Test: Weekly Current Affairs: December 8th to 14th - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. The sales of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) have indeed decreased significantly due to rising costs and supply chain disruptions. The text mentions that DAP sales fell by 25.4% from April to October FY25, with factors like crises in the Persian Gulf contributing to shipping delays and price increases.

- Statement 2 is correct. NPKS fertilizers have gained popularity due to their balanced nutrient profile, which includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. This balanced composition makes them an attractive alternative to DAP, especially in light of the increasing costs associated with DAP.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The text highlights that there is still a significant imbalance in fertilizer usage in India, with the actual NPK ratio (9.8:3.7:1) deviating considerably from the recommended ratio of 4:2:1. This indicates that the imbalance is not improving but remains a challenge.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are supported by the information, while statement 3 is not.

The primary objective of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), founded in 1985, was to accelerate economic growth, promote welfare, and enhance collaboration among member states in the South Asian region. SAARC aimed to facilitate economic cooperation, trade relations, and overall development amongst its member countries, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and later Afghanistan.

1. Neoliberal Policies - Concentration of wealth among a small elite: Correctly matched. Neoliberal policies, especially those promoting deregulation and privatization, have often led to a concentration of wealth among a small elite, which is a key point discussed in the context of economic factors contributing to inequality.

2. Luck Egalitarianism - Belief that all inequalities are justified: Incorrectly matched. Luck egalitarianism posits that inequalities arising from unchosen circumstances, such as socio-economic status or birth location, are unjust and should be addressed, not justified.

3. Cess - Tax imposed for a specific purpose: Correctly matched. A cess is indeed a tax levied for a specific purpose, such as the Education Cess for financing primary education.

4. Surcharge - Additional tax targeting lower income groups: Incorrectly matched. Surcharges are typically imposed on higher income groups to promote social equity, not on lower income groups.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the impeachment process in India is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but is a procedure outlined for the removal of judges from office. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as rocket emissions from space exploration do have a significant impact on climate change, emitting harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapor, contributing to environmental concerns.

Luck egalitarianism is the philosophy that posits inequalities arising from unchosen circumstances, like birthplace or socio-economic status, are inherently unjust. This philosophy suggests that individuals should not be held responsible for factors beyond their control and that society should work to address these inequalities to promote fairness and equal opportunities.

1. SAARC Founding Members - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka: Correct. These are indeed the seven founding members of SAARC, established in 1985. Afghanistan joined later in 2007 as the eighth member.

2. SAARC Economic Initiatives - SAFTA, SATIS: Correct. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS) are key economic initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-regional trade and economic interaction among SAARC countries.

3. Ninetyeast Ridge Location - Pacific Ocean: Incorrect. The Ninetyeast Ridge is located in the Indian Ocean, not the Pacific Ocean. It is a significant underwater mountain range aligned along the 90th meridian east.

4. Hotspot Formation Example - Hawaiian Islands: Correct. The Hawaiian Islands are a classic example of volcanic islands formed by a stationary hotspot in the middle of the Pacific Plate.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly explains the concept of luck egalitarianism, which posits that inequalities stemming from factors beyond individuals' control are unjust and should be rectified. On the other hand, Statement-II is inaccurate. Charitable organizations, as discussed in the provided text, play a crucial role in addressing inequality by providing immediate relief, advocating for social change, redistributing wealth, and supporting long-term development. They are not primarily focused on perpetuating inequality but rather on alleviating its effects and contributing to solutions. Thus, Statement-I is correct in its depiction of luck egalitarianism, while Statement-II misrepresents the role and intentions of charitable organizations.

1. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - Seeks Kurdish autonomy in Syria: Incorrect. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is an Islamist militant group primarily seeking to establish Sunni rule in Syria, not Kurdish autonomy.

2. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - Aims for Sunni rule in Syria: Incorrect. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are primarily composed of Kurdish groups and aim for Kurdish autonomy and greater rights for Kurdish people in Syria, rather than establishing Sunni rule.

3. Free Syrian Army (FSA) - Opposes both Assad's regime and Kurdish forces: Correct. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) opposes President Bashar al-Assad's regime and has also had conflicts with Kurdish forces, although alliances can shift based on the situation on the ground.

4. Russia - Supports Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria: Correct. Russia has been a significant supporter of Bashar al-Assad's regime, providing military and political backing to help maintain his rule.

Two pairs (pairs 3 and 4) are correctly matched based on the descriptions provided.

