Test: Weekly Current Affairs: June 8th to 14th - UPSC MCQ

The main goal of setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India is to encourage investment and streamline operations in specific sectors. SEZs are designed as duty-free enclaves to facilitate trade, tariffs, and operations, providing various incentives such as duty-free imports, tax exemptions, and single-window clearance for approvals. By creating SEZs, the government aims to boost economic activity, attract investments, and promote growth in sectors like high-tech manufacturing, as seen in recent amendments targeting semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing.

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) primarily acts as an indicator species, reflecting the health of grassland ecosystems. As an indicator species, the GIB's presence or absence can signal the overall well-being of the grasslands it inhabits. This makes it crucial to monitor and conserve the GIB population to ensure the preservation of these ecosystems.

Statement-I correctly highlights the objective of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which is to enhance trust-based regulation across ministries to improve compliance, especially for MSMEs. Statement-II accurately describes how the Act replaces criminal penalties with fines for minor violations, thereby shifting from punitive measures to reformative legal mechanisms. Statement-II logically supports Statement-I by explaining how the Act achieves its goal by implementing these changes, making both statements correct and interconnected.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, indeed aims to decriminalize minor violations across a plethora of central acts by replacing criminal penalties such as imprisonment with monetary fines. This is a key aspect of the reform aiming to reduce fear and enhance compliance.

- Statement 2: Correct. One of the specific areas targeted by the Act includes procedural lapses under the Environment Protection Act. The reform is designed to alleviate compliance burdens and promote trust-based regulation, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

- Statement 3: Incorrect. The reforms introduced by the Jan Vishwas Act do not automatically apply uniformly across all Indian states. Although it impacts central legislation, additional steps are often required at the state level to adopt similar reforms or to align local laws with the central changes. The Union Budget 2025-26's proposal of Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 further indicates efforts to encourage states and municipalities to adopt these reforms.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. The correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Great Indian Bustard - Found primarily in the Thar Desert: Correctly matched. The Great Indian Bustard is indeed primarily found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, with smaller populations in other states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

2. Lesser Florican - Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List: Incorrectly matched. The Lesser Florican is listed as Endangered, not Critically Endangered, on the IUCN Red List. The Great Indian Bustard is the one that is Critically Endangered.

3. Bengal Florican - Protected under CITES (Appendix I): Correctly matched. The Bengal Florican is protected under CITES Appendix I, which includes species that are threatened with extinction and are subject to strict regulation.

4. Macqueen's Bustard - Indicator species for grassland ecosystems: Incorrectly matched. The Great Indian Bustard, not Macqueen's Bustard, is considered an indicator species for grassland ecosystems, reflecting the health of these ecosystems.

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

The Global Gender Gap Index primarily measures countries' progress in closing gender gaps across economic participation and opportunity, as well as political empowerment. This index serves as a crucial benchmarking tool for countries to evaluate and compare gender disparities, emphasizing the importance of women's involvement in economic and political spheres for achieving gender equality.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is primarily found in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. This is accurate as per the information provided in the source material.
Statement-II correctly states that the GIB is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This is also accurate according to the details presented in the text. Moreover, the fact that the GIB being critically endangered aligns with its protected status under various conservation agreements and laws. Statement-II supports Statement-I by emphasizing the critical status of the species in its habitat, thereby explaining the significance of its primary location in the Thar Desert.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Depot Darpan Portal is indeed equipped with a tech-driven rating system that evaluates food grain depots based on various factors, including occupancy, profitability, storage efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. This system utilizes IoT sensors and real-time analytics to provide these assessments, enhancing overall depot management.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Anna Mitra Mobile App includes functionalities for conducting geo-tagged inspections. This feature is crucial for ensuring greater accountability in the operations of Fair Price Shops (FPS), as it allows for precise tracking of the location and activities associated with these inspections.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Anna Sahayata Platform is not limited to traditional postal services for grievance registration. Instead, it aims to streamline grievance redressal by enabling registration through modern technologies such as WhatsApp, thereby improving accessibility and efficiency for beneficiaries.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the features of the initiatives introduced to enhance India's Public Distribution System.

1. Minor Violations: Decriminalized with financial penalties - Correct. The Jan Vishwas Act aims to replace criminal penalties with financial fines for minor violations to enhance ease of living and doing business.

2. Trust-based Regulation: Focuses on strict enforcement for all violations - Incorrect. Trust-based regulation emphasizes decriminalization of minor offenses and risk-based enforcement, not strict enforcement for all violations.

