UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 8th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Golden Triangle, located at the intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, is infamous for heroin production, with Myanmar alone contributing to 80% of the global supply. This region serves as a significant source of heroin, impacting global drug trafficking networks.

The MSME sector in India plays a crucial role in the economy by contributing approximately 30% to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector is a significant driver of economic growth, providing employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and contributing significantly to the country's manufacturing output. The data showcases the vital role that MSMEs play in the economic landscape of India, emphasizing their importance in driving forward the nation's development.

The proposed amendments in the MSME Development Act, 2006 primarily aim to address contemporary issues such as persistent delayed payments and the evolving support needs of MSMEs. By focusing on these aspects, the amendments seek to create a more responsive legal framework that caters to the growth and development of MSMEs in the current economic landscape. This initiative aims to streamline processes and provide better support to MSMEs, enhancing their overall competitiveness and sustainability.

According to the Simla Agreement of 1972, both India and Pakistan agreed to respect the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir without prejudice to their respective claims and to refrain from altering its status unilaterally. This provision aimed to maintain stability in the region and prevent unilateral changes that could lead to further tensions.

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bombay High Court held that the dress code did not violate the UGC regulations on promoting equity in higher education. Statement 2 is correct as the court agreed with the 2022 judgement of the Karnataka High Court which stated that wearing hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam. Statement 3 is correct because the court ruled that the larger rights of the college must prevail over the student's choice of dress, emphasizing the institution’s right to maintain discipline.

All the statements are correct. Statement 1 is accurate as the Kerala High Court in 2016 ruled that wearing a hijab is an essential religious practice but upheld the CBSE dress code for the All India Pre-Medical Entrance. Statement 2 is correct because the Bombay High Court's recent ruling on the hijab ban is likely to be contested in the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is correct as Article 27 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the state from compelling any citizen to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.

Statement 1 is correct. Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville are indeed significant cultural landmarks in Puducherry, reflecting the region's unique cultural heritage.

Statement 2 is correct. Puducherry was indeed returned to France by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1699 after being captured by the Dutch in 1693.

Statement 3 is correct. The Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Act 2006 officially changed the name of Pondicherry to Puducherry.

Thus, all the statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

1. Currently, there is no comprehensive legal framework to regulate the use of Facial Recognition Technology in India.
This statement is correct. The text states that there is an absence of any comprehensive legal framework present to regulate the use of FRT in India.

2. The NITI Aayog has proposed the creation of an independent ethical committee to oversee FRT implementation.
This statement is also correct. The text mentions that one of the key proposals includes creating an independent ethical committee with diverse expertise to oversee FRT implementation.

3. The reforms seek to promote FRT innovation without imposing any safeguards to protect individual rights and societal interests.
This statement is incorrect. The text clearly indicates that the reforms aim to strike a balance between promoting FRT innovation and putting in place necessary safeguards to protect individual rights and societal interests.

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

1. FRT systems are prone to algorithmic bias, particularly affecting racial and gender demographics.
This statement is correct. The text mentions that studies reveal disparities in FRT accuracy based on race and gender, which can lead to misidentification.

2. There is a proposal to establish a legal framework ensuring FRT systems comply with the principles established in the Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) Vs Union of India case.
This statement is also correct. The text highlights that one of the key proposals includes ensuring FRT systems comply with the Supreme Court's established legal principles in the Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) Vs Union of India case.

3. The lack of data protection laws in India ensures robust safeguards for the collection, storage, and use of biometric data.
This statement is incorrect. The text indicates that the absence of comprehensive data protection laws makes FRT systems vulnerable to misuse, with inadequate safeguards for the collection, storage, and use of biometric data.

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

1. Money Laundering - Concealing the identity of illegally obtained proceeds (Correct)

2. Terrorist Financing - Providing financial support to terrorists (Correct)

3. FATF - Financial Action Task Force (Correct)

4. FIU-IND - Financial Intelligence Unit-India (Correct)

1. Macaulay Committee - Incorrectly matched. The Macaulay Committee is known for introducing English education in India, not for reforms in the Gurukul system.

2. Woods’ Despatch - Incorrectly matched. While Woods’ Despatch did emphasize the education system, its primary focus was not solely on the educational upliftment of women but on overall educational reforms.

3. Hunter Commission - Correctly matched. The Hunter Commission focused on primary education and teacher training.

4. Indian University Act, 1904 - Correctly matched. This act was indeed responsible for regulating the functioning of universities in India.

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) - Correctly matched. SSA aims at universalizing elementary education.

2. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) - Correctly matched. RMSA aims at universalizing secondary education.

3. Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) - Correctly matched. RUSA aims at improving the overall quality of higher education.

4. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan - Correctly matched. This scheme aims to subsume all previous education schemes into one comprehensive program.

- Pair 1 is correctly matched. Aadhaar is a biometric identification system that assigns unique 12-digit identity numbers to residents.
- Pair 2 is correctly matched. MyGov is a citizen engagement platform that facilitates participation in governance and policy discussions.
- Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Digital Locker is not an online platform for trading agricultural produce; it is a cloud-based platform for securely storing and accessing important documents digitally.
- Pair 4 is correctly matched. e-Hospital involves digitised hospital services, including online registration and access to health records.

Statement-I correctly highlights the financial and infrastructure challenges faced by urban areas in India despite their significant contribution to the country's GDP. Statement-II provides a comparison between the allocation of GDP to cities in South Africa and India, emphasizing the inadequate support received by Indian cities. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the challenges outlined in Statement-I.

Statement-I accurately mentions the constitution and duration of the Fifteenth Finance Commission's recommendations. Statement-II correctly describes the primary function of the Finance Commission, which is to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the central and state governments in India. Additionally, Statement-II provides context for the timeframe mentioned in Statement-I, indicating that both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the role of the Finance Commission outlined in Statement-I.

Statement-I accurately states that India is the lead chair of the Collaborative AI on Global Partnership (CAIGP) and Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) in 2024, as mentioned in the text. However, Statement-II does not align with the content provided in the text, which focuses on strategies to support AI startups, making option (c) the correct choice.

Statement-I correctly highlights that custodial violence undermines the core principles of the rule of law and due process by violating fundamental rights and principles. However, Statement-II is incorrect as custodial violence can result from various causes such as neglect, abuse, or violence, not solely from the use of excessive force. It is essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of custodial violence beyond just the use of excessive force.

Statement-I correctly emphasizes that strengthening legal systems and conducting prompt investigations are crucial measures in preventing custodial torture. Statement-II, however, is incorrect as police reforms and sensitization programs play a significant role in preventing custodial deaths by promoting a culture of accountability and respect for human rights within law enforcement agencies.