[MISSION 2023] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 31 May 2023

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1: According to the Walk Free Foundation’s Global Slavery Index 2023, 50 million people are living in conditions of modern slavery – a 25% rise over the last five years.
• S2: SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
• S3: Although, slavery is not expressly mentioned under Article 23 but is included within the meaning of traffic in human beings. In pursuance of Article 23, Parliament has passed the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956, for punishing human trafficking.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/global-slavery-index-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement A is correct. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is a method of rice cultivation where seeds are directly sown into the field without transplanting seedlings. This method eliminates the need for nursery preparation and transplanting, which saves time and labor.
• Statement B is correct. DSR reduces water requirements compared to traditional rice cultivation methods. In traditional methods, rice seedlings are transplanted into puddled fields that require continuous flooding. In DSR, seeds are sown in non-puddled or lightly puddled fields, which allows for reduced water usage. This method helps in water conservation and is particularly beneficial in water-scarce areas.
• Statement C is incorrect. DSR can be suitable for areas with high weed pressure. Adequate weed management practices, such as herbicide application or mechanical weed control, can be implemented to address weed issues in DSR. While weed pressure may be a challenge, it does not render DSR unsuitable for such areas.
• Statement D is incorrect. DSR does not necessarily lead to lower yields compared to transplanting seedlings. With proper agronomic practices, including seed selection, weed management, nutrient management, and water management, DSR can achieve comparable or even higher yields than traditional transplanting methods. The yield potential of DSR depends on various factors and proper management techniques.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/direct-seeding-method-gains-currency-in-indias-paddy-growing-regions/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• 1) GM food is created by altering the genetic material of plants or animals. This statement is true. Genetic modification involves introducing specific genes into the DNA of organisms to achieve desired traits.
• 2) GM food is extensively tested for safety before it is approved for commercial use. This statement is true. Before GM food is approved for consumption, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is safe for human consumption and does not pose any significant risks.
• 3) GM food is banned in all countries due to health concerns. This statement is false. GM food is not universally banned. The regulatory stance on GM food varies from country to country, with some nations imposing restrictions while others embrace it.
• 4) GM food can help increase crop yields and enhance nutritional content. This statement is true. Genetic modification can enhance traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional content, leading to increased crop yields and improved nutritional quality.
• 5) GM food has no impact on the environment. This statement is false. The environmental impact of GM food is a subject of debate. While some argue that GM crops can reduce pesticide use and improve sustainability, others express concerns about potential risks to biodiversity and the development of pesticide-resistant pests.
• 6) GM food is labeled as such in all countries. This statement is false. Labeling regulations for GM food vary across countries. Some nations have mandatory labeling requirements, while others have more relaxed or no labeling regulations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/gm-food-and-sustainable-food-production/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The correct answer is C because it highlights a significant ethical consideration associated with GM crops and their potential impact on small-scale farmers in developing countries. The introduction of GM crops can lead to the control of seed supply by multinational corporations, which may create a situation where small-scale farmers become dependent on these corporations for seeds and other agricultural inputs. This dependency can undermine the autonomy and self-sufficiency of small-scale farmers, potentially leading to socioeconomic and environmental concerns. The ethical consideration here is related to issues of power, control, and equity in agricultural systems. Options A, B, and D do not address this specific ethical concern and instead focus on potential benefits without acknowledging the potential risks and implications for small-scale farmers in developing countries.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/gm-food-and-sustainable-food-production/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The correct answer is A because it highlights the ethical dilemma associated with GM food. While GM food has the potential to address global hunger by increasing crop yields and improving food production, there are concerns about the potential long-term consequences for human health and the environment. This dilemma arises from the need to balance the benefits of increased food production with the potential risks to human health and the environment. The ethical concern lies in making informed decisions about the use of GM food and ensuring that its benefits outweigh any potential negative impacts. The other options (B, C, and D) do not capture the ethical dilemma and present one-sided perspectives on GM food without acknowledging the associated concerns or trade-offs involved.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/gm-food-and-sustainable-food-production/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• There is no single, easy answer to the question of how to tackle insurgency in an ethical way. The most ethical approach will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the insurgency. However, in general, it is important to consider the following factors when making a decision:
  • The goal of the insurgency: Is the insurgency fighting for a legitimate goal, such as independence or democracy? Or is it fighting for a more nefarious goal, such as religious extremism or terrorism?
  • The methods used by the insurgents: Are the insurgents using violence against civilians? Or are they using nonviolent methods, such as protests or strikes?
  • The potential consequences of each option: What are the potential consequences of using negotiation, military force, economic sanctions, or a combination of these options?
  • In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a peaceful solution to an insurgency. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to use military force to defeat the rebels. The most important thing is to choose the option that is most likely to achieve peace and stability in the long run, while also minimizing the loss of life and suffering.
• The use of violence in an insurgency is a complex issue. On the one hand, the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from harm. On the other hand, the government has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to avoid violating human rights. The most ethical approach is to use violence only as a last resort and to minimize civilian casualties.
• The government should also focus on building support among the civilian population. This can be done by providing essential services, such as food, water, and medical care. The government should also work to promote democratic values and human rights. By doing so, the government can create a more just and peaceful society.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/insurgency-in-manipur/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Article 299 specifies the manner in which government contracts should be concluded and executed. The objective of this article is to ensure that contracts made by agents acting on the government’s behalf adhere to a defined procedure to prevent unauthorized or illegitimate contracts that may deplete public funds.
• Provision Explanation
  • Contracts must be expressed to be made by President/Governor All contracts made in the exercise of executive power must be clearly stated to be made by the President of India or the Governor of a State.
  • Execution of contracts Contracts and assurances of property made in the exercise of executive power shall be executed on behalf of the President or Governor by persons authorized by them.
  • Personal liability exemption Neither the President nor the Governor shall be personally liable for any contract or assurance made or executed in accordance with Article 299.
  • Exemption for persons executing contracts Individuals executing contracts on behalf of the President or Governor shall also not be personally liable for those contracts.
  • Compliance with statutory law Article 299 does not grant the government immunity from the application of statutory laws when entering into contracts. The government is still bound by applicable laws.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/evergreening-of-loans/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Evergreening of loans refers to the practice employed by banks where they grant new loans to borrowers in order to enable them to repay their existing loans. It is often used as a strategy to hide the true nature of non-performing assets (NPAs) and avoid classifying them as bad loans. By providing additional loans, banks can temporarily maintain the appearance of healthy loan portfolios. However, this practice can lead to a cycle of debt for borrowers and can pose risks to the financial health of the banking system.
• Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor raised red flags over banks adopting innovative methods for evergreening of loans – covering up the real status of stressed loans of corporates.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/evergreening-of-loans/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conceptualised a lightweight payment and settlements system, which can be operated from anywhere by a bare minimum staff in exigencies such as natural calamities or war.
• The infrastructure for this system will be independent of the technologies that underlie the existing systems of payments such as UPI, NEFT, and RTGS.
• Difference between UPI and lightweight system:
  • The key difference lies in the resilience and availability of the two systems.
  • UPI and other conventional systems prioritize handling large transaction volumes and require a stable and robust infrastructure.
  • On the other hand, the lightweight system is designed to operate even in volatile and extreme conditions when regular payment systems may not be accessible.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/lightweight-payments-system/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Name: babool or gum Arabic (Acacia nilotica)
• About Babul
  • It is a perennial, evergreen tree which is indigenous to Indian Sub-continent as well as in Tropical Africa, Burma, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and West and East Sudan. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of India.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vachellia_nilotica

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/31/babool/