Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 30th March 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. Operation Brahma was indeed initiated by India as a humanitarian response to aid Myanmar following a catastrophic earthquake. The operation involved rescue operations, medical assistance, and the distribution of relief supplies, demonstrating India's commitment to providing immediate support and relief to Myanmar.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was involved in the rescue operations, the team deployed consisted of 80 members, not 100. This team was equipped with essential rescue equipment to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Kasampatty Sacred Grove was recently declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site; however, it is not the first such site in Tamil Nadu. The first site recognized under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in Tamil Nadu was not Kasampatty, as it is the second in the state to receive this designation.

Thus, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only, as only the first statement accurately reflects the facts provided.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Future Circular Collider (FCC) indeed aims to achieve unprecedented particle collision energies and plans to generate Higgs bosons in large quantities by around 2040. This is one of the primary objectives of the FCC project as it seeks to push the boundaries of particle physics research.
- Statement 2 is correct. The project is estimated to cost $30 billion and will feature a 91 km circular tunnel located beneath the Swiss-French border. These details are part of the core specifications of the FCC as proposed by CERN.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. Plasma wave technology is not a component of the FCC. Instead, it is mentioned as an alternative proposal to the FCC. Plasma wave technology is considered a potential future method for particle acceleration, offering a more compact design, but it is not part of the current FCC project plans.
Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct choice.

The primary goal of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project proposed by CERN is to achieve unprecedented particle collision energies for generating Higgs bosons in large quantities by around 2040, followed by high-energy proton collisions by 2070. This ambitious project aims to advance particle physics research significantly and has sparked debates within the scientific community regarding its financial and strategic implications.

1. GST 2.0: Correctly matched. It refers to the proposed comprehensive overhaul of the GST system in India to address ongoing implementation challenges and improve the tax framework.

2. Chicken's Neck Corridor: Correctly matched. This is indeed a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of the country, highlighting its strategic significance.

3. GST Compensation Fund: Incorrectly matched. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has not audited the GST Compensation Fund for over six years, due to inadequate financial data, as indicated by the report to Parliament.

4. GST Appellate Tribunal: Incorrectly matched. There is currently no functional GST Appellate Tribunal, leading to legal bottlenecks in dispute resolution, with over 19,730 pending cases needing attention.

Thus, only the first and second pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Frankincense is indeed an aromatic resin extracted from trees of the Boswellia genus, and these trees are currently facing threats that could lead to their extinction. This is supported by recent warnings from the IUCN about the endangered status of various Boswellia species.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While some species of Boswellia have been classified as Critically Endangered, not all Boswellia species worldwide have been given this classification. For instance, some species are categorized as Vulnerable or Endangered, indicating varying levels of threat. Thus, the statement that all Boswellia species are Critically Endangered is not accurate.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Habitat destruction, overgrazing, and unsustainable harvesting are indeed among the primary threats to Frankincense-producing trees. These factors hinder the regeneration of these trees and weaken them, contributing to their declining populations.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

• Statement-I: India has launched Operation Brahma to aid Myanmar after an earthquake. This involves humanitarian aid and relief efforts.
• Statement-II: Kasampatty Sacred Grove in Tamil Nadu is recognised as a Biodiversity Heritage Site due to its ecological importance.

Therefore, Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. The report emphasizes the absence of a functional GST Appellate Tribunal as a significant issue causing legal bottlenecks in GST dispute resolution. With over 19,730 pending cases, the lack of an appellate tribunal is a critical obstacle to effective tax administration and legal clarity.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has indeed highlighted the need for transparency and timely audits in the disbursement of GST compensation to States. The report underscores the importance of auditing and transparency to ensure that States receive their due compensation without delays, which has been a persistent issue affecting State finances.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The GST framework still faces challenges such as technical glitches and compliance complexities, which are particularly affecting refunds for MSMEs and exporters. These issues have not been completely resolved, as indicated in the report, and continue to impact the efficiency of the GST system.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the issues highlighted in the report, while statement 3 is incorrect.

1. Future Circular Collider (FCC): The FCC is indeed proposed to generate Higgs bosons by around 2040. This pair is correctly matched.

2. Large Hadron Collider (LHC): The LHC is not a 91 km circular tunnel; it is a 27 km circular tunnel. The FCC is proposed to be 91 km. This pair is incorrectly matched.

3. Semi-Cryogenic Engine: This engine uses liquid oxygen and kerosene and is designed to increase payload capacity to the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). This pair is correctly matched.

4. Xenotransplantation: Xenotransplantation involves transplanting genetically modified pig organs into humans to prevent immune rejection. This pair is correctly matched.

The correctly matched pairs are 1, 3, and 4. Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

The primary reason behind the call for a comprehensive overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, as highlighted in a recent report to Parliament, is the lack of transparency and timely audits in GST compensation disbursement to States. This issue has been affecting businesses, State finances, and the overall efficiency of the tax system. Ensuring transparency and timely audits in GST compensation disbursement is crucial for the smooth functioning of the GST system and for addressing the challenges faced by businesses and State governments.

This question assesses the understanding of the challenges in GST implementation and the importance of transparency and audits in GST compensation disbursement.

The IUCN has highlighted the alarming status of Frankincense-producing trees primarily due to the absence of effective protective measures for these trees. This lack of conservation efforts has exacerbated the crisis faced by Boswellia trees. It is crucial to implement sustainable conservation strategies to safeguard these endangered species and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations.