Test: Weekly Current Affairs: August 25th to 31st - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. The rise of online real-money gaming has indeed been associated with increased financial distress and mental health issues among the youth, as the addictive nature of these games can lead to compulsive behavior and financial losses.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Bans on gaming provide only temporary relief and do not effectively address the underlying issues of gaming addiction. Comprehensive strategies involving regulation, mental health support, and educational initiatives are required for a more effective solution.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Real-money games employ reward mechanisms similar to those found in gambling, such as reward loops, which are designed to keep players engaged and can lead to addiction.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, which makes Option C the correct answer.

The primary objective of India's BioE3 Policy is to reduce India's dependency on imports in critical pharmaceutical and bio-based sectors, thereby promoting self-reliance and enhancing the bioeconomy. By establishing 16 biomanufacturing hubs and integrating biofoundries, India aims to become a global leader in biotechnology-driven solutions for health, energy, and agriculture. This policy aligns with India's vision for sustainable growth and aims to strengthen the innovation-to-market pipeline while supporting the biotechnology startup ecosystem.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, is indeed located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Its construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1974, establishing it as the tallest earth-fill embankment dam in India at that time.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The reservoir created by the Pong Dam, known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, was designated a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002. This designation highlights its significance as a habitat for migratory birds and its ecological importance, supporting various species of avifauna.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Pong Dam is indeed crucial for hydroelectric power generation, it is also significant for irrigation purposes. The dam supports both these functions, thereby contributing to the economic and agricultural development of the region.

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

Statement-I is correct as Shipki-La Pass is indeed a vital motorable mountain pass between India and China. Statement-II is also correct as the pass serves as a boundary post and is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Furthermore, Statement-II explains Statement-I because the fact that Shipki-La Pass is a boundary post and one of the highest motorable passes in the world contributes to its significance as a vital mountain pass between India and China. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Psephology, as a specialized branch of political science, primarily focuses on predicting election outcomes through the analysis of voting data and utilizing various statistical tools. Psephologists play a crucial role in understanding voter behavior and election dynamics by studying electoral patterns and public opinion polls to forecast results in future elections.

Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) missiles are characterized by combining the impact of a heavy bomb with the extended range capabilities of a cruise missile. This unique feature enables them to effectively target fortified locations such as bunkers, fuel depots, and ammunition stores with precision and from a significant distance, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness in combat scenarios.

Statement 1 is Correct: Gorumara National Park is indeed located in the Terai region of Dooars, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. This geographical detail is accurate and describes the park's location correctly.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, not Endangered. This incorrect classification makes the statement false.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: The recent increase in the one-horned rhino population at Gorumara National Park is due to effective conservation efforts, not the expansion of the park's area. The text mentions conservation success but does not attribute it to any physical expansion of the park.

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

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court indeed highlighted the importance of differentiating between various types of speech — free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech — as a means to uphold social harmony and community trust. This differentiation aims to provide clarity and prevent the misuse of free speech, particularly on digital platforms where speech can easily overlap with prohibited content.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to formulate regulatory guidelines for social media influencers with enforceable consequences. The emphasis was on creating guidelines that are substantial and not merely symbolic, ensuring accountability for online expressions that could harm vulnerable groups.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Supreme Court did not state that derogatory jokes and insensitive remarks are protected under Article 19(1)(a). Instead, it emphasized that such remarks could undermine the constitutional principle of inclusivity and contribute to stigma and discrimination. The Court's observations were aimed at balancing free speech with societal sensitivities and protecting the dignity of marginalized groups.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

The primary goal of the Export Promotion Mission is to enhance export competitiveness and support Indian exporters, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative aims to facilitate broad-based, inclusive, and sustainable export growth over a six-year period, focusing on overcoming challenges faced by Indian exporters in the global marketplace. By providing various forms of support and assistance, the mission seeks to boost India's export capabilities and promote economic growth in the export sector.

1. Pair 1: Shipki-La Pass - Located in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- This is correct. Shipki-La Pass is indeed located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

2. Pair 2: Sutlej River - Known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet
- This is correct. The Sutlej River is known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet.

3. Pair 3: Shipki-La Pass - Originally named Pema La
- This is correct. Shipki-La Pass was originally named Pema La, meaning "Shared Gate," before being rebranded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police post-1962.

