Current Affairs: UPSC Previous Year Questions (International Relations and Current Affairs)

Explanation

BEPS refers to tax strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to shift profits from high-tax to low-tax jurisdictions, exploiting gaps in international tax laws. This results in significant revenue losses for governments and an unfair competitive advantage for tax-avoiding corporations. Mechanisms: MNEs achieve BEPS through manipulating transfer pricing, shifting intangible assets, and using tax havens. For instance, a company may attribute profits to subsidiaries in tax havens despite economic activity occurring elsewhere. Impact: BEPS leads to government revenue loss, weakened public services, business inequality, and reduced trust in tax systems. International Efforts: The OECD and G20 launched the BEPS Project, introducing measures to close tax loopholes, prevent treaty abuse, and enhance transparency. BEPS Action Plan: The OECD/G20 15-Point Action Plan addresses key issues like transfer pricing, tax treaty abuse, and digital economy taxation. Many nations are integrating these recommendations to ensure fair taxation of multinational corporations.

Explanation

Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) is an experimental electric aircraft developed and tested by NASA. It’s notable for its unique design and capabilities. Its most distinctive feature is its unique design, which incorporates ten electric motors distributed along its wings and tail. This distributed propulsion system enables the GL-10 to perform both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and efficient horizontal flight. The aircraft’s ability to transition between these two modes of flight makes it highly versatile and potentially suitable for a variety of applications. The GL-10’s unique combination of VTOL capabilities and efficient horizontal flight makes it potentially useful for a variety of applications. These could include cargo delivery, aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, and even personal air transportation. The aircraft’s ability to operate without runways also opens up possibilities for its use in remote areas or disaster relief efforts. While the GL-10 is still an experimental aircraft, it represents an important step in the development of electric VTOL technology with potential for future applications in aviation.

Explanation

INS Astradharini, commissioned on October 6, 2015, is an indigenously designed torpedo launch and recovery vessel of the Indian Navy. It supports underwater weapon research by conducting technical trials for torpedoes and underwater systems. Features a catamaran hull for stability and maneuverability in rough seas. 50m long, speeds up to 15 knots, with advanced navigation and communication systems. Replaced INS Astravahini, serving under the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Operated by 2 officers, 27 sailors, and can accommodate 13 DRDO scientists for trials. Its role is critical in testing, evaluating, and refining India’s naval weaponry.

Explanation

Musa indandamanensis, a newly discovered banana species, was found in the tropical rainforests of Little Andaman Island by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). Grows up to 11 meters, much taller than cultivated varieties. Distinct orange color of pulp, suggesting unique pigments and possible nutritional differences. Exceptionally long inflorescence over 4 meters. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, making it vulnerable to habitat loss. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique species and the region’s biodiversity.

Explanation

Net metering allows consumers with renewable energy systems (like rooftop solar) to connect to the utility grid, send excess electricity back, and receive credit to offset future consumption, reducing electricity bills. Uses a net meter to track both electricity consumed and fed into the grid. Consumers may receive bill credits or payments for surplus energy, depending on regulations. Encourages renewable energy adoption, reduces reliance on centralized power, and promotes sustainability. Challenges include metering infrastructure, fair billing mechanisms, and grid integration, requiring coordinated efforts for effective implementation.

Explanation

Project Loon, launched by Google in 2013 and later an Alphabet subsidiary, aimed to provide internet access to remote areas using high-altitude balloons. These helium-filled balloons operated at 20 km (12 mi) in the stratosphere, relaying signals via a solar-powered mesh network. Google used wind-da-ta algorithms to navigate them for consistent coverage. Despite successful deployments, including disaster relief in Puerto Rico (2017) and Kenya (2020), Alphabet shut down Project Loon in January 2021 due to high costs and scalability challenges. Its innovations contributed to advancements in stratospheric balloon technology and wireless communication.

Explanation

Mission Indradhanush, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, on December 25, 2014, aims to increase full immunization coverage for children under two years and pregnant women. It targets vaccine-preventable diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis B. The program uses micro-planning to identify low-coverage areas and conducts special immunization drives. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) was introduced in 2017 to accelerate coverage. The initiative has significantly improved immunization rates, contributing to reduced child mortality and better public health outcomes in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. A scheme by the Ministry of Finance launched on 5 April 2016 to support entrepreneurship among women and SC & ST communities by facilitating loans ranging from 10 lakh to 1 crore for at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch. For non-individual enterprises, a minimum 51% shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.

Statement 2 is correct: It provides for refinancing through SIDBI. The Stand-Up India scheme leverages the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) as a key mechanism for refinancing loans provided under the scheme. SIDBI plays a crucial role in providing refinance support to lending institutions, such as banks, that offer loans to eligible SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. This refinancing arrangement helps to ensure that lending institutions have access to adequate funds to support entrepreneurs under the Stand-Up India scheme. SIDBI’s involvement is essential for the scheme’s financial sustainability and effective implementation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) does not stipulate a uniform premium of two percent for all crops and seasons. The premium rates under the PMFBY are calculated based on the risk associated with each specific crop and region. Factors considered include the type of crop, the season in which it is grown, the historical yield data for the area, and the probability of various natural calamities. Therefore, farmers pay varying premium rates depending on these factors, and the two percent figure is not a universal premium. The premium subsidy is shared between the Central and State governments. As per provisions of PMFBY guidelines, the premium share of the farmer is capped at 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi Crops and 5% for commercial/Horticultural crops

Statement 2 is correct: The PMFBY provides comprehensive coverage against crop losses, including losses incurred during the post-harvest period. Specifically, it covers losses arising from specific perils such as cyclones, unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and other natural calamities. This coverage for post-harvest losses is a crucial component of the PMFBY, as it recognizes that farmers can suffer significant losses even after the crop has been harvested, due to factors beyond their control. This post-harvest coverage provides a vital safety net for farmers against such risks.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrect: The Kurdish people are a distinct ethnic group primarily inhabiting a region spanning parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria and not Bangladesh. They are the largest stateless nation in the world. While there are Kurdish diaspora communities in various countries, their historical and primary presence is not associated with Bangladesh. The Kurdish population has faced various challenges, including political persecution and struggles for autonomy, primarily within the aforementioned countries in the Middle East.

Pair 2 is correct: Madhesi: Nepal The Madhesi people are an ethnic group residing predominantly in the southern plains of Nepal, also known as the Terai region. They have distinct cultural and linguistic identities, and their presence is a significant demographic factor in Nepal. The Madhesi community has of-ten played a crucial role in Nepali politics and has advocated for greater representation and rights. Their concerns have included issues related to citizenship, language, and representation in government.

Pair 3 is correct: Rohingya: Myanmar The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group who primarily reside in Rakhine State in Myanmar. They have faced long-standing discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, leading to their classification as a stateless people. In recent years, large-scale violence and displacement have forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar, primarily to neighboring Bangladesh, creating a significant humanitarian crisis. The Rohingya issue is a complex and ongoing human rights concern with international implications.