Test: Weekly Current Affairs: December 15th to 21st - UPSC MCQ

Let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: India’s trade deficit has worsened with FTA partners due to a significant rise in imports compared to exports.

This statement is correct. The text indicates that between 2017 and 2022, India's exports to FTA partners increased by 31%, whereas imports rose by 82%, leading to a worsening trade deficit. Therefore, this statement accurately reflects the situation.

Statement 2: The utilization rate of FTAs in India is significantly higher than that of developed countries, indicating effective leverage of these agreements.

This statement is incorrect. According to the details provided, India's FTA utilization is around 25%, which is far below the typical 70-80% seen in developed countries. This indicates that India is not leveraging these agreements as effectively as developed nations.

Statement 3: MSMEs and farmers in India face increased challenges and competition due to the implementation of FTAs.

This statement is correct. The text highlights that MSMEs and farmers face increased competition and challenges due to FTAs, which can negatively impact these sectors.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right choice.

States introduce domicile-based reservations in private employment primarily to address high unemployment among local populations. By prioritizing locals for certain positions, these reservations aim to provide better access to job opportunities for residents who may be facing job shortages, especially in low and semi-skilled roles. This initiative is designed to tackle regional unemployment issues and retain skilled workers within the region.

1. Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code: This section addresses cruelty against women and is a non-bailable offence that often results in the accused being presumed guilty until proven innocent. This is due to the nature of the law, which mandates stringent action to protect women from domestic violence and dowry-related harassment. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

2. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This act is primarily designed to protect women from domestic abuse and does not provide equivalent legal recourse for men who might be facing domestic abuse, leading to skepticism and lack of protection when men report such cases. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

3. Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code: This section specifically addresses dowry deaths and creates a presumption of dowry-related causes if a married woman dies an unnatural death within seven years of her marriage, unless proven otherwise. This is designed to tackle the serious issue of dowry deaths in India. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

All three statements accurately reflect the current legal framework and challenges regarding these laws in India. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

- Statement 1 is correct. The government's strategy indeed includes joint operations and capacity building of security forces. This involves coordinated efforts between state police and central armed forces like the CRPF and COBRA. Operation SAMADHAN is a focused approach for intelligence gathering and operational strategy, highlighting the integration of strategic intelligence in counter-insurgency efforts.

- Statement 2 is correct. Development initiatives are a critical part of the strategy, emphasizing infrastructure projects such as roads and houses. This includes efforts for 100% saturation of government welfare schemes to ensure comprehensive development in affected regions. Programs like the PMGSY and Aspirational Districts Programme are also part of these development initiatives.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The empowerment strategy not only involves military engagements but also focuses on winning hearts and minds by addressing community grievances. This includes public engagement, implementing rehabilitation policies, providing incentives for Maoist cadres to surrender, and ensuring fair land acquisition practices. The government also aims to build trust with tribal communities and address their grievances.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statement 3 does not accurately describe the comprehensive nature of the empowerment efforts, which are not limited solely to military engagements but include significant community-focused initiatives.

Statement-I correctly defines globalisation as the exchange of goods and services among countries driven by advancements in communication and trade liberalization. Statement-II accurately describes India's engagement with globalisation starting in 1991, leading to economic reforms transitioning the economy from protectionism to a market-driven model. Statement-II explains how India's economic reforms align with the broader concept of globalisation, making both statements correct and interconnected. Hence, option (a) is the accurate answer.

1. Section 304B - Presumption of Dowry Death: Correctly matched. Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code deals with dowry deaths, creating a presumption that certain types of deaths of married women are related to dowry demands.

2. Section 498A - Maintenance Responsibilities: Incorrectly matched. Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code relates to cruelty against women by a husband or his relatives. It criminalizes acts of cruelty, including harassment for dowry. Maintenance responsibilities are covered under Section 125 of the CrPC.

3. Section 375 - Assault to Outrage Modesty: Incorrectly matched. Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code defines the offense of rape. Assault to outrage modesty is covered under Section 354.

4. Section 125 of CrPC Act, 1973 - Cruelty Against Women: Incorrectly matched. Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code pertains to maintenance for wives, children, and parents. It is intended to provide financial support and prevent destitution, not to address cruelty.

Only the first pair is correctly matched.

1. Security Measures - Deployment of Mini UAVs for CAPF battalions: This pair is correctly matched. As part of the security measures within the three-pronged strategy, the deployment of Mini UAVs for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is intended to enhance surveillance and operational capabilities in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.

2. Development Initiatives - Creation of Tribal Advisory Councils: This pair is incorrectly matched. Tribal Advisory Councils are more related to governance reforms and empowerment rather than development initiatives like infrastructure development or welfare schemes.

