All questions of Passage Based for Practice for CLAT Exam

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested out its light battle tank Zorawar in Gujarat's Hazira on Saturday. DRDO chief Samir V Kamath said Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials.
Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. The Zorawar will help balance the scales against China's existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, like the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower and advanced systems will enhance India's overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
The DRDO chief told ANI, "It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials."
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
Speaking on the occasion, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandsaid, "It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T."
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar said that the unique thing about the Zorawar tank is its weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank.
"Generally there are three different types of tanks. There are three categories depending on the weight. The heavy tanks, the medium tanks and the light tanks. Each one has its role. One is for protection, one is for offence and these light tanks play a mixed role for both. So if you see a light tank, many players in the world are making light tanks. There are the Western tanks, the Russian tanks, Chinese tanks...what is unique about this tank is the weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which is the fire, power, mobility and protection. All three are optimized in such a way that the weight is also maintained. At the same time, you are getting all the parameters. So that is where we stand," Kumar said.
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times “India Unveils ‘Zorawar’ Tank for High-Altitude Warfare” Dated 09/07/24]

What type of engine did the Zorawar tank initially use?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
“India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12%, but India will remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century,” the United Nations has said.
The World Population Prospects 2024 report, released on July 11, said the world’s population is expected to continue growing over the coming 50-60 years, reaching a peak of around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. After peaking, the global population is projected to start declining gradually, falling to 10.2 billion people by the end of the century.
India, which surpassed China as the world's most populous nation last year, will continue to hold that position through 2100.
"The population of India, which is expected to remain the world’s largest throughout the century, will likely decline by 12% after reaching its peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion," the UN report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division said.
According to the report, India's population in 2024 is projected at 1.45 billion and this will peak to 1.69 billion in 2054. After this, India's population is projected to decline to 1.5 billion by the end of the century in 2100, but the country will still remain the most populous nation on Earth.
Responding to a question by PTI on population projections for India, Senior Population Affairs Officer, Population Division, UN DESA Clare Menozzi said at a press conference that "India is currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century. The population is currently estimated at 1.45 billion, and it's supposed to increase further" to 1.69 billion.
"It's supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline. So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
The report said that China's population, currently 1.41 billion in 2024, will fall to 1.21 billion in 2054 and further decline to 633 million by 2100.
“It is anticipated that China, the country currently with the world’s second-largest population, will likely experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054 (204 million),” followed by Japan (21 million) and Russia (10 million). “Longer-range population projections are more uncertain” for China,” it said.
"However, due to its large size and sustained low level of fertility, China is also likely to record the largest population decline of any country through the end of the century (786 million people). By 2100, China is projected to have lost more than a half of its current population and to have returned to a population size comparable to that recorded in the late 1950s (50% probability)."
Responding to a question on the significantly low population projection for China, Director of the Population Division at UN DESA John Wilmoth said that "it really relates to the level of fertility that's observed currently in China. The current number is right around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime. Given that you need 2.1 births to maintain the current population without migration, if fertility levels remain at such a low level, even if they come up slightly, any fertility level if it's below two, or especially below 1.8 or below 1.5, you're really getting into low levels of fertility and it produces a long run decline that's quite significant. And that's true for China. It's true for some other countries in this analysis," Mr. Wilmoth said.
[Excerpt from The Hindu “World Population Prospects 2024: UN” Dated 13/07/24]

Which countries are expected to have continued population growth after 2054?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested out its light battle tank Zorawar in Gujarat's Hazira on Saturday. DRDO chief Samir V Kamath said Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials.
Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. The Zorawar will help balance the scales against China's existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, like the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower and advanced systems will enhance India's overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
The DRDO chief told ANI, "It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials."
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
Speaking on the occasion, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandsaid, "It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T."
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar said that the unique thing about the Zorawar tank is its weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank.
"Generally there are three different types of tanks. There are three categories depending on the weight. The heavy tanks, the medium tanks and the light tanks. Each one has its role. One is for protection, one is for offence and these light tanks play a mixed role for both. So if you see a light tank, many players in the world are making light tanks. There are the Western tanks, the Russian tanks, Chinese tanks...what is unique about this tank is the weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which is the fire, power, mobility and protection. All three are optimized in such a way that the weight is also maintained. At the same time, you are getting all the parameters. So that is where we stand," Kumar said.
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times “India Unveils ‘Zorawar’ Tank for High-Altitude Warfare” Dated 09/07/24]

What is the name of India's new light tank?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested out its light battle tank Zorawar in Gujarat's Hazira on Saturday. DRDO chief Samir V Kamath said Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials.
Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. The Zorawar will help balance the scales against China's existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, like the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower and advanced systems will enhance India's overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
The DRDO chief told ANI, "It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials."
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
Speaking on the occasion, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandsaid, "It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T."
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar said that the unique thing about the Zorawar tank is its weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank.
"Generally there are three different types of tanks. There are three categories depending on the weight. The heavy tanks, the medium tanks and the light tanks. Each one has its role. One is for protection, one is for offence and these light tanks play a mixed role for both. So if you see a light tank, many players in the world are making light tanks. There are the Western tanks, the Russian tanks, Chinese tanks...what is unique about this tank is the weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which is the fire, power, mobility and protection. All three are optimized in such a way that the weight is also maintained. At the same time, you are getting all the parameters. So that is where we stand," Kumar said.
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times “India Unveils ‘Zorawar’ Tank for High-Altitude Warfare” Dated 09/07/24]

