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

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The "State of Global Climate Report 2024" indicates that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.34–1.41°C above pre-industrial levels, with 19 of the past 20 months exceeding the 1.5°C threshold, not remaining below it.
2. Statement 2 is correct. The report states that atmospheric CO2 levels reached 151% of pre-industrial levels in 2023, marking the highest concentration in 800,000 years.
3. Statement 3 is correct. The report notes that the global mean sea level rise from 2015 to 2024 was observed to be 4.7 mm/year, which is indeed higher than the rate of 2.1 mm/year recorded between 1993 to 2002.
Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.

The primary objective of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) introduced in 2023 in India is to regulate and trade carbon credits within the Indian Carbon Market. This market-based mechanism aims to decarbonize the Indian economy by pricing greenhouse gas emissions, enabling carbon trading, and reducing GHG emission intensity per tonne of GHG equivalent.

1. ERONET System – Correctly matched. The ERONET system is indeed used by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to centralize the management of electoral rolls and address issues such as duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers.

2. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) – Incorrectly matched. The MCC is not enforced by the Supreme Court; it is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections, ensuring free and fair elections. The enforcement is done by the ECI, not the Supreme Court.

3. VVPAT – Correctly matched. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is indeed used alongside electronic voting machines to allow voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly and to provide a paper trail for audit purposes.

4. Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Correctly matched. This Act is a key piece of legislation in India that governs the conduct of elections to the Parliament and state legislatures and details the qualifications and disqualifications for membership.

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

- Statement 1 is correct. It accurately states that in 2020-21, Urban India produced 72,368 MLD of sewage, and only 28% of this was treated. This reflects the challenges in wastewater management in urban areas of India.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While India ranks 132nd globally in per capita water availability, the decline in freshwater resources since 1951 is not 50%; it is 73%. Thus, this statement overstates the decline incorrectly.

- Statement 3 is correct. India indeed occupies 2% of the Earth's landmass and has about 4% of global freshwater resources while supporting 18% of the world's population. This statement highlights the disproportionate pressure on India's water resources relative to its land area and population.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as both these statements are accurate representations of the facts provided.

1. Global Warming Threshold: Approaching 1.5°C as per the Paris Agreement - Correct. The report indicates that global warming is approaching the critical threshold of 1.5°C established by the Paris Agreement.

2. Sea Level Rise: Current rate is 4.7 mm/year (from 2015 to 2024) - Correct. The report specifies the observed sea level rise rate as 4.7 mm/year from 2015 to 2024.

3. Ocean Acidification: pH levels declining in the Arctic Ocean - Incorrect. The report mentions rapid pH level decline in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and equatorial Pacific, not the Arctic Ocean.

4. Glacier Melt: Most negative glacier mass balance in the Himalayas - Incorrect. The report notes the most negative glacier mass balance in Norway, Sweden, Svalbard, and the tropical Andes, not the Himalayas.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

1. Northern Theatre Command - Focused on threats from Pakistan: Incorrect. The Northern Theatre Command is primarily focused on countering threats from China, not Pakistan. The geographical focus is on the northern border, which interfaces with China.

2. Western Theatre Command - Centered on threats from China: Incorrect. The Western Theatre Command is centered on threats from Pakistan. It is designed to address security challenges emanating from the western frontier, which includes Pakistan.

3. Maritime Theatre Command - Responsible for operations in the Indian Ocean Region: Correct. The Maritime Theatre Command is indeed responsible for operations in the Indian Ocean Region. This command is tasked with safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring security in the surrounding waters.

4. Inter-Services Organisation Act 2023 - Grants theatre commanders disciplinary power over all services: Correct. The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act 2023 provides theatre commanders with disciplinary powers over all services, facilitating unified command and control.

Thus, pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

The Indian National Army (INA) was formed during World War II with the primary objective of opposing British colonialism in India. Led by key figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA played a crucial role in the independence movement by challenging British authority and fostering nationalist unity. The INA's campaigns were a significant part of India's struggle for independence, marking a notable chapter in the country's fight against colonial rule.

The agreements formalized between India and Mauritius during the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister primarily focused on trade, maritime security, and defense cooperation. These agreements aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, reinforcing strategic partnership, and ensuring a free and secure maritime environment. By strengthening ties in these key areas, both nations sought to deepen their collaboration and mutual development, marking a significant step in their bilateral relations.

1. MAHASAGAR Vision - Correctly matched. This initiative is aimed at enhancing India's engagement with the Global South through technology sharing, concessional loans, and mutual security cooperation.

2. Agalega Island - Incorrectly matched. While India has been involved in developing infrastructure such as a runway and jetty on Agalega Island, it is not intended to host a naval base. The development is for improving facilities in support of Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and enhancing regional security cooperation.

3. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) - Correctly matched. This is indeed an agreement between India and Mauritius to amend and meet international treaty standards, aimed at preventing tax evasion.

4. Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean - Incorrectly matched. This is the highest national award of Mauritius, not India. It was conferred upon the Indian Prime Minister during his visit to Mauritius.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 3.

The main purpose of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) is to prevent torture and inhumane treatment on a global scale. This international treaty, adopted in 1984, aims to eradicate torture by defining it as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain for various purposes. By signing and ratifying UNCAT, countries commit to prohibiting torture absolutely, preventing extradition where torture is likely, and investigating allegations of torture. It plays a crucial role in upholding human rights and ensuring the protection of individuals from cruel and degrading treatment.

Statement 1 is correct. India and Mauritius have indeed agreed to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to align with international standards. This amendment is part of their efforts to strengthen economic ties and ensure compliance with global financial norms.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The MAHASAGAR initiative is aimed at enhancing engagement with the Global South, not the Global North. This initiative focuses on technology sharing, concessional loans, and mutual security cooperation, specifically aiming to strengthen India's ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, particularly those in the Global South.

Statement 3 is correct. India announced a rupee-denominated Line of Credit to Mauritius for various developmental projects, including the replacement of water pipelines. This is part of India's broader strategy to support the infrastructure development of Mauritius, fostering economic growth and stability in the region.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights the rise in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels and the frequent surpassing of the 1.5°C threshold, as mentioned in the State of Global Climate Report 2024. Statement-II accurately mentions the significant increase in atmospheric CO2 levels in 2023, reaching 151% of pre-industrial levels, as reported in the same climate report. The rising global temperatures are directly linked to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases like CO2, establishing a causal relationship between the two statements. Thus, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II explains the implications of the rising CO2 levels on global warming, supporting Statement-I.

The primary responsibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI) as highlighted in the text is to prepare electoral rolls and oversee the conduct of elections in India. This crucial role ensures that the electoral process is carried out smoothly, fairly, and in accordance with the established guidelines. Electoral rolls form the basis for determining who is eligible to vote, and the ECI plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral system.

1. Compliance Mechanism - Incorrect. The Compliance Mechanism under the CCTS is designed for energy-intensive industries to meet sector-specific GHG reduction targets. Entities exceeding these targets earn credits, while those falling short must purchase credits. It is not about voluntary participation.
2. Offset Mechanism - Incorrect. The Offset Mechanism allows voluntary participation from entities outside the compliance framework to earn carbon credits by reducing emissions. It is not about mandating energy-intensive industries.
3. PAT Scheme - Incorrect. The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme focused on energy efficiency improvements through Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), not directly on reducing GHG emission intensity per tonne of GHG equivalent, which is the focus of the CCTS.
4. Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC) - Correct. Carbon Credit Certificates represent a one-tonne CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) reduction, aligning with the objectives of the CCTS to price and trade carbon credits.
Only the fourth pair is correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the objective of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which indeed aims to bolster consumer rights amidst modern challenges like globalization and e-commerce. Statement-II accurately describes the role of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in overseeing unfair trade practices and protecting consumer rights. While both statements are individually correct, they address distinct aspects of consumer protection without one statement explaining the other. Hence, option (b) is the correct choice as both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I.

The projection indicates that India's per capita water availability is expected to decrease from 1,486 m³ in 2021 to 1,367 m³ by 2031. This decline signifies a concerning trend in water scarcity, driven by various factors such as population growth, increased water demand, and environmental degradation. An interesting fact is that despite India's vast land area, it only has about 4% of the world's freshwater resources, which is a significant challenge for a country supporting 18% of the global population.

