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

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. Pugad Island is experiencing land subsidence at a rate of 11 cm per year, which is significant and contributes heavily to its vulnerability. The rate of land subsidence is indeed alarming and contributes to the island's challenges with rising sea levels, which makes the overall impact more severe than the global average sea-level rise alone.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The primary livelihood of Pugad Island's residents is fishing and aquaculture, not agriculture. The island’s economy is predominantly reliant on these activities due to its geographical setting and the availability of water resources, which are more suitable for aquaculture than agriculture.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. While Pugad Island is situated at the mouth of the Angat–Pampanga River Delta, it is located in the province of Bulacan, not Pampanga. This geographical misidentification makes the statement incorrect.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights the ongoing unresolved India-China border dispute, emphasizing the challenges in defining the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite historical negotiations and agreements since 1993. This is a factual statement based on the content provided in the source material.

Statement-II correctly mentions India's aim to position itself among the top 5 shipbuilding nations globally by 2047 to enhance the Blue Economy. This is also a factual statement based on the details provided in the source material. However, Statement-II does not explain or relate to Statement-I directly, as they address distinct topics - the border dispute with China and India's shipbuilding aspirations. Therefore, both statements are correct but do not have a direct explanatory relationship, making option (b) the correct answer.

The discovery of significant freshwater aquifers beneath the Atlantic shelf could potentially have a profound impact on water security and climate change resilience. One of the key implications is the possibility of sustainably supplying a large metropolis like New York City for centuries if managed effectively. This discovery offers a new avenue to address water shortages and provides an alternative amidst challenges like saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers and increasing urban demand, particularly in the face of climate change.

Statement-I correctly highlights the discrepancy between the rhetoric of women’s empowerment and the actual prevalence of gender inequality and violence against women in India, as discussed in the context of the domestic sphere and societal narratives. Statement-II accurately describes the primary focus of National Lok Adalats in India, emphasizing their role in addressing pending cases and pre-litigation disputes, particularly related to minor offences like traffic e-challans. Furthermore, Statement-II's explanation aligns with the broader objective and functioning of National Lok Adalats, which aim for amicable settlements and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms across various legal domains. Thus, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing additional context that complements and supports Statement-I in the given context.

1. Langkhon Festival — Tiwa Tribe: Correct. The Langkhon festival is indeed celebrated by the Tiwa tribe in Assam as a pre-harvest thanksgiving celebration.

2. Ramsa Devota — Worshiped during the festival: Correct. Ramsa Devota is one of the deities to whom prayers are offered during the Langkhon festival, seeking protection for crops and prosperity.

3. Yangli — A traditional dance form associated with the festival: Correct. Yangli is one of the traditional dances performed during the Langkhon festival.

4. Lali Hilali Lai — A folk song unrelated to weddings: Incorrect. Lali Hilali Lai is a folk song performed during the festival, but it is actually associated with weddings.

Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is incorrectly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's limited global impact in terms of highly cited papers and top-cited scientists, reflecting a challenge in global recognition despite notable achievements in some areas. Statement-II complements this by pointing out India's struggle with consistent breakthroughs despite its favorable rankings in multiple technology sectors. While both statements are individually accurate, they address different aspects of India's position in the global research landscape without one directly explaining the other. Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

1. Katchatheevu Island - Located near Jaffna, Sri Lanka: This pair is correctly matched. Katchatheevu Island is indeed located near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in the Palk Strait, about 33 nautical miles from Jaffna.

2. St. Anthony’s Catholic Shrine - Facilitates joint festivals for fishermen: This pair is correctly matched. St. Anthony’s Catholic Shrine on Katchatheevu Island is a site of religious significance where fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka come together annually for joint festivals, supported by a visa waiver.

3. Adi Vishwavidyalaya - A Digital Tribal Art Academy offering courses: This pair is correctly matched. Adi Vishwavidyalaya is part of the Adi Sanskriti platform, which functions as a Digital Tribal Art Academy, offering courses on various tribal art forms such as dance, painting, and music.

4. Adi Haat - An online marketplace without links to TRIFED: This pair is incorrectly matched. Adi Haat is indeed an online marketplace, but it is linked with TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited), which supports tribal artisans by providing them a platform for sustainable livelihoods and direct consumer access.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that aim to stimulate plant processes, enhancing aspects such as nutrient uptake, growth, yield, crop quality, efficiency, and stress tolerance. They are distinct from pesticides or plant growth regulators and play a crucial role in improving plant health and productivity.

1. Location of Freshwater Aquifer - Offshore northeastern U.S.: This pair is correctly matched. The significant freshwater aquifer has been found offshore of the northeastern United States.

2. Expedition Name - Expedition 502: This pair is incorrectly matched. The correct expedition name is Expedition 501, which drilled beneath the seabed to investigate the aquifer.

3. Potential Coverage Area - New Jersey to Maine: This pair is correctly matched. The aquifer is believed to extend from New Jersey to Maine.

