in the Wayanad district of Kerala, indicating a broader geographic range than previously known.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the right answer.

1. Glenochrysa zeylanica - Rediscovered in India after 111 years: Correct. Glenochrysa zeylanica is indeed a green lacewing species that was rediscovered in India (Wayanad district) after 111 years and was previously believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka.

2. Indophanes barbara - Builds pit traps like typical antlions: Incorrect. The larva of Indophanes barbara does not build pits; instead, they live under the surface in loose soils. This distinguishes them from other typical antlions that are known for pit-building behavior.

3. Chrysopidae family - Known for its role in biological pest control: Correct. The Chrysopidae family, which includes green lacewings, is well-known for its role in biological pest control, due to the predatory nature of its larvae.

4. Damselflies - Belong to the Order Neuroptera: Incorrect. Damselflies belong to the Order Odonata, not Neuroptera. Neuroptera includes insects such as lacewings and antlions, which are holometabolous insects, whereas damselflies are hemimetabolous.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I: Neuroptera, commonly known as lacewings, are insects characterized by intricate vein patterns in their wings, giving them a lacy appearance. This is correct as lacewings have delicate and lacy wings with complex venation.

Statement-II: Soapstone, also known as Steatite, is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of talc, a naturally occurring mineral. This is also correct, as soapstone is composed mainly of talc and is known for its softness and heat resistance.

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I because the two statements refer to entirely different topics—one about insects and the other about a metamorphic rock. Therefore, the correct option is B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

1. Eligibility for Bail: Incorrect. Undertrials (UTPs) who have served half of their maximum possible sentence may be released on bail, but the court must provide written reasons if they decide to extend detention after hearing the Public Prosecutor. Thus, there are conditions attached to the bail process, contrary to what is stated in the pair.
2. First-Time Offenders: Correct. The description matches the provision accurately, stating that UTPs with no prior convictions who have served one-third of their maximum sentence are eligible for release on bond, aligning with the principle of reformative justice.
3. Superintendent’s Responsibility: Correct. Jail superintendents are indeed required to submit a written application to the court for the release of UTPs upon completion of the applicable detention period (one-third or one-half, depending on eligibility).
4. Exclusions: Incorrect. The provision explicitly does not apply to offences punishable by death or life imprisonment, contrary to what is stated in the pair, which incorrectly suggests it applies to all offences.
Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly defines selective gene silencing as the process of turning off one copy of a gene from either parent, impacting gene activity. Statement-II accurately highlights the health implications of selective gene silencing, including explaining symptom variability and emphasizing the role of dynamic gene activity in genetic diseases. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II explaining the concept presented in Statement-I.