Current Affairs Update: May 10, 2024 - Key Insights for Social Workers"

Boost your MSW exam prep with 60+ MCQs on current affairs tailored for social work students. Explore key topics, explanations, and takeaways for Social Work practice

Topic 1: Chinese Scientists Created First Pangenome of Asian Rice

1. What is a pangenome, as described in the context of the Asian rice study?
A) A single genome sequence from one rice variety
B) A collection of genome sequences from multiple individuals of the same species
C) A database of environmental factors affecting rice growth
D) A genetic modification technique for rice
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A pangenome is defined as a collection of genome sequences from many individuals of the same species, capturing both common and unique genes. This was used to study 144 varieties of wild and cultivated rice to enhance agricultural traits.

2. How can the pangenome of Asian rice contribute to agricultural advancements?
A) By reducing the need for irrigation in rice fields
B) By introducing traits for disease tolerance and climate resilience
C) By increasing the cost of rice production
D) By limiting the genetic diversity of rice crops
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The pangenome helps identify genetic markers for disease tolerance and resilience against climate shocks, enabling the development of superior rice varieties that can withstand environmental challenges.

3. What technology was used to create the pangenome of Asian rice?
A) Short-read sequencing
B) PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi) sequencing
C) CRISPR gene editing
D) Microarray analysis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The document specifies that PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi) sequencing, a long-read sequencing method, was used to stitch together genomes from 144 rice varieties, providing high accuracy for the pangenome.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: The development of climate-resilient crops like Asian rice through pangenome research can enhance food security, a critical concern for social workers addressing poverty and hunger in rural communities. Social workers can advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to these improved crop varieties for marginalized farmers, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Topic 2: CoPs of BRS Conventions Concluded at Geneva

4. What is the primary aim of the Basel Convention?
A) To promote international trade of hazardous chemicals
B) To reduce hazardous waste generation and ensure environmentally sound management
C) To eliminate all persistent organic pollutants (POPs) globally
D) To regulate pesticide use in agriculture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Basel Convention, adopted in 1989, focuses on controlling transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, reducing their generation, and promoting environmentally sound management to protect human health and the environment.

5. Which convention promotes shared responsibility in the international trade of hazardous chemicals?
A) Basel Convention
B) Rotterdam Convention
C) Stockholm Convention
D) Geneva Convention
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Rotterdam Convention, adopted in 1998, promotes shared responsibility and cooperation in the international trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides to safeguard health and the environment.

6. What is a key objective of the Stockholm Convention?
A) To regulate waste disposal in oceans
B) To eliminate dangerous persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
C) To promote genetically modified crops
D) To establish global carbon emission standards
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Stockholm Convention, adopted in 2001, aims to protect human health and the environment by eliminating dangerous POPs, supporting transitions to safer alternatives, and targeting additional POPs for action.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: The BRS Conventions address environmental justice issues, which are central to social work’s focus on protecting vulnerable populations from the impacts of hazardous waste and pollutants. Social workers can engage in community education and advocacy to ensure compliance with these conventions, particularly in marginalized areas disproportionately affected by pollution.

Topic 3: India’s Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded to ‘BBB’

7. What does a ‘BBB’ sovereign credit rating indicate about India’s economy?
A) High risk of default on financial obligations
B) Adequate credit quality with capacity to meet financial obligations
C) Speculative grade with guaranteed economic stability
D) Inability to attract foreign investments
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A ‘BBB’ rating, as upgraded by Morningstar DBRS, denotes adequate credit quality, indicating India’s capacity to meet financial obligations despite potential vulnerabilities, reflecting economic resilience.

8. Which factor was cited as a key driver for India’s upgraded sovereign credit rating?
A) Increased public debt levels
B) Structural reforms and infrastructure investments
C) Declining private consumption
D) Reduced foreign direct investment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The document highlights structural reforms, infrastructure investments, and fiscal consolidation as key drivers for the upgrade, enhancing India’s economic stability and growth prospects.

