UPSC EXAM QUIZ 25.12.2024

Explanation:

• US has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, announcing a target to reduce emissions by 61-66% from 2005 levels by 2035.

Key Points

• Emissions reduction target: The US announced a target to reduce emissions by 61-66% from 2005 levels by 2035.
• Existing target: This target is based on the existing target of 50-52% emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2030.
• Second round of NDCs: Under the Paris Agreement, the second round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035 is now being finalised.
• Deadline: All countries must submit their NDCs for 2035 by February next year.
• 2020 Target Met: The US met its goal of reducing emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.

Explanation:

• The exchange rate of the Indian rupee has crossed the level of 85 against the US dollar. This means that now ₹ 85 will have to be paid to buy $1. In April, this rate was around ₹ 83, whereas a decade ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, this rate was around ₹ 61.

Devaluation of Rupee

• When the value of a country's currency decreases against another currency, it is called currency depreciation. The Indian rupee has also weakened against major currencies, especially the US dollar, from time to time.

Reasons for devaluation of rupee:

• Increase in crude oil prices: Rising crude oil prices in the global market have increased India's import expenditure, which has put pressure on the rupee.
• Capital flow to China: Foreign investors (FPIs) are withdrawing their investments from India and moving towards China. China's new monetary and fiscal policies have boosted their economy.
• This change is being called the “Sell India, Buy China” strategy.
• Rising demand for the dollar: The rupee has fallen further due to higher demand for the US dollar by foreign banks.
• Weakness in domestic market: Weakness in India's stock and bond markets has reduced the confidence of foreign investors, which has further put pressure on the rupee.

Explanation:

• National Farmers Day (Kisan Diwas) was celebrated on 23 December 2024 to honor farmers and to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh.
• Known as the 'farmer leader', his birth anniversary is celebrated as 'Kisan Diwas' since the year 2001 for his contribution to Indian agriculture and rural development.

Key facts related to Chaudhary Charan Singh

• Born in 1902 in Noorpur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, he was an Indian politician and freedom fighter who served as the fifth Prime Minister of India (1979–80).
• He also served twice as Deputy Prime Minister (January–July 1979) and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
• He represented Chhaprauli (1937, 1946, 1952, 1962, 1967) and later as an MP from Baghpat in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Explanation:

• India has achieved significant advancements in technology and innovation, climbing 11 positions to secure the 49th spot in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024) compared to the previous year.
• Released by the Washington DC-based Portulans Institute, the Index assesses countries on their utilization of technology to improve governance, foster citizen engagement, and create a broader impact.
• In the Network Readiness Index 2024, the USA ranked first with a score of 78.96, followed by Singapore in 2nd place with a score of 76.94 and Finland in 3rd place with a score of 75.76.
• Sweden ranks fourth with a score of 74.99, and the Republic of Korea ranks fifth with a score of 74.85.
• In 2023, India's position has advanced by 11 places, rising from 60th with 49.93 points.
• In 2024, the country improved the ranking and also improved its overall score to 53.63, reflecting its continued efforts in advancing technology, research, and digital infrastructure.
• India's progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile networks, and broadband has been helpful in achieving this growth.
• The country is leveraging these technologies for global research and also using them to make the lives of its citizens easier.

Explanation:

• Total 15 tableaux have been selected from various states and UTs for Republic Day Parade 2025.
• According to Ministry of Defence, the theme of tableaux for Republic Day 2025 will be ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.
• Fifteen states and UTs include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli and Daman, and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka and among others.
• 11 Ministries and the Department of Union government have also been selected for Republic Day Parade 2025.
• The selected tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths.