Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 3rd December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is incorrect. Exercise Harimau Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and Malaysia, and it alternates between the two countries. The current edition is being held in Malaysia, not exclusively in India.

- Statement 2 is correct. The primary focus of Exercise Harimau Shakti is to enhance the military capabilities of both nations in conducting counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain, which aligns with their training objectives under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian contingent participating in Exercise Harimau Shakti is from the MAHAR Regiment, not the Gurkha Regiment.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct, making Option D the correct answer.

Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect. The Gandhamardan Hills in Odisha are indeed designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, but they are not primarily known for gold and diamond deposits. They are more famous for their rich biodiversity, including medicinal plants.

Coastal erosion in India is primarily exacerbated by unregulated sand mining and infrastructure projects, which disrupt natural sediment flow and worsen erosion rates. This activity significantly contributes to the degradation of coastlines and increases the vulnerability of coastal areas to erosion. Sand mining, especially when conducted illegally or without proper regulation, can have severe environmental consequences, leading to erosion and loss of coastal habitats.

1. Dakshina Kannada - Lowest Erosion Rate in Karnataka: Incorrect. Dakshina Kannada is the most severely affected district with 48.4% of its coastline eroded. The district with the lowest erosion rate in Karnataka is Uttara Kannada.

2. Muthupet Mangroves - Affected by Cyclone Gaja: Correct. The Muthupet mangroves in Tamil Nadu were indeed affected by Cyclone Gaja, which resulted in significant loss of mangrove coverage.

3. INCOIS - Development of Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps: Correct. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS) has developed Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps to identify areas at risk of disasters like tsunamis and storm surges.

4. K-SHORE Project - Focuses on Coastal Resilience in Tamil Nadu: Incorrect. The K-SHORE Project is an initiative in Karnataka, not Tamil Nadu. It focuses on enhancing coastal protection, improving community livelihoods, and addressing marine plastic pollution along Karnataka's coastline.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Answer: A

• Statement-I is correct: Jim Corbett National Park was indeed the first national park in India and was initially named Hailey National Park, after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of the United Provinces.
• Statement-II is correct: The park covers an area of around 520 square kilometers and is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) was initiated by the Ministry of Culture to safeguard India's diverse cultural legacy and boost rural economies. This mission aims to document various art forms, crafts, and performing arts, map villages, create an IT-enabled platform, and raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage in economic development and national unity.

1. Nazca Lines - Located in the dry coastal plain of Chile: Incorrect. The Nazca Lines are located in the dry coastal plain of Peru, approximately 400 kilometers south of Lima. They are a series of large ancient geoglyphs that are considered one of the greatest archaeological mysteries.

2. PRAGATI Platform - Launched in 2015 to enhance project delivery in India: Correct. The Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform was indeed launched in 2015. It is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of project management across India, involving a three-tier structure with the Prime Minister's Office, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States.

3. National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) - Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India: Incorrect. The National Mission on Cultural Mapping is implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), not the Archaeological Survey of India. It aims to document and preserve India's diverse cultural heritage.

4. Geoglyphs - Designs made on the ground by altering the surface with stones, soil, or gravel: Correct. Geoglyphs are indeed patterns or designs created on the ground by altering the natural landscape using materials like stones, soil, or gravel. These are significant in archaeological studies and are often associated with ancient cultures, like those that created the Nazca Lines.

Based on the analysis, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct as the Nazca Lines were indeed first systematically studied by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe in the mid-1920s. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the Nazca Lines were not created by the Inca civilization but rather by the Nazca culture, a pre-Inca civilization that inhabited the region between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500. The Inca civilization came to power later in the Andean region.

Global One-Stop Centres are designed to offer comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations, addressing their immediate needs and providing essential assistance. These centres aim to provide a range of services to assist women facing various challenges, ensuring their well-being and safety.

(Note: The Global One-Stop Centres play a crucial role in supporting women in need, offering a safe space and necessary assistance for those facing vulnerable situations. By providing a holistic approach to addressing women's needs, these centres contribute significantly to promoting gender equality and empowerment.)

1. The first statement is incorrect. While Global One-Stop Centres (OSCs) do provide comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations, not all centres have shelter homes. Of the nine proposed OSCs, seven will feature shelter homes and will be located in certain Middle Eastern countries, but those in Toronto and Singapore will operate without shelter facilities.

2. The second statement is correct. The ICWF indeed provides critical services such as the repatriation of mortal remains and legal aid, specifically addressing the needs of women abandoned by their overseas Indian or foreign spouses.

3. The third statement is incorrect. The ICWF allows for the payment of fines in cases of minor, not major, legal infractions to assist in the release of Indian nationals.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct, making Option C the correct answer.