Which company assisted with the turret system for the Zorawar tank?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's following on social media X reached 100 million on Sunday. He thus became the most followed global leader on the social platform.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on achieving the tremendous feat. "A hundred million on @X ! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well," posted Modi on X.
Having achieved 100 million followers on X, PM Modi has established himself among the most popular global personalities. He is the second most followed leader after former US President Barack Obama. The Democrat leader has a whopping 131.7 million followers on X. The third rank is occupied by former US President Donald Trump who has 87.4 million followers on X.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden is at the fourth spot, with 38.1 million followers on X. At the fifth spot is India's Union home minister Amit Shah, with 35.2 million followers. The sixth rank goes to former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who has 31 million followers on X.
PM Modi races far ahead of other Indian politicians
Compared to PM Modi, other Indian political leaders have far less number of followers. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has 26.4 million followers, Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has 27.5 million, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has 19.9 million followers.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has 7.4 million followers while Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has 6.3 million. His son Tejashwi Yadav has 5.2 million followers, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has 2.9 million.
Notably, PM Modi also has big influence on other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He has nearly 25 million subscribers on YouTube and over 91 million followers on Instagram respectively.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “PM Modi – Most Followed Leader on X with over 100 Million Followers” Dated 16/07/24]

What accolade was awarded to Narendra Modi by the United Nations in 2018?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested out its light battle tank Zorawar in Gujarat's Hazira on Saturday. DRDO chief Samir V Kamath said Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials.
Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. The Zorawar will help balance the scales against China's existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, like the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower and advanced systems will enhance India's overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
The DRDO chief told ANI, "It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials."
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
Speaking on the occasion, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandsaid, "It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T."
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar said that the unique thing about the Zorawar tank is its weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank.
"Generally there are three different types of tanks. There are three categories depending on the weight. The heavy tanks, the medium tanks and the light tanks. Each one has its role. One is for protection, one is for offence and these light tanks play a mixed role for both. So if you see a light tank, many players in the world are making light tanks. There are the Western tanks, the Russian tanks, Chinese tanks...what is unique about this tank is the weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which is the fire, power, mobility and protection. All three are optimized in such a way that the weight is also maintained. At the same time, you are getting all the parameters. So that is where we stand," Kumar said.
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times “India Unveils ‘Zorawar’ Tank for High-Altitude Warfare” Dated 09/07/24]

Which organizations collaborated to develop the Zorawar tank?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
“India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12%, but India will remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century,” the United Nations has said.
The World Population Prospects 2024 report, released on July 11, said the world’s population is expected to continue growing over the coming 50-60 years, reaching a peak of around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. After peaking, the global population is projected to start declining gradually, falling to 10.2 billion people by the end of the century.
India, which surpassed China as the world's most populous nation last year, will continue to hold that position through 2100.
"The population of India, which is expected to remain the world’s largest throughout the century, will likely decline by 12% after reaching its peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion," the UN report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division said.
According to the report, India's population in 2024 is projected at 1.45 billion and this will peak to 1.69 billion in 2054. After this, India's population is projected to decline to 1.5 billion by the end of the century in 2100, but the country will still remain the most populous nation on Earth.
Responding to a question by PTI on population projections for India, Senior Population Affairs Officer, Population Division, UN DESA Clare Menozzi said at a press conference that "India is currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century. The population is currently estimated at 1.45 billion, and it's supposed to increase further" to 1.69 billion.
"It's supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline. So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
The report said that China's population, currently 1.41 billion in 2024, will fall to 1.21 billion in 2054 and further decline to 633 million by 2100.
“It is anticipated that China, the country currently with the world’s second-largest population, will likely experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054 (204 million),” followed by Japan (21 million) and Russia (10 million). “Longer-range population projections are more uncertain” for China,” it said.
"However, due to its large size and sustained low level of fertility, China is also likely to record the largest population decline of any country through the end of the century (786 million people). By 2100, China is projected to have lost more than a half of its current population and to have returned to a population size comparable to that recorded in the late 1950s (50% probability)."
Responding to a question on the significantly low population projection for China, Director of the Population Division at UN DESA John Wilmoth said that "it really relates to the level of fertility that's observed currently in China. The current number is right around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime. Given that you need 2.1 births to maintain the current population without migration, if fertility levels remain at such a low level, even if they come up slightly, any fertility level if it's below two, or especially below 1.8 or below 1.5, you're really getting into low levels of fertility and it produces a long run decline that's quite significant. And that's true for China. It's true for some other countries in this analysis," Mr. Wilmoth said.
[Excerpt from The Hindu “World Population Prospects 2024: UN” Dated 13/07/24]

What implications are associated with the projected population trends?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's following on social media X reached 100 million on Sunday. He thus became the most followed global leader on the social platform.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on achieving the tremendous feat. "A hundred million on @X ! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well," posted Modi on X.
Having achieved 100 million followers on X, PM Modi has established himself among the most popular global personalities. He is the second most followed leader after former US President Barack Obama. The Democrat leader has a whopping 131.7 million followers on X. The third rank is occupied by former US President Donald Trump who has 87.4 million followers on X.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden is at the fourth spot, with 38.1 million followers on X. At the fifth spot is India's Union home minister Amit Shah, with 35.2 million followers. The sixth rank goes to former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who has 31 million followers on X.
PM Modi races far ahead of other Indian politicians
Compared to PM Modi, other Indian political leaders have far less number of followers. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has 26.4 million followers, Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has 27.5 million, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has 19.9 million followers.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has 7.4 million followers while Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has 6.3 million. His son Tejashwi Yadav has 5.2 million followers, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has 2.9 million.
Notably, PM Modi also has big influence on other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He has nearly 25 million subscribers on YouTube and over 91 million followers on Instagram respectively.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “PM Modi – Most Followed Leader on X with over 100 Million Followers” Dated 16/07/24]

