Test: Weekly Current Affairs: April 8th to 14th - CUET Commerce MCQ

The Supreme Court of India ruled that governors must act on state bills in a timely manner and must follow the aid and advice of the council of ministers as per Article 200 of the Indian Constitution. This clarification emphasizes that governors do not hold the discretion to delay actions on bills indefinitely; instead, they are required to adhere to established timelines and protocols. An interesting fact is that this ruling strengthens the accountability of the governor's office, ensuring that the legislative process in states is not hampered by unnecessary delays.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Governor's action to refer re-enacted Bills to the President was erroneous in law, highlighting that there is no provision for an absolute veto or pocket veto under Article 200 of the Constitution. This ruling reinforces the idea that the Governor's role is to act within constitutional parameters, ensuring that the legislative process is not unduly obstructed. An interesting additional fact is that this judgment sets a significant precedent for similar situations in other Indian states, potentially affecting how Governors interact with state legislatures across the country.

A Governor has the authority to either grant assent, thereby allowing the bill to become law, withhold assent, or return the bill to the State Legislature for further review. This process ensures that the Governor can either support the legislation, request changes, or highlight concerns before it becomes law. It's important to note that the ability to withhold assent is a critical check on legislative power, allowing for careful consideration of laws affecting the state. Additionally, in certain circumstances, the Governor can reserve a bill for the President's consideration, particularly if the bill has national significance.

A significant concern regarding Governors in India is their perceived partiality towards the ruling party at the Centre. This perception arises from instances where Governors have intervened in state politics, leading to the dismissal of elected governments, as seen in Arunachal Pradesh in 2016. Such actions can undermine the trust in their role as neutral arbiters in state governance. An interesting fact is that the Supreme Court has intervened in some cases to restore the balance of power, highlighting the judiciary's role in maintaining democratic integrity.

The proposed measure to enhance the accountability of Governors is the creation of a state-level impeachment process. This would allow for a more localized and direct method of holding Governors accountable for their actions, rather than relying solely on the President's authority to remove them. Such a process could lead to increased transparency and responsibility in governance, as it empowers the state legislature to intervene when necessary. An interesting fact is that impeachment processes are common in various democracies, allowing elected officials to be removed from office for misconduct or violation of duties.

The United States has granted Holtec International the approval to transfer Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to three private Indian entities for peaceful civilian use. This significant decision is part of enhancing international nuclear cooperation, allowing Holtec to design and construct nuclear reactors in India under strict adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. This initiative not only revives the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Deal but also promotes private sector involvement in India's nuclear energy sector, aiming to foster local manufacturing and innovation in nuclear technology. An interesting fact is that SMRs are particularly advantageous because they require refueling less often than traditional reactors, enhancing their operational efficiency.

The concern for India regarding the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka revolves around strategic encirclement, primarily due to China's Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative involves significant infrastructure investments in Sri Lanka, which India perceives as a potential threat to its regional influence and security. The presence of Chinese investments and projects could limit India's strategic options in the Indian Ocean region, highlighting the geopolitical competition between the two nations. An interesting fact is that the Indian Ocean is increasingly viewed as a critical area for global trade, making the dynamics between regional powers like India and China particularly significant.

Encouraging Indian investments in Sri Lanka's IT sector is likely to enhance economic integration. This is because such investments can foster collaboration, create job opportunities, and stimulate growth in both economies. By integrating technologically, both nations can benefit from shared innovations and advancements, leading to a stronger bilateral relationship. An interesting fact is that the IT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, making it a vital area for international partnerships.

The shift from globalism to regionalism is primarily driven by ongoing global conflicts and institutional paralysis, which have eroded trust in multilateral governance. Events such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza crisis have exposed the limitations of existing global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council, which often experiences deadlocks due to the rivalries among great powers. As nations face these challenges, they are increasingly turning towards regional partnerships that can offer more effective and focused cooperation, reflecting a pragmatic approach to international relations. Interestingly, this trend also highlights a growing desire for nations to enhance their sovereignty and prioritize national interests in an interconnected yet tumultuous world.

India plays a significant role in enhancing regional connectivity through initiatives aimed at improving cross-border infrastructure and trade corridors. For example, the BBIN initiative, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, aims to facilitate trade and economic growth among these nations. This connectivity not only boosts economic collaboration but also strengthens diplomatic ties, highlighting India's pivotal position in South Asia's economic landscape. An interesting fact is that initiatives like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project also aim to improve access to India's northeastern states, showcasing the importance of infrastructure in regional integration.

The perception of hegemony refers to the view that India's dominance in the region is overbearing, which can lead to mistrust among smaller nations. This mistrust can hinder collaboration and cooperation, making it difficult for India to effectively lead regional integration efforts. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, as it highlights the importance of building trust and fostering mutual respect among nations for successful regional cooperation. Interestingly, regional organizations often face similar challenges, wherein larger member states can inadvertently create friction with smaller ones if not managed carefully.

In 2023, India recorded 19,000 maternal deaths, which represented 7.2% of global maternal mortality. This statistic is significant as it highlights India's position as the second-largest contributor to global maternal deaths after Nigeria. Understanding these figures is crucial for addressing maternal health challenges in India and implementing effective healthcare policies. Interestingly, while India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has seen a substantial decrease over the years, regional disparities still exist, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in maternal healthcare across different states.

The concern regarding India's maternal mortality rate lies in the fact that, despite a reported MMR of 80 per 100,000 live births, the absolute number of maternal deaths is still significantly high. This indicates that while the rate may be low in relative terms, the total number of deaths is substantial, contributing notably to global maternal mortality figures. An interesting fact is that maternal mortality can be influenced by various factors, including healthcare access, education, and socioeconomic status, which can vary greatly between different regions within a country.

