Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 28th January 2025 - UPSC MCQ

WASP-127b's notable feature, as per recent findings, is the presence of supersonic winds traveling at remarkable speeds. These winds, clocking in at a staggering 33,000 km per hour, represent a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of exoplanetary studies. This discovery not only sheds light on the atmospheric dynamics of such distant worlds but also challenges existing perceptions regarding planetary atmospheres in extreme conditions.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. WASP-127b is indeed located approximately 520 light-years away from Earth and is noted for its supersonic winds traveling at 33,000 km per hour, which are among the fastest recorded on any known planetary body.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. WASP-127b orbits its star every four days and is situated at a distance that is about 5% of the distance from Earth to the Sun, indicating a very close and rapid orbit.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. WASP-127b is a gas giant and lacks a rocky surface, consistent with its classification. It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with no solid surface beneath its atmospheric layers.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The climate finance taxonomy seeks to standardize definitions of green finance, which is crucial for attracting the necessary $2.5 trillion in investments to meet India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030. This standardization helps in distinguishing genuine sustainable projects and builds investor confidence.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The establishment of a Climate Action Fund is not primarily for supporting large multinational corporations, but rather to aid Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in meeting compliance with carbon border adjustment measures (CBAM). This fund aims to facilitate smaller enterprises in adapting to new environmental regulations and standards.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model is indeed proposed to make rooftop solar installations more affordable for households. This model allows households to benefit from solar energy installations without the upfront cost, as the RESCO takes on the financial responsibility and recovers costs through a service agreement.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the right answer.

One of the major concerns linked to the dual role of Governors as Chancellors of State universities is the potential to invite political influence. This involvement can lead to increased political interference rather than safeguarding academic independence. It is crucial to address this issue to ensure the autonomy and integrity of educational institutions.

1. Statement 1: The dual role of Governors as Chancellors is often criticized for limiting university autonomy rather than enhancing it. Historically, this role has allowed for political influence in university governance, contrary to insulating them from political interference. Hence, this statement is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: The involvement of Governors as Chancellors can indeed lead to administrative delays, particularly in states governed by opposition parties. This is due to the conflicting authority between the Governor and the state government, which can delay decision-making processes such as the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Thus, this statement is correct.

3. Statement 3: There are alternative governance models proposed to improve university autonomy, which include empowering university bodies and alumni to elect their Chancellor. This approach aims to reduce political interference and enhance institutional self-governance. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Hence, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the right answer.

1. Governor as Chancellor of State Universities - Limits university autonomy: Correct. The role of the Governor as Chancellor often limits university autonomy, historically constraining institutions and allowing political influence.

2. 2023 Bletchley Declaration - Focuses on AI economic benefits: Incorrect. The 2023 Bletchley Declaration emphasizes AI safety, ethics, and accountability, aligning AI development with human intentions and addressing civil society's involvement, rather than focusing solely on economic benefits.

3. Paris AI Summit - Aims to establish a global AI governance framework: Correct. The Paris AI Summit seeks to create a framework for global AI governance, addressing the concentration of power and involving diverse stakeholders.

4. Seoul Summit 2024 - Introduced minimum standards for AI use: Correct. The 2024 Seoul Summit established minimum standards for AI use, discussing global AI safety, innovation, and inclusivity.

Three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 3, and 4.

1. Bombay High Court Ruling – Loudspeakers are essential to religious practices. This is incorrectly matched. The Bombay High Court ruled that loudspeakers are not essential to religious practices and are not protected under Article 25 of the Constitution.

2. Surajpur Wetland – Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This is correctly matched. The Surajpur Wetland is indeed recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

3. Fentanyl – A natural opioid derived from the opium poppy. This is incorrectly matched. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, not a natural one derived from the opium poppy.

4. Durgah Committee Case (1961) – Practices essential to a religion are protected under Article 25. This is correctly matched. The Durgah Committee Case emphasized that only practices essential to a religion are protected under Article 25.

Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched: pairs 2 and 4.

Statement-I correctly reflects the ruling of the Bombay High Court regarding the non-essential nature of using loudspeakers for prayers or religious discourses, emphasizing public health concerns over claimed religious rights.
Statement-II accurately describes fentanyl as a highly potent synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine and heroin. The statement highlights the potency of fentanyl, underlining its potential health risks and implications, aligning with the details provided in the context.
Therefore, Option (a) is the correct answer as both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II explains the nature of fentanyl being a potent synthetic opioid in comparison to morphine and heroin.

1. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Resumption in Winter 2025:
This pair is incorrectly matched. The agreement is for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025, not winter.

2. Hydrological Data Sharing - Resumption of dialogues:
This pair is correctly matched. India and China have agreed to resume dialogues regarding hydrological data sharing on trans-border rivers.

3. Direct Flights - Restoration for tourists:
This pair is incorrectly matched. The restoration of direct flights is primarily for media and business representatives, not specifically for tourists.

4. Cultural Exchanges - Events planned for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations:
This pair is correctly matched. India and China plan to conduct cultural events as part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Thus, two pairs (pairs 2 and 4) are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct as India and China have indeed agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025, as mentioned in the news.
Statement-II is also correct as the Union Budget 2026 in India is highlighted as a crucial moment for addressing climate change and ensuring economic resilience, as per the provided information. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I. Instead, both statements independently address significant developments in India-China relations and climate action in India, making option (b) the correct choice.