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

The Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) evaluates countries based on various factors including digital infrastructure, human capital, policies, innovation, integration, and regulation. These elements are crucial in assessing a country's readiness and capacity for adopting and integrating artificial intelligence technologies effectively.

1. FATF Categories: Regular follow-up - Russia, France, Italy, UK, India
*Correctly matched.*
Explanation: India has been classified into the 'regular follow-up' category along with Russia, France, Italy, and the UK.

2. Digital Economy: JAM Trinity - Facilitates digital transactions
*Correctly matched.*
Explanation: The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has been instrumental in facilitating India's transition to a digital economy and mitigating risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing.

3. Money Laundering: Concealing identity of legal proceeds
*Incorrectly matched.*
Explanation: Money laundering involves concealing the identity of illegally obtained proceeds, not legal proceeds.

4. Terrorism Financing: Providing financial support to terrorist organizations
*Correctly matched.*
Explanation: Terrorism financing involves providing financial support to terrorists or terrorist organizations to enable them to carry out terrorist acts.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The primary aim of combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing is to ensure that illegally obtained proceeds are not disguised to appear as if they originated from legitimate sources. This crucial objective underpins efforts to curb financial crimes and disrupt funding to illicit activities, including terrorism. By preventing the concealment of unlawful proceeds, authorities aim to maintain the integrity of financial systems and uphold transparency in financial transactions, ultimately contributing to global security and stability.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Scheme: PMJJBY is a one-year life insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death due to any reason.
• Eligibility: Persons in the age group of 18-50 years having an individual bank or a post office account are entitled to enroll under the scheme. People who join the scheme before completing 50 years of age can continue to have the risk of life covered up to age of 55 years upon payment of regular premium.
• Benefits: Life cover of Rs. 2 Lakh in case of death due to any reason against a premium of Rs. 436/- per annum.
• Enrolment: Enrolments under the scheme can be done by visiting the branch/ BC point or website of the bank of the account holder or at the post office in case of post office savings bank account. The premium under the scheme is auto debited every year from the subscriber’s bank account based on a one-time mandate from the account holder.

Statement I is incorrect because the primary aim of the Simla Agreement of 1972 was to establish peace and normalize relations between India and Pakistan through bilateral negotiations, rather than internationalizing the Kashmir issue. Statement II is correct as the agreement did establish the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir between the two countries, with both sides agreeing to respect this line without prejudice to their respective claims.

1. Aadhaar: Incorrect. Aadhaar is a biometric identification system that assigns unique 12-digit identity numbers to residents, not a digital payment system.
2. BharatNet: Correct. BharatNet is a project aimed at providing high-speed broadband connectivity to villages, enabling digital services in rural areas.
3. Digital Locker: Correct. Digital Locker is a platform for securely storing and accessing important documents digitally.
4. e-NAM: Correct. e-NAM is an online marketplace for agricultural produce to enhance transparency in trading.
Thus, the correct number of pairs matched is three.

Both statements are factually accurate. The Golden Crescent indeed includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, which are significant in opium production and distribution. Simultaneously, the Golden Triangle comprising Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand is infamous for heroin production, with Myanmar being a major contributor to global heroin supply. But Statement-II does not complements Statement-I .they both provide facts.

One of the key objectives of the Simla Agreement of 1972 between India and Pakistan was to resolve all issues between the two countries through peaceful means, primarily through bilateral negotiations. This emphasis on peaceful resolution aimed to put an end to the conflict and confrontation that had marred their relations, especially post the 1971 war.

1. Prime Minister of India during Simla Agreement: Indira Gandhi
This pair is correctly matched. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India during the Simla Agreement in 1972.

2. President of Pakistan during Simla Agreement: Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
This pair is incorrectly matched. The President of Pakistan during the Simla Agreement was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, not Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

3. Outcome of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War: Independence of Bangladesh
This pair is correctly matched. The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War resulted in the independence of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.

4. Line established in Kashmir after Simla Agreement: Line of Actual Control
This pair is incorrectly matched. The line established in Kashmir after the Simla Agreement is the Line of Control (LoC), not the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Correctly matched pairs: 1 and 3.
Incorrectly matched pairs: 2 and 4.
Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

The main goal of the Digital India Initiative is to stimulate economic development by leveraging technological advancements and innovative solutions to drive economic growth across the country. This initiative aims to utilize digital technology to enhance various sectors like education, healthcare, and government services, ultimately contributing to the economic progress of the nation.

- Statement-I accurately represents India's classification by FATF following the MER report and the subsequent requirement to provide a progress report by October 2027.
- Statement-II correctly highlights India's successful shift towards a digital economy with the support of the JAM Trinity and stringent regulations, resulting in effective risk mitigation concerning ML, TF, and proceeds from crimes like corruption.
- Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the implications of Statement-I in the context of India's efforts to combat financial crimes and enhance its financial integrity.

- Statement 1 is correct: The Global INDIAai Summit emphasized making AI accessible to everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. This was a key highlight of the summit, reflecting India's commitment to an inclusive AI ecosystem.

- Statement 2 is correct: During the summit, it was announced that Rs. 2,000 crore has been earmarked to support Indian startups developing AI-based solutions. This initiative aims to bolster the startup ecosystem in India by providing financial assistance and resources.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) categorized India as an Emerging Market Economy (EM), not as an Advanced Economy (AE). India was ranked 72 with a rating of 0.49, clearly placing it in the EM category.

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

Statement-I correctly mentions that Puducherry became an Indian Union Territory after the French possessions in India were transferred to the Indian Union. This aligns with historical facts.
However, Statement-II is incorrect. Puducherry was indeed captured by the Dutch in 1693, but it was not returned to the French company by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1699. This statement does not accurately represent the historical events surrounding Puducherry's capture and return.

Statement-I correctly states that India is ranked 72 on the AIPI with a rating of 0.49, categorized as an Emerging Market Economy (EM) according to the information provided in the content. However, Statement-II is inaccurate as countries with advanced digital infrastructure tend to score higher, not lower, on the AIPI. Hence, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

1. Puducherry's formation as a Union Territory: 1962 - Correct

- The present Union Territory of Puducherry was formed in 1962 out of the four former colonies of French India.

2. Puducherry's capture by the Dutch: 1693 - Correct

- Puducherry was captured by the Dutch in 1693 but was returned to the French company by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1699.

3. Puducherry's ratification of the Treaty with India: 1963 - Correct

- Puducherry became officially an integral part of India after the French Parliament in Paris ratified the Treaty with India in 1963.

4. Puducherry's demand for statehood: To attract industries and enhance infrastructure for tourism - Incorrect

- While Puducherry has long demanded statehood, the reason is not solely for attracting industries and enhancing infrastructure for tourism. The demand includes gaining greater powers for creating employment opportunities and overall development.

Thus, only three pairs are correctly matched.

1. The Golden Crescent - Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan: Correct. The Golden Crescent includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, which is a major global hub for opium production and distribution.

2. The Golden Triangle - Laos, Myanmar, Thailand: Correct. The Golden Triangle is located at the intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, and is notorious for heroin production.

3. Major Drug in Use - Cocaine: Incorrect. According to the UNODC report, Cannabis remains the most popular drug, not Cocaine.

4. Top States with FIRs under NDPS Act - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab: Correct. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab are the top three states with the highest number of FIRs registered under the NDPS Act as per the Ministry of Home Affairs data between 2019 and 2021.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. One of the primary objectives of the Digital India initiative is to narrow the digital divide by ensuring equal access to digital technology for all citizens.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Public Internet Access Programme under the Digital India initiative includes the establishment of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in underserved areas to provide affordable internet access and promote digital literacy.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The e-Kranti platform under the Digital India initiative focuses on the electronic delivery of government services to citizens, prioritizing accessibility and operational efficiency. Enhancing youth IT skills through the Digital Literacy Mission and Skill India programs falls under the "Information Technology (IT) for Jobs" pillar, not e-Kranti.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The present Union Territory of Puducherry was indeed formed in 1962 out of the four former colonies of French India. These regions were incorporated into the Indian Union from French control.

