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

1. Foreigners Tribunals in Assam have been granted the authority to issue arrest warrants and detain individuals under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
This statement is correct. The new provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, empower the Foreigners Tribunals in Assam to issue arrest warrants and detain suspected illegal immigrants. This marks a significant shift from the previous practice where such powers were executed through executive orders.

2. Foreigners Tribunals have the powers of a civil court, including the ability to summon witnesses and examine evidence.
This statement is correct. Foreigners Tribunals operate with the powers similar to those of a civil court, which includes summoning witnesses, examining evidence, and making judicial determinations, all of which are essential for their function in adjudicating cases involving suspected foreigners.

3. Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetans, and Sri Lankan Tamils are exempted from the new regulations under a special order.
This statement is correct. A special order issued in 2025 exempts citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetans, and Sri Lankan Tamils from the new regulations concerning detention and deportation, reflecting the specific diplomatic and historical considerations between India and these groups.

All three statements are correct, hence the correct answer is Option D.

Semiconductors hold strategic importance due to their critical role in national security and key sectors like communication and defence. Without semiconductor availability, these vital sectors would struggle to function effectively. The text underscores the significance of semiconductors in ensuring the smooth operation of essential services and safeguarding national interests.

1. Trump's Tariff War - Shift towards global cooperation: Incorrect. Trump's tariff policies reflected a move towards populist nationalism rather than global cooperation. His administration used tariffs as a tool of economic nationalism and coercion.

2. Economic Warfare - Use of tariffs to extract concessions: Correct. Trump's administration used tariffs as coercive tools to extract economic concessions from other nations, impacting global trade dynamics.

3. Free Movement Regime (FMR) - Allows visa-free travel across the India-Myanmar border: Correct. The Free Movement Regime (FMR) was established to permit residents within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to travel freely across the border without the need for a visa. It recognized familial and cultural ties across the border.

4. United Naga Council (UNC) - Supports the suspension of FMR: Incorrect. The United Naga Council (UNC) opposes the suspension of the FMR, arguing it undermines their homeland, land rights, and identity, thus they have called for protests against the suspension.

Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched. Pairs 1 and 4 are incorrectly matched.

1. National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) - Established in 2011 by the Central Pollution Control Board: This pair is correctly matched. The NANMN was indeed established in 2011 by the Central Pollution Control Board to monitor noise levels in urban areas in India.

2. Coral Microatolls - Natural record of sea-level changes over time: This pair is correctly matched. Coral microatolls provide a natural record of sea-level changes because they stop growing upward when they reach the lowest tide level.

3. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution - Relates to the right to education: This pair is incorrectly matched. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, not specifically the right to education. The right to education is covered under Article 21A.

4. Indian Ocean Dipole - Affects climate variability impacting marine ecosystems: This pair is correctly matched. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a climate phenomenon that affects weather and climate variability in the Indian Ocean region, thereby impacting marine ecosystems.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched based on the information provided.

The 1962 war between India and China was primarily triggered by India's reliance on British-era maps conflicting with China's historical and strategic claims. This discrepancy led to escalating tensions and eventually resulted in a full-fledged war between the two nations.

Statement-I correctly highlights the issue of urban noise pollution exceeding safe limits, particularly in sensitive zones in India, as discussed in the provided content. Statement-II, on the other hand, discusses the acceleration of sea-level rise in the Indian Ocean since the late 1950s, which is unrelated to the issue of urban noise pollution. While both statements are factually correct based on the information provided, they are not directly related or explanatory of each other, making option (b) the most appropriate choice.

Let's analyze each statement carefully:

1. India has approved the establishment of 10 semiconductor plants under the India Semiconductor Mission.

This statement is correct. The India Semiconductor Mission is indeed a key initiative by the Indian government to establish semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, and the approval of 10 plants is a significant part of this mission.

2. Global companies are not investing in India's semiconductor manufacturing sector due to geopolitical tensions.

This statement is incorrect. In reality, global companies are investing in India's semiconductor manufacturing sector. The text highlights that industry leaders such as Lam Research and Applied Materials are making substantial investments in India for research and development, indicating strong international collaboration rather than avoidance due to geopolitical tensions.

3. India accounts for 20% of the global chip design workforce, addressing the shortage of semiconductor professionals.

This statement is correct. India has a significant share of the global chip design workforce, which positions it well to address the global shortage of semiconductor professionals, as noted in the text.

