01. With reference to the Telecom Act, 2023, consider the following statements:
- The Telecom Act, 2023, which has been partially notified by the Centre to replace the archaic Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933.
- This Act grants the government the authority to use private property for telecom installations.
- It introduces progressive measures such as revamping the Universal Service Obligation fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, which can be used for funding R&D and pilot projects, instead of merely supporting the setting up of telecom services in rural areas.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (c)All three
In News: New Telecom Act big on infra, weak on freedoms
Explanation:
- The Telecom Act, 2023, which has been partially notified by the Centre to replace the archaic Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933, marks a pivotal shift in India’s telecommunications landscape.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Notably, the 2023 Act grants the government the authority to use private property for telecom installations.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Getting permission to install towers and lay cables has been a major challenge
- The Telecom Act, 2023 introduces progressive measures such as revamping the Universal Service Obligation fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, which can be used for funding R&D and pilot projects, instead of merely supporting the setting up of telecom services in rural areas.Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The Act’s omission of financial relief measures for debt-laden telecom operators, contrasting with earlier drafts, casts a shadow over its commitment to market diversity.
- While the Telecom Act, 2023 promises to usher in a new era of technological growth and infrastructure development, it must navigate a delicate balance between progress and individual rights of privacy and freedom of expression.
- As the Act comes into effect, stakeholders must actively engage to refine regulatory frameworks, mitigate risks and foster a digital ecosystem that respects and protects the rights of citizens.
Source:
02. Consider the following statements:
- UPI needs operational bank accounts, CBDC can ride on a wallet powered by a mobile number.
- UPI bank account money is backed by deposit insurance, CBDC enjoys sovereign guarantee
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)Neither 1 nor 2
In News:CBDC can complement UPI well
Explanation:
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a major revolution in the world of fintech and e-Rupee is rapidly expanding its footprint.
- Acknowledging the meteoric rise of UPI usage, the RBI Governor stated at Bank of International Settlement’s “Innovation Summit 2024” that there exists considerable scope for further digitalisation of payments in India, and e-Rupee provides an added avenue by mimicking features of cash in the virtual world, — anonymity, ease of usage and finality of settlement
- Even with a near-ubiquitous UPI, CBDC —viewed as complementary to UPI — is desirable.
- While UPI needs operational bank accounts, CBDC can ride on a wallet powered by a mobile number.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- In regions with low banking penetration, CBDC provides succour.
- While UPI bank account money is backed by deposit insurance, CBDC enjoys sovereign guarantee.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- CBDC development and usage will be highly instrumental in reducing cash usage.
- We witness today a “Currency Paradox” — a rise in UPI transactions without a significant decrease in cash usage. People prefer to use digital payments for daily transactions, while keeping cash as a fall-back and for precautionary purposes.
- With CBDC, RBI can ‘nudge’ people for holding less cash and/or ‘penalise’ people for holding physical cash. Strategically, CBDC can be posited as a viable alternative to UPI and act as a fall back option in case UPI ecosystem encounters unfavourable churning.
- It is clear that the RBI prefers to adopt a posture of “constructive ambiguity” on matters pertaining to CBDC.
- As a fast-payments mode, CBDC is a priority for RBI qua honouring consumer sovereignty and expanding the basket of products for a rapidly digitising and less-cash using society to choose from.
Source:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/cbdc-can-complement-upi-well/article68356401.ece
03. Bhomi Rashi- Public Financial Management System portal Recently seen in news related to
- Single point platform for land clearance system
- single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development.
- Online portal for power sector reforms
- Single window clearance for port projects.
Answer: (b) single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development.
In News:Model poll code hit infra projects as only 4km roads built in May: Ministry
Explanation:
- The implementation of Moddel Code of Conduct (MCC) has impacted the infrastructure development in the country. As per the monthly report of the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), only a project of 4km-long road was built in May after the requisite approval of the Election Commission of India. The report was placed before the recent cabinet meeting.
- The ministry prepares a summary about various projects and other developments to apprise the Cabinet every month.