3. Empowerment Efforts - Rehabilitation policies for surrendered Maoists: This pair is correctly matched. Rehabilitation policies are indeed part of empowerment efforts aimed at incentivizing Maoist cadres to surrender through education and vocational training, which aligns with the "winning hearts and minds" approach.

4. Infrastructure Development - Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006: This pair is incorrectly matched. The implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, is related to addressing grievances and ensuring fair land acquisition, not specifically infrastructure development.

Correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3. Therefore, the answer is only two pairs are correctly matched.

The key drivers of globalisation, as highlighted in the text, include advancements in technology and the liberalisation of trade. These factors have played a crucial role in fostering interconnectedness among countries and facilitating the exchange of goods, services, and ideas on a global scale.

Statement-I correctly outlines the three-pronged strategy employed by the government of India to eliminate Maoist insurgency, involving security measures, development initiatives, and empowerment efforts. Statement-II correctly highlights the objective of the POSH Act, which aims to ensure a safe working environment for women, including within political parties. The connection between the two statements lies in the fact that both address strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing specific societal challenges, one related to security issues and the other to workplace safety for women.

1. Trade Deficit Post-FTAs — Correct. Imports increased by 82% between 2017 and 2022, leading to a worsening trade deficit. This matches the information provided about the impact of FTAs on India's trade balance.

2. Low FTA Utilization — Incorrect. India's FTA utilization is actually around 25%, not 70-80%. The figure 70-80% represents the typical utilization rate in developed countries.

3. Non-Tariff Barriers — Correct. The note mentions that despite tariff reductions, non-tariff barriers such as stringent standards still limit Indian exporters' access to markets.

4. UPOV 1991 Convention — Correct. The EU's push for India to join the UPOV 1991 Convention is mentioned as a threat to seed sovereignty for Indian farmers, aligning with the provided information.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, but pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Statement 1: The statement is correct. Frequent disruptions in the Indian Parliament are often caused by opposition protests, which result in significant wastage of legislative time and undermine the overall legislative process. This is a well-documented issue that affects the productivity and effectiveness of parliamentary sessions.

2. Statement 2: The statement is incorrect. The average attendance during the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) was reported to be 79%, not below 70%. Although participation in debates has been limited, the attendance figure itself was not below 70%.

3. Statement 3: The statement is correct. The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, faced criticism for being passed without sufficient stakeholder consultation, which reflects broader concerns about the quality of legislation being compromised due to hasty processes without adequate discussion and scrutiny.

In conclusion, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer. This analysis aligns with the factual data regarding parliamentary disruptions and legislative processes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

Statement-I correctly highlights the impact of agricultural expansion, especially the growth of paddy fields and orchards, on diminishing frog diversity. This aligns with the key takeaway from the provided information, emphasizing the link between agricultural activities and the decline in frog populations.

Statement-II complements Statement-I by explaining how habitat alterations resulting from agricultural activities play a crucial role in reducing the population of various frog species. The conversion of natural habitats into farmland disrupts frog habitats, leading to a decrease in their numbers.

Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically explains the implications of Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

One of the crucial elements of the three-pronged strategy to eliminate Maoist insurgency is the deployment of security forces. Strengthening the presence of Central and State police forces in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, conducting joint operations, and capacity building are vital aspects of the security measures implemented to combat the insurgency effectively. This approach aims to enhance security, intelligence gathering, and operational strategies to address the Maoist threat in affected regions.

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, a non-bailable offence, presumes the accused guilty until proven innocent when facing allegations of cruelty against women. This legal provision aims to provide immediate protection to women from domestic violence and cruelty, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the need for stringent legal measures to address such cases effectively.

Statement-I correctly highlights the worsening trade deficit for India following Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), where imports have surpassed exports significantly. This aligns with the information provided in the key takeaways.
Statement-II accurately mentions that India's FTA utilization stands at around 25%, notably lower than the 70-80% range typically observed in developed nations. This failure to effectively leverage bilateral and multilateral agreements is also in line with the information presented in the additional details.
Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II appropriately explains the implications of Statement-I based on the information provided in the context.

Statement-I correctly outlines the growth in India's defense sector due to strategic initiatives aimed at self-reliance and international partnerships. Statement-II accurately mentions the increase in global drug use over the last decade, with cannabis being the most commonly used drug. However, the two statements are unrelated and do not explain each other. Statement-I focuses on India's defense sector growth, while Statement-II discusses global drug use trends.

1. Legal Guarantee of MSP - Correctly matched. The legal guarantee of MSP is intended to provide financial stability to farmers, which can help reduce distress and suicides among them.

