Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 29th June 2025 - UPSC MCQ

1. Financial Conditions Index (FCI): Correctly matched. The FCI indeed integrates data from various sectors, including money markets, government securities, corporate bonds, and equity markets to assess the financial conditions.

2. Global Gender Gap Index: Correctly matched. The index measures gender gaps in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment.

3. Taper Tantrum: Incorrectly matched. The Taper Tantrum was a period of financial stress triggered by the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement in 2013 about reducing its bond-buying program, not domestic policy changes in India.

4. Women's Reservation Law: Incorrectly matched. The women's reservation law is set to last for 15 years, not indefinitely, and aims to increase women's representation in legislatures.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 1 and 2.

Elephants are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This categorization signifies that elephants are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these majestic animals and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.

Foreign universities are driven to enter India's higher education sector to offer affordable international degrees and diversify their revenue streams. By establishing campuses in countries like India, they can tap into a growing market, reduce dependency on outbound mobility, and enhance their global visibility. This strategic move not only benefits the universities but also provides Indian students access to high-quality education without the challenges associated with studying abroad.

The primary purpose of the Financial Conditions Index (FCI) proposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is to assess the tightness or relaxation of financial conditions based on historical averages. This index integrates data from various sectors like money markets, government securities, corporate bonds, equity markets, and foreign exchange markets to provide a dynamic and high-frequency evaluation of India's financial stability. By monitoring these conditions, policymakers and investors can make informed decisions to promote financial stability in the economy.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The UGC (FHEI) Regulations are indeed designed to facilitate the entry of foreign universities into India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to encourage global academic integration and excellence.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the presence of foreign universities represents a significant reform, the immediate impact on the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is expected to be minimal and gradual. The opening of a limited number of campuses with restricted student intakes means that the short-term effect on GER will not be substantial.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Collaborations with foreign universities are likely to enhance research output and innovation within Indian higher education institutions. This is facilitated by joint research centers, faculty exchanges, and academic reforms, which strengthen academic standards and foster innovation.

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

Statement 1 is correct. Project Elephant was indeed launched in 1992 by the Government of India with the aim of conserving elephants and their habitats and addressing the issues of human-elephant conflict and welfare of domesticated elephants.

Statement 2 is correct. The synchronized elephant population estimation, particularly in the Northeastern states, is a significant part of the initiatives under Project Elephant. This helps in understanding population dynamics and conservation needs.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Elephants in India are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides them with the highest level of protection, not Schedule II. This ensures stringent measures against poaching and habitat destruction.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement - I

"Secondary pollutants originate directly from emission sources like vehicle exhaust and burning fossil fuels."

This statement is incorrect.

• Pollutants that are emitted directly from a source, such as vehicle exhaust or burning fossil fuels, are called primary pollutants.
• Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Instead, they form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants.
• Examples of secondary pollutants include ozone, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate.

Statement-II:

"Ammonium sulphate constitutes more than 30% of PM2.5 levels in NCAP cities in India."

This statement is correct.

• Scientific assessments and air quality studies in India have shown that ammonium compounds, especially ammonium sulfate, contribute significantly to PM2.5 levels.
• In several NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) cities, ammonium sulfate has been found to make up more than 30% of PM2.5 mass.

Hence, statement I is incorrect and II is correct

Let's examine each statement:

1. Statement 1: This is correct. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) study has found that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, indeed account for up to 34% of India's PM2.5 mass.

2. Statement 2: This is incorrect. The major source of sulphur dioxide emissions in India is coal-fired power plants, not vehicular emissions. Over 60% of India's sulphur dioxide emissions are attributed to coal-fired power plants, leading to significant secondary PM2.5 formation.

3. Statement 3: This is correct. In 114 out of 130 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities, ammonium sulphate constitutes more than 30% of PM2.5 levels, posing challenges to achieving mandated pollution reduction targets.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C, as both statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

Both statements are factually correct. Statement-I highlights the IUCN Red List status of elephants, which indeed lists them as Endangered. Statement-II correctly points out that elephants in India are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This act provides stringent protection measures for species listed under Schedule I, such as elephants, prohibiting their hunting and trade. Statement-II explains why elephants are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the legal protection under Schedule I is indicative of the threats faced by the species. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II effectively supports and explains the classification of elephants as Endangered.

Statement 1 is correct. The Financial Conditions Index (FCI) is indeed a composite indicator that assesses the tightness or relaxation of financial conditions based on historical averages since 2012. This aligns with the global practices in central banking to help gauge monetary transmission and inform policy decisions.

Statement 2 is also correct. The FCI integrates data from multiple sectors, including government securities, corporate bonds, equity markets, money markets, and foreign exchange markets. This broad data integration is crucial for providing an accurate picture of the country's financial health.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The implementation of the FCI is not limited to assisting investors alone. It is also crucial for policy calibration. The daily frequency of the FCI enriches macro-financial analysis capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and timely policy adjustments, thereby promoting financial stability.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect, making Option B: 1 and 2 Only the correct answer.