4. Pair 4: Shipki-La Pass - Historically a trade corridor between India and Nepal
- This is incorrect. Shipki-La Pass has historically been a trade corridor between India and Tibet, not Nepal.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 2, and 3. Pair 4 is incorrect as it erroneously mentions Nepal instead of Tibet.

1. Online real-money gaming - Mimics gambling mechanics, contributing to addiction. This pair is correctly matched. Online real-money gaming indeed mimics gambling mechanics, which contributes to addiction among users.

2. Impact on families - Leads to improved family bonding and trust. This pair is incorrectly matched. The content states that gaming addiction can lead to toxic home environments, conflict, secrecy, and a breakdown of trust among family members, rather than improved bonding.

3. Mental health concerns - Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts rise among adolescents. This pair is correctly matched. The rise in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents due to gaming addiction is mentioned as a significant mental health concern.

4. Strategies for intervention - Includes school-based mental health screenings, parental guidance training, and awareness campaigns. This pair is correctly matched. These strategies are indeed proposed as effective measures for intervention against gaming addiction.

Three pairs (1, 3, and 4) are correctly matched.

Statement-I discusses the positive increase in the population of greater one-horned rhinos at Gorumara National Park, highlighting successful conservation efforts. This aligns with the information provided in the passage about the recent birth of two rhino calves in the park, indicating a conservation win.
Statement-II talks about the rising disposable income of Indian households in 2025, attributed to lower inflation and tax cuts. This information is based on the details provided in the passage regarding the expected increase in disposable income due to easing inflation and recent tax cuts.
Both statements are factually correct based on the information presented. However, they address different topics—conservation success in Gorumara National Park and rising disposable income in Indian households—without one directly explaining the other. Therefore, the correct answer is that both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Statement-I correctly mentions that the Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, was completed in 1974 and is the tallest earth-fill embankment dam in India. This is factually accurate.
Statement-II is also accurate as the Pong Dam reservoir was indeed designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002 due to its ecological importance. This designation signifies the international importance of the site for migratory waterbirds.
Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the significance and recognition of the Pong Dam reservoir as a Ramsar Wetland Site, supporting Statement-I's assertion about the dam's completion and status.

1. Statement 1: Prairies are actually flat, temperate grasslands primarily found in North America, not South America. Therefore, this statement is incorrect. In South America, similar grasslands are known as Pampas.

2. Statement 2: This statement correctly identifies that prairie vegetation is dominated by grasses with deep root systems that are adapted to conserve moisture. These adaptations are crucial for survival in the prairies' environment, which experiences low precipitation. Thus, this statement is correct.

3. Statement 3: Prairies are indeed maintained by natural factors such as grazing, fire, and drought. These factors play a significant role in sustaining the prairie ecosystem by controlling the growth of woody plants and promoting the growth of grasses. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

1. BioE3 Policy Launch Year - 2023: Incorrect. The BioE3 Policy was launched in August 2024. Thus, this pair is not correctly matched.

2. Number of Planned Biomanufacturing Hubs - 16: Correct. The BioE3 Policy plans to establish 16 biomanufacturing hubs to support the bioeconomy and promote self-reliance.

3. Contribution of Bioeconomy to India's GDP - 4.25%: Correct. India's bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to the national GDP.

4. Number of Operational Biofoundries - 6: Correct. Six biofoundries are already operational, aiding various biotechnological innovations.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: 2, 3, and 4.

1. Section 79(1) of the IT Act, 2000: This pair is correctly matched. It indeed provides "safe harbour" protection to intermediaries like Facebook, X, and Instagram, shielding them from liability for third-party content as long as they act as neutral platforms.

2. Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000: This pair is correctly matched. It allows the Government to block online content to protect sovereignty, security, and public order.

3. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): This pair is incorrectly matched. The case did strike down Section 66A of the IT Act for being vague but did not recognise privacy as a fundamental right. The recognition of privacy as a fundamental right was a result of the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case.

4. K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): This pair is correctly matched. The Supreme Court recognised privacy as a fundamental right in this case and it indeed influenced data protection measures.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, making a total of three correctly matched pairs.

1. Pong Dam - Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh: This pair is correctly matched. The Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, is indeed located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

2. Maharana Pratap Sagar - Artificial lake created by the Pong Dam: This pair is correctly matched. The Pong Dam created the artificial reservoir known as Maharana Pratap Sagar.

3. Ramsar Wetland Site Designation - Designated in 1974: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Pong Dam's reservoir was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002, not in 1974.

4. Bird Sanctuary Status - Achieved in 1983: This pair is correctly matched. The area around the Pong Dam was declared a bird sanctuary in 1983 due to its rich diversity of waterfowl.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 2, and 4.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to ensure accountability among political leaders by proposing the automatic removal of Ministers, Chief Ministers, and the Prime Minister if they remain in custody for over thirty consecutive days due to serious criminal charges. This bill seeks to address concerns about the integrity of elected representatives and focuses on maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.

1. Statement 1: The statement is incorrect. The BioE3 Policy aims to establish 16 biomanufacturing hubs across India, not 10. These hubs are intended to enhance the bioeconomy by focusing on fermentation-based medicines, bioproducts, and carbon capture technologies.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. As of 2023, India's bioeconomy contributed approximately 4.25% to the national GDP. This figure reflects the growth and importance of the bioeconomy in India's economic landscape.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. One of the primary objectives of the BioE3 Policy is to reduce India's dependency on imports in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals. By boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities, the policy aims to foster self-reliance and strengthen the bioeconomy.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

- Statement 1 is correct. Shipki-La Pass is indeed one of the highest motorable passes in the world, located at an altitude of 3,930 meters. This is a significant geographical feature that enhances its importance both strategically and for trade purposes.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Sutlej River, which is known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet, does enter India through this pass. This river is a critical waterway and contributes to the strategic importance of the pass as a trade route.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Shipki-La Pass has not always been open for trade and tourism. Historically, it has been an important trade corridor, but its status has changed over time due to various geopolitical reasons, including the closure after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The recent news about discussions to resume trade through this pass indicates that it has not been continuously open.

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

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. The Conocarpus tree is indeed native to coastal regions of tropical America, extending from Bermuda and the Bahamas to Brazil, and it also includes parts of West Africa. Additionally, it is found in arid coastal zones of Somalia and Yemen, as well as regions in eastern and northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Conocarpus tree has an extensive root system that can damage infrastructure such as communication cables, drainage lines, and drinking water pipelines. This characteristic makes it a concern in areas where such infrastructure is present.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Rather than improving air quality, the pollen released by the Conocarpus tree during its flowering season can exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and rhinitis. This effect particularly affects children and the elderly, making it a health concern rather than a benefit to air quality.

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

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. Bloom Syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, not an autosomal dominant manner. This means that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected by the disorder.

2. Statement 2: Correct. Individuals with Bloom Syndrome have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers at an early age. This is due to the role of the BLM gene in DNA maintenance and repair, and its dysfunction leads to genomic instability.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The mutations in the BLM gene associated with Bloom Syndrome are indeed most prevalent in the Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish population, making this a significant risk factor for individuals of this ancestry.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3. Hence, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

Statement-I correctly describes the warhead capabilities of ERAM missiles, highlighting their purpose to destroy fortified targets effectively. Statement-II accurately presents the range capability of ERAM missiles, indicating their operational flexibility based on flight profiles. Both statements are individually correct in their respective descriptions of ERAM missiles but do not directly correlate or explain each other. The warhead capacity and range capability are distinct features of the ERAM missile system, contributing to its effectiveness in combat scenarios.

1. Pampas - South America: Correctly matched. The Pampas are extensive lowlands covering Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil, known for their fertile soil and agriculture.

2. Velds - Africa: Correctly matched. Velds are grasslands found primarily in South Africa, characterized by open, grassy landscapes.

3. Steppes - Asia: Correctly matched. Steppes are large areas of flat unforested grassland in southeastern Europe and Siberia, extending into Central Asia.

4. Prairies - Australia: Incorrectly matched. Prairies are not found in Australia; they are temperate grasslands primarily located in North America, especially in the central United States and Canada.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: Pampas with South America, Velds with Africa, and Steppes with Asia. The Prairies are mistakenly matched with Australia instead of North America.

Statement-I correctly describes the key objectives and timeline of the Export Promotion Mission outlined in the Union Budget for 2025-26. It highlights the initiative's goal of fostering sustainable export growth over six years, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by Indian exporters, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Statement-II accurately identifies the Department of Commerce as the primary department responsible for overseeing the Export Promotion Mission. It correctly mentions the mission's aim to boost export competitiveness by facilitating access to export credit and addressing non-tariff barriers in global markets. Statement-II further explains how the mission intends to support exporters in navigating challenges and enhancing their presence in international trade.

Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II effectively elaborates on the objectives and execution of the Export Promotion Mission as outlined in the Union Budget.