Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 2nd December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary focus of India's AI Safety Institute is to enhance domestic capacity in AI safety. This involves strengthening local capabilities in ensuring the safe implementation of AI technologies. By prioritizing safety while encouraging innovation, the institute aims to address specific challenges in the deployment of AI technologies in India.

Statement-I correctly defines a solar storm as an eruption of particles, energy, and magnetic fields by the Sun, while Statement-II accurately describes how solar storms begin by explaining the process of stressed magnetic fields snapping and reconnecting to release energy. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct: Anthrax is indeed caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. These spores can survive in harsh environmental conditions for many years, making the disease particularly resilient in certain areas.

- Statement 2 is incorrect: Human-to-human transmission of anthrax is not common. The disease primarily affects humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Respiratory transmission between humans is not a typical route of infection for anthrax.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: Vaccination against anthrax is not universally recommended for all individuals in regions where the disease is prevalent. It is typically recommended for those at high risk, such as certain occupational groups (e.g., individuals handling animal products or working in laboratories), rather than the general population.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct answer.

1. Bacillus anthracis - Correctly matched. Bacillus anthracis is indeed the bacterium that causes Anthrax, a rare but serious disease affecting both animals and humans.
2. Prithviraj Chauhan - Incorrectly matched. Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Muhammad of Ghor in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, not the other way around.
3. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti - Correctly matched. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti did establish the Chishti order in Ajmer in 1191 and is a significant figure in Indian Sufism.
4. Nizam Gate - Incorrectly matched. The Nizam Gate was not built during the reign of Akbar; it was donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century as part of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah complex.
Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the architectural significance of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, depicting it as an exemplar of Indo-Islamic architecture with Mughal influences. The white marble shrine adorned with intricate silver and gold decorations indeed reflects the architectural styles prevalent during the Mughal period.
Statement-II accurately mentions the involvement of materials from demolished Jain temples in the construction of the Dargah. This historical fact is supported by references to the utilization of materials from such temples in the building of the shrine, as noted in historical accounts.
While both statements are factually correct, they do not establish a direct explanatory relationship where Statement-II explains Statement-I. Instead, they provide complementary information about the architectural heritage and the historical context of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, making option (b) the most appropriate choice.

1. Statement 1: "Madhav National Park is located on the northern edge of the Central Highlands of India and is part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills."
This statement is correct. Madhav National Park is indeed situated on the northern edge of the Central Highlands, forming part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, characterized by its mix of plateaus and valleys.

2. Statement 2: "The park features two significant lakes, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, which are critical for the park's aquatic biodiversity."
This statement is correct. Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar are two significant lakes within Madhav National Park, playing a vital role in supporting the park's aquatic biodiversity and serving as essential resources for the wildlife.

3. Statement 3: "The vegetation in Madhav National Park is primarily composed of Northern tropical wet evergreen forests."
This statement is incorrect. The vegetation in Madhav National Park is classified as Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forests and Dry Thorn Forests, not Northern tropical wet evergreen forests. The park's flora is typical of the dry and deciduous nature found in Northwestern Madhya Pradesh.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 2 Only the correct answer.

The primary objective of the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra is to significantly enhance India's container trade capacity. This greenfield port, once completed, aims to create a total capacity of 298 million metric tons per annum, with a focus on facilitating export-import trade through key trade corridors. The project is expected to have a transformative impact on India's maritime trade landscape by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle container traffic efficiently.

1. Vadhavan Port: Located in Palghar District, Maharashtra - Correct. The Vadhavan Port is indeed located in the Palghar District of Maharashtra. It is designed to be an all-weather, deep-draft port.

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA): 74% shareholding in Vadhavan Port Project Limited - Correct. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority holds a 74% share in the special purpose vehicle, Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL).

3. North Eastern Tea Association (NETA): Headquarters in Guwahati, Assam - Incorrect. The headquarters of NETA is in Golaghat, Upper Assam, not Guwahati.

4. NETA Established: 1981 - Correct. The North Eastern Tea Association was established in 1981, representing tea producers primarily in Assam.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

The primary objective of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in India is to prevent and control money laundering activities. The Act aims to combat the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity appear to have come from a legitimate source. By enforcing this act, authorities can combat financial crimes and seize properties obtained through laundered money, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in financial transactions.

- Statement-I correctly describes the primary objective of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which is to prevent and control money laundering in India.
- Statement-II accurately states that the Act empowers the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to investigate money laundering offenses and attach properties linked to such illicit activities.
- Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically explains the purpose outlined in Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.