Test: Weekly Current Affairs: December 22nd to 31st - UPSC MCQ

To determine the correctness of the statements, let's analyze each one based on the provided information:

1. Statement 1: The gross non-performing assets (GNPA) in the banking sector reached a 13-year low of 2.7% in March 2024.

- This statement is correct as the data provided indicates that the GNPA indeed reached a 13-year low of 2.7% in March 2024.

2. Statement 2: The return on equity (RoE) for banks was recorded at 14.6% in the fiscal year 2023-24.

- This statement is also correct. The return on equity (RoE) was mentioned as 14.6% in FY24, which aligns with the statement.

3. Statement 3: The share of unsecured loans in scheduled commercial banks' (SCBs) total credit declined to 15% in March 2023.

- This statement is incorrect. The original data indicates that the share of unsecured loans rose to 25.5% in March 2023, not declining to 15%.

Therefore, only Statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 2 Only the correct choice.

Statement 1 is correct. Tau proteins are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of neurons. However, in Alzheimer's disease, these proteins misfold and accumulate, forming neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt neuron communication, which is a characteristic pathological feature of the disease.

Statement 2 is also correct. Microglia, which are the immune cells of the brain, can have a dual role in neurodegeneration. While they are protective in normal conditions, when activated by stress response pathways, they can produce toxic lipids, contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease primarily focus on delaying cognitive decline and managing symptoms but do not have the capability to completely reverse the disease's progression. Research is ongoing to find more effective treatments, including those targeting the stress response pathways in the brain.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is not.

1. Kankesanthurai Port - Maritime Security Cooperation: Incorrect. The development of Kankesanthurai port is related to infrastructure and connectivity, not specifically maritime security cooperation.

2. LNG Supply - Renewable Energy Initiative: Incorrect. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) supply is part of the energy partnership but does not fall under renewable energy initiatives. Renewable energy initiatives would include projects like offshore wind power.

3. Viksit Panchayat Initiative - Good Governance Day 2024: Correct. The Viksit Panchayat Initiative is indeed one of the initiatives launched on Good Governance Day 2024, aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.

4. BRICS Membership Support - Bilateral Cooperation in Global Forums: Correct. Sri Lanka sought India's support for its bid to join BRICS as part of bilateral cooperation in global forums.

Thus, only pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly reflects the objective of India's National Quantum Mission, which indeed aims to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to enhance secure communications through quantum technology. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as China has not established the largest Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network with three quantum satellites. China is indeed advanced in quantum communication, but the specific claim regarding three quantum satellites is inaccurate. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

Tau proteins, which are essential for maintaining neuron structure, contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression by misfolding and accumulating, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles disrupt neuron communication and are detrimental to overall brain function, contributing to the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's patients.

1. West Bengal - Decline in attracting migrants: Incorrect. West Bengal is actually one of the states that have seen the highest growth in attracting migrants, not a decline.

2. Maharashtra - Increase in share of total migrants: Incorrect. Maharashtra has experienced a reduction in its share of total migrants, not an increase.

3. Uttar Pradesh to Delhi - Key migration corridor: Correct. Uttar Pradesh to Delhi is one of the key migration corridors mentioned in the report.

4. Ken-Betwa Link Project - Located in Gujarat: Incorrect. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is located in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, not in Gujarat.

Only pair 3 is correctly matched.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait aimed at upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, signifying a significant milestone in the relationship between India and Kuwait. This strategic partnership involves enhanced collaboration across various fields, reflecting a renewed commitment to trade, defense, and broader cooperation between the two nations.

Statement-I correctly summarizes the primary focus areas of the visit of the new President of Sri Lanka to India, which indeed included enhancing trade, energy, and maritime cooperation. Statement-II accurately reflects one of the outcomes of the visit, where Sri Lanka proposed the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreements (ETCAs) to integrate services and technology into trade relations with India. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II provides additional context that aligns with and explains Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct. The report indicates that the migration rate in India has indeed decreased from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023. This decline suggests a slowdown in domestic migration over the period.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Contrary to the statement, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have experienced a reduction in their share of total migrants. This is due to improved economic conditions and infrastructure, which are reducing the need for people to migrate from these states.

- Statement 3 is correct. The report identifies several key migration corridors, including Uttar Pradesh-Delhi and Gujarat-Maharashtra. These corridors remain significant due to economic opportunities and long-established migration patterns.

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

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. During the visit, India agreed to promote trade settlements in both Indian Rupee (INR) and Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), not exclusively in INR. This bilateral agreement aims to facilitate smoother and more efficient trade transactions between the two countries by using their respective currencies.

2. Statement 2 is correct. Enhancing maritime security cooperation was indeed a key focus of the visit. Both countries committed to deepen their security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, which is crucial given the strategic location of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and the need to counter regional security threats, including those posed by non-state actors and geopolitical tensions.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. India extended financial support of USD 4 billion, not USD 2 billion, to Sri Lanka. This significant financial assistance was aimed at helping Sri Lanka manage its economic crisis, providing support for essential sectors such as food, fuel, and medicines.

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SMY) is to provide a monthly pension for unorganised workers after they reach the age of 60. This initiative aims to offer financial security and support to workers in the unorganised sector by ensuring a pension of Rs 3,000 per month, with provisions for the spouse in case of the worker's demise before the age of 60.

The main theme of Good Governance Day 2024 is to empower citizens through digitalization. This theme highlights the importance of utilizing digital tools and technologies to enhance governance practices, promote transparency, and improve service delivery to the public.

