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

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I highlights the framework and strict liability aspects of the CLNDA 2010, while Statement-II correctly explains the unique supplier liability provision in the act, which allows operators to hold suppliers accountable for damages resulting from faulty equipment or services. The supplier liability provision expands accountability beyond traditional frameworks, enhancing the clarity and responsibility within the nuclear industry.

Statement-I correctly highlights the key factors contributing to the conflict between Iran and Israel in 2025, including historical roots, religious differences, and geopolitical rivalries. Statement-II accurately describes the revocation of Celebi Aviation's license by BCAS in India as being linked to geopolitical tensions and national security concerns. However, these two statements address distinct events and contexts without one explaining the other, hence both are correct but not interdependent.

The establishment of 324 district-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells aims to assist tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing and submitting forest rights claims. These cells play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of the Forest Rights Act by providing administrative support, improving documentation, and enhancing data management. By aiding in the preparation and submission of forest rights claims, these cells contribute to streamlining the process and reducing delays and rejections, ultimately supporting the empowerment of forest-dwelling communities as intended by the FRA.

The IUCN lists the Eurasian Otter as Near Threatened. This classification indicates that while the species is not currently considered endangered, it could face risks in the future if conservation efforts are not appropriately implemented to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.

The primary purpose of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 is to assess and evaluate the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education system. It is an evidence-based framework that consists of 73 indicators across various domains to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the education system. This evaluation helps in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in the education sector.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. Pulses, being legumes, are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which enhances soil fertility. They are also known for having a long shelf life when dried, making them an important crop in terms of food security and soil health.

2. Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. The record high imports of pulses in 2024-25 were primarily from countries like Canada, Russia, and Australia, not the United States and Brazil. This detail is crucial in understanding the dynamics of India's pulse import strategy and the countries it relies on for pulse imports.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. India's pulse production indeed faces several challenges, including climate vulnerabilities that affect yields and a policy bias that historically favors the production of wheat and rice over pulses. These challenges necessitate reforms and strategic interventions to boost pulse production domestically.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C, as statements 1 and 3 accurately represent the situation, while statement 2 does not.

- Statement 1 is correct. Reducing judicial vacancies from 25% to 15% is indeed expected to have a positive macroeconomic impact, as it can significantly boost business confidence and investment, leading to an improvement in GDP per capita growth. This is supported by reports such as those from the World Bank, which highlight the economic benefits of a more efficient judiciary.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The requirement for three years of practice before appointment to the district judiciary is actually a factor that limits diversity. This is because it restricts the pool of applicants, and given that only a small fraction of practicing lawyers are women (about 15%), this requirement does not necessarily enhance diversity. Instead, it can be a barrier to increasing the representation of women in the judiciary.

- Statement 3 is correct. The introduction of AI-driven case management is a proposed reform aimed at transitioning courts to paperless operations and improving the efficiency of case handling. This reform is intended to address the inefficiencies of manual processes and help reduce case backlogs by prioritizing and managing cases more effectively.

Thus, the correct answers are statements 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct choice.

1. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Aligns with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC), 1997 - This pair is correctly matched. The CLNDA 2010 was designed to ensure compensation for nuclear damage and aligns with the CSC, which sets global standards for compensation.

2. Supplier Liability in CLNDA: Permits operators to seek recourse from suppliers for damages due to defective equipment or sub-standard services - This pair is correctly matched. The CLNDA includes unique provisions allowing operators to hold suppliers accountable, which is distinct from many other international frameworks.

3. India's Nuclear Liability Laws: Fully in line with international norms and practices - This pair is incorrectly matched. India's nuclear liability laws, especially the supplier liability clause, have been a point of contention and are considered not fully aligned with international norms, which has been a barrier to foreign investment.

4. Cyprus and India Relations: Cyprus consistently supports India's bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) - This pair is correctly matched. Cyprus has been supportive of India's bid for NSG membership and other strategic engagements.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 1, 2, and 4

- Statement 1 is correct. The conflict indeed escalated when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," which involved airstrikes and drone attacks on critical Iranian nuclear and military facilities. This direct military action marked a significant increase in hostilities between the two nations.