9. What is a criticism of credit rating agencies mentioned in the document?
A) Over-reliance on quantitative data
B) Heavy reliance on qualitative indicators leading to subjective judgments
C) Complete transparency in methodologies
D) Bias in favor of developing nations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The document notes that credit rating agencies often rely heavily on qualitative indicators, leading to subjective judgments and potential biases, particularly against developing nations like India.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: An improved sovereign credit rating can lead to increased economic stability and investment in social programs, which social workers can leverage to advocate for enhanced funding for welfare initiatives. Understanding economic biases in global ratings can also inform advocacy for fairer international financial policies affecting marginalized communities.

Topic 4: Centre Empowered Chief of Army Staff to Call Personnel of Territorial Army (TA)

10. What is a primary responsibility of the Territorial Army (TA)?
A) To conduct international peacekeeping missions
B) To relieve the Regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration
C) To manage national elections
D) To oversee urban infrastructure development
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The TA’s primary responsibilities include relieving the Regular Army from static duties, assisting civil administration during natural calamities, and maintaining essential services in critical situations.

11. Who is eligible to join the Territorial Army?
A) Only retired military personnel
B) Indian citizens who are gainfully employed and graduates
C) Foreign nationals residing in India
D) School students above 18 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Eligibility for the TA includes Indian citizenship, graduation from a recognized university, and being gainfully employed, allowing civilians to serve part-time.

12. In which historical conflict did the Territorial Army play a significant role?
A) World War I
B) Battle of Haldighati
C) Indo-Pak War of 1965
D) American Civil War
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The TA actively participated in operations during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, as well as other operations like OP PAWAN and OP RAKSHAK, showcasing its role in national defense.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: The TA’s role in disaster response and civil administration support aligns with social work’s focus on crisis intervention and community resilience. Social workers can collaborate with TA units during natural calamities to provide psychosocial support and coordinate relief efforts, enhancing community recovery.

Topic 5: Three Jan Suraksha (Social Security) Schemes Complete 10 Years

13. What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)?
A) To provide guaranteed monthly pensions
B) To offer accidental death or disability insurance
C) To support higher education loans
D) To fund rural infrastructure projects
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PMSBY provides accidental death or disability insurance coverage of up to ₹2 lakh, aimed at shielding citizens against life’s uncertainties.

14. Which scheme targets unorganized sector workers for pension benefits?
A) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
B) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
C) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
D) National Pension System (NPS)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: APY provides a guaranteed monthly pension to unorganized sector workers, fostering long-term financial resilience after age 60.

15. What is a common feature of PMJJBY and PMSBY enrollment?
A) Mandatory employment in the public sector
B) Enrollment through bank/post office accounts with auto-debit facility
C) Age eligibility restricted to 40–60 years
D) Coverage limited to urban residents
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Both PMJJBY and PMSBY require enrollment through bank or post office accounts with an auto-debit facility for premium payments, ensuring accessibility.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Social security schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY are vital tools for social workers to promote financial inclusion and stability among vulnerable populations. Social workers can educate communities about these schemes, assist with enrollment, and advocate for their expansion to underserved groups.

Topic 6: Schuman Declaration

16. What was the primary proposal of the Schuman Declaration?
A) To establish a global trade organization
B) To create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
C) To form a military alliance in Europe
D) To promote renewable energy in Europe
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Schuman Declaration, presented in 1950, proposed the creation of the ECSC, pooling coal and steel production, marking the first step toward the European Union.

17. Who presented the Schuman Declaration?
A) Winston Churchill
B) Robert Schuman
C) Angela Merkel
D) Charles de Gaulle
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The declaration was presented by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, laying the foundation for supranational European institutions.

