Daily Current Affairs MCQ- July 19, 2022 - UPSC MCQ

India's core sector growth grew by 5.8% in February, data recently released by the commerce and industry ministry.

The output of eight infrastructure sectors had registered a growth of 4.0% year-on-year in January 2022 while in February 2021, it had contracted by 3.3%. The index of eight core industries measures the output of eight infrastructure industries - coal, crude, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, cement, steel and electricity.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Recently Rajasthan government decided to discontinue National Pension System (NPS) in the state.

• National Pension System was introduced in 2003.
• The scheme is applicable to all new recruits joining the Central Government service (except armed forces) from April 1, 2004. On introduction of NPS, the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 was amended.
• It is a participatory scheme, where employees contribute to their pension corpus from their salaries, with matching contribution from the government. The funds are then invested in earmarked investment schemes through Pension Fund Managers. At retirement, they can withdraw 60% of the corpus, which is tax-free and the remaining 40% is invested in annuities, which is taxed. It can have two components — Tier I and II. Tier-II is a voluntary savings account that offers greater flexibility in terms of withdrawal, and one can withdraw at any point of time, unlike Tier I account. Even private individuals can opt for the scheme.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the regulator for NPS.

Hence both statements are correct.

According to the Odisha wildlife department the dolphin population along Odisha’s coast and in its waterbodies has increased but the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lake has fallen.

• Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. 
• Irrawaddy dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and mentioned as endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

PM Modi attended the 5th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit through a video conference.

• It is an economic bloc that came into being in June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
• Its aim is to counter the onslaught of globalisation by accelerating regional growth through mutual cooperation by utilising regional resources and geographical advantages.
• BIMSTEC was initially formed with four member states- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand on June 6, 1997.
• Nepal became an observer state in 1998 and became full-time member of the bloc along with Bhutan in February 2004.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

The first scientific population estimate of Indian peninsular wolves has revealed that only 3,100 members of the species are left in the country.

• Indian peninsular wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) are endemic to the Indian sub-continent.
• Genetically unique from all other wolf species worldwide, it is believed to have evolved from an ancient wolf lineage around 400,000 years ago.
• Indian wolves have short, thin fur. The fur is generally greyish-red to reddish-white with grey tones.
• Indian wolves are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Iran.
• In India, Madhya Pradesh supports the largest wolf population followed by the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• They live in open grasslands, thorn forests, and scrublands.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
  • CITES: Appendix I

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

GST revenue collected in March, 2022 stood at more than Rs 1.42 lakh crore - the highest recorded in a month since the introduction of GST.

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax (or consumption tax) imposed in India on the supply of goods and services.
• It is a comprehensive, multistage, destination based tax.
• Goods and services are divided into different tax slabs for collection of tax - 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% etc. These slabs, as well as goods and services under these slabs, are subject to change by the GST Council.
• Petroleum products, alcoholic drinks, and electricity are not under the purview of GST and instead are taxed separately by the individual state governments, as per the previous tax regime.

Hence both statements are correct.

The balance of payments (BOP), also known as the balance of international payments, is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a defined period, such as a quarter or a year. It summarizes all transactions that a country's individuals, companies, and government bodies complete with individuals, companies, and government bodies outside the country. The BoP has two parts.

• One is the capital account. This includes all types of trading in capital. In other words, all investments inside and outside the country are recorded here — for example, if an Indian firm invests money in the US to build a new company there, or if an Indian buys stocks on an American exchange.
• The second part of the BoP is called the Current Account. Here, all the trade in goods and services is noted down — for example, if an Indian imports an American gadget or software made by an American company or if an American entity imports Indian steel or engages an Indian IT company to create a software.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

The Olive ridley turtle is the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles, named for the generally greenish color of its skin and shell, or carapace.

• Olive ridleys are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• It is best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, which is a mass-nesting event when thousands of female turtles come together on the same beach each year to lay eggs.
• The olive ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp.
• Olive Ridley turtles are protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as a Schedule I species and are categorised as Vulnerable as per the IUCN Red List. 

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Chief Justice of India recently talked about the ‘falling credibility’ of CBI.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
• It is not a statutory body as it was set up by a resolution (1963)of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
• The CBI is the main investigating agency of the Central Government.
• The CBI is headed by a Director. He is assisted by a special/additional director.
• The Central Government appoints the Director on the recommendation of a high-powered three-member committee, comprising of:
  • Prime Minister as Chairman
  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
  • Chief Justice of India

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

The government of India recently introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha that envisages regulating visits and activities to Antarctica as well potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent. The Bill also prescribes penal provisions for certain serious violations.

India is a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases.

India is also signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of the continent.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.