Table of Contents History, Art & Culture Economy Indian Polity & Constitution ..... ris a International Rel; correo Ss Environment & Ecology Miscellaneous ........+»HISTORY, ART & CULTURE ‘The Presidential Years’ is the memoir of which of the following personalities? (a) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (c) Pranab Mukherjee (d) Ram Nath Kovind The dancers move around the center in a counter-clockwise circle, using simple movements while 1g and clapping their hands in unison. Both men and women take part in the dance. Which of the following dances has been described above? (a) Kalbeliya (b) Mohiniyattam (c) Garba (d)_Lavani Consider the following pairs: Harappan Site Present Location 1. Mohenjo-Daro Sindh, Pakistan 2. kalibangan Haryana 3. Alamgirpur Uttar Pradesh Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) Land2 (b). 2 only (Lands {d), 3 only. He formulated the famous ‘Drain of Wealth Theory’. He founded the East India Association in 1867. He was also the first Indian to'be elected to the House of Commons in 1892. Which of the following personalities has been described above? (a) Mahadev Govind Ranade(b) R.C. Dutt ()_ Dadabhai Naoroji(d) G. Subramania Iyer Consider the following statements about the Konyak tribe 1. The Konyak tribe is known for its historical practice of headhunting, a ritual believed to bestow power and prestige. 2. The Konyak language belongs to the Dravidian language family. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both Land 2 (d)_ Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements with reference to the Onam festival: 1. _Itis a harvest festival with origins in the state of Kerala. 2. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Shiva. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (©) Both 1and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Consider the following: He was awarded the Bharat Ratna and the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. He also authored “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore”. He emphasized the moral and ethical role of education and believed that teachers are the backbone of a nation’s progress. The above paragraph described which of the following given personality? (a) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (b) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (c)_ Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (d) _Jyotirao Phule Rama Varma IX, better known today as Sakthan Thampuran, ruled over which of the following kingdoms from 1790 to 1805? (a) Cochin (b) Hyderabad (c) Mysore (d) Travancore He represented the revolutionaries involved in the Kakori Case and is a recipient of Bharat Ratna award. He was also responsible for the establishment of Hindi as an official language of the central government and a few states. Which of the following personalities has been described above? (a) Govind Ballabh Pant (b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (c)_ Jawaharlal Nehru {Mahatma Gandhi Consider the following statements with reference to the Great Stupa of Sanchi: 1, _ It isa UNESCO World Heritage site. 2. It was built in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2 only (c)_ Both Land 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements with reference to Hindi 1. _ It is an Indo-Aryan language and one of the tW6"official languages of the Government of India. 2. After English, it is the second most spoken language of the world Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements regarding the Irula Tribe: 1. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVT) in Tamil Nadu. 2. The Irula Tribe belongs to the Austro-Asiatic linguistic family. 3. They practice ancestor worship and are spread across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. 4. The Irula language is written in the Tamil script. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1,2, and 3 only (b) 1,3, and4 only (c) Land 4 only (4) 2,3,and4 only To integrate the princely state of Hyderabad, which of the following operations was launched by India? (a) Operation Sadbhavana (b) Operation Polo (c)_ Operation Meghdoot (4) Operation CactusNEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Which among the following tribal communities is primarily associated with the celebration of Karma festival? (a) Bhil, Gond, and Kol (b) Santhal, Oraon, and Munda () Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia (d) Toda, Kota, and Irula With reference to Periyar EV Ramasamy, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. He started the Self Respect Movement to redeem the identity and self-respect of Tamils. 2. _ Earlier he was Congress worker but later resigned from the party in 1940. Select the correct answer using the code given belo (a) only (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 He is the only Indian to have served as the Chief Justice of India (Cil), Vice President and Acting President of India. Which of the following personalities has been described above? (a) Ramaswamy Venkataraman (b) Mohammad Hidayatullah (c)_ Kocheril Raman Narayanan (4) Neelam Sanjiva Reddy Consider the following statements: 1. _ Tirupati Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. 2. _ In 2003, the Tirupati laddu was granted the Geographical Indication tag. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d)_Netther 4 nor 2 Consider the following statementsqwith reference to Kalaripayattu 1, _ Itis an Indian classical dance form that expresses religious themes. 2. It was originated in Andhra Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1only (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to Poona Pact, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1, _Itwas signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar in 1938. 2. The pact provided a separate electorate for the depressed class in the regional legislative assemblies. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the following statements correctly describes Koodiyattom? (a) It is a form of classical dance prevalent in Tamil Nadu. (b) It is based on the full text of Sanskrit plays. (c)__Itis one of the oldest traditional theatre forms of Kerala. (d)__Itis exclusively performed by male actors.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS ‘She was the first person to hoist the Indian Flag on foreign land. She has also penned revolutionary works such as ‘Bande Mataram’ & ‘Madan’s Talwar’. Which of the following personalities has been described above? (a) Pritilata Waddedar (b) Bhikaji Cama (¢)_ Kanaklata Barua (d)__ Sarojini Naidu Consider the following statements: 1. Mankidia community is an Austro-Asiatic community . 2. Mankidia constitute a semi-nomadic section of the Bithor tribe. 3. Mankidia speak a form of Munda language. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two, (c) All three (d) None He is regarded as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India. His efforts led to operational systems like INSAT- a telecommunications satellite, IRS - the Indian Remote Sensing satellite and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that placed India in the league of space faring nations. Which of the following personalities has been described above? (a) _ Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (b) Dr. A.PJ Abdul Kalam (c)__Dr.K. Radhakrishnan {d)_ Dr. Satish Dhawan In his book, “Barno-Porichay” (Introduction to the letter), he refined the Bengali language and made it accessible to the common strata of the Society. Tagore revered him as ‘the father of modern Bengali prose’. Which of the following personalities has been.described.above? (a) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar {b)_ Raja Ram Mohan Roy (c)_ Sri Aurobindo (@)) Shashi/Bhusan Chatterjee Consider the following statements regarding the Jitiya or Jivitputrika Festival: It is primarily celebrated by mothers in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal for the well-being and long life of their children. The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of King Jimutavahana, who sacrificed himself for the welfare of others. of the statements given above is/are correct? 1only (b) 2only Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 The newspapers — New India and Commonweal, were published by which among the following personalities? (a) Annie Besant (b) Mahatma Gandhi (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (d) Romesh Chunder Dutt He was inspired by the Ghadar Movement and Kartar Singh Sarabha’s execution. In March 1926, he became the secretary of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, a revolutionary organization. He threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 to protest two oppressive Bills. He is honored with the title “Shahid-e-Azam””NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Who among the following personalities is described above? (a) Chandra Shekhar Azad (b) Ram Prasad Bismil (c)_ Bhagat Singh (d)_ Sachindra Nath Sanyal With reference to the Festivals of India, Consider the following pairs: Festivals State 1. _Jivitputrika : Bihar 2. Shigmo : Goa 3. Lai Haraoba : Manipur How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c)_Allthree pairs (d) None of the pairs Consider the following statements regarding the Poumai Naga Tribe: 1. The Poumai Naga Tribe is primarily located in the states of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. 2. They are known for their traditional pottery-making and salt production methods. 3. The language spoken by the Poumai Naga Tribe is called Poula. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b)_ 2and 3 only (c) Land 3 only (4) 1,2,and3 ‘Agariya and Maldhari communities are the inhabitants of which among the following regions? (a) Khasi hills (b) Sundarbans (c)_ Chota Nagpur Plateau. {d) Rann of Kutch [SRST Tne OP POOP ay [esata (c) Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the tributes to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on his death anniversary (August 31). About: Pranab Mukherjee He served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. His memoir ‘The Presidential Years’ provides insights into his experiences and reflections during his presidency, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of his tenure. The many awards and honours conferred on him include the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997, Padma Vibhusan in 2008 and Bharat Ratna in 2019. Garba is a ritualistic and devotional dance that is performed on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or ‘Shakti’ About ‘+ The name Garba derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb) and Deep (small lamp). It is a popular dance of Gujarat. Traditionally Garba is performed around a centrally lit lamp or around the statue of the goddess Shakti. Both men and women take part in the dance. The dancers move around the centre in 2 counter-clockwise circle, using simple movements while singing and clapping their hands in unison.