Test:Indian Society and Social Issues MCQs (July 2024 Current Affairs) - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I accurately describes the purpose and target beneficiaries of the School in a Box initiative in Assam, which is to offer educational support to children aged 6-18 in relief camps during natural disasters. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as the primary goal of the initiative is not focused on providing medical assistance but rather on ensuring educational continuity for children in traumatic situations. Therefore, Statement-I is correct, while Statement-II is inaccurate.

1. Iceland - 93.5% gender parity score: Correct. Iceland has a 93.5% gender parity score and remains the world's most gender-equal society.

2. India - 127th rank in 2024 Global Gender Gap Index: Incorrect. India ranked 129th in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index.

3. Namibia - Top 10 rank in 2024: Correct. Namibia is ranked 8th in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index.

4. Finland - Among the top 5 countries in 2024: Correct. Finland is among the top 5 countries in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Global Gender Gap Index for 2024 reports a score of 68.5%, which means that 31.5% of the gender gap remains unaddressed.

- Statement 2 is also correct. India has indeed ranked 129th in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, having slipped two places from its 2023 ranking of 127th.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Middle East and North Africa region ranks last in the Global Gender Gap Index, with Southern Asia ranking 7 out of 8 regions, not second to last.

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

Industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) as mentioned in Statement-I are actually identified as a major contributor to heart disease and offer no nutritional benefits, being detrimental to public health. This contrasts with the information presented in Statement-II, which accurately highlights the increase in insufficient physical activity globally, showcasing a concerning trend that could impact public health negatively.

Let's analyze each statement in the context of the provided information:

1. Correct: The amended rules indeed grant 180 days of maternity leave to both the surrogate mother and the commissioning mother, provided they have less than two surviving children.

2. Correct: The amendments clearly state that commissioning fathers who are government employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, which can be availed within six months from the date of delivery of the child.

3. Incorrect: The provision for childcare leave for the commissioning mother is conditional upon her having less than two surviving children. The statement incorrectly suggests that this leave is available regardless of the number of children.

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

1. Iceland has been ranked as the world's most gender-equal society for the 15th consecutive year. - This statement is correct. Iceland continues to lead the Global Gender Gap Index, holding the top position for 15 consecutive years with a gender parity score of 93.5%.

2. The Middle East and North Africa region has closed 74.2% of its gender gap. - This statement is incorrect. The Middle East and North Africa region ranks last in the Global Gender Gap Index, with only 61.7% of its gender gap closed. The 74.2% figure corresponds to Latin America & Caribbean.

3. India has closed 64.1% of its gender gap as of 2024. - This statement is correct. The report indicates that India has closed 64.1% of its gender gap.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

- Statement 1 is correct. The WHO set a target in 2018 to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) from the global food supply by the end of 2023. This initiative was part of WHO's efforts to reduce the global burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly heart disease, which is significantly impacted by TFA consumption.
- Statement 2 is correct. By 2023, WHO's REPLACE action framework had indeed facilitated the widespread adoption of best-practice policies in 53 countries, impacting 3.7 billion people. This represents a significant increase in coverage from just 6% five years earlier, showcasing the global effort to eliminate TFA.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. While South Asia does have a high prevalence of insufficient physical activity, it ranks second highest globally, not the highest. The high-income Asia Pacific region ranks highest in terms of insufficient physical activity among adults.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. **Maternity Leave for Surrogate Mother: 180 days** - Correct. The amended rules provide 180 days of maternity leave for both surrogate and commissioning mothers.

2. **Paternity Leave for Commissioning Father: 30 days** - Incorrect. The amended rules grant 15 days of paternity leave to the commissioning father.

3. **Child Care Leave for Commissioning Mother: As per existing provisions** - Correct. The commissioning mother is eligible for childcare leave as per the existing provisions.

4. **Surrogacy Criteria: Married for at least 3 years** - Incorrect. The surrogacy criteria require a couple to be married for at least 5 years.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

The term 'Nata Pratha' refers to a practice that is comparable to modern forms of prostitution. It involves selling women "on a stamp paper" or marrying off underage girls from certain communities. This custom is prevalent in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, primarily practiced by the Bhil tribe. It allows a man to have a live-in relationship with a married woman under specific conditions, without the need for a formal marriage ceremony. The man typically pays a "bride price" to the married woman under this system. The NHRC has called for the eradication of this practice due to its immoral consequences on women and minor girls.

Let's analyze each statement to determine its correctness:

1. Statement 1: 'Nata Pratha' does indeed allow a man to have a live-in relationship with a married woman under certain conditions. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: This practice is primarily observed among the Bhil tribe in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. This statement is also correct.

3. Statement 3: 'Nata Pratha' does not require a formal marriage ceremony. Instead, the man pays a "bride price" to the woman's family. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Since Statements 1 and 2 are correct and Statement 3 is incorrect, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

The current global gender gap score in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum's report, stands at 68.5%. This score indicates that 31.5% of the gender gap remains unaddressed globally. Despite efforts, progress has been slow, with only a marginal 0.1% improvement from the previous year. The report highlights the significant work required to achieve full gender parity on a global scale. (Note: The solution provides a clear explanation of the answer and contextualizes the significance of the global gender gap score in the report.)

The World Health Organization aims to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) from the global food supply primarily to promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Trans fats are known to be detrimental to public health, especially in contributing to heart disease. By eliminating TFA, the goal is to improve overall public health outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

(Note: This question tests understanding of the rationale behind the WHO's initiative regarding trans fats, aligning with health and dietary implications discussed in the source material.)

Statement-I correctly defines the term "Nata" as a relationship involving the selling of girls or marrying them off on a stamp paper. Statement-II accurately identifies the regions where this practice is prevalent, specifically mentioning Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, and the community primarily involved, i.e., the Bhil tribe. Statement-II logically complements Statement-I by providing additional context about the geographical and cultural aspects related to the 'Nata Pratha,' thereby explaining and enhancing the understanding of Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II effectively explains Statement-I.

1. Denmark - First country to receive the WHO TFA Validation Certificate: This pair is correctly matched. Denmark is indeed one of the first countries to receive the WHO TFA Validation Certificate.

2. India - Achieved the WHO target of eliminating TFA by 2023: This pair is incorrectly matched. India has made significant progress but has not fully achieved the WHO target of eliminating TFA by 2023.

3. Saudi Arabia - Received the WHO TFA Validation Certificate: This pair is correctly matched. Saudi Arabia is among the countries that received the WHO TFA Validation Certificate.

4. China - Included in the eight additional countries to implement best practice policies for TFA elimination: This pair is correctly matched. China is one of the eight additional countries mentioned by WHO for implementing best practice policies to eliminate TFA.

Explanation:

- Denmark and Saudi Arabia are among the first countries to receive the WHO TFA Validation Certificate.

- India has not yet fully met the WHO target of eliminating TFA by 2023.

- China is identified as one of the additional countries for implementing best practice policies to significantly reduce the global TFA burden.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

The recent amendment to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, primarily aims to bridge the existing gap in leave policies for government employees who choose surrogacy. This amendment grants maternity leave and benefits to government employees in cases of children born through surrogacy, thus ensuring equitable provisions for individuals involved in the process.