Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) was established in January 1941 with initially six members forming three benches in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. This information is accurate.
Statement-II correctly states that ITAT acts as the final body to resolve tax disputes, providing a platform for taxpayers and tax authorities. However, it does not directly explain the establishment of ITAT as mentioned in Statement-I. Statement-II provides additional information about the role of ITAT. Thus, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, making option (b) the correct choice.

Statement-I is incorrect because the Vice President of India is not elected directly by the citizens of India. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Statement-II is correct as the Vice President does serve as the Acting President in case of a temporary absence of the President, as per the Indian Constitution.

Statement 1 is correct. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) was indeed established in January 1941, and it initially started with six Members forming three Benches in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Statement 2 is correct. ITAT acts as the final body to resolve tax disputes under the Income Tax Act of 1961, providing a platform for taxpayers and tax authorities to settle their disputes.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While ITAT decisions are final in many cases, they can be appealed to the High Court if a significant legal issue arises. Therefore, the decisions made by ITAT are not always final.

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

1. The Juanga community is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha.
- This statement is correct. The Juanga tribe is indeed one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha.

2. Traditionally, the Juanga practiced settled agriculture.
- This statement is incorrect. Traditionally, the Juanga practiced shifting cultivation, although some have now transitioned to settled agriculture.

3. The Pradhan, the traditional political head of the community, is selected based on heredity.
- This statement is incorrect. The Pradhan is chosen based on capabilities, not heredity.

Thus, only the first statement is correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

The primary goal of the Pinaka-MK3 rocket launcher developed by DRDO is to significantly enhance India's strike range. This upgraded version of the Pinaka system is designed to engage distant foes and aerial threats, providing India with a formidable new weapon. The Pinaka-MK3 is capable of reaching distances of 120 kilometers or more initially, with subsequent versions planned to extend this range to 300 kilometers, making it a versatile and powerful asset for the country's defense capabilities.

The Clean Plant Programme (CPP) aims to improve the quality and productivity of fruit crops nationwide by addressing virus infections that impact productivity and quality. By establishing nine world-class Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) across India with advanced labs and implementing a robust certification system under the Seeds Act 1966, the program seeks to provide affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers, leading to increased quality and productivity within the horticulture sector.

Statement-I correctly identifies the Juanga community as part of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Keonjhar district and mentions their shift from traditional leaf skirts to clothing from local markets. Statement-II accurately states that the Juanga people speak the Juang language, which is part of the Austroasiatic language family, and engage in settled agriculture while also crafting decorative items. However, Statement-I and Statement-II discuss different aspects of the Juanga community without one directly explaining the other. Thus, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I.

Statement-I is correct as it reflects the recent news involving the Supreme Court's stance on relaxing stringent bail conditions due to trial delays in money laundering cases.
Statement-II is also correct as it highlights the US District Court's accusation against Google for maintaining a monopoly through exclusive deals, unrelated to the Supreme Court's bail relaxation context. Therefore, both statements are individually correct but are not interlinked in terms of explanation, making option (b) the correct choice.

• Statement 1 is correct: Section 45 of the PMLA indeed sets a high threshold for granting bail. The language of the provision indicates that bail is not the norm but an exception under this Act.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court of India has underscored the importance of the right to a speedy trial as a fundamental right, which must be upheld even in cases involving stringent laws like the PMLA.
• Statement 3 is correct: The 2019 amendments to the PMLA removed the automatic presumption of guilt for individuals accused of money laundering concerning the original crime, making it necessary to establish guilt separately for the scheduled offense.

Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. National Horticulture Mission (NHM) - Develops horticulture in states and union territories
Correct. The NHM is responsible for the development of horticulture in various states and union territories.

2. Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) - Focuses on the development of vegetable crops
Incorrect. HMNEH focuses on the specific needs of the North East and Himalayan regions, not specifically on the development of vegetable crops.

3. National Bamboo Mission (NBM) - Promotes bamboo cultivation and its value chain
Correct. NBM is indeed aimed at promoting bamboo cultivation and enhancing its value chain.

4. Clean Plant Programme (CPP) - Aims at providing affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers
Correct. CPP aims to provide affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers to boost productivity and quality in horticulture.

Thus, only the second pair is incorrectly matched. The correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.