Test: Weekly Current Affairs: December 1st to 7th - UPSC MCQ

Zain-ul-Abidin, the 9th Sultan of Kashmir in the 15th century, played a pivotal role in introducing Central Asian craft techniques to Kashmir. He collaborated with artisans from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Persia, thereby influencing the development of crafts in the region. This historical connection fostered cultural exchanges and enriched the craft traditions of Kashmir.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The designation of "World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council is indeed an acknowledgment of Srinagar's significant contribution to the global craft industry. This recognition highlights Srinagar's rich cultural heritage and its artisans' exceptional craftsmanship.

2. Statement 2 is correct. Zain-ul-Abidin, also known as Budshah, was the 9th Sultan of Kashmir in the 15th century. He is well-documented for having introduced various Central Asian craft techniques to Kashmir, significantly influencing the development of local crafts such as wood carving, carpet weaving, and embroidery.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, aims to preserve the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, and prohibits conversion of any place of worship from one religious denomination to another. It does not allow for conversion to their original status prior to that date; rather, it seeks to maintain the status quo as of 1947.

Given the analysis above, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Wood Carving: Integrates techniques from Samarkand.
This is correctly matched. Kashmiri wood carving incorporates techniques and styles from Central Asia, including areas like Samarkand, introduced during the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin.

2. Carpet Weaving: Features patterns named after Bukhara.
This is incorrectly matched. While Kashmiri carpets are influenced by Persian knotting methods and often feature designs named after Iranian cities, they are not specifically named after Bukhara. The influence is more Persian, particularly from Iranian cities.

3. Embroidery: Influenced by Uzbek suzani leading to sozini work.
This is correctly matched. The Uzbek suzani embroidery influenced Kashmiri embroidery styles, leading to the development of the distinctive sozini work.

4. Pashmina Shawls: Promoted by Zain-ul-Abidin.
This is incorrectly matched. Pashmina shawls were promoted by Mughal Emperor Akbar, not Zain-ul-Abidin. While Zain-ul-Abidin was instrumental in bringing various crafts to Kashmir, the promotion of Pashmina shawls is attributed to the Mughal period.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement-I: Srinagar was recognized as a "World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council. This statement is correct. Srinagar has gained recognition for its rich heritage in arts and crafts, particularly in areas like Kashmiri handicrafts.
- Statement-II: The Places of Worship Act, 1991, aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. This statement is correct. It was enacted to prevent conversion of any place of worship and to maintain their religious identity as of the specified date.
- Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as they address unrelated topics. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh made a significant contribution to education by founding Prem Mahavidyalaya, recognized as India's first polytechnic. This institution aimed to promote indigenous technical education, reflecting his vision for advancing educational opportunities in India.

- Statement 1: Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was indeed nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1932 due to his international advocacy for peace and his efforts in raising awareness about British colonial atrocities in India and Afghanistan. This statement is correct.

- Statement 2: It is projected that by 2030, gig workers will make up 4.1% of India's total workforce. This reflects the growing importance of the gig economy in job creation and its influence on economic growth, making the statement correct.

- Statement 3: The gig economy in India is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%, reaching a valuation of USD 455 billion by 2024. This is a key economic projection highlighting the significant growth potential of the gig economy, confirming the statement is correct.

All three statements are accurate based on the provided information. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

1. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh - Founded Prem Mahavidyalaya, India's first polytechnic: This pair is correctly matched. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh indeed founded Prem Mahavidyalaya in 1909, which is recognized as India's first polytechnic aimed at promoting indigenous technical education.

2. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh - Proclaimed the first Provisional Government of India in Berlin: This pair is incorrectly matched. Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh proclaimed the first Provisional Government of India in Kabul, Afghanistan, not Berlin, during World War I in 1915.

3. Gig Economy Growth - Projected to reach USD 455 billion by 2024: This pair is correctly matched. The gig economy in India is indeed projected to grow and reach USD 455 billion by 2024, as indicated in the provided data.

4. Gig Economy Workforce - Expected to be 10% of India's total workforce by 2030: This pair is incorrectly matched. The gig workforce is expected to comprise 4.1% of India's total workforce by 2030, not 10%.

Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement-I: Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh did indeed establish Prem Mahavidyalaya in 1909, which is recognized as India's first polytechnic to promote indigenous technical education. This statement is correct.
- Statement-II: The statement about the growth of the gig economy in India is plausible. However, without specific data verifying the exact figures mentioned, the accuracy of this statement cannot be guaranteed.
- Correct Answer: C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-II lacks verification of the specific growth projections stated.

