Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 13th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in West Siang District: This is incorrectly matched. The D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, not West Siang.

2. Siang River - Flows through D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary: This is correctly matched. The Siang River, indeed, flows through the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Brahmaputra Basin - Highest water availability in India according to CWC report: This is correctly matched. According to the CWC report, the Brahmaputra Basin has the highest water availability at 592.32 BCM.

4. Central Water Commission (CWC) - Established in 1985: This is incorrectly matched. The Central Water Commission was established in 1945 as the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission (CWINC).

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) serves as a sophisticated anti-doping tool that monitors an athlete's biological markers over time. By identifying variations in blood and steroid profiles, the ABP aims to ensure fair play, protect clean athletes, support targeted testing, and provide indirect evidence in doping cases. This initiative represents a significant step in enhancing anti-doping measures in sports, promoting integrity, and safeguarding the health of athletes.

Statement 1 is correct. The IndiaAI Future Skills platform is indeed part of the seven foundational pillars of the IndiaAI Mission. It aims to democratize AI education across the country by making AI courses more accessible and reducing entry barriers to AI programs.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The initiative includes the establishment of Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, not exclusively in Tier 1 cities. Cities such as Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Shimla, Aurangabad, Patna, Buxar, and Muzaffarpur are specifically mentioned as locations for these labs, indicating a focus on expanding AI education beyond major urban centers.

Statement 3 is correct. The initiative is developed in collaboration with industry partners, which helps ensure that the training programs are aligned with the evolving demands of the industry. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the relevance and applicability of the skills being taught.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

Both statements are factually correct. Statement I highlights the abundance of manganese on Earth and its primary use in alloys like steel. Statement II correctly points out the health implication of manganese contamination in water sources leading to severe toxicity in humans. The relationship between the two statements can be understood as follows: the widespread use of manganese in various applications, including alloys, can lead to its presence in water sources, contributing to human health risks when consumed. Thus, Statement II logically explains the significance of Statement I in the context of environmental and health concerns related to manganese.

1. Durgadi Fort is part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate and has been referenced in British documents since 1570.

This statement is correct. Durgadi Fort indeed dates back to the time of the Adil Shahi Sultanate and is mentioned in British documents from 1570, indicating its historical significance during that period.

2. The fort was captured by the Marathas in 1760, who constructed a wooden temple for Durgadevi and renamed the fort Durgadi Killa.

This statement is correct. In 1760, following the capture of Kalyan by the Marathas, they constructed a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed the fort Durgadi Killa, reflecting the cultural and religious changes brought by the Marathas.

3. The idol of Goddess Durga in Durgadi Fort was reported stolen by the British in 1818.

This statement is incorrect. Although the British took control of the fort in 1818, the report of the idol being stolen was recorded in 1876, not 1818. Therefore, this statement contains factual inaccuracies regarding the timeline of events.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect based on the provided historical details.

1. Beijing's Strategy: Implementation of a long-term phased anti-pollution plan - Correct. Beijing implemented a 20-year phased strategy that included multiple phases targeting different pollution sources.

2. Delhi's Current Challenge: High dependency on renewable energy sources - Incorrect. Delhi’s current challenge is high dependency on fossil fuels, not renewable energy sources. The city needs to transition to cleaner energy sources.

3. Beijing's Achievement: Significant reduction in transportation emissions through vehicle retrofitting and public transport expansion - Correct. Beijing successfully reduced emissions by retrofitting vehicles and expanding the public transport system, including subways and buses.

4. Delhi's Proposed Regional coordination to manage cross-border pollution - Correct. It is proposed that Delhi engages in regional coordination to tackle pollution that affects the area from surrounding regions.

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

The renaming of the sanctuary from Lali Wildlife Sanctuary to D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary was primarily done to honor a prominent environmentalist. This change was made in 1986 after the declaration of Lali Reserve Forest as a sanctuary, as a way to pay tribute to the contributions and legacy of D. Ering in the field of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Statement-I: This statement is correct. The Dark Eagle is an advanced missile defense system that is developed to counter modern air defense systems, including the S-series (S-300V4, S-400, and S-500), which are known for their high capability in tracking and destroying airborne targets.
Statement-II: This statement is also correct. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, adopted in 2002, outline the core principles that should guide judges' behavior and actions, which include the values mentioned: Independence, Impartiality, Integrity, Propriety, Equality, and Competence and Diligence. These principles are designed to ensure that judges maintain the highest standards of judicial conduct.

Since both statements are accurate, the correct answer is Option B: Both statements are correct.

The primary purpose of the Dark Eagle anti-missile system is to intercept various types of missiles, including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. This system represents a significant advancement in missile defense technology, enhancing the ability to counter threats from adversaries and ensuring strategic superiority. Remember, missile defense systems like the Dark Eagle play a crucial role in national security by providing a shield against incoming missile threats, thereby safeguarding territories and populations.

1. Durgadi Fort: Built by the Marathas in 1760 - Incorrect. The Marathas captured Kalyan in 1760 and constructed a wooden temple for Durgadevi at the fort, renaming it Durgadi Killa, but the fort itself dates back to the 16th century and was part of the Adil Shahi Sultanate.

2. Malayan Night Heron: Sighted in Madurai for the first time - Correct. This bird was indeed officially recorded in Madurai for the first time, marking an important event for ornithology in the region.

3. Durgadi Fort: Originally part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate - Correct. The fort dates back to the 16th century and was part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate.

4. Malayan Night Heron: Native to Africa - Incorrect. The Malayan Night Heron is native to Southeast Asia, not Africa. It is found across India, East Asia, the Philippines, and the East Indies.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.