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

Statement-I mentions that India is now a net importer of cotton, which is supported by the information provided in the text about India's shift from being a leading exporter of cotton to becoming a net importer. This statement is factually correct based on the content.
Statement-II talks about the projected market size of India's textile industry reaching USD 350 billion by 2030. This statement is also accurate as per the details provided in the text. However, while both statements are correct, they do not directly relate or explain each other. Statement-I addresses cotton imports, while Statement-II focuses on the future market size of the textile industry. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).

1. PMMVY launch year - 2017: Correct. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana was launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development to provide maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating women.
2. Total benefit for the first child - Rs 8,000: Incorrect. The scheme provides Rs 5,000 for the first child, with additional benefits under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) bringing the total to around Rs 6,000, not Rs 8,000.
3. Additional benefit for the second child if a girl - Rs 6,000: Correct. The PMMVY provides Rs 6,000 for the second child only if the child is a girl, promoting gender equality and discouraging female feticide.
4. Budget allocation for 2023-24 - Rs 870 crore: Correct. The allocation for the PMMVY in 2023-24 was indeed Rs 870 crore, which was significantly reduced from previous years.
So, the correctly matched pairs are 1, 3, and 4.

Establishing Market Intelligence Units is proposed as a strategy to provide real-time data on international demand, which can help farmers and exporters align their products with market needs. This approach is crucial for enhancing export growth as it allows stakeholders to make informed decisions based on current market trends and consumer preferences. Understanding market dynamics can significantly improve competitiveness in the global agricultural trade landscape. Interestingly, successful countries often utilize market intelligence to tailor their products, ensuring they meet international standards and consumer expectations.

The primary goal of agritourism in India is to provide additional income sources for farmers by attracting visitors to farms for educational or entertainment purposes. This initiative helps farmers diversify their income streams and contributes to boosting rural economies by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices.

World Wildlife Day, observed annually on 3rd March, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect biodiversity amidst challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It serves as a platform to emphasize the significance of safeguarding wildlife and preserving ecosystems for future generations.

1. Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971 - Correctly matched. This act empowers the state to declare areas as "slum areas" and acquire land as necessary for improvement, clearance, and redevelopment purposes.

2. Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, 1995 - Correctly matched. This scheme allows developers to fund the redevelopment of slums and provides housing to slum dwellers at no cost, in exchange for additional construction rights.

3. NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH) - Incorrectly matched. NITI-FTH does not focus exclusively on the healthcare sector; it deals with emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, as highlighted in the context provided.

4. National Quantum Mission (NQM) - Correctly matched. This mission was launched to develop indigenous capabilities in quantum technology and aims to position India as a global leader in this field.

Three pairs are correctly matched based on the information provided. The incorrect pair is related to NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub, which isn't limited to the healthcare sector but rather focuses on a broader range of frontier technologies, including quantum computing.

- Statement 1 is correct. World Wildlife Day is indeed observed on 3rd March, and it was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity, especially in the face of challenges such as climate change and pollution.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as a critically endangered species. There has been a specific conservation plan launched to address the declining population of this species, aiming to prevent its extinction and promote recovery.

- Statement 3 is correct. During the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), there was a strong emphasis on community participation in wildlife conservation. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of involving local communities, such as the Maldhari community, in conservation efforts to promote sustainable coexistence and enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.

Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D, the right answer.

1. Great Indian Bustard Conservation - Initiative announced during the 7th NBWL meeting: Correct. A conservation plan for the Great Indian Bustard was indeed announced during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

2. World Wildlife Day - Celebrated on 5th March: Incorrect. World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3rd March, not 5th March.

3. National Referral Centre for Wildlife - Foundation stone laid in Junagadh: Correct. The foundation stone for this center was indeed laid in Junagadh as part of new wildlife conservation initiatives.

4. High-Income Economy Status by 2047 - Requires an average growth rate of 7.8% per annum: Correct. According to the World Bank report, India must achieve an average annual growth rate of 7.8% over the next 22 years to attain high-income country status by 2047.

