Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: In a village in Bengal, a unique tradition of creating Durga traces its origins to Odisha’s Patachitra paintings.

Background:-

• The ‘pat er Durga’, where the Goddess Durga is created on cloth instead of the more conventional clay, traces its origins to Odisha’s Patachitra paintings.

About Patachitra paintings:-

• Pattachitra art is one of the oldest forms of art from Pattachitra – giving the art form its name.
• Pattachitra paintings come from Orissa in the 5th century.
• The earliest records of Pattachitra art come from the village of Puri.
• Pattachitra art is still popular in this region today.  (Madhubani painting)
• The craftsmen behind this art form are known as ‘Maharanas’ and ‘Mohapatras’.
• Puri was originally established by King Narasingha Deva 1 of the 13th-century Eastern Ganga dynasty. (Mural Art)
• The artists who live in this village trace their origins back to the Savar tribe.
• Pattachitra paintings originally emerged of three deities (Jagannath and his brother and sister).
• It was a means for devotees to worship them when the idols were kept away for the 15 days following the bathing.
• This style of art was originally known as ‘Anasar Patti’ in honour of the 15 days of seclusion before becoming known as Pattachitra.
• The word ‘pattachitra’ means cloth painting and comes from the two words ‘pata’ and ‘chitra’.
• This type of art form is known as scroll painting and was typically carried out on cloth.
• This art style was used to depict images of Hindu mythological stories and fascinating characters.
• It has distinctive bold colours and Italian craftsmanship.
• These paintings incorporate Indian customs, rituals, and values in a unique and beautiful way that celebrates the Hindu faith and religion.
• This traditional art has evolved to appear in clothing and accessories, becoming living art that you can incorporate into your everyday life.

MUST READ: Ancient rock paintings

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (2020)

1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Q.2) The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings (2017)

1. Ajanta
2. Badami
3. Bagh
4. Ellora

Syllabus

• Prelims –SPACE

Context: After an initial hiccup recently, the ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission safety test flight was successfully tested.

About Gaganyaan:-

• Planned Launch:2023.
• Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Country: INDIA.
• Rocket: GSLV Mk-III.
  • GSLV Mk-III: it is also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,) the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle.
• Gaganyaan is India’s 1st Human spaceflight programme to be launched by 2023.
• It envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

Timeline so far:-

• It includes two unmanned flights which were to be launched in December 2020 and July 2021 and one human space flight to be launched in December 2021.
• However, due to COVID-19 Pandemic it got delayed.

The Mission specifications:-

• The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts.
• It will include a
• It will circle Earth at a low-earth orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from Earth for 5-7 days.
• The payload will consist of:-
  • Crew module – spacecraft carrying human beings.
  • Service module – powered by two liquid propellant engines.
  • The crew members will be selected by the IAF and ISR.
  • Crew will perform micro-gravity and other scientific experiments for a week.
• Training in Russia:
  • In June 2019, the Human Space Flight Centre of the ISRO and the Russian government-owned Glavkosmos signed a contract for the training, which includes Russian support in the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space training.

Significance:-

• It will make India the 4th country to send a manned mission after Russia, the USA and China.
• Employment generation.
• Technological advancement.

 MUST READ: India – USA space cooperation

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• Prelims – science and technology

Context: Recently the impact of Ajinomoto on the human body was explored.

Background:-

• Ajinomoto is widely used in processed foods, restaurant cuisine, and fast-food items

About Ajinomoto:-

• Ajinomoto is a brand name for monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common food additive used to enhance the flavour of foods.
• MSG is a flavour enhancer that adds an umami taste to food, which is often described as a savoury, meaty, or brothy flavour.
• It is rich in sodium, a component of salt.
• Ajinomoto itself offers no nutritional value.
• It is primarily used to enhance the umami or savoury taste of foods.
• It can make dishes taste more flavourful and appealing, which is why it’s commonly used in many cuisines.
• It is widely used in processed foods, restaurant cuisine, and fast-food items.

Potential impacts:-

• Some individuals claim to experience symptoms like headaches, sweating, and chest pain after consuming foods containing MSG. (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
• Some individuals may be sensitive to high doses of MSG or have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to its effects.

MUST READ: Lead Poisoning in India

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (2021)

1. Low-density polyethylene
2. Polycarbonate
3. Polyethylene terephthalate
4. Polyvinyl Chloride

Q.2)“Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (2021)

1. Food preservatives
2. Fruit ripening substances
3. reused plastic containers
4. Toiletries

Syllabus

• Prelims –Defense

Context: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently, delivered INS Imphal to the Indian Navy.

