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

Let's evaluate each statement:

1. Statement 1: Between 2014 and 2025, the number of telephone connections in India increased from 933 million to 1.2 billion. This statement is correct. The data indicates a significant increase in telephone connections, which is part of the overall digital infrastructure growth under the Digital India initiative.

2. Statement 2: By April 2025, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitated transactions worth Rs 24.77 lakh crore, accounting for 49% of global real-time transactions. This statement is also correct. UPI has been a transformative tool in digital finance in India, making it a major player in global real-time transactions.

3. Statement 3: The Digital India initiative led to the installation of 5G towers covering 99.6% of India's districts, significantly reducing data costs. This statement is correct as well. The installation of 5G towers has been a key achievement under the Digital India initiative, and it has resulted in a substantial decrease in data costs, thereby improving digital access.

All the statements accurately reflect the achievements and developments within the Digital India initiative. Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D the accurate answer.

1. Digital India Initiative - Launched in 2015: This pair is correctly matched. The Digital India initiative was indeed launched in July 2015 with the aim of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy.

2. BharatNet - Connects urban areas to optical fiber: This pair is incorrectly matched. BharatNet is aimed at connecting rural areas, specifically Gram Panchayats, to the internet through optical fiber, not urban areas.

3. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) - IndiaAI Mission: This pair is incorrectly matched. UPI is a real-time payment system facilitating inter-bank transactions, while the IndiaAI Mission is related to advancing artificial intelligence capabilities in India. They are separate initiatives.

4. Wilmington Declaration - QUAD Leaders' Summit 2024: This pair is correctly matched. The Wilmington Declaration was adopted at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, USA, in 2024, emphasizing the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I is accurate as the Digital India initiative was indeed launched in July 2015 with the aim of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy. Statement-II is also correct as it highlights the significant growth in digital infrastructure in India between 2014 and 2025, including the increase in telephone connections, internet users, and broadband connections. Statement-II provides additional context that supports Statement-I, showing how the Digital India initiative has positively impacted digital infrastructure in the country, aligning with the initiative's objectives. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the context behind Statement-I.

Hul Diwas commemorates the Santhal Uprising, also known as Santhal Hul, a significant tribal revolt against British rule in India led by notable tribal leaders like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano. This uprising aimed to combat economic exploitation and land alienation, demonstrating remarkable tribal solidarity against colonial forces.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Santhal Uprising, also known as the Santhal Hul, was indeed triggered by the 1832 Damin-i-Koh settlement in the Rajmahal hills. This settlement led to significant land alienation and bonded labor issues for the Santhals, as they faced systemic oppression from British-backed zamindars. This situation was a key factor that fueled the rebellion against the British colonial rule.

2. Statement 2 is correct. One of the significant outcomes of the Santhal Uprising was the enactment of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act of 1876. This legislation was introduced to safeguard the land rights of the Santhals by prohibiting the transfer of Adivasi lands to non-Adivasis, thus addressing one of the core grievances of the uprising.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The uprising was led by notable tribal leaders, including Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano, among others. These leaders were instrumental in uniting various tribal communities to resist colonial oppression, demonstrating remarkable tribal solidarity against the British forces.

Therefore, all the statements are accurate as per the historical context of the Santhal Uprising, making Option D the correct choice.

1. Sido-Kanhu - Leaders of the Santhal Uprising: This pair is correctly matched. Sido and Kanhu were indeed the leaders of the Santhal Uprising in 1855, leading the revolt against British rule due to economic exploitation and land alienation.

2. Damin-i-Koh - Site where the Santhal Uprising began due to land grievances: This pair is correctly matched. Damin-i-Koh was the region where the Santhals settled and later faced severe land-grabbing issues, sparking the 1855 uprising.

3. Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act - Prohibited transfer of Santhal land to non-Adivasis: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 restricted the transfer of tribal (Adivasi) lands only within the same area and caste with the collector's approval, but it specifically did not address Santhal lands. It was the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act of 1876 that aimed to protect Santhal lands from being transferred to non-Adivasis.

4. Ol Chiki - Script used by the Santhal tribe for their language: This pair is correctly matched. The Santhali language is indeed written in the Ol Chiki script, which is recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is not, making Option C the correct choice.

The primary objective of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme is to support first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). This scheme aims to provide incentives to employers for hiring new employees and is designed to create jobs across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing. By targeting first-time EPFO-registered employees, the scheme intends to facilitate job creation and provide financial benefits to fresh entrants into the workforce.

