Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 5th December 2024 - UPSC MCQ

One of the key areas of sectoral collaboration between India and Nigeria highlighted in the content is technology. This collaboration aims to leverage India's expertise in technology to foster mutual growth between the two countries. By focusing on technology, both nations can work together to enhance their capacities and drive innovation in various sectors, contributing to their strategic partnership and socio-economic development.

- Statement-I: Correct. India aims to strengthen its strategic partnership with Nigeria due to Nigeria's significance as Africa's largest economy and democracy, aligning with India's interests in enhancing bilateral relations with key African nations.

- Statement-II: Correct. The Nilphamari narrow-mouthed frog is indeed found in regions including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and northern Pakistan, indicating its wide geographical distribution.

Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, making option B the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is indeed the percentage of a bank's total deposits that must be maintained as liquid cash with the Reserve Bank of India. This requirement is a tool used by the RBI to control liquidity in the banking system.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Banks do not earn interest on the funds maintained as CRR with the RBI. This is a critical aspect of CRR, as it implies a cost for banks when they have to hold a part of their deposits as non-earning assets.
- Statement 3 is correct. A reduction in the CRR means that banks are required to hold a smaller percentage of their deposits as cash with the RBI. This increases the liquidity available with banks, allowing them to lend more, thereby enhancing credit availability and potentially stimulating economic growth.
Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Incremental CRR (I-CRR): Correctly matched. The I-CRR was introduced to absorb surplus liquidity in the banking system, as mentioned in the source material.

2. CRR Requirement: Incorrectly matched. The CRR requirement is not only applicable to Scheduled Commercial Banks but also applies to other banks, such as Regional Rural Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks, and various Co-operative Banks.

3. Impact of Declining CRR: Incorrectly matched. A decline in CRR increases liquidity in the banking system, allowing banks to lend more, rather than decreasing liquidity.

4. Funds held as CRR: Incorrectly matched. Banks do not earn interest on the funds maintained as CRR with the RBI. This is a fundamental characteristic of CRR, where the funds are kept with the RBI interest-free.

Thus, only Pair 1 is correctly matched.

The SVAGRIHA rating system primarily emphasizes architectural design and energy efficiency as key criteria for evaluating sustainability in building practices. This system aims to promote green buildings and sustainable construction methods, encouraging the efficient use of energy and resources while minimizing environmental impact. By focusing on architecture and energy aspects, the SVAGRIHA rating system contributes to the broader goal of promoting environmentally conscious building practices and sustainable development.

Answer: c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect Solution: Statement-I correctly states that Homo juluensis lived approximately 300,000 years ago. However, Statement-II is incorrect because authoritative sources and syllabus materials indicate that Homo juluensis primarily consumed wild horses as part of their diet, not aquatic plants. Therefore, while Statement-I is accurate, Statement-II does not hold true based on the provided information. Thus, the correct answer is option (c).

1. SVAGRIHA Rating: Incorrectly matched. The SVAGRIHA rating is designed for small standalone buildings with a built-up area of less than 2500 sq.m., not large commercial buildings.

2. Trouessartia thalassina: Correctly matched. Trouessartia thalassina is indeed a feather mite associated with the Verditer Flycatcher.

3. Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011: Incorrectly matched. The SECC 2011 recorded a large number of caste categories, totaling 46.7 lakh, not just a few.

4. Proterothrix sibilla: Correctly matched. Proterothrix sibilla is a species of feather mite discovered in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly describes the SVAGRIHA rating system, which indeed promotes green buildings and sustainability under the GRIHA framework. Statement-II addresses challenges related to the Caste Census in India, mentioning issues like caste mobility and data accuracy problems. While both statements are factually correct, they pertain to different topics and do not explain or relate to each other. Hence, the correct answer is option (b), indicating that both statements are correct but are not directly connected or explanatory of one another in the context provided.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Tikhir tribe indeed communicates using the Naga Yimchungru language, which is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family. This is a well-documented fact about their linguistic heritage.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The last recorded incident of headhunting by the Tikhir tribe is noted to have occurred in the 1960s, not the 1980s. This discrepancy makes statement 2 incorrect.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The Tsonglaknyi Festival is indeed the principal festival of the Tikhir tribe, celebrated annually and focusing on the sanctification of their Shield. This cultural celebration is a significant part of their traditions.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct answer.

Stringent eligibility criteria stand out as a significant factor impeding the smooth implementation of certain PLI schemes in India. These rigorous requirements often deter many companies from accessing the incentives offered by PLI schemes, limiting their participation and hindering the overall progress of these initiatives. Simplifying these criteria could potentially encourage more companies, especially smaller firms, to engage with and benefit from the PLI schemes.