The proposal to hold parliamentary sessions in South India aims to enhance regional representation in national policymaking. By decentralizing sessions, it seeks to address the challenges posed by Delhi's climate and geographical distance, thereby promoting inclusivity and acknowledging the diverse needs of different regions within the country.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Kessler Syndrome is a well-known theoretical scenario in which the density of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) becomes so high that collisions between objects cause a cascade of further collisions, creating more debris and increasing the likelihood of additional collisions. This scenario highlights the potential for an exponential increase in space debris, making some parts of LEO unusable.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) is an international forum of governmental bodies for the coordination of activities related to space debris. While it provides guidelines and promotes international cooperation, it is not directly responsible for implementing active debris removal technologies. The development and implementation of such technologies involve multiple stakeholders, including national space agencies and private sector participants.
- Statement 3 is correct. Given the global nature of space activities and the shared environment of Low Earth Orbit, international cooperation is crucial for effective space debris management. This cooperation ensures the safety and sustainability of satellite operations, as debris from one nation's satellite can affect satellites from any other country. Global efforts include setting guidelines, sharing data, and developing joint strategies to mitigate debris risks.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement-I correctly highlights the potential benefits of holding parliamentary sessions in South India, emphasizing enhanced regional representation. Statement-II correctly points out a possible concern that moving sessions might accentuate regional divides without directly explaining the statement in Statement-I. Thus, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I.

The BRICS nations are exploring alternative currencies primarily to enhance trade efficiency among member countries. By trading in local currencies, they aim to eliminate the need for intermediary foreign currencies, thereby reducing transaction costs and improving trade processes within the BRICS bloc. This initiative aligns with their goal of reducing reliance on the US dollar and fostering growth in local markets through increased intra-BRICS trade.

(Note: This question focuses on a key objective discussed in the content, emphasizing the BRICS nations' motivation for exploring alternative currencies to facilitate trade within the group.)

To determine the correctness of the statements, let's examine each one based on the provided information:

1. Statement 1 is correct. The data indicates that reckless driving and over-speeding were indeed responsible for 68.1% of the road accident deaths in India in 2023.

2. Statement 2 is also correct. Uttar Pradesh did report the highest number of road deaths in 2023, with statistics showing 44,000 accidents leading to 23,650 fatalities.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Indian government has set a goal to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by the year 2030.

Since all three statements accurately reflect the information provided, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3. Each statement is supported by specific data points, highlighting the focus areas for improving road safety in India and the ongoing challenges in specific regions such as Uttar Pradesh.

1. Road Accident Fatality Rate - 250 deaths per 10,000 km: This pair is correctly matched. The content specifies that India has one of the highest road accident fatality rates globally, with 250 deaths per 10,000 km.

2. BRICS Currency Proposal Year - 2020: This pair is incorrectly matched. The BRICS discussions on increasing the use of local currencies or creating a new BRICS currency took place at the 16th BRICS summit in October 2024, not in 2020.

3. Major Cause of Road Deaths in India - Non-compliance with safety measures: This pair is correctly matched. The document highlights that major causes of fatalities include non-compliance with safety measures like helmet and seat belt usage.

4. US Dollar Dominance in Trade - Over 90%: This pair is correctly matched. The key takeaways mention that the US dollar currently dominates over 90% of global trade.

Only three pairs are correctly matched: 1, 3, and 4. Option C is the correct answer.

The "International Debt Report 2024" highlighted that the total external debt of Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) soared to a record USD 8.8 trillion by the end of 2023, representing an increase of 8% since 2020. This finding underscores the growing debt burden faced by developing nations, impacting their financial stability and economic development.

- Statement 1 is correct. The "International Debt Report 2024" indicates that the total external debt of Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) indeed soared to USD 8.8 trillion by the end of 2023, an increase of 8% since 2020. This reflects the growing financial challenges faced by these countries.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The interest rates on loans from private creditors did not double to over 4%; rather, they reached 6%, marking the highest levels in 15 years. The statement confuses the rates, as it is the loans from official creditors that doubled to over 4%.

- Statement 3 is correct. The global public debt is projected to reach USD 315 trillion in 2024, driven by several factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and rising commodity prices. This projection highlights the extensive scale of global debt challenges.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, the answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Pair 1: Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS) - Provides technical assistance for debt management to developing countries. This is correctly matched. DMFAS is a program by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that offers technical assistance to improve the capacity of countries to manage their debt.
2. Pair 2: Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative - Aims to provide debt relief to the world's poorest countries. This is correctly matched. The HIPC Initiative is a joint effort by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to ensure that no poor country faces a debt burden it cannot manage.
3. Pair 3: International Development Association (IDA) - Offers concessional loans and grants to high-income countries. This is incorrectly matched. The IDA provides concessional loans and grants to the world's poorest countries, not high-income countries.
4. Pair 4: UNCTAD's "A World of Debt 2024" - Highlights the debt crisis affecting developing nations. This is correctly matched. The UNCTAD report focuses on the global debt crisis and its impact on developing nations.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Inscriptions in multiple languages are a distinctive feature of Mauryan Court Art. These inscriptions, often found on Ashoka's pillars, helped in disseminating messages across various regions and communities. They played a crucial role in communicating Ashoka's edicts and promoting values such as Dhamma, unity, and tolerance.

