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

The primary objective of the BioE3 Policy is to enhance high-performance biomanufacturing, focusing on creating bio-based products across various sectors. This policy aligns with national goals such as achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable growth through a circular bioeconomy.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The net financial savings of households actually fell to Rs 14.2 lakh crore in 2022-23 from Rs 17.1 lakh crore in 2021-22, contrary to the statement.

Statement 2 is correct. Physical asset savings, including gold and ornaments, did reach Rs 34.8 lakh crore in 2022-23.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Although the rise in household savings post-pandemic has implications for the financial system, the text does not indicate that it has led to a significant increase in liquidity within the financial system.

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

1. New India Literacy Programme (NILP) - Correct. The NILP aims to educate 1 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 and above annually.

2. National Informatics Centre (NIC) - Correct. NIC is indeed responsible for developing the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).

3. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) - Incorrect. FLNAT is administered in all districts of participating States/UTs, not just in urban areas.

4. Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) - Correct. UDMA is introduced to manage disaster strategies in state capitals and large cities, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.

Hence, only pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that India hosts 22% of all Hindu migrants, influenced by historical events like the partition of British India. This is in alignment. However, Statement-II inaccurately states that India was identified as the leading country for both emigrants and immigrants in 2020 with 7.6 million Hindus born in India living abroad. This information is not supported by the content provided.

Open prisons in India aim to foster community integration and rehabilitate inmates rather than solely focusing on punishment. By providing a setting with fewer security restrictions, inmates are encouraged to practice self-discipline, work, and gradually reintegrate into society, paving the way for their successful reformation and eventual release.

- Statement 1 is correct: The repairability index is indeed a mandatory label that manufacturers will attach to electrical and electronic equipment to indicate the product's repairability. This is part of the initiative to ensure consumers have better information about the ease of repairing products.

- Statement 2 is incorrect: A score of 1 on the repairability index does not indicate easy repairability. Instead, a score of 1 indicates a high risk of damage and the need to disassemble multiple components for access. On the contrary, a score of 5 represents easy repairability, allowing direct access to critical parts like batteries without unnecessary disassembly.

- Statement 3 is correct: The primary objective of the repairability index is to assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions by providing clear information about the ease of repairing products. Additionally, it promotes the production of items that are easier to repair, thereby addressing the issue of planned obsolescence and reducing e-waste.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

All three statements accurately describe significant rulings and interpretations by the Supreme Court of India that have shaped its role in upholding democracy and personal liberties:

1. The Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): This landmark judgment expanded the interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court ruled that this right cannot be restricted except according to the procedure established by law, which must be fair, just, and reasonable. This case marked a significant shift towards broader interpretations of fundamental rights.

2. The Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973): This case is renowned for introducing the 'basic structure' doctrine, which holds that while Parliament has wide powers to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure. This doctrine acts as a safeguard against any arbitrary amendments that could undermine the core principles of the Constitution.

3. The Golak Nath Judgment (1967): In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament could not amend the Constitution in a way that would abridge or take away fundamental rights. This judgment emphasized the inviolability of fundamental rights and asserted the judiciary's role in protecting them.

Thus, all three statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 - Proposes death penalty for rape resulting in death or vegetative state
Correctly matched. The BNS 2023 includes provisions for severe penalties, including the death penalty for rape resulting in the victim's death or vegetative state.

2. Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 - Limits investigation of rape cases to 2 months from FIR
Correctly matched. Under the BNSS laws, the investigation of rape cases must be completed within 2 months from the date of the FIR.

3. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 - Raises age of consent to 18 years
Correctly matched. The POCSO Act 2012 raises the age of consent to 18 years and criminalizes all sexual activities for those under 18, even with mutual consent.

4. Aparajita Task Force - Led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police to investigate atrocities against women
Incorrectly matched. The Aparajita Task Force is indeed tasked with investigating atrocities against women, but the specific provision does not mention it being led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

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

Answer: Option C: Only three pairs

Statement-I is correct as the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 indeed proposes the establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) in state capitals and large cities. Statement-II is also correct as the Bill grants statutory recognition to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC) for overseeing major disaster management and financial assistance. However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I; they are independent provisions within the same legislation.

• Statement 1 is correct. The DICGC does collect 94% of premiums from commercial banks, which only account for 1.3% of net claims.
• Statement 2 is correct. Cooperative banks contribute 6% of premiums yet claim 98.7% of net claims.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The current uniform premium rate is 12 paise per Rs 100 insured, not 10 paise.

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

1. Right to Repair in India - Incorrectly matched. The Fair Repair Act of 2022 is actually a legislation from the United States, not India. In India, the Right to Repair initiative is led by a committee under Nidhi Khare, and there is a Right to Repair Portal India.

2. Right to Repair in the European Union - Correctly matched. The Right to Repair Rules 2019 in the EU indeed give users access to repair tools for consumer appliances.

3. Right to Repair in the United Kingdom - Correctly matched. The UK regulations do ensure that spare parts are available for up to ten years post-product release.

4. Right to Repair in Australia - Correctly matched. In Australia, volunteer repairmen assist in "Repair Cafes," where they share repair skills with the community.

Thus, pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 1 is not correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly identifies the trend of a significant drop in the net financial savings of Indian households post-pandemic due to a shift towards physical assets like housing. Statement-II complements this by stating that households in India have indeed been increasing their physical savings to over 12% of GDP in the post-pandemic years, thus explaining the trend highlighted in Statement-I.

