Test: Weekly Current Affairs: February 22nd to 28th - UPSC MCQ

1. Article 72: Incorrectly matched. Article 72 empowers the President of India to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted under Union law or in military courts, not state laws.

2. Article 161: Incorrectly matched. Article 161 grants the Governor the power to remit sentences for offenses under state laws, not Union law.

3. Section 473 of the BNSS, 2023: Correctly matched. This section grants state governments the power to remit sentences at any time, with or without conditions.

4. Section 433A of the CrPC: Correctly matched. This section states that life convicts for offenses punishable by death cannot be released before completing 14 years of imprisonment.

The correctly matched pairs are 3 and 4. Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India aims to bridge gaps in quality, equity, and access to education at all levels. It focuses on foundational literacy, a holistic curriculum, multilingual learning, and integrating vocational and academic pathways. By addressing these aspects, the policy strives to enhance the overall educational landscape in the country and ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of background or location.

- Statement 1 is correct. HIV self-testing provides a private and convenient option for individuals, especially those in high-risk groups, to determine their HIV status without facing the stigma that can accompany traditional testing methods. This is highlighted by the effectiveness observed in Mizoram, where the prevalence is high.

- Statement 2 is correct. Mizoram has the highest HIV prevalence rate in India, which is notably higher than the national average. Specifically, it's reported to be 13 times the national average, emphasizing the critical need for innovative testing approaches like self-testing in such regions.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils. It is spread through direct contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Therefore, casual contact does not pose a risk of transmission.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

The Supreme Court of India directs states to consider the premature release of prisoners under remission policies, even in the absence of a formal application. This judgment aims to address prison overcrowding while ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory approach to remission. States are required to formulate a clear remission policy within 2 months, aligning it with constitutional and judicial principles, as per the recent guidelines issued by the Supreme Court.

The primary objective of the Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) is to reduce infrastructure damage and financial losses while enhancing emergency connectivity in the telecom sector. By adopting a comprehensive approach and focusing on key dimensions like technical planning, operations, policy integration, financial arrangements, and expertise enhancement, the DRRAF aims to increase the sector's resilience against natural disasters, ensuring service continuity even in challenging scenarios.

The theme for the World Day of Social Justice in 2025 is "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice." This theme highlights the importance of inclusive policies and social protections that aim to reduce inequality and promote social solidarity. By focusing on bridging gaps, the initiative encourages nations to adopt policies that support marginalized communities and foster a more equitable society. An interesting fact is that social justice is essential for achieving sustainable development, as it ensures that all individuals can participate in and benefit from social, economic, and political systems.

1. Technical Planning & Design: Correctly matched. This dimension indeed focuses on network redundancy, submarine cable protection, and seismic resilience of telecom towers, aligning with the DRRAF objectives to strengthen telecom infrastructure against natural disasters.
2. Operations & Maintenance: Incorrectly matched. This dimension ensures service continuity and the maintenance of existing infrastructure rather than enforcing resilient building codes, which is part of risk-informed governance.
3. Policy, Institutions & Processes (PIPs): Correctly matched. This dimension is aimed at integrating disaster resilience into governance structures and processes, ensuring that policies are aligned with resilience objectives.
4. Financial Arrangements: Correctly matched. It involves promoting parametric insurance and other risk-sharing mechanisms to enhance financial resilience for telecom operators.
Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is not, hence the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

The World Day of Social Justice theme for 2025, "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice," primarily emphasizes promoting empowerment and inclusion. This theme underscores the importance of inclusive policies and social protection, highlighting the significance of strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future. By focusing on empowerment and inclusion, the theme aims to address key issues related to social justice, equality, and solidarity, advocating for a more inclusive society that bridges gaps and promotes fairness for all individuals.

1. The first statement is correct. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 indeed specify that waste with a calorific value of 1500 Kcal/kg or more must be utilized for energy generation and cannot be landfilled. This provision aims to ensure that high-energy content waste is put to productive use instead of contributing to landfill mass.

2. The second statement is incorrect. While waste segregation at source helps in improving recycling efficiency, resource recovery, and reducing contamination, it does not directly reduce the overall volume of waste generated. Instead, it facilitates the proper categorization and handling of waste to optimize disposal and recycling processes.

