Test: Weekly Current Affairs: September 15th to 21st - UPSC MCQ

1. Sindhudurg Fort Construction Start Date: 25 November 1664
Correct. The construction of the Sindhudurg Fort started on this date.

2. Governor Inayat Khan: Fled during the First Raid on Surat
Correct. During Shivaji's first raid on Surat in January 1664, the Mughal governor Inayat Khan fled.

3. Cost of Sindhudurg Fort Construction: One crore rupees
Incorrect. The estimated cost of construction was one crore hons, which is a form of gold coin used during Shivaji Maharaj's reign, not rupees.

4. Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj: Raigad Fort
Incorrect. Shivaji Maharaj was born at Shivneri Fort, not Raigad Fort.

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

All three statements provided are correct based on the findings from the World Resources Institute (WRI) India study on reducing CO2 emissions from India's transport sector by 2050.

1. Statement 1 is correct: Increasing sales of electric vehicles (EVs) can effectively contribute to emissions reduction, with the potential to abate 121 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.

2. Statement 2 is correct: Without significant changes, fossil fuel consumption in the transport sector is projected to quadruple by 2050 due to growing passenger and freight travel demands.

3. Statement 3 is correct: Implementing a carbon-free electricity standard that includes 75% renewable energy could help achieve a 75% reduction in transport emissions by 2050.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

The Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS) aims to create a unique environment for conducting scientific experiments in microgravity. This initiative is crucial for driving breakthroughs in various fields such as materials science, biology, and medicine. By facilitating microgravity experiments, the BAS can contribute significantly to scientific advancements and innovation.

Remember, BAS is envisioned as a space station focused on scientific research, not as a human settlement on the Moon or a mission solely dedicated to studying Venus.

• Statement 1 is incorrect as the Karam tree is deciduous, not evergreen.
• Statement 2 is correct, as the tree symbolizes vitality and strength in the Karam festival. Statement 3 is also correct, as it is native to the Indian subcontinent.

Shivaji Maharaj's Surat raids aimed to enhance maritime control and economic stability through the acquisition of wealth from key trading centers like Surat. By targeting Surat, Shivaji disrupted Mughal economic stability and used the resources obtained to fund critical projects like the construction of Sindhudurg Fort, showcasing his strategic foresight and leadership in bolstering Maratha naval power.

(Note: This question tests understanding of Shivaji Maharaj's strategic goals during the Surat raids and their broader implications for Maratha power.)

1. Enhancing Electrification : Transitioning to electric vehicles.
This is correctly matched. Enhancing electrification involves increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions from the transport sector.
2. Improving Fuel Efficiency Standards : Implementing stricter fuel economy regulations.
This is correctly matched. Improving fuel efficiency standards means setting stricter fuel economy regulations to ensure vehicles use less fuel for the same distance, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.
3. Shifting to Cleaner Transport Modes : Promoting public transportation and non-motorized transport.
This is correctly matched. Shifting to cleaner transport modes includes promoting public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce reliance on personal fossil fuel vehicles.
4. Carbon-Free Electricity Standard : Mandating 100% renewable energy for the transport sector.
This is incorrectly matched. The report mentioned implementing a carbon-free electricity standard that includes 75% renewable energy, not 100%.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly summarizes key findings from the provided content regarding India's transport sector's potential to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 71% through various strategies by 2050. However, Statement-II accurately reflects information from the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report on India, focusing on areas needing improvement such as Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

1. Correct: The Supreme Court in the Jaseela Shaji vs the Union of India case, 2024, did indeed rule that not providing all relevant documents to the detainee violates the fundamental right under Article 22(5) of the Constitution. This ruling emphasized the importance of fair and effective opportunities for detainees to challenge their detention.

2. Correct: Article 22 of the Indian Constitution does address both punitive and preventive detention, laying down protections for individuals detained under these circumstances. It ensures fundamental rights are upheld, including the right to be informed of arrest grounds and the right to legal representation.

3. Incorrect: The 44th Amendment Act, 1978, proposed reducing the detention period without advisory board approval from three to two months, but this provision has not yet been implemented. Therefore, the detention period remains three months without advisory board approval.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

Statement 1: This statement is correct. Jute requires temperatures ranging from 17°C to 41°C and a relative humidity of 40-90% for optimal growth, along with well-distributed rainfall of over 120 cm.

Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The two main species of jute produced commercially are Tossa and White jute.

Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Jute cultivation actually requires only half the land and less than one-fifth the water needed for cotton cultivation, along with significantly fewer chemicals. It is more sustainable and resource-efficient compared to cotton.

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

Statement-I correctly describes the impact of Arctic sea ice reduction on rainfall distribution in India. It highlights the connection between Arctic sea ice decline and regional rainfall patterns. Statement-II also accurately explains the consequences of sea ice decline in the Barents-Kara Sea Region on weather systems globally, but it does not directly elaborate on the specific impact on Indian rainfall. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I.

1. Qasim Razvi: Leader of the Razakars - Correct. Qasim Razvi was indeed the leader of the Razakars, a militia group supporting the Nizam of Hyderabad.

2. Nizam Osman Ali Khan: Hindu ruler of Hyderabad - Incorrect. Nizam Osman Ali Khan was a Muslim ruler of Hyderabad, not a Hindu.

3. Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen: Pro-Nizam Muslim party - Correct. The Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen was a pro-Nizam Muslim party advocating for Hyderabad's independence.

4. Operation Polo: Military operation for the integration of Hyderabad into India - Correct. Operation Polo was the name of the military operation conducted by India to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Tossa jute: Hibiscus cannabinus - Incorrect
Tossa jute is actually Corchorus olitorius. Hibiscus cannabinus is one of the species of Mesta.

2. White jute: Corchorus capsularis - Correct
White jute is indeed Corchorus capsularis.

3. Mesta: Hibiscus sabdariffa - Correct
Mesta comprises two species, Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa.

4. Jute harvesting period: 100-150 days after planting - Correct
Jute is typically harvested between 100 and 150 days after planting.

Hence, the correctly matched pairs are pairs 2, 3, and 4.

The Indian Jute Mills Association has called for reforms in the jute industry due to the challenges faced by jute cultivation. This includes issues such as low availability of natural water, unrealized potential, outdated technology, lack of product diversification, concentration of jute mills, and inadequate support, as highlighted in the provided information.

1. Assam: First and second showers of the monsoon are the highest quality teas.

- Correct. The first and second showers of the monsoon in Assam are indeed known for producing the highest quality teas.

2. West Bengal: Contributes 97% of India's total tea production.

- Incorrect. West Bengal, along with Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, contributes to 97% of India's total tea production, not West Bengal alone.

3. India: Consumes approximately 81% of its tea production domestically.

- Correct. India consumes about 81% of its own tea production.

4. Black Tea: Constitutes about 96% of India's tea exports.

- Correct. Black tea does constitute about 96% of India's tea exports.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

1. The construction of Sindhudurg Fort began in 1664 and was completed in 1667.
This statement is correct. The construction of Sindhudurg Fort started on 25 November 1664 and was completed by 29 March 1667.

2. The first raid on Surat by Shivaji Maharaj took place in October 1670.
This statement is incorrect. The first raid on Surat by Shivaji Maharaj took place in January 1664, not in October 1670. The second raid on Surat occurred in October 1670.

3. The wealth obtained from the first raid on Surat helped fund the construction of Sindhudurg Fort.
This statement is correct. The wealth obtained from the first raid on Surat, which included significant amounts of cash, gold, silver, and pearls, was used to finance the construction of Sindhudurg Fort.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Hence, the answer is Option C.

1. The Nizam of Hyderabad declared Hyderabad's independence from India in June 1947: This statement is correct. In June 1947, the Nizam of Hyderabad issued a firman expressing his desire for Hyderabad to remain independent after the British left India.

2. The Razakars militia, supported by the Nizam, aimed to maintain Hyderabad's independence: This statement is correct. The Razakars were a militia group supported by the Nizam and led by Qasim Razvi. They aimed to protect the Muslim ruling class and maintain Hyderabad's independence, often resorting to violent means.

