Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (11-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: PM Modi announces 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN ties |
| Polity and Governance: Empowering Rural India: NABARD Survey on Rural Financial Inclusion |
| World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS |
| Environment and Ecology: Globally, climate policies becoming more gender-responsive: UN analysis |
| Awards and Honour: South Korea’s Han Kang wins Nobel Literature Prize |
PM Modi announces 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN ties
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: India-ASEAN Partnership and PM Modi’s 10-Point Plan
Why in News
- Prime Minister Narendra announced a 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN comprehensive partnership
Overview
- India’s relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are central to the country’s “Act East Policy,” which seeks to strengthen India’s engagement with its eastern neighbors in economic, cultural, and strategic dimensions.
- The ASEAN-India partnership is also critical for India’s geopolitical and geoeconomic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The announcement of a 10-point plan by Prime Minister Modi at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit in 2024 is a significant development in this context.
Key Aspects of India-ASEAN Ties:
- Strategic Importance:
- ASEAN consists of 10 member countries in Southeast Asia, a region critical for maritime trade routes, economic partnerships, and security cooperation.
- India and ASEAN share common interests in maintaining regional stability, promoting economic development, and countering challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and cyber threats.
- Economic Cooperation:
- India-ASEAN trade has doubled in the past decade to over $130 billion.
- A review of the trade in goods agreement was announced to unlock greater economic potential. This move could be vital for improving trade balances, expanding market access, and boosting sectors like technology, services, and agriculture.
- Act East Policy:
- Modi emphasized that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Act East Policy, which focuses on enhancing connectivity, economic integration, and cultural exchanges between India and ASEAN. It has been instrumental in shaping India’s relations with its eastern neighbors and strengthening regional cooperation in trade, technology, and security.
PM Modi’s 10-Point Plan:
- Tourism Promotion:
- Declaring 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, promoting tourism exchange to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural diplomacy.
- Educational Exchange:
- Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and providing new grants for ASEAN students at Indian agricultural universities. This would enhance academic collaboration and capacity building.
- Cultural Activities:
- Celebrating the decade of the Act East Policy through events like a Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and Think-Tank Dialogues to foster innovation and cultural exchange.
- Women in Science:
- Organizing an ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund, which aligns with India’s broader focus on gender equity in STEM fields.
- Disaster Resilience:
- A $5 million fund for enhancing disaster resilience across ASEAN countries. This is crucial given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, and cyclones.
- Health Resilience:
- Initiating a Health Ministers’ Track aimed at strengthening health infrastructure, disease management, and cooperation, which aligns with post-pandemic global health strategies.
- Cybersecurity:
- Establishing an ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue to address increasing concerns around cyber threats and to boost digital resilience in the region.
- Green Hydrogen:
- Organizing a workshop on Green Hydrogen, reflecting India’s focus on clean energy transition and ASEAN’s potential role in adopting green technologies for sustainable development.
- Climate Action:
- Inviting ASEAN nations to join the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign, reinforcing commitments to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
- Technology and Connectivity:
- Strengthening cooperation in sectors like technology and connectivity. Enhancing infrastructure, digital connectivity, and innovation in ASEAN will have long-term benefits for regional integration.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries.
- It was established on August 8, 1967, with the aim of promoting political, economic, and cultural cooperation and fostering regional peace and stability.
- ASEAN plays a crucial role in the economic development and geopolitical stability of Southeast Asia.
Key Objectives of ASEAN:
- Promote Economic Growth: To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region through joint efforts in various fields like trade, education, and infrastructure.
- Regional Peace and Stability: To maintain regional peace and stability by fostering respect for justice, rule of law, and adherence to principles of the United Nations Charter.
- Cooperation and Mutual Assistance: To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest, such as trade, investment, education, and environmental sustainability.
- Cultural Exchange: To strengthen cultural ties between the member nations to promote a sense of community and identity.
Member Countries:
ASEAN consists of 10 member nations:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
India-ASEAN Relations:
- India and ASEAN share a long history of cultural, economic, and strategic ties.