2. Statement 2 is Correct: Puducherry did become officially an integral part of India after the French Parliament in Paris ratified the Treaty with India in 1963, finalizing the transfer of the territories.

3. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Puducherry Assembly can legislate on any issue under the Concurrent and State Lists, not exclusively under the Union List. This means they have the power to legislate on matters that fall under both the State and Concurrent Lists, similar to other states in India.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Statement-I correctly summarizes the key objectives of the Digital India Initiative, focusing on narrowing the digital divide, promoting digital participation, stimulating economic development, and elevating living standards through technology. Statement-II accurately describes the Digital India Act of 2023, which aims to update India's legislation to align with current digital challenges, emphasizing responsible adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. While both statements are factually correct, they address different aspects of India's digital landscape without one explanation being dependent on the other.

1. Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) : 29 member countries
This pair is correctly matched. GPAI indeed has 29 member countries working together to support research and activities on AI-related priorities.

2. Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) : India ranked 72
This pair is correctly matched. The AIPI ranks India at 72 with a rating of 0.49, categorizing it as an Emerging Market Economy (EM).

3. Collaborative AI on Global Partnership (CAIGP) : Focus on AI in agriculture
This pair is incorrectly matched. The CAIGP focuses on bridging the global AI divide and not specifically on AI in agriculture.

4. Prakash Singh Case : Directives for police reforms
This pair is correctly matched. The Prakash Singh Case (2006) led to the Supreme Court issuing seven directives aimed at driving police reforms in India.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 1, 2, and 4. 3 is incorrectly matched. Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Answer: Option B: Only three pairs

Statement 1 is incorrect. The FATF's Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) placed India in the 'regular follow-up' category, not the 'enhanced follow-up' category. This category is the top among the four groups used by FATF.

Statement 2 is correct. The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has facilitated India's transition to a digital economy and helped mitigate risks associated with money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF).

Statement 3 is correct. The MER report did highlight delays in India’s prosecutions for money laundering and terrorist financing as an area requiring improvement.

Thus, the correct answer is C: 2 and 3 Only.

Statement 1: According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2024, nitazenes are indeed identified as a new class of synthetic opioids that are more potent than fentanyl. This statement is correct.

Statement 2: The Golden Crescent actually comprises Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, which are known for opium production and distribution. The Golden Triangle, not the Golden Crescent, includes regions like Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, which are notorious for heroin production. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Statement 3: The report highlights that the number of drug users worldwide reached 292 million in 2022, marking a 20% increase over the past decade. This statement is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B

Puducherry became officially an integral part of India in 1963 after the French Parliament in Paris ratified the Treaty with India, solidifying its status within the Indian Union.

Remember, Puducherry's journey into the Indian Union was a significant historical and political process that culminated in its formal integration, marking a pivotal moment in its identity and governance.

As per the World Drug Report 2024 released by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the emergence of new synthetic opioids and unprecedented levels of drug supply and demand have exacerbated the global drug problem. This has resulted in increased rates of drug use disorders and environmental damage.

Statement 1 is correct. The Simla Agreement emphasized resolving all issues between India and Pakistan through peaceful means, primarily through bilateral negotiations. This was a key objective of the agreement to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.

Statement 2 is correct. The Simla Agreement established the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, which both countries agreed to respect without prejudice to their respective claims. This was a significant provision in de-escalating tensions and maintaining a status quo in the contested region.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Simla Agreement did not include provisions for the creation of a permanent boundary between India and Pakistan. Instead, it focused on maintaining the Line of Control (LoC) without altering its status unilaterally, hence avoiding any immediate determination of a permanent boundary.

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