UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Each day, we will cover one new subject. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the MCQs on International Relations. Don’t miss checking the answers and explanations at the end of the quiz.
With reference to agriculture and allied activities, consider the following statements:
1. The agriculture and allied activities sector faced challenges from deficient south-west monsoon.
2. The production of kharif and rabi foodgrains in 2023-24 was higher than the final estimates of the previous year.
3. The minimum support prices (MSPs) for both kharif and rabi seasons 2023-24 ensured a minimum return of 80 percent over the cost of production for all crops.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
QUESTION 2
With reference to India’s coal-fired thermal capacity, consider the following statements:
1. India’s coal-fired thermal capacity has declined in FY24 from FY20.
2. The average plant load factor (PLF) increased from 53 percent to 68 percent.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
QUESTION 3
Consider the following countries:
1. Netherlands
2. Japan
3. Singapore
4. Mauritius
What is the correct order (decreasing) of the foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow to India?
(a) 3—4—1—2
(b) 4—3—1—2
(c) 3—1—2—4
(d) 4—3—2—1
QUESTION 4
The term Silvopasture was recently in the news. The term refers to:
(a) A seasonal movement of livestock between summer and winter pastures.
(b) A practice which provides livestock with protection from sun and wind.
(c) A practice integrating trees, forage and livestock on the same land.
(d) It is widely sown pasture grass in Aotearoa New Zealand.
QUESTION 5
Which of the following crops is affected by the yellow rust disease, which causes yellow bands of powder or dust on leaves?
(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Pulses
(d) Wheat
ANSWERS TO THE MCQs
1. (a)
FYI:
— The agriculture and allied activities sector suffered headwinds from inconsistent and insufficient south-west monsoon (SWM) rainfall, which coincided with growing El Nino conditions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The late arrival of the SWM, along with temporal and spatial uneven precipitation, caused a delay in the start of kharif sowing, resulting in an overall shortfall.
— The northeast monsoon (NEM) [October-December] likewise finished with a 9 percent rainfall shortfall. The below-average SWM and NEM rainfall reduced reservoir storage levels.
— Production of kharif and rabi foodgrains in 2023-24 was 1.3 percent lower than the previous year’s final predictions. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
The minimum support prices (MSPs) for both kharif and rabi seasons 2023-24 ensured a minimum return of 50 percent over the cost of production for all crops. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Source: http://www.rbi.org.in)
2. (b)
FYI:
— According to the data on NITI Aayog’s energy dashboard, India’s coal-fired thermal capacity grew to 218 GW in FY24 from 205 GW in FY20, a 6 percent growth. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— At the same time, generation by coal-fired thermal plants grew by 34 percent from 960 billion units (BU) to 1,290 billion units (BU).
— The average plant load factor (PLF), or capacity utilization, jumped from 53 percent to 68 percent. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— In contrast, solar capacity has more than doubled to 81 GW whereas average capacity utilization has decreased slightly from 17 percent to 16 percent.
— Wind capacity also grew by 22 percent to 46 GW, while capacity utilization grew slightly from 20 percent to 21 percent.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
3. (a)
FYI:
— According to the latest government data, India received the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) from Singapore in 2023-24 even as overseas capital inflows into the country contracted by about 3.5 percent due to global economic uncertainties. Through FDI from Singapore has dipped by 31.55 percent to USD 11.77 billion in 2023-24.
— During the last fiscal, FDI equity inflows decreased from major countries, including Mauritius, Singapore, the US, the UK, UAE, Cayman Islands, Germany, and Cyprus. However, investments increased from the Netherlands and Japan.
— According to experts, after the India-Mauritius tax treaty amendment, Singapore has emerged as the preferred jurisdiction for investment in India.
— Recently, India’s initiatives such as amendments by the SEBI to the REIT Regulations 2014 have created new opportunities for Singapore-based investors, which is why India is likely to see high FDI from Singapore.
— The amount of FDI received by India in 2023-24 from different countries is Singapore (USD 11.77 billion), Mauritius (USD 8.0 billion), United States (USD 5.0 billion), Netherlands (USD 4.9 billion), Japan (USD 3.2 billion).
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: rbidocs.rbi.org.in)
4. (c)
FYI:
— Silvopasture is a practice that integrates trees, fodder, and livestock in the same area.
— Silvopasture systems provide an effective remedy to deforestation trends. It has the potential to significantly reverse the bad trend of deforestation for pasture land.
— A study of deforestation factors in seven South American nations discovered that more than 70 percent of deforestation was caused by growing demand for grazing.
— The trees on silvopasture grounds operate as natural carbon sinks, sequestering five to ten times more carbon than pastures without trees, while maintaining or increasing productivity.
— Silvopasture systems also regulate local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes and creating a comfortable living environment for animals.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
(Source: http://www.downtoearth.org.in)
5. (d)
FYI:
— The Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department issued an advisory about Yellow Rust disease in wheat crops followed by a similar advisory from the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) after Yellow Rust was detected in wheat crops in parts of Punjab and Haryana. .
— Yellow Rust disease causes yellow streaks of powder or dust to form on wheat leaves and leaf sheaths.
— When handled, this yellow powder stains clothing or fingers. Under favorable conditions, the disease spreads quickly and has an impact on crop development and, ultimately, production.
— This happens when rust colonies in the leaves deplete the plant’s carbohydrates, reducing the green leaf area.
— In India, it is a serious illness in the Northern Hill Zone and the North-Western Plain Zone, spreading quickly when cool weather arrives and wind conditions are good. Rain, moisture, and fog promote the disease’s growth.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 61)
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 61)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 61)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 60)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 60)
Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.