- “Due to the imposition of MCC, projects could not be awarded except one project of 4-km with the approval of the ECI as compared to 382-km during the same period last year,” read the summary report.
- The ministry informed that it had constructed 1,288 km of National Highways (NH) till May as compared to 1,465 km in the last year.
- According to the report, 77 land acquisition notifications and land acquisition compensation of approximately `683.25 crore was processed through Bhomi Rashi-( Public Financial Management System) PFMS portal.
- The ministry designed Bhoomi Rashi as a single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India. Elections were announced in March hence MCC had come into effect.Hence option(b) is correct.
- In the monthly report of April, the ministry constructed 483km of national highways while the total length of road built in April 2023 was 523-kms. The report stated that 88 land acquisition notifications were issued and acquisition compensation of approximately Rs 600 crore was processed.
- In Standing Finance Committee meetings in April, three projects of length 22.47 km with total capital cost of Rs 764.38 crore were recommended by the committee for approval.
- As per the ministry’s report, in March, work for 8,581-km was awarded against a target of 13,290 km. It stated that the major shortfall was because revised approval of the cabinet could not be obtained for Bharatmala Pariyojana.
- The report said that the ministry constructed 12,349 km which is 20 percent more than the length of highways developed during the same period last year. It was the second highest performance as it made a record of building 13,327 km of road including strengthening of 4,900 km in 2021.
04. Consider the following statements:
Statement -I:The Global Surveillance and Monitoring System was launched by World Organisation for Animal Health
Statement -II: Its objective is to work with Member States in improving the quantity, quality and analysis of accurate data concerning substandard and falsified medical products
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
- Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
- Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
- Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct
Answer: (d)Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct
In News:‘Falsified diabetes drug detected in 14 countries as demand surges
Explanation:
- At least 14 countries have reported falsified Ozempic, the World Health Organisation said, as demand surges for the popular diabetes and weight loss drug.
- A few days ago, WHO issued a medical alert on falsified batches of semaglutide (an ingredient used in Ozempic) following confirmed reports from three countries — Brazil, the UK and the US.
- Responding to queries from businessline, a WHO spokesperson said, “the WHO has been actively monitoring and responding to reports of falsified Ozempic (semaglutide) since September 2022.
- WHO has received reports of falsified Ozempic detected in at least 14 countries across four different WHO regions.
- On whether Ozempic was the only product hit, the spokesperson said, “We do not have any other brand of GLP-1 product recorded in our Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) as falsified.”
- The Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for SF medical products was launched in July 2013.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Its objective is to work with Member States in improving the quantity, quality and analysis of accurate data concerning SF medical products, and to use that data in the better prevention, detection and response to those products, in order to protect public health.Hence statement 1 is correct.
Source:
05. Consider the following statements:
- The MSP regime was established in 1965 with the setting up of the Agricultural Prices Commission as a form of market intervention to enhance national food security.
- The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- It is mandated to recommend minimum support prices (MSPs) to incentivize the cultivators to adopt modern technology, and raise productivity and overall grain production in line with the emerging demand patterns in the country.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (C)All three
In News:Legal guarantee for MSP is a must
Explanation:
- The MSP regime was established in 1965 with the setting up of the Agricultural Prices Commission (APC) as a form of market intervention to enhance national food security and shield farmers from sharp market price declines.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Despite objections from market supporters, MSP is not against the principles of free markets; instead, it helps to minimise extreme market fluctuations and volatility
- The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.Hence statement 2 is correct
- It came into existence in January 1965. Currently, the Commission comprises a Chairman, Member Secretary, one Member (Official) and two Members (Non-Official). The non-official members are representatives of the farming community and usually have an active association with the farming community.
- It is mandated to recommend minimum support prices (MSPs) to incentivize the cultivators to adopt modern technology, and raise productivity and overall grain production in line with the emerging demand patterns in the country.Hence statement 3 is correct
- Assurance of a remunerative and stable price environment is considered very important for increasing agricultural production and productivity since the market place for agricultural produce tends to be inherently unstable, which often inflict undue losses on the growers, even when they adopt the best available technology package and produce efficiently.
- Towards this end, MSP for major agricultural products are fixed by the government, each year, after taking into account the recommendations of the Commission.
- As of now, CACP recommends MSPs of 23 commodities, which comprise 7 cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, barley and ragi), 5 pulses (gram, tur, moong, urad, lentil), 7 oilseeds (groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, seasmum, sunflower, safflower, nigerseed), and 4 commercial crops (copra, sugarcane, cotton and raw jute).
Source:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/legal-guarantee-for-msp-is-a-must/article68356308.ece
06. Consider the following statements:
- The Financial Stability and Development Council was constituted in 2010.
- As an apex body for coordinating financial regulatory agencies, It has the authority and expertise to drive collaboration and synergies among stakeholders in the financial sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)Both 1 and 2
In News:FSDC can lead in creating a fraud-free ecosystem
Explanation:
- The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was constituted in 2010.Hence statement 1 is correct
- As an apex body for coordinating financial regulatory agencies, FSDC has the authority and expertise to drive collaboration and synergies among stakeholders in the financial sector.Hence statement 2 is correct
- As the Indian economy expands and more citizens participate in formal economic activities, and with proliferation of emerging technologies, the number and volume of frauds could increase, a task that is daunting for financial regulators in their quest for consumer protection. With more keypad Indians than formally literate ones, we have a duty to build a safer Indian ecosystem.
- Whether it’s using UPI for everyday transactions, facing phishing attacks, paying a heavy price for mis-sold financial products, or dealing with systemic fraud issues, the common man bears the cost when these concerns are not addressed promptly.
- Ideologically, India’s policy design needs to shift from the current reactive approach of post-event fraud detection, which relies on an already painfully slow legal system, to a proactive fraud-prevention framework and supervisory systems.
- This paradigm shift emphasises the importance of anticipating and mitigating fraud before it occurs, leveraging advanced technologies and robust regulatory practices to create a more resilient and trustworthy financial ecosystem
- FSDC is uniquely positioned to spearhead the vision of building an ecosystem for fraud-free India.
- It can leverage its cross-functional mandate and cross-regulatory coordination to develop comprehensive strategies for fraud prevention, detection, and mitigation across various segments of the economy.
- Additionally, FSDC can facilitate the adoption of best practices, standardisation of regulatory processes, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the resilience of India’s financial system
Source:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/for-a-safer-financial-space/article68356327.ece
07. Consider the following Countries:
- Afghanistan
- Turkmenistan
- Pakistan
- Iran
How many of the above countries are part of Golden Crescent?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (c) Only three
In News: Global drug users numbered 292 million people in 2022, a 20% increase over the past decade: UNODC
Explanation:
- There has been a concerning rise in global drug use, with users worldwide numbering 292 million in 2022, a 20 per cent increase over the past decade, according to a report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on June 27, 2024.
- Cannabis still remains the most widely used drug globally, with 228 million users. It is followed by opioids (60 million users), amphetamines (30 million users), cocaine (23 million users), and ecstasy (20 million users), according to the report.
- Even worse, only one in 11 people suffering from drug use disorders receives treatment. This is despite the fact that an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from such disorders.
- The report also reveals that drug trafficking empowers organised crime groups, which are diversifying into other illegal economies, such as wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction.
- A comprehensive strategy is needed to address drug use and its consequences. This requires prevention, treatment, and the strengthening of law enforcement to disrupt the criminal networks profiting from these illicit activities, according to UNODC.
- To Afghanistan’s south, where Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran converge, is the so-called Golden Crescent that, along with Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle, is Asia’s most notorious drug smuggling hub.Hence option(c) is correct.
- The UNODC report also pointed out the implications of the decline in Afghan opium production. “Long-term implications, including changes in heroin purity and a potential rise in demand for opiate treatment services, may soon be felt in countries affected by Afghan opiates.
Source:
08. Consider the following statements:
- The 73rd and 74th amendments which mandate the Finance Commission to recommend measures to augment State consolidated funds for supporting panchayats and municipalities.
- Intergovernmental transfers to Urban Local Bodies in India are about 0.5% of GDP, much lower than the 2-5% typical of other developing nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
In News: What is on the agenda for the 16th Finance Commission?
Explanation:
- The 16th Finance Commission (FC) has begun its work, established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, primarily focusing on the devolution of the consolidated fund. Since the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, local bodies have gained significant recognition within the federal system.
- These amendments introduced sub-clauses 280 (3) (bb) and (c), which mandate the FC to recommend measures to augment State consolidated funds for supporting panchayats and municipalities..Hence statement 1 is correct
- The National Commission on Urbanisation in the mid-80s described cities as “engines of growth.
- Although this view is somewhat narrow, the reality is that cities contribute around 66% of India’s GDP and about 90% of total government revenues.
- Cities, thus, are an important spatial zone for the overall development of the country. However, our economic scale is insufficient to meet rising needs.
- The World Bank estimates that $840 billion is needed for basic urban infrastructure in the next decade. Despite the efforts of ve commissions since the 11th Finance Commission,financial devolution to cities remain inadequate.
- The fiscal health of municipalities is poor, acting both city productivity and quality of life. Rapid urbanisation without appropriate fiscal action has adverse effects on development.
- Intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India are about 0.5% of GDP, much lower than the 2-5% typical of other developing nations..Hence statement 1 is correct
- For instance, South Africa allocates 2.6%, Mexico 1.6%, the Philippines 2.5%, and Brazil 5.1% of their GDPs to their cities.
- Although IGTs make up about 40% of ULBs’ total revenue, issues persist regarding their predictability, earmarking for vulnerable groups, and horizontal equity
Source:
09. Which of the following cities secures ‘City of Literature’ status at the annual UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference?
- Kozhikode
- Bengaluru
- Indore
- Kolkata
Answer: (a) Kozhikode
In News: Kozhikode secures ‘City of Literature’ status at annual UCCN conference held in Portugal
Explanation:
- Kozhikode became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as the city was awarded the title of ‘City of Literature’ at the 16th annual conference of the network that began in Portugal.Hence option(a) is correct.
- Among the representatives of the 350 UNESCO ‘Creatives Cities’ in the world, Mayor Beena Philip and Corporation Secretary K.U. Bini were the face of Kozhikode.
- “This is a moment of pride for Kozhikode and so many people have been waiting for this moment,” Ms. Philip said from Braga, a city in northern Portugal where the conference is being held.
- The theme of the annual conference of UCCN this year is ‘Bringing youth to the table for the next decade’.
- opening ceremony. The new members, including Kozhikode and Gwalior, which was awarded the ‘City of Music’ title, will get an opportunity to make a presentation on their respective traditions and cultures in a session.
- Ms. Philip will speak on behalf of Kozhikode on the occasion. UNESCO oers ‘Creative Cities’ status to cities across the globe based on their cultural contributions and traditions in categories like design,literature, music and folk art.
- The annual conference will provide the member cities with a platform to share knowledge, experiences and good practices towards building sustainable cities of tomorrow
Source:
10. A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to: (2024)
- a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
- the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
- the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
- the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
Answer: (c) The lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
Explanation:
WRITS: The Supreme Court (under Article 32) and the high courts (under Article 226) can issue the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto. Further, the Parliament (under Article 32) can empower any other court to issue these writs.
- Prohibition: Prohibition Literally, it means ‘to forbid’. It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. Thus, unlike the mandamus that directs activity, the prohibition directs inactivity.
- The writ of prohibition can be issued only against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities. It is not available against administrative authorities, legislative bodies, and private individuals or bodies. Hence option (c) is correct.
- The Writ of Prohibition is a legal term that implies ‘to prohibit, prevent, forbid, or restrain’ and is also known as ‘Stay Order’.