Test: Weekly Current Affairs: June 22nd to 30th - UPSC MCQ

The primary purpose of organ transplantation is to replace a failing organ with a healthy one from either a living or deceased donor. This life-saving procedure aims to restore the function of organs in end-stage organ failure, such as kidneys, liver, heart, or lungs, thereby improving the recipient's quality of life and increasing their lifespan.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. India ranks third in the world in terms of the total number of organ transplants performed annually, following the USA and China. Hence, the assertion that India ranks first is inaccurate.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, indeed regulates the transplantation of organs and tissues in India, including aspects of post-death donation. It sets the legal framework for organ donation and transplantation processes.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Many government hospitals in India face infrastructural challenges, including a lack of dedicated infrastructure for organ retrieval and a shortage of ICU beds. Therefore, the claim that there is a surplus of ICU beds and dedicated infrastructure is false.

Thus, only Statement 2 is correct, making Option C the right answer.

Statistics Day, celebrated on June 29th, primarily aims to emphasize the importance of statistics in policy-making and governance. It serves as a tribute to the contributions of statisticians like Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and promotes awareness about the critical role statistical data plays in shaping development policies and governance. This day highlights the significance of institutions like the National Sample Survey (NSS) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in collecting essential data for informed decision-making.

Telangana is one of the states leading in organ donation in India, as per the information provided. States like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have shown significant progress in organ donation, contributing to the overall efforts to bridge the gap between organ availability and demand.

The theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 2025 is "Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," highlighting the crucial need for sustained efforts against organized drug trafficking networks worldwide.

1. Hambantota Port - Correctly matched. It is indeed located in Sri Lanka and is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The port has been leased to a Chinese company for 99 years, which is a strategic move by China to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
2. Gwadar Port - Incorrectly matched. Gwadar Port is located in Pakistan but is not part of India’s Sagarmala Project. Instead, it is a significant component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a crucial part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at enhancing trade connectivity.
3. Djibouti Military Base - Correctly matched. This is China's first overseas military base, established in 2017. It enhances China's naval operations and presence in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting China's strategic military expansion.
4. Chittagong Port - Incorrectly matched. Chittagong Port is located in Bangladesh, but it is not part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The port is significant in regional trade but is not directly linked to the CPEC initiative.
Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: This statement is correct. Researchers have discovered that Star A980, an Extreme Helium (EHe) star, possesses germanium levels that are eight times greater than those found in the Sun. This is a groundbreaking discovery as it marks the first recorded detection of singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) in an EHe star.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. Star A980 is indeed located in the Ophiuchus constellation and is approximately 25,800 light-years away from Earth. This precise location has been documented by the researchers involved in the study.

- Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The discovery of high germanium levels in Star A980 does not conform entirely with existing stellar evolution models. Current models do not adequately explain the formation of heavy elements like germanium in EHe stars, as they are typically thought to be produced in supernovae or AGB stars, not from white dwarf mergers. The findings from Star A980 suggest a need to revise current models of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis.

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

- Statement 1 is correct. The theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 2025 is indeed "Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," as mentioned in the key takeaways.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Golden Crescent includes Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and is a well-known region heavily impacted by drug trafficking.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Triple Frontier is an area known for drug trafficking located at the border junction of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, not in Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asian drug trafficking region is known as the Golden Triangle, which includes Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

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

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. These interconnected goals, totaling 17 with 169 targets, were adopted in 2015 by 193 UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They seek to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainability through global cooperation. By focusing on poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and combating climate change, the SDGs aim to create a better and more sustainable future for all. Each goal is crucial for addressing different aspects of development and working towards a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.

Zonal Councils, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, serve as high-level advisory forums to promote cooperative working among states and improve inter-State and Centre-State relations. They play a crucial role in addressing various regional issues and enhancing mutual understanding, thereby aiding in the collaborative approach to governance and regional development.

Statement 1: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is indeed the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). This statement is correct.

Statement 2: The Axiom-4 mission is not the first commercial flight to the ISS operated by Axiom Space. It is the fourth such mission, following previous successful missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3). Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Statement 3: The International Space Station (ISS) is indeed a collaborative project involving 15 countries and 5 space agencies, namely NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). This statement is correct.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct. The correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. Zonal Councils were indeed established following the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission, also known as the Fazal Ali Commission, in 1953. The councils were set up to promote cooperation and coordination among states.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The Union Home Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairman of all the Zonal Councils, which emphasizes the central oversight in facilitating discussions and resolving inter-state issues.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The North Eastern Council was not part of the original five Zonal Councils created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. It was established separately in 1972 to address the specific needs of the northeastern region of India.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights India's improved ranking within the top 100 in the SDG Index with a score of 67, as mentioned in the provided information. Statement-II accurately states that only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030, indicating a global slowdown in progress, also in alignment with the details provided. However, Statement-II does not directly explain or relate to Statement-I; hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Statement I correctly highlights India's appeal to foreign universities due to its demographic advantage and economic prospects. Statement II correctly identifies the challenges associated with the entry of foreign universities into India, such as affordability issues, regulatory hurdles, and the need for cultural integration. While both statements are accurate in their own right, they address different aspects of the topic. Statement I focuses on the attractiveness of the Indian market, while Statement II discusses the challenges foreign universities may face upon entering India. Thus, both statements are correct, but they do not have a direct explanatory relationship, leading to the correct answer being option (b).