How does Modi's follower count on platform X compare to other notable figures like Joe Biden and Pope Francis?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday night makes him the first presidential candidate in American history to withdraw from the race on such short notice. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure during the Vietnam War, bowed out in March 1968 before the November elections, not in July.
This unprecedented, last-minute development has divided experts on whether Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, will benefit, as well as what this means for India.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly said that India’s partnership with the US will continue to grow irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is elected to the White House. Though there is bipartisan support in the US for deepening ties with India against a rising China, challenges such as India’s closeness with Russia and the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun remain.
Some experts say Trump will gain from Biden’s withdrawal, especially after he survived an assassination attempt on 13 July. “This is advantageous to Trump. Biden was flailing and had to step down, but still had some pan-American support even in the Upper Midwest states. Can the same be said about Kamala Harris?” Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.
National polls show that Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris — now endorsed by Biden — by two percentage points. Harris herself is yet to be confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. All will be revealed at the Democratic National Convention on 19 August.
Yet, other experts say Biden’s decision to step down is good news for the Democratic Party’s long-term strategy. “Democrats were concerned that, if Biden were to continue, they might lose not only the presidency, but also elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, thereby leaving no checks and balances on Trump,” Meera Shankar, a former ambassador to the US.
Elections will be held for the presidency, the US House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate on 5 November.
Harris, if confirmed, has less time to campaign, mobilise support and enthuse the electoral base. “The polls have been in favour of Trump ever since Biden began losing ground following the CNN presidential debate. However, it is currently difficult to predict who gains an advantage by Biden stepping down,” Shankar added.
Since Biden’s poor performance in the debate three weeks ago, Trump has been gaining a national lead over the sitting president in polls. Even before the Trump shooting, the nonpartisan newsletter Cook Political Report moved three key swing states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — from undecided to “Lean Republican”.
The battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the election are Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.
What this means for India
As New Delhi watches the developments in America with a keen eye, there seems to be an understanding that India will be able to handle relations with whoever assumes charge of the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
Last Friday, former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra was officially appointed India’s next ambassador to the US. Kwatra will face challenges spurred by concerns in Washington DC over Modi’s recent visit to Russia, as well as the alleged Pannun murder plot.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country “values strategic autonomy” in response to stern remarks issued by the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti a week prior.
“India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. We also have our own and different views,” the MEA spokesperson told reporters Friday.
Following Modi’s visit to Moscow, Garcetti had said on 11 July: “I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” The “conflict” was believed to be a reference to the Ukraine war.
Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told ThePrint, “Democrats have a better chance of coming back to power, now that Biden has stepped down. Trump was only a couple of points above Biden after the assassination attempt, indicating a significant level of an anti-Trump vote. This would mean a more stable US foreign policy rather than the Trump chaos.”
On the Pannun issue, there would be little to no difference between a Democrat or Republican president, given it involves American territorial sovereignty, said Rajagopalan. “But on domestic Indian issues like secularism and human rights, a Democrat will be harder on India,” he added.

What significant legislative act was Joe Biden instrumental in during his political career?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A potential Donald Trump presidency in November could lead to the implementation of Project 2025, a sweeping policy plan crafted by the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, which outlines a vision for radical changes to the federal government and its policies.
This plan includes a wide range of far-right policies and has been described as “authoritarian,” “dystopian,” and a “blueprint for destroying our democracy.”
However, Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. He denied knowing in a Truth Social post, posting, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” Notably, MAGA tied with Project 2025.
“Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them,” he added.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 goes beyond typical conservative agendas, such as restricting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and halting initiatives to address climate change and income inequality, to propose more far-reaching and fundamental changes to the federal government's structure and functioning. It also proposes several significant changes that would fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the federal government. These changes include what is being termed the most substantial transformation of the federal workforce since the 19th century.
The plan, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” spans 900 pages and lays out detailed policy recommendations for major federal agencies.
Although Trump’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the document, many of the individuals involved in creating the plan have previously worked with his administration or have close ties to his team.
To which Trump's spokesperson replied, “Crooked Joe Biden, his campaign, and Democrats have been engaging in 'cheap fakes' to misrepresent President Trump's agenda. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome continues unabated.”
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with over 100 right-wing organizations. Among these groups are the Alliance Defending Freedom, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade; the NRA; Moms for Liberty, known for their efforts to influence educational policies; and America First Legal, led by Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser known for his stringent anti-immigration stance.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “What is Project 2025?” Dated 11/07/24]

What does Project 2025 advocate for in terms of domestic policies?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's following on social media X reached 100 million on Sunday. He thus became the most followed global leader on the social platform.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on achieving the tremendous feat. "A hundred million on @X ! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well," posted Modi on X.
Having achieved 100 million followers on X, PM Modi has established himself among the most popular global personalities. He is the second most followed leader after former US President Barack Obama. The Democrat leader has a whopping 131.7 million followers on X. The third rank is occupied by former US President Donald Trump who has 87.4 million followers on X.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden is at the fourth spot, with 38.1 million followers on X. At the fifth spot is India's Union home minister Amit Shah, with 35.2 million followers. The sixth rank goes to former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who has 31 million followers on X.
PM Modi races far ahead of other Indian politicians
Compared to PM Modi, other Indian political leaders have far less number of followers. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has 26.4 million followers, Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has 27.5 million, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has 19.9 million followers.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has 7.4 million followers while Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has 6.3 million. His son Tejashwi Yadav has 5.2 million followers, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has 2.9 million.
Notably, PM Modi also has big influence on other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He has nearly 25 million subscribers on YouTube and over 91 million followers on Instagram respectively.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “PM Modi – Most Followed Leader on X with over 100 Million Followers” Dated 16/07/24]

How many followers does Prime Minister Narendra Modi have on the social media site X?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
“India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12%, but India will remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century,” the United Nations has said.
The World Population Prospects 2024 report, released on July 11, said the world’s population is expected to continue growing over the coming 50-60 years, reaching a peak of around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. After peaking, the global population is projected to start declining gradually, falling to 10.2 billion people by the end of the century.
India, which surpassed China as the world's most populous nation last year, will continue to hold that position through 2100.
"The population of India, which is expected to remain the world’s largest throughout the century, will likely decline by 12% after reaching its peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion," the UN report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division said.
According to the report, India's population in 2024 is projected at 1.45 billion and this will peak to 1.69 billion in 2054. After this, India's population is projected to decline to 1.5 billion by the end of the century in 2100, but the country will still remain the most populous nation on Earth.
Responding to a question by PTI on population projections for India, Senior Population Affairs Officer, Population Division, UN DESA Clare Menozzi said at a press conference that "India is currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century. The population is currently estimated at 1.45 billion, and it's supposed to increase further" to 1.69 billion.
"It's supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline. So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
The report said that China's population, currently 1.41 billion in 2024, will fall to 1.21 billion in 2054 and further decline to 633 million by 2100.
“It is anticipated that China, the country currently with the world’s second-largest population, will likely experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054 (204 million),” followed by Japan (21 million) and Russia (10 million). “Longer-range population projections are more uncertain” for China,” it said.
"However, due to its large size and sustained low level of fertility, China is also likely to record the largest population decline of any country through the end of the century (786 million people). By 2100, China is projected to have lost more than a half of its current population and to have returned to a population size comparable to that recorded in the late 1950s (50% probability)."
Responding to a question on the significantly low population projection for China, Director of the Population Division at UN DESA John Wilmoth said that "it really relates to the level of fertility that's observed currently in China. The current number is right around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime. Given that you need 2.1 births to maintain the current population without migration, if fertility levels remain at such a low level, even if they come up slightly, any fertility level if it's below two, or especially below 1.8 or below 1.5, you're really getting into low levels of fertility and it produces a long run decline that's quite significant. And that's true for China. It's true for some other countries in this analysis," Mr. Wilmoth said.
[Excerpt from The Hindu “World Population Prospects 2024: UN” Dated 13/07/24]

