UPSC QUIZ 17.02.2024

Explanation:

• International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the Indian oil market outlook to 2030 report, which looks in-depth at how India’s role on the global oil market may evolve over the period through to 2030.
• The Report looks at energy transition trends that may affect the demand for oil in different sectors and how these changes could impact the country’s energy security.

Key Highlights of the Report

• India is projected to become the largest source of global oil demand growth between now and 2030, surpassing China by 2027.
• India's oil demand is set to rise by about 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2023. This increase constitutes over a third of the expected global demand growth of 3.2 million bpd by 2030.
• India’s total oil demand projections will stand at 6.64 million bpd in 2030 against 5.48 million bpd in 2023.
• This growth is fueled by factors such as strong growth in its economy, population and demographics.

Explanation:

• Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare launched the first phase of the bi-annual nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.
• The campaign aims to eradicate the disease by providing free preventive medications to residents of areas affected by the disease. Transmission has to be stopped. The campaign will cover 92 districts in 11 states.

Lymphatic filariasis

• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) caused by a parasitic infection that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Explanation:

The “Monetary Policy Committee” (MPC) of RBI presented its bi-monthly report.

Major decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee are as follows

• Repo rate unchanged at 6.50 percent
• Reverse repo rate is 3.75%
• Bank rate unchanged at 6.75 percent
• Fixed deposit facility rate unchanged at 6.25 percent
• Marginal Standing Facility rate unchanged at 6.25%
• Real GDP growth is estimated at 7.0 percent in fiscal year 2024-25 and 7.2 percent in the first quarter.
• These decisions are in line with the objective of achieving inflation within the band of +/- 2 per cent of 4 per cent.
• This is the sixth consecutive time that key rates have not been changed.
• This is also the sixth consecutive monetary policy report to come after the announcement of the interim budget on February 1, 2024.

Explanation:

• For the procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems for the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• The value of the contract is more than two thousand 269 crore rupees.
• The Shakti EW System is indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured.
• It can intercept electronic emissions and implement countermeasures in dense electromagnetic environments.
• The Shakti EW System will be installed onboard capital warships of the Indian Navy.
• This project will generate employment of two and a half lakh man-days over four years.

Bharat Electronics Ltd

• It is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defense.
• It was established in 1954. It is headquartered in Bengaluru.
• It caters to the strategic needs of the Indian Defense services.

Explanation:

• 'Kaji Nemu' lemon has been designated as the state fruit of Assam.
• The fruit known as "Kaji Nemu" (citrus limon) is indigenous fruit of Assam.
• It has an oval shape. Its smooth, thin skin is typically a pale green color.
• A GI tag has already been issued to Kaji Nemu.
• Because of its culinary and therapeutic qualities, Kaji Nemu is a highly valued fruit. Its flavour is particularly acidic and strong.
• Its anti-inflammatory and digestive qualities are also well-known.
• A common component of traditional Assamese cooking is Kaji Nemu.
• The total area under Kaji Nemu cultivation is 15.9 hectares, and the yield is 1.58 metric tonnes.
• This fruit has been exported to several nations, particularly the Middle East, during the past two years.
• A product that has a specific geographical origin and is known for certain attributes or qualities is given the geographical indicator (GI) tag.