Answer: (C)

Explanation:

• The Bill's primary objective is to enhance Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business by decriminalizing 183 provisions within 42 Central Acts under 19 Ministries/Departments. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
• The decriminalization process includes eliminating imprisonment and/or fine for some provisions, while in others, imprisonment will be abolished but fines increased. The amendments aim to reduce legal complexities and promote a more business-friendly and citizen-friendly environment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Imprisonment and fines will be transformed into penalties in specific provisions, and compounding of offenses will be introduced for selected cases, streamlining the enforcement process. Hence statement 4 is correct.
• To ensure effective implementation, fines and penalties will be pragmatically revised, Adjudicating Officers will handle legal proceedings, and Appellate Authorities will handle appeals. Periodic adjustments to fines and penalties will be made, aligning punishment with the seriousness of the offense committed. The Bill seeks to strike a balance between deterrence and leniency, creating a fair and business-friendly legal framework.

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

• When the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) raises its interest rates, it can have several impacts on the Indian stock market. One significant effect is increased volatility. The interest rate hike in the US can lead to a shift in global investor sentiment and asset allocation strategies.
• As the US interest rates rise, investors might be drawn to higher returns in the US, which could lead to a capital outflow from emerging markets like India. This capital outflow can trigger a sell-off in the Indian stock market as foreign investors withdraw their funds, causing stock prices to decline.
• Additionally, higher US interest rates can make borrowing more expensive for investors and companies, which can affect their investment decisions and capital allocation. As a result, market participants may become more cautious, leading to fluctuations in stock prices.
• Moreover, changes in global interest rates can impact the flow of foreign institutional investment (FII) into India's equity markets. If FIIs anticipate better returns in the US, they might reduce their exposure to Indian equities, further contributing to market volatility.
• Hence, a US Federal Reserve interest rate hike can create uncertainty and volatility in the Indian stock market, with fluctuations in prices being a common response to changes in global interest rates and investor sentiment.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• The Global Education Monitoring Report, an independent annual publication hosted and published by UNESCO, plays a crucial role in monitoring progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the field of education. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• It serves as a mechanism to assess the implementation of national and international education strategies while holding all relevant partners accountable for their commitments. The latest report, titled "Technology in education: a tool on whose terms?” highlights UNESCO's warning against the uncritical adoption of digital products in education, citing the lack of robust evidence on their added value. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  Data privacy in education remains a concern, as only 16% of countries explicitly guarantee it by law. During the pandemic, 89% of education technology products were found to be capable of surveying children's data, while 39 out of 42 governments providing online education risked or infringed on children's rights. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Moreover, the report sheds light on the financing gap for achieving SDG 4 targets, with basic digital learning in low-income countries and Internet connectivity for all schools in lower-middle-income countries requiring an additional 50% to their current funding. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that involves integrating trees, forage crops, and livestock in a complementary and mutually beneficial arrangement. In a silvopasture system, trees are strategically planted in pastures or grazing lands, providing multiple benefits to both the environment and the farming practices.The trees in silvopasture serve several purposes. They offer shade and shelter to the livestock, protecting them from extreme weather conditions and reducing stress. The presence of trees also enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for various wildlife species. Moreover, the trees contribute to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.In addition to the environmental benefits, silvopasture is advantageous for agricultural productivity. The forage crops grown in the pasture provide nutritious grazing options for the livestock, ensuring they have access to diverse and high-quality feed throughout the year. This can improve the health and well-being of the animals, leading to better growth and reproduction rates.Furthermore, the tree cover helps to prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss, leading to improved soil fertility over time. Silvopasture systems can be particularly valuable in areas with limited water resources, as the tree canopy reduces evaporation and helps conserve water.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Hepatitis B is not primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. It is primarily transmitted through the exchange of infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes and from an infected mother to her new-born during childbirth. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• There is a highly effective and safe vaccine available for hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and children, as well as for adults at risk of infection, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who inject drugs. The vaccine provides long-term protection against the virus and is a crucial tool in preventing the spread of hepatitis B. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Hepatitis B is a viral infection, but it primarily affects the liver, not the respiratory system. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) targets liver cells, leading to inflammation of the liver, which can range from mild to severe. Chronic infection with HBV can result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Hepatitis B is mainly spread through the exchange of infected body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and to a lesser extent, saliva and tears. It is important to practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles or personal items that may come into contact with blood, and ensure proper infection control practices in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against hepatitis B infection. Hence, statement 4 is correct.