18. How did the Schuman Declaration contribute to the development of the European Union?
A) By establishing a common currency
B) By creating supranational institutions
C) By enforcing immigration policies
D) By regulating agricultural subsidies
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The declaration led to the creation of supranational institutions like the ECSC, which evolved into the European Union, fostering regional cooperation.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: The Schuman Declaration’s legacy of fostering cooperation and peace through shared resources offers lessons for social workers in promoting community collaboration and conflict resolution. Social workers can apply these principles to build inclusive communities and advocate for policies that promote social cohesion.

Topic 7: Vembanad Lake

19. What is a key ecological feature of Vembanad Lake?
A) It is the largest freshwater lake in India
B) It supports the third largest waterfowl population in India during winter
C) It is located in northern India
D) It is primarily used for industrial waste disposal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vembanad Lake supports the third largest waterfowl population in India during winter months, highlighting its ecological significance as a wetland ecosystem.

20. What is the status of Vembanad Lake under international conservation frameworks?
A) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
B) It is part of the Vembanad-Kol wetland system, a Ramsar site
C) It is a protected forest reserve
D) It is an industrial conservation zone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The lake is part of the Vembanad-Kol wetland system, designated as a Ramsar site, recognizing its importance as a wetland of international significance.

21. What environmental challenge has Vembanad Lake faced, according to recent reports?
A) A 27% increase in surface area due to flooding
B) A 27% reduction in surface area between 1917 and 1990
C) Complete restoration of its ecosystem
D) Conversion into agricultural land
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A recent expert committee report highlighted that Vembanad Lake’s surface area has shrunk by 27% between 1917 and 1990, posing ecological challenges.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: The degradation of Vembanad Lake underscores the intersection of environmental justice and social work. Social workers can advocate for the livelihoods of communities dependent on the lake, promote sustainable practices, and engage in conservation efforts to protect this critical ecosystem for future generations.

Topic 8: Global Methane Tracker 2025

22. What percentage of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution is attributed to methane?
A) 10%
B) 20%
C) 30%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Global Methane Tracker 2025 states that methane is responsible for around 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.

23. Which sector accounts for more than 35% of methane emissions from human activity?
A) Agriculture
B) Energy
C) Waste
D) Transportation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The energy sector, including oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, accounts for more than 35% of methane emissions from human activity, as per the report.

24. How can methane emissions from the energy sector be reduced, according to the Global Methane Tracker 2025?
A) By increasing coal production
B) By deploying flaring or oxidation technologies
C) By banning all energy production
D) By reducing agricultural output
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The report suggests that methane emissions can be cut by 50% by effectively utilizing methane in mines or deploying flaring or oxidation technologies.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Methane emissions contribute significantly to climate change, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Social workers can advocate for policies to reduce methane emissions, support community adaptation to climate impacts, and promote environmental education to foster sustainable practices.

Topic 9: Bulbul v2 Text-to-Speech Model

25. How many Indian languages does the Bulbul v2 Text-to-Speech Model support?
A) 5
B) 8
C) 11
D) 15
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bulbul v2, launched by Sarvam AI, supports 11 Indian languages, enhancing accessibility for diverse linguistic communities.

26. What is a key feature of the voices generated by Bulbul v2?
A) They are robotic and rehearsed
B) They are natural and authentic
C) They are limited to male voices
D) They cannot be customized
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The voices generated by Bulbul v2 are designed to sound natural and authentic, avoiding robotic or rehearsed tones, improving user experience.

27. How can users customize the Bulbul v2 voice characteristics?
A) By changing the language only
B) By adjusting pitch, pace, and loudness
C) By altering the background music
D) By selecting different accents only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bulbul v2 allows users to fine-tune voice characteristics by adjusting pitch, pace, and loudness, offering flexibility for various applications.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Technologies like Bulbul v2 can enhance communication access for linguistically diverse and differently-abled populations, aligning with social work’s commitment to inclusion. Social workers can advocate for the integration of such tools in education and healthcare to support marginalized groups.

