29 August 2024

Q1. With reference to World Drowning Prevention Day, consider the following statements:

1. It is an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 2021.
2. The day aims to raise awareness about drowning as a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
3. The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 was “Seconds can save a life.”

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: World Drowning Prevention Day was indeed established in April 2021 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), not specifically by the WHO. The WHO coordinates the observance, but it is a UN initiative. So, 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The day does aim to raise awareness about drowning, which is a significant global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. So, 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: The theme for 2024 was “Anyone can drown, no one should.” The slogan “Seconds can save a life” was used by WHO but was not the theme. So, 3 is incorrect.

Q2. Consider the following factors contributing to drowning incidents in India:

1. Proximity to water bodies used for daily activities without adequate safety measures.
2. Monsoon-induced floods that are exacerbated by poor drainage systems.
3. Strict enforcement of safety regulations around public water bodies.

Which of the given 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: In India, many people live near water bodies like rivers, ponds, and wells for daily activities, often without safety measures, leading to accidental falls, particularly among children. So, 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: Monsoon-induced floods are indeed exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, posing a significant drowning risk in affected communities. So, 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: There is a lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations around public water bodies, making this statement incorrect. Safety regulations, where they exist, are often poorly enforced, contributing to the risk of drowning. So, 3 is incorrect.

Q3. With reference to hunger strikes as a form of protest, consider the following statements:

1. Hunger strikes have been historically used by individuals and groups to draw attention to social, political, or economic injustices.
2. The use of hunger strikes as a protest method has been universally accepted without ethical or legal objections.
3. Mahatma Gandhi used hunger strikes as a tool for non-violent protest during the Indian independence movement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Hunger strikes have indeed been historically used by individuals and groups to draw attention to various injustices. They are a form of non-violent protest where individuals refuse to eat until their demands are met or their cause is acknowledged. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2: The use of hunger strikes as a protest method has not been universally accepted without objections. While they are recognized as a powerful form of protest, they raise ethical and legal questions, particularly concerning the individual’s right to self-harm versus the state’s duty to protect life. So, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3: Mahatma Gandhi famously used hunger strikes as a tool for non-violent protest during the Indian independence movement, making it an iconic method of civil disobedience. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Q4: Consider the following statements regarding hunger strikes in India:

1. Hunger strikes are legally recognized as a form of protest under the Indian Constitution.
2. The Indian judiciary has intervened in cases of hunger strikes, sometimes ordering forced feeding to protect the life of the protester.
3. Hunger strikes were a significant aspect of the Indian freedom struggle, with leaders like Bhagat Singh using this method to protest against colonial rule.

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: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Hunger strikes are not specifically recognized as a form of protest under the Indian Constitution. However, the right to protest peacefully is protected under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) and Article 19(1)(b) (right to assemble peacefully without arms). Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The Indian judiciary has indeed intervened in cases of hunger strikes. Courts have sometimes ordered forced feeding of protesters, especially when the protest threatens their life, as the state has a duty to preserve life. Thus, Statement 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: Hunger strikes were a significant aspect of the Indian freedom struggle. Leaders like Bhagat Singh used hunger strikes during their imprisonment to protest against the treatment of political prisoners, making Statement 3 correct.

Q5. With reference to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in India, consider the following statements:

1. The PFBR is located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
2. It is India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor, with its operation being authorized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of India.
3. Once operational, India will be the second country globally to have a commercially operating Fast Breeder Reactor.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is indeed located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The authorization for the PFBR’s operation was granted by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), not the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Statement 3: Correct. Once operational, the PFBR will make India the second country globally to have a commercially operating Fast Breeder Reactor, following Russia.