1. Statement 1: Correct. The 80-Pillar Assembly Hall is indeed associated with Emperor Ashoka, who is believed to have used it for the Third Buddhist Council. This council was significant for promoting the Dhamma and unifying the Buddhist community.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The architectural design of the 80-Pillar Hall featured sandstone pillars, not wooden pillars with stone bases. These pillars supported a wooden roof and floor, demonstrating advanced engineering of the Mauryan period.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The first excavation of the site took place between 1912 and 1915, which uncovered one intact pillar along with 80 pits for other pillars and evidence of destruction by fire.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.

1. 80-Pillar Assembly Hall - Third Buddhist Council: This pair is correctly matched. The 80-Pillar Assembly Hall at Kumhrar is associated with the Mauryan Empire and is believed to be the site where Emperor Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council. This council was significant for the unification of the Buddhist community and the propagation of Dhamma.

2. Sanchi Stupa - Mauryan Empire: This pair is correctly matched. The Sanchi Stupa is one of the most famous stupas from the Mauryan period, initially commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. It is an important example of Mauryan architecture and symbolizes the spread of Buddhism.

3. Yaksha Figures - Mauryan Popular Art: This pair is correctly matched. Yaksha and Yakshi figures are indeed part of Mauryan Popular Art. These figures were significant in the religious context and were common in Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist art during the Mauryan period.

4. Northern Black Polished Ware - Mauryan Court Art: This pair is incorrectly matched. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) is a type of pottery that is associated with the Mauryan period but is part of everyday use and thus aligns more with popular art rather than court art. Mauryan Court Art primarily includes palatial architecture, pillars, and stupas.

The correct number of correctly matched pairs is three.

Statement-I correctly highlights the connection of the 80-Pillar Assembly Hall with the Mauryan Empire and mentions Emperor Ashoka's association with it. This statement is accurate based on the information provided about the archaeological site at Kumhrar and the historical significance of the Mauryan Empire.
Statement-II discusses Mauryan Court Art, focusing on the architectural elements such as palaces influenced by Achaemenid designs and monolithic sandstone pillars with animal capitals. While this statement is also accurate in describing Mauryan Court Art, it does not directly relate to the specific 80-Pillar Assembly Hall excavated at Kumhrar, which is the subject of Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are correct in their own contexts, but Statement-II does not explain or directly relate to Statement-I in this particular scenario.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 is a pivotal legislation in India that regulates the mining sector, emphasizing development, conservation, and transparency. This act has undergone several amendments over the years to address evolving industry needs and promote sustainable mining practices.

- Statement 1 is correct. The incorporation of non-mineralised areas into mining leases is indeed intended to streamline mining operations and address operational challenges, as it allows for the efficient dumping of mine waste and overburden, which are ancillary activities to the primary mining operations.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, permits the inclusion of non-mineralised areas within mining leases for ancillary activities such as waste disposal, not for the extraction of additional minerals. The law allows these areas to be used for activities that support the primary mineral extraction process, preventing illegal extraction of minerals from these designated zones.

- Statement 3 is correct. State governments must consult the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) to ensure proper verification and prevent illegal activities when including non-mineralised areas in mining leases. This step is crucial for maintaining regulatory oversight and ensuring that the inclusion of such areas does not lead to unauthorized mineral extraction.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

1. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Correct. This Act indeed aims to regulate India's mining sector with a focus on development, conservation, and transparency. It serves as the foundational legislation for all mining activities in India.

2. China Plus One Strategy: Incorrect. This strategy does not aim to move supply chains entirely out of China. Instead, it encourages companies to diversify their supply chains by adding locations outside of China, hence "plus one," to mitigate risks.

3. District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Correct. The DMF is indeed established to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations. This aligns with its purpose of ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities.

4. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Incorrect. The CBAM is not limited to regulating carbon emissions within the European Union only. It is designed to impose a carbon price on imports into the EU, aiming to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring that imports are subject to the same carbon costs as domestic products.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B.

Statement-I correctly highlights the primary objectives of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which governs India's mining sector focusing on development, conservation, and transparency.
Statement-II accurately reflects the recent policy change allowing the incorporation of non-mineralised areas within mining leases to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate safe waste management without the need for separate auctions. This change aligns with the Supreme Court's directive on waste disposal within valid lease areas, demonstrating how the recent inclusion of non-mineralised areas aims to streamline operations and address challenges in the mining industry. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the implications of the policy change described in Statement-I.