Topic 10: Schilka Systems

28. What is the primary function of Schilka Systems?
A) To provide maritime surveillance
B) To defend ground forces against air attacks
C) To conduct cyber warfare
D) To support agricultural mechanization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Schilka Systems are self-propelled, radar-guided anti-aircraft weapon systems designed to defend ground forces and vehicles against air attacks.

29. What feature enhances the Schilka System’s effectiveness against air attacks?
A) Underwater navigation capabilities
B) Phased array 3D tracking radar
C) Solar-powered operation
D) Manual targeting system
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The system uses a phased array 3D tracking radar, providing 360-degree coverage and accurate tracking to counter air attacks effectively.

30. Which country is the origin of the Schilka Systems?
A) United States
B) Russia
C) China
D) India
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Schilka Systems are of Russian origin, as noted in the document, and are used by the Indian Army to counter aerial threats.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: While Schilka Systems are military-focused, social workers in conflict zones or disaster-prone areas can collaborate with defense units equipped with such systems to ensure civilian safety during crises, advocating for community protection and psychosocial support.

Topic 11: United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

31. What is the main objective of the United Nations Forum on Forests?
A) To promote urban development
B) To manage, conserve, and sustainably develop all types of forests
C) To regulate global fisheries
D) To control air pollution
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The UNFF, established in 2000, aims to promote the management, conservation, and sustainable development of forests, reinforcing long-term political commitment.

32. Which body established the United Nations Forum on Forests?
A) World Health Organization
B) UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
C) International Monetary Fund
D) World Trade Organization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The UNFF was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in October 2000 to address global forest conservation.

33. What is India’s commitment related to the UNFF?
A) To eliminate all forest cover by 2030
B) To the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030
C) To increase urban forestation only
D) To ban all forest-related activities
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 during the 20th UNFF session, focusing on sustainable forest management.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Forests are critical for environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of indigenous and rural communities. Social workers can advocate for forest conservation policies, support community-based forest management, and address the socio-economic needs of forest-dependent populations.

Topic 12: Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)

34. What is the primary objective of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF)?
A) To support countries with surplus budgets
B) To assist countries with serious payment imbalances due to structural issues
C) To fund global infrastructure projects
D) To promote cryptocurrency adoption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The EFF provides assistance to countries facing serious payment imbalances due to structural impediments or weak balance-of-payments positions.

35. Which countries are eligible for the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)?
A) Only high-income countries
B) Low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries
C) All countries with trade surpluses
D) Only countries with no external debt
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The RSF targets low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries to strengthen macroeconomic resilience and sustainability.

36. What concern has India raised regarding the IMF’s EFF and RSF programs?
A) Their focus on developed nations
B) Their efficacy in supporting countries like Pakistan
C) Their exclusion of environmental goals
D) Their high interest rates for all borrowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India has raised concerns over the efficacy of IMF programs like EFF and RSF, particularly in supporting countries like Pakistan, as noted in the document.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: IMF programs like EFF and RSF influence economic stability in vulnerable countries, impacting social welfare. Social workers can monitor these programs’ effects on marginalized populations and advocate for policies that prioritize social protection and equitable resource distribution.

Topic 13: FaceAge Deep Learning Algorithm

37. What is the primary function of the FaceAge algorithm?
A) To predict stock market trends
B) To determine biological age using selfies
C) To diagnose infectious diseases
D) To analyze soil quality
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: FaceAge uses a patient’s selfies to determine their biological age, serving as a biomarker in cancer care to inform treatment decisions.

38. In what context is FaceAge primarily used?
A) Agricultural research
B) Cancer care for treatment planning
C) Educational assessments
D) Urban planning
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: FaceAge is described as a tool in cancer care, helping doctors quantify biological age to make informed treatment decisions, as published in The Lancet Digital Health.

39. What type of technology underpins the FaceAge algorithm?
A) Blockchain technology
B) Deep learning with multi-layer neural networks
C) Quantum computing
D) Manual data analysis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: FaceAge is a deep learning algorithm that uses multi-layer neural networks to learn from large volumes of unstructured data, such as photographs.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Technologies like FaceAge can enhance healthcare access and precision, particularly for cancer patients. Social workers can advocate for equitable access to such technologies, support patients navigating treatment plans, and address psychosocial needs arising from chronic illnesses.

Topic 14: Maharana Pratap

40. What was Maharana Pratap’s primary stance against the Mughals?
A) He allied with Akbar for regional control
B) He refused to submit to Mughal authority
C) He negotiated peace treaties with the Mughals
D) He joined the Mughal army
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Maharana Pratap, king of Mewar, refused to submit to the Mughals during Akbar’s reign, leading to conflicts like the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.

41. Which battle is famously associated with Maharana Pratap?
A) Battle of Plassey
B) Battle of Haldighati
C) Battle of Panipat
D) Battle of Buxar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was a significant conflict where Maharana Pratap led his forces against the Mughal army commanded by Asaf Khan I and Man Singh.

42. What values are associated with Maharana Pratap, as highlighted in the document?
A) Diplomacy and compromise
B) Bravery, compassion, and leadership
C) Isolationism and secrecy
D) Economic innovation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The document highlights Maharana Pratap’s values of bravery, compassion, and leadership, which defined his legacy as a Rajput warrior.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Maharana Pratap’s values of bravery and compassion resonate with social work principles of advocacy and empathy. Social workers can draw inspiration from his leadership to champion the rights of oppressed communities and foster resilience in adversity.

Topic 15: 2025 World Economic Outlook Report

43. What is India’s projected GDP growth rate for 2025 according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook?
A) 4.0%
B) 5.5%
C) 6.2%
D) 7.0%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The IMF revised India’s growth forecast to 6.2% for 2025, making it the fastest-growing major economy despite a slight downward revision.

44. What is a key driver of India’s economic resilience, as per the report?
A) Declining private consumption
B) Strong private consumption, especially in rural areas
C) Increased public debt
D) Reduced infrastructure investment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Private consumption, particularly in rural areas, is a significant driver of India’s economic growth, ensuring steady domestic demand.

45. How does India’s debt-to-GDP ratio compare to the US, according to the report?
A) India’s is higher at 124.0%
B) India’s is lower at 56.8%
C) Both are equal at 100%
D) India’s is not mentioned
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India’s debt-to-GDP ratio is 56.8% in FY25, significantly lower than the US’s 124.0%, reflecting stronger fiscal management.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: India’s economic resilience, driven by private consumption and low debt, creates opportunities for social workers to advocate for increased social welfare funding. Understanding macroeconomic trends enables social workers to push for policies that address rural poverty and promote equitable growth.

Topic 16: Participation of Women in Cooperatives

46. What percentage of India’s cooperatives are women-only, according to the NITI Aayog report?
A) 2.52%
B) 10.5%
C) 25%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The NITI Aayog report (2023) states that women-only cooperatives account for only 2.52% of the total 8.5 lakh cooperatives in India.

47. Which cooperative model is cited as empowering 3.2 million informal women workers?
A) Amul
B) Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
C) Lijjat Papad
D) Kendriya Bhandar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SEWA is highlighted as a successful model empowering 3.2 million informal women workers through cooperative structures.

48. What is a key challenge faced by women’s cooperatives in India?
A) Excessive government funding
B) Lack of skills and underrepresentation in leadership
C) Overabundance of market access
D) High literacy rates among members
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Women in cooperatives face challenges like low literacy, limited business skills, and underrepresentation in leadership roles, hampering their effectiveness.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Women’s cooperatives are powerful tools for socio-economic empowerment, aligning with social work’s mission to uplift marginalized groups. Social workers can support these cooperatives through capacity-building, advocacy for policy support, and addressing barriers like time poverty and cultural norms.

Topic 17: State of School Education in India

49. What percentage of Class 3 students in government schools can read a Class 2-level text, per ASER 2024?
A) 23.4%
B) 50%
C) 76.6%
D) 90%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The ASER 2024 report reveals that only 23.4% of Class 3 students in government schools can read a Class 2-level text, indicating severe learning deficiencies.