Statement-I correctly explains the scope of the Special Leave Petition (SLP) mechanism in India, which indeed extends to appeals against judgments, decrees, or orders from any court or tribunal. Statement-II accurately highlights that SLPs are granted at the discretion of the Supreme Court and may indeed be denied without a detailed explanation. Therefore, both the statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains the essence of Statement-I in the context of SLPs in India.

Statement 1 is correct. Charitable organizations are often noted for providing immediate relief, such as food and shelter, to marginalized communities. However, they sometimes lack strategies to address systemic causes of inequality, which require more comprehensive and long-term policy interventions.

Statement 2 is correct. While charitable organizations play a critical role in providing immediate assistance, they are often criticized for perpetuating the status quo. By focusing on short-term relief without challenging or changing the underlying systemic issues that cause inequality, these organizations may inadvertently reduce the urgency for necessary structural reforms.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Although charitable organizations can have a significant impact, one key criticism is the lack of consistent accountability and effectiveness in their use of donations. There are instances where donations are not utilized effectively or are used as tax shelters, which undermines their potential impact on reducing inequality.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights that drought is a systemic risk affecting various sectors globally. Statement-II provides specific information about India's vulnerability to drought, emphasizing its heavy reliance on monsoon rains for agriculture. This reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes India particularly susceptible to drought, thereby explaining why Statement-II supports and explains Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly states that the Ninetyeast Ridge was formed by a moving hotspot in the Earth's mantle, which is supported by recent research findings as outlined in the provided information.

Statement-II accurately describes hotspots as areas where molten rock rises from the mantle, forming volcanic islands as tectonic plates move over them. However, it does not directly explain the specific formation of the Ninetyeast Ridge by a moving hotspot, making it a correct statement but not directly explaining Statement-I.

1. Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) - Increased sales by 25.4% from April to October FY25: Incorrectly matched. The sales of DAP actually fell by 25.4% during this period due to rising costs and supply chain disruptions.

2. NPKS Fertilizers - Surge in sales by 23.5% from April to October FY25: Correctly matched. The sales of NPKS fertilizers surged by 23.5% as farmers looked for balanced nutrient alternatives to DAP.

3. Potash Market - Affected by the Russia–Ukraine war: Correctly matched. The global potash market and fertilizer prices have been impacted by the Russia–Ukraine war.

4. India's Fertilizer Consumption - 50-60% dependency on domestic production for DAP: Incorrectly matched. India relies heavily on imports for DAP, sourcing about 50-60% from abroad, not domestic production.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, while pairs 1 and 4 are not. Thus, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

1. World Drought Atlas Launch - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Incorrect. The World Drought Atlas was launched by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, not UNEP.

2. Drought Impact by 2050 - 75% of the global population: Correct. It is projected that by 2050, 75% of the global population could be affected by drought if current trends continue.

3. Economic Cost of Drought - USD 500 billion annually: Incorrect. The economic costs of drought damages are significantly underestimated, currently amounting to USD 307 billion annually, not USD 500 billion.

4. Vulnerability due to Monsoon Dependence - India: Correct. India is particularly vulnerable to drought due to its reliance on monsoon rains, with 60% of its agricultural land being rain-fed.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. SAARC was not founded with the primary objective of establishing a common currency. Its primary objectives include promoting welfare, accelerating economic growth, and enhancing collaboration among member states, but not specifically establishing a common currency.
- Statement 2 is correct. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) is indeed an initiative under SAARC aimed at enhancing intra-regional trade and economic interaction among the member countries.
- Statement 3 is correct. India has played a significant role in SAARC, including financial initiatives like incorporating a 'Standby Swap' in the Currency Swap Arrangement to bolster financial cooperation among SAARC members.
Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Special Leave Petition (SLP) - Appeals against Armed Forces Tribunals: Incorrect. SLPs do not extend to Armed Forces Tribunals. They are a discretionary appeal mechanism under Article 136 of the Constitution of India, applicable to civil and criminal matters but not to Armed Forces Tribunals.

2. India-Australia CECA - Negotiations re-launched in September 2021: Correct. The India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations were indeed re-launched in September 2021 after being suspended in 2016.

3. Laxmi & Co. v. Anand R. Deshpande (1972) - SC may consider subsequent developments: Correct. In this case, the Supreme Court determined that during Article 136 appeals, the Court may consider subsequent developments to expedite proceedings and uphold justice.

