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

Amending India's Patents Act, 1970, is a concern primarily because it could potentially lead to delaying the production of generic drugs. Generic drugs play a crucial role in making essential medicines affordable and accessible to a wider population. Any delay in their production could impact the availability and affordability of life-saving medications, affecting public health outcomes.

1. District Domestic Product (DDP) - Localized economic measurement at the district level:

Correct. The District Domestic Product (DDP) refers to the measurement of economic output at the district level, emphasizing localized economic activities and contributions.

2. GDP Top-Down Approach - Aggregating data from districts in the primary sector:

Incorrect. The top-down approach typically involves distributing national GDP to states and districts using indicators like employment and infrastructure, particularly for secondary and tertiary sectors, not aggregating data from districts in the primary sector. The primary sector uses a bottom-up approach.

3. India's Pharmaceutical Export to the US - Zero customs duty on Indian pharmaceuticals:

Incorrect. The zero customs duty proposal is for US medicine imports into India to prevent reciprocal tariffs, not for Indian exports to the US.

4. PLI Scheme - Promotes domestic manufacturing in the biotechnology sector:

Correct. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is indeed aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, including sectors like biotechnology, though it broadly covers pharmaceuticals.

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

Seagrasses face various threats, one of which is climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification due to climate change pose significant risks to the survival of seagrass ecosystems. These changes can impact seagrass growth, reproduction, and overall health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to mitigate these threats.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Great Nicobar Island Project indeed includes significant infrastructure developments such as a transshipment terminal at Galathea Bay and a greenfield township, among other components like a greenfield airport and a tourism project.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The project has faced serious legal challenges and has not been fully approved by the Supreme Court. There have been significant concerns over legal violations regarding tree felling and the lack of tribal consultation, which contradicts the Supreme Court's earlier recommendations, particularly those made by the Shekhar Singh Commission in 2002.

- Statement 3 is correct. The project poses a threat to the habitat of the nesting leatherback sea turtle, which is an endangered species. The Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a crucial habitat for these turtles, was denotified to make way for port development, raising significant environmental concerns.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: Nesting site for leatherback sea turtles - Correct. Galathea Bay is indeed known as a nesting site for the leatherback sea turtles, a fact highlighted as a concern in the Great Nicobar Island Project due to the threat it poses to the wildlife habitat.

2. NITI Aayog: Initiator of the Great Nicobar Island Project - Correct. NITI Aayog is reported to be spearheading the Great Nicobar Island Project, which includes multiple infrastructure developments.

3. Sea Cow Grass: A species of seagrass - Correct. Sea Cow Grass (Cymodocea serrulata) is indeed a species of seagrass, as mentioned in the study on seagrass conservation.

4. Shekhar Singh Commission: Recommended expansion of Marine Protected Areas - Incorrect. The Shekhar Singh Commission recommended a total ban on tree felling in tribal reserves and national parks, not the expansion of Marine Protected Areas. The expansion of MPAs is a separate recommendation for seagrass conservation.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched. The answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, is significant in 2025 as it recognizes women's achievements across cultural, economic, and political spheres. Additionally, it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), a pivotal commitment to women's rights globally.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) was indeed adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China, in 1995. This conference marked a significant commitment to advancing women's rights on a global scale.

- Statement 2 is correct. The BPfA does identify 12 critical areas for action to promote gender equality and empower women, covering a wide range of issues from poverty and education to health and violence against women.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The BPfA itself was not recognized by the United Nations in 1975. Instead, 1975 was the year when the United Nations began observing International Women's Year and held the first World Conference on Women in Mexico City. The BPfA was specifically developed and adopted much later, in 1995, during the Beijing conference.

Thus, only the first two statements are correct, making Option B the accurate answer.

1. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) - Adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. This pair is correctly matched. The BPfA is indeed a landmark document for women's rights, adopted in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing.

2. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao - Initiative aimed at improving sex ratio and increasing female enrollment in higher education. This pair is correctly matched. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in India focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls' education.

3. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) - Aimed at increasing natural gas’s share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030. This pair is incorrectly matched. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) are meant for ensuring oil supply security, not specifically for increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix.

4. GATI Program - Supports women's participation in STEM fields and technology advancement. This pair is correctly matched. The GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) program is aimed at supporting women's participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

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

Statement-I is correct as International Women's Day is indeed observed on March 8 every year to recognize women's achievements and advocate for their rights. Statement-II is also correct as it correctly mentions the theme for International Women's Day 2025, which is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." The theme encapsulates the core principles behind the celebration of International Women's Day, emphasizing the importance of rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls globally. Thus, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II appropriately elaborates on the significance of the theme in relation to the observance of International Women's Day.

The primary objective of establishing a balanced regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India is to enhance investor protections. This involves implementing robust education and guidelines to safeguard investors and regulate crypto assets effectively. By ensuring investor protections, the regulatory framework aims to create a safer environment for individuals engaging with cryptocurrencies, thus fostering trust and confidence in the digital asset space.

• Statement 1: This statement is correct. In September 2021, El Salvador indeed became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, marking a significant milestone in cryptocurrency history.
• Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. While some countries have established regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, they are primarily unregulated and function outside the purview of most national governments. Countries like Switzerland have clear regulations, but this is not the global norm.
• Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. As of the information provided, India has not yet established a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, though discussions and deliberations are ongoing.

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

The significant concern regarding Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) as highlighted in the passage is their limited financial autonomy. This lack of financial independence restricts their ability to respond rapidly to market changes, which can hinder their decision-making processes. Maintaining financial autonomy is crucial for CPSEs to operate efficiently and adapt to dynamic market conditions.

1. The budgetary support for CPSEs has increased by over 150% in the last five years.
This statement is correct. The budgetary support for CPSEs has indeed surged by over 150% from Rs 2.1 lakh crore in FY20 to Rs 5.48 lakh crore in FY25 (Revised Estimate), indicating a significant increase in reliance on government funding.
2. The Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) used for financing capital expenditure have increased significantly in the recent years.
This statement is incorrect. In fact, the IEBR has declined significantly, limiting financial flexibility for CPSEs. It dropped from Rs 6.42 lakh crore in FY20 to Rs 3.63 lakh crore in FY23, and is estimated at Rs 3.82 lakh crore in FY25.
3. High government debt and policy instability have encouraged private investment in CPSEs.
This statement is incorrect. High government debt and policy instability have actually deterred private investment in CPSEs. The reliance on budgetary support has led to a decline in private sector participation, as seen in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) where expected private funding fell to nil in FY23-FY24.
Thus, only statement 1 is correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

1. Miniratna: CPSEs with significant market capitalization and strategic importance.
- Incorrect. Miniratna status is granted to CPSEs that have made profits continuously for the last three years or have a positive net worth. The definition does not specifically emphasize significant market capitalization or strategic importance.
2. Maharatna: CPSEs with the ability to raise capital from international markets.
- Correct. Maharatna status grants CPSEs greater autonomy, including the ability to raise capital internationally, and they are typically large and have a significant impact on the economy.
3. Navratna: CPSEs with a high degree of autonomy in decision-making.
- Correct. Navratna status allows CPSEs a significant level of autonomy to make decisions without government approval, aimed at enhancing their efficiency and competitiveness.
4. Disinvestment: The process of reducing government stake to attract private investment.
- Correct. Disinvestment involves reducing the government’s stake in CPSEs, often to encourage private investment and improve efficiency.
Pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

The significant concern about CPSEs' capital expenditure strategy is their increasing dependence on budgetary support instead of self-financing or attracting private investments. This trend raises questions about their long-term financial sustainability and autonomy, as relying heavily on government funding may limit their operational flexibility and ability to innovate. An interesting fact is that CPSEs play a crucial role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to various sectors, and their financial health is vital for maintaining national economic stability.

