Test: Weekly Current Affairs: January 15th to 21st - CLAT MCQ

The ongoing border fencing dispute primarily stems from the activities of the Border Security Force (BSF), particularly their attempts to construct barbed wire fencing along the international border in areas like the Malda district of West Bengal. This has raised serious concerns from Bangladesh, which has summoned India's High Commissioner to address these issues. The tensions highlight the complexities of managing border security and the need for adherence to bilateral agreements.

The 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities explicitly prohibit the construction of defense structures within 150 yards of the zero line. This agreement was established to prevent misunderstandings and maintain peaceful relations along the border. Adhering to this guideline is crucial for both countries to avoid escalating tensions and to ensure that local residents are not inconvenienced by border security measures.

The main objective of the National Turmeric Board is to support turmeric farmers and enhance productivity across various states in India. This includes improving the welfare of farmers, promoting research and development of superior turmeric varieties, and ensuring the quality of the produce. The establishment of the board reflects a strategic effort to uplift the turmeric sector and assist farmers in maximizing their output and income. Interestingly, India produces over 70% of the world's turmeric, showcasing its critical role in global spice markets.

Shri Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as the first Chairperson of the National Turmeric Board. His leadership is expected to guide the board in its mission to enhance the turmeric industry's productivity and welfare of farmers. The composition of the board includes representatives from various ministries and state producers, ensuring diverse input and comprehensive representation from key turmeric-producing regions.

The establishment of eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary aims to mitigate the negative impacts of development and urbanization on wildlife and their habitats. This initiative is critical for protecting the sanctuary's biodiversity and ensuring that human activities do not disrupt the ecological balance. By restricting harmful activities, the ESZ promotes a sustainable coexistence between conservation efforts and local community livelihoods.

Large hydropower projects are prohibited under the regulations governing eco-sensitive zones. This restriction is put in place to protect the delicate ecosystems within the sanctuary from significant disruptions that such large-scale infrastructure could cause. While some activities, like sustainable agriculture or ecotourism, can be compatible with conservation efforts, large hydropower projects pose a risk to wildlife habitats and the overall ecological integrity of the area.

The share of Central transfers in State revenues has increased from 20-24% in the early 2000s to 23-30% by FY25. This trend indicates a growing dependency of States on financial support from the Central government, raising concerns about their fiscal autonomy and sustainability in generating independent revenue.

Non-tax revenue for States is projected to fall below 24% in FY25, marking a 25-year low. This decline reflects challenges in revenue diversification and reliance on Central grants, highlighting the need for States to enhance their revenue-generating capabilities to ensure financial stability.

Under Section 45 of the PMLA, the accused is required to demonstrate a low likelihood of reoffending as part of the stringent bail conditions. This provision makes the bail process particularly challenging, as it places the burden on the accused to prove their innocence and the unlikelihood of committing further offenses. An interesting fact is that these strict conditions are intended to prevent potential flight risks and ensure that individuals involved in serious financial crimes are adequately monitored while their cases are pending.

The Supreme Court of India granted bail to Shashi Bala, challenging the Enforcement Directorate's interpretation of statutory exceptions for women under the PMLA. This ruling underscored the need for a nuanced understanding of how the law applies to vulnerable groups, suggesting that the judiciary is attentive to the potential for gender bias in legal interpretations. It highlights ongoing discussions about the balance between enforcing laws against money laundering and protecting individual rights.

As of the ninth anniversary of the Startup India mission, India has developed over 159,000 startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This growth reflects the government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through various initiatives and funding programs, which have significantly contributed to the country's innovation landscape.

Startups are recognized as catalysts for change by tackling major societal issues such as sustainability, healthcare, and digital transformation. This role highlights their importance not just in economic terms but also in driving innovations that contribute to societal advancements and improvements in quality of life.

