Q 1 . With reference to nine-dash line, consider the following statements:
1 . The nine-dash line is a historical demarcation line on a map used by China to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea.
2 . China asserts a claim to 90% of the South China Sea, primarily based on the historical U-shaped nine-dash line drawn on a map in the 1940s and encompassing several islands, notably the Paracels and Spratlys.
3 . Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS has determined that China’s claim in this region is correct.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(b) Why in news? Several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, have rejected China’s new national map and 9 Dashed Line in the South China Sea. ■ The nine-dash line is a historical demarcation line on a map used by China to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea. ■ China asserts a claim to 90% of the South China Sea, primarily based on the historical U-shaped nine-dash line drawn on a map in the 1940s and encompassing several islands, notably the Paracels and Spratlys. ■ However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) has determined that China’s claim in this region lacks a legal foundation.
Q 2 . Consider the following statements with respect to Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana :
1 . It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020-21.
2 . The scheme is primarily aimed at Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs) and Safai Karamcharis.
3 . The goal of PM-DAKSH is to enhance the competency levels of specific target groups to make them self-employed only.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 & 2
(b) Only 2 & 3
(c) Both 1 & 3
(d) 1 , 2 & 3
(a) Statement 3 is not correct. EXPLANATION : ■ The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020-21 with the goal of enhancing the competency levels of specific target groups to make them employable, whether for self-employment or wage-employment, thereby contributing to their socio-economic development. ■ The scheme is primarily aimed at Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers), and others.
Q 3 . Consider the following statements with respect to Dual-use items :
1 . They are products, technologies, materials, or equipment that can have both civilian and military or non-military applications.
2 . These items are designed or intended primarily for military use but can also be used for civilian purposes.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 & 2
(d) None
(a) Statement 2 is not correct. Why in news? Recently the Director General of Foreign Trade emphasized the government’s commitment to enhanced export control of dual-use items to prevent them from falling into the hands of non-state actors and terrorists. Dual-use items are products, technologies, materials, or equipment that can have both civilian and military or non-military applications. These items are designed or intended primarily for civilian purposes but can also be used for military or other prohibited purposes. Examples: precursor chemicals like sarin gas; Components like centrifuges
Q 4 . Among which of the following MECR (Missile and Dual-Use Export Control Regimes) India is not a member?
(a) Australia Group (AG)
(b) Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
(c) Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
(d) Wassenaar Arrangement
(c) EXPLANATION : MECR (Missile and Dual-Use Export Control Regimes) are voluntary agreements among major supplier countries aimed at preventing the proliferation of certain military and dual-use technologies, particularly those related to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). India is a member of three out of the four MECRs, excluding the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The four MECRs include: 1 . Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for nuclear technology control. 2 . Australia Group (AG) for chemical and biological technology control. 3 . Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for rockets and aerial vehicles related to WMD delivery. 4 . Wassenaar Arrangement for conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
Q 5 . Consider the following statements:
1 . Pluripotent stem cells are tissue-specific and can only generate cells for a particular organ.
2 . Adult stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the adult body.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 & 2
(d) None(d) Why in news? Recently , the Delhi High Court has allowed two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo stem cell therapy for their condition. ■ Stem cells are cells from which all other cells in the body, with specialized functions, are generated. There are two main categories: pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type in the adult body, and adult stem cells, which are tissue-specific and can only generate cells for a particular organ. ■ Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and learning.