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 3. () Major Harappan Sites NEXT IRS Site Present Day Harappa Punjab, Pakistan Mohenjo-Daro Sindh, Pakistan Dholavira Kutch district of Gujarat, Kalibangan Rajasthan Lothal Gujarat Rakhigarhi Haryana Chanhudaro Sindh, Pakistan Ganweriwala Punjab, Pakistan Sutkagendor Baluchistan Province, Pakistan Alamgirpur Uttar Pradesh Context: Dadabhai Naoroji’s birth anniversary was observed. Dadabhai Naoroji Dadabhai Naoroji, the ‘Grand Old Man of India’ was born on September 4, 1825. He formulated the famous ‘Drain of Wealth’ Theory. He founded the East India Association in 1867. He was also the first Indian to be elected to the House of Commons in 1892. In News: The Konyak Union, which is thé apex body representing the Konyak community in Nagaland, has raised concerns regarding an “erroneous” boundary line shown on Google Maps that affects their traditional lands Statement 1 is correct: The Konyak tribe is historically’known for the practice of headhunting, which was a ritual believed to bring power and prestige to the warriors. Statement 2 is not correct: The Konyak language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family, not the Dravidian family. (a) Context ‘+ Thousands of people flocked to the temple town of Thripunithura in Kerala to witness the traditional Atham pageantry, which marked the onset of Onam celebrations. About: Onam festival Origin: Kerala, India Type of Festival: Harvest festival Timing: Malayalam calendar month of Chingam (August-September in the Gregorian calendar). Si ance: The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali and mythologies of Hinduism related to Kashyapa and Parashurama. He was the renowned Indian Philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He served as India’s first Vice-President from 1952 to 1962 and as the second President from 1962 to 1967. His birthNEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 anniversary, celebrated since 1962 as National Teachers’ Day, honors his contributions to education and his belief in the moral and ethical role of teachers in nation-building. He was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1954 and Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in 1961. He authored “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore”. (a) Raja Rama Varma Kunjipillai or Rama Varma IX, better known today as Sakthan Thampuran, ruled over the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805. ‘+ He was born in 1751 to Ambika Thampuran and Chendose Aniyan Namboodiri of the Cochin royal family, but was raised by an aunt who called him Sakthan, meaning ‘powerful’. The word thampuran is believed to be an appropriation of the Sanskrit samrat, meaning emperor. (a) Context: Recently, Govind Ballabh Pant's birth anniversary was observed. Govind Ballabh Pant He was born on 10 September, 1887. He represented the revolutionaries involved in the Kakori Case. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna on 26 January, 1957. He was also responsible for the establishment ‘of Hindi as an official language of the central government and a few states. . (c) Context The External Affairs Minister stopped by the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa standing in front of Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin. The Great Stupa of Sanchi * A stupa is a Buddhist commemorative monument usually containing sacred relics of the Buddha or other venerable saints. + The archetypal stupa is a hemispherical structure, whose origins can be traced to pre- Buddhist burial mounds found in India. The Great Stupa of Sanchi was built in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka. It is one of the oldest standing stone structures in India, believed to have been built over the Buddha’s relics. The stupa is surrounded by a railing and four gateways, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting stories from the life of Buddha. The Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (a) Context: Hindi Diwas is celebrated annually on September 14 to promote the language and its usage across the nation. About Hindi ‘It is an Indo-Aryan language and is one of the two official languages of the Government of India, along with English. ‘+ Hindi is also one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. ‘+ With over 600 million speakers, Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS * With approximately 1.5 billion speakers, English is the most spoken language globally. Following closely, Mandarin Chinese, which boasts around 1.1 billion speakers, is the second most spoken language globally. 12. (b) Statement 1 is correct: The Irula Tribe is classified as a PVTG in Tamil Nadu. Statement 2 is not correct: The Irula Tribe belongs to the Negrito race, not the Austro-Asiatic linguistic family. Statement 3 is correct: They practice ancestor worship and are spread across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Statement 4 is correct: The Irula language is written in the Tamil script. . (b) Context: Every year on 17th of September, Hyderabad Liberation Day is celebrated to honour the martyrs of the Hyderabad Liberation Movement. Background + In 1947, when the British left India, they gave the princely states the choice to either join India or Pakistan or remain independent. While most princely states on the Indian side acceded, some decided to remain independent and one among them was Hyderabad in the south. Hyderabad Liberation Day + Hyderabad did not get independence for 13 months after the Independence of India on August 15, 1947, and was under Nizam’s rule. The Razakars, a private militia of Mir,Osman Ali Khan, called for Hyderabad to either join Pakistan or to become a Muslim dominion while resisting its merger with the Union of India. Therefore, Operation Polo, the military action, was laufiched by the Indian Army on September 13, 1948, to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad: Context * Tribal populations in various states celebrated the harvest festival of Karma or Karam Parv on September 14-15. Karma festival ‘+ Regions: The festival is celebrated mainly in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Odisha. «The festival is popular especially among the Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal peoples. It is traditionally celebrated on the Ekadashi tithi (eleventh day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhado/ Bhadra, which corresponds to August-September in the Gregorian calendar. At the heart of the Karma festival is the Karam tree, the object from which the festival takes its name. + Traditionally itis seen as a symbol of Karam Devta or Karamsani, the god of strength, youth, and vitality. . (a) Context Rationalist social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy was remembered on the occasion of his 146th birth anniversary.NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 About © Periyar EV Ramasamy was born in 1879. + He was an Indian social activist and politician who started the Self-Respect Movement to redeem the identity and self-respect of Tamils. = He is known as the ‘Father of the Dravidian movement’. Political Career © Periyar started his political career as a Congress worker in his hometown Erode. + However, over the question of separate dining for Brahmin and non-Brahmin students at Gurukkulam, a Congress-sponsored school, Periyar resigned from the party in 1925. - (b) Context: Recently, Mohammad Hidayatullah’s death anniversary (September 18) was observed. Mohammad Hidayatullah ‘+ M. Hidayatullah passed away on September 18, 1992. He was India’s 6th Vice President and the 11th Chief Justice of India (CJI). He has also served as the acting President of India. Interestingly, during this period he even hosted US President Richard Nixon. He is widely known as thé only Indian to have served as the Cll, Vice President and Acting President of India (ce) Context: A controversy has emerged over the alleged use of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the preparation of the world renowned Tirupati laddu. About ‘+ In 2009, the Tirupati laddu was granted the Geographical Indication tag. Tirupati Temple It is one of the world’s richest temples, situated in the hill town of Tirumala in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu It is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. Statements 1 and 2 are not correct: Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala. Kalaripayattu is also mentioned in the Vadakkan Pattukal ballads written about the Chekavar from the Malabar region of Kerala. Its exact origin is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 200 BCE to 600 CE, and it peaked in popularity between the 14th and 16th centuries. Some myths credit its creation to Lord Parasurama, but historians dispute this claim. It used by early inhabitants for hunting, Kalaripayattu evolved into a sophisticated system of combat Poona Pact + In 1932 on behalf of untouchables, Dr BR Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi, who was representing Congress.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS ‘+ The pact provided the provisions for reserved seats for the depressed class in the regional legislative assemblies and Central Council of States. 20. (c) Koodiyattom is an ancient theater form originating from Kerala, India. It’s known for its intricate storytelling, detailed costumes. Koodiyattom does not perform the full text of a Sanskrit pla instead, it focuses on individual acts from these plays, treating them as complete performances. While it does involve both male and female characters, it’s not exclusively performed by male actors. . (b) Context: Recently, Bhikaji Cama’s birth anniversary was observed. Bhikaji Cama ‘+ She was born on September 24, 1861. ‘+ She became the first person to hoist the Indian flag in foreign land on 22 August 1907. While unfurling the flag at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, she appealed for equality and autonomy from the British which had taken over the Indian sub-continent. ‘+ She has also penned revolutionary works such as ‘Bande Mataram’ & ‘Madan’s Talwar’. = (¢) In News: Rama Mankirdia from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received habitat rights for the local forest under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. All the statements are correct : Mankidia is'a semi-nomadic Austro-Asiatic community. They are known for their traditional skills in. cope making, monkey trapping, and food gathering. They reside in temporary settlements in forests and speak form of Munda language. The Mankidia constitute a semi-nomadic section of the Birhor tribe, - (d) Context: Dr. Satish Dhawan’s birth anniversary, was observed, Dr. Satish Dhawan He was born on September 25, 1920. He is regarded as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India. His efforts led to operational systems like INSAT- a telecommunications satellite, IRS - the Indian Remote Sensing satellite and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that placed India in the league of space faring nations. Following his death in 2002, the Indian satellite launch centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, located about 100 km north of Chennai in South India was renamed as the Prof. Satish Dhawan Space Centre. (a) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar He was born on September 26, 1820. The title ‘Vidyasagar’ (ocean of knowledge) was given to him due to his vast knowledge in almost all the subjects. He brought a revolution in the education system of Bengal. + In his book, “Barno-Porichoy” (Introduction to the letter), Vidyasagar refined the Bengali language and made it accessible to the common strata of the society.NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 ‘+ Tagore revered him as ‘the father of modern Bengali prose’. 