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

Trump's economic policies were primarily motivated by positioning himself as a defender of a disenfranchised American majority who felt betrayed by globalization. This led him to adopt policies reflecting a shift towards populist nationalism, impacting global trade dynamics. By understanding and addressing these motivations, countries like India can better navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Free Movement Regime (FMR) does indeed allow residents within 16 km of the India–Myanmar border to travel freely across the border without a visa. This policy was designed to facilitate the movement of people with familial and cultural ties across the border.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The FMR was last revised under the Act East Policy, not the Look East Policy. The Act East Policy emphasizes increased economic and strategic relations with the countries of Southeast Asia, whereas the Look East Policy was its predecessor.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The suspension of the FMR has not been universally supported by all ethnic groups along the India-Myanmar border. While some groups, such as the Meiteis, support the suspension due to concerns about illegal immigration, others, like the Kuki and Naga groups, oppose it as they feel it undermines their ethnic ties and rights.

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

1. Single-thread rivers maintain a balance between bank erosion and sediment deposition, resulting in a stable width. This pair is correctly matched.

2. Multi-thread rivers are characterized by an imbalance where erosion outpaces deposition, causing channels to widen and frequently split. Thus, this pair is incorrectly matched.

3. The Brahmaputra River is known for rapid lateral erosion and channel splitting, fitting the description of a multi-thread river. This pair is correctly matched.

4. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to analyze river flow and sediment dynamics, not specifically for measuring river depth. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Thus, there are two correctly matched pairs: 1 and 3.

- Statement 1 is correct. Aksai Chin is indeed a region that is occupied by China but claimed by India. It is located in the western sector of the India-China border. This area is strategically significant as it connects Tibet to Xinjiang via the Chinese National Highway G219.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Simla Convention of 1914, although not accepted by China, delineated the McMahon Line, which forms the basis for India's claim over Arunachal Pradesh, including the Tawang tract. The convention was signed between British India and Tibet, with China abstaining from the agreement, which is why China does not recognize the McMahon Line as a legitimate boundary.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not an agreed boundary; it is a de facto boundary that emerged from the positions held by India and China after the 1962 war. It remains a point of contention and is not recognized by both sides as a formal boundary.

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

Only approximately 3.8% of the total 287 judges in the Supreme Court of India have been women since the court's inception in 1950. This statistic highlights the significant underrepresentation of women in the highest judicial authority of the country. Despite a few milestones, such as Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment in 1989, progress in increasing the number of women judges has been slow. This data underscores the pressing need for more inclusive and diverse representation within the Indian judiciary to ensure varied perspectives and uphold principles of equality and fairness.

1. Justice Fathima Beevi - First woman judge appointed to the Supreme Court of India: Correct. Justice Fathima Beevi was indeed the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 1989, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Indian judiciary.

2. Collegium System - Consistently considers gender during judicial appointments: Incorrect. The Collegium System, which is responsible for the appointment and transfer of judges in higher judiciary in India, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and inconsistency in considering gender as a factor during judicial appointments.

3. Vice-Chancellor - Appointed by the Chancellor following recommendations by a Search-cum-Selection Committee: Correct. In state universities, the Vice-Chancellor is typically appointed by the Chancellor based on recommendations from a Search-cum-Selection Committee, as outlined by the UGC Regulations 2018.

4. UGC Regulations 2018 - Supreme over state laws under Article 254 in case of conflict: Correct. Article 254 of the Indian Constitution states that in case of any conflict between central and state laws on subjects in the Concurrent List, the central law prevails. Therefore, UGC Regulations, which are central regulations, take precedence over conflicting state laws.

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

Statement-I is incorrect because the appointment of women judges in the Supreme Court of India has not seen a steady increase; in fact, there is a significant underrepresentation of women in the institution, as highlighted by the recent retirement of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and the subsequent appointments without a female judge. Statement-II correctly points out the gender disparity issue in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the lack of female representation in recent appointments. Therefore, the correct answer is that Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

The potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) poses serious implications for global climate stability. This extensive system of ocean currents plays a vital role in regulating global climate by distributing heat and nutrients across the world's oceans. A collapse of the AMOC could lead to significant cooling in Europe and the North Atlantic, reduction in rainfall across Europe, changes in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns, expansion of sea ice in certain regions, and long-term shifts in rainfall patterns, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change for maintaining global climate stability.

1. Hindu Kush: Correctly matched. The Hindu Kush region is indeed part of the Alpide Belt, which is the second most seismically active area globally after the Circum-Pacific Belt. The region experiences frequent earthquakes due to its complex tectonic setting.

2. Main Pamir Thrust Zone: Correctly matched. This region is formed due to the ongoing collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, which causes significant tectonic activity, including the formation of mountain ranges and associated seismic activity.

3. Sulaiman Range: Incorrectly matched. Although the Sulaiman Range is a tectonically active region, it is not specifically described as being within the Alpide Belt. The Alpide Belt stretches across Europe and Asia but is more commonly associated with regions like the Himalayas and Hindu Kush.

4. Tethys Ocean Closure: Incorrectly matched. The closure of the Tethys Ocean primarily involved the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, not the African and Arabian Plates with the Eurasian Plate. The African and Arabian Plates are involved in other tectonic events but not specifically in the closure of the Tethys Ocean as described.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched: Hindu Kush and Main Pamir Thrust Zone.

The National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) was primarily established to monitor and address urban noise pollution levels in India. It aims to provide a systematic approach to measuring noise levels, especially in sensitive areas like schools and hospitals, where excessive noise can significantly impact public health and quality of life. Despite its establishment, the effectiveness of the NANMN has been questioned due to issues like sensor misplacement and lack of enforcement, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing urban noise pollution. An interesting fact is that urban noise pollution not only affects human health but also has ecological impacts, disrupting wildlife communication and biodiversity.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Hindu Kush mountains are indeed part of the Alpide Belt, which is the second most seismically active region in the world after the Circum-Pacific Belt.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The seismic activity in the Hindu Kush region is primarily due to the ongoing collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, not the African Plate. The closure of the Tethys Ocean due to these tectonic movements has led to the formation of the Hindu Kush and other mountain ranges in the Alpide Belt.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. Shallow-focus earthquakes in Afghanistan, typically occurring at depths of 0 to 70 km, are known for causing significant destruction due to their proximity to the Earth's surface. These shallow quakes are more destructive compared to deep-focus earthquakes, which occur at greater depths and have less impact on the surface.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the right choice.

A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Moon takes on a reddish or coppery appearance. This striking color is a result of sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere, where shorter blue wavelengths are scattered away, allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon. This phenomenon creates a visually stunning display during a total lunar eclipse, making the Moon appear red or reddish-orange in color.

1. Foreigners Tribunals: Established under the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964 - Correct. Foreigners Tribunals were indeed established under the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964 to adjudicate cases involving suspected foreigners, especially in Assam.

2. High Seas Treaty: Legally binding since 2023 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) - Incorrect. While the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is related to UNCLOS, it is not yet legally binding as it needs ratification by countries. As of August 2025, it has been signed by many countries, but not all have ratified it, including India.

3. Foreigners Tribunals: Can issue arrest warrants and detain individuals under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 - Correct. New provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, do grant Foreigners Tribunals the authority to issue arrest warrants and detain individuals.

4. BBNJ Agreement: Mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all oceanic projects - Correct. The BBNJ Agreement requires EIAs for major oceanic projects that could potentially harm the high seas, reflecting its focus on environmental protection.

Based on the above analysis, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the foundational role of semiconductors in the digital economy, akin to steel in the industrial age. This comparison emphasizes the critical nature of semiconductors in powering various digital technologies. Statement-II is also accurate as national security indeed relies significantly on the availability of semiconductors. Without a stable supply of semiconductors, key sectors like communication and defense, crucial for national security, would be compromised. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the importance and impact of semiconductors, supporting Statement-I's analogy.

1. Statement 1: The Collegium system in India is criticized for its lack of transparency and does not consistently consider gender as a key factor in the selection process of Supreme Court judges. This statement is incorrect. The text highlights that gender has not been consistently considered in the selection process, contributing to the significant underrepresentation of women in the judiciary.

2. Statement 2: Since its establishment in 1950, the Supreme Court of India has appointed only 11 women judges, not more than 15. This statement is incorrect as per the information provided, which mentions that only about 3.8% of the 287 judges appointed have been women.

3. Statement 3: Article 254 of the Constitution indeed provides that in the event of a conflict between central laws and state laws, the central laws (such as UGC regulations) prevail. This is especially relevant in the context of educational institutions. This statement is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

The research by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) highlights that erosion, rather than equilibrium, is the primary factor that drives rivers to split into multiple channels. This insight is crucial in understanding river dynamics and has significant implications for flood prediction and ecosystem management. Erosion outpacing deposition leads to the widening and splitting of channels, as observed in rivers like the Brahmaputra.

Statement-I is correct because P waves, being faster seismic waves, are detected before S waves on a seismograph. Statement-II is also correct as it accurately describes the particle motion associated with P and S waves. P waves compress and expand material in the same direction as the wave's propagation, while S waves move material perpendicular to the wave's direction. Therefore, both statements are correct and Statement-II provides a clear explanation for Statement-I.

Statement-I:
Correct. The Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) are quasi-judicial bodies set up under the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964 to determine whether a person is a foreigner under the Foreigners Act, 1946. They are especially significant in Assam, where they decide cases of suspected illegal immigrants.

Statement-II:
Correct. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also called the High Seas Treaty, was adopted in 2023. It seeks to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions (the high seas), regulate resource use, and promote conservation.

Now check the relationship:

• Statement-II is about ocean biodiversity.

• Statement-I is about tribunals for foreigner identification.
  There is no explanatory link between them.

Correct Answer: d: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I