Test: Weekly Current Affairs: September 22nd to 28th - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies indeed prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. This is a key objective of the agreement to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine biodiversity.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The agreement does not mandate a uniform 25-year transition period for all WTO members. While India has called for a 25-year transition period for developing countries and LDCs, the agreement proposes different timelines, and developed countries have suggested shorter periods like 5-7 years.

Statement 3 is correct. The agreement includes the establishment of a WTO Fish Fund intended to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries and LDCs. This support is crucial to help these countries comply with the new subsidy rules and transition towards sustainable fishing practices.

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

The roadmap for India's fusion energy plan outlines the development of a fusion reactor named INDRA by the year 2060. This reactor is aimed at generating 500 MWe output with a Q value greater than 20. This signifies a crucial step in India's pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, marking a significant advancement in the field of fusion energy research.

Statement-I correctly highlights the reasons behind the increasing crisis of urban floods, attributing it to high-intensity rainfall patterns and outdated urban planning and drainage systems. Statement-II provides additional information about the economic impact of floods, stating that it can reach up to ₹8,700 crore per event. While both statements are factually correct, Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on Statement-I; hence, option (b) is the most appropriate choice.

Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was established in 2014 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Fiji, not New Zealand. This summit marked a significant step in India's Act East Policy aimed at strengthening ties with the Pacific Island nations.

Statement 2: This statement is correct. FIPIC comprises 14 Pacific Island Countries, which include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. These countries are integral members of the forum, focusing on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. One of the key initiatives of FIPIC is the establishment of a $1 million climate fund. This initiative is part of the broader effort to address climate change challenges, which are particularly pertinent to the Pacific Island nations due to their vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. The correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: According to the given details, the traditional medicine sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10% to 20%. This reflects the increasing global demand and recognition of traditional medicine practices.

2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The statement is incorrect because China's traditional medicine industry is larger than India's AYUSH sector. China's industry is valued at $122.4 billion, whereas India's AYUSH sector is valued at $43.4 billion. This indicates that China's traditional medicine market is significantly larger in terms of market value.

3. Statement 3 is Correct: Traditional medicine does contribute to biodiversity conservation, nutritional security, and sustainable livelihoods. These contributions are part of the broader benefits of traditional medicine systems, which often rely on the sustainable use of natural resources and integrate with local and indigenous knowledge systems.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as these statements accurately reflect the information provided about the traditional medicine sector.

Statement-I correctly highlights the global growth projection of the traditional medicine sector at a rate of 10%–20%, with China leading in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. Statement-II is also accurate in stating that India's AYUSH sector is valued at $43.4 billion. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation or direct correlation to Statement-I, hence the correct answer is option (b).

- Statement 1 is correct. The Sahyog portal was indeed launched by the Union Home Ministry in October 2024. Its primary purpose is to serve as a centralized platform that connects central agencies, state police, and online intermediaries, facilitating the issuance of takedown notices to combat cybercrime effectively.

- Statement 2 is correct. The IT Act, 2000, specifically under Section 79(3)(b), provides that intermediaries lose their "safe harbour protection" if they do not comply with government notices regarding unlawful content. This legal provision underpins the operation of the Sahyog portal, ensuring intermediaries adhere to regulations and government directives.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While packaged and processed foods do contribute to salt intake, the primary source of high salt consumption in India is home-cooked meals. Approximately 75% of the salt intake comes from home-prepared foods, such as traditional Indian dishes, pickles, and papads, rather than processed foods.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement 1: "The recognition of Palestine by the U.K., Australia, and Canada marks the first instance where G-7 nations have officially acknowledged Palestine as a sovereign state."

- This statement is correct. It is noted in the text that this marks a seismic shift in Western foreign policy, with these G-7 nations recognizing Palestine.

2. Statement 2: "The decision to recognize Palestine by these countries was primarily driven by the historical legacy of the Balfour Declaration."

