UPSC Editorials Quiz : 22 March 2024

Solution: a)

While counter-cyclical fiscal policy is necessary to smooth out economic cycles, it becomes

critical during an economic crisis.

Relevance of Counter-cyclical Fiscal Policy:

Indian Kings used to build palaces during famines and droughts to provide employment and improve the economic fortunes of the private sector. Economic theory, in effect, makes the same recommendation: in a recessionary year, Government must spend more than during expansionary times. Such counter-cyclical fiscal policy stabilizes the business cycle by being contractionary (reduce spending/increase taxes) in good times and expansionary (increase spending/reduce taxes) in bad times. On the other hand, a pro-cyclical fiscal policy is the one wherein fiscal policy reinforces the business cycle by being expansionary during good times and contractionary during recessions.

Solution: a)

Only statement 1 is correct.

Ecocide refers to the wilful and extensive destruction, damage or harm to the environment, including ecosystems that results in severe and long-term consequences.

Several countries including Mexico are considering ecocide legislation to criminalise environmental damage that harms humans, animals and plant species.

India has not fully embraced ecocide in its environmental laws.

Solution: b)

Why study the Sun from space?

The Sun is the nearest star to us and therefore can be studied in much greater detail than others. Studying the Sun can also help us understand more about other stars. While the Sun supports all life on Earth, it also has various explosive phenomena. These can damage our satellites and communication systems. Studying the Sun may help in providing early warnings for such events.

“The various thermal and magnetic phenomena on the Sun are of extreme nature. Thus, the Sun provides a good natural laboratory to understand them, which cannot be directly studied in the lab,” ISRO said.

It is important to study the Sun from space because the Earth’s atmosphere and the magnetic field act as protective shields that block out harmful radiations, such as UV light. This means studying the Sun from the Earth can’t provide a complete picture.

Solution: b)

Know India Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology, communication & information Technology, culture. KIP provide a unique forum for students & young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India.

Solution: c)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Causes Behind Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance:

• Overuse, misuse, and improper use (e.g., taking antibiotics to treat viral diseases!) of antimicrobials.
• Greater access to over-the-counter antibiotic drugs in developing countries.
• Using broad-spectrum antibiotics over narrow-spectrum antibiotics (targeting specific microbes only).
• Dumping of inadequately treated effluents from the pharmaceutical industry.
• Antibiotic use in livestock feed at low doses for growth promotion is industrialized countries.
• Poor sanitation and hygiene that forces the extended use of antimicrobials.