1. United Nations Security Council (UNSC):
Q. Consider the following statements
- The UNSC has the authority to impose economic sanctions or military actions against countries that threaten peace.
- The countries with nuclear weapons can become permanent members of the UNSC.
- Recently the P5 countries have ratified India’s inclusion as a permanent member to the UNSC.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
In NEWS: Good beginning, says India on UNSC reform document
World leaders recognise the urgent need of being more ‘inclusive’; UN officials describe the language in ‘Pact of the Future’ on the long-pending Security Council reforms as ‘groundbreaking’
About UNSC:
- It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
- Established under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security.
- Membership: 15 members total
- Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries have veto power over substantive resolutions.
- Non-Permanent Members: 10 elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. They are chosen based on regional representation.
Functions and Powers:
- Maintenance of Peace and Security: Can take measures to prevent conflicts and resolve disputes.
- Sanctions: Imposes economic sanctions or military actions against countries that threaten peace. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Peacekeeping Operations: Authorizes deployment of peacekeeping forces to conflict zones.
- Recommendations: Recommends the appointment of the Secretary-General and admission of new UN members.
To become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a country must meet the following criteria:
- Support from the General Assembly
- Two-thirds of the UN General Assembly’s members must support the country’s candidacy.
- Support from the P5
- All five permanent members of the UNSC must support the country’s candidacy. The P5 countries are China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States.
- Amendment to the UN Charter
- The UN Charter must be amended, which requires a two-thirds vote from the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of the UN member states.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and India:
- India was one of the original members of the United Nations in 1945 and has participated actively in the UNSC.
- India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC multiple times (1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1991-92, and 2021-22).
- India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, having participated in over 50 missions and providing thousands of personnel.
- Stance on Global Issues
- Counter-Terrorism: India emphasizes the need for a global approach to combat terrorism, urging the UNSC to take stronger action against terrorist groups.
- Climate Change: India advocates for addressing climate change as a security threat, urging integration of environmental concerns into the UNSC’s agenda.
- Challenges and Criticisms
- Veto Power: India’s exclusion from the P5 means it lacks veto power, which is a significant point of contention. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Regional Security Concerns: India’s security concerns, particularly regarding terrorism from neighboring countries, are often highlighted in discussions within the UNSC.
2. Marital rape in India
Q. Consider the following statements.
- Recently, India has criminalized marital rape through Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- As per the IPC section 63, sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under eighteen years of age, is not rape.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre asks Supreme Court not to hear pleas against immunity to husbands in marital rape cases this week
- The Centre on Tuesday (September 24, 2024) urged the Supreme Court not to hear this week the pleas on the vexed legal question of whether a husband should enjoy immunity from prosecution for the offence of rape if he forces his wife, who is not a minor, to have sex.
Laws related to marital rape in India:
- Under the exception clause of Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), now repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his wife, the wife not being minor, is not rape. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Even under the new law, Exception 2 to Section 63 (rape) says that “sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under eighteen years of age, is not rape”. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- However, if the victim is the husband’s own wife and is not below 12 years of age, the punishment is reduced to imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine, or both.
- This disparity highlights a concerning absence of legal safeguards for women above the age of 15, contradicting established human rights principles.
The Indian Penal Code’s provisions on marital rape are as follows:
- Rape of a wife aged between 12 – 15 years, punishable by imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine, or both.
- Rape of a wife below 12 years of age, punishable by imprisonment not less than 7 years, extendable to life imprisonment, and fine.
- Rape of a judicially separated wife, punishable by imprisonment up to 2 years and a fine.
- Rape of a wife above 15 years of age is not punishable under the law.
Constitutionality of marital rape:
- Justice Rajiv Shakdher struck down the existing law as unconstitutional, stating that the right to withdraw consent forms the core of women’s right to life and liberty.
Countries that have Criminalised Marital Rape:
- United States– From 1993, Marital Rape was criminalised in all 50 states of the US but laws differ from state to state.
- United Kingdom– Marital rape has also been criminalised in the UK and those found guilty could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
- South Africa- Marital rape has been illegal since 1993 in South Africa.
- Canada– Marital Rape is punishable in Canada.
Countries that have not Criminalised Marital Rape:
- Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Lesotho, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Tanzania haven’t expressly criminalised marital rape of a woman or a girl by her husband.
3. INS Talwar
Q. The term ‘BAHARI’ often discussed in the news is maritime cooperation between which of the following countries?
- India and Indonesia
- India and Kenya
- India and Australia
- India and Bangladesh
Answer: (b) India and Kenya
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, on 22 Sep 24. The visit aims to strengthen ties further and reaffirm India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth.
- India and Kenya share a strong bond built on a foundation of centuries-old historical ties. As geographic neighbours linked by the Indian Ocean, the two nations cherish a natural partnership, further strengthened over the years by regular high-level visits, increasing trade and investment, and extensive people-to-people contact.
- Maritime cooperation between India and Kenya is guided by the Vision Statement ‘BAHARI’, meaning ‘Ocean’ in Swahili. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto released the Joint Vision Statement in December 2023 during the Kenyan president’s state visit to India. Hence option (b) is correct.
INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. Captain Jithu George commands the ship, which has a complement of approximately 300 personnel.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2058097
4. Urban poverty alleviation
Q. Consider the following statements
- In India, the poverty line lies at 1,286 rupees per month for urban areas and 1,059.42 rupees per month for rural areas.
- According to the World Poverty Clock, currently, less than 3% of India’s population lives in extreme poverty.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:
Centre to launch pilot project on urban poverty alleviation in 25 cities on October 1
- The pilot, which will span three months, with a preparatory phase of one month to ensure effective implementation, would utilise a Test-Learn-Scale approach, the Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry said in a statement.
- The programme is designed to uplift vulnerable groups within the informal sector, including construction workers, gig workers, waste workers, care workers, domestic workers, and transportation workers, who often face occupational, social, and residential vulnerabilities.
- The pilot aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing financial assistance, social protection, and access to credit for micro-enterprises, and fostering innovation and collaboration
Poverty in India in 2024:
- Extreme poverty
- According to the World Poverty Clock, currently, less than 3% of India’s population lives in extreme poverty. This is a significant decrease from 2022, when 4.69 crore people lived in extreme poverty. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Multidimensional poverty
- A NITI Aayog report projected that India would reach single-digit poverty levels in 2024. The report also stated that India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2 much ahead of 2030.
- Poverty rate
- According to State Bank of India research, the poverty rate in India fell to 4.5–5% in 2022–23. The research attributed this decline to government programs.
- Poverty line
- The poverty line in India differs by state. The current poverty line is 1,059.42 Indian Rupees (62 PPP USD) per month in rural areas and 1,286 Indian rupees (75 PPP USD) per month in urban areas. Hence statement 1 is correct.
5. Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness (PRIME)
Q. The ‘Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness’ (PRIME) aims to
- overhaul ageing signalling systems for enhanced safety.
- introducing advanced technologies in hospitals for effective treatment.
- restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.
- enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
Answer: (a) overhaul ageing signalling systems for enhanced safety.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indian Railways to overhaul ageing signalling systems for enhanced safety
- The Ministry of Railways emphasised the urgent need to prioritise the replacement of signal assets nearing or surpassing their codal life. Hence option (a) is correct.
- To avoid delays, this critical work would be carried out independently, without impacting the ongoing infrastructure projects, including track doubling and the construction of third or fourth lines.
- By rolling out a ‘Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness’ (PRIME), the Railways aims at improving the reliability and maintainability of signalling systems, which were vital for safe train operations.
- The plan underscores the need for regular staff training and counselling on safety and maintenance protocols to ensure high standards of work quality.
6. National Quantum Mission
Q. Consider the following.
- Digital India
- Make in India
- Skill India
- Stand-up India
- Self-reliant India
India’ s ‘National Quantum Mission’ aligns with how many of the above mentioned initiatives?
- Only two
- Only three
- Only four
- All five
Answer: (d) All five
Explanation:
In NEWS: How Quantum Technologies can benefit different sectors
- India’s National Quantum Mission launched last year seeks to advance research in Quantum Technologies and promote indigenous research.
- The Mission is aligned with various flagship initiatives of the country and can benefit fields such as health and communication.
The National Quantum Mission is aligned with the following initiatives.
- Digital India: The National Quantum Mission aims at making advancements in the field of quantum technology for effective computing and secure communication which would nurture a digitally empowered society, supporting the aims and ambitions of Digital India.
- Make in India: The National Quantum Mission creates a niche for indigenous research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and investments for building quantum devices and related products. This will ensure self-reliance in the field of quantum technology.
- Skill India: The National Quantum Mission encourages skill development in the field of quantum technologies through training and education, thus, preparing a trained workforce in this field.
- Stand-up India, Start-up India: The National Quantum Mission stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship under its various verticals. This would support the growth of quantum-focused startups.