Statement-I correctly states the total forest and tree cover of India as 827,356.95 km² according to the 18th India State of Forest Report 2023. However, Statement-II is incorrect as the forest cover alone constitutes 21.76% of India's geographical area, not 25.17% as mentioned in the statement. This discrepancy makes Option (c) the correct answer choice.

The total forest and tree cover of India, as per the 18th India State of Forest Report 2023, is approximately 827,356.95 km². This cover constitutes 25.17% of the country's geographical area. This data underscores the significance of forest and tree conservation efforts in India to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.

1. Total Forest and Tree Cover - 827,356.95 km²: This is correctly matched. The report states that the total forest and tree cover in India is 827,356.95 km², covering 25.17% of the country's geographical area.
2. Forest Cover Alone - 715,342.61 km²: This is correctly matched. According to ISFR 2023, the forest cover alone is 715,342.61 km², which constitutes 21.76% of the geographical area.
3. Increase in Forest and Tree Cover Since 2021 - 2,000 km²: This is incorrectly matched. The report states that there has been an increase of 1,445.81 km² in forest and tree cover since 2021.
4. Mangrove Cover - 4,991.68 km²: This is correctly matched. The ISFR 2023 indicates that the mangrove cover is 4,991.68 km², representing 0.15% of the total geographical area.
Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched.

The main aim of the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Interlinking Rivers in India is to develop water resources through the inter-basin transfer of water. This initiative, formulated in 1980, seeks to enhance water availability by linking rivers across different regions, thereby improving irrigation, agricultural productivity, and food security within the country.

The Return on Assets (RoA) metric is crucial in evaluating a business's profitability concerning its total assets. It indicates how effectively a bank is utilizing its assets to generate profits. A higher RoA typically suggests that a bank is more efficient in converting its assets into earnings. In the banking sector, RoA is a key indicator used by investors, regulators, and analysts to assess a bank's operational efficiency and financial performance.

1. India's GDP Growth Rate (2020-21): Correctly matched. India's GDP did contract to -5.8% during the 2020-21 fiscal year, reflecting the severe economic impact of the pandemic.

2. Global GDP Contraction (2020): Incorrectly matched. The global GDP contraction for 2020 was 3.1%, not 4.7%. The figure of USD 4.7 trillion refers to the projected shortfall in global GDP for 2023.

3. Decline in Public Trust: Correctly matched. The Edelman Trust Barometer did show a significant decline in public trust in institutions worldwide, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

4. Hybrid Work Preference (Indian Job Seekers 2024): Correctly matched. By 2024, 42% of Indian job seekers prioritized flexible work hours, highlighting a shift towards hybrid work models post-pandemic.

Thus, three of the pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 3, and 4.

The findings indicate a significant decline of 12% in domestic migration in India since 2011. This decline is reflective of broader socio-economic shifts, suggesting that improved local economic conditions, driven by various government initiatives, have reduced the need for migration. Interestingly, this trend may also contribute to a more balanced economic development across regions, as people find better opportunities closer to home.

West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have emerged as the states with the highest growth in attracting migrants. This trend illustrates how certain regions have developed more favorable economic conditions, making them attractive for those seeking better opportunities. The influx of migrants can lead to increased economic activity and diversification in these states, ultimately contributing to their development.

Statement-I correctly reflects the information provided in the text regarding Alzheimer's disease, where blocking the synthesis of toxic lipids is highlighted as a potential strategy to prevent tau buildup and potentially reverse symptoms of the disease. On the other hand, Statement-II inaccurately suggests that trust in institutions globally increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is contrary to the information provided in the text, where it is mentioned that trust in institutions declined globally due to the pandemic's impact on political dynamics and governance.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I correctly describes the objective of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which aims to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River. Statement-II is also accurate as it highlights that the KBLP is the first initiative under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, which was formulated in 1980. Statement-II logically explains the purpose of the project outlined in Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

1. Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) - 13-year low of 2.7% in March 2024: This pair is correctly matched. The GNPA indeed reached a 13-year low of 2.7% in March 2024, as mentioned in the RBI's report.

2. Return on Equity (RoE) - 14.6% in FY24: This pair is correctly matched. The Return on Equity for banks was reported as 14.6% in FY24.

3. Unsecured Loans Share - 30% of SCBs' total credit in March 2023: This pair is incorrectly matched. The share of unsecured loans in SCBs' total credit was actually 25.5% in March 2023, not 30%.

4. Tariff-free imports for India from Australia - 100% by 2026: This pair is correctly matched. According to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, India's tariff-free imports from Australia are projected to reach 100% by 2026.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly reflects the concerns raised by the RBI in its report regarding the emerging risks in the financial ecosystem. The statement accurately summarizes a key takeaway from the Trends and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24 report.
Statement-II mentions the projected job creation in India due to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement by 2030. While this statement is factually accurate based on the provided information, it does not directly relate to or explain the concerns highlighted by the RBI in Statement-I. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, making option (b) the correct choice.

1. PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: Managed by the Ministry of Finance - Incorrect. The PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana is actually managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, not the Ministry of Finance. This scheme is aimed at providing a pension for unorganised workers and is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

2. Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC): Established in 2005 - Incorrect. The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre was established in 2007, following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as part of efforts to improve tsunami preparedness and response in India.

3. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: Launched in 2019 - Correct. The PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana was launched in 2019 to provide pension benefits to unorganised workers aged 18 to 40.

4. Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC): Operates from Chennai - Incorrect. The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre operates from Hyderabad. It uses a network of seismological stations and tidal gauges to issue early warnings for tsunamis.

Thus, only Pair 3 is correctly matched. Therefore, the answer is Option A: Only one pair.