- Statement 2 is also correct. In response to Israel's operations, Iran initiated "Operation True Promise 3," which included launching ballistic missiles targeting major Israeli cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, causing widespread explosions and damage.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The conflict between Iran and Israel has a significant impact on India's strategic interests and energy security. The instability in the region poses risks to India's energy supplies, particularly concerning strategic projects like the Chabahar Port, and could affect India's broader geopolitical strategies in the Middle East.

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

Statement 1 is correct. The PGI was revamped as PGI 2.0 in 2021 to better align with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This revamp aimed to create a more comprehensive assessment framework for the school education system across India.

Statement 2 is correct. In PGI 2.0, the highest performance level is labeled as "Daksh." This level represents the top tier of achievement in the performance grading scale, which ranges from 0 to 1,000 points.

Statement 3 is incorrect. According to the PGI 2.0 report for 2023–24, no state or Union Territory achieved a score within the highest performance band (761–1,000 points). This indicates that while there was improvement in several areas, no region reached the top performance bracket.

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

1. Current GDP Base Year: 2011-12 - Correct. The existing base year for GDP calculations is indeed 2011-12, as mentioned in the content provided.

2. New GDP Base Year: 2022-23 - Correct. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that the GDP base year will be revised to 2022-23.

3. Challenges in GDP Revision: Issues from demonetisation and the COVID-19 pandemic - Correct. The text states that the revision of the base year was deferred due to data quality concerns from the Periodic Labour Force Survey and Consumer Expenditure Survey, as well as the impacts of demonetisation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Frequency of GDP Base Year Revision: Every 20 years - Incorrect. The base year is ideally updated every 5 to 10 years to ensure the national accounts reflect the current economic conditions accurately.

Only the fourth pair is incorrectly matched, as the base year revisions occur more frequently than every 20 years. Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Eurasian Otter's Taxonomy: This pair is correctly matched. The Eurasian Otter belongs to the genus Lutra, family Lutrinae, and order Carnivora.
2. Eurasian Otter's Diet: This pair is incorrectly matched. Although the Eurasian Otter's diet does include insects and worms, it primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
3. 2025 UN Ocean Conference Location: This pair is correctly matched. The 2025 UN Ocean Conference was held in Nice, France.
4. UNOC3 Declaration Focus: This pair is correctly matched. The declaration from the conference focused on addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: Correct. The base year for GDP was indeed revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12. This statement is factual and aligns with the historical revisions of the GDP base year in India.

- Statement 2: Correct. One of the primary purposes of revising the GDP base year is to ensure that the economic measurement reflects current economic realities by including new and emerging industries while removing those that have become obsolete. This enhances the accuracy and relevance of GDP data.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. The GDP base year revision is not conducted every 2 to 3 years. Typically, it is revised every 5 to 10 years to ensure the data remains current without being overly frequent, which allows sufficient time to gather comprehensive data and assess economic changes thoroughly.

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

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) plays a crucial role in managing civil aviation security standards and oversight in India. Established in 1978, it ensures compliance with international security norms, particularly those outlined in the Chicago Convention. By revoking licenses of companies like Celebi Aviation due to security concerns, BCAS underscores its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation sector.

1. Gram: Largest pulse-producing crop in India
- Correct. Gram, also known as chickpea, is indeed the largest pulse-producing crop in India, contributing significantly to the country's pulse production.

2. Madhya Pradesh: Largest producer of pulses in India
- Correct. Madhya Pradesh is the largest pulse-producing state in India, contributing a substantial portion of the country's total pulse production.

3. Import Sources: Canada, Russia, Australia
- Correct. Canada, Russia, and Australia are major sources of India's pulse imports, reflecting the country's reliance on these nations to meet domestic demand.

4. Ideal Pulse Growth Conditions: Temperature of 15-20°C and rainfall of 60-80 cm
- Incorrect. Pulses generally thrive in temperatures between 20-27°C and require a rainfall of 25-60 cm, typically growing best in sandy-loamy soil. The given conditions of 15-20°C and rainfall of 60-80 cm do not match the typical growth requirements for pulses.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" was primarily launched to target critical Iranian nuclear and military facilities. This operation reflects Israel's ongoing concern regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, which it perceives as a direct threat to its national security. The strategic objective was to mitigate perceived risks by neutralizing potential threats before they could escalate.

