Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 20th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly describes Varmam therapy as a drugless and non-invasive healing modality focusing on vital energy points within the Siddha system of medicine. Statement-II discusses the inauguration of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime route, which indeed has reduced shipping times and costs between India and Russia, enhancing trade in various sectors. While both statements are factually correct, they are independent of each other and do not have a direct explanatory relationship. Thus, the correct answer is (b) as both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly describes the appearance of dark comets, emphasizing their resemblance to asteroids rather than traditional comets with glowing tails. Statement-II accurately highlights the rapid spinning and the emission of gas and dust by dark comets, contributing to their reduced visibility. While both statements are factually correct, they address distinct features of dark comets without one statement explaining the other, hence option (b) is the accurate answer choice.

1. Statement 1: Dark comets lack the traditional glowing tails of comets because they have less surface area for materials to escape.
This statement is correct. Dark comets do not form visible tails because their surface area is insufficient for significant material ejection. This prevents the typical reflective tail that characterizes traditional comets.

2. Statement 2: Despite appearing similar to asteroids, dark comets are distinct due to their rapid accelerations and elongated orbits.
This statement is also correct. Dark comets are similar in appearance to asteroids but can be distinguished by their rapid accelerations and the elongated, elliptical orbits they follow, bringing them close to the Sun.

3. Statement 3: Inner dark comets are characterized by their large size and eccentric orbits far from the Sun.
This statement is incorrect. Inner dark comets are actually smaller and have nearly circular orbits that keep them closer to the Sun, as opposed to having large sizes and eccentric orbits.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 are accurate descriptions of dark comets.

The Lokayukta institution in Karnataka plays a crucial role in investigating corruption and misconduct by public officials. It serves as a state-level anti-corruption body, modeled after the Ombudsman system, to address issues of maladministration and corruption. The recent legal developments surrounding an investigation into alleged corruption involving the Chief Minister's family highlight the significant role of the Lokayukta in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

1. Lokayukta in Karnataka: Modeled after the Ombudsman system of the Scandinavian countries.
This pair is correctly matched. The Lokayukta system in India is inspired by the Ombudsman system used in Scandinavian countries to address corruption and maladministration.

2. Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013: Requires the establishment of Lokayuktas in states.
This pair is correctly matched. The 2013 Act mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in the states to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

3. Chief Minister of a State: Sole authority to appoint the Lokayukta.
This pair is incorrectly matched. The appointment of a Lokayukta is not solely the prerogative of the Chief Minister. It involves a selection panel that typically includes the Chief Justice of the High Court or a judge nominated by them and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

4. Protected Area Regime (PAR): Established under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
This pair is correctly matched. The Protected Area Regime is indeed established under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which regulates the entry of foreigners into sensitive areas for national security reasons.

In conclusion, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, but pair 3 is incorrect, making Option C: Only three pairs, the correct answer. 

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Lokayukta is indeed a state-level anti-corruption body in India, modeled after the Ombudsman system of Scandinavian countries. Its primary role is to investigate misconduct by public officials at the state level.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The reinstatement of the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur is not governed by the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act of 2013. Instead, it falls under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which is specifically designed to regulate the entry of foreign nationals into strategically sensitive areas of India.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Protected Area Regime (PAR) does control the entry of foreign nationals into sensitive regions of India, including northeastern states like Nagaland and Mizoram. This framework is in place to enhance national security and manage regional stability concerns.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the right choice.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement:

1. India is a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This statement is incorrect. India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, as it has expressed reservations about the ICC's jurisdiction and its implications on national sovereignty. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

2. India supports the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for addressing crimes against humanity globally.
While India acknowledges the importance of addressing crimes against humanity, it has concerns regarding international legal mechanisms like the ICC and prefers national jurisdiction. India has been cautious about supporting a comprehensive global legal framework without further deliberations. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.

3. India advocates for more discussions on the Crimes Against Humanity treaty to avoid duplicating existing frameworks.
This statement is correct. India has indeed called for further deliberation on the Crimes Against Humanity treaty, emphasizing the need to avoid duplicating existing international legal frameworks and reflecting its cautious approach.

Thus, the only correct statement is 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 3 Only.

The resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly aims to propose a treaty focused on preventing and punishing crimes against humanity globally. This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to address serious violations of international law, filling significant gaps in existing international criminal law frameworks.

The recent inauguration of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime route has significantly reduced shipping times and costs by decreasing cargo transit time by up to 16 days. This new route spans a shorter distance compared to traditional routes, resulting in faster and more cost-effective trade between India and Russia in key sectors such as oil, food, and machinery.

The correct answer is: B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

• Statement-I: The Lokayukta in Karnataka is indeed a state-level anti-corruption body tasked with investigating misconduct by public officials. This statement is correct.

• Statement-II: The Protected Area Regime (PAR) involves regulations that restrict the entry of foreign nationals into certain strategically sensitive areas in India, such as areas near the border, to ensure national security. This statement is also correct.

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as the two statements address entirely different issues (anti-corruption and national security regulations).