The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) INDIA AND QATAR Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: As Prime Minister Modi and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks in New Delhi, India and Qatar decided to elevate their ties to a “strategic partnership”. Background: – Both countries signed two agreements and five MoUs, covering areas like economic cooperation, youth affairs and a double taxation avoidance agreement. Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), India has signed strategic partnerships with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait; Qatar is the latest to join that club. Key takeaways Trade between the two countries is $14 billion annually, and they set a target to double it to $28 billion by 2030. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has $1.5 billion FDI in India, and the joint statement said that the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. Bilateral relationship Qatar’s key exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics and aluminium articles. India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, processed food products, electrical and other machinery, plastic products, construction material, textiles and garments, chemicals, precious stones and rubber. Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India (10.74 MMT for US$ 8.32 billion in FY 2022-23), accounting for over 48% of India’s global LNG imports. Qatar is also India’s largest supplier of LPG (5.33 MMT for US$ 4.04 billion in FY 2022-23) accounting for 29% of India’s total LPG imports. Defence cooperation forms an important pillar of the bilateral agenda. India offers training slots in its defence institutions to a number of partner countries, including Qatar.  As of 2024, Indian population in Qatar forms approximately 25% of Qatar’s populace, primarily as migrant workers. Source: Indian Express RESILIENT TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE Syllabus: Mains – GS2 & GS 3 Context: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a multilateral organisation launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, put out a report earlier this month studying Indian telecom networks’ preparedness in the event of disasters.  Background: – Telecom networks are crucial to handling disasters, because they allow the State and National Disaster Management Authorities to communicate quickly with local municipalities and the State and Union governments Key takeaways Telecom networks are particularly vulnerable, as they comprise cabling that may not be fully underground, towers that may not be able to withstand high wind speeds, and because they rely on a steady flow of electricity, which is frequently disrupted by disasters. Coastal regions face elevated risks, as that is where undersea cables connect India with the global internet. If the landing stations of these cables are impacted, there can be massive network disruptions. What can be done? Since much of the disruption is attributable to power failures, much can be accomplished during a disaster by maintaining or restoring power supply to telecom towers and the network operating centres to which they’re connected.  Telecom operators have typically never deployed towers assuming 24/7 power supply — and have battery as well as fuel backup. The CDRI report recommends a few measures to develop a resilient telecom network. These include greater data collection and more coordination among officials, a more robust power infrastructure, and requiring cell towers to withstand higher wind speeds, especially in districts where hurricanes make landfall.  The CDRI also advocates for a dig-once policy, which recommends building as much underground civil infrastructure, like water and gas supply lines, drainage and fibre optic cables simultaneously, reducing the risk of cables being damaged when other infrastructure is built. The short- to medium-term roadmap suggests the need to update disaster damage and loss data format, mainstream disaster risk modelling into telecommunications infrastructure planning, strengthen telecommunications asset design based on local and regional hazard vulnerability profiles, the report says.  There are also commercial interventions that the report touches on. A key one is parametric insurance, a system where telecom operators are not left to bear the commercial burden of a disaster all by themselves, and are thus financially incentivised to bring networks back online rapidly (and presumably to nudge them to disaster-proof their infrastructure well enough to keep premiums down). Source: The Hindu GLOBAL WARMING EXACERBATING WATER GAPS Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Water gaps amounting to nearly 458 billion cubic meters per year already exist. These are projected to increase by 6 per cent under 1.5 degrees Celsius warming and by 15 per cent under 3 degrees Celsius warming according to a new analysis published in Nature Communications.  Background: The study emphasised on developing a more resilient and sustainable water management system to combat scarcity. This could include investing in resilient infrastructure, enhancing storage capabilities, desalination of seawater, reuse of treated wastewater and physical and virtual water transfers to distribute water from areas of abundance to areas of need. Key takeaways Water gaps are defined as the difference between renewable water availability and water consumption while maintaining adequate flows in aquatic environments. Researchers used climate outputs from climate models to quantify water gaps under baseline, 1.5°C, and 3°C warming scenarios. Regions currently experiencing water gaps are expected to face more severe conditions under 1.5°C warming, with even worse outcomes at 3°C warming. This trend is particularly evident in the eastern US, Chile, the Mediterranean region, south and east India, and the North China Plain. Additionally, some regions that were relatively unaffected in the baseline climate, such as Italy, Madagascar, and some US states on the East Coast (North Carolina and Virginia) and in the Great Lakes region (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois), are projected to see worsening conditions. Saudi Arabia is projected to experience decreased water scarcity under the 1.5°C warming scenario, but substantial increases in water gaps under the 3°C warming scenario. Largest water gaps in India The largest water gaps under the baseline climate are found in India, the United States, Pakistan, Iran and China. India is projected to experience the most important increase in water gaps under warming scenarios. In a 1.5°C warmer climate, India will have an additional 11.1 km3/yr water gap. Ganges-Brahmaputra basin imperilled The analysis also looked at water gap trends in major hydrological basins. Under baseline climate conditions, the largest water gaps are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Sabarmati, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus and Nile River basins.   