- India’s Act East Policy aims to deepen engagement with ASEAN in areas such as trade, technology, and maritime security.
- India participates in various ASEAN-led forums, including the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), to bolster cooperation in regional security and development.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements about ASEAN-India relations:
1. The ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue aims to strengthen digital and cyber resilience between ASEAN and India. 2. The Nalanda University scholarships for ASEAN students are part of India’s Act East Policy initiatives. 3. The 21st India-ASEAN Summit in 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy. 4. India has signed a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with all ASEAN members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
Indians a member of which of the above? a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (d) |
| Answer 1– B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: The ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue is an initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation in the digital and cybersecurity domains. It focuses on addressing common challenges in cybersecurity and promoting the sharing of best practices among ASEAN member states and India. · Statement 2 is correct: The scholarships offered by Nalanda University for ASEAN students are indeed part of India’s broader Act East Policy. This policy aims to enhance educational and cultural ties between India and ASEAN nations, fostering a greater understanding and collaboration. · Statement 3 is correct: The 21st India-ASEAN Summit held in 2024 celebrated the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, which was launched to strengthen India’s relationships with Southeast Asian countries. This milestone was significant in reaffirming India’s commitment to the region. · Statement 4 is incorrect: While India has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN as a whole, it has not signed individual Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with all ASEAN member states. The agreements typically cover trade in goods, services, and investment, but the level of integration and specific agreements may vary among member states.
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Empowering Rural India: NABARD Survey on Rural Financial Inclusion
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153270&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
UPSC Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS)
Why in News
NABARD has published the findings from its second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) for 2021-22.
Overview of NAFIS 2021-22
- NABARD conducted the NAFIS to assess the impact of various policies and programs on rural financial inclusion in the post-COVID era.
- The survey encompassed 1 lakh rural households across 28 states and Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), providing a comprehensive overview of rural financial indicators.
Key Findings
- Increase in Average Monthly Income
- Growth: The average monthly income of rural households increased by 57.6% over five years, rising from ₹8,059 in 2016-17 to ₹12,698 in 2021-22. This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%.
- Source of Income: The primary income source for households was salaried employment (37% of total income), with agricultural households earning slightly more than non-agricultural ones. For agricultural households, cultivation accounted for one-third of their income.
- Rise in Average Monthly Expenditure
- Expenditure Growth: The average monthly expenditure rose significantly from ₹6,646 in 2016-17 to ₹11,262 in 2021-22.
- Higher Consumption: Agricultural households exhibited higher consumption expenditure (₹11,710) compared to non-agricultural households (₹10,675). Some states, like Goa and Jammu & Kashmir, reported monthly expenditures exceeding ₹17,000.
- Increase in Financial Savings
- Savings Growth: Annual average financial savings rose from ₹9,104 in 2016-17 to ₹13,209 in 2021-22. The proportion of households saving money also increased from 50.6% to 66%.
- Comparison of Households: 71% of agricultural households reported savings, outperforming non-agricultural households (58%). Certain states, like Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, demonstrated high savings rates.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Usage
- KCC as a Tool: The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is vital for promoting financial inclusion among agricultural households. 44% of agricultural households possessed a valid KCC, and among those with land holdings or previous agricultural loans, 77% had a KCC.
- Insurance Coverage
- Increased Coverage: The percentage of households with at least one insured member jumped from 25.5% in 2016-17 to 80.3% in 2021-22, indicating improved financial security.
- Types of Insurance: Vehicle insurance was the most prevalent (55%), while life insurance coverage was at 24%.
- Pension Coverage
- Support for Elderly: The percentage of households with at least one member receiving a pension increased from 18.9% to 23.5%. Among households with members over 60 years, 54% received some form of pension, highlighting the importance of pensions for elderly support.
- Financial Literacy
- Improvement in Literacy: The proportion of respondents demonstrating good financial literacy increased from 33.9% to 51.3%. Financial behavior, including effective money management, also improved, with respondents from rural areas answering correctly in 58% of cases.
