Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 12th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The establishment of a deepwater container transshipment port is pivotal for India as it enables the country to handle ultra-large container ships efficiently. Given the existing limitations in infrastructure at major ports, such a port can accommodate larger vessels, support transshipment operations, and reduce the dependency on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai. This development not only boosts the economy but also enhances operational efficiencies and job opportunities within the maritime sector.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Vizhinjam International Seaport is indeed India's first international deepwater transshipment port with a natural depth exceeding 18 meters, scalable up to 20 meters. This depth is critical for accommodating large vessels and motherships.

2. Statement 2 is correct: The port's strategic location, ten nautical miles from the international shipping route, significantly enhances its importance and competitiveness with other major transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) model involves the private partner in all these aspects, including financing the project. Therefore, the private partner is indeed responsible for financing the project as part of this model.

Thus, the correct answer is "Option B: 1 and 2 Only".

1. MV San Fernando: The first mothership received at the Vizhinjam international seaport. This is correctly matched. The MV San Fernando was indeed the first mothership to berth at the Vizhinjam port during its trial run.

2. Steatoda Erigoniformis: A spider species known as the "false widow spider." This is correctly matched. Steatoda Erigoniformis is a spider species commonly referred to as "false widow spiders."

3. DBFOT Model: A Public-Private Partnership model where the private partner is responsible for financing only. This is incorrectly matched. In the DBFOT model, the private partner is responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and transferring the project, not just financing.

4. Zoological Survey of India: The premier taxonomic research organization in India established in 1916. This is correctly matched. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 and is the premier taxonomic research organization in India.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Answer: Option B

Statement-I correctly highlights India's deficiency in having the necessary landside mega-port and terminal infrastructure to accommodate ultra-large container ships, contributing to the reliance on foreign ports for transshipment activities. Statement-II complements this by providing specific data on how approximately 75% of India's transshipment cargo is managed outside India, indicating the practical implications of the infrastructure gap mentioned in Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II serving to elucidate the situation presented in Statement-I.

The main objective of the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024 is to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, which are essential for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India. Recognizing the significance of these breeds, the award aims to encourage efforts towards their preservation and enhancement, thereby contributing to the dairy industry's long-term viability and growth.

- Statement 1 is correct: The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) is indeed conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November. This aligns with the announcement made by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

- Statement 2 is correct: The NGRA includes categories such as Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), and Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT). This is in line with the structure of the award as described.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: While cash prizes are awarded in the categories of Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC, the Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category does not include a cash prize but rather a certificate of merit and a memento.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

1. National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) - Given by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

- Correct. The NGRA is indeed awarded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under this ministry.

2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission - Launched in 2016

- Incorrect. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014, not 2016.

3. BIMSTEC - Member countries include Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

- Incorrect. Pakistan is not a member of BIMSTEC. The member countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

4. National Milk Day - Celebrated on 1st November

- Incorrect. National Milk Day is celebrated on 26th November in India.

Therefore, only the first pair is correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly indicates that the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) is conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November. This aligns with the information provided in the source material.
Statement-II accurately states that the NGRA is an initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, aiming to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India. This explanation links the purpose of the award with its broader objective under the mission, establishing a clear connection between the two statements.

The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aims to address the growing threat of Naxalism in urban areas through Naxal-affiliated organizations. Urban Maoism/Naxalism involves activities like maintaining safe houses, providing logistical support to underground squads, and mobilizing youth, students, and workers, which necessitates specialized legislation to combat these challenges effectively.

Statement-I correctly highlights the introduction of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, to address the threat of Naxalism in urban areas. Statement-II accurately describes the provisions of the bill, including empowering the state to label organizations as "unlawful," defining unlawful activities, and outlining associated punishments. Statement-II explains the context provided in Statement-I, thereby making both statements correct and interconnected.