January 05-06 2025 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

• The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a submission by developing countries under the UNFCCC, detailing their climate action progress, GHG emissions inventory, mitigation strategies, and support received in terms of finance, technology, and capacity-building.

Statement 1 is correct

• India has submitted its Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC, detailing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and climate action efforts.

Statement 2 is incorrect and statement 3 is correct

• Key Highlights of BUR-4:
  • Emissions Intensity: Reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020; on track for a 45% reduction by 2030.
  • Total GHG Emissions: 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2020; net emissions of 2,437 million tonnes after considering forestry absorption.
  • Emissions Breakdown: CO2 accounted for 80.53%, methane 13.32%, nitrous oxide 5.13%.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Braille is a tactile code composed of raised dots used by visually impaired persons to read and write in various languages.
• The concept began in early 19th century France with Charles Barbier, who developed a 12-dot “night writing” system for soldiers to read in the dark.
• Braille was invented by Louis Braille in 1824 and has since become a widely used system for visually impaired individuals to access written information.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Braille Cell comprises six raised dots arranged in two columns of three, allowing 64 possible combinations of dots and empty spaces.
• Eight-Dot Braille used in some systems, expands the possible symbols to 255 combinations.
• Symbols in braille represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and sometimes entire words.

Statement 3 is correct

• Bharati Braille is a unified Braille code developed in India in the 1950s, to provide a common Braille system for 11 regional languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and others.
• Bharati Braille was developed to facilitate Braille literacy across different linguistic regions in India, enabling visually impaired individuals to access written information in their native languages.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement I is correct

• Satellite-based connectivity uses a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to provide communication services. These satellites can cover large areas, including regions with limited or no terrestrial infrastructure, such as remote or rural areas, oceans, mountains and deserts.
• Satellite-based connectivity is particularly useful for aviation, as it enables communication services to be provided to aircraft flying over these regions.

Statement II is correct

• The antennae used for satellite-based connectivity are typically mounted on the dorsal (upper) surface of the aircraft. This is because:
  • The dorsal surface provides a clearer line of sight to the satellite, reducing signal blockage and interference.
  • The ventral (lower) surface of the aircraft may be obstructed by the aircraft’s fuselage, wings, or other structures, which could block the signal.
• However, Statement-II does not provide a correct explanation for Statement-I. The correct explanation for Statement-I would involve the ability of satellites to provide coverage over large areas, including remote or oceanic regions.

Answer: (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Canada has introduced the RCIC Scheme, offering opportunities for international students.
• Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024, it aims to address labour shortages and promote development in smaller rural communities by attracting individuals willing to settle long-term in these areas.
• It will benefit students with near-expiration post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for permanent residency (PR) or secure a high-paying job.
  • They can apply for PR if they commit to living and working in designated rural communities which are smaller towns in rural areas near larger regions like Ontario, Vancouver, and others.
• It benefits Indian students, who constitute the largest share of international students in Canada (nearly 40%) and face challenges transitioning to PR due to increased competition and stricter requirements.

Answer: (c) Canada; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

• Garmin devices are advanced electronics featuring GPS navigation, monitoring fitness metrics, and global satellite communication.

Statement I is not correct

• Not all Garmin devices are banned in India, but some are:
  • Devices without satellite communication: These devices can be used in India.
  • Devices with satellite communication: Devices like the Garmin inReach and Garmin Edge 540 are banned in India because they violate the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. This act prohibits the possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus and satellite phones without prior authorization.

Statement II is correct

• The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 prohibits citizens from possessing wireless telegraphy apparatus without a license from the telegraph authority. The act’s main objective is to regulate the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus and prevent its unauthorized use.

Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Key Features of Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978:
  • Prohibition of Forceful Conversion: Bans religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraud.
  • Punishments: Violators face imprisonment (up to two years) and fines (up to ₹10,000).
  • Mandatory Reporting: All conversions must be reported to the District Deputy Commissioner.
  • Focus on Indigenous Faiths: Protects local practices like Donyi Polo and Mahayana Buddhism while countering external influences.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Arunachal Pradesh is reviving the 1978 Act to curb forceful religious conversions by framing rules for its implementation after decades of dormancy.
• The Act remained unenforced since 1978 due to unframed rules. Christian groups, including the Arunachal Christian Forum, oppose it, citing potential misuse and increasing resistance.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• 19 members of the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been officially enrolled in the electoral roll for the first time in November 2024.
• Tribal Classification: The Jarawa tribe is recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Demographic Trends: The population declined during British colonial rule but stabilised post-independence, with an estimated current population of approximately 400 individuals.
• Lifestyle: Jarawas are a nomadic, hunter-gatherer tribe relying on wild fruits, roots, honey and fish.
• Housing: They live in temporary huts on the western coast of South and Middle Andaman Islands.
• Language: The Jarawa language (of the Ongan family of languages) is unique, not mutually intelligible, and critically endangered as per UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger.

Answer: (b) Jarawa; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is incorrect

• India’s first-ever glass bridge was inaugurated in Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), connecting the Vivekananda Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar statue near Cape Comorin.
• The 77-meter-long and 10-meter-wide glass bridge has a translucent glass surface, a bowstring-arch design, and marine-grade durability.
• It is situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.

Answer: (b) 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy