Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 29th April 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Global Defence Expenditure 2024 - $2.46 trillion: This pair is correctly matched. The report states that global defence expenditures reached $2.46 trillion in 2024.

2. India's Military Spending Compared to Pakistan - Six times higher: This pair is incorrectly matched. The report mentions that India's military spending was nearly nine times higher than that of Pakistan, not six times.

3. Europe's Military Spending Increase - 17%: This pair is correctly matched. The report highlights that Europe's military spending increased by 17%, largely due to ongoing conflicts.

4. USA's Share in Global Military Expenditure - 37%: This pair is correctly matched. The USA accounted for 37% of global military expenditure.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Balasore District of Odisha, India, and is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. This area encompasses a significant geographical and ecological zone that is crucial for biodiversity.

- Statement 2 is correct. The sanctuary is connected to the Simlipal Tiger Reserve through the Nato and Sukhupada Hill ranges, which is significant for enhancing conservation efforts and enabling species migration, thus supporting biodiversity in the region.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The vegetation of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is not primarily composed of tropical evergreen forests with mangrove vegetation. Instead, it features peninsular Sal forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, influenced by the Nilgiri and Mayurbhanj forests. Mangroves are typically found in coastal areas and are not the primary vegetation type in Kuldiha.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the features of the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

The primary aim of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children in the world's poorest countries. This alliance focuses on ensuring that children in low- and middle-income countries have access to life-saving vaccines, contributing significantly to global health equity by addressing vaccine accessibility issues in underprivileged regions.

Mackinac Island in Michigan is known for its prohibition of motor vehicles, making it a distinctive destination that relies on horses, buggies, and bicycles for transportation. This unique feature adds to the island's charm and historical appeal, offering visitors an experience reminiscent of a bygone era.

1. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in Mayurbhanj District: Incorrect. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Balasore District of Odisha, India, not Mayurbhanj District.

2. Uturuncu Volcano - Located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia: Correct. Uturuncu is a stratovolcano located in southwestern Bolivia and is part of the Andes Mountains.

3. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary - Part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region: Correct. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.

4. Uturuncu Volcano - Last erupted 100,000 years ago: Incorrect. Uturuncu last erupted approximately 250,000 years ago, not 100,000 years ago.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Reformists/Progressives: Support liturgical tradition and doctrinal clarity.
This is incorrectly matched. Reformists/Progressives in the context of the Papal Conclave support social justice, climate action, and inclusion, aligning with Pope Francis's focus.
2. Conservatives/Traditionalists: Focus on social justice, climate action, and inclusion.
This is incorrectly matched. Conservatives/Traditionalists emphasize liturgical tradition and doctrinal clarity.
3. Geopolitical Dynamics: Increased representation from the Global South.
This is correctly matched. The composition of the College of Cardinals has indeed shifted, with increased representation from the Global South, reflecting the Church's global nature.
4. Voting Eligibility: Cardinals above 80 years are eligible to vote.
This is incorrectly matched. Only cardinals under 80 years of age are eligible to vote in the Papal Conclave.
Thus, only the third pair is correctly matched, making two pairs correctly matched overall.

- Statement 1 is correct. According to the rules governing the Papal Conclave, specifically outlined in the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Additionally, a two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope. This ensures that the elected Pope has a significant consensus among the cardinal electors.

- Statement 2 is correct. There has been a noticeable shift in the geographical composition of the College of Cardinals, with a reduced dominance of European cardinals and increased representation from the Global South. This change reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church and the spread of Catholicism beyond Europe.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Papal Conclave is an internal process of the Catholic Church, characterized by strict isolation from external influences, including political strategies of the leading nations. While political strategy does play a role within the dynamics of the College of Cardinals through internal factions (reformists vs. conservatives), it is not predominantly influenced by external global political strategies.

Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly describes Mackinac Island in Michigan, highlighting its geographical features and unique transportation system. Statement-II accurately presents information about the Padma Awards in India, including their establishment, categories, and the selection process. Statement-II explains the Padma Awards, which are distinct from the details about Mackinac Island provided in Statement-I. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II elaborates on the Padma Awards, making option (A) the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. The "Trends in World Military Expenditure Report 2024" indicates that global military expenditures reached $2.46 trillion in 2024, up from $2.24 trillion in 2023, reflecting an overall increase in global defense spending.
Statement 2 is correct. The report specifies that the USA accounted for 66% of total NATO spending and 37% of global military expenditure, indicating its dominant role in global military finances.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The comparison given in the report is between India and Pakistan, not China. The report highlights that India's military spending was nearly nine times higher than that of Pakistan, not China, in the previous year.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only the first two statements are accurate based on the provided information.

Statement-I is correct because the Papal Conclave, the process to elect a new Pope, is indeed governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG).

Statement-II is also correct as the statement accurately describes the role of the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha as a constitutionally mandated position that is essential for the smooth functioning of legislative processes. However, the two statements are unrelated in content, and Statement-II does not provide an explanation or elaboration of Statement-I. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).