Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th April 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. India has indeed expanded its ECS claim by nearly 10,000 square kilometers in the Central Arabian Sea. This expansion reflects India's strategic interests and aims to increase its maritime jurisdiction in the region.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The ECS extension was not primarily aimed at resolving disputes with Sri Lanka; rather, it was to mitigate a long-standing maritime boundary dispute with Pakistan. India's ECS claim modifications were made to avoid further disputes with Pakistan, particularly in the context of the Sir Creek region.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. India submitted its revised ECS claims to the United Nations' Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in April 2025. The CLCS is the appropriate international body for processing claims related to the continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, and the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. 3D Microscope - Utilized for cardiac surgeries: Incorrect. A 3D Microscope is particularly beneficial for complex eye surgeries, such as those related to glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders, not cardiac surgeries.

2. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary - Located in Jharkhand: Correct. The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is indeed located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand and is India's first and only sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of wolves.

3. Indian Grey Wolf - Found predominantly in Arctic regions: Incorrect. The Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is found in Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent, typically in scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, not in the Arctic.

4. 3D Imaging - Provides depth information in images: Correct. 3D Imaging does enhance visualization by providing depth information in images, which is crucial for detailed visualization of structures in various applications, including medical surgeries.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement 1 is correct. Anaemia is indeed characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Statement 2 is also correct. Iron-deficiency anaemia commonly results from insufficient dietary iron intake, issues with iron absorption in the body, or blood loss. This type of anaemia is the most prevalent form globally and highlights the importance of adequate iron levels in the diet.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Although anaemia during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of heart conditions in newborns, the study referenced in the text was conducted in the UK, not India. This detail is pivotal in understanding the geographical context of the research findings.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are correct, but statement 3 contains an incorrect contextual detail regarding the location of the study.

To determine the correctness of the statements, let's analyze each one:

1. Statement 1: The StormBreaker glide bomb is capable of striking moving targets at a distance of up to 45 miles.

- This statement is correct. The StormBreaker glide bomb is designed to hit moving targets at a range of up to 45 miles, leveraging its advanced guidance and targeting systems.

2. Statement 2: It features a guidance system that combines millimeter-wave radar, infrared imaging, and a digital semi-active laser.

- This statement is also correct. The StormBreaker employs a sophisticated multi-mode guidance system that includes millimeter-wave radar, infrared imaging, and a digital semi-active laser, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness in targeting.

3. Statement 3: The StormBreaker is developed by Lockheed Martin for precision strikes across various weather conditions.

- This statement is incorrect. While the StormBreaker is indeed designed for all-weather precision strikes, it is developed by Raytheon, not Lockheed Martin.

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

1. StormBreaker Glide Bomb - Developed by Boeing: This is incorrectly matched. The StormBreaker Glide Bomb, also known as the GBU-53/B or Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II), is developed by Raytheon, not Boeing.

2. TacNet Data Link - Supports Automatic Target Recognition: This is correctly matched. The TacNet Data Link facilitates weapon-to-weapon collaboration and supports Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), enhancing targeting capabilities.

3. United Nations High Seas Treaty - Focuses on ocean areas within national boundaries: This is incorrectly matched. The United Nations High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, focuses on protecting oceans beyond national boundaries, specifically the high seas, which are areas outside of national jurisdiction.

4. Phenome India Project - Launched by the Department of Biotechnology: This is incorrectly matched. The Phenome India Project was launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), not the Department of Biotechnology.

Thus, the pairs correctly matched are 2. TacNet Data Link - Supports Automatic Target Recognition.

The Line of Control (LoC) serves as the de facto military boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. It was redefined from the Ceasefire Line (CFL) following the Simla Agreement in 1972. This agreement was signed by India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and aimed to define the Line of Control as the boundary separating the two countries in the region.

The main goal of the United Nations High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, is to promote international cooperation in the conservation of marine biodiversity. This legally binding treaty focuses on ensuring the sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national boundaries through collaborative efforts among countries. By emphasizing responsible usage and protection of marine environments, the treaty aims to maintain the integrity of ocean ecosystems and conserve marine biodiversity on a global scale.

1. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India - Extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baselines: Correct. The EEZ is an area where a sovereign state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind. India's EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from its coast.

2. Line of Control (LoC - International boundary between India and Pakistan: Incorrect. The LoC is the de facto military boundary between India and Pakistan in the Jammu and Kashmir region, but it is not recognized as an international boundary. It was established after the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war and redefined after the Simla Agreement in 1972.

3. Shahid Rajaee Port - Located near Tehran, Iran: Incorrect. Shahid Rajaee Port is located near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, not Tehran. It is Iran's biggest and most significant port due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.

4. Sir Creek - Disputed area between India and Sri Lanka: Incorrect. Sir Creek is actually a disputed area between India and Pakistan, not Sri Lanka. It is a 96 km strip of water in the Rann of Kutch marshlands.

Thus, only the first pair is correctly matched.

A 3D Microscope is primarily utilized in surgical procedures to provide three-dimensional visualization. This advanced technology aids surgeons by enhancing depth perception and detailed visualization of structures, thereby improving precision and outcomes in complex surgeries.

Statement-I talks about how a 3D Microscope enhances visualization by providing depth information in images, which is accurate based on the information provided in the text. Statement-II discusses the hunting behavior of the Indian grey wolf, which forms smaller packs and hunts primarily at night. While this statement is correct based on the information provided, it does not directly relate to the concept of 3D Microscopes. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) as both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.