Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 6th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Aphelion in astronomy refers to the point in a planet's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding the elliptical nature of planetary orbits and has implications for seasonal variations and planetary motion.

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha are indeed vested with the power to order the expunction of remarks under Rule 261 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and Rules 380 and 381 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The expunged portions are marked by asterisks with an explanatory footnote stating 'expunged as ordered by the Chair.' Once expunged, these words or phrases cease to exist on the official record.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The relevance of the practice of expunging remarks has indeed come into question in the digital age due to the live telecast of proceedings and the wider circulation of screenshots and videos on social media, making the expunged content still accessible.

All three statements are correct, hence the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

1. Rule 261 - Lok Sabha: Incorrect. Rule 261 pertains to the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.

2. Rule 380 - Rajya Sabha: Incorrect. Rule 380 pertains to the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.

3. Rule 381 - Lok Sabha: Correct. Rule 381 pertains to the Lok Sabha.

4. Article 105 - Privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament: Correct. Article 105 of the Constitution confers certain privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament on MPs.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 3 and 4. Hence, there are only two pairs correctly matched.

Statement-I is incorrect because aphelion actually refers to the point in the orbit of a planet or celestial body where it is farthest from the Sun, not closest. Statement-II correctly defines aphelion as the farthest point in an orbit. This astronomical term is crucial for understanding the orbits of celestial bodies and plays a significant role in astronomical calculations.

Japan introduced redesigned yen banknotes that incorporate advanced 3D hologram technology primarily to enhance security measures against counterfeiting. By utilizing hologram technology, the new banknotes aim to make it more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate or forge the currency, thus ensuring the integrity of Japan's currency system. This move showcases Japan's commitment to staying ahead in the fight against counterfeit currency and bolstering the security features of its monetary instruments.

1. Holograms can be used in medical diagnostics to offer advanced imaging solutions for healthcare professionals. - This statement is correct. Hologram technology is indeed used in medical imaging, providing detailed and advanced diagnostic tools for healthcare professionals.

2. Holographic data storage is known for its low-capacity storage needs. - This statement is incorrect. Holographic data storage is actually known for its high-capacity storage capabilities, making it efficient and secure for large amounts of data.

3. Holographic interferometry is used in fields such as metrology and engineering for precise measurements and analyses. - This statement is correct. Holographic interferometry is a technique used in these fields to obtain precise measurements and analyses.

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

Statement 1 is correct. The Essential Practices Doctrine was indeed first articulated in the case of Durgah Committee, Ajmer v. Syed Hussain Ali (1961). This case laid the foundation for the judiciary to determine which practices are considered essential to a religion and thus deserve protection under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.

Statement 2 is incorrect. In the recent Madras High Court ruling regarding the ritual of angapradakshinam, Justice Swaminathan did permit the ritual, but his judgment did not involve a rigorous examination of its essentiality. The decision was more focused on the petitioner's rights under Articles 25 and 21 of the Constitution.

Statement 3 is correct. The Essential Practices Doctrine is indeed utilized by the judiciary to ascertain which religious practices are protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.

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

1. Angapradakshinam - Incorrectly matched. Angapradakshinam is a ritual involving devotees rolling over banana leaves used for meals, not hot coals. This ritual was recently permitted by Justice Swaminathan in a case before the Madras High Court.
2. Durgah Committee, Ajmer v. Syed Hussain Ali (1961) - Correctly matched. This case involves the limits of judicial intervention in religious matters and is a significant reference in the context of the Essential Practices Doctrine.
3. SEHER Program - Correctly matched. SEHER is a credit education program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in India, launched by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL.
4. Leang Karampuang Cave - Correctly matched. This cave in Indonesia is known for its ancient rock art, including a painting that dates back at least 51,200 years, making it one of the oldest known cave art sites.
So, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.

Statement-I refers to the painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani being famous at Badami, which is accurate. Statement-II discusses the cave painting in Leang Karampuang, dating back 51,200 years, on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, which is also true. The connection between the two statements is that both address ancient art forms, with Statement-II providing historical context while Statement-I focuses on a specific renowned painting. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed explains the historical significance behind Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly highlights the issue of container shortages faced by India and global traders due to tariffs imposed by the European Union and upcoming US tariffs. Statement-II provides a reason behind this container crunch, linking it to the Red Sea crisis caused by frequent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, resulting in a significant reduction in traffic and increased port congestion. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the impact mentioned in Statement-I.