Under 1.5°C warming conditions, water gaps are expected to increase the most in the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Godavari and Mississippi-Missouri river basins, while water gaps are expected to decrease in the Sabarmati, Columbia and northwestern United States and Nile basins. In a 3°C warmer climate, the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin still presents the largest water gap increase compared to baseline conditions, followed by the Indus, Mississippi-Missouri, China Coast, Godavari and Tigris-Euphrates basins. Source: Down To Earth SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Soil Health Card Scheme completes 10 years.  Background: – The Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. Key takeaways The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing farm productivity. The scheme provides farmers with detailed assessments of their soil’s health, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding nutrient management and crop selection. Key Objectives: Assess Soil Health: Provide farmers with comprehensive information on the nutrient status of their soil. Promote Balanced Fertilization: Encourage the judicious use of fertilizers based on specific soil requirements, thereby reducing input costs and preventing soil degradation. Enhance Crop Productivity: Improve crop yields by recommending appropriate soil amendments and cultivation practices. Features of the Soil Health Card: Parameters Analyzed: Each SHC evaluates 12 soil parameters, including: Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulfur (S) Micronutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo) Other Indicators: pH (acidity or alkalinity), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC) Recommendations Provided: Based on the analysis, the SHC offers tailored advice on: Optimal fertilizer types and dosages Necessary soil amendments Suitable crop choices Implementation and Technological Advancements: Sample Collection: Soil samples are typically collected twice a year, post-harvest of Rabi and Kharif crops, ensuring accurate assessments when fields are fallow. The Guideline of Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) was issued in June 2023. VLSTLs can be set up by individual entrepreneurs i.e. rural youth and community based entrepreneurs, including Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, Agriculture Universities etc.  Digital Integration: In 2023, the SHC portal was revamped and integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This enhancement allows for: Geo-referencing of soil samples Real-time access to soil health data Generation of QR codes linking samples to test results Mobile Application: A robust SHC mobile app has been developed, featuring: Automated location tagging during sample collection User-friendly interfaces for farmers to access their soil health information Graphical representations of soil data Source: PIB CASPIAN PIPELINE CONSORTIUM (CPC) Syllabus: Prelims  – CURRENT EVENT Context: Oil flows through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) were reduced by 30-40% after a Ukrainian drone attack on a pumping station. Background: – The attack, which caused no casualties, took place on the eve of talks between the U.S. and Russian officials on ending the war in Ukraine. Following the meeting, from which Kyiv was excluded, Donald Trump’s administration said it had agreed to hold more talks. Key takeaways The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is a significant international oil transportation project involving Russia, Kazakhstan, and leading global oil companies.  Established to construct and operate a 1,510-kilometer pipeline, the CPC facilitates the movement of crude oil from Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oil field to the Novorossiysk Marine Terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast. Key Features of the CPC: Route and Capacity: The pipeline transports oil from western Kazakhstan through Russian territory to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. As of 2022, it handled approximately 1.2 million barrels per day, accounting for about 1.2% of global oil demand.  Shareholders: The consortium’s major stakeholders include Transneft (24%), KazMunayGas (19%), Chevron Caspian Pipeline Consortium Co. (15%), and LUKARCO B.V. (12.5%), among others.  Strategic Importance: The CPC pipeline is crucial for exporting oil from Kazakhstan’s significant fields, such as Kashagan and Karachaganak, providing a reliable route to international markets. Source: Reuters Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs   Q1.) Which of the following statements regarding India-Qatar relations is correct? (a) Qatar is India’s second-largest supplier of LNG after Saudi Arabia. (b) India and Qatar have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2024. (c) The Indian population in Qatar constitutes less than 10% of its total population. (d) India has no defence cooperation with Qatar.   Q2.) Which of the following are key objectives of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme launched by the Government of India? To provide farmers with soil test-based recommendations for nutrients and fertilizers. To increase chemical fertilizer consumption for higher crop productivity. To promote balanced use of fertilizers and reduce input costs. To assess soil quality every 10 years. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 3, and 4 only   Q3.) Consider the following statements regarding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC): The CPC pipeline transports crude oil from Kazakhstan to the Baltic Sea for export. Russia and Kazakhstan are the key stakeholders in the CPC. The pipeline is strategically important for the transportation of oil from Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oil field. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  19th February – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – c Q.3) – a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) DEPOSIT INSURANCE Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: The government is considering increasing the insurance cover for bank deposits from the current limit of Rs 5 lakh. Background: – Deposit insurance was introduced in India in 1962, and coverage has thus far been enhanced six times – from Rs 1,500 per depositor held in the same right and same capacity at all the branches of the insured bank to Rs 5 lakh now. Key takeaways The deposit insurance cover is offered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a specialised division of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The objective of the DICGC is to protect “small depositors” from the risk of losing their savings in case of a bank failure.  The insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per depositor is for all accounts held by the depositor in all branches of the insured bank. DICGC insures all commercial banks, including branches of foreign banks functioning in India, local area banks, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks. However, primary co-operative societies are not insured by the DICGC. Savings, fixed, current, and recurring deposits are insured. The DICGC does not provide insurance for deposits by foreign, central, and state governments, and for inter-bank deposits. The premium for deposit insurance is borne by the insured bank. DICGC collects premiums from member financial institutions at a flat or differentiated rate based on the bank’s risk profile. How does the limit for DICGC’s insurance coverage work? In 2021, a new Section 18A was inserted in the DICGC Act, 1961, which enabled depositors to get interim payment and time-bound access to their deposits to the extent of the deposit insurance cover through interim payments by DICGC, in case of imposition of restrictions on banks by the RBI. At present, the DICGC offers insurance cover on bank deposits up to Rs 5 lakh within 90 days of imposition of such restrictions.  Since the DICGC insures both the principal and interest amount held by a depositor in a bank, this is how the cover works: Say, a depositor has Rs 4,99,800 in her account, which includes the principal amount of Rs 4,90,000 and Rs 9,800 as interest accrued on it. In this case, the DICGC will provide insurance for Rs 4,99,800, which essentially means the depositors will get Rs 4,99,800 if their bank fails However, if the principal amount is Rs 5,00,000 (or more), and the interest accrued is Rs 10,000, the interest accrued will not be covered, as the depositor would have exhausted the cover limit of Rs 5 lakh. If the bank goes into liquidation, DICGC is liable to pay to the liquidator the claim amount of each depositor up to Rs 5 lakh within two months from the date of receipt of the claim list from the liquidator. The liquidator will have to disburse the right claim amount to each insured depositor. Source: Indian Express INTERNATIONAL THERMONUCLEAR EXPERIMENTAL REACTOR (ITER) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his visit to France to attend an AI summit, also toured the ambitious International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron. Background: – Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the ITER facility marks the first time that a Head of State or Head of Government has visited ITER. Key takeaways ITER is an international collaborative project aimed at building the world’s largest magnetic fusion device, designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. Presently, as many as 33 nations, including India, are collaborating on ITER project. Seven ITER members — China, India, European Union, Japan, Korea, Russia and United States — have been making joint efforts for decades to build and operate the ITER experimental device. ITER is currently under construction in the south of France. According to its current timeline, it is expected to begin deuterium-tritium fusion reactions by 2039, producing 500 MW of fusion power. ITER would not be converting the output heat energy into electricity. But its success is expected to pave the way for other machines to start using fusion energy as a regular source of electricity generation. According to the ITER website, the primary task of ITER is to investigate and demonstrate burning plasmas — “plasmas in which the energy of the helium nuclei produced by the fusion reactions is enough to maintain the temperature of the plasma, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for external heating”. Source: Indian Express EARTHQUAKES IN DELHI Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: Delhi frequently experiences earthquakes, often originating from distant regions. However, the magnitude 4 earthquake that struck before dawn on Monday was distinct, as its epicenter was within Delhi itself, near Dhaula Kuan. Background:  Magnitude 4 earthquakes are not very strong, and do not result in much damage. Key takeaways Delhi lies in a seismically active area. India’s official earthquake hazard map puts Delhi in Zone 4, the second highest classification of areas based on their susceptibility to shaking experienced during an earthquake. Zone 4 in India includes areas that are expected to experience MSK-8-level intensity during an earthquake. The MSK, or Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale is a measure of intensity, rather than strength, or energy released, which is described by magnitude. Simply put, the MSK scale measures the susceptibility of an area to an earthquake. Based on the local geology and other factors, two places can feel, and be impacted by, a quake very differently, even if they are equidistant from its epicentre. Delhi falls in a region that has high susceptibility to quakes. MSK-8 means the area is vulnerable to major damage being caused to buildings and other infrastructure.  Zone 5, the most vulnerable areas in India, correspond to MSK-9 levels of intensity or higher. Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt Delhi lies in what is known as the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a seismically-active geological belt extending from southern and eastern Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi. This region is characterised by the presence of deformed layers of rock that have been folded or bent due to geological processes hundreds of millions of years ago. These deformities have created stress which is sometimes released in the form of earthquakes. This is a very different mechanism from the one that triggers earthquakes in the Himalayan region. The Himalayan region has been witnessing the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate under the Eurasian plate — one pushing against the other — which results in a lot of stress building up. The Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt was much more seismically active in the past than it is now. Over the years, the tectonic activity in the region has slowed down considerably, leading to greater geological stability. But some faults still remain, which give rise to occasional mild earthquakes. Source: Indian Express BIANNUAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT (BTR) Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: India is in the final stages of preparing its first ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR), part of its commitment as a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. Background: – The Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) is a reporting mechanism established under the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Key takeaways The report will be India’s official position on its greenhouse gas emissions inventory, key sectors and sources, and steps taken to improve energy efficiency use, as well as the transition to renewable energy sources and the availability of required resources. While India has been periodically submitting such information in the form of ‘national communications’ and ‘Biannual Update Reports’ (BUR), the BTR is a document that will be subject to technical review by independent, non-Indian, UNFCCC-accredited experts. The reports are part of the commitment made by all signatories at the UNFCCC’s 21st Conference of Parties (COP), held in Paris in 2015, in a bid to increase transparency. However, it was only at the 2024 COP in Baku that countries actually began submitting BTRs that adhered to the prescribed format. While all countries were to have submitted their BTRs by December 2024, several — including India — failed to meet that deadline. Key Components of the BTR: National Inventory Report (NIR): An account of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. Progress on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Updates on efforts and achievements related to emission reduction targets. Policies and Measures: Descriptions of strategies implemented to mitigate climate change. Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: Information on observed impacts and adaptation actions. Support Provided and Received: Details on financial, technological, and capacity-building assistance. Capacity-Building Needs and Areas for Improvement: Identification of areas requiring enhancement to effectively combat climate change. UNFCCC Source: The Hindu PRADHAN MANTRI ANNADATA AAY SANRAKSHAN ABHIYAN (PM-AASHA) SCHEME Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Government of India approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26.  Background: – The scheme aims to strengthen the procurement mechanism in coordination with state governments, thereby safeguarding farmers’ income and stabilizing the agricultural market. Key takeaways The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an umbrella scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers’ produce.  Key Components of PM-AASHA:- Price Support Scheme (PSS): Objective: Procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra directly from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) when market prices fall below MSP. Implementation: Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) undertake procurement in collaboration with state-level agencies. Procurement Limit: From the 2024-25 season onwards, procurement is set at 25% of the national production for the notified crops. However, for Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur, 100% procurement is allowed for the 2024-25 season to encourage domestic production and reduce import dependence. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Objective: To compensate farmers for the difference between the MSP and the actual selling price of oilseeds, without physical procurement. Implementation: Farmers receive direct payments of the price difference, with the central government bearing up to 15% of the MSP as compensation. Coverage Expansion: The scheme’s coverage has been enhanced from 25% to 40% of the state’s oilseed production, and the implementation period extended from 3 to 4 months to benefit more farmers. Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS): Objective: To involve the private sector in the procurement of oilseeds on a pilot basis in selected districts. Implementation: Private agencies procure oilseeds at MSP in designated markets during the notified period, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce the burden on public procurement systems. Source: PIB Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs   Q1.) Which of the following statements regarding earthquakes in Delhi is/are correct? Delhi falls under Seismic Zone 5, the most earthquake-prone classification in India. The recent magnitude 4 earthquake in Delhi had its epicenter within the city, near Dhaula Kuan. The Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt is a major seismically active zone due to the continuous subduction of tectonic plates. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2, and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 only   Q2.) Which of the following statements about the Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) is/are correct? The BTR is a part of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. India has been submitting BTRs since 2015 as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The BTR includes details on greenhouse gas emissions, climate change mitigation measures, and financial support received for climate action. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3   Q3.) Consider the following statements regarding the PM-AASHA scheme: The scheme includes a Price Support Scheme (PSS) under which oilseeds and pulses are procured directly from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) under PM-AASHA provides direct compensation to farmers without physical procurement of crops. The Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS) allows private players to procure wheat and rice at MSP to reduce government procurement burden. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  18th February – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – a Q.3) – a