Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 22nd February 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Conclave - Located in New Delhi: Correctly matched. The inaugural SOUL Leadership Conclave was launched in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam.

2. SOUL Leadership Institute - Proposed location in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Correctly matched. The SOUL Leadership Institute is planned to be established in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

3. TRUST Initiative - Related to India-U.S. defense collaboration: Incorrectly matched. The TRUST Initiative focuses on strategic technological collaboration, particularly in areas like AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology, rather than directly on defense.

4. Article 101(4) - Pertains to the attendance of Members of Parliament: Correctly matched. Article 101(4) of the Indian Constitution deals with the attendance of Members of Parliament and the conditions under which their seat may be declared vacant due to prolonged absence without permission.

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

The primary objective of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is to promote global development and humanitarian assistance in alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals. USAID focuses on initiatives that aim to enhance health sectors, economic development, humanitarian assistance, and democratic governance worldwide.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. The Technology Adoption Fund launched by IN-SPACe provides financial support of up to 60% of project costs for startups and MSMEs.

This statement is correct. The Technology Adoption Fund is specifically designed to support startups and MSMEs by offering financial backing for up to 60% of their project costs, which is intended to nurture innovation and development in the space sector.

2. Larger industries can receive funding of 40% of project costs, capped at Rs 25 crores per project, under the Technology Adoption Fund.

This statement is also correct. The fund provides financial support to larger industries at a rate of 40% of the project costs, with a cap of Rs 25 crores per project, ensuring that larger players also benefit from this initiative while maintaining a focus on cost efficiency.

3. The Technology Adoption Fund aims to increase India's dependency on imported space technology.

This statement is incorrect. One of the primary goals of the Technology Adoption Fund is to reduce India's dependency on imported space technology by fostering indigenous development and innovation. Thus, the statement contradicts the fund's intention.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right answer.

1. Kuno National Park - Located in Madhya Pradesh's Morena and Sheopur districts: Correct. Kuno National Park is indeed situated in these districts, as mentioned in the source material.

2. Barytes - Classified as a minor mineral: Incorrect. Barytes has been reclassified as a major mineral, according to the information provided.

3. Kardhai, Salai, Khair - Flora species found in Kuno National Park: Correct. These tree species are part of the flora in Kuno National Park.

4. Felspar - Now classified as a major mineral: Correct. Felspar is listed among the minerals reclassified as major minerals.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the key objectives of the SOUL Leadership Conclave, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and the development of ethical and globally competent leaders.
Statement-II accurately describes the focus and purpose of the SOUL Leadership Institute in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, showcasing its investment and dedication to formal leadership training, as well as discussions on critical topics related to policymaking and governance challenges. Statement-II provides additional context and explains how the institute aligns with the goals of the Leadership Conclave, making it the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly mentions India's goal to double its bilateral trade with Qatar to $28 billion by 2030. This aligns with the information provided in the source material. Statement-II is also accurate as Qatar being the largest supplier of LNG to India significantly affects trade balances, as mentioned in the details about LNG imports from Qatar in the context of India's trade relations. Statement-II logically supports Statement-I by providing additional context on the significance of Qatar's role in India's trade dynamics.

The 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India' aims to reintroduce cheetahs into their natural habitat in India. This initiative is part of a broader effort to restore the cheetah population and conserve wildlife in their original ecosystems. By reintroducing cheetahs into national parks like Kuno National Park, the plan seeks to revitalize the biodiversity and natural balance in these regions.

The main objective of the Technology Adoption Fund introduced by IN-SPACe is to decrease India's reliance on imported space technology. By fostering indigenous space technology development, this fund aims to enhance the capabilities of India's space startups and reduce the need for external technological dependencies, ultimately promoting self-reliance and innovation in the space sector.

The School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave primarily focuses on creating transformational leaders beyond conventional political frameworks. This summit aims to gather leaders from diverse sectors to exchange knowledge and experiences about leadership, emphasizing the development of ethical and globally competent leaders moving beyond traditional political dynasties.

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. Kuno National Park is situated in both the Morena and Sheopur districts of Madhya Pradesh. Therefore, the statement that it is located solely in the Sheopur district is incorrect.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The park is indeed part of the 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India,' which aims to reintroduce cheetahs into their natural habitat in India.

3. Statement 3: Correct. Kuno National Park was designated as a national park in 2018, transitioning from its previous status as a wildlife sanctuary.

The correct statements are 2 and 3, thus making Option C the correct answer.