Conclusion and Implications
The NAFIS 2021-22 results illustrate significant progress in rural financial inclusion, with notable improvements in income, savings, insurance coverage, and financial literacy since 2016-17. This positive trend can be attributed to various government welfare schemes such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
These schemes have played a crucial role in enhancing the living standards of rural households, thereby supporting their economic empowerment.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Which of the following welfare schemes contributed significantly to rural financial inclusion as highlighted in the NAFIS 2021-22 findings?
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) 2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) 3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) 4. Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) Select the correct answer using the code below: (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1, 2, and 3 only (C) 1, 2, 3, and 4 (D) 2 and 4 only |
Q. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014. What is the main objective of the scheme? [2015]
(a) To provide housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates (b) To promote women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas (c) To promote financial inclusion in the country (d) To provide financial help to marginalised communities
Ans: C
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| Answer 2 – C
Explanation – · Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): This scheme provides direct income support to farmers, helping them with financial stability and improving their purchasing power. It has a direct impact on the financial inclusion of agricultural households by providing them with a steady income, which they can use for various financial needs. · Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): MGNREGS guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. This scheme not only provides income but also encourages savings and financial planning among rural households. By increasing rural incomes, it supports overall economic stability and financial inclusion. · Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) : This scheme focuses on providing affordable housing to the rural poor. While it primarily addresses housing, it indirectly contributes to financial inclusion by improving living standards and enabling households to invest in other economic activities. However, its direct impact on financial inclusion is comparatively less than that of income-support schemes. · Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) : This scheme aims at enhancing the employability of rural youth through skill development programs. By equipping them with skills, it helps them secure better job opportunities, which can lead to increased income and savings, thereby contributing to financial inclusion. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063830
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: National Tele Mental Health Programme, World Mental Health Day.
Why in News
- The Union Health Ministry celebrated the completion of two years of National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele MANAS) on World Mental Health Day.
Overview of Tele MANAS
- Launch and Purpose: Tele MANAS was launched to provide mental health support to individuals across India. The program includes the Tele MANAS app and a video call facility to facilitate better engagement with mental health professionals.
- Accessibility: The app offers a range of resources for users, including tips for self-care, strategies to manage stress and anxiety, and interactive features such as games and mindfulness practices. It aims to provide confidential mental health support 24/7 through trained professionals.
- Call Statistics: Since its inception, Tele MANAS has handled over 1.45 million calls, indicating a significant demand for mental health support in the country.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day
- The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “It is time to prioritize Mental Health at Workplace.” This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in professional settings, particularly in light of challenges such as gender inequity, lack of work-life balance, and job satisfaction that can affect employee well-being.
Reports and Assessments
- A rapid assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in collaboration with WHO evaluated the performance of Tele MANAS, which included feedback from four states: Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The report appreciated the initiative and outlined milestones achieved by Tele MANAS.
- Self-Care Module: The release of a self-care booklet titled “Taking Charge of Your Mental Health – Because It Matters” aims to empower individuals to maintain their mental health. It provides strategies for managing stress and challenges, particularly in workplace settings.
Roundtable Discussions
The event included discussions among a diverse group of stakeholders, covering:
- Policies and Frameworks: Focused on creating resilient mental health frameworks in workplaces.
- Mental Well-being in Informal Workplaces: Addressing challenges and opportunities for mental health support in less structured job environments.
- Holistic Practices: Discussing how traditional practices can contribute to mental well-being.
- Collaboration: The Union Health Ministry called for participation from various government ministries to implement employee engagement activities promoting mental health.
Significance
- Tele MANAS represents a significant step towards improving mental health support in India, especially in the workplace.
- By leveraging technology and encouraging collaborative efforts among various sectors, the program aims to create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental well-being.
- This initiative not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also fosters a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and prioritizing mental health as essential to overall productivity and societal well-being.
Tele MANAS
- Tele MANAS, or Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States, is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India to provide mental health support.
- The program aims to address the growing need for mental health services, especially in remote areas, by leveraging telecommunication technologies.World Mental Health Day
- World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 each year to raise awareness about mental health issues, promote mental well-being, and advocate against the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
- The day is celebrated globally and serves as a platform for organizations, communities, and individuals to come together and focus on mental health promotion.
