Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 17th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The approval of solar cities and parks by the government is a crucial factor that has significantly contributed to the growth of India's renewable energy installed capacity. This initiative has played a vital role in promoting the adoption of solar energy across the nation, furthering the country's renewable energy goals and sustainability efforts.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not officially recognized as the border between India and China. It acts as a de facto divider between the two countries, but it is not an officially recognized border.
- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The LAC runs along the Tibetan Autonomous Region and Xinjiang on the Chinese side.
- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. India estimates the length of the LAC to be 3,488 kilometers, not 2,000 kilometers.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 2 Only.

All three statements provided are correct based on the source material.

1. Statement 1: Correct. India has indeed set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030 as part of its Panchamrit Pledge, which was announced at the UNFCCC's COP26 in Glasgow.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, a pivotal initiative by the Indian government, aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030, with an associated renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy was introduced in 2018 to promote extensive grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems, aiming to optimize the use of transmission infrastructure and land, thus reducing the variability in renewable power generation.

Thus, the correct answer encompasses all the statements, making Option D the accurate choice.

1. Wind power - 47.19 GW: Correct. As of August 2024, the installed capacity for Wind power in India is indeed 47.19 GW.

2. Solar Power - 89.43 GW: Correct. As of August 2024, the installed capacity for Solar power in India is 89.43 GW.

3. Biomass/Cogeneration - 11.35 GW: Incorrect. The installed capacity for Biomass/Cogeneration in India is actually 10.35 GW, not 11.35 GW.

4. Waste To Energy - 0.60 GW: Correct. The installed capacity for Waste to Energy in India is 0.60 GW.

Thus, only pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct option Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the essence of emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution, focusing on protecting states from internal and external threats through constitutional mechanisms.
Statement-II accurately outlines the roles of Article 355 and Article 356, where Article 355 mandates the Centre to protect states from internal disturbance and Article 356 allows for the imposition of President's Rule in states failing to adhere to constitutional norms.
Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically explains the importance and application of emergency provisions as discussed in Statement-I.

Precision farming aims to optimize inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides based on specific site conditions to maximize yield, minimize waste, and lessen environmental impact. By customizing inputs to address the specific needs of crops, farmers can enhance yield and efficiency while reducing environmental harm.

Statement-I correctly mentions India's 4th position globally in Renewable Energy installed capacity, as per the REN21 Renewables 2024 Global Status Report. Statement-II accurately reflects India's target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 as highlighted by the PM at the RE-INVEST 2024. Statement-II logically explains the significance and context behind India's global ranking in renewable energy capacity, making both statements correct and interrelated.

The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 focuses on regulating the advertisement of drugs and prohibiting claims of magical qualities in remedies. This legislative framework aims to ensure that advertisements related to drugs do not create false impressions, make false claims, or mislead the public. By imposing strict regulations, the Act aims to protect consumers from misleading information and false promises regarding the efficacy of drugs and remedies.

1. Article 355: Mandates the Centre to safeguard states from internal unrest. - Correctly matched. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Centre to protect states from external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure that state governments function according to the Constitution.
2. Article 356: Allows the Centre to impose President's Rule in states not complying with constitutional requirements. - Correctly matched. Article 356 allows the President to assume control of a state's executive functions if it fails to comply with constitutional norms, commonly referred to as President's Rule.
3. R. Bommai case (1994): Established no judicial review for President's Rule. - Incorrectly matched. The R. Bommai case actually established that the imposition of President's Rule is subject to judicial review, not exempt from it.
4. Naga People's Movement of Human Rights vs Union of India (1998): Limited the applicability of Article 355. - Incorrectly matched. This case broadened the applicability of Article 355, allowing the Centre more leeway to take action to protect states.
Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

• Statement 1 is correct. Article 355 of the Indian Constitution does indeed mandate that the Centre must protect states from external aggression and internal disturbances. This provision is designed to ensure that the Centre can step in to maintain peace and order within a state when necessary.
• Statement 2 is correct. Article 356 allows the President of India to impose President's Rule in a state if the state government is not functioning in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This can happen if the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of the state or otherwise, is satisfied that the governance in the state cannot be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Supreme Court's 1994 ruling in the R. Bommai case established that the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 is subject to judicial review. The court can examine whether the grounds on which President's Rule was imposed are valid and whether it was used appropriately.

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