Weekly Current Affairs Test : 15th to 21st October 2024

France insisted on retaining its colonies in India post-World War II primarily to enhance its global standing and aid in post-war recovery by utilizing colonial resources. This decision was influenced by strategic and economic considerations, aiming to maintain a foothold in the region.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The integration of French territories, such as Pondicherry (now Puducherry), into the Indian Union was achieved through diplomatic negotiations and a peaceful transition. The French government and India reached an agreement, and French territories were formally transferred to India on November 1, 1954.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The integration of Portuguese territories such as Goa, Daman, and Diu involved a military operation by India, known as Operation Vijay, in December 1961. This military intervention led to the annexation of these territories into the Indian Union.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Goa was not the first Portuguese territory to be integrated into India; it was the most significant and last of the Portuguese territories in India to be integrated following the military action in 1961.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, leading to the conclusion that Option B: 1 and 2 Only is the correct answer.

1. Puducherry - French Territory integrated into India in 1954 : This pair is correctly matched. Puducherry was part of the French territories in India and was integrated into the Indian Union on 1st November 1954.

2. Goa - Portuguese Territory integrated into India in 1961 : This pair is correctly matched. Goa was a Portuguese territory and was liberated and integrated into India on 19th December 1961.

3. Daman and Diu - French Territory integrated into India in 1961 : This pair is incorrectly matched. Daman and Diu were Portuguese territories, not French, and were integrated into India in 1961 along with Goa.

4. Mahe - Portuguese Territory integrated into India in 1961 : This pair is incorrectly matched. Mahe was part of the French territories, not Portuguese, and it became part of the Indian Union along with other French territories in 1954.

Thus, pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the French government 's post-World War II motivations for maintaining its empire, focusing on utilizing resources for national recovery. Statement-II accurately points out Portugal 's historical claim to its Indian territories due to its long-standing presence since the 16th century. However, the two statements address different aspects of colonial retention by France and Portugal after India 's independence and do not directly explain each other. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I.

Floodplain ecosystems in the Amazon region contribute up to 29% of the global wetland area. These waterlogged areas play a significant role in the overall wetland ecosystem, showcasing the importance of these regions of global biodiversity and environmental health.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Living Planet Index (LPI) indeed monitors nearly 35,000 vertebrate populations across 5,495 species from 1970 to 2020. This is a key component of the Living Planet Report, used to track changes in species population sizes over time.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. According to the Living Planet Report, the highest recorded decline in wildlife populations is in freshwater ecosystems (85%), not marine ecosystems. The decline in marine ecosystems is recorded at 56%.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Methane has a global warming potential that is significantly greater than that of carbon dioxide over a century. Specifically, methane 's global warming potential is 28 times greater than that of CO2 over a 100-year period.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Habitat Loss and Degradation - Primary cause is climate change: Incorrect. The primary causes of habitat loss and degradation are deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, not climate change. Although climate change can exacerbate these issues, it is not the primary cause.

2. Overexploitation - Includes excessive hunting, fishing: Correct. Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable use of natural resources, such as excessive hunting and fishing, which depletes wildlife populations faster than they can recover.

3. Invasive Species - Introduced by natural processes: Incorrect. Invasive species are typically introduced by human activities, not natural processes. Humans often introduce non-native species into new environments, where they can outcompete native species and destabilize ecosystems.

4. Pollution - Mainly due to agricultural runoff: Correct. Pollution affecting biodiversity often comes from agricultural runoff, which includes pesticides and fertilizers that contaminate ecosystems and harm wildlife.

Thus, only two pairs (2 and 4) are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the contribution of floodplains in the Amazon to global wetlands and the heightened risk from climate change, leading to a potential increase in methane-producing microbes. Statement-II accurately states that upland forests in the Amazon serve as methane sinks and points out the observed decrease in methane uptake under changing climatic conditions, elucidating the reduced capacity to counteract methane emissions. Therefore, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II explaining the implications of Statement-I of the Amazon 's methane dynamics.

The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan aims at revolutionizing India's infrastructure over the next five years by utilizing a digital master planning tool developed by BISAG-N. This initiative seeks to speed up project completion, reduce timelines, and enhance India's global competitiveness by addressing inter-ministerial barriers, ultimately leading to world-class infrastructure improvements that stimulate economic growth and competitiveness.

1. Statement 1: The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan integrates efforts from multiple ministries, specifically 16, to ensure smooth infrastructure planning and execution across various sectors. The statement mentions over 20 ministries, which is incorrect. However, the essence of integration aligns with the plan ’s true intent, but the number specified here is inaccurate. The correct content indicates efforts from 16 ministries, not over 20.

2. Statement 2: The plan indeed focuses on developing critical economic zones such as textile clusters, pharmaceutical hubs, and agricultural zones. This statement is correct, but it does not affect the assessment of the other statements.

3. Statement 3: Real-time project monitoring is indeed a key feature of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, allowing ministries to track progress and make necessary adjustments to maintain project schedules. This feature is accurately described in the plan, making this statement correct.

Therefore, considering the inaccuracies in the number of ministries mentioned in Statement 1, and the correctness of Statement 3, the correct answer is Option C

1. Digital Integration : The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan integrates efforts from 16 ministries, not 20, for infrastructure planning. This pair is incorrectly matched.

2. Economic Zones : The initiative indeed focuses on developing critical economic areas like textile clusters, pharmaceutical hubs, defense corridors, and agricultural zones to enhance productivity. This pair is correctly matched.

3. Dynamic Monitoring : Real-time project monitoring using GIS-based tools is a feature of the PM GatiShakti plan, allowing ministries to track progress effectively. This pair is correctly matched.

4. Inter-Ministerial Coordination : While the plan aims to enhance coordination among ministries, the specific establishment of task forces to resolve conflicts is not explicitly mentioned as a feature in the provided content. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, making Option B the correct choice.

Greenwashing is the term used to describe any misleading practice that exaggerates or falsely claims environmental benefits of a product or service. It involves using misleading symbols, imagery, or language to promote positive environmental attributes while concealing negative impacts. An example of greenwashing is the Volkswagen scandal where the company manipulated emissions tests for its supposedly eco-friendly diesel vehicles, misleading consumers and the public about the true environmental impact of their products.

1. Statement 1: Canada has expelled Indian diplomats following allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani leader in Canada.

- This statement is correct. Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani leader, Canada accused Indian officials of involvement, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from both sides.

2. Statement 2: The bilateral trade between India and Canada was valued at USD 15 billion in 2023.

- This statement is incorrect. The bilateral trade in goods between India and Canada was valued at USD 9.36 billion in 2023, not USD 15 billion.

3. Statement 3: Canada is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which has been approached for support in the diplomatic tensions with India.

- This statement is correct. Canada is indeed a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and has sought its support amidst the diplomatic tensions with India.

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

1. Assassination of Nijjar: This pair is incorrectly matched. India has rejected any claims of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani leader in Canada, calling the allegations "absurd."
2. Economic Cooperation: This pair is correctly matched. Canada is indeed the 18th largest foreign investor in India, with significant investments contributing to the economic relationship between the two countries.
3. Diaspora Connections: This pair is correctly matched. Canada does host over 1.8 million individuals of Indian origin, making it one of the largest Indian diasporas globally, which plays a significant role in the cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.
4. Strategic Importance: This pair is correctly matched. India plays a crucial role in Canada ’s Indo-Pacific strategy, contributing to regional security dynamics and helping diversify the Canadian economy.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II accurately define and elaborate on the concept of greenwashing. Statement-I presents the basic definition of greenwashing, while Statement-II provides additional details on how greenwashing tactics involve the use of misleading elements to highlight positive environmental aspects while concealing negative impacts. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II logically explains Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are crucial for providing essential structural habitats for various marine organisms like corals, sponges, and algae. These ecosystems play a critical role in replenishing shallow coral reefs and support vital habitats for a diverse range of fish species essential for spawning, breeding, and feeding. By creating these habitats, mesophotic coral ecosystems contribute significantly to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Statement 1 is correct. Mesophotic coral ecosystems are indeed located at depths ranging from 100 to 490 feet and are characterized by a rich biodiversity that includes corals, sponges, and algae, which play crucial roles in creating structural habitats.

Statement 2 is correct. Studies have pointed out that extreme La Niña events, which follow significant El Niño events, lead to swift environmental changes that can negatively impact coral health. This sequential occurrence of extreme climatic events poses significant stress to coral ecosystems.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Mesophotic coral ecosystems are too deep for traditional scuba diving to study effectively and are too shallow for deep-sea exploration equipment. Recent technological advancements have enabled better study of these ecosystems, not traditional scuba techniques.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights the significance of mesophotic coral ecosystems in replenishing shallow coral reefs. These ecosystems indeed play a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of coral reefs.
Statement-II accurately describes one of the protective functions of coral reefs, acting as natural barriers that shield coastlines from various threats like storm surges, erosion, and wave damage.
Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains how coral reefs, including mesophotic ecosystems, contribute to coastal protection in addition to their role in reef replenishment.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect at least 30% of the world's land by the year 2030, positioning this as a critical objective for global biodiversity conservation efforts. This framework underscores the importance of preserving key biodiversity areas to ensure the persistence of diverse ecosystems and species worldwide.

- Statement 1 is correct. The study highlighted that approximately 66% of tropical forest Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) have undergone a transition to new temperature regimes due to climate change.

- Statement 2 is correct. The study found that certain KBAs in regions like Latin America and Asia and Oceania have experienced significant temperature shifts, with over 80% of measurements falling outside their historical ranges. This indicates an almost complete transition to new temperature conditions.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. In Asia and Oceania, while a significant percentage of KBAs have undergone temperature changes, a portion of these areas remains unprotected. The text specifies that 12% of KBAs in Asia and Oceania have not yet transitioned and that 23% of these are unprotected, contradicting the statement that none are unprotected.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2.

1. Percentage of KBAs experiencing temperature changes in Africa - 72% : This pair is correctly matched. The study indicates that 72% of tropical forest KBAs in Africa have experienced changes in temperature regimes.

2. Percentage of KBAs experiencing temperature changes in Latin America - 49% : This pair is incorrectly matched. The correct percentage for Latin America is 59%, as stated in the study.

3. Percentage of KBAs experiencing temperature changes in Asia and Oceania - 59% : This pair is correctly matched. The study notes that 59% of KBAs in Asia and Oceania are experiencing temperature changes.

4. Percentage of KBAs in Latin America with temperatures outside historical ranges - 2.9% : This pair is correctly matched. The study highlights that 2.9% of KBAs in Latin America have shifted to almost entirely new temperature conditions.

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

Statement-I is accurate. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are recognized for their critical importance in safeguarding global biodiversity. These areas are identified based on specific criteria related to biodiversity significance, threat levels, and ecological integrity, not solely based on economic factors or human population density.

Statement-II is incorrect. KBAs are not designated primarily based on economic factors or human population density. Instead, they are identified based on ecological and conservation criteria to ensure the protection of unique species, habitats, and ecological processes. Economic factors and human population density are not the primary considerations for designating KBAs.

 Correct Answer-Option b) Dependence on individual brilliance

Explanation:

• Dependence on Individual Brilliance : Indian scientists often achieve recognition based on their personal capabilities and achievements rather than through collaborative efforts within a strong institutional framework. This reliance on individual talent limits the establishment of comprehensive research teams and interdisciplinary projects, which are essential for groundbreaking discoveries.

While the other options (a, c, d) present valid challenges faced by the scientific community in India, they do not encapsulate the central issue of how scientific achievement is often driven by singular brilliance rather than systemic support and collaboration. Addressing this dependence on individual excellence could enhance the potential for collective scientific advancements and, ultimately, greater recognition in prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. The funding for scientific research in India is inadequate compared to other BRICS nations. India's direct funding for basic research is lower, stagnating at 0.6-0.8% of GDP, which is below the average of other BRICS countries. This limited funding is one of the reasons for the poor performance in winning Nobel Prizes.

- Statement 2 is correct. Excessive bureaucracy within Indian research institutions is a significant barrier to innovation, causing delays in scientific advancements. The example of IIT Delhi, where bureaucratic hurdles can delay equipment procurement for up to 11 months, illustrates the impact of such red tape.

- Statement 3 is correct. There is a tendency among Indian scientists to pursue outdated or irrelevant research topics that do not have practical applications within the country. This lack of clear research direction detracts from the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and innovative research.

Thus, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D the correct choice.

1. Low Public Funding for Research - Incorrect. India's expenditure on R &D is lower than other BRICS nations, with direct funding for basic research stagnating at 0.6-0.8% of GDP, which is indeed a reason for limited success in Nobel Prizes.

2. Excessive Bureaucracy - Correctly matched. Bureaucratic obstacles within Indian research institutions hinder innovation and delay scientific advancements, as illustrated by lengthy equipment procurement processes.

3. Small Researcher Pool - Incorrect. India has a disproportionately small number of researchers relative to its population, with the number of researchers being five times lower than the global average, contributing to limited Nobel Prize success.

4. Dependence on Foreign Technologies - Correctly matched. Indian scientists frequently replicate or adapt technologies developed abroad instead of creating original solutions, limiting deep scientific innovation.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.