25. (c) Jitiya or Jivitputrika Festival is a Hindu festival primarily observed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Itis celebrated by mothers who fast for the well-being, long life, and prosperity of their children, The festival lasts for three days, and the first day is known as Nahaye-Khaye, where mothers prepare themselves for the upcoming fast by bathing and consuming simple food. The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of King Jimutavahana, who sacrificed his life for the welfare of others. (a) Recently, Annie Besant’s death anniversary (20 September 1933) was observed. Annie Besant She was born on 1 October, 1847 in London, United Kingdom. She launched the Home Rule League movement for Swaraj in 1916 with Lokmanya Tilak. She became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. She published newspapers — New India and Commonweal, and also established the Central Hindu College in Banaras (Varanasi). In News: Shaheed Bhagat Singh Jayanti is celebrated on 28 September every year. ‘+ Born on 27th September 1907 in Lyallpur, Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by his family’s patriotism, particularly his uncle Ajit Singh, and was inspired by the Ghadar Movement and Kartar Singh Sarabha’s execution. In March 1926, Bhagat Singh became the secretary of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, a revolutionar¥Ofganization, Bhagat Singh threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8th April 1925 to protest two oppressive Bills. This action, along with a poster explaining Saunders’ murdér, led t6’Bhagat Sifigh’s arrest. Bhagat Singh is honored with the title “Shahid-e-Azam,” meaning the greatest of martyrs, - (e) Context '* Around 46 people, including 37 children, drowned while taking holy dip in rivers and ponds in several districts of Bihar during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival. About + Jivitputrika Vrat (Jitiya Vrat), is a significant festival dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of children, observed primarily by mothers. + Itinvolves women fasting and taking a holy di Region: It is celebrated in several states across India, including Jharkhand, as well as Nepal. Shigmo ‘+ Shigmo, or Shishirotsava is a spring festival celebrated in the Indian state of Goa, ‘+ Itis one of the major festivals of the Hindu community. Lai Haraoba © Lai-Haraoba is a grand festival of Manipur celebrated to revere the local deities such as Umang Th This festival is characterized by the worship of traditional gods and ancestors.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS 23. (b) The Pourai Naga tribe of Purul village in Senapati District, Manipur has prohibited hunting, trapping, and killing of wild animals and birds within their territory. Statements 2 and 3 are correct: The Poumai Naga Tribe is primarily located in Manipur and Nagaland (not Arunachal Pradesh). They are known for their traditional pottery-meking (Poul) and salt production (Poutai). Their language is Poula. 30. (d) Rann of Kutch ‘+ The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh region straddling the India-Pakistan border, primarily located in Gujarat, India, with a smaller portion extending into Pakistan's Sindh province. It started forming about 150-200 million years ago. Itis divided into two parts: the Great Rann of Kutch to the north and the Little Rann of Kutch to the southeast. During monsoons, the Little Rann turns into a shallow wetland. About 75 elevated pieces of land turn into islands, called bets by the local Agariya and Maldhari communities.ECONOMY Consider the following statements regarding the global and Indian gold industry: 1. In 2022, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading exporters of gold. 2. Bihar has the largest resources of primary gold ore in Indi 3. _ India is the world’s largest consumer of gold. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) land 2 only (c) 2and3 only (4) 1,2,and3 It is currently India’s largest trade partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and leading source of foreign direct investment. Which of the following countries has been described above? (a) Singapore {b) Malaysia () Philippines (d)_ Indonesia Consider the following statements with reference to the Intellectual Property Awards: 1. The award is given out bythe Ministry of Finance. 2. The main criteria of evaluation for these awards are Patent Applications, Grants and Commercialization. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the Technical Textiles, consider the following statements: 1, They are manufactured using natural as well as man-made fibres. 2. They have qualities like cost effectiveness, durability; high strength and light weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Which among the following are Small Savings Instruments (SSIs)? 1, Public Provident Fund (PPF) 2. Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme 3. __Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) Choose the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1and2 only (b) 2and3 only (c) Land 3 only (4) 1,2and3Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS With reference to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. _ It is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the indian Constitution. 2. The Union Finance Minister is the Chairperson of the Council. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)? 1. Avillage can have only one Primary Agricultural Credit Society. 2. They are connected to the core banking system (CBS). 3. One of the most important functions of District Central Cooperative Banks is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. Choose the correct answer from options given below (a) Land 2 only (b) 3only (c) land 3 only (d) 1, 2and3 With reference to the the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), consider the following statements: 1. _ It was established as a statutory body in 1988. 2. _ Itis the regulatory authority for the securities and capital markets in India. Which of the statements given above is/are'correct? (a) Lonly {b)-2.only (c) Both Land 2 {d), Neither 1 nor 2 Which among the following defines the tert Fiscal.Deficit? (a) _ Excess of total budget expenditure (revenue and capital) over total budget receipts (revenue and capital) including borrowings during a fiscal year. Excess of revenue receipts over revenue expenditure. (c)__ Excess of total budget expenditure (revenue and capital) over total budget receipts (revenue and capital) excluding borrowings during a fiscal year. (d) Excess of capital expenditure over capital receipts. Consider the following statements: 1. __ India is the 3rd largest fish producing country in the world. 2. West Bengal is the largest fish producer in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d)_ Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to Retail Inflation, consider the following statements: 1. Itrrefers to the increase in prices of goods and services that consumers purchase, typically measured over a specific period. When retail inflation rises, it means that the cost of living is increasing, which can affect household budgets and purchasing power.NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) only (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which among the following is not associated with dark patterns? (a) Misleading users with urgent but false deadlines. (b) Hiding key information in a web of terms and conditions. (c)_ Providing clear and accessible customer support options. (d)__ Using confusing language to obscure true costs. Consider the following statements: 1. Three Gorges Dam in China on Yangtze River is the largest hydro power station in the world. 2. The Bhakra Nangal Dam is the oldest hydroelectric power plant in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the following statements regarding Nidhi Companies is correct? (a) Nidhi companies are regulated under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act. (b) Nidhi companies primarily borrow and lend money among their members and are governed by Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013. (c) Nidhi companies can borrow money from the general public. (4) ANidhi company requires a minimum capital of {1 crore to be formed. With reference to the Precision Farming, Consider the following statements: 1, _ tis an approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that the crops and soil receive exactly what they need. Hard precision agriculture uses all modern tethhiques such as GPS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) only (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the findings of the ‘Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960- 61 to 2023-24’ paper released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC- PM), consider the following statements: 1. In 2023-24, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu together accounted for approximately 30 percent of India’s GDP. Both Gujarat and Maharashtra have had per capita incomes exceeding the national average since the 1960s. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1only (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the following statements regarding the Naga King Chili is/are correct? 1. The Naga King Chili was certified by Guinness World Records in 2006 as one of the world’s hottest chillies.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008 and is mainly cultivated in the southern states of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1only (b) only (c) Both 1 and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 It is designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event— for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Which of the following taxes has been described above? (a) Pigouvian tax (b) Corporate tax (c) Perquisite tax (d) Windfall tax With reference to Dairy Sector in India, consider the following statements: 1. _ India is the second largest producer of milk in the world 2. Operation Flood led to a substantial increase in milk production across the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and 2 (d)_Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements regarding the cooperative sector and White Revolution in India: 1. The White Revolution 2.0 aims to increase milk procurement to 1,000 lakh kilograms per day by 2029 with a focus on women's empowerment. Under Margdarshika, the goal is to establish 5 lakh new Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Dairy, and Fishery Cooperatives by 2029. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2 only (c) Both tand2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, consider the following statements: The GST was introduced in 2017 by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 as 2 comprehensive indirect tax for the entire country. The GST Council established under Article 279A, is chaired by the Prime Minister. cess is levied on the lowest tax slab of 5%. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Allthree (d) None Consider the followings statements 1, Future and options in the share market are contracts which derive their price from an underlying asset. Ina future contract, the buyer has the obligation to buy the assets but in the option contract, customers have no obligation to buy the assets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Which among the following sectors are eligible for priority sector lending (PSL)? Agriculture Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Education Renewable Energy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1,2and3 only (b) Land 3 only (c) 2,3 and4 only (d) 1,2,3and4 Consider the following statements: 1. The Central Silk Board is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture. 2. India is the second-largest silk producer in the world, contributing 42% of the global silk production in 2023. 3. Karnataka is the largest producer of silk in India. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 1and2only (c) 2and3 only (4) 1,2and3 only Consider the following statements: 1. Chinas the largest producer of rice in the world followed by Vietnam, 2. _ India is the world’s largest exporter ofrice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2.only (c) Both 1 and2 {d) _Neither 1 nor 2 [ASST ger Thee Bt litte (b) Statement 1 is correct: Switzerland, the United States, and the UAE were the leading exporters of gold in 2022. Statement 2 is correct: Bihar has the largest resources of gold ore in India. Statement 3 is not correct: India is the second-largest consumer of gold, not the largest; China is the largest consumer. (a) News: Recently, PM Narendra Modi held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wone. Trade and economic cooperation ‘+ Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN, and sixth-largest trade partner worldwide. * Since 2018-19, Singapore has been the largest source of FDI (foreign direct investment) for India. = In 2017-18, India attracted the maximum FDI from Mauritius. (b) Context * The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has invited the applications for the Intellectual Property Awards 2024.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS About ‘+ The award is given out by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of india. The main criteria of evaluation for these awards are Patent Applications, Grants and Commercialization. The annual award recognises achievers, including individuals, institutions, organisations and enterprises for their Intellectual Property (IP) creations and commercialisation that contribute to strengthen the country’s IP ecosystem and encourage creativity and innovation, (ce) Both the statements are correct: Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics. ‘+ They are manufactured using natural as well as man-made fibres that exhibit enhanced functional properties such as higher tenacity, excellent insulation, improved thermal resistance etc. Significance: Technical textiles have cost effectiveness; durability; high strength; light weight; versatility; customization; user friendliness; eco friendliness; logistical convenience etc. (a) About Small Savings Instruments (SSIs) ‘+ They are a set of savings instruments managed by the central government with an aim to encourage citizens to save regularly irrespective of their age. It comprises instruments, including the:National Saving Certificate (NSC), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) and Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. The money raised from people who save through these schemes goes to the Centre and is put into a fund called the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF). The government resets the interest rate at the beginning of every quarter. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution through the 101st Amendment Act of 2016. The Union Finance Minister is the Chairperson of the GST Council. The GST Council makes recommendations to the Union and the States on key GST-related issues, including: Taxes, cesses, and surcharges to be subsumed under GST Goods and services to be subject to or exempt from GST Model GST laws, principles of levy, and apportionment of IGST Tax rates, thresholds, special provisions, and any other matter relating to GST. (b) Statement 1 is not correct: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village level cooperative credit societies that serve as the last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure. A village can have multiple Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Statement 2 not correct: While State Cooperative Banks (SCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) are connected to the Core Banking Software (CBS), PACS are not.ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 NEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil Statement 3 is correct: One of the most important functions of District Central Cooperative Banks is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. Credit from the SCBs is transferred to the district central cooperative banks, or DCCBs, that operate at the district level. The DCCBs work with PACS, which deal directly with farmers. PACS are involved in short term lending — or what is known as crop loan. (b) Statement 1 is not correct: It was established in 1988 and given statutory powers through the SEBI Act of 1992. Statement 2 is correct: It is the regulatory authority for the securities and capital markets in India ‘+ SEBIs primary goal is to protect the interests of investors, promote and regulate the securities market, and ensure its orderly functioning. (e) Context © In the 2024-25 Union Budget, the Finance Minister stated, “From 2026-27 onwards, we aim to reduce the fiscal deficit each year to ensure Union government debt declines as a percentage of GDP.” The speech also says that the Centre’s fiscal deficit would be reduced to 4.5% of GDP in 2025- 26 from its budgeted level of/4:9% in 2024-25: What is the fiscal deficit? * Fiscal Deficit is defined as excess of total budget expenditure (revenue and capital) over total budget receipts (revenue and capital) excluding borrowings during a fiscal year. ‘* Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure — (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt Creating Capital Receipts). . (a) Statement 1 is correct: India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. ‘* India is the 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries products with a growth in exports of 26.73% in terms of quantity between FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23. Statement 2 is not correct: Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producer in the country followed by West Bengal and Gujarat. + (c) Both the statements are correct: Retail inflation refers to the increase in prices of goods and services that consumers purchase, typically measured over a specific period. ‘It's often gauged using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the cost of a basket of consumer goods and services over time. When retail inflation rises, it means that the cost of living is increasing, which can affect household budgets and purchasing power. Conversely, low or negative retail inflation can indicate slower economic activity or declining prices. To measure inflation, we estimate how much CPI has increased in terms of percentage change over the same period the previous year. () What are dark patterns? ‘+ Dark patterns are deceptive tactics used by online platforms to mislead customers and prevent them from making right choices.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS + By exploiting human psychology and clever design, dark patterns benefit companies at the expense of consumers. ‘+ Common dark patterns include creating a false sense of urgency to rush users into making purchases, hiding subscription cancellations deep within websites, and using confusing language to mislead users. * The tactics are unethical and undermine the integrity of the design process. The practices fall under ‘unfair trade practices’ category under Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 13. (a) Statement 1 is correct: Three Gorges Dam in China on Yangtze River is the largest hydro power station in the world. Statement 2 is not correct: In India, the oldest hydroelectric power plant is Sidrapong, located in West Bengal. ‘Its installed capacity is 130KW and was commissioned in the year 1897. (b) icompanies are governed by Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013, and engage in borrowing and lending money among their members. They are not regulated by the RBI and require a minimum capital of €10 lakh, not XLcrore: = (ce) Both the statements are correct: Precision farming (PF) is an approach to farm management that ses information technology to ensure that the crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity. * Rather than applying similar inputs across the entire field, the approach aims to manage and distribute them on a site specific basis to maximize long-term cost benefit as well as prevent any waste. Over the last few decades, many technologies have been developed for PF; they can be divided into ‘soft’ and ‘hard.” "Soft precision agriculture depends on visual observation of crops and soil management decisions based on experience and intuition, rather than statistical and scientific analysis, ‘+ Hard precision agriculture uses all modern techniques such as GPS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology. - (c) Both the statements are correct: Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24 examines the relative economic performance of states over the past six and a half decades using two indicators- Share in India’s GDP and Relative per capita income. © In 2023-24, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu together accounted for approximately 30 percent of India’s GDP. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. + In addition, the per capita income of all southern states became higher than the national average after 1991, * Maharashtra has maintained the highest share of India’s GDP for almost all of the period. ‘* Gujarat’s share began to increase rapidly- from 6.4 percent in 2000-01 to 8.1 percent in 2022-23, * Both Gujarat and Maharashtra have had per capita incomes exceeding the national average since the 1960s. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.NEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil - (a) Statement 1 is correct: The Naga King Chili was indeed certified by Guinness World Records in 2006 for its extreme heat, surpassing 1 million Scoville Heat Units. ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 Statement 2 is not correct: The chili received the Gl tag in 2008. It is primarily cultivated in the northeastern states of India, such as Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur, not in the southern states. - (d) Context: Recently, the Union government has slashed windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil to ‘nil’ per tonne. What is a windfall tax? Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event— for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These are profits that cannot be attributed to something the firm actively did, like an investment strategy or an expansion of business. . (b) Statement 1 is not correct: India is the largest producer of milk in the world, contributing 24% of global milk production in 2021-22, ‘+ The top 5 milk-producing states are: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. They together contribute 53.11% of total Milk production in the country. Statement 2 is correct: The White Revolution in India, also known as Operation Flood, was 2 significant dairy development program implemented to enhance milk production and address the country’s milk scarcity issues. ‘+ Itwas launched in 1970 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the “Father of the White Revolution.” (a) Statement 1 is correct: White Revolution 2.0 aims to increase milk procurement to 1,000 lakh kg/ day by 2029 with a focus on women’s empowerment. Statement 2 is not correct: The Margdarshika initiative aims to establish 2 lakh new PACS, Dairy, and Fishery Cooperatives, not 5 lakh. (a) Statement 1 is correct: The GST was introduced in 2017 by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 as a comprehensive indirect tax for the entire country. ‘+ It isa destination based tax on consumption of goods and services. Statement 2 and 3 are not correct: The GST Council is a constitutional body under Article 279A. * Itisa federal body comprising the Union Finance Minister as its Chairman and Finance Ministers of all States as members. ‘© The GST Council members take almost all decisions on GST with consensus. * Four slabs for taxes for both goods and services: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, "Different tax slabs were introduced because daily necessities could not be subject to the same rate as luxury items. "Aces is levied on the highest tax slab of 28% on luxury, sin and demerit goods.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS 22. (¢) In News: SEB! highlighted the high percentage of individual F&O tradersincurring losses underscores the risks associated with trading in derivatives. Futures and Options are derivative contracts whose value is based on their underlying assets. Futures are agreements to buy or sell at a predetermined price and date, while options grant the right but not the obligation to buy or sell within a specified timeframe. Types of futures include commodity, currency, interest rate, and stock futures. * Calls and puts are the two types of options. F&O trading aids in risk management and facilitates leveraged trading for potential higher returns. Moreover, F&O markets are pretty transparent and liquid - (d) What is Priority sector lending? ‘+ Priority Sector Lending (PSL) is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiative that requires banks to lend a certain percentage of their funds to sectors that may not otherwise receive enough credit. The RBI periodically updates the sectors that are eligible for PSL, as well as the loan limits. «The sectors that are eligible for PSL include: Agriculture, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Export Credit, Education, Housing, Social Infrastructure, Renewable Energy. - (c) The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body established in 1948 under an Act of Parliament. ‘* Itoperates under the Ministry of Textilesand plays a crucial role in the development of India’s silk industry. The CSB advises the Governmentiof India/OW all matters concerning sericulture (silk farming) and the silk industry. + Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka Silk Production in India ‘India is the second-largest silk producer in the world, contributing 42% of the global silk production in 2023. ‘+ India is the only country in the world that produces all four major varieties of silk ~ Mulberry, Eri, Tassar, and Muga. ‘+ Karnataka is the largest producer of silk in India. - (b) Statement 1 is not correct: China is the largest producer of rice in the world, followed by India, Bangladesh and indonesia. ‘+ India, along with China, accounts for over half of the world’s rice production. Statement 2 is correct: India is the world’s largest exporter of rice, accounting for 33 percent of the world’s total rice exports during 2023.INDIAN POLITY & CONSTITUTION ‘Which among the following are the key functions performed by the Supreme court of India? Judicial Review Constitutional interpretation Advisory Jurisdiction Original Jurisdiction Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1and2only {b) 1, 2and4 only (c) Land 3 only (4) 1,2,3and4 With reference to the Law Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The first Law Commission was established! during colonial rule by the East India Company under the Charter Act of 1833. 2. The first law commission in independent india was established in 1950. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) 2 only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the Law Commission|of.India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. _Itisa constitutional body under Article 280 of the Constitution of India. 2. The recommendations of the Commission are binding on the Government. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the Public Accounts Committee, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The committee was set up first in 1937 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935. 2. The function of the committee is to examine the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1only (b) 2only (c) Both 1and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements regarding collegium system 1. The provisions related to the collegium system are mentioned in Article 217 of the Indian Constitution.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS 2. The Supreme Court collegium is headed by the Chief Justice of India. 3. Government can not seek clarification on the collegium’s choice of selected judge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1and2only (b) 2only (c) 2and3only (4) 3only In which of the following Indian states, the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime is not applicable? (a) Arunachal Pradesh {b) Manipur (o) Tripura (4) Nagaland Under which Article of the Indian Constitution did the Supreme Court recognize the right to die with dignity? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 32 With reference to the ‘Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’, consider the following statements: 1, [twas established by the Special Police Establishment (SPE) of 1946. 2. It is the nodal police agency in India that coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol member countries. 3. CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offences only in the Union Territories. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c)_Allthree ()_ None The members of Lokpal are appointed by the recommendation of a selection committee. ‘Which among the following are part of the committee? Prime Minister of India Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Chief Justice of india Speaker of Lok Sabha Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1,2and3 only {b) land 3 only (c) 2,3 and4 only (d) 1,2,3and4 Which of the following statements about Contempt of Court in India is/are correct? 1. Civil contempt refers to the willful disobedience of a court order or breach of an undertaking given to a court. Criminal contempt includes any act that scandalizes the court or lowers its authority. The punishment for contempt of court can only include imprisonment and cannot involve a fine. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Land2 only (b) Land 3 only (c) 2and3 only (4) 1,2,and3 Which among the following constitutional provisions provide safeguards to Scheduled Castes and Tribes in India? 1. Article 17 2. Article 338 3. Article 46NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 12. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Land 2 only (b) 2and3 only (c) Land 3 only (4) 1,2and3 Which among the following has become the latest state to withdraw general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)? (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Karnataka (c)_ West Bengal (4) Meghalaya EXPLANATIONS Key Functions of the Supreme Court of Indi ‘+ Judicial Review: It reviews the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. Ifa law or action is found to violate the Constitution, the Court can strike it down. Original Jurisdiction: It has the authority to hear certain types of cases directly, including disputes between states or between the central government and states. This is called original jurisdiction Appellate Juri nn: It hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals. This includes civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. "The Supreme Court can overturn or modify decisions made by lower courts. Constitutional interpretation: It interprets the provisions of the Constitution. ‘This function is crucial for clarifying the meaning and application of constitutional principles. Protection of Fundamental Rights: It ensures the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Advisory Jurisdiction: The President of india can seek the Court's opinion on legal or constitutional questions. * While the Court’s advice is not binding, it is highly thfluential. Judicial Administration: It oversees the functioning of lower courts and provides guidelines for their operation. It also plays a role in the appointment and transfer of judges. Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The Court entertains PILs, allowing individuals or groups to seek judicial redress for issues affecting the public at large. (b) Context * President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India, which will serve from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. Origin of Law Commission of India ‘* Pre- independence: The first Law Commission was established during colonial rule in India by the East india Company under the Charter Act of 1833 and was presided over by Lord Macaulay. "After that, three more commissions were established in pre-independent India. Post-independence: The first law commission in independent India was established in 1955, with its chairman M.C.Setalvad. (a) Law Commission of India ‘+ Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS * It is constituted by a notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs. ‘= Itis constituted with definite terms of reference to carry out research in the field of law. + The Commission makes recommendations to the Government in the form of Reports as per its terms of reference. + However these recommendations are not binding on the Government. (b) Context ‘+ The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold a performance review of “regulatory bodies established by Act of Parliament”, such as the Securities and Exchange Board of india (SEB). Public Accounts Committee The committee was set up first in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919. It consists of 22 members, 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. The members are elected by the Parliament every year from amongst its members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. ‘A minister cannot be elected asa member of the committee. The term of office of the members is one year. The function of the committee Is to examine the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which aré laid before the Parliament by the President. The reports are; "Audit report on appropriation accounts, "Audit report on finance accounts and. * Audit report on public undertakings, In addition, the Committee can also seléet one_or More suo motu subjects for in-depth examination during the year. (b) Collegium System + It is the system of appointment and transfer of judges that has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court, and not by an Act of Parliament or by a provision of the Constitution. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court collegium is headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprises four other senior-most judges of the court. Hence statement 2 is correct. ‘A High Court collegium is led by its Chief Justice and four other senior-most judges of that court. Names recommended for appointment by a High Court collegium reaches the government only after approval by the Cil and the Supreme Court collegium. Judges of the higher judiciary are appointed only through the collegium system, and the government has a role only after names have been decided by the collegium. Role of Government in Judicial Appointment ‘+ The government's role is limited. + However, it can raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the collegium’s choices. Hence statement 3 is not correct.NEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil 6. ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 * But if the collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound, under Constitution Bench judgments, to appoint them as judges. (c) Context: Nagaland to implement inner line permit in three more districts. Inner Line Permit (ILP) * Itis an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. ‘* Itis obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state. + The states which require the ILP are: Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram. C) Context ‘+ The debate around the ethics and law that defines passive euthanasia was reignited after the Supreme Court dismissed the plea in Harish Rana’s case, who has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013. Status of Euthanasia in India ‘+ In 2011, the Supreme Court for the first time recognised the legality of passive euthanasia in the case of Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug v Union of India. ‘+ In 2018, the Supreme Court recognised the legality of ‘passive euthanasia’ for terminally-ill patients, holding that the ‘right to die with dignity’ forms a part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of india (b) In News: Recently, the Supreme Court of India has invoked the expression ‘Caged Parrot’ for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBi)in 2 cas# OVer thé alleged liquor policy ‘scam’ in Delhi. Statement 1 is not correct The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) tracesits roots back to the Special Police Establishment (SPE), established in 1941 during World War I! to investigate bribery and corruption cases. * It was formally established on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee and set up by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1963. Statement 2 is correct ‘+ CBI functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the central government, and is exempted from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Itis also the nodal police agency in India that coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol member countries. Statement 3 is correct ‘+ Section 6 of the DPSE Act authorises the central government to direct CBI to probe 2 case within the jurisdiction of any state on the recommendation of the concerned state government. * The courts can also order a CBI probe, and even monitor the progress of investigation. * CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offences onl (a) Structure of Lokpal ‘+ The institution of Lokpal is a statutory body established by the Lokpal Act 2013. the Union TerritoDaily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Members: Lokpal is a multi member body, made up of one chairperson and maximum of 8 members. Half members will be judicial members and should be either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a High Court. The non-judicial member should be an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability. Minimum fifty per cent of the Members will be from SC / ST / OBC / Minorities and women. Selection committee: The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a selection committee, composed of: The Prime Minister who is the Chairperson; Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him / her, and One eminent jurist. 10. (b) Statement 1 is correct: Civil contempt involves willful disobedience of a court order or a breach of an undertaking to the court. Statement 2 is correct: Criminal contempt refers to any act that scandalizes the court, prejudices judicial proceedings, or interferes with the administration of justice. Statement 3 is not correct: The punishment for contempt of court can include both imprisonment and/or a fine, as specified under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. - (d) Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth Article 17: Abolishes “untouchability” and forbids its practice in any form. Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs and protects them from social injustice. Article 338: Establishes the National Commission fOr) Scheduled Castes to investigate and monitor the implementation of safeguards for SCs. Article 339: Empowers the President to intervene in the administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes for their welfare. Context ‘* TheKarnataka governmenthas withdrawngeneral consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases in the state, citing misuse of power and lack of communication. About ‘+ With this, Karnataka has joined the list of states (such as Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya) in withdrawing general consent for the CBI in recent years. What is general consent to the CBI? ‘+ The CBlis governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, which mandates that the agency must obtain the consent of the state government concerned before beginning to investigate a crime in a state. Further, the state government's consent can be either case-specific or general. Giving general consent would lead to the seamless investigation of corruption cases against central government employees in their states. This is consent by default, in the absence of which the CBI would have to apply to the state government in every case, and before taking even small actions.GEOGRAPHY Consider the following countries: 1. Nigeria 2. Kenya 3. Angola 4. Botswana 5. South Africa Which of the following countries shares borders with Namibia? (a) 1,2and4 only (b) Land 3 only (c) 2and5only (4) 3,4and5 only With reference to the Cyclones, consider the following statements: 1. They are known as typhoons in Australia. 2. Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region are named by the regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2 only (c) Both tand2 {d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the following factors is essential for the formation of tropical cyclones? 1. High sea surface temperaturé (SST) abovel26°C 2. Presence of a Coriolis force 3. High atmospheric pressure at the surface 4. Strong vertical wind shear Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1and2only (b) 1,2, and3 only (c) 2and4only (4) 1,2, and4 only With reference to the Cocoa, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The cocoa tree is an evergreen tree in the family Malvaceae. 2. It grows about 20 degrees north and south of the equator in regions with warm weather and abundant rain. Select the correct answer using the code given belo (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands. 2. Port Blair, the capital city, is located in the South Andaman.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements: 1. Length of a terrestrial mile is lesser than that of a nautical mile. 2. Harmattan is a dusty land- wind of the East African Coast. 3. Greece and Albania form a part of the Iberian Peninsula. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2and3 only (c) 3only (d)_Allof the above Consider the following countries: 1. Jordan 2. Israel 3. Iraq 4. United Arab Emirates Which of the following countries shares borders with Saudi Arabia? (a) 1,3 and4 only (b) 1,2and4only (c) 2and3 only (d).1,2,3.and.4 Which of the following islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands group are volcanic in nature? (a) Havelock Island and Neil Island (b).. Long Island and Middle Andaman ()__Long Island and Neil island {d) Barren Island and Narcondam Island With reference to the La Nina, considerthe following statements: 1. During La Nina, the trade Winds becomie stronger than usual, pushing more warmer waters towards the Indonesian coast Regions such as Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of South America often experience below-average rainfall during Ua Nifia events, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1 and 2 (d)_ Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to the cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Arabian Sea generally experiences more cyclones than the Bay of Bengal. 2. The western Arabian Sea is typically favorable for cyclone formation due to cooler sea temperatures and moisture from the Arabian Peninsula. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 The Ring of Fire is a prominent geological feature associated with: (a) Divergent plate boundaries and mid-ocean ridges. (b) Convergent plate boundaries and subduction zones. ()_ Transform plate boundaries and earthquake faults (d) Continental collisions and mountain ranges.NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Consider the following statements regarding the Paraguay River: The Paraguay River is a major tributary of the Parand River and flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina The Pantanal, one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world, is located in the upper basin of the Paraguay River. of the statements given above is/are correct? lonly (b) 2only Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which one of the following is not located in the South China Sea? (a) Canary Islands (b) Paracel Islands (c)_ Spratly Islands (d) _Pratas Islands Which among the following Indian states will be the endpoint of the TAPI gas pipeline? (a) Punjab (b) Rajasthan (c) Gujarat (d) Haryana Consider the following statements: 1. _ Jute crop requires a humid climate with temperature fluctuating between 24 degree Celsius and 38 degree Celsius. 2. Minimum rainfall required for jute cultivation is 1000 mm. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) only {b) 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither anor 2 Consider the following statements with reference to Polar Vortex. 1. It is a persistent area of low pressure and cold air surrounding Earth’s poles. 2. _ It'strengthens in winter and weakens insummer. 3. It leads to cold outbreaks inthe U.S:, Europe, and Asia. How many of the above statements are correct? (a). Only one (b) Only two (c) Allthree (d) None Which among the following states of India share a border with Myanmar? 