Test: Weekly Current Affairs: September 15th to 21st - UPSC MCQ

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in India has played a significant role in enhancing sanitation and public health while also promoting sustainability. This program, initiated with the aim of making India clean and open defecation-free, has led to the construction of millions of toilets across the country, thereby addressing critical sanitation issues. By emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has not only improved public health outcomes but has also raised awareness about the need for sustainable practices in waste management and sanitation infrastructure development.

The UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites serves as the initial step towards securing a UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Countries use this list to identify and submit sites of exceptional universal value for consideration. Only sites on this list can be nominated for full inscription, highlighting the significance of this preliminary designation process.

1. PM POSHAN Scheme - Correctly matched. The PM POSHAN Scheme promotes millets and traditional grains as part of its initiative to address malnutrition and enhance climate-resilient food systems. It integrates health, education, agriculture, and food procurement.

2. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan - Incorrectly matched. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan primarily aims to improve sanitation and public health by promoting cleanliness, not directly focusing on reducing air pollution through clean cooking fuels.

3. PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) - Incorrectly matched. PMUY is aimed at reducing household air pollution by providing LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) families, not for constructing toilets.

4. MNREGA - Correctly matched. MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) focuses on providing employment while also working on projects like restoring degraded ecosystems, which can enhance livelihoods and support climate resilience.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Almatti Dam - Located on the Godavari River: Incorrect. The Almatti Dam is located on the Krishna River, not the Godavari River. It is a major hydroelectric and irrigation project in Karnataka.

2. Almatti Dam - Completed in 2005: Correct. The Almatti Dam was indeed completed in July 2005 as part of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project.

3. Krishna River - Originates in the Eastern Ghats: Incorrect. The Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, not the Eastern Ghats.

4. Krishna River - Major tributary: Tungabhadra: Correct. The Tungabhadra is a significant right-bank tributary of the Krishna River.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

- Statement 1: Incorrect. India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is currently at 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is above the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Under-five Mortality Rate in India is at 32 per 1,000 live births, which indeed exceeds the SDG target of 25 per 1,000 live births. This makes the statement correct.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. India's life expectancy is currently at 70 years, which is below the SDG target of 73.63 years. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 Only.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) are indeed entitled to tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This privilege is available to political parties regardless of their recognition status as long as they are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Election Commission of India does not have explicit powers to de-register political parties post-registration for failing to contest elections. The ECI can delist parties, which removes certain privileges, but it cannot de-register them unless there is evidence of fraud or anti-Constitutional activities, as clarified by the Supreme Court in the case of INC vs Institute of Social Welfare (2002).

3. Statement 3 is correct. RUPPs are eligible for common poll symbols during elections according to the Symbols Order, 1968. This allows them to contest elections using symbols that are not reserved exclusively for recognized national or state parties.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was introduced to ban online real money games while promoting e-sports and social gaming. This decision was made to address concerns related to addiction and financial risks associated with online gambling. By prohibiting real money games, the government aims to shift focus towards more skill-based and socially interactive forms of online gaming, thus aiming to mitigate negative impacts on players and society as a whole.

Statement-I correctly identifies the location of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River in North Karnataka, not Maharashtra. This dam is a significant hydroelectric and irrigation project.
Statement-II, however, inaccurately states that the Almatti Dam has a power generation capacity of 250 MW. In reality, the dam has a power generation capacity of 290 MW, utilizing vertical Kaplan turbines with five units of 55 MW and one unit of 15 MW. Hence, Statement-II is incorrect, making Option (c) the correct answer.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Jyotigram Scheme was indeed introduced in Gujarat in 2003 with the purpose of providing 24/7 power to rural areas. This initiative contributed to reducing groundwater depletion, as rural industries and agriculture benefitted from a reliable power supply, reducing the need for extensive groundwater extraction.

Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) guarantees a pension of 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months, but this is contingent upon the employee having served a minimum of 25 years, not 20 years. This criterion is essential for qualifying for the guaranteed pension under the UPS.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. The India Stack initiative includes the Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile (JAM) trinity, which has been instrumental in implementing Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). This initiative has indeed helped in saving over ₹4.3 lakh crore by eliminating middlemen, thus enhancing efficiency and transparency in subsidy distribution.

