Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The last comprehensive caste data was collected in the 1931 Census, not the 1941 Census. The 1941 Census did collect data but it was never published due to the Second World War.

2. Statement 2 is correct. One of the objectives of including caste enumeration in the Census is indeed to provide a basis for evaluating and potentially revising reservation quotas. This is a key aspect of informed policy-making and social justice, as it helps assess the current reservation policies and their alignment with the socio-economic realities.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Developing a comprehensive national caste code is not straightforward. It is complex due to significant regional variations in caste lists, which lead to potential overlaps and disputes. The diversity in caste classifications across states presents a considerable challenge.

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

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are factually correct based on the information provided in the text. Statement-I highlights the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases due to children missing vaccinations. Statement-II provides a specific example by mentioning that in 2023, 14.5 million children missed routine vaccinations, indicating a troubling increase. Statement-II supports Statement-I by providing statistical evidence of the situation, thereby explaining the context behind the resurgence of these diseases. Hence, in this case, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed explains Statement-I.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Lairai Devi Temple, located in Shirgaon village, North Goa, is indeed a significant cultural and religious site, especially noted for its annual festival, Lairai Jatra, which includes a dramatic fire-walking ritual known as Agnidivya. This festival attracts tens of thousands of devotees and is an integral part of the local cultural heritage.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Campi Flegrei caldera is not located entirely on the Italian mainland. Approximately one-third of it is submerged beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea. This feature distinguishes it from other volcanic systems, such as Mount Vesuvius, which is entirely land-based.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The massive eruption of Campi Flegrei approximately 39,000 years ago is believed to have significantly impacted global climate conditions. Such climatic changes are hypothesized to have contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of Neanderthals, who were present during that time.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is not.

1. Caste Enumeration in Census - First comprehensive caste data collected in 1941: This pair is incorrectly matched. The first comprehensive caste data was collected in the 1881 Census, and the practice continued until the 1931 Census. The 1941 Census collected caste data but was not published due to World War II.

2. Turbidity Currents - Transport microplastics into deep sea: This pair is correctly matched. Recent studies have shown that turbidity currents can indeed transport microplastics into the deep sea, emphasizing the role of these currents in the distribution of marine pollutants.

3. Submarine Canyons - Found primarily on continental shelves: This pair is incorrectly matched. Submarine canyons are primarily found on continental slopes and rises, not on continental shelves. They extend from the continental shelf to the deep ocean, shaping underwater landscapes.

4. 1931 Census - Last comprehensive caste data before SC and ST focus: This pair is correctly matched. The last comprehensive caste census was indeed conducted in 1931, and post-Independence, the focus shifted to only count Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

The research team from HKUST has made a significant breakthrough by reporting the first experimental observation of a two-dimensional layered altermagnet that operates at room temperature. This discovery marks a crucial advancement in the field of materials science, particularly in the realm of antiferromagnetic materials.

1. Measles - Gavi: Correctly matched. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supports the immunization of children against diseases like measles by funding and providing access to vaccines.

2. Meningitis - WHO: Correctly matched. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a significant role in controlling meningitis outbreaks through global health initiatives and vaccine recommendations.

3. Yellow Fever - UNICEF: Incorrectly matched. While UNICEF is involved in broader health initiatives, the primary global health organization associated with yellow fever vaccination efforts is WHO, not UNICEF specifically.

4. Polio - ICAR: Incorrectly matched. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is primarily focused on agricultural research and development, not on polio vaccination. Polio eradication efforts are primarily led by organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched: Measles - Gavi and Meningitis - WHO.

The Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, North Goa, holds significant cultural and religious importance as it is dedicated to Goddess Lairai, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. This temple symbolizes unity between Hindus and Catholics, who regard Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters, emphasizing religious harmony and coexistence.

1. Shree Lairai Devi Temple: Correctly matched. The temple is indeed located in Bicholim, North Goa, and dedicated to Goddess Lairai, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is a significant cultural and religious site for the local community.

2. Agnidivya Ritual: Correctly matched. This is the fire-walking ritual that takes place during the Lairai Jatra festival at the Lairai Devi Temple, attracting tens of thousands of devotees.

3. Campi Flegrei: Correctly matched. This is a volcanic system located near Naples, Italy. It is known for its large caldera, which is about 12–15 km in diameter, and it is the largest active volcanic caldera in Europe.

4. Monte Nuovo: Incorrectly matched. Monte Nuovo was actually formed during the eruption of Campi Flegrei in 1538, not Mount Vesuvius. The eruption of Campi Flegrei at that time led to the formation of Monte Nuovo after a long period without eruptions.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Insider trading occurs when buying or selling stocks is based on material information that has not been disclosed to the public. This nonpublic information could significantly impact an investor's decision regarding a security. It is important to prevent insider trading to ensure fair and transparent trading practices in the financial markets.

The primary objective behind including questions on caste in India's upcoming Census, according to the Union Cabinet's decision, is to update caste data for the first time since 1931 beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This move aims to provide updated information for informed policy-making, reassessment of reservation quotas, promoting social justice, and supporting evidence-based governance. The last comprehensive caste data collection was conducted in the 1931 Census, making this decision significant for understanding the demographic composition of various caste groups in India.