What significant demographic shift is anticipated by the late 2070s?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday night makes him the first presidential candidate in American history to withdraw from the race on such short notice. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure during the Vietnam War, bowed out in March 1968 before the November elections, not in July.
This unprecedented, last-minute development has divided experts on whether Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, will benefit, as well as what this means for India.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly said that India’s partnership with the US will continue to grow irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is elected to the White House. Though there is bipartisan support in the US for deepening ties with India against a rising China, challenges such as India’s closeness with Russia and the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun remain.
Some experts say Trump will gain from Biden’s withdrawal, especially after he survived an assassination attempt on 13 July. “This is advantageous to Trump. Biden was flailing and had to step down, but still had some pan-American support even in the Upper Midwest states. Can the same be said about Kamala Harris?” Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.
National polls show that Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris — now endorsed by Biden — by two percentage points. Harris herself is yet to be confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. All will be revealed at the Democratic National Convention on 19 August.
Yet, other experts say Biden’s decision to step down is good news for the Democratic Party’s long-term strategy. “Democrats were concerned that, if Biden were to continue, they might lose not only the presidency, but also elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, thereby leaving no checks and balances on Trump,” Meera Shankar, a former ambassador to the US.
Elections will be held for the presidency, the US House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate on 5 November.
Harris, if confirmed, has less time to campaign, mobilise support and enthuse the electoral base. “The polls have been in favour of Trump ever since Biden began losing ground following the CNN presidential debate. However, it is currently difficult to predict who gains an advantage by Biden stepping down,” Shankar added.
Since Biden’s poor performance in the debate three weeks ago, Trump has been gaining a national lead over the sitting president in polls. Even before the Trump shooting, the nonpartisan newsletter Cook Political Report moved three key swing states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — from undecided to “Lean Republican”.
The battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the election are Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.
What this means for India
As New Delhi watches the developments in America with a keen eye, there seems to be an understanding that India will be able to handle relations with whoever assumes charge of the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
Last Friday, former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra was officially appointed India’s next ambassador to the US. Kwatra will face challenges spurred by concerns in Washington DC over Modi’s recent visit to Russia, as well as the alleged Pannun murder plot.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country “values strategic autonomy” in response to stern remarks issued by the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti a week prior.
“India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. We also have our own and different views,” the MEA spokesperson told reporters Friday.
Following Modi’s visit to Moscow, Garcetti had said on 11 July: “I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” The “conflict” was believed to be a reference to the Ukraine war.
Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told ThePrint, “Democrats have a better chance of coming back to power, now that Biden has stepped down. Trump was only a couple of points above Biden after the assassination attempt, indicating a significant level of an anti-Trump vote. This would mean a more stable US foreign policy rather than the Trump chaos.”
On the Pannun issue, there would be little to no difference between a Democrat or Republican president, given it involves American territorial sovereignty, said Rajagopalan. “But on domestic Indian issues like secularism and human rights, a Democrat will be harder on India,” he added.

Which potential successor is the governor of Pennsylvania and known for higher approval rates and bipartisan support?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested out its light battle tank Zorawar in Gujarat's Hazira on Saturday. DRDO chief Samir V Kamath said Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials.
Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. The Zorawar will help balance the scales against China's existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, like the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower and advanced systems will enhance India's overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
The DRDO chief told ANI, "It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials."
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
Speaking on the occasion, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandsaid, "It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T."
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar said that the unique thing about the Zorawar tank is its weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank.
"Generally there are three different types of tanks. There are three categories depending on the weight. The heavy tanks, the medium tanks and the light tanks. Each one has its role. One is for protection, one is for offence and these light tanks play a mixed role for both. So if you see a light tank, many players in the world are making light tanks. There are the Western tanks, the Russian tanks, Chinese tanks...what is unique about this tank is the weight as well as the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which is the fire, power, mobility and protection. All three are optimized in such a way that the weight is also maintained. At the same time, you are getting all the parameters. So that is where we stand," Kumar said.
The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times “India Unveils ‘Zorawar’ Tank for High-Altitude Warfare” Dated 09/07/24]

