Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 10th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. CECA Negotiations Re-launch Year - 2021: Correct. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations between India and Australia were re-launched in 2021 after being suspended in 2016.

2. Markhor Conservation Status - Vulnerable: Incorrect. The Markhor is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List since 2015, not Vulnerable.

3. India's Export Growth to Australia (2023-24) - 14.23%: Correct. During the fiscal year 2023-24, India's exports to Australia increased by 14.23%.

4. Markhor Habitat Elevation Range - 600 to 3,600 meters: Correct. Markhors are typically found in mountainous regions at elevations between 600 and 3,600 meters.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Let's evaluate each statement individually:

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system is indeed designed to formally acknowledge skills and knowledge acquired through informal and experiential learning. This is aimed at enhancing accessibility to higher education and improving career prospects and employability.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The new RPL guidelines introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The guidelines support NEP 2020's objectives of inclusivity and skill development, which is further supported by the National Credit Framework (NCrF).

3. Statement 3 is correct. The implementation of RPL focuses on fostering economic growth by recognizing diverse learning experiences, which contributes to the creation of a skilled workforce and supports national economic development.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly describes the anti-obesity effects demonstrated by Melye-amiley, the traditional fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura. It highlights the reduction in lipid accumulation and the promotion of fatty acid β-oxidation.
Statement-II accurately portrays the Subaru Telescope, highlighting its location on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, its optical-infrared nature, and its capability to gather faint light from distant celestial objects. Furthermore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II complements Statement-I by providing additional information about a different topic, showing the capabilities of the Subaru Telescope.

The University Grants Commission's new guidelines on "Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education" aim to recognize and value skills acquired through informal learning experiences. By acknowledging and formalizing these skills, individuals can enhance their career prospects and employability. This initiative aligns with promoting inclusivity and skill-based education as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

While Statement-I accurately describes the objectives and details of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme, Statement-II inaccurately describes the purpose and features of the Voronezh radar system. The Voronezh radar system was acquired from Russia, not by India, and it is primarily a Russian defense infrastructure designed to enhance Russia's early warning and missile defense capabilities, not India's. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect in the context of the provided information.

The traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety Melye-amiley from Tripura has been noted for its significant anti-obesity effects. Studies indicate that the extract of Melye-amiley can reduce lipid accumulation, promote fatty acid oxidation, and enhance energy expenditure in white adipocytes. These findings suggest that Melye-amiley could offer a natural solution for combating obesity and improving metabolic health.

Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution specifies the process for the removal of the Vice President of India, which entails a special majority vote in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and a simple majority vote in the Lok Sabha (House of the People). This procedure underscores the significance of legislative consensus in crucial matters of governance, ensuring a balanced approach in the removal of the Vice President.

1. Objective of the Scheme: Incorrectly matched. The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme is to improve the nutritional status of eligible children in government and government-aided schools, not urban private schools.

2. Target Beneficiaries: Correctly matched. The scheme indeed targets students from Balvatika and classes I to VIII in government and aided schools.

3. Price Revision Basis: Correctly matched. The prices for food items under the scheme are revised based on the Consumer Price Index – Rural Labourers (CPI-RL).

4. Inflation Analysis: Incorrectly matched. The inflation analysis for the scheme's price revision is conducted by the Labour Bureau of the Ministry of Labour, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. Article 67(b) of the Constitution outlines the procedure for the removal of the Vice President of India, which includes passing a resolution by a special majority in the Rajya Sabha and a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. A special majority here means a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The requirement is for a minimum of 14 days' notice, not 21 days, before moving the resolution for the removal of the Vice President. This notice must clearly state the intention and reasons for the resolution.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Constitution does not specify any particular grounds for the removal of the Vice President. The decision is at the discretion of the Members of Parliament, allowing them to determine the reasons for removal.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

The main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme is to improve the nutritional status of eligible children in government and government-aided schools. This scheme aims to provide nutritional support to children, encourage regular school attendance, and offer meals to students in Balvatika and classes I to VIII at government and aided schools on all school days. By focusing on nutrition, the scheme aims to enhance the overall well-being and educational outcomes of school-aged children.