Test: Weekly Current Affairs: July 8th to 14th - UPSC MCQ

1. Aadi KARMAYOGI - Correctly matched. It is indeed a National Mission for Responsive Governance aimed at building a network of tribal grassroots leaders.

2. TALASH - Incorrectly matched. TALASH is a program aimed at enhancing life skills among tribal students but it is launched in partnership with UNICEF India, not WHO.

3. RDSNS - Correctly matched. This is a technique developed by the Raman Research Institute for precise magnetic field measurement.

4. Optically Pumped Atomic Magnetometers (OPAMs) - Incorrectly matched. OPAMs typically require costly magnetic shielding and function best in noise-free laboratory settings, not in noisy environments.

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

The theme for World Population Day 2025 is "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world." This theme underscores the importance of empowering youth to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, emphasizing the significance of youth empowerment in shaping a positive and equitable future. (Note: The question focuses on a key takeaway from the provided information and tests the understanding of the theme highlighted for World Population Day 2025.)

The theme of the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." This theme underscored the collective commitment of BRICS nations to foster inclusivity and sustainability in global governance, reflecting their dedication to addressing key international challenges collaboratively.

The Maharashtra government's choice to eliminate Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools for Grades 1 to 5 was primarily motivated by concerns surrounding linguistic identity and cultural dominance. This decision was made in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, emphasizing the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and ensuring the practicality of educational policies. By withdrawing the mandate for Hindi as a compulsory language, the government aimed to address issues related to cultural identity and the challenges of implementing a three-language formula.

1. Subglaciated Volcanoes - Located above ice sheets: This pair is incorrectly matched. Subglaciated volcanoes are actually located beneath glaciers and ice sheets, not above them. These volcanoes are sensitive to changes in glacial cover because the ice sheets exert pressure on them.
2. Glacial Unloading - Decrease in pressure allows expansion of gases and magma: This pair is correctly matched. Glacial unloading refers to the process where the melting of glaciers and ice caps reduces the pressure on magma chambers, allowing gases and magma to expand, which can lead to volcanic eruptions.
3. Iceland Deglaciation - Led to a reduction in volcanic activity: This pair is incorrectly matched. During Iceland’s last major deglaciation, volcanic activity actually increased significantly, not decreased. The reduction in pressure due to melting ice led to a surge in volcanic activity.
4. Climate Change - Can trigger increased precipitation affecting magma systems: This pair is correctly matched. Climate change can lead to increased precipitation, which can interact with magma systems and potentially trigger volcanic eruptions.
Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that India has the world's largest youth population, emphasizing the demographic aspect. Statement-II, however, discusses India's gross domestic savings rate, which is unrelated to the youth population statistics. The two statements address distinct topics, with Statement-I focusing on demographic figures and Statement-II centering on economic indicators.

Africa holds significant strategic importance to India primarily due to its strategic geographical location for maritime trade routes. This positioning allows India to secure vital trade routes and enhance its naval influence, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and bolstering its economic interests. Additionally, Africa's rising economic power, bilateral trade opportunities, and diplomatic leverage further underscore its importance in India's strategic calculus.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I highlights the relationship between melting glaciers and volcanic activity, explaining how the reduction in pressure from melting ice can trigger volcanic eruptions. Statement-II complements this by elaborating on how the decrease in pressure on underlying magma chambers due to melting ice can lead to explosive volcanic eruptions. The two statements are interconnected and provide a cohesive explanation of the phenomenon. Hence, Option A is the correct answer.

Let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: Correct. India was indeed among the first countries to advocate for Namibia's independence at the United Nations in 1946, showing early diplomatic support for Namibia's sovereignty. This historical tie is a cornerstone of India-Namibia relations.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The Cheetah Translocation Project between India and Namibia in 2022 was indeed significant; however, it marked the first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species, not a herbivore. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the project's focus on carnivores like cheetahs, which are predators, not plant-eaters.

Statement 3: Correct. Namibia became the first country globally to sign a licensing agreement for adopting India's UPI technology, showcasing the technological and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is not. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Both statements are factually correct. Statement-I correctly highlights that India's Gini Index of 25.5 indicates improved social equity, which is a measure of income distribution. Statement-II correctly points out that India ranks ahead of countries like China and the US in terms of lower inequality scores. However, Statement-II doesn't directly explain Statement-I; it provides additional context by comparing India's position with other countries but doesn't elaborate on the reason behind India's improved social equity as reflected by the Gini Index. Thus, option (b) is the most appropriate choice as both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

1. Maharashtra's Educational Reform - Abolition of Hindi as a compulsory third language.

Correct. The Maharashtra government indeed abolished its mandate for Hindi as a compulsory third language in schools.

2. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - Mandates Hindi as a compulsory language.

Incorrect. The NEP 2020 encourages multilingualism through a three-language formula but does not mandate Hindi as a compulsory language.

3. Dr. Narendra Jadhav - Head of the committee to study the three-language policy in Maharashtra.

Correct. Dr. Narendra Jadhav is appointed to head the committee to examine the implications of the three-language policy in Maharashtra.

4. Education Governance - Falls under the Union List as per the Indian Constitution.

Incorrect. Education governance falls under the Concurrent List, not the Union List, allowing both the central and state governments to legislate on this matter.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the Supreme Court is reviewing the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, as mentioned in the news. Statement-II accurately states that the ECI is empowered to revise electoral rolls under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which aligns with the key takeaways from the provided content. Furthermore, Statement-II explains the authority and basis under which the ECI conducts the revision of electoral rolls, thus justifying option (a) as the correct answer.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) is indeed recognized as India's first national cooperative university, established to focus on education and skill development to strengthen the cooperative sector. It aligns with the government's vision of promoting prosperity through cooperation.

2. Statement 2 is Correct: The right to form cooperative societies was indeed made a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution through the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011. This amendment was significant in reinforcing the legal framework supporting cooperative societies, granting them constitutional protection.

3. Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, is a key legislation governing cooperative societies that operate across multiple states, it is not exhaustive in covering all aspects of the cooperative sector, nor is it free from amendments. There have been subsequent amendments aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency within the cooperative sector.

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

1. Statement 1 is correct. According to the details provided, India's youth population aged 15-29 accounted for 27.2% of the population in 2021, and it is projected to decline to 22.7% by 2036. This reflects the demographic transition that India is undergoing, with the youth proportion expected to decrease over time.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The National Youth Policy 2024 indeed emphasizes the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through youth empowerment. This policy iteration aims to align youth development with broader global development targets, highlighting the critical role of young people in driving sustainable change.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Contrary to what is stated, household net savings in India have declined rather than increased. The overall savings rate has fallen, and household liabilities have risen, indicating a shift away from traditional savings towards increased liabilities and consumption.

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

The main aim behind the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, is to enhance the cooperative sector through education and skill development. This initiative is aligned with the government's vision of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation) and aims to strengthen the cooperative movement in India by offering various educational programs, including degree, diploma, and PhD courses in cooperative management and related fields. By training professionals across key sectors such as dairy, fisheries, and agricultural credit cooperatives, the university seeks to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the cooperative sector in the country.

The primary objective of the Aadi KARMAYOGI initiative introduced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is to enhance local governance within tribal communities. This initiative aims to build a cadre of tribal leaders and promote inclusive development by strengthening last-mile delivery and empowering tribal communities with a sense of dignity and purpose. Note: The Aadi KARMAYOGI initiative is designed to create a network of tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level leaders, emphasizing community involvement and capacity building to improve governance within tribal areas.

Glacial Unloading, a phenomenon resulting from the melting of glaciers, can potentially trigger volcanic eruptions. This occurs when the decrease in pressure from melting ice allows gases and magma to expand, increasing the chances of explosive volcanic activity. This relationship underscores the intricate interactions within Earth's systems, where climate change can have significant implications for volcanic activity.

1. Tribhuvan Sahkari University - Named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel: Correct. Tribhuvan Sahkari University is indeed named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, who was a pivotal figure in India’s cooperative movement and founder of Amul.

2. The right to form cooperative societies - Fundamental Right established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993: Incorrect. The right to form cooperative societies is a Fundamental Right established by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, not the 73rd Amendment, which pertains to Panchayati Raj.

3. India-Argentina Relations - Expansion of the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement: Correct. During the visit, India and Argentina agreed to expand the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations.

4. Shale Energy Collaboration - India collaborating with Argentina's state-owned YPF: Correct. India has shown interest in collaborating with Argentina in the shale energy sector, utilizing Argentina's significant shale gas and oil reserves, including cooperation with Argentina's state-owned YPF.

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

1. Electoral Rolls - This pair is correctly matched. Electoral rolls, also known as the Voter List, are indeed the lists of eligible voters prepared under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. They serve to ensure fair electoral processes by verifying voter identities.
2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) - This pair is correctly matched. SIR involves a house-to-house verification process conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to update and correct the voter list before major elections, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity.
3. State S&T Councils - This pair is correctly matched. The establishment of State Science & Technology Councils (SSTCs) began in 1971 to promote national development through science, technology, and innovation, focusing on grassroots innovations and various sectors like agriculture and renewable energy.
4. Aadhaar Card - This pair is incorrectly matched. Aadhaar is a widely accessible ID used for residency verification but is not considered proof of citizenship. The Supreme Court has emphasized this distinction in several judgments.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is indeed conducted under the authority of the Election Commission of India as per the Representation of the People Act, 1950. This act empowers the Election Commission to oversee and revise electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and inclusivity.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Aadhaar is widely used as an identification document in India, it is not considered proof of citizenship. The Supreme Court has suggested its use for residency verification, but it cannot serve as proof of citizenship. Thus, Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of citizenship during the SIR.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Article 329(b) of the Indian Constitution restricts the judicial interference in electoral matters once the election process has commenced. This means that the Supreme Court's power to intervene is limited during the election process, including the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the accurate choice.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls aims to ensure accuracy and inclusivity in the voter list through a focused, time-bound house-to-house verification process conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) before major elections. This process allows for updating and correcting the voter list, including adding new eligible voters, removing ineligible ones, and making necessary modifications to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

- Statement 1 is correct. Subglaciated volcanoes indeed exist beneath glaciers and ice sheets. When the ice covering these volcanoes melts, the pressure that suppresses eruptions reduces, potentially increasing volcanic activity. This is especially relevant in areas like West Antarctica, where numerous volcanoes lie under ice.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The concept of glacial unloading, which suggests that the reduction in pressure due to melting glaciers can trigger volcanic eruptions, was first proposed in the 1970s, not the 1990s.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. During Iceland’s last major deglaciation, volcanic activity surged to 30-50 times higher than current levels, not just 3 to 5 times. This significant increase was due to the massive reduction in glacial pressure, allowing more frequent and intense eruptions.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the accurate choice.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Aadi KARMAYOGI initiative indeed aligns with the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan (PM JANMAN) and aims to create a network of 20 lakh tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level leaders to promote inclusive development. This initiative focuses on building local leadership and strengthening the delivery of welfare schemes in tribal areas.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The TALASH program is launched in partnership with UNICEF India and uses psychometric assessments based on NCERT's 'Tamanna' framework to provide personalized career cards for tribal students. This is part of its focus on preparing tribal students with essential life skills and career guidance.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS) is a non-intrusive measurement technique used for measuring magnetic fields. It allows for the measurement of magnetic fields without disturbing the atoms, thus making the statement about it being an intrusive method inaccurate.

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

Statement 1 is correct. The 17th BRICS Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the theme "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." This theme highlights the focus on enhancing cooperation among developing nations for better governance.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Although Indonesia was mentioned in the context of the summit, it did not officially join BRICS during the 17th summit. Instead, it was welcomed as a BRICS partner country, along with other nations such as Belarus, Bolivia, and others.

Statement 3 is correct. During the summit, BRICS nations collectively rejected the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), arguing that it would hinder their transition to cleaner economies.

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

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Maharashtra government's decision to abolish Hindi as a compulsory third language aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which promotes multilingualism through a three-language formula. The decision was made to better align with this policy framework, which encourages education in regional and local languages while respecting linguistic diversity.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While pedagogical challenges were a concern, the primary reason for the removal was not solely due to these challenges. The decision also involved broader concerns, including cultural, societal, and administrative issues. Neuroscientific studies did highlight the importance of foundational literacy in the mother tongue, but this was part of a larger set of considerations rather than the primary reason.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The committee led by Dr. Narendra Jadhav was established to investigate the implications of the three-language policy more broadly, not specifically to explore the cultural dominance of Hindi. Although cultural concerns were part of the broader discussion, the committee's mandate encompasses a wider range of issues related to the implementation of the three-language formula.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A the accurate choice.