- Statement 1 is correct. The CLNDA 2010 indeed imposes strict liability on nuclear operators, meaning they are liable for nuclear damage caused by a nuclear incident, regardless of fault. This is a critical aspect of the Act designed to ensure that victims can claim compensation without proving negligence.
- Statement 2 is correct. The CLNDA 2010 includes provisions that allow operators to have recourse against suppliers if the damage is caused by defective equipment or substandard services. This provision is unique as it extends liability beyond the operators to include suppliers, which is not common in many other international frameworks.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. While the CLNDA 2010 aligns with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage to some extent, it also contains provisions that are seen as deviations, particularly concerning supplier liability. The international framework generally focuses on operator liability, whereas the CLNDA imposes additional liabilities on suppliers, which has been a point of contention with foreign entities.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 2 Only the right answer.

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference emphasized the impact of climate change on ocean temperatures and acidity, which poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems. Oceans absorb a substantial amount of excess heat, leading to thermal expansion and higher acidity levels that adversely affect marine life, such as coral reefs and fish populations. This highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to address these pressing environmental challenges.

1. Judicial Vacancies: Correctly matched. Judges in India's subordinate judiciary handle an average of 746 cases annually, which is significantly above the global benchmark of 200-300 cases. This highlights the strain due to high judicial vacancies.

2. Digitization: Incorrectly matched. The statement claims that fully integrated digital platforms enhance rural litigant accessibility, which is not accurate. The subordinate judiciary faces challenges due to insufficient digitization and lack of integrated digital platforms, hindering efficiency, particularly affecting rural litigants.

3. Flawed Recruitment Policies: Correctly matched. The requirement for three years of practice for district judge appointments limits diversity, as only a small percentage of practicing lawyers are women, highlighting a barrier in recruitment policies.

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution: Correctly matched. ADR mechanisms, including mediation, are indeed encouraged to alleviate the caseloads of courts, making this pair correctly matched.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The stark religious and ideological differences between Iran, governed by Shia Islam, and Israel, a predominantly Jewish state, significantly contribute to the ongoing hostility between the two nations. These differences fuel mutual distrust and play a crucial role in shaping the conflict dynamics.

1. Operation Rising Lion - Israel's airstrikes on Iranian facilities: This pair is correctly matched. "Operation Rising Lion" refers to Israel's military actions against Iran, involving airstrikes and drone attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.

2. Operation True Promise 3 - Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel: This pair is correctly matched. "Operation True Promise 3" is Iran's military response, involving ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

3. Chabahar Port - Joint project between India and Iran: This pair is correctly matched. The Chabahar Port is indeed a joint venture between India and Iran, aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity, especially as a strategic counter to Pakistan's Gwadar Port.

4. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) - A global aviation security organization: This pair is incorrectly matched. BCAS is not a global organization; it is an Indian regulatory body responsible for civil aviation security under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The global body that regulates aviation security is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct because the subordinate judiciary in India indeed experiences a significant economic drain due to pending cases, affecting the GDP annually. Statement-II is also correct as reducing judicial vacancies can lead to enhanced investment and business confidence, potentially resulting in a growth in GDP per capita. Statement-II explains how addressing judicial vacancies can positively impact economic indicators, supporting the assertion in Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides a logical explanation for Statement-I.

Revising the base year for GDP calculation is crucial to ensure an accurate reflection of new industries and economic growth. By updating the base year, the GDP calculation can better capture the evolving economic landscape, including the emergence of new sectors and changing economic trends. This adjustment is essential for policymakers, economists, and analysts to make informed decisions based on up-to-date and accurate economic data.

One of the major challenges faced by India's subordinate judiciary, as indicated in the text, is inadequate funding and resources. This lack of sufficient financial support can lead to issues such as delayed justice delivery, overburdened judges, and limited access to legal services for the population. Proper funding and allocation of resources are crucial for the effective functioning of the judiciary and ensuring timely resolution of cases.

The primary purpose of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA 2010) in India is to ensure compensation for victims of nuclear accidents and outline the responsibilities of operators. This act is crucial in aligning with global compensation standards for nuclear incidents, emphasizing victim compensation and operator accountability in the event of accidents.