4. Potential Freshwater Source - Glacial Meltwater: This pair is correctly matched. One of the hypothesized origins of the freshwater beneath the Atlantic Ocean is glacial meltwater from ancient ice sheets.

In summary, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched due to the wrong expedition number. Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Botanical Extracts - Seaweed:

This pair is correctly matched. Botanical extracts like seaweed are commonly used as biostimulants to enhance plant growth and improve stress tolerance.

2. Protein Hydrolysates - Spirulina:

This pair is incorrectly matched. Protein Hydrolysates used as biostimulants usually refer to products derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins from sources like soy or animal waste, not specifically Spirulina, which is more commonly associated with biofertilizer applications.

3. Humic Acids - Coal:

This pair is incorrectly matched. Humic acids are derived from organic matter such as decomposed plant material and peat, not directly from coal. Coal is not a source for biostimulants.

4. Live Microorganisms - Rhizobium:

This pair is incorrectly matched. Rhizobium is primarily used as a biofertilizer to promote nitrogen fixation in legumes, not as a biostimulant. Biostimulant live microorganisms exclude biofertilizers like Rhizobium and focus on other beneficial microorganisms not involved in nutrient fixation.

Only the first pair is correctly matched, thus the correct answer is Option A: Only one pair.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The data indicates that in urban areas, families indeed spend ₹2,791 less per girl than on boys, highlighting a significant gender disparity in educational investment.

2. Statement 2 is correct. While enrollment in coaching classes is nearly the same for boys (27.8%) and girls (26%), the expenditure on boys is 22% higher at the higher secondary level, underscoring financial bias despite similar participation rates.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The text specifies that states like Delhi and Rajasthan exhibit a significant gender gap in private school enrollment favoring boys, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala show gender parity. Thus, the statement is the reverse of what is true.

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

1. Statement 1 is correct. Democracies do experience cycles of expansion and decline, often influenced by factors such as corruption, economic instability, and political divisions. These cycles can lead to periods of growth followed by exhaustion, creating challenges for democratic governance.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While corruption is indeed a significant issue in democracies and can contribute to authoritarian tendencies, the statement is inaccurate in suggesting that anti-corruption movements are successful and yet lead to authoritarianism. In reality, anti-corruption movements often struggle to achieve lasting change, and their success is not typically associated with the rise of authoritarian regimes.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Misinformation spread through social media does not enhance trust in democratic institutions. On the contrary, it undermines trust by creating confusion and divisions within society, which can weaken the perceived legitimacy of democratic processes and institutions.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct answer.

The Langkhon festival celebrated by the Tiwa tribesmen in Assam holds significance as it involves the worship of bamboo, symbolizing prosperity and sustenance in Tiwa culture. This festival is a pre-harvest thanksgiving celebration where special prayers are offered to deities for protection of crops, welfare of families, and prosperity of the village. The rituals during the festival, including offerings and prayers, are aimed at ensuring a good paddy harvest. The cultural highlights of the festival include traditional dances, folk songs, and local games, all contributing to reinforcing community ties and celebrating the agricultural abundance.

The recent National Sample Survey (NSS) data highlighted that Indian households, on average, spend 18% more on boys' education compared to girls. This statistic underscores the existing gender disparity in educational expenditure within households, reflecting deep-rooted gender biases that persist despite improvements in enrollment ratios. By addressing and rectifying such discrepancies in educational investment, societies can take significant strides towards achieving gender equality in education.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The 1974 and 1976 agreements led to India recognizing Sri Lanka's sovereignty over Katchatheevu Island, and traditional fishing rights were relinquished. There were no specific conditions allowing Indian fishermen to continue fishing around the island, which has been a point of contention.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. Despite being uninhabited, Katchatheevu Island serves as a crucial resting point for fishermen and supports marine biodiversity, highlighting its ecological importance.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The main issue is not the sovereignty of the island, which was settled by the agreements, but rather the unsustainable fishing practices, particularly bottom-trawling by Indian fishermen, and the resulting livelihood crisis for Tamil Nadu fishermen.

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

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Biostimulants are not governed by the Insecticides Act of 1968. They are distinct from pesticides or plant growth regulators, which fall under the Insecticides Act. Instead, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, as per the regulatory framework established in recent years.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. In February 2021, India introduced a provisional registration system for biostimulants under the FCO with the issuance of G3 certificates, initially approving approximately 8,000 products temporarily. This provisional registration system has now been discontinued, which aligns with the framework to ensure stricter quality and safety standards.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. As part of the regulatory amendments, the permissible limit for pesticide residues in biostimulants was increased from 0.01 ppm to 1 ppm. This change reflects the efforts to establish comprehensive safety standards for biostimulants in India.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (BPTA) - 1993: Correctly matched. This agreement signed during Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao's visit to China emphasized peaceful consultation and the non-use of force along the India-China border.