3. Union Budget 2025-26: Proposes Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to further decriminalize provisions - Correct. The Union Budget 2025-26 includes a proposal for Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to continue the decriminalization process and improve the trust-based regulatory system.

4. Colonial-era Laws: Encouraged for stricter enforcement in modern governance - Incorrect. The reform aims to move away from colonial-era laws that criminalize minor infractions, not encourage them.

Based on the analysis, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, while pairs 2 and 4 are incorrectly matched.

1. Statement 1: The Great Indian Bustard is indeed primarily found in the Thar Desert, which is located in the state of Rajasthan. Furthermore, it is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection in India. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: Collisions with power lines are indeed identified as the leading cause of adult mortality in the Great Indian Bustard population. This is a significant threat due to the bird's habitat overlapping with areas of extensive power line networks. This statement is correct.

3. Statement 3: Project GIB, launched in 2018, is a conservation initiative that is not limited to the state of Gujarat but involves a broader scope, including efforts in Rajasthan where the majority of the Great Indian Bustard population resides. The project is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Environment, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the Rajasthan Forest Department. Thus, the statement is incorrect as it inaccurately limits the project's focus to Gujarat.

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

Project GIB, launched in 2018, is a conservation initiative that leverages AI-enabled monitoring, incubators, and sensor-based systems in captive breeding centers to improve chick survival rates of the Great Indian Bustard. This technological approach plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival and growth of this endangered bird species.

1. Elettaria cardamomum: Queen of Spices - Correct. Elettaria cardamomum is commonly referred to as the "Queen of Spices." This plant is a highly aromatic spice belonging to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family and is known for its significant culinary and medicinal uses.

2. Metaldehyde: Biological pest control - Incorrect. Metaldehyde is a chemical compound used as a pesticide, specifically to control snails and slugs. It is not a biological control method but a chemical one, often used as a last resort by farmers facing severe infestations.

3. Kerala: Largest cardamom producer - Correct. Kerala is the leading producer of cardamom in India, contributing 58% of the country's output. The Idukki district in Kerala is particularly noted for its cardamom production.

4. Idukki: Location of Elettaria facifera discovery - Correct. Idukki is indeed the location where the new cardamom species, Elettaria facifera, was identified, specifically in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: Pairs 1, 3, and 4.

1. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 - Incorrect. This act did not establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

2. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - Correct. This act introduced the concept of Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides, aligning India's food safety standards with global benchmarks.

3. World Economic Situation and Prospects Report - Correct. This report is indeed published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with UNCTAD and five UN regional commissions.

4. India's GDP Growth in 2025 - Incorrect. The mid-2025 update revised India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 down to 6.3%, not 6.6%.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is primarily found in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. While smaller populations exist in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, the Thar Desert remains the primary habitat for this critically endangered bird species.

1. Depot Darpan Portal - Tech-Driven Ratings for Fair Price Shops: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Depot Darpan Portal provides a self-assessment and monitoring tool for food grain depots managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), not for Fair Price Shops.
2. Anna Mitra App - Grievance Redressal for Beneficiaries: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Anna Mitra App is designed to improve transparency and accountability in the operations of Fair Price Shops, and it includes functionalities like tracking stock receipts, monitoring FPS performance, and conducting geo-tagged inspections, not primarily for grievance redressal.
3. Anna Sahayata Platform - Enhances Transparency for Food Grain Depots: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Anna Sahayata Platform is aimed at streamlining grievance redressal for beneficiaries under PMGKAY and the National Food Security Act (NFSA), using technologies like WhatsApp to improve accessibility, not for enhancing transparency in food grain depots.
4. National Food Security Act - Governs the Public Distribution System: This pair is correctly matched. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, indeed governs the Public Distribution System in India, providing a framework for food security through the distribution of essential commodities at subsidized rates.
Only the fourth pair is correctly matched, making Option A the correct answer.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a key legislation in India aimed at protecting SC/ST communities from specific crimes. This act establishes Special Courts for swift justice in cases of atrocities committed against individuals belonging to these marginalized communities.

Statement-I is correct as it highlights the evolution of India's food safety framework from the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act to the Food Safety and Standards Act, aligning with global standards. This transition is crucial for ensuring food safety and aligning with international benchmarks.
Statement-II is also correct as it mentions the revision in India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 6.6% to 6.3%, as per the mid-2025 update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects report. The statement provides a snapshot of India's economic scenario for the year.
Option (a) is the correct answer because both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II provides additional information that complements and explains Statement-I.