The budgetary support for CPSEs has surged by over 150% in the past five years, increasing from Rs 2.1 lakh crore in FY20 to an estimated Rs 5.48 lakh crore in FY25. This reflects a growing reliance on government funding to support the operations of CPSEs amid declining internal resources. An interesting fact is that this increase in budgetary support highlights the challenges faced by CPSEs in generating sufficient internal revenue, underscoring the importance of financial sustainability and reform in public sector enterprises.

For a company to be classified as a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), the Central Government or other CPSEs must hold at least a 51% stake in it. This majority ownership allows the government to exercise significant control over the enterprise, ensuring that it aligns with national policy objectives and serves public interests. An interesting fact about CPSEs is that they play a crucial role in contributing to India's economic development by operating in vital sectors like energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

The suggested strategy for enhancing the financial health of CPSEs includes the privatization of non-strategic enterprises. This approach aims to attract private investment, which can help reduce the financial burden on the government and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these enterprises. Privatization can lead to better management practices and innovation, as private entities often have stronger incentives to maximize profitability and operational efficiency. An interesting fact about privatization is that it has been successfully implemented in various countries, leading to significant improvements in service delivery and financial performance in sectors such as telecommunications and transportation.

The primary function of cryptocurrency is to enable secure transactions without government oversight, utilizing cryptography for added security. Cryptocurrencies operate independently of central authorities, which allows for peer-to-peer transactions and greater privacy. This decentralized nature is one of the key features that differentiates cryptocurrencies from traditional currencies and makes them an innovative financial tool. An interesting fact is that the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto, and it has paved the way for thousands of other cryptocurrencies since then.

El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first nation to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. This decision allowed Bitcoin to be used for all transactions, including tax payments and business exchanges, alongside the US dollar, which is also used in the country. This move sparked significant discussions about the future of cryptocurrency and its potential role in national economies, especially for countries with limited access to traditional banking systems.

Adopting a cryptocurrency policy can help prevent the brain drain of blockchain experts, who might otherwise migrate to countries with more favorable regulations. By creating a supportive environment for crypto innovation, India can retain its skilled workforce and foster local talent in emerging technologies. This not only contributes to economic growth but also positions India as a competitive player in the global financial ecosystem. Interestingly, many countries, such as Switzerland and Singapore, have already established favorable regulations that have helped them become hubs for cryptocurrency and blockchain development.

The rapid transfer of cryptocurrencies across borders poses a significant risk of misuse, particularly concerning illegal activities such as money laundering and terror financing. This is due to the anonymity and decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, which can make tracking transactions difficult for authorities. An interesting fact is that while cryptocurrencies can offer benefits like lower transaction costs and faster transfers, these same features can also facilitate illicit transactions, leading to ongoing debates around the need for regulatory frameworks to address these concerns.

The main goal of establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India is to foster innovation while ensuring investor protection. A balanced regulatory approach can help create a safe environment for investors, encourage domestic innovation, and allow India to integrate into the global financial system. This is particularly important as the digital economy continues to grow, and regulatory clarity can help in leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology effectively. An interesting fact is that many countries are actively working on their regulatory frameworks to adapt to the rapid evolution of digital assets, highlighting a global trend towards more structured regulations in the crypto space.

Estimating District Domestic Product (DDP) is significant as it provides insights into the economic contributions of individual districts, which can be crucial for implementing targeted development strategies. By understanding how each district contributes to the overall economy, policymakers can tailor initiatives that foster localized growth, thereby helping to achieve larger economic goals, such as the ambition of a USD 5 trillion economy. This localized approach ensures that economic benefits are more evenly distributed across regions, addressing disparities and promoting balanced development. An interesting fact is that many countries have successfully utilized similar localized economic assessments to enhance regional development and improve overall national economic health.

The current GDP estimation methodologies in India overlook local sectoral strengths, particularly in the secondary and tertiary sectors. This means that while national averages may reflect overall economic health, they fail to capture the unique contributions and needs of individual districts. Such oversight can lead to ineffective economic policies that do not address local challenges or opportunities. An interesting fact is that by incorporating district-level data, policymakers can create more targeted interventions that promote balanced growth across regions, potentially reducing economic disparities.