Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 19th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary objective of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is to regulate global oil prices by managing oil production levels among its member countries and stabilizing the market. OPEC aims to ensure price stability while also considering factors such as global demand and market dynamics. This organization plays a crucial role in influencing the oil market and maintaining economic stability for oil-producing nations.

1. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary - Important Bird Area (IBA): Correct. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), highlighting its significance in terms of avian diversity and conservation.

2. Chambal River - Runs through Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Correct. The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two distinct regions, playing a crucial role in its geographical and ecological landscape.

3. Hydrothermal Vents - Found on land near tectonic plate boundaries: Incorrect. Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs located near tectonic plate boundaries, not on land. They form in the ocean where cold seawater interacts with magma.

4. Deep Ocean Mission - Exploration of deep-sea mineral resources: Correct. The Deep Ocean Mission focuses on exploring deep ocean resources, including mineral-rich hydrothermal vents, as part of its objectives.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Milkweed Fiber - Derived from the cotton plant: Incorrect. Milkweed fiber is derived from the milkweed plant (Asclepias syriaca), not from the cotton plant. The milkweed plant is known for its seed fiber and is commonly found in regions such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in India.

2. Applications of Milkweed Fiber - Used in life jackets: Correct. Milkweed fiber is used as an insulative filling material and is incorporated in water-safety equipment like life jackets and belts due to its ability to absorb oil while repelling water.

3. Mirza Ghalib - Born in Agra, India: Correct. Mirza Ghalib, a prominent Urdu and Persian poet, was indeed born in Agra, India, on December 27, 1797. He is recognized as the last great poet of the Mughal era.

4. Mirza Ghalib's celebrated work - Diwan-e-Ghalib: Correct. Diwan-e-Ghalib is a well-known collection of Urdu ghazals by Mirza Ghalib, which remains highly celebrated in Urdu literature for its depth and elegance.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Humboldt Glacier - Venezuela: Correctly matched. Humboldt was Venezuela's last glacier, which has melted away.
2. Eternity Glacier - Antarctica: Incorrectly matched. Eternity Glacier is actually in Indonesia and is expected to vanish soon.
3. South Lhonak Lake - Sikkim: Correctly matched. South Lhonak Lake is located in Sikkim, India, and recently experienced a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
4. Hindu Kush Himalayan Region - Includes 13 Indian States and Union Territories: Correctly matched. The Indian Himalayan Region does indeed include 13 states and Union Territories.
Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

Statement-I talks about milkweed fiber and its applications, which is factually accurate based on the provided information. Milkweed fiber is indeed used in various industrial applications, not limited to just the textile industry.

However, Statement-II incorrectly states information about Mirza Ghalib. Ghalib was not born in Delhi but in Agra, India, in the year 1797. Additionally, he was renowned for his contributions to Urdu and Persian literature, not Sanskrit. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Sacred groves are indeed small patches of forests or natural vegetation protected by local communities. These areas hold religious and cultural significance and are often dedicated to local deities. They serve as biodiversity repositories, sheltering rare species and allowing only sustainable practices like honey collection and gathering deadwood.
2. Statement 2 is correct. The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) is targeted at improving telecommunications infrastructure in India's North Eastern Region, with a significant focus on enhancing mobile and broadband access, particularly 4G connectivity in remote villages. This initiative is part of the efforts under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program to bridge the digital divide and promote socio-economic development through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Sacred groves are not exclusive to the Western Ghats. They are prevalent in various regions, including the Himalayas and Northeastern hill tracts, as well as Central India. Therefore, the geographical distribution of sacred groves is broader than stated.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate, while statement 3 is not.

Statement-I correctly mentions that Madhya Pradesh has plans to establish a habitat for cheetahs in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. However, Statement-II incorrectly describes the sanctuary as covering an area of 368 sq. km. In reality, the sanctuary was declared in 1974 covering an area of 368 sq. km, but it spans an impressive 2,500 sq. km across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Therefore, Statement-I is correct, while Statement-II is incorrect.

The Kisan Kavach innovation serves the crucial purpose of safeguarding farmers from the adverse effects of pesticide exposure during spraying activities. This protective bodysuit, developed with advanced technology, helps in reducing the risk of pesticide-induced toxicity by chemically breaking down harmful pesticides that may come into contact with the suit, thus ensuring a safer working environment for farmers.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) was indeed launched in 2009 to enhance policing efficiency through technology. Statement-II provides additional details about the components of the CCTNS system, such as Core Application Software (CAS), a National Database, and integration with other systems. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the purpose and components of the CCTNS as described in Statement-I.

1. OPEC Formation Year - 2016: Incorrect. OPEC was founded in 1960, not 2016. The year 2016 refers to the expansion of the coalition with non-OPEC members.

2. OPEC Member Countries - Includes Venezuela and Angola: Correct. Both Venezuela and Angola are members of OPEC.

3. Carbon Farming Projects in India - Registered in Verra registry: Incorrect. The projects are aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture but are not registered in the Verra registry, which leaves farmers without financial compensation.

4. Challenges in Carbon Credit Projects - Includes inadequate financial incentives and exclusion of marginalized groups: Correct. The challenges mentioned include inadequate financial incentives and the exclusion of marginalized groups, as reported in the data provided.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.