0 UPSC EXAM ENGLISH QUIZ 23.12.2024 Daily Quiz 1 / 5 Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. India received the highest amount of foreign remittances in the world in 2024, estimated at $229 billion. 2. It was followed by Mexico, China, Philippines and Pakistan. Which of the above statement/statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: India received the highest amount of foreign remittances in the world in 2024, estimated at $129 billion. It was followed by Mexico, China, Philippines and Pakistan. According to the World Bank, India topped the list of countries receiving remittances in 2024 with an estimated inflow of $129 billion. Followed by Mexico – $68 billion China – $48 billion Philippines – $40 billion Pakistan – $33 billion Remittance growth rate: The global growth rate of remittances is estimated at 5.8% in 2024, which is much higher than the rate of 1.2% in 2023.Remittance levels in low and middle-income countries: Remittances to these countries are expected to reach $685 billion in the year 2024. Growth in South Asia: Remittances in South Asia are projected to grow the highest at 11.8%, led by strong flows to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The figures reflect the role of the diaspora and the growing importance of remittances in the global economy. 2 / 5 Q2. Consider the following statements: 1. US Central Bank Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points (0.25%). Now interest rates will remain between 4.25% and 4.50%. 2. This is the third time this year that the Fed has cut interest rates. 3. Earlier, on September 18 and November 8, the Fed had cut interest rates by 25 (0.25%) and 80 basis points (0.80%). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 are correct 1 and 3 are correct 2 and 3 are correct All of the above Explanation: US Central Bank Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 25 basis points (0.25%). Now interest rates will remain between 4.25% and 4.50%. This is the third time this year that the Fed has cut interest rates. Earlier, on September 18 and November 8, the Fed had cut interest rates by 25 (0.25%) and 50 basis points (0.50%). Key Points The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the third and last time this year. In 2025, the Fed is expected to cut interest rates twice, down from the four cuts previously estimated. Policymakers have forecast an increase in inflation in 2025, which could reach 5% by the end of the year. 3 / 5 Q3. Consider the following statements: 1. Supreme Court directed the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the protection of sacred groves across the country. 2. The judgment was inspired from the Piplantri Model created in a Piplantri village in Raasthan's Rajsamand district. Which of the above statement/statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: Supreme Court directed the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the protection of sacred groves across the country. The judgment was inspired from the Piplantri Model created in a Piplantri village in Raasthan's Rajsamand district. Sacred Groves Sacred Groves are the tracts of virgin forests that are left untouched by the local inhabitants and are protected by the local people due to their culture and religious beliefs. Sacred groves are relic vegetation of once dominant flora. Sacred Groves in India: Over 1 million sacred forests and 100,000 to 150,000 sacred groves exist across India. It is prominent in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand. 4 / 5 Q4. Consider the following statements: 1. A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights the reduction in global deaths due to diarrheal disease. 2. Global deaths due to diarrheal disease have declined by nearly 60%, with 1.2 million deaths recorded in 2021 from 2.9 million in 1990. 3. Children under five years of age and the elderly (over 70 years) remain highly vulnerable, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where mortality rates are highest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 are correct 1 and 3 are correct 2 and 3 are correct All of the above Explanation: A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights the reduction in global deaths due to diarrheal disease. Global deaths due to diarrheal disease have declined by nearly 60%, with 1.2 million deaths recorded in 2021 from 2.9 million in 1990. Children under five years of age and the elderly (over 70 years) remain highly vulnerable, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where mortality rates are highest. Notably, although mortality among children under five years of age has declined by 79%, this age group still has the highest mortality rate. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which refer to life years lost with a disability, declined from 186 million in 1990 to 59 million in 2021, with 31 million among children under five. In high-income countries, the rate of death among children under five years of age is less than one per 100,000 population, while in sub-Saharan Africa, the same demographic sees at least 150 deaths per 100,000 population. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is defined as passing three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequently than is normal for a person). 5 / 5 Q5. Consider the following statements: 1. Indian Navy has inducted a state-of-the-art survey vessel, INS Nirdeksha, at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. 2. INS Nirdeksha, the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) Project, has been commissioned to enhance hydrographic surveys, navigation and maritime security using advanced systems such as multi-beam echo sounders and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Which of the above statement/statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: Indian Navy has inducted a state-of-the-art survey vessel, INS Nirdeksha, at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. INS Nirdeksha, the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) Project, has been commissioned to enhance hydrographic surveys, navigation and maritime security using advanced systems such as multi-beam echo sounders and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The SVL Project aims to modernise the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey fleet by replacing the ageing Sandhayak class of vessels. The project comprises four ships; they are Sandhayak, Nirdeksha, Ikshak and Sandhayak. Indigenous Manufacturing: With over 80% indigenous components, it is in line with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Maritime Diplomacy and Security: The ship will assist friendly countries in maritime surveys along with acting as a credible tool for maritime diplomacy, in line with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. This will improve maritime security and strengthen India's leadership capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. Your score is LinkedIn Facebook Twitter VKontakte Post navigation ALL EXAM QUIZ 23.12.2024