What type of gun is equipped on the Zorawar tank?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
“India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12%, but India will remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century,” the United Nations has said.
The World Population Prospects 2024 report, released on July 11, said the world’s population is expected to continue growing over the coming 50-60 years, reaching a peak of around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. After peaking, the global population is projected to start declining gradually, falling to 10.2 billion people by the end of the century.
India, which surpassed China as the world's most populous nation last year, will continue to hold that position through 2100.
"The population of India, which is expected to remain the world’s largest throughout the century, will likely decline by 12% after reaching its peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion," the UN report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division said.
According to the report, India's population in 2024 is projected at 1.45 billion and this will peak to 1.69 billion in 2054. After this, India's population is projected to decline to 1.5 billion by the end of the century in 2100, but the country will still remain the most populous nation on Earth.
Responding to a question by PTI on population projections for India, Senior Population Affairs Officer, Population Division, UN DESA Clare Menozzi said at a press conference that "India is currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century. The population is currently estimated at 1.45 billion, and it's supposed to increase further" to 1.69 billion.
"It's supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline. So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
The report said that China's population, currently 1.41 billion in 2024, will fall to 1.21 billion in 2054 and further decline to 633 million by 2100.
“It is anticipated that China, the country currently with the world’s second-largest population, will likely experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054 (204 million),” followed by Japan (21 million) and Russia (10 million). “Longer-range population projections are more uncertain” for China,” it said.
"However, due to its large size and sustained low level of fertility, China is also likely to record the largest population decline of any country through the end of the century (786 million people). By 2100, China is projected to have lost more than a half of its current population and to have returned to a population size comparable to that recorded in the late 1950s (50% probability)."
Responding to a question on the significantly low population projection for China, Director of the Population Division at UN DESA John Wilmoth said that "it really relates to the level of fertility that's observed currently in China. The current number is right around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime. Given that you need 2.1 births to maintain the current population without migration, if fertility levels remain at such a low level, even if they come up slightly, any fertility level if it's below two, or especially below 1.8 or below 1.5, you're really getting into low levels of fertility and it produces a long run decline that's quite significant. And that's true for China. It's true for some other countries in this analysis," Mr. Wilmoth said.
[Excerpt from The Hindu “World Population Prospects 2024: UN” Dated 13/07/24]

According to the “World Population Prospects 2024” study, when is the world’s population expected to peak?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday night makes him the first presidential candidate in American history to withdraw from the race on such short notice. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure during the Vietnam War, bowed out in March 1968 before the November elections, not in July.
This unprecedented, last-minute development has divided experts on whether Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, will benefit, as well as what this means for India.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly said that India’s partnership with the US will continue to grow irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is elected to the White House. Though there is bipartisan support in the US for deepening ties with India against a rising China, challenges such as India’s closeness with Russia and the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun remain.
Some experts say Trump will gain from Biden’s withdrawal, especially after he survived an assassination attempt on 13 July. “This is advantageous to Trump. Biden was flailing and had to step down, but still had some pan-American support even in the Upper Midwest states. Can the same be said about Kamala Harris?” Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.
National polls show that Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris — now endorsed by Biden — by two percentage points. Harris herself is yet to be confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. All will be revealed at the Democratic National Convention on 19 August.
Yet, other experts say Biden’s decision to step down is good news for the Democratic Party’s long-term strategy. “Democrats were concerned that, if Biden were to continue, they might lose not only the presidency, but also elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, thereby leaving no checks and balances on Trump,” Meera Shankar, a former ambassador to the US.
Elections will be held for the presidency, the US House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate on 5 November.
Harris, if confirmed, has less time to campaign, mobilise support and enthuse the electoral base. “The polls have been in favour of Trump ever since Biden began losing ground following the CNN presidential debate. However, it is currently difficult to predict who gains an advantage by Biden stepping down,” Shankar added.
Since Biden’s poor performance in the debate three weeks ago, Trump has been gaining a national lead over the sitting president in polls. Even before the Trump shooting, the nonpartisan newsletter Cook Political Report moved three key swing states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — from undecided to “Lean Republican”.
The battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the election are Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.
What this means for India
As New Delhi watches the developments in America with a keen eye, there seems to be an understanding that India will be able to handle relations with whoever assumes charge of the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
Last Friday, former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra was officially appointed India’s next ambassador to the US. Kwatra will face challenges spurred by concerns in Washington DC over Modi’s recent visit to Russia, as well as the alleged Pannun murder plot.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country “values strategic autonomy” in response to stern remarks issued by the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti a week prior.
“India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. We also have our own and different views,” the MEA spokesperson told reporters Friday.
Following Modi’s visit to Moscow, Garcetti had said on 11 July: “I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” The “conflict” was believed to be a reference to the Ukraine war.
Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told ThePrint, “Democrats have a better chance of coming back to power, now that Biden has stepped down. Trump was only a couple of points above Biden after the assassination attempt, indicating a significant level of an anti-Trump vote. This would mean a more stable US foreign policy rather than the Trump chaos.”
On the Pannun issue, there would be little to no difference between a Democrat or Republican president, given it involves American territorial sovereignty, said Rajagopalan. “But on domestic Indian issues like secularism and human rights, a Democrat will be harder on India,” he added.

What prompted US President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race on July 21, 2023?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
“India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12%, but India will remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century,” the United Nations has said.
The World Population Prospects 2024 report, released on July 11, said the world’s population is expected to continue growing over the coming 50-60 years, reaching a peak of around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion in 2024. After peaking, the global population is projected to start declining gradually, falling to 10.2 billion people by the end of the century.
India, which surpassed China as the world's most populous nation last year, will continue to hold that position through 2100.
"The population of India, which is expected to remain the world’s largest throughout the century, will likely decline by 12% after reaching its peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion," the UN report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Population Division said.
According to the report, India's population in 2024 is projected at 1.45 billion and this will peak to 1.69 billion in 2054. After this, India's population is projected to decline to 1.5 billion by the end of the century in 2100, but the country will still remain the most populous nation on Earth.
Responding to a question by PTI on population projections for India, Senior Population Affairs Officer, Population Division, UN DESA Clare Menozzi said at a press conference that "India is currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century. The population is currently estimated at 1.45 billion, and it's supposed to increase further" to 1.69 billion.
"It's supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline. So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
The report said that China's population, currently 1.41 billion in 2024, will fall to 1.21 billion in 2054 and further decline to 633 million by 2100.
“It is anticipated that China, the country currently with the world’s second-largest population, will likely experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054 (204 million),” followed by Japan (21 million) and Russia (10 million). “Longer-range population projections are more uncertain” for China,” it said.
"However, due to its large size and sustained low level of fertility, China is also likely to record the largest population decline of any country through the end of the century (786 million people). By 2100, China is projected to have lost more than a half of its current population and to have returned to a population size comparable to that recorded in the late 1950s (50% probability)."
Responding to a question on the significantly low population projection for China, Director of the Population Division at UN DESA John Wilmoth said that "it really relates to the level of fertility that's observed currently in China. The current number is right around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime. Given that you need 2.1 births to maintain the current population without migration, if fertility levels remain at such a low level, even if they come up slightly, any fertility level if it's below two, or especially below 1.8 or below 1.5, you're really getting into low levels of fertility and it produces a long run decline that's quite significant. And that's true for China. It's true for some other countries in this analysis," Mr. Wilmoth said.
[Excerpt from The Hindu “World Population Prospects 2024: UN” Dated 13/07/24]