- World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 and was established by the World Federation for Mental Health to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a significant role in promoting World Mental Health Day, providing support and resources to raise awareness globally.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||
Q3. Match the Following Government Initiatives with Their Objectives:
Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
|
Q. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes ? (2020)
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets 2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks 3. Consumption requirements of farm households 4. Post-harvest expenses 5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 2 and 5 only b) 1, 3 and 4 only c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans – b
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| Answer 3 A
Explanation · A – Tele MANAS (1): Tele MANAS aims to provide comprehensive mental health support through telecommunication, allowing individuals to connect with mental health professionals for support and counselling. · B – National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) (2): The NMHP focuses on addressing the treatment gap for mental disorders by improving access to mental health services across India through various health programs. · C – Ayushman Bharat Scheme (3): This scheme aims to provide health insurance coverage, including mental health services, ensuring that individuals can access mental health care without financial barriers. · D – Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (4): ICDS aims to improve nutrition, health, and education for children and mothers, thereby addressing mental well-being from an early age through comprehensive support. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Globally, climate policies becoming more gender-responsive: UN analysis
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3– Environment and Ecology
Context: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Why in News
- The recent UN Climate Change report reveals that 81% of Parties to the Paris Agreement now include gender in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Overview
- The rise in gender-responsive climate policies reflect a growing recognition of the critical intersection between gender issues and climate change.
- The recent synthesis report from the UN Climate Change secretariat outlines significant developments in this area, particularly concerning the integration of gender considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted under the Paris Agreement.
Key Findings
- Increased Gender References in NDCs:
- Approximately 81% of the Parties to the Paris Agreement included references to gender in their NDCs, a substantial increase from the initial submissions in 2015, where few countries addressed gender concerns.
- This shift indicates a growing awareness of the importance of gender considerations in climate action.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Many NDCs emphasized stakeholder engagement, highlighting formal arrangements for consultations with various groups, including local communities, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, and women’s associations.
- This engagement is crucial for ensuring that the voices of diverse stakeholders, particularly marginalized groups, are heard in climate policy formulation.
- Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms:
- 62.3% of Parties that referred to gender described efforts to enhance institutional mechanisms for integrating gender considerations across climate initiatives.
- 11.5% focused on increasing gender diversity among stakeholder groups involved in monitoring and evaluating climate adaptation actions, especially in sectors like agriculture and water resources.
- Commitment to Gender Equality:
- About 55.7% of the Parties expressed a commitment to gender equality, reflecting an acknowledgment of its significance in climate resilience and adaptation.
- Focus on Women:
- The report noted that current discussions mainly center on women and their vulnerabilities to climate change, while there is limited acknowledgment of men in vulnerable situations.
- Disparities Between Developed and Developing Countries:
- Developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have made strides in integrating gender into their climate reporting. In contrast, developed nations often provide minimal or no references to gender in their communications and strategies.
Implications of Gender-Responsive Climate Policies
- Impact on Food Security:
- Climate change poses severe threats to food security, affecting availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food systems.
- Women farmers represent a significant portion of agricultural production in developing countries, often ranging from 45% to 80% depending on the region. Their livelihoods and food security are directly threatened by climate change impacts.
- Vulnerability of Women:
- As conventional food sources become less reliable, women face increased risks of losing both income and harvests, exacerbating their financial struggles and food insecurity.
- Rising food prices disproportionately affect women and girls, who may experience more severe health declines during food shortages compared to men.
- Exclusion from Decision-Making:
- Women are often marginalized in decision-making processes regarding land and resource access, which are critical to their livelihoods.
- Gender-responsive strategies aim to include women’s perspectives and needs in climate policies, enhancing their role in agricultural resilience and adaptation.
- Enhancing Climate Initiatives:
- Gender-responsive strategies are seen as a means to bolster the effectiveness and ambition of climate initiatives. Many Parties reiterate the importance of promoting gender equality as a fundamental component of climate action.