1. Statement 1: "The ELI Scheme is set to run from August 2025 until July 31, 2027, and aims to create approximately 2.6 crore jobs across various sectors."
- This statement is correct. The ELI Scheme is indeed scheduled to operate from August 2025 to July 31, 2027, and has the objective of creating approximately 2.6 crore jobs, primarily in the manufacturing sector.

2. Statement 2: "Employers hiring additional workers with a salary of less than or equal to Rs 1 lakh are eligible for incentives up to Rs 3,000 per month for a period of two years."
- This statement is correct. Under the ELI Scheme, employers who hire additional workers earning salaries less than or equal to Rs 1 lakh are eligible for financial incentives of up to Rs 3,000 per month for a duration of two years.

3. Statement 3: "Payments to first-time employees under the ELI Scheme are processed through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) directly into bank accounts."
- This statement is incorrect. While the ELI Scheme involves first-time employees registered with the EPFO, the payments are processed through the Aadhar Bridge Payment System (ABPS) via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), not directly through the EPFO.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the ancient rocks in Quebec, Canada, provide valuable insights into Earth's early crust, oceans, and potential habitats for life. Statement-II accurately describes these rocks as metamorphosed volcanic basalt formed from solidified magma beneath Earth's surface. Statement-II supports and explains Statement-I by providing additional geological context to the formation of the Earth's oldest-known rocks.

The main objective of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is to enhance tax integration and digitization. By replacing multiple central and state taxes with a unified indirect tax system, GST aims to simplify the tax structure, promote compliance, and improve efficiency in the taxation system. It has been instrumental in streamlining tax processes, reducing tax barriers between states, and fostering a more formalized economy through its digital initiatives.

1. GST Launch Year - 2017: Correctly matched. The GST was indeed launched on 1st July 2017.

2. Amendment Act for GST Introduction - 101st Amendment Act: Correctly matched. The 101st Amendment Act of 2016 introduced the GST.

3. GST Tax Slabs - Three Different Rates: Incorrectly matched. GST has five different tax rates: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.

4. GST Appellate Tribunal - Fully Functional since 2018: Incorrectly matched. The GST Appellate Tribunal has not been fully functional due to delays, contributing to a backlog of appeals.

Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, while pairs 3 and 4 are not.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) primarily aim to ensure legal protection for women and girls globally. This landmark framework, adopted in 1995, emphasizes access to essential services, social transformation, and youth engagement to advance the rights of women. Legal protection forms a crucial aspect of empowering women and promoting gender equality on a global scale.

(Note: The question focuses on a fundamental aspect of the BPfA, aligning with the significance of legal safeguards for women's rights as highlighted in the provided content.)

1. Statement 1: "The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted in 1995 and focuses on empowering women and girls through legal protection, access to essential services, and social transformation." This statement is correct. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is a landmark global framework adopted in 1995, aimed at advancing the rights of women and girls, focusing on legal protection, access to essential services, youth engagement, and social transformation.

2. Statement 2: "According to UN Women, in 2023, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed, averaging one woman killed every 10 minutes by a partner or close relative." This statement is correct. The provided data points to a serious issue of violence against women, indicating that 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023, with a significant portion of these deaths linked to intimate partners or close relatives.

3. Statement 3: "By 2050, climate change is projected to push an additional 158 million women into extreme poverty." This statement is correct. The projection that climate change could push an additional 158 million women into extreme poverty by 2050 highlights the gender-specific impact of climate change, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities among women.

Since all three statements are accurate as per the information provided, the correct answer is Option D.

1. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) - Correctly matched. The BPfA was adopted in 1995 and is a comprehensive policy agenda aimed at advancing the rights of women and girls, focusing on legal protection, access to essential services, and social transformation.

2. UNSC Resolution 1325 - Incorrectly matched. UNSC Resolution 1325 focuses on Women, Peace, and Security, emphasizing the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, and not directly on economic empowerment and poverty eradication.

3. Custodial Torture - Incorrectly matched. Custodial torture includes both physical and psychological abuse, such as beatings, electric shocks, threats, humiliation, and solitary confinement, not just physical abuse.

4. Articles 14, 21, 20(1), and 20(3) of the Indian Constitution - Correctly matched. These articles provide safeguards against custodial torture by ensuring equality before the law (Article 14), protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21), protection in respect of conviction for offenses (Article 20(1)), and the right against self-incrimination (Article 20(3)).

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

The main objective of an AI web crawler, as highlighted in the key takeaways, is to scan and collect content from the internet for the purpose of training AI models. These crawlers are automated tools that gather information from websites to enhance the training of AI models such as Large Language Models (LLMs) or to aid in real-time data retrieval for AI assistants. This function is crucial in improving the accuracy and efficiency of AI systems by providing them with a diverse range of data to learn from.

