Test: Weekly Current Affairs: April 8th to 14th, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

• Context: West Bengal farmers are shifting from wheat cultivation to more lucrative options like bananas, lentils, and maize, especially in border districts like Murshidabad and Nadia.
• Crop diversification is the practice of growing a variety of crops on the same land, either sequentially or in a crop rotation system. This helps in mitigating risks associated with mono-cropping, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting ecological balance.

• Tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center.
• On Earth, the pressures recorded at the centers of tropical cyclones are among the lowest ever observed at sea level.
• At the center of a mature tropical cyclone, air sinks rather than rises. For a sufficiently strong storm, air may sink over a layer deep enough to suppress cloud formation, thereby creating a clear “eye”.
• If the air pressure is high at the center and low at the edges, an anti-cyclone is formed.

To determine which of the listed financial instruments are exchange-traded currency derivatives, let's analyze each one:

1. Forward contracts:
   - Forward contracts are customized agreements between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future date for a price agreed upon today. They are typically traded over-the-counter (OTC) rather than on an exchange.

2. Swaps:
   - Swaps, including currency swaps, are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows or other financial instruments. They are generally traded OTC, not on exchanges.

3. Currency futures:
   - Currency futures are standardized contracts traded on exchanges to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a predetermined price. These are exchange-traded currency derivatives.

4. Currency options:
   - Currency options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specific currency at a specified price within a certain time period. They can be exchange-traded or OTC, but standard currency options traded on exchanges are considered exchange-traded currency derivatives.

Based on the analysis, the exchange-traded currency derivatives from the list are:

- Currency futures
- Currency options

Therefore, only two of the instruments listed are exchange-traded currency derivatives.

The correct answer is:

B: Only two

• Context: IMD warns of more tornadoes in West Bengal after a recent one killed 5 and over 100 injured in Jalpaiguri.
• What are Tornadoes?
  • A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. It is often visible as a funnel-shaped cloud and is capable of causing significant damage to structures and landscapes.
  • The Fujita scale, now known as the Enhanced Fujita scale, is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause.

Let's evaluate each statement one by one to determine its correctness:

1. It is a political and military alliance that was formed to ensure collective security against the Soviet Union.
   - This statement is partially correct. NATO was indeed formed as a political and military alliance, but not solely against the Soviet Union. Its primary purpose was to provide collective defense and security for its member states in response to the growing threat of Soviet expansionism during the Cold War.

2. India held its first political dialogue with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), soon after its formation.
   - This statement is incorrect. India is not a member of NATO and did not hold political dialogue with NATO soon after its formation. NATO's membership has been restricted to North American and European countries.

3. Only the United States and Canada are the two countries in North America that are members of NATO.
   - This statement is correct. The United States and Canada are the only two North American countries that are members of NATO.

4. It is headquartered in New York City, United States.
   - This statement is incorrect. NATO's headquarters is not in New York City. The headquarters of NATO is located in Brussels, Belgium.

Based on the evaluation:

- Statement 1 is partially correct.
- Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Statement 3 is correct.
- Statement 4 is incorrect.

Therefore, the number of correct statements is 2. 

Answer: B: Only two

• Context: India is making strides in embracing green hydrogen as a promising alternative fuel, evident from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Rs 496 crore scheme supporting pilot projects.
• Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
• In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.

• Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
  • In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of CO₂ per kg of H₂ produced.
• Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (under the Union Ministry of Power) is the nodal authority responsible for accrediting agencies for monitoring, verifying and certifying green hydrogen production projects.

• Context: Recently around 3,730 lead coins were unearthed in an earthen pot at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site in Telangana.
• The coins, bearing an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse, are believed to belong to the Ikshvaku period.
• Phanigiri is considered an important Buddhist monastery located strategically on the hilltop, along the ancient trade route connecting the west and east coast of the Deccan.

Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, typically natural gas, through processes like steam methane reforming (SMR) without capturing the carbon emissions. It is called “grey” because it doesn’t utilize carbon capture technology, resulting in significant emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes it environmentally less favorable compared to hydrogen produced through other methods such as electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (option B) or hydrogen produced with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies (which would be called “blue hydrogen”). Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it accurately describes the production process and environmental impact of grey hydrogen.

Let's analyze each statement regarding the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):

1. It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly.
   - This statement is incorrect. The UNHRC is not a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly. It is an independent body within the United Nations system.