50. What is the proposed role of the State School Standards Authority (SSSA) under NEP 2020?
A) To manage school admissions
B) To set academic and operational standards and promote accountability
C) To fund private schools
D) To replace state education boards
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The SSSA is proposed to set academic and operational standards, assess student performance, and ensure accountability across public and private schools.

51. What is a key challenge in India’s school education system, according to the document?
A) Overfunding of public education
B) High dropout rates, especially at the secondary level
C) Excess teacher availability
D) Uniform infrastructure across all schools
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights high dropout rates, particularly 14.1% at the secondary level, as a major challenge in India’s education system.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Education is a cornerstone of social equity, and challenges like learning poverty and dropouts disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Social workers can advocate for inclusive education policies, support dropout prevention programs, and collaborate with schools to address socio-economic barriers to learning.

Topic 18: One State-One RRB Policy

52. What is the primary aim of the One State-One RRB policy?
A) To increase the number of RRBs in each state
B) To consolidate multiple RRBs into a single entity per state
C) To privatize rural banking
D) To eliminate rural credit access
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The OS-OR policy aims to consolidate multiple RRBs within a state into a single unified entity to boost operational efficiency and viability.

53. What was the impact of RRB consolidation by March 2021?
A) Increased the number of RRBs to 196
B) Reduced RRBs from 196 to 43, improving profitability
C) Eliminated all RRBs
D) Reduced rural credit access
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: By March 2021, RRB consolidation reduced the number from 196 to 43, improving profitability, capital, and asset quality, as per the document.

54. What is a challenge associated with the OS-OR policy?
A) Reduced operational costs
B) Concentration risk in case of agricultural sector failure
C) Simplified regulatory structure
D) Decreased need for technology integration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The policy increases concentration risk, as a single RRB would absorb the full impact of losses in a state’s agricultural sector, unlike the previous model.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: RRBs are critical for rural financial inclusion, supporting small farmers and entrepreneurs. Social workers can advocate for policies that mitigate concentration risks and ensure RRBs effectively serve marginalized rural communities, promoting economic empowerment.

Topic 19: INS Tamal

55. What type of warship is INS Tamal?
A) Aircraft carrier
B) Stealth frigate
C) Submarine
D) Patrol boat
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: INS Tamal is a stealth frigate, built as part of an Indo-Russian deal, designed to evade radar and enhance naval warfare capabilities.

56. What is a key feature of INS Tamal’s weaponry?
A) Nuclear warheads
B) BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
C) Laser-guided cannons
D) Underwater drones
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: INS Tamal is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which have a range of 300–400 km and operate at near Mach 3 speed.

57. What is the operational range of INS Tamal per mission?
A) 1,000 km
B) 3,000 km
C) 5,000 km
D) 10,000 km
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: INS Tamal has a range of 3,000 km per mission, allowing it to undertake extended naval operations.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: While INS Tamal is a military asset, social workers in coastal or conflict-affected regions can collaborate with naval forces for disaster relief and community safety, ensuring psychosocial support and resource distribution during crises.

Topic 20: Impact of Marine Pollution on Seabirds

58. What is a primary biological impact of plastic ingestion on seabirds?
A) Enhanced reproductive success
B) Disruption of hormonal systems
C) Increased body weight
D) Improved foraging efficiency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plastic ingestion by seabirds disrupts their hormonal systems, posing long-term biological risks beyond physical harm like obstruction or malnutrition.

59. What percentage of marine waste is attributed to plastic pollution?
A) 20%
B) 50%
C) 80%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Plastic pollution accounts for 80% of marine waste, with 8–10 million metric tons entering oceans annually, as per the document.