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Nagaland 3. Manipur 4, Mizoram Select the correct answer using the code given belo (a) 1,2.and3 only (b) 1and3 only (c)_ 2,3 and4 only (d) 1,2,3and4 Which of the following statements regarding the Amazon River is/are correct? 1. The Amazon River is the largest river system in the world in terms of the volume of water flow. 2. It originates in the highlands of Brazil. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) only (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Which one of the following is not a part of the Congo Basin? (a) Gabon (b) Nigeria (c)__ Republic of the Congo (d) Equatorial Guinea With reference to the Heat Dome Effect, consider the following statements: 1. It isa type of low pressure system that forms over a large area in the atmosphere. 2. Heat domes can cause dangerous heat waves causing the temperatures to shoot up. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c)_ Both Land 2 (d)_ Neither 1 nor 2 Tuvalu, an island country, recently seen in the news is situated in which of the following Ocean? (a) West-Central Pacific Ocean (b) South-Western Indian Ocean (c)_ North-West Atlantic Ocean (4) Western Arctic Ocean Consider the following countries: 1. Kazakhstan 2. Turkmenistan 3. Pakistan 4. Tajikistan 5. Kyrgyzstan Which of the following countries shares borders with Uzbekistan? (a) 1,2,4and5 only (b) 1,2and4only (©) 2,4and5 only (4) 1,2,3,4and5 With reference to the Rann of Kutch, consider the following statements: The Rann of Kutch is divided into-the Great Rann and Little Rann, with the Great Rann located in the southeast. It spans the border betweeni/indie and Pakistan located mostly in Gujarat with a small portion extending into Pakistan’s Sindh province. The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian wild ass (khur) and is part of the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary in india Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Land2 only (b) 2and3 only (ce) Land 3 only (4) 1,2,and3 EXPLANATIONS - (d) In News: Namibia is experiencing its worst drought in a century, exacerbated by El Nifio. About ‘* The Republic of Namibia is situated on the southwestern coast of Africa and borders Angola and Zambia in the north, the Republic of South Africa in the south and Botswana in the east. NiNEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil (b) Statement 1 is not correct: Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low- pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation. ‘+ They are known as typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean; hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean; tornades in the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.; willy-willies in north-western Australia and tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean. ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 Statement 2 is correct: The names are maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. ‘* Cyclones in the North indian Ocean region are named by the regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. + Each country contributes names to a list used on a rotating basis. (a) Warm ocean waters provide the energy for cyclones through evaporation, making this @ necessary condition for cyclone formation. The Coriolis effect helps in the rotation of the cyclone. Without this force, the cyclone cannot form. High atmospheric pressure: This is not correct. Cyclones are associated with low pressure systems, not high pressure. Strong vertical wind shear: This is also not correct. Weak vertical wind shear is required for cyclones to form and grow. Strong wind shear disrupts the cyclone’s structure. (e) Context ‘* California Cultured, a plant cell culture company, is growing cocoa from cell cultures at a lab facility in California. About ‘© The cocoa tree is an evergreen tree in the family Malvaceae. + The fruit, called a cacao pod, is ovoid, ripening yellow to orange, and contains 20 to 60 seeds. ‘* Cocoa beans are used to make chocolate liquor, cocoa solids, cocoa butter and chocolate. Growing Conditions ‘+ It grows about 20 degrees north and south of the equator in regions with warm weather and abundant rain, including West Africa and South America. ‘+ Cocoa requires deep and well drained soils. Majority of area under Cocoa cultivation is on clay loam and sandy loam soil © Itrequires a temperature between 15°-35°C with optimum of 25°C. (c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands * Location: The islands are located 1,300 km southeast of the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal. = It extends from 6° 45’ N to 13° 41’ N and from 92° 12’ E to 93° 57’ E. ‘+ This archipelago is composed of more than 500 big and small islands, which are divided into two distinct groups of islands ~ The Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. = ‘Ten Degree Channel’ separates the Andaman Islands in the north from the Nicobar Islands in the south.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS The Andaman Islands ‘© These islands are divided into three major sub-groups — North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman. ‘+ The capital city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Port Blair is located in South Andaman. Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2 is not correct: One terrestrial mile (1609 metres) is less than one nautical mile (1852 meters). The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs at the end of the November and middle of the March. It is characterised by the dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea. Statement 3 is not correct: The Iberian peninsula includes Portugal, Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar. (a) In News: India and Saudi Arabia conducted the sixth edition of Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. About: Saudi Arabia ‘+ Itis the largest Arab country of the Middle East. © Itis bordered by Jordan and iraqon the north and.northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on the east, Oman on the southeast, and Yemen on the south. Arabian Sea S (4) Andaman and Nicobar Islands ‘+ This archipelago is composed of more than 500 big and small islands, which are divided into two distinct groups of islands; + The Andaman Islands: These islands are divided into three major sub-groups — North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman. The Nicobar Islands: These islands are divided into three major sub-groups — Northern Group, Central Group, and Southern Group. Other Features ‘+The Barren and Narcondam islands are volcanic islands. ‘+ Saddle Peak (737 m) in North Andaman is the highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. + India’s southernmost point ‘Indira Point’ is located at the southern tip of the Great Nicobar.NEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil (a) Statement 1 is correct: La Nifia is a weather phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean. I counterpart of El Nifio, and both are part of the larger El Nifio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. * The trade winds become stronger than usual, pushing more warmer waters towards the Indonesian coast, and making the eastern Pacific Ocean colder than normal. Statement 2 is not correct: Increased rainfall: Regions such as Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of South America often experience above-average rainfall during La Nifia events. . (d) Context ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 ‘+ Arare August cyclone, named ‘Asna’, in the Arabian Sea after crossing Gujarat’s shore has left meteorologists baffled. Background * Historically, the North Indian Ocean, which includes both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, experiences about five tropical cyclones annually. The Bay of Bengal typically sees four times as many cyclones as the Arabian Sea, with most ‘occurring in May and November. The western Arabian Sea is usually inhospitable to cyclone formation due to cooler sea temperatures and dry air from the Arabian Peninsula. These conditions contrast sharply with the more cyclone-friendly environments of the Bay of Bengal. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. These phenomena occur due to convergent plate boundaries, where oceanic plates subduct (sink) beneath continental plates. C) South America’s Paraguay River) a/vital rouite for transporting grains, has reached a record low water level. About Paraguay River ‘+ The Paraguay River is the fifth largest river in South America and the main tributary of the Parana River. It originates near Diamantino in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso and flows north to south, passing through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. One of the river's key features is the Pantanal, a vast seasonal swamp in its upper basin, which is one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world. The Paraguay River plays a critical role in transportation, agriculture, and sustaining ecosystems across its basin. Context: Vietnam and the Philippines are both at odds with China over its sweeping territorial claims and growing military presence in the South China Sea (SCS). South China Sea issue ‘+ “Four Sha” (Four Sands archipelagos) are the four island groups in the SCS re China claims it has “historical rights”, named Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha Qundao and Nansha Qundao.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Internationally they are known as Pratas Islands, Paracel Islands, the Macclesfield Bank area and the Spratly Islands. China stakes claim to 90% of the South China Sea, and this claim is based on the U-shaped nine- dash line etched on the map in the 1940s by a Chinese geographer. 14. (a) Context ‘+ The Afghanistan government said that work would begin on a $10 billion TAP! gas pipeline traversing South Asia. About + The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline projectisa significant regional energy initiative. ‘+ It aims to transport around 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan, through a pipeline spanning approximately 1,800 kilometers. + The route includes passing through key regions like Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan, and Balochistan in Pakistan, before terminating in Fazilka, Punjab, in India. 15. (c) Context: ‘© Due to floods, Jute production is expected to drop by 20% this financial year. What type of Climate and Soil are required to grow Jute? Jute crop requires a humid climate with temperature fluctuating between 24 degree Celsius and 38 degree Celsius. Minimum rainfall required for jute cultivation is 1000 mm. New grey alluvial soil of good depth reeling silt“from annual floods is most suitable for jute growth. However, jute is grown widely in sandy jooms and clay loams. 16. (c) Antarctic ozone hole formation begins late due to the weak polar vortex. All the statements are correct The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles. it always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles, During winter, the vortex can expand, pushing Arctic air southward, which often leads to cold ‘outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. 