2. Paddy Waste Management - Correctly matched. This involves providing compensation to farmers to manage and dispose of crop residue, specifically to prevent stubble burning, which contributes significantly to air pollution.

3. Debt Relief - Incorrectly matched. The recommendation is for a debt waiver scheme, not a budget increase for agricultural support. The scheme aims to alleviate financial distress among farmers and farm laborers by addressing loan dependence and rising debts.

4. National Commission for Farm Labourers - Correctly matched. The establishment of this commission is indeed aimed at addressing the rights and welfare of farm laborers, including working towards establishing minimum living wages.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is not.

Statement-I is correct: India's maritime activities indeed date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 3300-1300 BCE. Lothal, an important port city of IVC, had a dry dock, which is considered the world's first known dry-dock. This indicates the advanced maritime and nautical knowledge possessed by the people of the Indus Valley.
Statement-II is also correct: During the Nanda and Maurya dynasties (500 - 200 BCE), the Magadh kingdom had a recorded naval force. Emperor Ashoka used maritime routes for spreading Buddhism to regions like Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I, as the maritime activities in the Maurya period are not a continuation or a direct explanation of those during the Indus Valley Civilization. They are two distinct historical phases, both contributing to India's maritime heritage but in different ways.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

1. Article 14: Right to Equality - Correctly matched. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Equality, ensuring equality before the law and equal protection of laws within the territory of India.

2. Article 19(1)(g): Freedom to conduct business - Correctly matched. Article 19(1)(g) provides citizens the right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

3. Article 16(3): Allows for residence-based criteria in private sector jobs - Incorrectly matched. Article 16(3) permits Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for jobs under the state, but it pertains to government jobs, not private sector jobs.

4. Article 82A: Supports the synchronization of elections - Incorrectly matched. Article 82A does not exist in the Indian Constitution. The synchronization of elections is proposed through amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 372, but Article 82A is not part of the constitutional framework related to this matter.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Jharkhand High Court did indeed stay the implementation of the Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Company Act, 2021. This decision was based on petitions that argued the law violated the Right to Equality (Article 14) and freedom to conduct business (Article 19(1)(g)) by imposing a 75% reservation for local candidates in private sector jobs.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Article 16(3) of the Indian Constitution allows for residence-based criteria in public employment, not private sector employment. This provision enables the Parliament to make laws prescribing residence-based criteria for certain categories of public employment, but it does not extend to the private sector.

- Statement 3 is correct. In DP Joshi vs Madhya Bharat (1955), the Supreme Court did uphold domicile-based reservations, recognizing that such measures serve a legitimate state interest by addressing regional disparities and local employment needs.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

One of the significant challenges identified within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) by the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) is the issue of delayed wage payments. This delay in wage disbursement can have severe consequences for rural workers who rely on these payments for their livelihoods. Implementing efficient payment systems and ensuring timely wage disbursement is crucial for the effective functioning of the scheme and the well-being of the workers.

1. Frequent Disruptions - Caused by opposition protests and breaches in parliamentary security.

- Correct. Disruptions in Parliament are often caused by opposition protests, which can lead to breaches in parliamentary security, as seen during the 2023 Winter Session when 141 opposition MPs were suspended due to such protests.

2. Political Polarization - Encourages consensus-building and smooth legislative progress.

- Incorrect. Political polarization actually hampers consensus-building and legislative progress by fostering adversarial politics between government and opposition parties.

3. Low Participation Rates - Generally due to MPs prioritizing constituency work over parliamentary sessions.

- Incorrect. While MPs may have various responsibilities, the low participation rates mentioned are attributed to other factors, such as the decline in attendance during sessions like the Budget Session of 2021 due to the pandemic.

4. Poor Quality of Legislation - Results from insufficient debate and stakeholder consultation.

- Correct. Poor quality of legislation is often due to bills being passed hastily without adequate debate and scrutiny, as illustrated by the criticism faced by the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The SIPRI report does state that global arms revenues reached USD 632 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase driven by factors such as wars, regional tensions, and rearmament.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The report indeed lists three Indian companies among the top 100 global arms producers: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Rank 43), Bharat Electronics Limited (Rank 67), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (Rank 94).

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The SIPRI report indicates that 41 US companies accounted for USD 317 billion in arms revenues, which represents approximately half of the global arms sales, not exceeding USD 500 billion.

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

The SIPRI report for 2023 holds significance as it showcased the rising position of Indian companies in the global arms market, underlining the growth in revenues of key Indian firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. This indicates India's expanding role and influence in the international defense sector, reflecting strategic advancements and economic growth in the country's defense industry.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, aiming to provide them with financial stability. This recommendation is crucial in ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, ultimately enhancing their welfare and economic security.