Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. IRIS² is not the European Union's first satellite internet programme; it is the third flagship programme. The EU has had previous initiatives aimed at satellite internet connectivity.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The IRIS² Programme indeed includes a multi-orbital constellation consisting of 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 26 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), enhancing its coverage and resilience.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. While the IRIS² Programme aims to provide secure connectivity across various sectors, including maritime, railway, aviation, automotive, and remote healthcare, it also specifically targets smart energy grid management and banking sectors, among others, thereby enhancing connectivity and security.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only, as statements 2 and 3 are correct while statement 1 is incorrect.

To determine which statements are correct, let's analyze each one in the context of the provided information:

1. Statement 1: "The Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) for states is expected to increase from 2.7% of GDP in FY2022-23 to 2.9% in FY2023-24."
- This statement is correct. The information provided indicates that the GFD for states is indeed projected to rise from 2.7% of GDP to 2.9% between FY2022-23 and FY2023-24.

2. Statement 2: "The debt-to-GDP ratio for states has decreased from 30% in FY2023 to 28.8% in FY2024."
- This statement is incorrect. The information states that the debt-to-GDP ratio for states has increased to 28.8% in FY2024. There is no mention of a decrease from 30% in FY2023; thus, the information about a decrease from 30% is incorrect.

3. Statement 3: "The report recommends the rationalization of centrally sponsored schemes to enhance state fiscal health."
- This statement is correct. The report does suggest rationalizing centrally sponsored schemes as part of the recommendations to improve state fiscal health.

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

1. IRIS² Programme - European Union's initiative for enhancing satellite internet services: Correct. The IRIS² Programme is indeed a European Union initiative aimed at providing secure and high-speed satellite internet services, especially in areas with low or no network access.

2. GLP-1 receptor agonists - Used primarily for treating cardiovascular diseases: Incorrect. While GLP-1 receptor agonists have benefits for cardiovascular health, they are primarily used for managing obesity and regulating blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetes treatment.

3. IRIS² satellite constellation - 290 satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit: Incorrect. The IRIS² constellation consists of 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 26 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), not in Geosynchronous Orbit.

4. GLP-1 - Hormone involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels: Correct. GLP-1, or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of appetite and blood sugar levels.

Two pairs (1 and 4) are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. Hydrothermal vents are indeed found at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones, where tectonic plates either diverge or converge. These vents emit mineral-rich plumes, which can be either "black smokers" with dark, metal-rich emissions or "white smokers" with lighter, cooler emissions. This statement accurately describes the formation and characteristics of hydrothermal vents.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Opinion trading platforms in India are not currently well-regulated. There is no dedicated legal framework that clearly classifies these platforms as games of skill. The lack of regulation has been a significant issue, with ongoing debates about whether such platforms should be considered games of skill or chance. Therefore, the assertion of a clear legal framework is inaccurate.

- Statement 3 is correct. The unique ecosystems found at hydrothermal vents, which are based on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis, have scientific significance, particularly for astrobiology. These ecosystems provide insights into how life could potentially exist on other celestial bodies, such as Europa or Enceladus, where similar conditions might be found. The discovery of such vents thus has important implications for understanding potential extraterrestrial life.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C, as only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct based on the information provided in the report released by the RBI regarding state finances. Statement-I mentions the projected rise in India's fiscal deficit from 2.8% to 3.2% of GDP in FY24, which aligns with the given data. Statement-II discusses the expected increase in Gross Fiscal Deficit for states from 2.7% to 2.9% in the corresponding fiscal years. The second statement complements the first one by providing additional details on the state-level fiscal deficit trends, thereby explaining the broader context of fiscal challenges at both national and state levels.

1. Northern giant hornet habitat: The pair is incorrectly matched. The Northern giant hornet thrives in lower altitude forests and avoids large plains and high-altitude regions. Therefore, the statement about them living in high-altitude regions is incorrect.

2. Northern giant hornet distribution: This pair is correctly matched. The Northern giant hornet is indeed native to temperate regions of China, Korea, Japan, and India.

3. Thrissur Pooram historical significance: This pair is correctly matched. The festival was initiated in the late 18th century by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, to unify various regional temple celebrations into a grand event.

4. Thrissur Pooram festival month: This pair is correctly matched. Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam, which falls in April or May.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

Hydrothermal vents are crucial for sustaining unique ecosystems with chemosynthetic organisms that derive their energy from chemical reactions instead of sunlight. These vents host a variety of life forms, including giant tube worms, clams, and shrimp, showcasing the remarkable adaptations of organisms to extreme deep-sea environments.

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

1. Statement-I:

   • India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
   • India has expressed concerns regarding the ICC's jurisdiction, particularly on issues of national sovereignty, potential misuse of its powers, and the lack of universal acceptance of the ICC.

   This statement is correct.

2. Statement-II:

   • The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme (SSSPS) was initiated to provide pensions to living freedom fighters, their spouses, and dependent families.
   • It is aimed at recognizing the contributions of freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement.

   This statement is also correct.

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as the two statements are unrelated in context or logic.

The IRIS² Programme aims to provide secure connectivity and high-speed broadband in areas with low or no network access. It is a strategic initiative by the European Union to enhance satellite internet services, particularly in underserved regions, ensuring secure and high-speed connectivity across various sectors.

The primary reason for eradicating the Northern giant hornet, or "murder hornet," is to protect honey bees. These invasive hornets pose a significant threat to native pollinators, particularly honey bees, by decimating entire beehives in a short period of time. Preserving honey bee populations is crucial for ecosystem balance and agriculture due to their role in pollination.