60. Which international framework aims to combat marine plastic pollution?
A) Paris Climate Agreement
B) Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML)
C) Kyoto Protocol
D) Montreal Protocol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The GPML, established in 2012, is a multi-stakeholder platform to combat plastic pollution globally, supported by the UNEP Source-to-Sea Pollution Unit.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Marine pollution affects coastal communities’ livelihoods and health, a key concern for social workers. They can advocate for policies to reduce plastic pollution, support community clean-up initiatives, and promote education on sustainable waste management.

Topic 21: AI-Enabled Water Atlas

61. What is the primary function of the Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025?
A) To monitor air pollution levels
B) To manage and conserve water reserves using AI
C) To track wildlife populations
D) To analyze urban traffic patterns
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025 is an AI-powered geospatial platform that monitors, manages, and conserves the state’s water reserves.

62. Which data source is integrated into the Water Atlas for real-time insights?
A) Social media analytics
B) Satellite data and GPS surveys
C) Stock market trends
D) Census records
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The platform integrates satellite data, GPS surveys, IMD meteorological inputs, and data from various departments for real-time water management insights.

63. What is a broader application of AI in water management, as mentioned in the document?
A) Developing new crops
B) Detecting arsenic pollution in drinking water
C) Enhancing military surveillance
D) Predicting economic growth
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Researchers from IIT Kharagpur developed an AI-based model for detecting arsenic pollution in drinking water, showcasing AI’s role in water management.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: AI-driven tools like the Water Atlas can enhance water access and quality, critical for health and livelihoods in vulnerable communities. Social workers can advocate for the equitable distribution of such technologies and support community education on water conservation.

Topic 22: US Places India on ‘Priority Watch List’

64. Why was India placed on the US Priority Watch List in the 2025 Special 301 Report?
A) For exceeding intellectual property rights (IPR) standards
B) For shortcomings in IPR protection and enforcement
C) For surpassing US trade agreements
D) For reducing patent applications
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India was placed on the Priority Watch List due to persistent challenges in intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, as per the USTR’s report.

65. What is a potential consequence of being on the Priority Watch List?
A) Increased foreign aid from the US
B) Initiation of trade investigations or sanctions by the USTR
C) Automatic WTO membership
D) Exemption from trade regulations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The USTR may initiate formal trade investigations or impose sanctions if countries on the Priority Watch List fail to improve IP protection.

66. How does India defend its position regarding IPR laws?
A) By rejecting all international treaties
B) By claiming compliance with WTO TRIPS agreement
C) By adopting US patent laws
D) By banning all IP registrations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India maintains that its IP laws align with the WTO TRIPS agreement, countering US concerns about IPR enforcement.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: IPR issues can affect access to affordable medicines and technologies, critical for marginalized populations. Social workers can advocate for balanced IPR policies that prioritize public health and equitable access, supporting vulnerable communities’ rights.

Topic 23: SC Rules Licensed Stamp Vendors as ‘Public Servants’

67. Why did the Supreme Court classify licensed stamp vendors as public servants?
A) They receive government salaries
B) They are remunerated by the government through commissions for public duties
C) They are elected officials
D) They manage private businesses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The SC noted that licensed stamp vendors receive remuneration through commissions or discounts for performing public duties, qualifying them as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

68. Under which act are licensed stamp vendors considered public servants?
A) Indian Penal Code
B) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
C) Right to Information Act, 2005
D) Companies Act, 2013
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The classification is based on Section 2(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which defines public servants as those remunerated by the government for public duties.

69. What is the role of licensed stamp vendors that justifies their public servant status?
A) Managing corporate finances
B) Ensuring access to stamp papers for legal transactions
C) Conducting public health campaigns
D) Overseeing educational institutions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Licensed stamp vendors ensure access to stamp papers, a key element in legal transactions, which is considered a public service, justifying their status.

Key Takeaway for Social Workers: Understanding the classification of public servants under anti-corruption laws is relevant for social workers advocating for transparency and accountability in public services. They can support communities in navigating legal processes involving stamp vendors, ensuring access to justice.