Showing questions for April 20, 2025
- Total: 10 questions
Question 6 Apr 20, 2025
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What is the projected decline in global merchandise trade for the year 2025, according to the WTO's Global Trade Outlook and Statistics?
0.20%The World Trade Organization has projected a 0.2% decline in global merchandise trade for 2025, reflecting heightened trade tensions and increasing uncertainty in global trade policy. This figure contrasts with the 2.9% growth seen in 2024 and underscores a troubling shift driven largely by tariff measures and ongoing disputes, particularly between the US and China. The WTO warns that if these tensions worsen, the contraction could deepen significantly. While global services trade is expected to grow modestly at 4.0%, the slowdown in merchandise trade affects key service sectors like transport and investment. Least-developed countries are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on exports.
Question 7 Apr 20, 2025
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Which Indian state employs the highest share of women in formal manufacturing?
Tamil NaduTamil Nadu leads in employing women in the formal manufacturing sector, accounting for 41% of the total female workforce in this space. This significant share highlights the state's relatively inclusive industrial environment, especially when compared to other states with low female representation. Tamil Nadu, along with other southern states like Karnataka and Kerala, showcases better gender participation, which is largely driven by industries such as textiles, apparel, and food processing. These sectors not only form the backbone of female employment but also demonstrate the regional disparities in gender inclusion across India's manufacturing landscape.
Question 8 Apr 20, 2025
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Which country is providing India with two Shinkansen train sets (E5 and E3 series) at no cost in 2026?
JapanJapan is gifting India two Shinkansen train sets, specifically the E5 and E3 series, in 2026 as part of bilateral cooperation in high-speed rail technology. The E5 series, known for its speed of 320 km/h and cutting-edge features, was selected for India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The initiative is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) and is heavily funded (about 80%) by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project embodies deep Indo-Japanese collaboration in infrastructure, with an emphasis on adopting best-in-class railway systems from Japan under the National Rail Plan 2030.
Question 9 Apr 20, 2025
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What is the national average occupancy rate in Indian prisons, indicating the level of overcrowding?
131%India’s prison system is experiencing critical levels of overcrowding, with the national average occupancy rate exceeding 131%. This means that the number of inmates far surpasses the official capacity of the prisons, contributing to a host of issues including deteriorating mental and physical health conditions. Overcrowding hampers the delivery of basic healthcare, increases the spread of communicable diseases, and puts additional strain on an already understaffed medical system. The severity of the overcrowding, combined with a lack of mental health professionals and an unfulfilled prisoner–doctor ratio, underlines a systemic crisis in India’s prison infrastructure.
Question 10 Apr 20, 2025
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From which Indian state were around 50,000 Gond tribals displaced in 2005 due to a counter-insurgency strategy against Maoists?
ChhattisgarhIn 2005, approximately 50,000 Gond tribals were displaced from Chhattisgarh as part of a counter-insurgency measure called the 'strategic hamleting' programme, aimed at combating Maoist insurgents. This policy involved relocating the tribal population to roadside camps in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Despite playing a crucial role in security operations due to their local knowledge, these tribals have received no proper rehabilitation or recognition. The Chhattisgarh government has not processed their Forest Rights Act claims or advocated for their rights with the central government, making Chhattisgarh the state of origin for this significant and unresolved displacement.