November 29 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statement 2 is incorrect and statement 1 is correct

• The Producer Price Index (PPI) is an economic indicator that measures the average price changes that producers receive for their goods and services at various production stages.
• It focuses on the producer’s price perspective, not the consumer’s. It captures producers’ prices before additional costs like taxes, transportation, and retail markups are added.
• The PPI excludes the taxes, transport, trade margins, and other charges imposed when those prod-ucts reach consumers or are used as inputs to other producers. In other words, it is the suppliers’ price.
• Significance of PPI:
  • Helps understand inflation from the beginning of the supply chain.
  • Provides insights into cost pressures faced by producers, which eventually is passed on to consumers.
  • Economists and policymakers use PPI to analyse economic conditions and make informed decisions.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option(c) is correct

• State agencies and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) purchase paddy from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• How Paddy Procurement Works:
  • Planning and Coordination: The Centre, in collaboration with state governments and the Food Cor-poration of India (FCI), plans paddy procurement before the start of each kharif marketing season, which runs from October to September.
  • Purchasing Paddy: State agencies and the FCI purchase paddy from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This paddy is acquired for the central pool.
  • Milling and Storage: Once procured, the paddy is sent to mills where it is processed into rice. This milled rice is stored as buffer stock or utilised in various welfare schemes.
  • Welfare Schemes: The rice stored from paddy procurement supports welfare programs under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), providing essential food security to millions of people.

Answer: (c) FCI; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option(b) is correct

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the immune system damages the glands that produce moisture.
• Affected Areas: Long-term dryness on Eyes (Tears), Mouth (Saliva), Nose, Throat, Vagina.
• Symptoms: Dry or itchy eyes, Dry mouth, sores, or thick saliva, Vaginal dryness, Dry skin, Dry nose and frequent nosebleeds, Dry throat and frequent coughing.
• Causes: Exact cause is unknown. It can develop independently or triggered by other health conditions.
• Managing Sjögren’s syndrome focuses on alleviating symptoms, as there is no cure.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Certain groups are more likely to develop Sjögren’s Syndrome:
  • Women and those assigned female at birth (more than 90% of cases).
  • People with other autoimmune diseases.
  • People aged between 45 and 55.
  • Those with a biological relative who has Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The President’s Colours Award is the highest honour that can be awarded to any military unit, military training establishment, or state/UT Police Force in India.
• This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon a unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and war. It is also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan“ in Hindi.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• History:
  • Colonial Origins: The tradition began during colonial rule.
  • Post-Independence Transition: In 1950, the ‘king’s colour’ of erstwhile British Indian regiments was retired in Chetwode Hall, Dehradun, paving the way for ‘colours’ of the President of the Republic of India.
  • First Recipient: The Indian Navy was the first branch of the Indian Armed Forces to receive the President’s Colour, awarded by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 27, 1951.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (b) is incorrect

• One of the criticisms of the treaty is that it lacks a detailed and strategic roadmap for achieving its ambitious goals, such as marine conservation and equitable benefit sharing.

All other options are correct

• Key Features of the BBNJ Treaty:
  • Conserving Marine Biodiversity: Protecting marine ecosystems beyond national jurisdictions.
  • Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Mandating fair distribution of profits from marine genetic resources through a global fund.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Requiring assessments to regulate harmful activities in international waters.
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Creation of protected zones in high seas to safeguard biodiversity.
  • Capacity-Building & Technology Transfers: Equitable partnerships in maritime science & governance.
  • Third UNCLOS Implementing Agreement: Complements treaties on deep-sea mining and fisheries.

Answer: (b) The BBNJ Treaty has a clear and detailed roadmap for achieving its ambitious goals, including marine conservation and equitable resource sharing.; Difficulty Level: Hard

Explanation

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• The Indian Constitution is often referred to as a “living document“. The Constitution’s ability to adapt to new challenges and societal needs over time demonstrates its nature as a “living document.”
• Constitution as a Living Document:
  • Unity in Diversity: Governs and safeguards a pluralistic society while preserving civilisational values.
  • Modern State Building: Transition from colonial rule to the republic with elected representatives and a codified set of rights and duties.
  • Balance of Power: Ensures separation of functions and accountability among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
  • Rule of Law: Establishes a framework for governance based on justice, liberty, and equality.
  • Flexibility: Amended over time to address contemporary challenges, showcasing its adaptability.
  • Constitutional principles reflect India’s dharmic traditions and ancient ethos of religious tolerance.

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Siddis are descendants of African slaves brought to India by the Portuguese in the late 17th century. They arrived during the trans-Indian Ocean slave trade.
• Most Siddis live along India’s western coast, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Karnataka.

Statement 2 is correct

• In 2003, the Indian government recognised Siddis as a Scheduled Tribe. They are also part of the centre’s list of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Siddis mostly follow a nuclear family system, where parents and children live together. However, extended families are also common in their community.
• The Siddis are known for their folk music and dances, such as Dhamal and Rasda, with men performing the Dhamal dance.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Hard