Statement-I is correct as it accurately reflects the theme for the 2025 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as "Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime." Statement-II is also correct in stating the aim of the Lakhpati Didi initiative to create 3 crore women who earn Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihood activities. However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as these are two separate initiatives in different contexts without a direct explanatory relationship. Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. India's entry into the top 100 of the SDG Index in 2025 is attributed to its advancements in poverty reduction and improvements in basic services such as mobile broadband and electricity access. These factors have contributed to India's improved performance in the SDG rankings.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The global progress on the SDGs has indeed faced stagnation due to structural vulnerabilities and limited fiscal space, among other factors like conflicts. These challenges have impeded the worldwide advancement towards achieving the SDG targets by 2030.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019 in India not only aims to enhance economic output but also emphasizes sustainable mining practices. It encourages private sector participation and the adoption of new technologies to ensure that mining activities are environmentally sustainable.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights China's strategic investments in dual-use infrastructure like ports, airports, and logistics hubs in the Indian Ocean Region, showcasing China's efforts to reshape the region to its advantage. Statement-II correctly points out that China's military expansion and naval deployments in the region pose significant threats to India, aligning with the broader strategic implications of China's activities in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed explains the strategic challenges posed by China's actions outlined in Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 indeed encourages the establishment of foreign university campuses in India, aiming to promote global integration and enhance the quality of higher education by bringing in globally recognized academic standards and practices.

- Statement 2 is correct. One of the significant concerns associated with the entry of foreign universities is the potential exacerbation of socio-economic inequalities. This is primarily due to the high tuition fees that these institutions might charge, which could limit access for economically disadvantaged students and widen the existing educational inequality.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Foreign universities, while offering a diverse range of courses, are not primarily focused on courses misaligned with India's national priorities. Instead, they are expected to offer programs that complement and enhance the existing educational offerings in India, although there might be challenges in ensuring alignment with national educational goals.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B

One of the significant factors contributing to the shortage of organ transplants in India compared to the demand is the critical shortage of qualified transplant professionals, including trained transplant surgeons and medical staff. This shortage disrupts the continuity of transplant programs and poses a significant challenge in meeting the growing demand for organ transplants in the country.

1. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) - Coordinates procurement and distribution of organs: This pair is correctly matched. NOTTO is responsible for coordinating organ procurement and distribution, as well as maintaining a registry for organ and tissue donation in India.

2. Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 - Only regulates post-death organ donation: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Act regulates both post-death organ donation and living donations, setting rules for organ and tissue transplantation in India.

3. National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) - Implemented by the State Government: This pair is incorrectly matched. The NOTP is implemented by the Central Government, not the State Government, to promote organ transplantation across states and union territories.

4. Regional Variations - States like Telangana and Tamil Nadu lead in organ donation: This pair is correctly matched. States such as Telangana and Tamil Nadu are known for leading in organ donation in India, according to the data provided.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla - First Indian astronaut to visit the ISS: Correct. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is indeed the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).

2. Axiom-4 Mission - First commercial flight by Axiom Space to the ISS: Incorrect. The Axiom-4 mission is not the first commercial flight by Axiom Space to the ISS; it is the fourth mission (following Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).

3. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) - India's first maritime sector-specific NBFC: Correct. SMFCL has been established as India's first maritime sector-specific Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

4. ISS Collaboration - Involves only two countries: USA and Russia: Incorrect. The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving 15 countries and 5 space agencies, including Roscosmos (Russia), NASA (USA), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan), and the Canadian Space Agency.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

The urgent need for a cohesive National Alcohol Control Policy and Programme in India stems from the continuous increase in alcohol consumption, especially among individuals aged 10-75. This rise in alcohol consumption has been linked to various health risks, societal costs, and other issues, necessitating a unified national strategy to regulate alcohol consumption effectively. Implementing such policies can help address the escalating challenges associated with alcohol consumption in the country.

The entry of foreign universities into India can provide high-quality education with globally recognized degrees without the financial burdens of studying abroad. This can offer students in India access to top-tier education and qualifications, enhancing their academic and career prospects.

1. India's SDG Ranking in the 2025 Report - 100th: Correct. According to the 10th Sustainable Development Report 2025, India ranks within the top 100 in the SDG Index for the first time, achieving a score of 67.

2. Top SDG Ranking Country - Sweden: Incorrect. While Sweden is one of the top-ranked countries, according to the report, Finland leads the SDG rankings, followed closely by Sweden and Denmark.

3. India's Rank compared to Bangladesh in SDG Index 2025 - Above Bangladesh: Correct. The report states that India ranks above Bangladesh, which is positioned at 114th.

4. Country Leading in UN Multilateralism Commitment - Barbados: Correct. The report mentions Barbados as one of the countries leading in UN multilateralism commitment.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is the regulatory body in India responsible for coordinating the procurement and distribution of organs for transplantation. NOTTO plays a crucial role in maintaining the registry of organ and tissue donations in the country, facilitating the transplantation process and ensuring ethical practices are followed.