• Statement-I: "India is now ranked as the most polluted country in 2024."​

  This statement is incorrect. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, India is ranked third among the most polluted countries, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 µg/m³. The top two countries are Bangladesh and Pakistan, with higher average PM2.5 concentrations. 

• Statement-II: "Delhi continues to be the most polluted capital globally, with a PM2.5 concentration of 91.6 µg/m³."​

  This statement is correct. Delhi has been reported as the most polluted capital city globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.6 µg/m³ in 2024.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) indeed replaces the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme. It introduces Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC), each representing a one-tonne CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) reduction. This shift marks a transition from energy efficiency improvements to focusing on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the CCTS includes a compliance mechanism targeting energy-intensive industries, it does not exclude sectors like iron & steel and cement. In fact, these sectors are explicitly included in the CCTS, as they are significant contributors to India's GHG emissions. The scheme initially targets industries such as iron & steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, petroleum refineries, pulp & paper, and textiles.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The CCTS aims to cut India's emission intensity by 45% by 2030, aligning with India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This goal is part of India's broader strategy to decarbonize its economy and meet international climate targets.

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

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Kargil Review Committee, formed in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict, indeed recommended the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands as part of its suggestions to enhance joint operations among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for better coordination and effectiveness.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act 2023 provides theatre commanders with disciplinary powers over all military services, which is a significant step toward unified command and control in the proposed theatreisation of the Indian military.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Shekatkar Committee in 2016 recommended the creation of three primary Integrated Theatre Commands (Western, Northern, and Southern), not four. These were proposed to improve tri-service collaboration and efficiency in responding to regional threats.

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

Statement-I correctly states that the Election Commission of India oversees the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections under Article 324. This is in line with the information provided in the key takeaways section of the text.
However, Statement-II incorrectly suggests that allegations of EVM tampering have led to demands for a return to paper ballots. While concerns about EVM tampering have been raised, the demand for a return to paper ballots is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Hence, Statement-II is incorrect, making option (c) the correct answer.

1. Statement 1: The Indian National Army was indeed initially led by Mohan Singh, who proposed forming the army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) and gained Japanese support for this initiative. This statement is correct.
2. Statement 2: Subhas Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA and indeed established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on 21 October 1943. This statement is also correct.
3. Statement 3: The surrender of the INA was not directly related to the retreat of British forces from India. Instead, it was linked to the retreat of Japanese forces during World War II and their subsequent defeat. Following Japan's surrender, the INA also surrendered. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only. Hence, the answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

The Waste to Worth study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) primarily emphasizes addressing India's urban water crisis through the reuse of treated wastewater. This strategy is crucial for combating water scarcity and environmental degradation in urban areas. By promoting water circularity and efficient wastewater management, the study aims to maximize water resources and minimize pollution, contributing to sustainable development.

The establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) in India aims to enhance coordination and effectiveness by unifying military assets under one command. This setup allows for better coordination, faster decision-making, and improved integration of modern warfare capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. By having a single commander for a designated geographical area, the ITCs seek to address the shortcomings of single-service operations and promote jointness among the armed forces.

1. Statement 1: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls and conducting elections under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

- This statement is correct. Article 324 of the Indian Constitution vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections to the Election Commission of India, including the preparation of electoral rolls.

2. Statement 2: The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and 1951 provide the legal framework for the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

- This statement is incorrect. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and 1951 pertain to the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections, respectively. However, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections, and it is not strictly part of the legal framework established by these Acts.

3. Statement 3: The ERONET system is introduced by the ECI to address issues related to duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers and centralize electoral roll management.

- This statement is correct. The ERONET system is an initiative by the Election Commission of India to streamline the management of electoral rolls and address issues such as the duplication of EPIC numbers, thereby enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I highlights India's ranking in per capita water availability and the decline in freshwater resources, emphasizing the severity of the water crisis. Statement-II complements this by underscoring the imminent risk of water scarcity if immediate action is not taken. Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically explains the context provided in Statement-I.