17. (d) Context ‘+ The Union government has approved the construction of border fencing and roads along the border between India and Myanmar at an approximate cost of 831,000 crore. International Border of India * India currently has more than 15000 km of land borders and more than 7500 km of maritime borders.ion «ee Explanations | September 2024 NEXT IAS Daily MCQs Compil International Land Border’ De ee reed ert ‘+ It shares land borders with seven countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The borders with the countries are as; ‘= Myanmar: 1643 kms running along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. 18. (a) In News: The Solimoes River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, is currently experiencing the worst drought on record. Statement 1 is correct: The Amazon River is the largest river system in terms of the volume of water flow. Statement 2 is not correct: The river originates high in the Peruvian Andes, not in Brazil. The ‘Amazon River drains into the Atlantic Ocean on-the northeastern coast of Brazil. 19. (b) Context: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has come up with the High Integrity Forest (HIFOR) Investment Initiative, an innovative mechanism that could unleash critical finances necessary for the protection of the Congo Basin forest. Congo Basin ‘+ It is the world’s second largest rainforest after the Amazon, spanning across six countries— Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. ‘+ As the second largest lung of the world, the Congo Basin shelters approximately 26% of the planet's rain forests and a wealth of biodiversity. 20. (b) Statement 1 is not correct: The heat dome effect is a type of high-pressure system (also known {as anticyclone) that forms over a large area in the atmosphere, and causes extremely hot and dry weather conditions. ‘+ The system traps hot air and prevents it from flowing to rise and cool. ‘+ This air then becomes compressed and heats up, leading to a dome-shaped area of hot air that can persist for several days or even weeks. Statement 2 is correct: Heat domes can cause dangerous heat waves causing the temperatures to shoot up.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS ‘+ They can also lead to drought conditions and wildfire as the hot and dry weather can quickly dry out vegetation and make it more susceptible to catching fire. 21. (a) Context: Tuvalu and its 11,000 people, who live on nine atolls scattered across the Pacific, are running out of time. About ‘+ Tuvalu is an island country in the West-Central Pacific Ocean. It sits about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. * Its neighbours include Kiribati, to the north, and Fiji, to the south. + Itis made up of a chain of 9 small coral islands. The islands are low lying. Many have large lagoons and are surrounded by coral reefs. 22. (a) Context: india and the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in Tashkent. About Uzbekistan © The territory in the north and north-east of the Rebublic of Uzbekistan borders with Kazakhstan, in the east and south-east with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the west with Turkmenistan, in the south with Afghanistan. | Capital: Tashkent 23. (b) Statement 1 is not correct: The Great Rann is located to the north, and the Little Rann is in the southeast. Great Rann of Kutch stant, Fraa Little Rann of Kutch pomsssts rel Soe sea IND Statement 2 is correct: The Rann of Kutch spans the India-Pakistan border, with the majority in Gujarat and a small portion in Sindh, Pakistan. Statement 3 is correct: The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian wild ass and hosts the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest in India.GOVERNMENT SCHEMES/INITIATIVES With reference to the SHe-Box, consider the following statements: 1. tis a centralized portal for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. 2. The portal only caters to complaints from government sector employees. 3. The portal allows for real-time monitoring of complaints through a designated nodal officer. How many statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c)_Allthree (4) None Consider the following statements regarding the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): 1. _ It was established through the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with the objective of funding telecom schemes in underserved remote and rural areas. DBN replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was created under the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885. The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) Was funded by a Universal Access Levy, collected at 10% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) from telecom licensees. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1and2 only (6). 2 and3ionly (c) Land 3 only (4) 1,2,and3 With reference to the ‘eShram portal’, consider the following statements: 1. There are no income criteria for registering on the e-Shram portal. 2. It has the provision of Universal Account Number (UAN) that remains unchanged for any worker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) 2only (c) Both 1and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) operates under the aegis of which Ministry? (a) Ministry of Finance {b) Ministry of Corporate Affairs (c)_ Ministry of Consumer Affairs (d)__ Ministry of Commerce and Industry Consider the following statements regarding the AgriSURE Fund: 1, _Itis a government initiative aimed at boosting investment in the agricultural sector. 2. The fund provides financial assistance to farmers for sustainable agricultural practices. 3. It is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) Land 2only (c) 2and3 only (d) Allo the above Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas, a mock drill on pandemic preparedness, is conducted under which mission in India? (a) _ National Health Mission (NHM) (b) National Animal Health Mission (NAHM) (c)__ National One Health Mission (NOHM) (d) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Consider the following statements with reference to National Test House 1, _ Itis India’s largest multidisciplinary testing laboratory under the Central Government. 2. _ Itis involved in testing and quality assurance for Jal Jeevan Mission and Metro projects. 3. _ Itis the only Government Agency providing Drone certification in India Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly {b) land 2 only (c) 2and3 only (d) 1,2and3 With reference to the Smart Cities Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. ___Itis an initiative of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, launched in 2015. Itaims to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment and give a decent quality of life to their citizens. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly {b)) 2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements regarding the Graphene Innovation Ecosystem in India: 1. The Graphene-Applied Program (GAP) was launched in 2023 to support the development of graphene technology. The India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in Kerala. 3. Digital University Kerala is responsible for implementing the GAP initiative. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 1and3 only (c) 1,2,and3 (d) 2only With reference to the Swachh Bharat Mission, consider the following statements: 1. _ It was launched in 2014 with the goal of achieving universal sanitation coverage by 2019. 2. The urban component of the mission isimplemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, and the rural component by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2NEXT IRS Daily MCQs Compilation « Explanations | September 2024 Consider the followings statements with reference to ‘ VisioNxt’ 1. _Itis funded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the Research & Development scheme. It is India's first-ever initiative that combines Al and El to generate fashion trend insights and forecasts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) only {b) 2only (c)_ Both Land 2 (d)_ Neither 1 nor 2 Which among the following schemes are subsumed under Samagra Shiksha scheme? Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Teacher Education (TE) Midday Meal Scheme Select the correct answer using the code given belo (a) 1,2and3 only (b) 1and3 only (c) 2,3.and4 only (d) 4,2,3and4 Consider the following statements with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PREP): 1. The awards are given to children in the age group 5 ~ 12 years for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievernents. 2. Each awardee of PMREP is given a medal, certificate and a citation booklet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (by) 2 only, (c) Both 1and2 (d)__Nefther 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements with reference to the District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs): 1. They were established by India Meteorological Department (IMD) to provide local agricultural advisories using weather data. 2. They were set up under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Consider the following statements with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojna (PM-KMY): 1. _ tis avoluntary and contributory pension scheme. 2. Eligible small and marginal farmers are given a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 5,000 after attaining the age of 65. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2Daily MCQs Compilation aw Explanations | September 2024 NnEXT IAS With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), consider the following statements: 1. Iisa social security scheme, launched in 2019. 2. Eligible small and marginal farmers are given a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 after attaining the age of sixty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The scheme is launched by the Ministry of Rural Development. 2. The beneficiaries are provided financial Assistance of Rs. 5 Lakh in plain areas and Rs.2.30 lakh in hilly States. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c) Both 1and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 With reference to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan MantriJan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) , consider the following statements: It is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, providing Rs. 20 lakh annual coverage. The households included are based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio- Economic Caste Census 2012; It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines. It is being implemented in all states except Gujarat and Rajasthan. of the statements given above afe correct? dand3 (by 2and4 dand4 (4) 2and3 Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of 2,000 crore over two years. Which of the following ministries will be the nodal body implementing the lission? Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (b) Ministry of Earth Sciences (c)_ Ministry of Science and Technology (d) Ministry of Jal Shakti With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), consider the following statements: 1. The objective of PMMSY is to promote sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector to bring about a Blue Revolution. 2. _ Itaims to increase fish production to 22 million metric tons by the year 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b) 2only (c)_ Both 1and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2