2. 1996 Agreement - Military Confidence-Building Measures: Correctly matched. The 1996 Agreement indeed introduced military confidence-building measures, but it did not resolve the mutual understanding of the LAC.

3. Shipbuilding Finance Assistance Scheme - Encourages ship recycling: Incorrectly matched. The Shipbuilding Finance Assistance Scheme is for providing capital support to the shipbuilding industry, not specifically for encouraging ship recycling.

4. National Shipbuilding Mission - Aims at industry-wide modernization: Correctly matched. The National Shipbuilding Mission is aimed at modernizing the shipbuilding industry and increasing the sector's contribution to India's GDP.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Langkhon festival is not a post-harvest event; it is a pre-harvest festival celebrated before the Rabi crop season, specifically from October to November. It serves as a thanksgiving celebration before the harvest, not after.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The festival involves the worship of bamboo, which is significant in Tiwa culture as it symbolizes prosperity and sustenance. This worship reflects the community's core beliefs and reliance on agriculture and natural resources.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The Langkhon festival features various traditional dances, including the Langkhon dance, Moinari Khanthi, and Yangli. These cultural performances are integral to the festival's celebrations, showcasing the Tiwa people's rich heritage and traditions.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D: 2 and 3 Only the right answer.

The Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (BPTA) signed in 1993 between India and China primarily focuses on peaceful consultation and the non-use of force as key principles. This agreement aimed to promote stability and reduce tensions along the border areas by advocating for peaceful means to resolve disputes, rather than resorting to military force.

1. Youth Disillusionment: This pair is incorrectly matched. The correct concept is that youth disillusionment arises from feelings of disenfranchisement and concerns about ineffective governance, not empowerment.

2. Inequality and Polarization: This pair is incorrectly matched. The correct detail is that inequality and polarization are driven by diverging political ideologies, not similar ones.

3. Corruption's Persistence: This pair is correctly matched. Corruption often manifests structurally, maintaining elite power and hindering systemic change.

4. Misinformation Cycle: This pair is correctly matched. The spread of misinformation undermines trust in democratic institutions and contributes to societal divisions.

Thus, three pairs (3 and 4) are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the gender disparities in educational expenditure in India, where families tend to invest more in boys' education than in girls', as supported by the provided information. Statement-II also accurately states that India contributes significantly to the global supply of generic drugs, earning it the title "pharmacy of the world." Furthermore, Statement-II explains the global aspect of India's pharmaceutical industry, complementing the domestic focus of Statement-I. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer, indicating that both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context to support Statement-I.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The discourse surrounding women’s empowerment in India often highlights the neglect of women's unpaid domestic labor, despite the rhetoric of empowerment. This issue is frequently masked by political narratives that fail to address the underlying systemic issues. The text indicates that women's unpaid labor is significant yet unrecognized.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. Although there are high rates of violence against women, the text suggests that these issues are largely treated as private matters rather than structural issues by the government. The lack of effective governmental intervention in treating domestic violence as a structural issue is a key critique of the current situation.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The text mentions a study indicating that recognizing unpaid domestic work could increase India's GDP by over 7%, emphasizing the significant economic contribution of women's unpaid labor.

Hence, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer. The solution aligns with the provided data, confirming the accuracy of the correct answer choice.

The Vice-President of India plays a crucial role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. In this capacity, the Vice-President presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order and ensuring smooth functioning of the house. This responsibility is vital in upholding the parliamentary procedures and facilitating legislative discussions and decision-making processes within the Rajya Sabha.

1. Urban Spending: This pair is incorrectly matched. In urban areas, families spend less per girl than on boys, not more. Hence, this statement is incorrect.

2. Rural Spending: This pair is correctly matched. In rural settings, boys receive 18% more investment in education than girls. This statement is accurate.

3. Tuition Classes Enrollment: This pair is incorrectly matched. The enrollment in coaching classes is similar for boys and girls, with 26% for girls and 27.8% for boys. Hence, the statement regarding higher enrollment for boys is incorrect based on enrollment percentages, although expenditure is higher for boys.

4. State-Level Variations: This pair is correctly matched. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala show gender parity in terms of private school enrollment, accurately reflecting the data.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Pugad Island - Located in the Sulu Sea
This pair is incorrectly matched. Pugad Island is located in Manila Bay, not the Sulu Sea.

2. Pugad Island - Submergence threat due to rising sea levels and land subsidence
This pair is correctly matched. Pugad Island is indeed facing a submergence threat due to rising sea levels and rapid land subsidence.

3. Manipur Development Projects - Focus on digital connectivity and sports
This pair is correctly matched. The development projects in Manipur include initiatives for digital connectivity, such as the Manipur Infotech Development Project, and sports development, including the establishment of a National Sports University.

4. Manipur Development Projects - Includes the establishment of a National Sports University
This pair is correctly matched. The Manipur development initiatives include the establishment of a National Sports University to support local athletes and promote sports.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.