UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — NHRC raises concern over Meta’s funding to UNICEF

Q1. With reference to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a constitutional body, and its composition and functions are laid down in a dedicated Part of the Constitution.
  2. It can open an inquiry into an alleged violation of its own accord, for example on the basis of media reports, without waiting for a complaint from the victim.
  3. Undertaking and promoting research in the field of human rights is among its statutory functions.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The NHRC can declare a rule framed under the Information Technology Act void if it finds that the rule fails to protect children from online sexual abuse.
  2. The NHRC's statutory functions include studying treaties and other international instruments on human rights.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Its protection is available to a child irrespective of the child's gender.
  2. Storing or possessing child pornography can be an offence under it even if the material is never shared with anyone.
  3. Showing pornographic material to a child can amount to sexual harassment under it, even when done through online means.
  4. Its offences apply only where the accused has had physical contact with the child.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Q4. With reference to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Its monitoring mandate extends to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  2. It tracks how the POCSO Act is being implemented by seeking information from States and Union Territories on matters such as special courts and special public prosecutors.
  3. It works under the supervision of the NHRC, which reviews its findings before they are forwarded to the Government.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q5. Which one of the following best explains why scrutiny of donors is a sharper governance concern for UNICEF than for the core UN Secretariat?

  • A. It relies wholly on voluntary contributions, whereas the Secretariat's regular budget rests on assessed dues.
  • B. Its budget is fixed by the Security Council, whereas the Secretariat's budget is set by member-state donors.
  • C. It collects assessed dues from developing members only, whereas the Secretariat draws on developed members.
  • D. It is financed from peacekeeping assessments, whereas the Secretariat depends on voluntary pledges from donors.

Q6. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. UNICEF is classified among the United Nations' funds and programmes rather than among its specialized agencies.
  2. UNICEF was established under a separate multilateral treaty that States ratify independently of the UN Charter, in the same way as the specialized agencies.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct