Q1. With reference to India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, consider the following statements:
- The policy emphasizes enhancing physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity with countries in South Asia.
- Afghanistan is included as one of the primary focus countries under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
- The policy was initiated as a response to China’s growing influence in the region.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Only one
Only two
All three
None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. India’s Neighbourhood First Policy focuses on strengthening regional connectivity in multiple dimensions, including physical, digital, and people-to-people links.
- Statement 2: Correct. Afghanistan is considered a part of India’s immediate neighbourhood and is included in the Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. The Neighbourhood First Policy was officially articulated in 2008, primarily to enhance regional cooperation. While China’s influence in the region is a concern, the policy itself was not initiated specifically in response to China’s actions but as a broader strategic initiative.
Q2. Consider the following countries:
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Seychelles
- Iran
Which of the above countries received the highest allocation of development aid from India in the Union Budget 2024-25?
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 4 only
1, 2, and 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Bhutan: Received the highest allocation of Rs 2,068.56 crore in development aid from India in the Union Budget 2024-25.
- Maldives: Received Rs 400 crore, which is lower than the amount allocated to Bhutan.
- Seychelles: Received Rs 40 crore, significantly lower than Bhutan’s allocation.
- Iran: The Chabahar Port Project in Iran received Rs 100 crore, which is also lower than the amount allocated to Bhutan.
- Therefore, only Bhutan received the highest allocation among the listed countries.
Q3. With reference to the global efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, consider the following statements:
- The UNAIDS 2024 report highlights that the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is still achievable.
- Sub-Saharan Africa has seen an increase in new HIV infections despite global efforts.
- The majority of new HIV infections in 2023 occurred outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2024 emphasizes that the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is indeed achievable, provided there is a focus on addressing inequalities and improving access to treatment and prevention services.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The report states that sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed a significant decrease in new HIV infections, with a 56% decline since 2010. Therefore, 2 is incorrect.
- Statement 3: Correct. For the first time, more new HIV infections were recorded outside of sub-Saharan Africa than within it in 2023, highlighting the shifting epidemiology of the disease.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding HIV prevention and treatment:
- Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive treatment available for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
- Approximately 9.3 million people living with HIV are not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally.
- ART, when taken consistently, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission but cannot completely suppress the viral load.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. PrEP is indeed a preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of HIV infection, and when taken consistently, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
- Statement 2: Correct. The UNAIDS 2024 report notes that around 9.3 million people living with HIV are not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), highlighting a critical gap in treatment access.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. ART, when taken consistently, can achieve viral suppression, meaning the viral load can become undetectable. This significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to effectively zero, contrary to the statement. Therefore, 3 is incorrect.
Q5. With reference to Afghanistan’s opium production, consider the following statements:
- Despite the Taliban’s ban on poppy cultivation, Afghanistan still retains significant stockpiles of opium.
- The production of methamphetamine in Afghanistan has declined significantly since the Taliban’s ban on poppy cultivation.
- The Haqqani Network is reported to profit from drug trafficking in Afghanistan.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Despite the Taliban’s April 2022 ban on poppy cultivation, significant stockpiles of opium remain in Afghanistan, as highlighted in the UNSC report.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The production of methamphetamine has surged in Afghanistan, with key production hubs identified in several provinces.
- Statement 3: Correct. The Haqqani Network, along with senior Taliban figures, continues to profit from drug trafficking in the region.