- This statement is incorrect. While the Balfour Declaration is mentioned as part of the U.K.'s historical responsibility, the primary drive for recognition is linked to the ongoing violence in Gaza and the urgency for peace, not solely the Balfour Declaration.

3. Statement 3: "Portugal's simultaneous recognition of Palestine indicates a unified European stance on the issue, in conjunction with expected support from France."

- This statement is correct. The text mentions Portugal's recognition alongside expected support from France, indicating a unified European approach.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct choice.

The primary purpose of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016 in India is to streamline insolvency processes, protect small investors, and facilitate the revival of distressed firms. It aims to create a more efficient resolution framework by prioritizing corporate rehabilitation over liquidation. This legal framework, established to consolidate insolvency processes, plays a crucial role in enhancing investor confidence and promoting a more robust insolvency framework in the country.

1. U.K. - Special Responsibility: This pair is correctly matched. The U.K. has a special historical responsibility due to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which is a significant historical context for its recognition of Palestine.

2. Australia - G-7 Nation: This pair is correctly matched. Australia is a G-7 nation and has recently recognized Palestine, marking a unique stance among G-7 countries.

3. Canada - First Time Recognizing: This pair is correctly matched. Canada has recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, marking a first for the nation.

4. Portugal - Opposes Recognition: This pair is incorrectly matched. Portugal did not oppose the recognition; instead, it made a simultaneous announcement of recognition alongside other nations, reflecting a united European front.

The correctly matched pairs are 1, 2, and 3. Thus, there are three correctly matched pairs.

1. Gen Z Protests - Led by established political parties: Incorrect. The Gen Z protests in Nepal were primarily led by the youth, not by established political parties. The protests were driven by discontent with corruption, elitism, and lack of economic opportunities.

2. Sushila Karki - Appointed as interim Prime Minister of Nepal: Correct. Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, was appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, highlighting the political instability in the country.

3. ITER Project - Largest nuclear fusion project located in the USA: Incorrect. The ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project, the largest nuclear fusion project globally, is located in France, not in the USA. It involves collaboration among 35 nations, including India.

4. SST-Bharat - India's first fusion electricity generator: Correct. SST-Bharat is intended to be India's first fusion electricity generator, incorporating a fusion-fission hybrid model. It is part of India's roadmap for fusion energy development, aligned with the nation's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

1. Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) - Incorrect. SDT provisions offer developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) special rights and favorable treatment in trade negotiations, not developed countries. SDT includes longer implementation periods and preferential market access to help these nations participate effectively in global trade.
2. G33 Coalition - Correct. The G33 is a coalition of developing countries that actively advocates for their agricultural interests within WTO negotiations. India is a prominent member of this group, which seeks to protect the interests of low-income and resource-poor farmers.
3. US Tariff Pressures - Incorrect. The US tariff pressures have been generally more focused on China and other countries, but they also have implications for India. However, the statement suggesting that the primary aim is to increase tariffs on Indian agricultural goods is misleading. The focus is broader and includes various sectors and countries.
4. China’s Developing Country Status - Correct. China has traditionally claimed developing country status in WTO negotiations, which allows it to benefit from SDT provisions. However, China announced that it will no longer seek SDT in future negotiations, marking a significant shift in its trade policy.
Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights the mandatory nature of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which enforce specific Indian Standards for certain products. Statement-II mentions the import regulations under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), emphasizing compliance requirements for foreign manufacturers. Both statements are factually accurate, but they discuss different aspects of the QCO framework without one explaining the other, hence option (b) is the correct choice.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) plays a crucial role in India by providing education and conducting research on sustainable fish farming and aquaculture practices. This institute contributes to the development and dissemination of knowledge in the field of fisheries to promote sustainable practices and enhance productivity in the sector.

1. Suva - First FIPIC Summit: Correctly matched. The first FIPIC Summit was indeed held in Suva, Fiji, in 2014 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit as part of India's Act East Policy.
2. Jaipur - Second FIPIC Summit: Correctly matched. The second FIPIC Summit took place in Jaipur, India, in 2015.
3. Port Moresby - Third FIPIC Summit: Correctly matched. The third FIPIC Summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in 2023.
4. New York - Fourth FIPIC Summit: Incorrectly matched. The meeting in New York mentioned was not a summit but a meeting of foreign ministers. There has not been a fourth FIPIC Summit in New York.
Only pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, making Option C the correct choice.