The significant challenge in accessing skilled birth care in rural areas is the lack of access to skilled birth attendants. This shortage can lead to serious complications during childbirth, contributing to maternal mortality. In many underserved regions, even with initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, the presence of qualified professionals remains insufficient. It’s important to recognize that skilled birth attendance is crucial for reducing complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and infections, which are prevalent in these areas. Interesting fact: In countries where skilled birth attendance is prioritized, maternal mortality rates have significantly decreased, demonstrating the impact of professional care during childbirth.

One significant reason for India's high maternal mortality rate is the insufficient healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) are crucial for providing quality maternal care, yet many rural areas still lack sufficient access to these facilities. This gap in healthcare access means that expectant mothers may not receive the necessary support and medical attention required during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to higher mortality rates. Improving primary healthcare is essential for addressing these disparities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 target of reducing maternal mortality. An interesting fact is that countries with robust primary healthcare systems have seen significant reductions in maternal mortality rates, demonstrating the importance of accessible healthcare services.

The principle of Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, promotes minimalism and sustainable living. This teaching encourages individuals to live simply and reduce their consumption of resources, which is crucial in addressing environmental challenges today. By advocating for a lifestyle that values contentment over accumulation, Mahavira's teachings resonate with modern movements aimed at sustainability and responsible consumption, such as the Mission LiFE initiative. An interesting fact is that this principle has gained traction in various global sustainability campaigns, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discussions on environmental ethics and consumer behavior.

A full-scale trade war can lead to recession risks because major economies, such as the US and China, account for a significant portion of global GDP. If both economies experience a slowdown simultaneously, it can result in a considerable negative impact on global economic growth. This interconnectedness highlights how trade policies and economic health in one country can ripple across the world, affecting various industries and markets. An interesting fact is that even small tariffs can lead to larger economic shifts due to the complex networks of global supply chains that many industries depend on.

Approximately 70% of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India are sourced from China. This heavy reliance poses significant risks, especially during times of geopolitical tension or disruptions in trade, as any increase in tariffs or shipping delays can lead to substantial price hikes and shortages in the pharmaceutical sector. Interestingly, India is one of the largest producers of generic drugs, which underscores the critical importance of a stable supply chain for its healthcare system and global pharmaceutical markets.

The revival of the WTO's Appellate Body aims to facilitate South-South trade corridors, which can help reduce overdependence on dominant trade axes like that of the US and China. By mediating tariff disputes, the WTO can support developing countries in establishing stronger trade relationships among themselves. This strategy not only aims to enhance trade resilience but also fosters economic cooperation among nations in the Global South. An interesting fact is that South-South trade has been increasing in recent years, reflecting a shift towards more diversified trading partnerships globally.

India's decision to terminate the transshipment facility was significantly influenced by rising air freight costs and strategic concerns regarding China's growing presence in the region. The facility, established in 2020, allowed Bangladeshi exports to be routed through Indian ports, but as Bangladesh deepened its ties with China, concerns arose about the geopolitical implications for India, particularly regarding the Northeast region's security. This move reflects India's broader strategy to safeguard its economic interests and manage regional dynamics effectively. Interestingly, the Northeast region of India is often referred to as the "Seven Sisters" due to its unique cultural and geographical characteristics, which are crucial of India's border security and trade relationships.

The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for males in urban areas increased from 74.3% to 75.6%. This indicates a growing engagement of males in the urban labor market, which is a positive sign of economic activity and employment opportunities. An interesting fact about LFPR is that it reflects not only the number of people working but also those actively seeking work, thereby providing insights into the health of the labor market. Changes in LFPR can influence policy-making and economic planning at the governmental level.

The female labor force participation rate in India is notably lower than that of males, which indicates a gender gap in employment opportunities. This disparity is particularly concerning given that a small percentage of employed women over the age of 25 hold advanced degrees, suggesting that there is an underutilization of educated women in the workforce. This issue points to broader societal challenges that affect women's participation in the economy and highlights the need for policies that encourage greater inclusion of women in the labor market. Interestingly, countries with higher female participation rates often report stronger economic growth and productivity levels.

The recommended strategy to bridge the skill-industry mismatch is to promote outcome-based skilling through partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and private sectors. This approach aims to align educational outcomes with industry needs, particularly in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics. By doing so, it ensures that the workforce is adequately prepared for the demands of the modern job market, enhancing employability and productivity. Interestingly, industry partnerships not only help in skill development but also in creating relevant job opportunities that match the skills taught.

Establishing local data centers in India offers numerous benefits, one of which is enhancing national security and supporting the development of artificial intelligence (AI). By housing data locally, organizations can ensure better control over sensitive information, promoting data sovereignty. This is particularly important as AI technologies often require large datasets to function effectively, and having data centers closer to the source of data can reduce latency, improve processing times, and enhance overall performance. Additionally, local data centers can help comply with regulations such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, ensuring that sensitive data remains within the country's borders.

The recent study indicates that the Olive Ridley turtles found in the Indian Ocean are among the oldest turtle populations in the world, having diverged from their Atlantic and Pacific counterparts around 300,000 to 400,000 years ago. This challenges the previous belief that Central American Olive Ridley turtles were the oldest due to the historical formation of the Isthmus of Panama. An interesting fact about Olive Ridley turtles is their unique nesting behavior known as "arribada," where thousands of females nest simultaneously on the beaches, significantly increasing the chances of survival for their offspring against predators.