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

Maharashtra's opposition to the Upper Krishna Project Phase-III, particularly the decision to raise the height of the Almatti Dam, stems from concerns about reduced water availability downstream. This could have significant implications for irrigation and drinking water projects in Maharashtra. The fear of submergence of villages and agricultural land due to rising water levels is another critical factor driving Maharashtra's opposition to this project.

To analyze the correctness of each statement, we need to refer to the details of the recent procurement reforms introduced in June 2025:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The reforms indeed allow institutional heads to bypass the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for the procurement of specialized R&D equipment. This change acknowledges the need for more tailored procurement solutions in research, which GeM might not adequately provide.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The reforms have increased the direct purchase thresholds, allowing researchers greater flexibility in procurement. This change aims to facilitate more efficient acquisition of necessary equipment and materials for R&D purposes.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. While the text suggests potential future directions for enhancing procurement, such as implementing outcome-weighted tenders and providing sandbox exemptions, these are not part of the current reforms. They are proposed ideas rather than enacted changes.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer. The solution aligns with the accurate and detailed explanation of the reforms, distinguishing between current enactments and possible future directions.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. According to the Supreme Court guidelines, DNA samples must indeed be delivered to the Forensic Science Laboratory within 48 hours, and the Investigating Officer must record any reasons for delays. This is part of the effort to prevent contamination and ensure a proper chain of custody.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The guidelines specify that once DNA evidence is collected, it cannot be opened or resealed without the approval of the trial court. This measure is in place to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. DNA evidence is not considered substantive evidence under the Indian Evidence Act; rather, it is regarded as corroborative evidence. It serves as expert opinion under the relevant sections of the act, which means it supports other evidence rather than standing alone as conclusive proof.

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

Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) in India enjoy various privileges, including tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, eligibility for common poll symbols during elections, and the ability to nominate star campaigners. These privileges are granted to RUPPs despite not being recognized as national or state parties due to their performance in previous elections.

This question tests the candidate's understanding of the privileges afforded to RUPPs in the Indian political landscape.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Hathei chilli, which is celebrated during the Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival in Manipur, indeed received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2021. This emphasizes its unique qualities linked to its geographical origin and helps protect its authenticity.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, does not include measures to promote responsible gaming such as age-gating and self-exclusion. Instead, it imposes a ban on online real money games without considering these previously existing measures, which were implemented by many companies before the ban.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Sirarakhong Hathei chilli is recognized for its high American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) color value, which makes it desirable for food coloring due to its bright red color.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights the valuable lessons provided by India's welfare schemes for integrating climate and health goals as mentioned in the context. India’s initiatives like the PM POSHAN scheme and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan demonstrate successful integration of health and environmental objectives.

Statement-II discusses Article 200, which indeed provides the Governor with four options regarding state legislature Bills, but it mandates that the Governor must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. While both statements are accurate in their own contexts, they do not directly explain or relate to each other. Statement-I focuses on India’s welfare schemes, while Statement-II addresses the Governor's role in legislative processes, making them independent of each other and not explanatory.

The Jyotigram Scheme introduced feeder separation technology in Gujarat, providing 24/7 power to rural areas. This initiative significantly contributed to reduced groundwater depletion and revived rural industries in the region. The scheme's success is highlighted by the fact that the initial investment of ₹1,115 crore was recovered within just 2.5 years, showcasing the effectiveness of technological interventions in governance for sustainable development.

1. Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival — Manipur: This pair is correctly matched. The Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival is indeed celebrated in Manipur, specifically in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district. It highlights the cultural significance and agricultural heritage of the Hathei chilli, which has received GI status.

2. Chapchar Kut festival — Arunachal Pradesh: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Chapchar Kut festival is actually celebrated in Mizoram, not Arunachal Pradesh. It is a spring festival marking the completion of the jungle clearing for jhum cultivation.

3. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur: This pair is correctly matched. The Khongjom Parba is a traditional ballad of Manipur that narrates the story of the heroic battle of Khongjom during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

4. Thong-To dance — Nagaland: This pair is incorrectly matched. There is no widely recognized Thong-To dance associated with Nagaland. This dance is not a known cultural practice of Nagaland.

Thus, out of the four given pairs, only two pairs (1 and 3) are correctly matched.

