Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 9th May 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. The process of transmutation described involves the ejection of three protons and two neutrons from lead nuclei (Pb-208) to form gold nuclei (Au-203) during ultra-peripheral collisions at the LHC. This is a nuclear process facilitated by the strong electromagnetic fields generated in the collisions.
2. Statement 2 is correct. The ALICE detector at CERN indeed employs Zero Degree Calorimeters (ZDCs) to identify photon-nucleus interactions. These interactions are crucial for detecting the ejection of protons and the subsequent formation of gold, along with other elements like thallium and mercury.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The transmutation of lead into gold at the LHC is not achieved through chemical reactions. In fact, it is a nuclear process. Modern chemistry confirms that chemical reactions cannot transform one element into another, as they involve only the electrons and not the atomic nuclei. The process used at CERN relies on nuclear physics, not the similar densities of lead and gold.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Andes Mountains: The world's longest continental mountain range
- Correct. The Andes Mountains are indeed the world's longest continental mountain range, stretching along the western edge of South America.

2. Ojos del Salado: The highest peak in South America
- Incorrect. Ojos del Salado is not the highest peak in South America; it is the world's highest active volcano and the second highest peak in South America. The highest peak is Aconcagua.

3. Loa River: Chile's longest river
- Correct. The Loa River is Chile's longest river, measuring approximately 440 km.

4. Atacama Desert: The wettest place in the world
- Incorrect. The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world, not the wettest.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Statement 1 is correct because the draft Climate Finance Taxonomy indeed aims to classify economic activities as sustainable or transitional. This classification is intended to prevent greenwashing by providing clear definitions and criteria for environmentally sustainable projects.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The taxonomy supports India’s target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, not 2050. This is a key part of the framework's alignment with India’s climate goals.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The framework is indeed designed to enhance transparency in international climate finance contributions, addressing issues where developed nations may overstate their contributions to climate finance in developing countries.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. INS Vikrant is indeed India's first homegrown aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022, with a significant indigenous content of 76%. This enhances India's defense capabilities by showcasing its ability to design and build such complex naval assets domestically.

Statement 2: This statement is also correct. 'Arnala' is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). It is powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system, making it a notable addition to India's naval assets.

Statement 3: This statement is correct as well. The commissioning of INS Vikrant does indeed signify India's entry into an elite group of nations that can design and construct aircraft carriers entirely indigenously. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India's defense manufacturing capabilities and strategic autonomy.

All three statements are accurate, reflecting the advancements in India's naval capabilities and defense manufacturing sector. Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

1. Statement 1: Chile is indeed part of the "Lithium Triangle" along with Argentina and Bolivia, which holds more than 75% of the world's lithium reserves. However, Chile is the world's largest producer of copper, not lithium. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: The Andes Mountains are indeed the world's longest continental mountain range, running along the length of Chile and other South American countries. This statement is correct.

3. Statement 3: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Chile is designed to enhance trade and investment opportunities and provides a platform for cooperation in various sectors, which can include sustainable forest management, especially considering the global emphasis on environmental issues. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

1. Greenwashing: This pair is correctly matched. Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of making unverified or exaggerated claims about environmental initiatives, thereby misrepresenting actual progress on climate change.

2. Climate Supportive Activities: This pair is correctly matched. Climate supportive activities are those that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance climate resilience, as noted in the taxonomy document.

3. Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) technology: This pair is correctly matched. AUSC technology indeed offers 46% efficiency in thermal power plants, which is higher than subcritical and supercritical technologies.

4. Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN): This pair is incorrectly matched. The Indo-Pacific Logistics Network aims to enhance logistics collaboration among Quad partners for efficient civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region, not military cooperation.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

INS Vikrant's significance lies in its substantial indigenous content of 76%, which plays a crucial role in enhancing India's defense capabilities. This high level of indigenous content not only showcases India's growing prowess in designing and constructing advanced naval assets but also strengthens the country's strategic posture in the region. The emphasis on indigenous content is a vital aspect of India's defense manufacturing, contributing to self-reliance and technological advancements in the naval sector.

Chile's susceptibility to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis is primarily due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the country is situated along the boundary of the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate. This tectonic activity results in the formation of the Andes Mountains, which is the world's longest continental mountain range. The movement of these tectonic plates causes seismic activity, making Chile one of the most earthquake-prone regions globally.

Statement-I correctly mentions that INS Vikrant is India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022. This fact aligns with the information provided in the text.
Statement-II is also accurate as it states that INS Vikrant has a substantial indigenous content of 76%, which indeed enhances India's defense capabilities. This statement explains the significance of the indigenous content in bolstering defense capabilities.

The main goal of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) launched by the Quad partners is to enhance logistics collaboration among the nations for more efficient civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aims to streamline coordination and resources in times of crises such as natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in addressing humanitarian emergencies.