Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 20th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I is incorrect as the Harappan Civilization is not known as the Mesopotamian Civilization. The Harappan Civilization is also referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization. Statement-II is correct in stating that the Harappan Civilization extended across more than 1.5 million square kilometers, including regions in present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Statement-I correctly mentions India's categorization by the FATF in the "regular follow-up" category for its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system. Statement-II complements Statement-I by noting the specific emphasis in the FATF report on the need for substantial enhancements in prosecuting cases related to money laundering and terrorism financing. Thus, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II explaining the importance of the FATF's focus on improvements in prosecution.

Statement 1 is correct. PAM is indeed primarily caused by Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Statement 2 is incorrect. PAM is categorized as a non-communicable disease, meaning it cannot be spread from person to person. The amoeba typically enters the body through the nose during activities like swimming in warm freshwater.
Statement 3 is correct. Diagnosis of PAM is typically conducted through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing of cerebrospinal fluid, although this can be challenging due to the rarity of the condition.
Hence, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

The primary aim of the White Revolution 2.0 initiative is to empower women farmers in the dairy sector. This initiative emphasizes empowering women, increasing milk production, and modernizing dairy infrastructure to boost rural livelihoods and create leadership opportunities for women in the dairy industry.

The Amar Chakra within the National War Memorial symbolizes the eternal remembrance of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. This section includes the 'Eternal Flame', serving as a perpetual tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in various conflicts. It stands as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice and the nation's perpetual gratitude towards them.

Statement-I accurately describes the purpose and significance of the National War Memorial, highlighting its inauguration date and the soldiers it commemorates. Statement-II correctly states the reason behind Veer Abdul Hameed being awarded the Param Vir Chakra, linking it to his courageous actions during the Battle of Asal Uttar. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed explains the importance of the National War Memorial's inauguration and Veer Abdul Hameed's valor.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is primarily triggered by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." This amoeba is notorious for its ability to enter the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming in warm freshwater, eventually leading to severe brain damage. Understanding the primary cause of PAM is crucial in preventing and addressing this rare but potentially fatal condition.

1. Amar Chakra - Circle of Immortality: Correct. The Amar Chakra, also known as the Circle of Immortality, includes the 'Eternal Flame', symbolizing the nation's perpetual remembrance of the soldiers.

2. Veerta Chakra - Circle of Valour: Correct. The Veerta Chakra showcases bronze murals illustrating acts of valour and bravery by Indian soldiers.

3. Rakshak Chakra - Circle of Protection: Correct. The Rakshak Chakra represents protection and includes trees symbolizing troops safeguarding the nation.

4. Tyag Chakra - Circle of Sacrifice: Correct. The Tyag Chakra features concentric granite walls that honour soldiers who have died since India gained independence.

All four pairs are correctly matched, hence the correct answer is Option D.

All three statements provided about the National War Memorial and Veer Abdul Hameed are accurate. The National War Memorial, indeed, was inaugurated on 25th February 2019 and is architecturally designed in a C-hexagon layout. Veer Abdul Hameed was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his exceptional bravery during the Battle of Asal Uttar in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. The National War Memorial features several symbolic elements: Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality) includes the 'Eternal Flame' to honor the eternal remembrance of the soldiers. Veerta Chakra showcases murals depicting acts of valor. Rakshak Chakra symbolizes protection through trees representing the troops. Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) features concentric granite walls honoring the soldiers who have died since India's independence. Thus, all statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Naegleria fowleri : Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
This pair is correctly matched. Naegleria fowleri is known as the causative agent for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe brain infection.

2. Acanthamoeba : Secondary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (SAM)
This pair is incorrectly matched. Acanthamoeba is associated with another serious condition called Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), not Secondary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (SAM).

3. Miltefosine : Treatment for PAM
This pair is correctly matched. Miltefosine is one of the medications recommended for the treatment of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

4. Amphotericin B : Diagnostic tool for PAM
This pair is incorrectly matched. Amphotericin B is not a diagnostic tool; it is a medication used in the treatment of PAM. The diagnosis of PAM is primarily done through PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid.

So, the pairs correctly matched are 1 and 3.

Answer: Option B: Only two pairs