Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 18th September 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals are major factors contributing to AMR.
- This statement is correct. The excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in both humans and animals is a significant factor leading to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
2. Sepsis directly linked to AMR causes more deaths in children under five than in adults over 70.
- This statement is incorrect. According to the data provided, deaths from AMR in children under five have decreased by 50%, while deaths in people over 70 have increased by more than 80%. This indicates that AMR-related sepsis causes more deaths in older adults compared to young children.
3. The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) in India focuses on a One Health approach involving various stakeholders.
- This statement is correct. The NAP-AMR in India indeed emphasizes a One Health approach, which integrates efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors involving multiple stakeholders to combat AMR effectively.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B

The AFSPA gives unbridled power to the armed forces and the Central Armed Police Forces deployed in “disturbed areas” as specified under the Act to kill anyone acting in contravention of law, arrest and search any premises without a warrant and ensures protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central

- Statement 1 is correct. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, indeed mandates that any prosecution of armed forces personnel requires prior approval from the Central Government. This provision is aimed at providing a degree of legal protection to military personnel operating in disturbed areas.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Supreme Court, while dismissing all legal actions concerning the FIR against the 30 army personnel involved in the Nagaland operation, did clarify that this does not preclude the Army from initiating its own disciplinary measures against the personnel involved.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While the AFSPA was initially implemented in the Northeast, its extension to Punjab did not happen immediately. The act was extended to Punjab later, reflecting the changing security and political landscapes over time.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Southern States' GDP contribution by 2023-24: 30% - Correct. By 2023-24, the southern states collectively contribute around 30% of India's GDP.

2. Gujarat's GDP share growth from 2000-01 to 2022-23: From 6.4% to 8.1% - Correct. Gujarat's economic share has increased from 6.4% in 2000-01 to 8.1% by 2022-23.

3. Haryana's per capita income in 2023-24: 176.8% of the national average - Correct. Haryana's relative per capita income reached 176.8% of the national average by 2023-24.

4. West Bengal's GDP share in 1960-61: 14.4% - Incorrect. West Bengal's GDP share in 1960-61 was 10.5%, not 14.4%. The 14.4% GDP share in the 1960s belonged to Uttar Pradesh.

So, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) was revived in 2017 with Bibek Debroy as the chairman.
- This statement is correct. The EAC-PM, which is a non-constitutional, independent body providing economic advice to the Government of India, was indeed revived in 2017 with Bibek Debroy appointed as the chairman.

2. Gujarat’s share of India’s GDP increased significantly from 6.4% in 2000-01 to 8.1% by 2022-23.
- This statement is also correct. Gujarat has seen a substantial increase in its share of the national GDP over the stated period, reflecting strong economic growth.

3. Sikkim’s per capita income in 2023-24 is lower than the national average.
- This statement is incorrect. In fact, Sikkim has seen remarkable growth, with its per capita income soaring to 320% of the national average by 2023-24, indicating a much higher per capita income compared to the national average.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

Statement-I is incorrect because the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) is actually a non-constitutional, independent body that provides economic advice to the Government of India. It was initially constituted after India's independence and was revived in 2017, with Bibek Debroy currently serving as the chairman. Statement-II is correct as it accurately describes the role of the EAC-PM in identifying and advising on key economic challenges faced by the country and offering guidance on various economic issues.

The Eastern States of India, particularly exemplified by West Bengal, have experienced a substantial decrease in their share of the national GDP over the years, dropping from 10.5% in 1960-61 to only 5.6% in 2023-24. Additionally, the per capita income of states in this region has fallen below the national average, indicating significant economic challenges. This decline underscores the economic struggles faced by Eastern States like West Bengal, necessitating focused efforts for growth and development.

1. Escherichia coli - Correctly matched. It is one of the superbugs linked to bacterial AMR in India.

2. Klebsiella pneumoniae - Correctly matched. It is one of the superbugs linked to bacterial AMR in India.

3. Staphylococcus aureus - Correctly matched. It is one of the superbugs linked to bacterial AMR in India.

4. Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Incorrectly matched. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterium, not a virus, and it causes tuberculosis.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The primary aim of the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) as highlighted in the Lancet report is to bring attention to the increasing threat posed by antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide. The report emphasizes the alarming projection of over 39 crore deaths by antibiotic-resistant infections estimated to occur globally by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this growing public health concern.

1. Incident Location: Mon district, Nagaland - Correct. The incident occurred in the Mon district of Nagaland, near the Myanmar border.

2. Act Governing Military Operations: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 - Correct. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, governs military operations in Nagaland.

3. Initial Misidentification: Coal mine workers mistaken for militants - Correct. Army commandos mistook coal mine workers for militants during the operation.

4. Authority for Prosecution Permission: State Government - Incorrect. Prosecution of armed forces personnel requires prior permission from the Central Government, not the State Government, under Section 7 of AFSPA.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.