What has primarily contributed to the revised lower peak population figure in the “World Population Prospects 2024” study?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A potential Donald Trump presidency in November could lead to the implementation of Project 2025, a sweeping policy plan crafted by the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, which outlines a vision for radical changes to the federal government and its policies.
This plan includes a wide range of far-right policies and has been described as “authoritarian,” “dystopian,” and a “blueprint for destroying our democracy.”
However, Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. He denied knowing in a Truth Social post, posting, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” Notably, MAGA tied with Project 2025.
“Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them,” he added.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 goes beyond typical conservative agendas, such as restricting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and halting initiatives to address climate change and income inequality, to propose more far-reaching and fundamental changes to the federal government's structure and functioning. It also proposes several significant changes that would fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the federal government. These changes include what is being termed the most substantial transformation of the federal workforce since the 19th century.
The plan, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” spans 900 pages and lays out detailed policy recommendations for major federal agencies.
Although Trump’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the document, many of the individuals involved in creating the plan have previously worked with his administration or have close ties to his team.
To which Trump's spokesperson replied, “Crooked Joe Biden, his campaign, and Democrats have been engaging in 'cheap fakes' to misrepresent President Trump's agenda. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome continues unabated.”
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with over 100 right-wing organizations. Among these groups are the Alliance Defending Freedom, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade; the NRA; Moms for Liberty, known for their efforts to influence educational policies; and America First Legal, led by Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser known for his stringent anti-immigration stance.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “What is Project 2025?” Dated 11/07/24]

How has Donald Trump positioned himself in relation to Project 2025?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday night makes him the first presidential candidate in American history to withdraw from the race on such short notice. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure during the Vietnam War, bowed out in March 1968 before the November elections, not in July.
This unprecedented, last-minute development has divided experts on whether Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, will benefit, as well as what this means for India.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly said that India’s partnership with the US will continue to grow irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is elected to the White House. Though there is bipartisan support in the US for deepening ties with India against a rising China, challenges such as India’s closeness with Russia and the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun remain.
Some experts say Trump will gain from Biden’s withdrawal, especially after he survived an assassination attempt on 13 July. “This is advantageous to Trump. Biden was flailing and had to step down, but still had some pan-American support even in the Upper Midwest states. Can the same be said about Kamala Harris?” Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.
National polls show that Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris — now endorsed by Biden — by two percentage points. Harris herself is yet to be confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. All will be revealed at the Democratic National Convention on 19 August.
Yet, other experts say Biden’s decision to step down is good news for the Democratic Party’s long-term strategy. “Democrats were concerned that, if Biden were to continue, they might lose not only the presidency, but also elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, thereby leaving no checks and balances on Trump,” Meera Shankar, a former ambassador to the US.
Elections will be held for the presidency, the US House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate on 5 November.
Harris, if confirmed, has less time to campaign, mobilise support and enthuse the electoral base. “The polls have been in favour of Trump ever since Biden began losing ground following the CNN presidential debate. However, it is currently difficult to predict who gains an advantage by Biden stepping down,” Shankar added.
Since Biden’s poor performance in the debate three weeks ago, Trump has been gaining a national lead over the sitting president in polls. Even before the Trump shooting, the nonpartisan newsletter Cook Political Report moved three key swing states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — from undecided to “Lean Republican”.
The battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the election are Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.
What this means for India
As New Delhi watches the developments in America with a keen eye, there seems to be an understanding that India will be able to handle relations with whoever assumes charge of the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
Last Friday, former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra was officially appointed India’s next ambassador to the US. Kwatra will face challenges spurred by concerns in Washington DC over Modi’s recent visit to Russia, as well as the alleged Pannun murder plot.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country “values strategic autonomy” in response to stern remarks issued by the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti a week prior.
“India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. We also have our own and different views,” the MEA spokesperson told reporters Friday.
Following Modi’s visit to Moscow, Garcetti had said on 11 July: “I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” The “conflict” was believed to be a reference to the Ukraine war.
Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told ThePrint, “Democrats have a better chance of coming back to power, now that Biden has stepped down. Trump was only a couple of points above Biden after the assassination attempt, indicating a significant level of an anti-Trump vote. This would mean a more stable US foreign policy rather than the Trump chaos.”
On the Pannun issue, there would be little to no difference between a Democrat or Republican president, given it involves American territorial sovereignty, said Rajagopalan. “But on domestic Indian issues like secularism and human rights, a Democrat will be harder on India,” he added.

Who is considered Biden’s most obvious choice for successor?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
Emphasising that sustainability must be at the core of growth, he said efforts will be made to make aviation more accessible and affordable for people.
Around 40 countries, including Australia, Singapore, France, the US, the UK China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Japan, will be participating in the conference, according to a presentation.
The first Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held in Beijing in 2018.
At the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt said the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 33 per cent of the total global flight departures in 2023.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said there is great potential for the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region and India.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the aviation sector is on an upswing.
India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the third largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157, as per the ministerial conference website.
[Excerpt from Economic Times “India Hosts Second Asia Pacific Aviation Conference” Dated 18/07/24]

What was one of the significant outcomes of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in 2018?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's following on social media X reached 100 million on Sunday. He thus became the most followed global leader on the social platform.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on achieving the tremendous feat. "A hundred million on @X ! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well," posted Modi on X.
Having achieved 100 million followers on X, PM Modi has established himself among the most popular global personalities. He is the second most followed leader after former US President Barack Obama. The Democrat leader has a whopping 131.7 million followers on X. The third rank is occupied by former US President Donald Trump who has 87.4 million followers on X.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden is at the fourth spot, with 38.1 million followers on X. At the fifth spot is India's Union home minister Amit Shah, with 35.2 million followers. The sixth rank goes to former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who has 31 million followers on X.
PM Modi races far ahead of other Indian politicians
Compared to PM Modi, other Indian political leaders have far less number of followers. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has 26.4 million followers, Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has 27.5 million, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has 19.9 million followers.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has 7.4 million followers while Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has 6.3 million. His son Tejashwi Yadav has 5.2 million followers, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has 2.9 million.
Notably, PM Modi also has big influence on other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He has nearly 25 million subscribers on YouTube and over 91 million followers on Instagram respectively.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “PM Modi – Most Followed Leader on X with over 100 Million Followers” Dated 16/07/24]

What is a significant reason for Modi's rise in followers on platform X over the past three years?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
Emphasising that sustainability must be at the core of growth, he said efforts will be made to make aviation more accessible and affordable for people.
Around 40 countries, including Australia, Singapore, France, the US, the UK China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Japan, will be participating in the conference, according to a presentation.
The first Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held in Beijing in 2018.
At the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt said the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 33 per cent of the total global flight departures in 2023.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said there is great potential for the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region and India.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the aviation sector is on an upswing.
India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the third largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157, as per the ministerial conference website.
[Excerpt from Economic Times “India Hosts Second Asia Pacific Aviation Conference” Dated 18/07/24]

According to projections, what is the expected passenger growth in the Asia-Pacific region by 2050?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
Emphasising that sustainability must be at the core of growth, he said efforts will be made to make aviation more accessible and affordable for people.
Around 40 countries, including Australia, Singapore, France, the US, the UK China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Japan, will be participating in the conference, according to a presentation.
The first Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held in Beijing in 2018.
At the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt said the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 33 per cent of the total global flight departures in 2023.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said there is great potential for the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region and India.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the aviation sector is on an upswing.
India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the third largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157, as per the ministerial conference website.
[Excerpt from Economic Times “India Hosts Second Asia Pacific Aviation Conference” Dated 18/07/24]

What percentage of all global departures occur in the Asia-Pacific region?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's following on social media X reached 100 million on Sunday. He thus became the most followed global leader on the social platform.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on achieving the tremendous feat. "A hundred million on @X ! Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more. Looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well," posted Modi on X.
Having achieved 100 million followers on X, PM Modi has established himself among the most popular global personalities. He is the second most followed leader after former US President Barack Obama. The Democrat leader has a whopping 131.7 million followers on X. The third rank is occupied by former US President Donald Trump who has 87.4 million followers on X.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden is at the fourth spot, with 38.1 million followers on X. At the fifth spot is India's Union home minister Amit Shah, with 35.2 million followers. The sixth rank goes to former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who has 31 million followers on X.
PM Modi races far ahead of other Indian politicians
Compared to PM Modi, other Indian political leaders have far less number of followers. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has 26.4 million followers, Delhi chief minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has 27.5 million, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has 19.9 million followers.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has 7.4 million followers while Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has 6.3 million. His son Tejashwi Yadav has 5.2 million followers, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has 2.9 million.
Notably, PM Modi also has big influence on other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He has nearly 25 million subscribers on YouTube and over 91 million followers on Instagram respectively.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “PM Modi – Most Followed Leader on X with over 100 Million Followers” Dated 16/07/24]

What was one of the controversial policies implemented by Narendra Modi during his tenure as Prime Minister?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
Emphasising that sustainability must be at the core of growth, he said efforts will be made to make aviation more accessible and affordable for people.
Around 40 countries, including Australia, Singapore, France, the US, the UK China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Japan, will be participating in the conference, according to a presentation.
The first Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held in Beijing in 2018.
At the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt said the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 33 per cent of the total global flight departures in 2023.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said there is great potential for the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region and India.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the aviation sector is on an upswing.
India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the third largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157, as per the ministerial conference website.
[Excerpt from Economic Times “India Hosts Second Asia Pacific Aviation Conference” Dated 18/07/24]

What is the major goal of the second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A potential Donald Trump presidency in November could lead to the implementation of Project 2025, a sweeping policy plan crafted by the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, which outlines a vision for radical changes to the federal government and its policies.
This plan includes a wide range of far-right policies and has been described as “authoritarian,” “dystopian,” and a “blueprint for destroying our democracy.”
However, Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. He denied knowing in a Truth Social post, posting, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” Notably, MAGA tied with Project 2025.
“Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them,” he added.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 goes beyond typical conservative agendas, such as restricting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and halting initiatives to address climate change and income inequality, to propose more far-reaching and fundamental changes to the federal government's structure and functioning. It also proposes several significant changes that would fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the federal government. These changes include what is being termed the most substantial transformation of the federal workforce since the 19th century.
The plan, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” spans 900 pages and lays out detailed policy recommendations for major federal agencies.
Although Trump’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the document, many of the individuals involved in creating the plan have previously worked with his administration or have close ties to his team.
To which Trump's spokesperson replied, “Crooked Joe Biden, his campaign, and Democrats have been engaging in 'cheap fakes' to misrepresent President Trump's agenda. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome continues unabated.”
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with over 100 right-wing organizations. Among these groups are the Alliance Defending Freedom, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade; the NRA; Moms for Liberty, known for their efforts to influence educational policies; and America First Legal, led by Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser known for his stringent anti-immigration stance.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “What is Project 2025?” Dated 11/07/24]

What is the primary goal of Project 2025 according to the information provided?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A potential Donald Trump presidency in November could lead to the implementation of Project 2025, a sweeping policy plan crafted by the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, which outlines a vision for radical changes to the federal government and its policies.
This plan includes a wide range of far-right policies and has been described as “authoritarian,” “dystopian,” and a “blueprint for destroying our democracy.”
However, Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. He denied knowing in a Truth Social post, posting, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” Notably, MAGA tied with Project 2025.
“Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them,” he added.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 goes beyond typical conservative agendas, such as restricting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and halting initiatives to address climate change and income inequality, to propose more far-reaching and fundamental changes to the federal government's structure and functioning. It also proposes several significant changes that would fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the federal government. These changes include what is being termed the most substantial transformation of the federal workforce since the 19th century.
The plan, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” spans 900 pages and lays out detailed policy recommendations for major federal agencies.
Although Trump’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the document, many of the individuals involved in creating the plan have previously worked with his administration or have close ties to his team.
To which Trump's spokesperson replied, “Crooked Joe Biden, his campaign, and Democrats have been engaging in 'cheap fakes' to misrepresent President Trump's agenda. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome continues unabated.”
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with over 100 right-wing organizations. Among these groups are the Alliance Defending Freedom, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade; the NRA; Moms for Liberty, known for their efforts to influence educational policies; and America First Legal, led by Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser known for his stringent anti-immigration stance.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “What is Project 2025?” Dated 11/07/24]

