Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 14th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct: The recent terrorist attacks in the Jammu region do reflect a concerning pattern of renewed militancy over the past three years, especially in areas like the Chenab Valley and south of the Pir Panjal. This resurgence is particularly notable in districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch.

2. Statement 2 is correct: The thinning of the security grid in Jammu after the 2020 Galwan clashes, which saw a significant number of Army personnel redeployed to the China border, has indeed contributed to the region's increased vulnerability to militant attacks.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: Though the recent attacks in Jammu are concerning, the casualties in the Kashmir Valley are higher. Since 2021, the Jammu region has experienced 31 terror incidents, resulting in the deaths of 47 security forces and 19 civilians, whereas the Kashmir Valley has reported 263 terror incidents, with 68 security forces and 75 civilians killed.

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

- Pair 1: Kathua District - Located in the Kashmir Valley

- Incorrect. Kathua District is located in the Jammu region, not the Kashmir Valley.

- Pair 2: Doda District - Part of the Jammu region

- Correct. Doda District is indeed part of the Jammu region.

- Pair 3: Rajouri District - Near the Line of Control with Pakistan

- Correct. Rajouri District is near the Line of Control with Pakistan.

- Pair 4: Udhampur District - Affected by recent terrorist activities

- Incorrect. While Udhampur is in the Jammu region, it has not been specifically highlighted as being affected by recent terrorist activities as much as other districts like Kathua and Rajouri.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The recent resurgence of militancy in the Jammu region, particularly in areas like the Chenab Valley and south of the Pir Panjal, has been a major security concern highlighted in recent reports. This revival of militancy after a relatively peaceful period is alarming for the security establishment, with districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and others experiencing a resurgence in militant activity.

Statement-I correctly identifies the recent trend of renewed militancy in the Jammu region, particularly in specific areas like the Chenab Valley and south of the Pir Panjal. This is evidenced by the resurgence in militant activity in districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, and others.
Statement-II accurately points out the historical context of the Jammu region, highlighting its turbulent past with frequent terror incidents in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It also correctly states that the region has been relatively peaceful for the past two decades. However, this historical context does not directly explain the recent pattern of renewed militancy discussed in Statement-I, hence Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

India's goal to enhance bilateral trade with Russia and the initiatives to internationalize the rupee primarily aim to reduce India's dependence on the US dollar. By increasing trade with Russia and promoting the use of the rupee in international transactions, India seeks to curb its reliance on the US dollar for trade settlements and transactions. This strategy aligns with India's objective to diversify its trade partners and currencies, thereby enhancing economic resilience and stability.

- Statement 1: Correct. Internationalisation of the rupee involves increasing its use as a widely accepted currency for international transactions and investments. This process enhances the currency's acceptance, liquidity, and usability in global markets.

- Statement 2: Correct. In December 2022, India saw its first settlement of foreign trade in rupees with Russia, as part of an arrangement by the RBI to promote invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in the rupee.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. According to the BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey 2022, the US dollar accounts for 88% of global forex turnover, but the rupee accounts for only 1.6%, not 4%.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

1. India's top oil supplier (FY24) - Russia - This is correctly matched. Since the Ukraine war in 2022, Russia has become India's top oil supplier.

2. First settlement of foreign trade in rupee - China - This is incorrectly matched. The first settlement of foreign trade in rupee was with Russia, not China.

3. Country with 95% of bilateral trade in local currencies with Russia - China - This is correctly matched. 95% of China-Russia trade occurs in local currencies.

4. Country that has significant business interests and branches in Western countries, leading to reluctance in engaging trade with Russia - Indian private banks - This is correctly matched. Indian private banks are reluctant to engage in trade with Russia due to fears of Western sanctions, as many have significant business interests and branches in Western countries.

Correctly matched pairs: 1, 3, and 4.

Statement-I is incorrect because India aims to enhance bilateral trade with Russia to $100 billion by 2030 primarily to curb its rising oil import bill and reduce dependence on the US dollar, not solely to reduce dependence on the US dollar. On the other hand, Statement-II correctly highlights that China has successfully increased the use of domestic currencies in trade with Russia, with a significant proportion of trade occurring in local currencies, which is indicative of China's success in this aspect.

Statement-I accurately highlights the significance of the Ahom 'Moidams' in representing the cultural traditions and civilization of the Ahom people. Statement-II correctly explains why the Ahom 'Moidams' were recommended for UNESCO World Heritage status, emphasizing their importance as historical mound-burial architecture. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically elaborates on Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

Statement-I: Physicists have blown up atoms to hundreds of times their usual size to create a spectacular version of exotic matter that was once thought to be impossible. The strange matter phase, known as a time crystal, was created by firing lasers at rubidium atoms until they ballooned into an excited form. It is correct statement.

Statement II: This statement is correct. CHAPEA indeed stands for Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, which refers to analog environments used to simulate space missions and study crew health and performance.

Therefore the correct option is C. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I