DNA profiling, also referred to as DNA fingerprinting, serves as a forensic method primarily used to identify individuals by analyzing unique DNA regions, particularly Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). This technique focuses on detecting variations in the genetic code among individuals, enabling precise identification based on genetic uniqueness.

1. Maternal Mortality Ratio - 97 deaths per 100,000 live births: Correct. The maternal mortality ratio in India is currently 97, which exceeds the target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

2. Under-five Mortality Rate - 32 per 1,000 live births: Correct. The under-five mortality rate in India is 32 per 1,000 live births, surpassing the target of 25.

3. Life Expectancy - 73.63 years: Incorrect. The life expectancy in India is actually 70 years, below the target of 73.63 years.

4. Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure - 13% of household consumption: Correct. This accounts for 13% of household consumption, which is nearly double the target of 7.83%.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, but the life expectancy figure is incorrect. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

The recent reforms to India's General Financial Rules (GFR) aim to transform procurement from a compliance-based function into a strategic driver of scientific advancement, particularly in the realm of research and development (R&D). By easing restrictions and allowing more flexibility for researchers, the reforms seek to make procurement a catalyst for innovation rather than just a compliance mechanism.

1. Chabahar Port - Located in the Persian Gulf: This pair is incorrectly matched. Chabahar Port is located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran, on the Makran coast, near the Gulf of Oman, and not in the Persian Gulf. It provides India with direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing Pakistan.

2. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) - Connects India with Northern Europe: This pair is correctly matched. The INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route linking India with Northern Europe via Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia, aiming to reduce the time and cost of trade between these regions.

3. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) - A digital platform for public procurement in India: This pair is correctly matched. GeM is indeed a digital platform created by the Government of India to facilitate online procurement of goods and services required by various government departments and organizations.

4. Shahid Beheshti Terminal - A part of Gwadar Port: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Shahid Beheshti Terminal is part of the Chabahar Port in Iran, not Gwadar Port, which is located in Pakistan. Chabahar Port, including the Shahid Beheshti Terminal, is being developed with India's participation to improve connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct as it reflects the key objective of the recent reforms to the General Financial Rules (GFR) in India, emphasizing the transformation of procurement into a strategic driver of scientific advancement. The reforms aim to shift procurement from a compliance-based function to a catalyst for innovation, particularly in research and development.
Statement-II is also correct as it highlights the implications of revoking the sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port on India's strategic position in the region. The revocation can indeed limit India's ability to counterbalance Gwadar Port, integrate into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and maintain influence in Afghanistan and Central Asia. This undermines India's regional leverage and poses challenges to its strategic interests and connectivity ambitions.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The PM POSHAN scheme is indeed designed to address malnutrition by linking health, education, agriculture, and food procurement. It promotes the use of climate-resilient crops such as millets and traditional grains, which are essential for sustainable food systems and improving nutritional outcomes.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has had a significant impact on both urban and rural sanitation. It has been a comprehensive program aimed at improving public health across India by promoting sanitation and hygiene, significantly contributing to rural public health improvements as well.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. Judicial interventions, especially those that impose deadlines on Governors' actions regarding legislative Bills, have indeed sparked discussions about the potential for judicial overreach. These interventions are seen as necessary to prevent legislative paralysis and ensure that Governors act promptly, but they also raise concerns about disrupting the balance between different branches of government, particularly regarding the constitutional role of Governors under Article 200.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only, as only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster in Karnataka is indeed recognized for its distinctive columnar basaltic rock formations, which date back to the Late Cretaceous period. These formations are a significant geological feature, offering insight into earth's volcanic activity during that era.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Meghalayan Age Caves, particularly the Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya, have been designated as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch. This is due to the significant climate and geological records preserved within these caves, which reflect vital changes over the last 11,000 years.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh indeed forms part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The site is geologically significant, featuring the Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam (Natural Arch), which represent a vast timescale of over 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.

All three statements are accurate, thus making Option D the correct answer. Each statement describes key features of the respective sites, underpinning their value and significance as potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lothal holds historical significance as the world's earliest dockyard dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. This ancient port town showcases advanced water management systems and was a vital center for trade and craft activities during that era. The discovery of Lothal provides valuable insights into the maritime history and trade practices of ancient India.