About INS Imphal:-

• It is the third ship of the Project 15B Class of stealth-guided missile destroyers.
  • The first ship of P15B Class, INS Visakhapatnam, was commissioned on November 21, 2021.
  • The second ship INS Mormugao was commissioned on December 18, 2022.
  • The fourth, INS Surat, was launched on May 17, 2022.
• Imphal was the first naval warship commissioned with accommodation for women officers and sailors.
• It can accommodate a crew of 312 persons.
• It has an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles.
• It can carry out a 42-day mission with extended mission time in an out-of-area operation.
• The ship is equipped with two helicopters onboard to further extend its reach.
• The ship was constructed using indigenous steel “DMR 249A”.
• It is among the largest destroyers built in India, with an overall length of 164 metres and a displacement of over 7,500 tonnes.
• It is a potent platform capable of undertaking a variety of tasks and missions, spanning the full spectrum of maritime warfare.
• It is armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface Brahmos missiles and Barak-8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles.
• The destroyer is fitted with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, prominently the hull-mounted Sonar Humsa NG, heavyweight torpedo tube launchers, and ASW rocket launchers.
• It is more versatile than previous Classes of destroyers and frigates in the naval inventory.
• Its all-round capability against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft would enable it to operate independently without supporting vessels.
• The ship is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), consisting of four reversible gas turbines, which enables her to achieve a speed of over 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph).
• The ship boasts of a very high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks such as Gigabyte Ethernet-based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

MUST READ: International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

Context: The recommended dose of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cannabis was slashed in the UK recently, over safety concerns.

Background:-

• CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana).
• CBD’s effects have been tested on a range of ailments, from schizophrenia to anxiety, with mixed results.
• CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status has been in flux.
• All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction.
• In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials.
• It isn’t regulated by the UK’s drugs regulator but by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
• In 2020, the FSA recommended that daily consumption of CBD should not exceed 70mg.
• Now, the FSA and Food Standards Scotland have reduced this limit to 10mg – roughly four drops of 5% CBD oil.

About Cannabis:-

• According to the WHO, cannabis is a generic term used to denote the several psychoactive preparations of the plant Cannabis sativa. (UN Decides Cannabis Not A Dangerous Narcotic)
• Cannabis, weed, pot, and marijuana all refer to the same group of plants known for their relaxing and calming effects.
• Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components, which are known as cannabinoids.

Medical uses:-

• The most common uses for medical cannabis are in severe or long-term pain, due to:-
• Chemotherapy (cancer treatments)
• Painful muscle spasms.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer-related pain
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS-related weight loss or nausea/vomiting
• Huntington’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle spasms
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s disease

Short-term effects of cannabis:-

• relaxation
• giddiness
• experiencing things around you, such as sights and sounds, more intensely
• increased appetite
• altered perception of time and events
• focus and creativity

Side effects:-

• coordination issues
• delayed reaction time
• nausea
• lethargy
• anxiety
• increased heart rate
• decreased blood pressure
• paranoia

Long-term effects of cannabis:-

• Brain development: According to some research, people who start using cannabis in their teens may have more memory and learning problems than those who don’t use cannabis in their teens.
• Dependence: Some people can also become dependent on cannabis or even experience withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis, such as irritability, low appetite, and mood swings.
• Respiratory problems: Smoking cannabis carries similar risks to smoking tobacco.

Legal Regulations in India:-

• Under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of cannabis is a punishable offence. (Status of Cannabis)
• The Act was enacted in 1985 which succeeded the Dangerous Drugs Act 1930.
• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is vested with the power to charge individuals in cases related to the illegal use and supply of narcotics.
• The NDPS Act defines:-
  • Ganja: flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant but it clearly excludes the seeds and leaves.
  • Charas: the separated resin extracted from the cannabis plant.
• The Act illegalises any mixture with or without any neutral material, of any of the two forms of cannabis, charas and ganja, or any drink prepared from it.
• The legislature left seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant out of the ambit of the Act because the serrated leaves of the plant have negligible tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
• ‘Bhang’, which is a paste made out of the leaves of the cannabis plant is hence not outlawed.
• Similarly, CBD oil, an acronym for cannabidiol derived from the leaves of the cannabis plant, would not come under the NDPS Act.
• The NDPS Act does not permit the recreational use of cannabis in India.

 MUST READ: Drug Addiction

SOURCE: SCIENCE DIRECT

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following trees: (2023)

1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus.)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties.
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Scientists recently, tested the fish after water release from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Background:-

• A team of international scientists collected fish samples from a port town near Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, seeking to assess the impact of the plant’s recent release of treated radioactive water into the sea.

About the Fukushima nuclear plant tragedy:-

• Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant meltdown: (Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant)
  • Nuclear power plant: a type of power plant that uses the process of nuclear fission in order to generate electricity.
  • Nuclear fission: atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, releasing energy.
• Location: Japan. (India – Japan Relations)
• Causes: a massive earthquake and tsunami.
• Impact: It released large amounts of radioactive materials into the environment.
• Causalities: No deaths were initially attributed to the incident.
  • Although around 18,000 people lost their lives as a result of the earthquake and tsunami. ( Early Tsunami Warning System in India)

Development after tragedy:-

• Since then, Japan has been storing the cooling water for nuclear fuel, and rain and groundwater seeping through the damaged reactor buildings in large tanks on site.
• The water is treated using a filtering system called Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS).
  • ALPS: a filtering system that removes most of the radioactive elements except for tritium.
  • Tritium: a hydrogen isotope that is difficult to separate.

 MUST READ: India’s Nuclear Energy

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements : (2023)

1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in a water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
2. Monazite contains thorium.
3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 1, 2 and 4 only
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: The Ministry of Defence recently, notified that the Navy will host the ‘Exercise Milan’ series of exercises in February 2024.

Background:-

• It is likely to witness the largest-ever participation with invites having been extended to 50 countries.

About Exercise Milan:-

• Started: 1995.
• Venue: Visakhapatnam.
• Date: 19 and 27 February 2024.
• Hosted by: Indian Navy.
• Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise.
• It was incepted by the Indian Navy.
• MILAN 22 was conducted at/ off Visakhapatnam from February 25 Feb – 04 Mar 2022.
  • It witnessed participation from 39 countries.
• The harbour phase of MILAN 24 will comprise an International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavlamban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, and Milan of Young Officers.
• Warships, maritime patrol aircraft and submarines of friendly foreign countries will participate in the sea phase along with Indian Navy units.
• The drill will involve large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare operations.

 MUST READ: India’s growing defence diplomacy footprint

SOURCE: THE TRIBUNE

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following countries: (2022)

1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Uzbekistan
5. Turkmenistan

Which of the above has borders with Afghanistan?

1. 1, 2 and 5 only
2. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 3, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Syllabus

•  GS-III

ABOUT THE INTERLINKING RIVERS

• Inter Linking of Rivers refers to inter-basin water transfers between 2 or more rivers through human interventions on natural systems.
• India’s National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has suggested the interlinking of rivers of the country.
• The interlinking of rivers has two components: the Himalayan and the Peninsular. All interlinking schemes are aimed at transferring of water from one river system to another or by lifting across natural basins.
• Because of Large variation in rainfall and subsequent availability of water resources in space and time, floods and drought coexist in our country in same time and space. ( Kerala, T.N and South Karnataka is facing drought while Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam reeling under floods)
• The project is aimed at addressing droughts and floods.

CONCERNS WITH INTERLINKING RIVERS

Ecological Concerns

• Water scientists and Environmentalists have remarked that the water flowing into the sea is not waste. It is a crucial link in the water cycle. With the link broken, the ecological balance of land and oceans, freshwater and sea water, also gets disrupted
• It is feared that diversion of water from the Brahmaputra and the Ganges, which provide 85% of the country’s fresh water flow in the dry season, would result into an ecological disaster.

Economic Concerns

• As this project is of massive estimated cost, a long term planning and a sound financial simulation are required to meet the standard for such proposals The huge expenditure of the project and the maintenance costs associated with the dams, canals, tunnels, and captive electric power generation will involve huge financial burdens.
• This may generate fiscal problems that are difficult to handle.
• This certainly requires financial assistance from the private sector as well as global capital agencies.
• Mobilization of global capital may ultimately entail the risk of destroying social welfare measures.

Environmental concerns

• It will result in massive diversion of forest areas and submergence of land leading to deforestation and soil- erosion.
• For example The Ken-Betwa link project puts in danger over 4,100 hectares of forest land or 8% of the Panna National Park.
• There will be destruction of rivers, aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, fisheries and groundwater recharge.
• Possible downstream impacts, salinity ingress, pollution concentration, and increased methane emission from reservoirs are other adverse repercussions.
• It could most likely create trigger points of natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes etc. as seen in case of Koyna dam and Tehri dam.

Social Concerns

• Reconstruction and rehabilitation due to displacement is not an easy task as seen before.
• The construction of reservoirs and river linking canals in the peninsular component alone expect to displace more than 5, 83,000 people and submerge large areas of forest, agriculture and non-agriculture land.
• It is likely to create social unrest/psychological damage and cultural alienation due to forced resettlement of local indigenous tribal community.

Political issue

• Water being a state subject, the Interlinking plan further complicates existing water sharing and management problems between the riparian states.
• Some of the Interlinking Rivers schemes have international implications, which may create strained relationship with neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

CONCLUSION

While river interlinking projects in India aim to address water-related challenges, they come with a range of environmental, social, political, and economic concerns. A comprehensive and transparent assessment of the potential benefits and risks is necessary before proceeding with such large-scale projects. It is essential to involve all stakeholders, including affected communities, in the decision-making process to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that the projects are implemented with sustainability and long-term considerations in mind.

Syllabus

•   GS-II

The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation convened in Beijing, China. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive and ambitious infrastructure development and economic integration project launched by the People’s Republic of China in 2013. The initiative is aimed at improving connectivity and cooperation between countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, as well as promoting economic growth and development.

The BRI encompasses two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The “Belt” refers to the overland routes connecting China to Europe through Central Asia, the Middle East, and Russia. The “Road” pertains to the maritime routes connecting China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BRI

• Establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): China has established the AIIB with a substantial $100 billion, challenging existing lending institutions and enabling early gains from the BRI.
• Global Branding for Xi Jinping: The BRI has provided President Xi Jinping with a platform to establish himself as a global statesman and project China’s power and influence overseas. It has been incorporated into China’s domestic political framework.
• BRI Cooperation Pacts: Over 200 BRI cooperation pacts have been signed with more than 150 nations, demonstrating the initiative’s global reach and influence.
• Addressing the Global Infrastructure Deficit: The BRI aims to bridge the global infrastructure deficit, including access to electricity, clean water, and broadband, with projects ranging from motorways to digital infrastructure.

CHALLENGES OF THE BRI

• Ecological Damage: The large-scale infrastructure development associated with the BRI can have adverse environmental consequences. Projects, such as dam construction and transport infrastructure, can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. Ensuring that BRI projects meet international environmental standards is crucial.
• Debt Sustainability: One of the most prominent concerns is the potential for participating countries to accumulate unsustainable levels of debt due to BRI projects. China’s financing often comes in the form of loans, which can be difficult for some countries to repay. High debt burdens can compromise a country’s economic stability and sovereignty.

• Geopolitical Concerns: Critics argue that the BRI can be used to extend China’s influence and soft power in participating countries. It is perceived by some as a means for China to exert its economic and political influence in regions where it is expanding its presence.
• Security Risks: The development of critical infrastructure, such as ports and telecommunications networks, could pose security risks for host countries. There are concerns that these projects may be used for espionage, or that China could gain undue influence over a host nation’s strategic assets.
• Social and Labor Concerns: The influx of Chinese workers for BRI projects can displace local labor and create social tensions. Ensuring that BRI projects benefit local communities, provide employment opportunities, and adhere to labor standards is crucial.
• Unequal Benefits: In cases like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there are perceptions that the BRI disproportionately benefits China, raising questions about the initiative’s win-win cooperation tagline.

CONCLUSION

As the BRI nears its second decade, it faces pivotal choices. Despite notable global infrastructure achievements, sustainability, fairness, and environmental issues pose challenges. Emerging global alternatives signal diverse visions for international cooperation, shaping the BRI’s future based on China’s ability to address these challenges and adapt to evolving global dynamics.

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

INS Imphal Imphal was the first naval warship commissioned with accommodation for women officers and sailors.

Statement-II:

It undertook its first sea sortie on April 28, 2022.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) With reference to the Ajinomoto, consider the following statements:

1. It is rich in sodium, a component of salt.
2. Ajinomoto offers great nutritional value.
3. It is widely used in processed foods, restaurant cuisine, and fast-food items.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1, 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Mains Questions:

Q.1) The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

Q.2) China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an embodiment of its debt-trap diplomacy. Also, it raises concerns about the financial sustainability of the projects along with the social and environmental impact of the infrastructure projects. Discuss.

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  21st October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c