The main goal of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, is to replace criminal penalties with fines for minor violations. This shift aims to promote trust-based regulation, enhance compliance ease, alleviate fear, and improve regulatory approach, particularly for MSMEs. By introducing financial penalties instead of imprisonment for minor, non-malicious violations, the Act intends to reduce fear, harassment, and improve overall compliance within the regulatory framework.

The Depot Darpan Portal serves as a self-assessment and monitoring tool for food grain depots managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability by evaluating factors like occupancy, profitability, storage efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. By utilizing IoT sensors and real-time analytics, this initiative is projected to save Rs 275 crore for FCI and generate Rs 140 crore additional revenue for CWC.

The primary reason for the current threat faced by cardamom-growing regions in Idukki, Kerala, is heavy summer rains. These rains have led to small snail infestations that feed on critical plant parts, causing damage to the crops. Such infestations result in reduced yield and a decline in crop quality. It is crucial for farmers to address these issues effectively to ensure the sustainability of cardamom cultivation in the region.

Sant Kabir Das was renowned for advocating social equality, challenging religious orthodoxy, and promoting a universal path to spirituality through his teachings and literary works. His compositions of dohas and bhajans in vernacular languages emphasized values of equality and a universal approach to spiritual enlightenment, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and religion. Kabir's legacy continues to inspire millions, promoting values of compassion, equality, and direct spiritual experience over rigid religious practices.

- Statement 1 is correct. Cardamom cultivation indeed requires specific climatic conditions, including rainfall between 1500-4000 mm, temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C, and is typically found in the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats, which provide such an environment.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary issue affecting cardamom crops in Idukki, Kerala, is the infestation of small snails, not large ones, which feed on new panicles, flowers, and young capsules. This leads to substantial crop damage and reduced yields. The distinction here is essential as it highlights the specific part of the plant affected and the size of the pest causing the issue.

- Statement 3 is correct. There have been recent discoveries of new cardamom species, such as Elettaria facifera in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Elettaria tulipifera in the Agasthyamalai hills, indicating ongoing research and exploration in these regions for new species.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 are accurate according to the provided information.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, indeed established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to align India's standards with global benchmarks and incorporate risk-based frameworks that include Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides and Acceptable Daily Intake for food additives.

- Statement 2: This statement is also correct. Despite the revision of India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.3%, it remains the highest among major global economies, indicating that India is still the fastest-growing major economy.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, did not provide a risk-based framework for food safety. Instead, it considered food safety in binary terms, categorizing food as either adulterated or not, without recognizing different contaminant types or exposure levels.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B. Statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the current context of India's food safety system and economic outlook, while Statement 3 incorrectly attributes a risk-based framework to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

Statement 1: Incorrect. Sant Kabir Das was a major proponent of the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, which emphasizes devotion to a formless God (Nirguna Brahman) without attributes. This statement incorrectly attributes him to the Saguna Bhakti tradition, which focuses on devotion to a personal God with attributes.

Statement 2: Correct. Kabir Das is known for composing dohas (couplets) and bhajans (devotional songs) in vernacular languages. His work significantly contributed to the evolution of Hindi literature, making his literary impact profound and enduring.

Statement 3: Correct. Many of Kabir's verses are indeed included in the Guru Granth Sahib, which illustrates his significant impact on Sikh thought and the inclusive nature of his teachings.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only. This solution aligns with the provided options and justifies why each statement is either correct or incorrect based on historical and literary evidence.

1. Thennavanisvaram Temple - Located in Udampatti: Correct. The 800-year-old Shiva temple known as Thennavanisvaram is located in a village previously called Attur, now known as Udampatti in Tamil Nadu.

2. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam - Related to women's reservation in parliament: Correct. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a progressive policy aimed at reserving seats for women in legislatures, reflecting efforts to enhance women's representation in politics.

3. Marco Polo - Documented the Later Cholas: Incorrect. Marco Polo documented the Pandyas, not the Later Cholas. The Pandyas were noted by Marco Polo during his travels in the 13th century.

4. Nagankudi - A waterbody linked to temple land tax records: Correct. Nagankudi is mentioned in historical records concerning the financial independence of the temple through linked land tax records.

Only two pairs (Pair 1 and Pair 2) are correctly matched, while Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Pair 4 is correctly matched.