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

Obesity is linked to various health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These conditions are significantly impacted by excessive fat accumulation in the body, leading to increased risks of heart problems and metabolic disorders. It's crucial to address obesity to mitigate these health concerns and promote overall well-being.

Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) create substantial obstacles for Indian agricultural exports by imposing stringent regulations such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards. These regulations can complicate the process of entering foreign markets, as they require compliance with various health and safety protocols. An interesting fact is that many countries implement NTBs as a way to protect local industries and consumers, which can inadvertently hinder international trade opportunities for exporters from nations like India.

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is to ensure maternal nutrition and support financial stability. This scheme, launched in 2017, aims to provide maternity benefits to eligible pregnant and lactating women, excluding government employees and those already receiving similar benefits. By focusing on maternal health and nutrition, the PMMVY strives to promote the well-being of expecting and nursing mothers, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for both mothers and children.

The "Accelerated Reforms" scenario projects that India will achieve a growth rate of 7.80% by the year 2047, which is necessary for the country to transition to high-income status. This ambitious target reflects the need for significant strategic reforms in investment, job creation, and trade competitiveness. Achieving such growth would place India among the few countries that have successfully transitioned to high-income economies in a relatively short time frame. An interesting fact is that many countries require decades of sustained growth and reform to reach high-income status, making India's goal particularly challenging yet potentially achievable with the right policies.

India has transitioned from being a net exporter to a net importer of cotton, marking a significant shift in its agricultural export landscape. This change highlights the challenges faced by the Indian cotton industry, including competition from countries with higher subsidies and changing global market conditions. Interestingly, as of 2023-24, India's cotton exports have fallen dramatically from USD 4.3 billion in 2011-12 to just USD 1.1 billion, reflecting the broader trends in agricultural trade.

Statement 1 is correct. Agritourism indeed helps preserve agricultural heritage by showcasing traditional farming methods and crafts. This aspect of agritourism allows visitors to experience and learn about the agricultural practices and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Statement 2 is correct. Agritourism in India does face several challenges, including high competition from other types of tourism and poor accessibility to rural areas. These challenges can hinder the growth and development of agritourism as a viable economic activity.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Agro-Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) was established in Maharashtra, not Himachal Pradesh, to promote agritourism. This initiative was aimed at fostering agritourism in Maharashtra, highlighting the state's diverse agricultural practices.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate, while statement 3 is incorrect.

Statement 1 is correct. India has indeed become a net importer of cotton, reversing its previous status as a leading exporter. This shift is notable given India's historical prominence in cotton exports.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The exports of sugar and wheat have not significantly increased in FY24; instead, they have been restricted by the government to manage domestic food inflation, which has impacted overall trade.

Statement 3 is correct. India's agricultural exports face challenges due to non-tariff barriers, such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards, set by developed nations. Additionally, the substantial subsidies provided to farmers in those countries create an unlevel playing field, affecting the competitiveness of Indian agricultural products in the global market.

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

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Champakam Dorairajan case of 1951 did indeed lead to the introduction of Article 15(4) through the Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951, which allowed the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Supreme Court in the Champakam Dorairajan case asserted the supremacy of Fundamental Rights over Directive Principles of State Policy, not the other way around. The court ruled that the Madras government's reservation order was unconstitutional as it violated Article 15(1), emphasizing the precedence of Fundamental Rights.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. The Champakam Dorairajan case was not directly linked to the introduction of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which pertains to the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions. The case was primarily concerned with reservations in educational institutions and did not address issues related to Panchayati Raj.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct answer.

1. Obesity Definition - BMI of 30 or above: Correctly matched. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. A BMI of 25 or above is classified as overweight.

2. Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 - Abolishes all tribunals: Incorrectly matched. The Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 does not abolish all tribunals; it abolishes certain appellate tribunals and transfers their functions to existing judicial bodies like High Courts, aiming to streamline the functioning of tribunals.

3. WHO Obesity Classification - BMI of 25 or above as overweight: Correctly matched. According to WHO, a BMI of 25 or above is classified as overweight.

4. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Reports 24% of Indian women as overweight or obese: Correctly matched. According to the NFHS-5 conducted between 2019-2021, 24% of Indian women are classified as overweight or obese.

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

The key challenge faced by India's textile industry, as outlined in the text, is stagnant growth and declining exports. This sector has experienced a contraction annually, with apparel exports decreasing over the years. This challenge underscores the need for strategic reforms and initiatives to revitalize the industry and enhance its global competitiveness.

The Champakam Dorairajan Case of 1951 was significant in Indian constitutional law as it led to the introduction of provisions for reservations in educational institutions through a constitutional amendment. This case highlighted the conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, ultimately influencing future constitutional amendments and judicial interpretations in India.

Statement-I correctly explains the concept of agritourism, which involves integrating agriculture with tourism to provide additional income to farmers. However, Statement-II is incorrect as tea cultivation in India did not start in the early 19th century by the British; instead, it originated when British colonizers commercialized its cultivation after discovering local tribes consuming tea.

1. Champakam Dorairajan Case, 1951 - Correctly matched. This case highlighted the conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, leading to the introduction of Article 15(4) which allows the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

2. Golaknath Case - Incorrectly matched. The Golaknath case in 1967 held that Parliament could not curtail any of the Fundamental Rights in the Constitution through amendment, thereby emphasizing the supremacy of Fundamental Rights over Directive Principles, not the other way around.

3. Kesavananda Bharati Case - Correctly matched. This landmark 1973 case established the Basic Structure Doctrine, which holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendments.

4. Minerva Mills Case - Incorrectly matched. The Minerva Mills case of 1980 further reinforced the Basic Structure Doctrine and clarified that there must be a balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, but it did not assert the supremacy of Fundamental Rights over Directive Principles exclusively.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement 1 is correct. The Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971 indeed empowers the state government to declare certain areas as "slum areas" and facilitate land acquisition for the purpose of redevelopment. This is a legal framework designed to improve living conditions and provide better housing facilities.

Statement 2 is also correct. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) plays a crucial role in overseeing slum redevelopment projects. It ensures that redevelopment is carried out in a manner that benefits the slum dwellers, typically by providing them housing at no cost as part of the redevelopment process. This inclusion is part of the incentives offered to private developers who undertake such projects.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Scheme 1995 does not mandate that developers provide financial assistance for relocation. Instead, developers are expected to fund the redevelopment projects and offer housing to slum dwellers at no cost, in exchange for additional construction rights. This is a critical aspect of the incentive mechanism for developers, but it does not involve direct financial assistance to slum dwellers for relocation.

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

India must achieve an average annual growth rate of 7.8% over the next 22 years to reach high-income country status by 2047. This figure underscores the ambitious economic reforms and effective implementation necessary to facilitate such growth. Achieving this rate is significant as it highlights the challenges and opportunities in India's economic landscape, especially in a global context where many economies are also striving for growth. An interesting fact is that achieving sustained high growth rates historically has often been accompanied by substantial structural reforms in various sectors of the economy.

The NITI Aayog report on Quantum Computing highlights the challenge of a weak domestic supply chain in India's quantum technology ecosystem. This weakness stems from the country's reliance on specialized components like cryogenic systems and high-purity materials, creating a dependency on foreign suppliers. Strengthening the domestic supply chain is crucial for building indigenous capabilities in quantum technology and reducing reliance on external sources.

1. The first statement is correct. The PMMVY provides Rs 5,000 for the first child, and for the second child, Rs 6,000 is provided only if the child is a girl. This is part of the scheme’s strategy to promote gender equality and discourage female feticide.

2. The second statement is incorrect. The effective coverage of the PMMVY actually decreased from 36% in 2019-20 to 9% in 2023-24, indicating a significant drop in implementation effectiveness over the years.

3. The third statement is incorrect. The PMMVY does not align with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in terms of providing universal maternity benefits because it restricts benefits to the first two children, contrary to the NFSA's mandate for universal maternity benefits for all pregnant women.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, making Option A the right answer.