- Future Opportunities:
- The next round of NDCs (referred to as NDC 3.0), scheduled for submission in 2025, presents a crucial opportunity to further enhance collaborative efforts aimed at achieving gender equality and successful climate outcomes.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the climate action plans that each country submits to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the Paris Agreement.
- NDCs represent the efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- They outline specific targets and actions that countries plan to undertake in order to meet the global climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Conclusion
- The synthesis report underscores the need for gender-responsive climate policies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
- By integrating gender considerations into climate action, countries can better support vulnerable populations, enhance food security, and improve the overall effectiveness of climate initiatives.
- As the global community prepares for the next round of NDCs, prioritizing gender equality will be essential for achieving meaningful progress in both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the recent developments in gender-responsive climate policies?
Select the correct answer from the options below: A) Only Statement 1 is true |
Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016)
(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East Answer: b
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| Answer 4 A
Explanation · Statement 1 is true: According to the synthesis report from the UN Climate Change secretariat, around 81% of Parties to the Paris Agreement have indeed referred to gender in their NDCs. This marks a notable improvement compared to the initial NDC submissions in 2015, where only a few references to gender were included. · Statement 2 is false: The report indicates that current gender references primarily focus on women, particularly in the context of their vulnerabilities due to climate change, while acknowledging that there are very few references to men in vulnerable situations. The emphasis is on the challenges faced by women farmers and the impact of climate change on food security, rather than primarily focusing on men’s vulnerabilities. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
South Korea’s Han Kang wins Nobel Literature Prize
Source: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c206djljel1o
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: Awards and Honour
Context: 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature
Why in news
- The recent announcement of the Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Han Kang, a 53-year-old South Korean author, marks a significant achievement in contemporary literature.
Overview
- Background: Han Kang, born in Gwangju, South Korea, is the daughter of novelist Han Seung-won. She moved to Seoul at a young age and studied Korean literature at university.
- Early Career: She began her literary journey with five poems published in 1993 and made her fiction debut in 1994 with a short story.
- Notable Works: She is best known for her novel The Vegetarian, which won the International Man Booker Prize in 2016 and was translated into English in 2015. Other significant works include The White Book, Human Acts, and Greek Lessons.
Nobel Prize Recognition
- Award Significance: This award marks the 18th time a woman has won the Nobel Prize in Literature since its inception in 1901. Han is also the first South Korean to receive this honor.
- Prize Amount: She was awarded 11 million krona (approximately £810,000), which is the standard amount for this year’s Nobel Prize winners.
- Literary Style: Han’s writing is noted for its intense poetic prose that addresses historical traumas and examines the fragility of human life. Her work spans various genres, addressing themes of violence, grief, and patriarchy.
Remarks from the Nobel Committee
- Praise for Her Work: The Nobel Prize committee highlighted her ability to confront historical traumas and expose the invisible rules governing human existence. They recognized her as an innovator in contemporary prose and noted her unique awareness of the connections between the body and soul.
- Surprise Win: According to the Swedish Academy’s permanent secretary, Mats Malm, Han expressed that she “wasn’t really prepared” to win the prize.
Broader Context
- Previous Winners: Han Kang follows in the footsteps of notable writers like Toni Morrison, Doris Lessing, Kazuo Ishiguro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Bob Dylan. Last year’s winner was Jon Fosse, also from Norway.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner in Literature:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) Only Statement 1 and Statement 4 are correct |
Q. The Pulitzer Prize is associated with which one of the following? (2007)
(a) Environmental protection (b) Olympic Games (c) Journalism (d) Civil Aviation Ans. (c)
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| Answer 5 C
Explanation · Statement 1 is true as Han Kang is indeed the first South Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. · Statement 2 is true; “The Vegetarian” won the International Man Booker Prize in 2016 and was first translated into English in 2015. · Statement 3 is false; her works often explore themes of violence, grief, and patriarchy and focus on the fragility of human life, including female experiences. · Statement 4 is true, indicating that this award marks the 18th time a woman has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |