Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 6th February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Objective: The pair stating that the scheme's objective is to promote modern art forms is incorrectly matched. The actual objective of the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme is to promote traditional performing arts, not modern art forms.

2. Financial Assistance for Gurus: This pair is correctly matched. The scheme provides ₹15,000 per month to Gurus as financial assistance.

3. Eligibility for Gurus: This pair is correctly matched. The eligibility criteria for Gurus indeed state that it is open to individuals aged between 45-70 years with national-level recognition.

4. Number of Shishyas per Guru: This pair is correctly matched. Each Guru is responsible for training 5-8 Shishyas under the scheme.

The correctly matched pairs are 2, 3, and 4. Therefore, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement I correctly describes Mount Taranaki as a dormant stratovolcano located in New Zealand's North Island. However, Statement II is incorrect as Mount Taranaki is the second highest mountain in the region, not the highest. The highest mountain in New Zealand is Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki. Therefore, the correct option is (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

1. Nominal GDP Growth Projection - Correctly matched. The Union Budget for 2025-26 projects a nominal GDP growth of 10.1%, as mentioned in the provided source.

2. Direct Taxes Proportion - Correctly matched. The budget indicates a structural shift with direct taxes increasing from 52% to 59% in gross tax revenues.

3. Capital Expenditure Estimate - Correctly matched. The capital expenditure is estimated to be ₹11.2 lakh crore for 2025-26.

4. Mount Taranaki Elevation - Incorrectly matched. Mount Taranaki stands at an elevation of 8,261 feet, not 9,261 feet.

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

Statement-I correctly mentions the specifications of the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile system, including its length and launch weight. Statement-II also accurately describes the payload capacity of the missile system, indicating it can carry payloads ranging from 480 kg to 700 kg, which includes conventional and nuclear warheads. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional information that complements Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

The primary objective of the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme is to support the preservation and promotion of India's traditional performing arts. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to both Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students) in various traditional art forms, with a focus on reviving rare art forms through direct knowledge transfer, supporting traditional artists for sustainable livelihoods, encouraging young talent by training under experienced Gurus, and promoting classical, folk, and tribal art forms through structured mentorship. This initiative plays a crucial role in maintaining India's rich cultural heritage by fostering a mentorship tradition in the transmission of performing arts across generations.

1. Statement 1: The budget allocates ₹90,958 crore specifically to enhance medical infrastructure, including the establishment of daycare cancer centres.

- This statement is correct. The Union Budget 2025-26 indeed allocates ₹90,958 crore for medical infrastructure development, which includes setting up daycare cancer centres aimed at specialized care in underserved areas. This aligns with the government’s strategic focus on improving healthcare facilities and infrastructure.

2. Statement 2: The budget proposes the creation of 75,000 new medical seats over five years to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.

- This statement is also correct. The Union Budget emphasizes educational advancements in the healthcare sector by planning to create 75,000 new medical seats over five years. This move is intended to increase the number of healthcare professionals and address the shortage in the sector.

3. Statement 3: Customs duty exemptions on 36 life-saving drugs have been introduced to further reduce treatment costs in India.

- This statement is correct as well. The budget includes measures such as customs duty exemptions on 36 life-saving drugs to reduce treatment costs, making healthcare more affordable for the population. Such fiscal policies are crucial for improving the accessibility of essential medicines.

Since all three statements correctly describe the initiatives and allocations in the Union Budget 2025-26, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

The primary objective of the PRASHAD scheme is to preserve cultural heritage and promote spiritual tourism to designated pilgrimage destinations. This scheme focuses on upgrading and maintaining infrastructure at pilgrimage sites, improving travel connectivity, conserving cultural significance, advocating cultural importance, and creating opportunities for local communities linked to pilgrimage tourism. By enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims and promoting sustainable practices, the PRASHAD scheme aims to bolster both infrastructure and the cultural significance of pilgrimage sites across India.

Let's evaluate each statement based on the given information:

1. Statement 1: "The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to develop at least 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033 as part of India's nuclear power capacity expansion." - This statement is correct. The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission with the target of developing at least 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033, aiming to enhance India's nuclear power capacity.

2. Statement 2: "Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 will permit private sector participation in India's nuclear energy sector." - This statement is correct. The information provided indicates that amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 are intended to allow private sector involvement in India's nuclear energy initiatives, reflecting a significant policy shift to encourage private and foreign investment.

3. Statement 3: "The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, with a capacity of 500 MWe, is set to be operational by 2030 as part of the Nuclear Energy Mission." - This statement is incorrect. Although the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam with 500 MWe capacity is mentioned, there is no indication that it is set to be operational by 2030 within the context of the Nuclear Energy Mission. The reactor has already achieved significant milestones by 2024, but no specific operational timeline related to 2030 is provided.

Thus, only Statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct choice.

The primary objective of India's Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) as outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26 is to develop at least 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. This initiative aims to significantly strengthen India's nuclear power capacity and support the country's clean energy transition. By focusing on the development of SMRs, India aims to enhance its nuclear energy capabilities and contribute to sustainable and efficient energy production.

1. Orans - Sacred groves in Kerala: Incorrect. Orans are sacred groves found in Rajasthan, not Kerala. They play a significant role in the local ecology by sustaining water sources and serving as grazing lands.

2. Law Kyntang - Biodiversity hotspot in Meghalaya: Correct. Law Kyntang are sacred groves in Meghalaya known for their rich biodiversity, including rare orchids and medicinal herbs.

3. Devara Kadu - Ritual worship site in Karnataka: Correct. Devara Kadu refers to sacred groves in Karnataka, where annual worship ceremonies are conducted, promoting local conservation efforts.

4. Sarpa Kavu - Protected area for serpent deities in Odisha: Incorrect. Sarpa Kavu are sacred groves dedicated to serpent deities found in Kerala, not Odisha. These groves are strictly protected by customary laws that prohibit tree cutting.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.