2. It consists of 47 member states, elected by the General Assembly.
   - This statement is correct. The UNHRC consists of 47 member states who are elected by the UN General Assembly. These members serve for three-year terms and are chosen based on equitable geographic distribution.

3. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
   - This statement is correct. The UNHRC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The Palais des Nations serves as its main office.

Based on the analysis:

- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, the number of correct statements is 2.

Answer: B: Only two

Let's evaluate each statement regarding the Great Indian Bustard:

1. It is identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
   - This statement is correct . The Great Indian Bustard is indeed identified for recovery under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

2. Project Great Indian Bustard was launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for identifying and fencing off bustard breeding grounds in existing protected areas as well as providing secure breeding enclosures in areas outside protected areas.
   - This statement is correct. Project Great Indian Bustard was launched to identify and secure breeding areas within and outside protected areas, focusing on conserving this critically endangered bird.

3. The bird is categorized as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
   - This statement is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Based on the evaluation:

- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Answer: C: All three

• Context: In a surprising turn of events, scientists observed the Arctic’s polar vortex spinning in the opposite direction, marking one of the six strongest occurrences of its kind since 1979.
• About Polar Vortex:
  • The polar vortex is a large, persistent circulation of frigid air located in the stratosphere and typically centred near the Earth’s poles.
  • It is characterized by a strong wind current that circulates from west to east, trapping cold air within the polar regions during the winter months.
  • The polar vortex plays a crucial role in maintaining the polar climate and can influence weather patterns in mid-latitude regions.
  • Occasionally, disruptions in the polar vortex can occur, leading to phenomena such as sudden stratospheric warming events, which can result in shifts in weather patterns and colder temperatures in regions outside of the polar areas.

• Context: Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved.
  • The portal ensures transparency and a level playing field for political parties and candidates by adhering to the First in First out principle.
  • It caters to a wide range of permission requests such as organizing rallies, opening temporary party offices, and distributing pamphlets.
  • The data available on the portal aids in scrutinizing election expenditures, contributing to greater accountability.
• The Suvidha portal is a technological solution created by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to facilitate fair and transparent elections.

• Context:More Indian women are actively participating in financial decision-making, with 98% of urban women involved in long-term family decisions, including household financial investments, according to the recentAMFi-CRISIL report.
  • Female LFPR up to 41.5% (Oct 2023) from 24.6% (2017-18),with rural women showing a faster growth rate
  • 47% of women make independent financial decisions. Autonomy varies with income, age, and affluence stage
• Increased FLFPR often leads to higher economic growth and productivity due to a larger workforce contributing to the economy. When more women participate in the labor force, there’s a broader pool of talent and skills available, which can drive innovation and efficiency, ultimately boosting economic growth.

• Context: The Southern Ocean is known for having the cleanest air on Earth, a fact previously attributed mainly to minimal human activity.
  • However, recent research has unveiled that clouds and rain play a significant role in keeping the air pristine.
• Option c: In 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization delimited the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean basin – the Southern Ocean – by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean
• Option b: The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty region and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence

• Context: India’s declining fertility rate, recently projected by The Lancet, suggests a demographic transition with potential economic benefits.
• The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a measure used in demography to quantify the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if she were to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates through her childbearing years. Option A accurately describes this concept, highlighting that TFR is a projection based on current birth rates across different age groups of women. Option B describes the Crude Birth Rate, which is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population within a specific timeframe. Option C describes the Birth Rate, which is different from TFR. Option D describes the concept of Mean Age at Childbearing, not TFR. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Let's evaluate each statement regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

1. The primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is to maintain international peace and security.
   - This statement is correct. According to the United Nations Charter, the primary responsibility of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security.

2. The council’s presidency rotates every month among the Five permanent members.
   - This statement is incorrect. The presidency of the UNSC does rotate, but not on a monthly basis. The presidency rotates monthly among all 15 members of the UNSC, including the 10 non-permanent members.

3. The non-permanent members are elected for five-year terms.
   - This statement is incorrect. Non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected for two-year terms, not five-year terms.

Based on the evaluation:

- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Statement 3 is incorrect.

Therefore, the number of correct statements is 1.

Answer: A: Only one

• None of the statements given above are correct.
• Context: Researchers at the University of Kerala have developed an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.
• The Magnesium-Copper / Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell is an eco-friendly technology developed to generate power primarily using air and seawater.
• This innovative fuel cell produces electricity and heat during operation while emitting water, making it environmentally clean.
• It employs cupric oxide grown over a copper substrate in a magnesium-sodium chloride-based system.
• Compared to traditional fuel cells, it offers cost-effectiveness by utilizing semiconductor material instead of platinum for air cathode systems.

• Context: The United Nations Security Council president has referred the Palestinian Authority’s application for full UN membership to the committee on new member admissions.
• The correct statement is B. The process to become a UN member involves several steps. Firstly, a country must submit an application to the Security Council, which then reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the General Assembly. The General Assembly then votes on the admission of the country, requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. This process ensures that the decision to admit a new member is made by the collective will of existing member states.

• Context: Banks in India are facing challenges in attracting deposits during the financial year 2023-24.
• The credit-deposit ratio is a financial metric used to assess the relationship between a bank’s lending activities (credit) and its deposit base.
  • It is calculated by dividing the total loans extended by the bank by its total deposits. The ratio indicates how much of a bank’s deposits are being used to provide loans.
  • A higher credit-deposit ratio suggests that a larger portion of the deposits is being lent out as credit, while a lower ratio indicates that more deposits are being held in reserve or invested in other assets.
  • It is an important measure of a bank’s liquidity and lending capacity.

• Context: High taxes and excessive licensing in the liquor industry contribute to corruption and financial burdens on consumers.
  • Indian Constitution views alcohol as an undesirable evil to be regulated. The Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 47) encourage the prohibition of alcohol consumption, except for medicinal purposes, aiming to protect citizens’ health. While not legally enforceable, these principles guide state action. Additionally, alcohol regulation falls under the authority of state legislatures according to the Seventh Schedule, allowing for varying laws across states, from prohibition to private sale.
• Distribution of Power on Liquor Control in India:
  • Central Government:
  • Sets guidelines for import duties on foreign liquor.
• Formulates national-level policies regarding alcohol advertising and marketing.
• State Governments:
  • Liquor falls under the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule
  • Impose state-specific excise duties and taxes on liquor sales.

• Context: The Supreme Court, while refusing to condone a 5659-day delay in an appeal, outlined eight principles deciding an application for condonation of delay.
• The principle of “Principles for Harmonious Construction” suggests that when interpreting statutes, courts should strive to achieve harmony and coherence in the law. This involves considering the legislative intent behind the statute and the purpose it seeks to achieve. Option A might seem plausible, but it doesn’t necessarily encompass the broader notion of considering legislative intent and purpose. Option C contradicts the principle by suggesting a strict adherence to the plain language of statutes without regard for their purpose or intent. Option D is incorrect as it goes against the idea of impartiality in legal interpretation. Therefore, option B is the most fitting choice as it aligns with the principle of harmonious construction by advocating for a holistic interpretation of statutes.

• Context: India has invoked the peace clause at the WTO for the fifth consecutive time for the marketing year 2022-23, as it breached the prescribed subsidy limit for rice.
  • Despite breaching the 10% domestic support ceiling, there are no immediate repercussions due to the peace clause, which provides immunity until a permanent solution is found.
  • India justifies its actions as necessary to meet domestic food security needs.
• The peace clause in the World Trade Organization (WTO) refers to an agreement that temporarily shields developing countries from legal challenges for breaching the domestic support limits on agricultural subsidies.
  • It was established during the WTO’s Bali Ministerial Conference in 2013.
  • This clause allows developing countries to provide subsidies beyond the prescribed limits for certain agricultural products, such as rice and wheat, without facing immediate repercussions.
  • The peace clause provides immunity until a permanent solution is found, allowing developing countries to support their domestic agricultural sectors while negotiations continue on more permanent subsidy rules.

• Context: The CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform was launched recently to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
• It aims to promote the growth of India’s horticulture sector by facilitating instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using e-RUPI vouchers.
• The platform integrates various features such as database integration, cloud-based server space, UIDAI validation, and e-RUPI integration.
• Farmers can access the platform to order planting material, contribute their share of the cost, and receive government subsidies upfront.
• The system ensures transparency and accountability by requiring farmers to verify the delivery of planting material through geo-tagged photos and videos.
• Unlike the old system, where farmers had to purchase materials themselves and then seek subsidy release, CDP-SURAKSHA provides subsidies upfront at the time of purchase.

• Context: Health officials in the United States have recalled several lots of hand sanitizers and aloe gels due to the risk of methanol exposure.
• Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol and wood alcohol, is a colorless, flammable, and poisonous liquid with a strong odor. It has a chemical formula of CH₃OH.