3. The third statement is incorrect. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 require industrial units within 100 km of an RDF plant to replace at least 5% of their fuel with RDF, not 10%. This measure encourages the use of RDF as part of energy efficiency and waste management strategies.

Therefore, only the first statement is correct.

The primary driver of the HIV epidemic in Mizoram, as highlighted in the study, is commercial sex work. This region faces a notably high prevalence of HIV, with injecting drug use and commercial sex work being the main contributing factors. Commercial sex work has been identified as a significant risk factor for the spread of HIV due to unprotected sexual encounters, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and awareness campaigns in such high-risk populations.

Statement-I mentions that 100% of telecom infrastructure in Assam and Uttarakhand are exposed to earthquakes. This statement is incorrect because while it is true that a significant portion of telecom infrastructure in Assam and Uttarakhand is exposed to earthquakes, it is not accurate to say that 100% of the infrastructure is exposed.
Statement-II states that 75% of telecom towers are exposed to lightning at the national level. This statement is correct as per the information provided in the text, which highlights the exposure of a significant percentage of towers to lightning.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) because Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct based on the information presented in the text.

The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 was released by Germanwatch, an international environmental think tank. The CRI assesses and ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events and the associated human and economic losses they incur. This index has provided valuable insights into the impact of climate change over the years, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. Interestingly, the CRI has been published annually since 2006, demonstrating a long-term commitment to monitoring climate risks globally.

1. The first statement is correct. The Supreme Court has indeed directed states to consider the premature release of prisoners under remission policies even in the absence of a formal application. This directive is part of the effort to reduce prison overcrowding and ensure a fair and non-discriminatory approach to remission.

2. The second statement is incorrect. Remission is not a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. While the state has the power to grant remission, it is not guaranteed as a fundamental right to the prisoners. Instead, it is an executive power that must be exercised judiciously and in accordance with legal and constitutional principles.

3. The third statement is correct. The Mafabhai Motibhai Sagar Case (2024) highlighted that remission conditions must be reasonable and should not be arbitrarily stringent or vague. This ruling ensures that the remission process is fair and transparent.

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

The primary goal of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is to support Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by focusing on skill development, income generation, and enhancing village infrastructure. This initiative aims to uplift marginalized communities by providing them with the necessary resources and support to improve their socio-economic status. An interesting fact about PM-AJAY is its holistic approach, which includes not only financial assistance but also grants for socio-economic projects and hostel construction in higher education institutions, thereby fostering educational opportunities for SC students.

Article 23 of the Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits human trafficking and forced labor, making such practices punishable by law. This provision is crucial in safeguarding individual rights and promoting social justice. It reflects the commitment to uphold human dignity and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. Additionally, it highlights the importance of legal frameworks in combating modern forms of slavery, reinforcing the need for awareness and enforcement of these rights in society.

Statement 1 is correct. The World Day of Social Justice is indeed an initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with the aim of promoting social justice, equality, human rights, and fair opportunities for all. The ILO plays a central role in advocating for social justice globally.

Statement 2 is also correct. The ILO adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on June 10, 2008, as part of its response to the challenges and goals highlighted by the World Day of Social Justice. This declaration emphasizes the importance of fair globalization and social justice.

Statement 3, however, is incorrect. In India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is the nodal agency responsible for policies related to social justice and for uplifting vulnerable communities such as Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and others.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the accurate choice.

1. KM3NeT Observatory - Largest particle accelerator in the world

This pair is incorrectly matched. The KM3NeT Observatory is a neutrino telescope located in the Mediterranean Sea, not a particle accelerator. The Large Hadron Collider is the largest particle accelerator in the world.

2. Neutrinos - Detected through Cherenkov radiation

This pair is correctly matched. Neutrinos are detected through Cherenkov radiation, which is the flash of light produced when neutrinos interact with matter and travel faster than the speed of light in that medium, such as water or ice.

3. NEP 2020 - Introduces a 5 3 3 4 educational structure

This pair is correctly matched. The National Education Policy 2020 introduces a new educational structure that organizes school education into four stages: 5 years of foundational stage, 3 years of preparatory stage, 3 years of middle stage, and 4 years of secondary stage.

4. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan - Replaces the NEP of 1986

This pair is incorrectly matched. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a comprehensive program for school education from pre-nursery to Class 12, integrating various schemes like SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education. It does not replace the NEP of 1986; NEP 2020 does that.

Thus, only two pairs (2 and 3) are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. The Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) was developed through a collaborative effort, involving the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It was not developed solely by the DoT.
- Statement 2 is correct. The DRRAF indeed proposes resilience measures across five key dimensions: Technical Planning & Design, Operations & Maintenance, Policy, Institutions & Processes (PIPs), Financial Arrangements, and Expertise. These dimensions are critical for enhancing the resilience of telecom infrastructure against natural disasters.
- Statement 3 is correct. The DRRAF includes the Disaster Risk and Resilience Index (DRRI), which is a new index developed to assess the vulnerability of telecom towers across different terrains. The index considers factors such as the intensity, frequency, duration, and spatial extent of natural hazards.
Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the right choice.

Statement-I accurately defines remission as the reduction of a prison sentence without changing its fundamental nature. Statement-II correctly highlights the provision in Section 433A of the CrPC, which mandates that life convicts for certain offenses punishable by death must serve a minimum of 14 years before being considered for release. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional relevant information that supports and explains Statement-I.

1. World Day of Social Justice - Designated by the ILO on November 26, 2007: Incorrect. The World Day of Social Justice was designated by the United Nations General Assembly on November 26, 2007, not by the ILO.

2. Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization - Adopted by the ILO in 2008: Correct. The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on June 10, 2008.

3. PM-AJAY - Supports Scheduled Caste communities through skill development: Correct. Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) aims to support Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through various initiatives, including skill development and income generation.

4. NAMASTE - Ensures safety and livelihood for sanitation workers in rural India: Incorrect. NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) is focused on urban areas, ensuring safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood for sanitation workers in urban India.

Only the second and third pairs are correctly matched.

1. HIV Transmission Methods: The pair lists unprotected sexual intercourse, shared needles, and tattooing as correct methods of HIV transmission. However, casual contact is incorrectly included as a method of transmission. Therefore, this pair is incorrectly matched.

2. National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Initiation Year: The NACP was indeed initiated in 1992. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Mediation Act Year: The Mediation Act was enacted in 2023. This pair is correctly matched.

4. Primary Drivers of HIV Epidemic in Mizoram: The primary drivers of the HIV epidemic in Mizoram are injecting drug use and commercial sex work, not multiple sexual partners and unsafe blood transfusions. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Thus, only two pairs (2 and 3) are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly mentions the observation of the World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) by the United Nations on February 20, 2025, emphasizing the advocacy against poverty, exclusion, and unemployment while promoting equality and solidarity. Statement-II correctly states that the International Labour Organization (ILO) leads the initiative to promote social justice, equality, human rights, and fair opportunities for all. Both statements are factually correct, but Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on Statement-I. Instead, Statement-II provides additional context about the organization involved in promoting social justice, making option (b) the correct choice.

Waste segregation at the source is crucial for facilitating effective disposal and recycling. By identifying, classifying, and sorting waste at the point of generation based on its properties, the process enables proper management of waste, minimizes environmental hazards, and promotes recycling efforts. This practice plays a significant role in ensuring that waste is appropriately handled, recycled, or disposed of, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation in the long run.

The World Day of Social Justice emphasizes the importance of social justice, equality, and human rights, aiming to provide fair opportunities for all individuals. This initiative was established to raise awareness and advocate for comprehensive social protection and the promotion of equal rights within labor markets. An interesting fact is that the observance of this day is intended to highlight the need for action to address poverty and exclusion, reinforcing the idea that social justice is vital for sustainable development and global stability.

The correct answer is Option C, Entrepreneurs, as they are not listed among the vulnerable communities specifically targeted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The ministry aims to uplift marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes, Senior Citizens, and Transgender Persons, focusing on social justice and empowerment initiatives. Understanding the roles of government agencies in social welfare is crucial for recognizing how policies can impact various demographics in society.