Which of the following best describes Project 2025's stance on China?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
A potential Donald Trump presidency in November could lead to the implementation of Project 2025, a sweeping policy plan crafted by the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, which outlines a vision for radical changes to the federal government and its policies.
This plan includes a wide range of far-right policies and has been described as “authoritarian,” “dystopian,” and a “blueprint for destroying our democracy.”
However, Trump denied any connection with Project 2025. He denied knowing in a Truth Social post, posting, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” Notably, MAGA tied with Project 2025.
“Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them,” he added.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 goes beyond typical conservative agendas, such as restricting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and halting initiatives to address climate change and income inequality, to propose more far-reaching and fundamental changes to the federal government's structure and functioning. It also proposes several significant changes that would fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the federal government. These changes include what is being termed the most substantial transformation of the federal workforce since the 19th century.
The plan, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” spans 900 pages and lays out detailed policy recommendations for major federal agencies.
Although Trump’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the document, many of the individuals involved in creating the plan have previously worked with his administration or have close ties to his team.
To which Trump's spokesperson replied, “Crooked Joe Biden, his campaign, and Democrats have been engaging in 'cheap fakes' to misrepresent President Trump's agenda. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome continues unabated.”
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation in collaboration with over 100 right-wing organizations. Among these groups are the Alliance Defending Freedom, which played a pivotal role in overturning Roe v. Wade; the NRA; Moms for Liberty, known for their efforts to influence educational policies; and America First Legal, led by Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser known for his stringent anti-immigration stance.
[Excerpt from Hindustan Times “What is Project 2025?” Dated 11/07/24]

What has been a common criticism of Project 2025?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
Emphasising that sustainability must be at the core of growth, he said efforts will be made to make aviation more accessible and affordable for people.
Around 40 countries, including Australia, Singapore, France, the US, the UK China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Japan, will be participating in the conference, according to a presentation.
The first Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was held in Beijing in 2018.
At the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national, DGCA chief Vikram Dev Dutt said the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 33 per cent of the total global flight departures in 2023.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol said there is great potential for the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region and India.
Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the aviation sector is on an upswing.
India is the fastest-growing aviation market in the world and is currently the third largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157, as per the ministerial conference website.
[Excerpt from Economic Times “India Hosts Second Asia Pacific Aviation Conference” Dated 18/07/24]

When and where will the second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation be held?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
US President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday night makes him the first presidential candidate in American history to withdraw from the race on such short notice. Even President Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure during the Vietnam War, bowed out in March 1968 before the November elections, not in July.
This unprecedented, last-minute development has divided experts on whether Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, will benefit, as well as what this means for India.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly said that India’s partnership with the US will continue to grow irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is elected to the White House. Though there is bipartisan support in the US for deepening ties with India against a rising China, challenges such as India’s closeness with Russia and the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun remain.
Some experts say Trump will gain from Biden’s withdrawal, especially after he survived an assassination attempt on 13 July. “This is advantageous to Trump. Biden was flailing and had to step down, but still had some pan-American support even in the Upper Midwest states. Can the same be said about Kamala Harris?” Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi-based think tank.
National polls show that Trump is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris — now endorsed by Biden — by two percentage points. Harris herself is yet to be confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. All will be revealed at the Democratic National Convention on 19 August.
Yet, other experts say Biden’s decision to step down is good news for the Democratic Party’s long-term strategy. “Democrats were concerned that, if Biden were to continue, they might lose not only the presidency, but also elections to the House of Representatives and the Senate, thereby leaving no checks and balances on Trump,” Meera Shankar, a former ambassador to the US.
Elections will be held for the presidency, the US House of Representatives, and one-third of the Senate on 5 November.
Harris, if confirmed, has less time to campaign, mobilise support and enthuse the electoral base. “The polls have been in favour of Trump ever since Biden began losing ground following the CNN presidential debate. However, it is currently difficult to predict who gains an advantage by Biden stepping down,” Shankar added.
Since Biden’s poor performance in the debate three weeks ago, Trump has been gaining a national lead over the sitting president in polls. Even before the Trump shooting, the nonpartisan newsletter Cook Political Report moved three key swing states — Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — from undecided to “Lean Republican”.
The battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the election are Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.
What this means for India
As New Delhi watches the developments in America with a keen eye, there seems to be an understanding that India will be able to handle relations with whoever assumes charge of the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
Last Friday, former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra was officially appointed India’s next ambassador to the US. Kwatra will face challenges spurred by concerns in Washington DC over Modi’s recent visit to Russia, as well as the alleged Pannun murder plot.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country “values strategic autonomy” in response to stern remarks issued by the US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti a week prior.
“India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. We also have our own and different views,” the MEA spokesperson told reporters Friday.
Following Modi’s visit to Moscow, Garcetti had said on 11 July: “I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy.” The “conflict” was believed to be a reference to the Ukraine war.
Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told ThePrint, “Democrats have a better chance of coming back to power, now that Biden has stepped down. Trump was only a couple of points above Biden after the assassination attempt, indicating a significant level of an anti-Trump vote. This would mean a more stable US foreign policy rather than the Trump chaos.”
On the Pannun issue, there would be little to no difference between a Democrat or Republican president, given it involves American territorial sovereignty, said Rajagopalan. “But on domestic Indian issues like secularism and human rights, a Democrat will be harder on India,” he added.

Which potential successor is the governor of Michigan and known for liberal views on issues such as abortion, gun control, and education?