- Statement 1: AI web crawlers are indeed automated tools used for collecting content from the internet. They play a crucial role in training AI models like Large Language Models and in real-time information retrieval to enhance AI applications. Therefore, this statement is correct.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. India currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs AI access to web content. The existing Copyright Act does not adequately address AI-specific scenarios, and there is an ongoing discussion about the need for consent-based copyright protections and equitable revenue distribution for content creators.

- Statement 3: The NITI Aayog report does set an ambitious target for India to achieve a 12% share in global chemical value chains by 2040, aiming to transform the country into a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse. Thus, this statement is correct.

Therefore, only Statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right choice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago held significant importance in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Such visits not only foster diplomatic ties but also pave the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors such as trade, culture, and counterterrorism. The visit symbolizes a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration on diverse fronts, reflecting the evolving partnership between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court ruling in the Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh case indeed reaffirmed the doctrine of separation of powers, highlighting the legislative power of state assemblies and their interaction with judicial decisions within the democratic framework.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act was passed not to continue the use of Special Police Officers (SPOs) as they were previously employed but to establish a new auxiliary force in response to the Supreme Court's directive to stop using SPOs due to inadequate training and constitutional rights violations.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court has clarified in this case and similar judicial pronouncements that state legislatures can enact new laws to remove the basis of a judgment or validate previously struck down laws, as long as these laws are constitutional.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the accurate choice.

1. Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh case (2011) - Incorrect. This case emphasized the legislative power of state assemblies and their interaction with judicial decisions, not specifically judicial review of state legislation.

2. Salwa Judum - Incorrect. Salwa Judum was a state-backed anti-Maoist initiative but was not judicially supported; it faced criticism for human rights violations and was disbanded following a Supreme Court judgment.

3. Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act - Correct. This Act was indeed enacted in response to the Supreme Court ruling to establish a new auxiliary force after the use of SPOs was stopped.

4. Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago - Correct. This award was given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his global leadership and engagement with the diaspora.

Hence, two pairs are correctly matched: pairs 3 and 4.

The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) primarily aims to enhance adaptive capacity and climate resilience. This goal, initiated in the Paris Agreement in 2015, seeks to strengthen countries' ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change and enhance their resilience to future challenges. By focusing on adaptive measures, the GGA aims to ensure that nations can effectively respond to changing climate conditions and protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) was indeed initiated in the Paris Agreement of 2015. Its objective is to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate change, thus contributing to sustainable development.

2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) was not launched at COP28 but rather at COP27 in 2022. The program focuses on ensuring climate actions are equitable and aligned with national development goals, particularly for communities affected by the shift from fossil fuels, but the launch at COP28 is inaccurate.

3. Statement 3 is Incorrect: Contrary to the statement, most nations did not meet the February 2025 deadline for updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This failure to update NDCs in a timely manner affects global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

1. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) - Draft list of 100 indicators to be finalized at COP30: Correct. Progress on the GGA was noted, and a draft list of 100 indicators is anticipated at COP30.

2. Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) - Belém Action Mechanism for fair transition strategies: Correct. Significant advancements were made on the JTWP, and negotiators agreed to establish a Belém Action Mechanism for sharing fair transition strategies.

3. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - February 2025 deadline was met by most nations: Incorrect. Most nations failed to meet the February 2025 deadline for updating their NDCs, which affects efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

4. Loss and Damage Fund - Required USD 1 trillion with USD 768 million pledged: Incorrect. The Loss and Damage Fund requires USD 1 trillion, but only USD 768 million has been pledged, highlighting a shortfall in contributions.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action primarily aims to advance the rights of women and girls by establishing a global framework that emphasizes legal protection, access to essential services, youth engagement, and social transformation. This landmark document, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, serves as a comprehensive blueprint for achieving gender equality and women's empowerment.

The NITI Aayog report underscores that India holds only a 3.5% share in global chemical value chains, indicating a significant gap in its participation compared to its potential. This highlights the need for strategic interventions to increase India's footprint in the global chemical market, particularly as it aspires to achieve a larger share and reduce its trade deficit in the sector.

UN Women's proposed solutions to tackle the global challenges facing women's rights include promoting gender-inclusive peacebuilding, advocating for economic empowerment, eradicating poverty and food insecurity, and expanding access to education and technology. These initiatives aim to strengthen commitment and leadership in advancing gender equality and protecting women's rights amidst rising global challenges.