3. Operation Polo was launched by the Indian Army in September 1948 to integrate Hyderabad into India: This statement is correct. Operation Polo, also known as the Hyderabad Police Action, was initiated by the Indian Army on 13 September 1948 to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The operation concluded with the surrender of the Nizam and the successful accession of Hyderabad to India.

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

Statement-I correctly describes jute as a natural fibre belonging to the bast fibre category. However, Statement-II is incorrect. While jute is indeed an important cash crop in India, it is not the second most significant after cotton. Therefore, Statement-II does not correctly explain the importance of jute in India's agricultural context.

1. India is the second-largest tea producer globally after China and ranks among the top five exporters, contributing roughly 10% of total global tea exports. - This statement is correct. India holds a significant position in the global tea industry, being the second-largest producer and a major exporter.

2. Extreme weather events in May 2024, including excessive heat and flooding, led to a significant drop in tea production in Assam and West Bengal. - This statement is correct. The tea production in these regions experienced a substantial decline due to extreme weather conditions, which included excessive heat followed by flooding.

3. The government's ban on certain pesticides has decreased tea prices due to the higher cost of alternative pest management solutions. - This statement is incorrect. The ban on certain pesticides has actually increased tea prices because the cost of alternative pest management solutions is higher. This has also led to increased demand from countries like Russia and Ukraine.

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

1. Article 22 of the Indian Constitution: Grants protection against preventive detention.
- Correct. Article 22 provides safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, including protections specific to preventive detention.

2. COFEPOSA Act, 1974: Deals with conservation of forests.
- Incorrect. COFEPOSA stands for the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974, which is related to preventing smuggling and conserving foreign exchange, not forests.

3. 44th Amendment Act, 1978: Reduced the maximum duration of preventive detention without advisory board approval to two months.
- Correct. The 44th Amendment aimed to reduce the detention period without advisory board approval from three to two months, although this provision has not been implemented yet.

4. Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): Enacted to handle internal security threats.
- Correct. MISA was enacted to deal with internal security threats, allowing for preventive detention.

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

The recent rate cut by the US Federal Reserve was primarily aimed at addressing inflationary pressures. The Federal Reserve aims to achieve price stability while also focusing on job creation. By lowering interest rates, the Federal Reserve aims to manage inflation and ensure economic growth while maintaining its target rate of around 2%.

The Supreme Court emphasized in the Jaseela Shaji vs the Union of India case that the detainee must be provided with all relevant documents to challenge their detention effectively. Failure to supply these documents undermines the individual's constitutional right to personal liberty, as outlined in Article 22(5) of the Constitution. This ruling underscores the significance of ensuring detainees have access to necessary information for a fair and just legal process.

Statement-I: Hyderabad's accession to India in 1948 indeed strengthened the unity and integrity of the nation as it prevented potential crises and insurgency.

Statement-II: Sardar Patel's role in integrating Hyderabad through Operation Polo was crucial; his actions played a significant part in the successful accession.

Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains why Statement-I is significant. Patel's efforts were instrumental in ensuring the successful integration of Hyderabad into India, thereby aligning with the statement that Hyderabad's accession was a significant event for the nation.

Statement-I correctly states that Sindhudurg Fort was indeed constructed by Shivaji Maharaj on Kurte Island in the Arabian Sea. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the fort was not built entirely by European architects but was constructed under the guidance and supervision of Shivaji Maharaj himself, showcasing his military and strategic acumen in fortification and naval defense.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's position as the second-largest tea producer globally and among the top five exporters, contributing about 10% of total global tea exports. Statement-II complements this by explaining India's domestic tea consumption, accounting for 19% of global consumption and consuming approximately 81% of its tea production within the country, which contrasts with countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka that export the majority of their tea production. Thus, both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II provides context that supports Statement-I.

The primary reason behind the initiation of Operation Polo was to prevent Hyderabad from aligning with Pakistan. This military operation was launched to avert Hyderabad from becoming a security threat to the Indian Union by countering its efforts to maintain independence and align with Pakistan. By conducting this operation, India aimed to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union, ensuring the unity and integrity of the nation.

This question tests your understanding of the historical context and the strategic considerations involved in the accession of princely states to independent India.