1. Deposit Insurance Fund: Correctly matched. This fund provides insurance to bank depositors in the event that a bank fails financially and cannot pay its depositors.

2. Credit Guarantee Fund: Correctly matched. This fund guarantees specific remedies to creditors if their debtors fail to repay their debts.

3. General Fund: Incorrectly matched. The General Fund does not cover the operational expenses of commercial banks; it covers the operational expenses of the DICGC itself.

4. Premium Rate: Incorrectly matched. The uniform premium rate is 12 paise per Rs 100 insured, not 15 paise. The insurance premium rate has been increased to 15 paise, but this is a separate fact from the current uniform rate.

Thus, the correct pairs are 1 and 2. Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

• The RESET Programme, launched on National Sports Day, is spearheaded by the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE).
• The initiative focuses on empowering retired athletes by providing them with career development skills to enhance their employability.
• LNIPE, a premier institution dedicated to physical education and sports, is well-positioned to lead this program, offering courses in hybrid mode, which include internships and placement assistance.
• The focus on retired sportspersons highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging their experience to bridge generational gaps and nurture future talent.

1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana - Correctly matched. It is a savings scheme aimed at securing the financial future of the girl child in India.

2. National Pension System (NPS) - Correctly matched. It is a government-backed pension scheme available to all Indian citizens.

3. Kisan Vikas Patra - Incorrectly matched. Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings certificate scheme that doubles the investment amount over a predetermined period, not an insurance scheme for farmers.

4. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) - Incorrectly matched. While POMIS does provide a monthly income, it is not tax-free. The income is subject to tax, although there is no TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on the interest earned.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

Statement I is correct as the Aparajita Bill 2024 does indeed propose time-bound investigations and trials for rape cases, aiming to complete investigations within 21 days of the initial report and trials within 30 days. Statement II is also accurate as the bill establishes specialized task forces at the district level, led by a deputy superintendent of police, to investigate rape and other atrocities against women and children. The task forces are a key feature of the bill to enhance the investigation and prosecution of such crimes, aligning with the goal of combating violence against women and children.

The Aparajita Bill, 2024, aims to combat violence against women by introducing severe penalties, including the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape resulting in the victim's death or vegetative state. It also focuses on time-bound investigations, establishing fast-track courts, creating a specialized task force, and ensuring stricter penalties for repeat offenders, among other provisions. This bill is a significant step towards enhancing safety and justice for women and children in West Bengal.

Statement-I correctly states that the Supreme Court of India was indeed established on 26 January 1950. Statement-II is also accurate as it mentions the recent unveiling of a new flag and insignia for the Supreme Court to commemorate its 75th anniversary. Statement-II explains and aligns with Statement-I, making option A the correct choice.

The current trend in household savings in India post-pandemic indicates a shift towards physical assets like housing from financial savings. This change is attributed to the unwinding of pandemic-era cautious savings, with households now focusing on restoring their financial savings buoyed by rising incomes following the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has implications for the broader economy and financial system, as highlighted by the Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor at the Financing 3.0 Summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The primary objective of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is to educate 1 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 and above annually through the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS). This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to make India 'Jan Jan Saakshar' by focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy skills for adults.

The Repairability Index for mobile phones and electronic products is designed to assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions by providing information on the repairability of products. This initiative aims to tackle the issue of e-waste, promote the production of easily repairable items, and enhance consumer experiences with electronic products by ensuring access to repair information and spare parts.

• The Munich Agreement, signed in 1938, was a deal between Germany, France, Great Britain, and Italy, which permitted Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a border region of Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population. Czechoslovakia, despite being directly affected, was not involved in the negotiations.
• The agreement, championed by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, was an attempt to appease Adolf Hitler and maintain peace.
• However, Hitler violated it within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, marking the failure of the appeasement policy.

- Statement 1 is correct. The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) indeed aims to educate 1 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 and above annually through the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).

- Statement 2 is correct. Under NILP, literacy is defined as the ability to read, write, perform arithmetic with comprehension, and includes skills in identifying, understanding, interpreting, and creating content, along with essential life skills such as digital and financial literacy.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. A State or Union Territory (UT) is deemed fully literate under NILP when it reaches a literacy rate of 95%, not 90%.

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

Statement-I is incorrect because open prisons are characterized by low security measures without walls and armed guards, unlike traditional closed prisons. Statement-II is correct as open prisons indeed focus on rehabilitating inmates, emphasizing their transformation into law-abiding citizens through self-discipline and community integration. Thus, Option (D) is the correct answer.

1. Statement 1: The bill proposes the establishment of 52 special courts to expedite the handling of sexual violence cases. - Correct: The Aparajita Bill includes the provision for setting up 52 special courts to fast-track cases of sexual violence, ensuring timely justice for victims.

2. Statement 2: Investigations of rape cases must be completed within 30 days of the initial report. - Incorrect: According to the bill, investigations of rape cases must be completed within 21 days of the initial report, not 30 days. The bill emphasizes a shorter, more stringent timeframe for completing investigations.

3. Statement 3: The bill includes measures to protect the identities of victims throughout the legal process. - Correct: The bill indeed incorporates measures to safeguard the privacy and dignity of victims by protecting their identities through the legal process.

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