Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 8th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. The Indian Wild Ass, locally known as "khur," is indeed currently found only in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Historically, it was more widespread across northwestern India and other regions, but its range has now been restricted to this area.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indian Wild Ass is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, not Endangered. This distinction is crucial as it reflects the species' conservation status and the level of threat it faces in the wild.

Statement 3 is correct. The Indian Wild Ass plays a significant ecological role, including seed dispersal, which helps promote the growth and diversity of vegetation in its habitat. Additionally, through its grazing, it helps create pathways that facilitate a balanced ecosystem by clearing areas that can be used by other species.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The Rythu Bharosa Scheme in Telangana primarily aims to assist farmers with their initial investment requirements in agriculture by providing financial support. This scheme offers farmers a grant of ₹5,000 per acre per season for purchasing inputs, with no limit on the number of acres they own. By supporting farmers in this manner, the scheme helps enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in the state.

1. Rythu Bharosa Scheme - Andhra Pradesh Government: Incorrect. The Rythu Bharosa Scheme mentioned in the content refers to an initiative by the Telangana Government, not Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh government has its own scheme called "YSR Rythu Bharosa."

2. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) - Established in 1998: Correct. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission was indeed established on July 24, 1998, under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998.

3. Academic Freedom Index - Published by Global Public Policy Institute: Correct. The Academic Freedom Index is released by the Global Public Policy Institute in collaboration with Scholars at Risk and the V-Dem Institute.

4. UDAY Scheme - Aimed at financial turnaround of power distribution companies: Correct. The UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) scheme was initiated by the Government of India to facilitate the financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched and one incorrect

The Indian Wild Ass is classified as "Near Threatened" according to the IUCN and listed under Appendix II of CITES. This status indicates that while the species is not currently considered endangered, it faces potential threats that could lead to a significant decline in its population if not properly managed and conserved.

Statement-I is accurate as it reflects the main objective of the Rythu Bharosa Scheme in Telangana, which aims to support farmers with their initial investment needs for agricultural and horticultural activities. The scheme provides financial aid to farmers for purchasing inputs, with specific eligibility criteria.
Statement-II is also correct as it describes the role and functions of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in India. CERC indeed regulates tariffs for power generation companies, issues licenses for interstate transmission and trading, and plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and efficiency of the power sector.
While both statements are factually correct, they are independent of each other and do not have a direct explanatory relationship. Therefore, option (b) is the most suitable choice as it acknowledges the correctness of both statements without implying a direct correlation or explanation between them.

Statement-I is accurate as the Indian Wild Ass is indeed primarily found in desert and grassland ecosystems in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. This species thrives in extreme conditions within these habitats.
Statement-II correctly describes the activities of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in promoting collaboration among zoological institutions and aquariums for the conservation, management, and breeding of animals in captivity. However, this statement is not directly related to the habitat of the Indian Wild Ass. Therefore, while both statements are individually correct, they are not interrelated, making option (b) the correct choice.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I highlights India's financial support to the Maldives through a $750-million currency swap deal, which includes various mechanisms like a US Dollar/Euro Swap Window and an INR Swap Window. Statement-II correctly explains the purpose and administration of the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, which is aimed at providing short-term liquidity support to SAARC member countries during financial crises, managed by the Reserve Bank of India. India's recent agreement with the Maldives aligns with the objectives of this framework, showcasing India's commitment to regional financial stability and cooperation. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

The primary objective of the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, administered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is to offer short-term liquidity support to SAARC member countries during financial crises or instabilities. This initiative aims to address urgent economic challenges by providing essential liquidity assistance, thereby enhancing financial stability within the region.

1. Currency Swap Amount in US Dollar - $400 million: Correct. India will provide $400 million through a US Dollar/Euro Swap Window to the Maldives, as part of the agreement.

2. Currency Swap Agreement Validity - Until July 18, 2027: Incorrect. The currency swap agreement is actually valid until June 18, 2027.

3. SAARC Currency Swap Framework Launch Year - 2012: Correct. The SAARC Currency Swap Framework was indeed launched in the year 2012.

4. Interest Rate Determination - International benchmark rates only: Incorrect. While the interest rate does include international benchmark rates, it also usually includes a margin over these rates, which is not mentioned here.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The SAARC Currency Swap Framework, which is administered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), was indeed launched in 2012. Its primary objective is to provide short-term liquidity support to SAARC member countries during times of financial instability or crisis.

2. Statement 2 is correct. As part of the Currency Swap Agreement with the Maldives, India is providing $400 million through a US Dollar/Euro Swap Window. This is part of India's efforts to support the financial stability of the Maldives.

3. Statement 3 is correct. In addition to the US Dollar/Euro Swap Window, the agreement also includes a provision for a swap of ₹30 billion (approximately $357 million) under the INR Swap Window, and this agreement is valid until June 18, 2027.

All three statements accurately reflect the details of the financial arrangements under the Currency Swap Agreement between India and the Maldives. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.