Weekly Current Affairs Test : 8th to 14th September 2024

The elevation of India-Singapore relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signifies a deepening of ties encompassing various sectors, including defense, economics, and cultural exchanges. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and technology, reflecting a broader and more strategic engagement between the two nations.

- Statement 1 is correct: During the Prime Minister's visit to Brunei Darussalam, discussions were held on further collaboration under a renewed MoU for ISRO's Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station.

- Statement 2 is correct: An MoU focusing on digital technologies, including the establishment of a Cyber Policy Dialogue, was signed during the visit to Singapore.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The exemption for exporting non-Basmati white rice was granted to Singapore, not Brunei Darussalam, to help meet its food security needs.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

1. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - Located in Brunei Darussalam: Correct. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a famous Islamic mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam.

2. ASEAN Centre for Climate Change - Headquarters in India: Incorrect. The ASEAN Centre for Climate Change is not headquartered in India; it is an initiative by Brunei to address climate change within the ASEAN region.

3. Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre - To be inaugurated in Singapore: Correct. India announced the upcoming inauguration of the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore to honor the legacy of the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar.

4. Stamford Raffles - Established a trading post in Singapore in 1819: Correct. Stamford Raffles established a trading post in Singapore in 1819, which marked the beginning of the modern history of Singapore.

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

Statement-I correctly reflects the outcomes of India 's diplomatic relations with Brunei Darussalam, emphasizing the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea in adherence to international laws such as UNCLOS 1982. On the other hand, Statement-II discusses the concerns faced by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) due to a slowdown in growth caused by Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) reaching a 12-year low, which is unrelated to the content of Statement-I.

The Pacific Tunnel, also known as the Indonesian Throughflow, introduces warm water into the upper layers of the Indian Ocean, particularly affecting the Arabian Sea. This warm water influx raises sea surface temperatures, enhancing convection and moisture availability, factors that are crucial for cyclone formation. As a result, the Pacific Tunnel plays a significant role in fueling the conditions necessary for cyclones to develop in the Indian Ocean region.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The UAE is not India's largest trading partner. It is one of the top trading partners, specifically the third-largest, but not the largest.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. An MoU was indeed signed between India and UAE for civil nuclear cooperation, involving the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. The introduction of India's RuPay card and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the UAE signifies growing financial collaboration between the two nations.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only .

1. Civil Nuclear Cooperation - Agreement between NPCIL (India) and ENEC (UAE) is correctly matched. The MoU involves cooperation for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.

2. LNG Supply - Agreement for the supply of LNG between India and Saudi Arabia is incorrectly matched. The correct agreement is between the UAE and India.

3. Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Agreement between ISPRL (India) and ADNOC (UAE) is correctly matched. This MoU ensures a stable supply of crude oil during geopolitical uncertainties.

4. Food Parks - MoU with the Government of Gujarat for food parks development under I2U2 is correctly matched. This agreement is part of the initiative to develop food parks in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

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

Statement-I inaccurately suggests that the Indian Ocean modulates global climate variability primarily due to its rapid warming and impact on climate change. While the Indian Ocean does play a role in modulating climate, the statement oversimplifies the process and does not accurately capture the comprehensive mechanisms involved. On the other hand, Statement-II correctly highlights the unique dual cyclone seasons experienced in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, influenced by specific oceanic and climatic conditions. This distinction is vital in understanding cyclonic activity in the region, making Statement-II correct.

The World Bank suggests that if India chooses not to rejoin the RCEP, there could be a potential decline in income by USD 6 billion annually. This indicates a significant financial impact on India compared to the gains estimated if it were to participate in the partnership. Joining RCEP, as per the World Bank's analysis, could lead to substantial income gains for India, emphasizing the economic benefits that could arise from participation.

1. The World Bank estimates that if India rejoins RCEP, its income could increase by USD 60 billion annually. This statement is correct as per the World Bank 's analysis.

2. India 's trade deficit with China has increased significantly in recent years. This is corroborated by the data showing India 's trade deficit with China reaching significant levels in 2023-24, indicating an increasing trend.

3. India has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with all RCEP members except New Zealand and China. This statement is also correct, regarding India 's existing trade agreements with 13 of the 15 RCEP members.

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

1. Potential new RCEP members - Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: Correct. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have expressed interest in joining RCEP.

2. India's trade deficit with China in 2023-24 - Significant levels: Correct. India’s trade deficit with China has reached significant levels in 2023-24.

3. World Bank's estimated income gain for India rejoining RCEP - USD 100 billion annually: Incorrect. The World Bank's estimated income gain for India rejoining RCEP is USD 60 billion annually, not USD 100 billion.

4. India's existing trade agreements with RCEP members - Excludes New Zealand and China: Correct. India has existing trade agreements with 13 of the 15 RCEP members, excluding New Zealand and China.

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

Statement-I is correct as India's decision to opt out of the RCEP does indeed align with the global strategy of reducing dependence on China through the "China Plus One" approach. Statement-II is also correct as India's trade deficit with China has indeed grown significantly in the mentioned time frame. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but provides additional context regarding India's trade dynamics with China. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).

The main aim of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is to provide social security to small and marginal farmers in India. This scheme offers them financial stability by ensuring a minimum pension upon reaching 60 years of age, along with other benefits like family pension and equal government contributions to the pension fund.

Statement 1: Correct. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) indeed guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month for small and marginal farmers upon reaching 60 years of age.
Statement 2: Correct. The scheme allows farmers to use their PM-KISAN benefits for voluntary contributions to the pension fund, with the necessary authorization for auto-debit.
Statement 3: Incorrect. In the event of the subscriber 's death, the spouse is entitled to a family pension of Rs 1,500 per month, not Rs 2,000.
Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) - Correctly matched: This scheme provides a pension of Rs 3,000 per month upon reaching 60 years of age.

2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) - Incorrectly matched: This scheme provides crop insurance to farmers, not health insurance.

3. Soil Health Card Scheme - Correctly matched: This scheme provides soil health cards to farmers to promote the balanced use of fertilizers.

4. Digital Agriculture Mission - Correctly matched: This mission promotes the use of digital technologies in agriculture.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I is correct. The PM-KMY scheme indeed guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month to subscribers upon reaching 60 years of age, as per the details provided. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The PM-KMY is specifically aimed at small and marginal farmers with land holdings of up to two hectares, not those exceeding two hectares.

The primary objective of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project is to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. This infrastructure initiative aims to enhance regional energy connectivity, drive economic development, and provide a cleaner energy alternative to the participating countries.

(Note: This question tests the understanding of the main purpose of the TAPI pipeline project as outlined in the provided content.)

Statement 1: Correct. The TAPI pipeline is indeed designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan to India through Afghanistan and Pakistan. This route is intended to enhance regional energy connectivity and foster cooperation among the participating countries.

Statement 2: Correct. The pipeline is projected to deliver approximately 33 billion cubic meters (BCM) of natural gas annually. This quantity is significant for meeting the energy needs of the participating countries, particularly India and Pakistan.

Statement 3: Incorrect. While the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports the TAPI pipeline project, it is not the sole financier. The financing of the TAPI pipeline involves multiple stakeholders, including private investors and contributions from the participating countries.

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

Statement I: The TAPI pipeline indeed aims to transport natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. This statement is accurate based on the provided information.

Statement II: The statement that the TAPI pipeline project is solely funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is incorrect. The project involves a mix of funding sources, including contributions from private investors, in addition to support from entities like the ADB. The ADB has played a role in facilitating the project, but it is not the sole funder.

The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life serves as a code of ethics to uphold the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary. It outlines principles that judges should adhere to in order to maintain public confidence in the judiciary's fairness and independence. By following these guidelines, judges can ensure that their actions do not undermine the credibility of the judicial system, fostering trust and respect among the public for the judiciary's operations.

Statement 1 is correct. Green Hydrogen is indeed produced through the process of electrolysis, and when this process uses renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, it results in zero greenhouse gas emissions, making it a clean energy source.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The cost of producing Green Hydrogen is significantly higher than that of grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the cost of producing Green Hydrogen can range from USD 3 to USD 8 per kilogram, which is considerably more expensive than grey hydrogen.

Statement 3 is correct. The European Commission has noted that the availability of rare materials such as platinum and iridium, which are essential for the production of electrolyzers and fuel cells, poses a significant challenge. The scarcity and high cost of these materials limit the scalability of Green Hydrogen technologies.

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

1. Green Hydrogen - Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources: Correct. Green Hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power through the process of electrolysis.

2. Grey Hydrogen - Hydrogen produced using natural gas: Correct. Grey Hydrogen is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming without capturing the greenhouse gases produced in the process.

3. Blue Hydrogen - Hydrogen produced using nuclear energy: Incorrect. Blue Hydrogen is produced from natural gas, but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions.

4. Pink Hydrogen - Hydrogen produced using steam methane reforming: Incorrect. Pink Hydrogen is typically associated with hydrogen produced using nuclear energy, not steam methane reforming.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the importance of Green Hydrogen in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors and its role as a storage solution for surplus renewable energy. Statement-II aligns with the need for investment in innovative research and development, emphasizing partnerships between industry and academia to advance the field of Green Hydrogen. Statement-II explains the significance and practical application of Statement-I, making both statements correct and logically interconnected.

The primary purpose of establishing the inquiry wing within the Lokpal, as mandated by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, is to conduct preliminary inquiries into corruption-related offenses committed by specific public servants. This wing plays a crucial role in investigating allegations of corruption and preparing reports for further action. It is an essential mechanism for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance by addressing corruption at its preliminary stages.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Inquiry Wing of Lokpal is indeed required to complete its preliminary inquiries and submit a report to the Lokpal within 60 days. This timeframe ensures timely investigation and reporting.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Inquiry Wing is headed by a Director of Inquiry, not the Chairperson of the Lokpal. The Director of Inquiry reports to the Chairperson, and is supported by Superintendents of Police for various types of inquiries.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, does mandate the establishment of a Prosecution Wing, which is independent and supports the Inquiry Wing in prosecuting corruption-related offenses.

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