Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 30th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. This legislation prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and seeks to preserve the historical status of religious sites as they were at the time of India's independence.

- Statement 1 is correct. The study highlighted in the Lancet indicates that agricultural burning in northern India during winter months significantly contributes to air pollution, leading to over 120,000 deaths annually between 2000 and 2019. This is primarily due to the release of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses severe health risks.

- Statement 2 is correct. The global impact of landscape fires includes approximately 450,000 deaths annually linked to cardiovascular diseases due to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This statistic underscores the severe health implications of air pollution caused by these fires, affecting particularly low- and middle-income countries.

- Statement 3 is correct. The National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF), introduced in 2018, aims to reduce the occurrence and impact of forest fires in India. It focuses on enhancing collaboration between local communities and state forest departments, emphasizing community involvement in forest fire management through initiatives like Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).

Thus, all three statements are accurate representations of the information provided, making Option D the correct choice.

1. Statement 1: The Koraga tribe primarily follows a patrilineal system, where lineage is traced through males.
- This statement is incorrect. The Koraga tribe follows a matrilineal system, where lineage is traced through females. However, post-marriage, they practice patrilocal residence, where the couple resides with the husband's family.

2. Statement 2: The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme applies to Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers, excluding Urea.
- This statement is correct. The NBS Scheme is specifically designed for Phosphatic (P) and Potassic (K) fertilizers and excludes Urea, which is subsidized differently under a separate policy.

3. Statement 3: Under the NBS Scheme, subsidy rates for fertilizers are fixed and do not fluctuate with market prices.
- This statement is incorrect. The subsidy rates under the NBS Scheme are not fixed; they are decided annually or bi-annually based on the international market prices of fertilizers and raw materials, allowing for fluctuations.

The primary crystalline forms of silica include Quartz, Tridymite, and Cristobalite. Quartz is the most common and widely recognized form of silica, known for its hardness and durability. Tridymite and Cristobalite are less common but occur under specific conditions, such as high temperatures. Understanding these forms is essential in fields like geology and materials science, where silica's properties and applications are vital.

The primary objective of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is to enhance the security of international supply chains and streamline the movement of genuine goods. By granting AEO status to businesses, it signifies their adherence to established supply chain security standards, fostering smoother trade operations. This status not only benefits the businesses but also aids customs authorities in focusing their resources more effectively towards entities that are less compliant or present higher risks.

1. AEO Programme - Operates under the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards: Correct. The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme does indeed operate under the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, which aims to secure and facilitate global trade.

2. AEO Approval - Conducted by the World Bank in collaboration with national administrations: Incorrect. AEO approval is conducted by or on behalf of national administrations in alignment with WCO guidelines, not by the World Bank. The World Bank was only involved in the recent event mentioned in the source but does not conduct AEO approvals.

3. Niger River - Longest river in West Africa: Correct. The Niger River is the longest river in West Africa, spanning 4,200 km.

4. Niger River Source - Originates in Mali: Incorrect. The Niger River originates in Guinea, not Mali. It flows into the Sahara Desert and makes a significant right turn near Timbuktu in Mali but does not originate there.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3.

Statement 1 is correct. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, there has been a consistent decrease in male sterilisation rates from NFHS-4 (2015-16) to NFHS-5, indicating a decline in the adoption of male sterilisation methods over the years.

Statement 2 is correct. The National Health Policy of 2017 did aim to increase male sterilisation rates to 30%, reflecting an intention to address the gender disparity in sterilisation methods.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Cultural norms in India do not primarily designate reproductive health responsibilities to men; rather, it is the opposite. These norms typically place the responsibility on women, resulting in a higher rate of female sterilisation compared to male sterilisation. This is a significant factor contributing to the gender gap in the adoption of permanent contraceptive methods.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B

Statement-I is accurate as India indeed initiated a commitment to family planning in 1952 to enhance maternal and child health while controlling population growth. Statement-II is also correct as the National Health Policy of 2017 did aim to raise male sterilisation rates to 30%. Additionally, Statement-II explains the historical context and goal outlined in Statement-I, making it a comprehensive and accurate explanation.

- Statement 1 is correct. Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2), is indeed the primary component of more than 95% of known rock types, making it a significant part of the Earth's crust.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While silica is used in various industrial applications, it is not primarily used in the manufacture of plastics. Instead, silica is widely utilized in construction materials, glass manufacturing, ceramics, and as a desiccant. It is essential in the production of portland cement, concrete, and mortar, as well as in foundry molds and other industrial processes.

- Statement 3 is correct. Quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite are indeed the primary crystalline forms of silica. These forms are significant and vary in their structure and stability at different temperatures and pressures.

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

1. Quartz : A form of crystalline silica - Correct. Quartz is indeed a form of crystalline silica, which is one of the most common forms found in nature.

2. Tridymite : Used in foundry molds - Incorrect. Tridymite is another form of crystalline silica, but it is not specifically used in foundry molds. Silica in general is used in foundry molds, but the statement about Tridymite's specific use is incorrect.

3. Phlegraean Fields : Located near Naples, Italy - Correct. The Phlegraean Fields, known as 'Campi Flegrei', are indeed located near Naples, Italy, and are known for being a supervolcanic region.

4. Bradyseism : A process involving rapid volcanic eruptions - Incorrect. Bradyseism is a process involving the slow movement of the Earth's surface due to the filling or emptying of an underground magma chamber or hydrothermal processes, not rapid volcanic eruptions.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.