The primary purpose of the $3.7 billion investment by China in Sri Lanka is to construct an oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day. This project aims to meet local fuel demands while also creating opportunities for fuel exports, which can help improve the country's foreign currency reserves. Such investments are often part of larger initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

The construction of the oil refinery has raised concerns for India primarily because it is located near the strategically important Hambantota port, which has been leased to China for 99 years. India views the increased Chinese influence in Sri Lanka as a potential threat to its own interests in the Indian Ocean. This geopolitical tension is exacerbated by the fear of losing influence in a region that is critical for India's security and trade routes.

The low success rate of green hydrogen projects can be attributed to rising electrolyser costs, which significantly impact the overall production expenses. Electrolysers are essential for the conversion of renewable energy into hydrogen, and their escalating prices hinder project viability. Understanding the cost dynamics in the renewable energy sector is crucial for fostering successful green hydrogen initiatives. Interestingly, as technology advances, the hope is that electrolyser costs will decrease, making green hydrogen more accessible and economically viable.

Agriculture is one of the sectors that can greatly benefit from the adoption of green hydrogen as a means to decarbonize. This includes applications such as hydrogen-powered farm equipment, which can replace fossil fuel-powered machines, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of green hydrogen in agriculture not only promotes sustainability but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. Interestingly, hydrogen fuel can also play a role in enhancing agricultural practices by powering equipment in remote areas where traditional energy sources are less accessible.

The primary cause of the 1965 India-Pakistan War was the long-standing territorial disputes over Kashmir. Both nations claimed the region, which led to heightened tensions and ultimately military conflict. The war was precipitated by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, aimed at inciting rebellion in Kashmir, which escalated into a full-scale war. This conflict highlighted the significance of Kashmir in the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia.

India captured the strategically vital Haji Pir Pass during the 1965 war, which was crucial for controlling supply lines and enhancing military logistics. The capture of this pass allowed Indian forces to disrupt Pakistani movements and maintain a tactical advantage in the region. However, post-war negotiations led to the return of Haji Pir to Pakistan under the Tashkent Declaration, impacting future military strategies.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is aimed at modernizing food processing and improving supply chain efficiency. This initiative focuses on reducing agricultural waste and enhancing the overall agricultural and food processing sectors in India. By promoting projects like Mega Food Parks and Integrated Cold Chains, PMKSY seeks to create a more efficient and productive agricultural economy, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

The initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) are projected to create approximately 13.42 lakh jobs. This significant job creation not only supports the agricultural workforce but also benefits around 51.24 lakh farmers, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to the overall economic growth of the sector. Employment opportunities in food processing are vital for transforming agricultural practices and boosting rural economies.

The restart capability of the Vikas engine enhances the reusability of launch vehicles, which is crucial for reducing costs and increasing the frequency of launches. By enabling multiple uses of the same engine, ISRO can optimize its resources and improve the efficiency of its space missions. Additionally, the ability to restart engines during flight can provide greater flexibility in mission profiles, allowing for adjustments based on real-time conditions.

The Vikas engine utilizes Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) as oxidizer. This combination is known as hypergolic propellants, which ignite spontaneously upon contact, making them reliable for rocket engines where precise ignition timing is critical. This characteristic is especially important for missions that require quick and reliable engine restarts.

The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system is designed primarily to enhance the artillery capabilities of the Indian Army. Developed as a replacement for older Soviet-era artillery systems, it provides the army with improved firepower, mobility, and operational effectiveness in various combat scenarios. The advanced specifications and operational history of the Pinaka underscore its significance in modern warfare.

Armenia was the first country to receive a significant number of Pinaka systems, which marks a milestone in international defense cooperation and the growing interest in India's indigenous military technology. This move not only enhances Armenia's military capabilities but also reflects India's expanding influence in the global defense market.

Bangladesh's objections to the construction of the Single Row Fence (SRF) primarily revolve around two concerns: the need to adhere to the 1975 bilateral agreement and the inconvenience this fencing may cause to local residents. This disagreement illustrates the broader challenges of border management and the necessity for effective communication and negotiation between the two nations. Both parties must work together to balance security needs with the rights and concerns of local communities.