4. Kerala State v. Kunhayammed (2000) - Declining SLP grants appellate jurisdiction: Incorrect. The ruling in Kerala State v. Kunhayammed clarified that declining to grant an SLP does not engage the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction. SLPs are granted at the SC's discretion and may be denied without engaging further jurisdiction unless granted.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Special Leave Petition (SLP) is indeed a discretionary appeal mechanism under Article 136 of the Constitution of India, which allows the Supreme Court to hear appeals against judgments, decrees, or orders from any court or tribunal, except those from Armed Forces Tribunals. It applies to both civil and criminal matters, reflecting the broad scope of the Supreme Court's jurisdiction.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Supreme Court's decision to decline an SLP does not engage its appellate jurisdiction. When the Supreme Court declines to grant an SLP, it merely indicates that it has decided not to exercise its discretion to hear the case, and this does not imply any opinion on the merits of the case by the Supreme Court. Therefore, declining an SLP does not mean the Supreme Court has exercised its appellate jurisdiction.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court's power under Article 136 is intended to be used sparingly, as emphasized in various judgments, such as Pritam Singh v. The State (1950). The Court intervenes only in exceptional cases where there is a need to address substantial questions of law or prevent injustice, ensuring that the extraordinary jurisdiction is not used indiscriminately.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

By 2050, it is projected that 75% of the global population could be affected by drought if current trends continue. This projection highlights the alarming scale of impact that droughts could have on a significant portion of the world's population.

- Statement 1 is correct. The World Drought Atlas was indeed launched by the UNCCD and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. This initiative aims to address the global challenges posed by drought.

- Statement 2 is also correct. India is particularly vulnerable to drought due to its reliance on monsoon rains, with approximately 60% of its agricultural land being rain-fed. This makes it susceptible to variations in precipitation patterns, which can significantly impact agricultural productivity and water availability.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The projection mentioned in the provided text is that by 2050, 75% (not 85%) of the global population could be affected by drought if current trends continue. This highlights the widespread and increasing risk of drought worldwide, but the percentage specified in the statement is inaccurate.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only statements 1 and 2 are correct based on the information provided.

The recent decline in Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) sales is primarily due to supply chain disruptions and rising costs, while the surge in NPKS fertilizer sales can be attributed to these factors prompting farmers to explore alternatives like NPKS fertilizers that offer a more balanced nutrient profile.

This question tests your understanding of the factors influencing fertilizer sales trends in India, as discussed in the provided content. It requires knowledge of the reasons behind the shift from DAP to NPKS fertilizers in the agricultural sector.

The Supreme Court's strategy to prioritize Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) aims to enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings in India by focusing on reducing the backlog of cases. By giving precedence to SLPs, the Court intends to address significant legal matters promptly, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined judicial process.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct based on the information provided in the passage. Statement-I correctly highlights the reasons behind the decline in DAP sales, citing rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Statement-II accurately mentions the increasing popularity of NPKS fertilizers due to their balanced nutrient composition as an alternative to DAP. Furthermore, Statement-II logically explains the shift in farmer preferences from DAP to NPKS fertilizers, making it the correct option.

The Arab Spring uprising in 2011 triggered protests against Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria. It was a series of pro-democracy demonstrations that spread across various countries in the Middle East and North Africa, advocating for political reforms, social justice, and democracy. The unrest in Syria was fueled by discontent over issues like unemployment, economic inequality, and corruption, eventually leading to violent repression and the onset of the Syrian Civil War.

The primary purpose of the impeachment process for judges in India is to ensure judicial accountability and integrity. This process serves as a mechanism to maintain the independence and integrity of the judiciary by allowing for the removal of judges in cases of "proved misbehavior" or "incapacity." It acts as a safeguard against misuse of power while upholding the principles of accountability and transparency within the judicial system.

1. Statement 1: The impeachment process to remove judges in India is governed by Article 124(4) of the Constitution, which details the procedure for the removal of a Supreme Court judge and is applicable to High Court judges through Article 218. This statement is correct because Article 124(4) does outline the removal process, although the detailed steps are further specified in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and related parliamentary procedures.

2. Statement 2: The initiation of an impeachment motion requires the support of at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha and 50 members of the Rajya Sabha. This is correct in terms of the numbers required for the initiation of the motion; however, the process described in the statement is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution itself but is part of the procedural rules established for such proceedings. Therefore, while procedurally correct, it is not part of the constitutional text regarding impeachment.

3. Statement 3: The grounds for impeachment of a judge are "proved misbehavior" and "incapacity." This statement is correct as these are indeed the grounds specified in the Constitution under Article 124(4) for the removal of a judge.

Thus, based on the statements given, statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.