Statement-I correctly highlights the current challenges faced by Nepal during its political transition, emphasizing the need to convert public dissatisfaction into long-lasting reforms, which is a crucial aspect of the country's democratic evolution. Statement-II accurately describes India's cautious stance towards Nepal's political situation, emphasizing the significance of stability in Nepal for regional interests. India's cautious approach aligns with its historical ties and strategic interests in the region, justifying the need for stability in Nepal. Therefore, both statements are correct, with Statement-II explaining the importance of stability in Nepal in the broader regional context.

Statement-I correctly outlines the key objective of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which is to prohibit harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks. Statement-II aligns with India's stance in advocating for policy space and exemptions to safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishers. India's position reflects a specific application of the broader objectives of the WTO agreement, making both statements correct and interconnected.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - China: Correctly matched. Traditional Chinese Medicine is indeed a system of medicine that originated in China and has been practiced there for thousands of years.

2. Ayurveda - India: Correctly matched. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India and is widely practiced there and increasingly in other parts of the world.

3. Homeopathy - United States: Incorrectly matched. Homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann in Germany, not the United States.

4. Unani - Greece: Incorrectly matched. Unani medicine is derived from the teachings of the Greek physician Hippocrates and later developed by Arab and Persian physicians. The system is named after the Arabic word for "Greek," but it is not directly from Greece in the way implied.

Thus, only the first two pairs are correctly matched, making Option B the correct choice.

Both statements are accurate. Statement-I correctly describes the purpose of the Sahyog portal, which serves to combat cybercrime by issuing takedown notices to online intermediaries. Statement-II accurately depicts the provision in Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, which outlines safe harbor protection for intermediaries who comply with government directives regarding unlawful content. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II also provides an explanation for Statement-I.

The formal recognition of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada was prompted by the significant event of Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. This attack played a crucial role in escalating the conflict in Gaza and ultimately led to a seismic shift in Western foreign policy towards recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state.

The Sahyog portal, introduced by the Union Home Ministry, serves as a centralized platform fostering cooperation between citizens, state authorities, and digital platforms. It aims to enhance accountability and maintain order among social media platforms by enabling the issuance of takedown notices for unlawful content. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in regulating digital spaces for the greater good of society.

The primary objective behind the establishment of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is to promote collaboration in various sectors such as trade, investment, health, agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, digital connectivity, and climate change adaptation among the member countries. This forum aims to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas to benefit both India and the Pacific Island nations.

The Planetary Health Check report aims to evaluate the health of Earth's systems by tracking ecological thresholds essential for maintaining habitability. It serves as a global scientific assessment that highlights the critical need to address human activities pushing Earth beyond its safe operating limits, focusing on planetary boundaries that regulate Earth system stability and resilience.

1. Geographical Spread - Incorrect. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve includes a variety of landscapes, not just alpine lakes and high-altitude deserts. It also includes windswept plateaus and glacial valleys. Hence, this pair is incorrectly matched.

2. Biodiversity - Correct. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is indeed home to notable fauna such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan ibex. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Community Practices - Correct. The inhabitants of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve do engage in traditional practices, including Tibetan herbal medicine influenced by local Buddhist monasteries. This pair is correctly matched.

4. UNESCO Recognition - Correct. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is recognized as the 13th biosphere reserve from India to be included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This pair is correctly matched.

Geographical Spread is incorrectly matched, while Biodiversity, Community Practices, and UNESCO Recognition are correctly matched. Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

The traditional medicine sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10%-20% globally. This growth indicates a significant trend towards the increasing acceptance and utilization of traditional medicine systems on a global scale, highlighting the potential for further integration and development of these practices in healthcare systems worldwide.