- Self-reliant India: The National Quantum Mission aims at advancing quantum technologies within the country, promoting indigenous research. This would minimise over reliance on foreign resources.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The goals of the National Quantum Mission also align with the SDGs. NQM specifically aims at benefitting from quantum technologies in tackling global challenges related to climate (SDG 13) , energy (SDG 7), and healthcare (SDG 3).
Hence all the statements are correct.
7. Hilsa (ilish) fish
Q. Consider the following pairs:
| S.no | Fauna | Naturally found in |
| Hilsa fish | Bhagirathi River | |
| Blue-finned Mahseer | Cauvery River | |
| Irrawaddy Dolphin | Chilka Lake |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: On Saturday, the interim government of Bangladesh announced that it would export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India, coinciding with the upcoming Durga Puja.
Hilsa (ilish) fish:
- Hilsa is rich in nutrition and popular in West Bengal, where it is designated as the state fish. Mostly found in the Hooghly-Bhagirathi river system and in the Bay of Bengal, Hilsa is an anadromous fish — that is, it migrates from the ocean to rivers for spawning.
- Shoals of males and females of the species migrate twice a year for breeding in rivers — mid-February to April and September-October.
- Bangladesh is the world’s largest hilsa producer but it restricts the export of the fish due to high local demand. However, during the Durga Puja festival, it usually relaxes the ban on the export of the fish, which is a much sought-after delicacy of Bengalis.
- Hilsa fish is a sentiment for Bengalis. For Bangladeshis, Hilsa is the national fish. Although the fish get caught in the fisherman’s net round the year, monsoon is the peak season when the number multiplies. Bengalis from both West Bengal in India and Bangladesh wait for this season.
- Bangladesh has stringent laws for selling small Hilsa fish. This makes it difficult to spot small-size fish in the markets.
- In recent years, Hilsa imports from Bangladesh have seen a drop, while shipments from Myanmar have increased. Last year, India imported 588.97 tonnes of Hilsa from Myanmar and 573.66 tonnes from Bangladesh. In 2022-23, 149.23 tonnes were imported from Myanmar and 1,309.46 tonnes from Bangladesh.
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. Consider the following pairs: Wildlife :Naturally found in 1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River 2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River 3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
8. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Q. consider the following statements.
- Labour Force Participation Rate is the percentage of employed persons in the population.
- Worker Population Ratio is the percentage of persons working or seeking or available for work.
- Unemployment Rate is the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (d) 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Annual Report [July, 2023 – June, 2024]
Key findings:
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons of age 15 years and above was 60.1% during July 2023 – June 2024. The same for male and female was 78.8% and 41.7% respectively.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for persons of age 15 years and above was 58.2% during July 2023 – June 2024. The same for male and female was 76.3% and 40.3% respectively.
- Unemployment Rate (UR) was 3.2% for both male and female of age 15 years and above during July 2023 – June 2024.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) launched the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017. The objective of PLFS is primarily twofold:
- to estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
- to estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.
About:
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2057970
9. Mankidia community
Q. With reference to the Mankidia community, consider the following statements.
- They are Austro-Asiatic community that ekes out a living mainly from the forests.
- They speak a form of Munda language and some of them are also conversant in Odia.
- They are categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Mankidia community becomes 6th PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha
- The habitat rights were formally provided to Mankidia community under the legal sanction of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, a landmark legislation popularly known as the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- Mankidia is the second PVTG to get the habitat rights in the state, while the district level committees (DLCs) have approved for other four communities. Hence statement 3 is correct.
About Mankidias community:
- The Mankidia community is an Austro-Asiatic community that ekes out a living mainly from the forests. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- “The Mankidia constitute a semi-nomadic section of the Birhor tribe.
- They are primarily a food gathering and hunting community. For their traditional skill of rope making, trapping and eating monkeys, their neighbours call them ‘Mankidi’ or ‘Mankidia’,” the SCSTRTI mentioned in its official notes on the community on its website
- The notes further mention that when monkeys create havoc in rural areas and destroy crops, fruits and vegetables, the villagers employ the Mankidia to catch them.
- “They are one of the most little-known forest dwelling and wandering communities of the state as well as the country.
- They wander inside forests in small bands and stay at different tandas — the temporary makeshift settlements comprising of temporary dome-shaped leaf huts known as Kumbhas.
- They speak a form of Munda language and some of them are also conversant in Odia. Hence statement 2 is correct.
10. Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession? (UPSC PYQ 2021)
(a) Cut in tax rates accompanied by increase in interest rate
(b) Increase in expenditure on public project
(c) Increase in tax rates accompanied by reduction of interest rate
(d) Reduction of expenditure on public projects
Answer: (b) Increase in expenditure on public project