Posts

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 10th March 2025

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 8th March 2025

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

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[DAY 1] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 – POLITY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th March 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) WOMEN’S DAY 2025 Syllabus: Prelims  & Mains – HISTORY Context: International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on March 8 each year to recognize women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and advocate for women’s rights. Background: – The occasion offers an opportunity to recall the struggle of female revolutionaries for the cause of women’s education in India.  Pre Independence Women Activists  In the pre-independent times, several female revolutionaries struggled hard for the cause of women’s education, including Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, Pandita Ramabai, Chandraprabha Saikiani, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, Sarala Ray, Anasuya Sarabhai, and Abala Bose.  Savitribai Phule Savitribai Phule was a Dalit woman who challenged the upper caste hegemony of education.  She opened India’s first school for girls in Vishrambag Wada, Pune, Maharashtra in 1848 along with her husband Jyotirao Phule. Her school was open to all castes.  Savitribai Phule not only promoted education for girls but also stood in opposition to existing social evils like untouchability and prohibition on widow remarriage. Fatima Sheikh and Pandita Ramabai Another notable figure, Fatima Sheikh, widely celebrated as India’s first Muslim woman educator, was an associate of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule in Pune. Unfortunately, not a lot is known about her. Pandita Ramabai, from Mangalore (then Madras presidency but now part of Karnataka), challenged the caste system by marrying a man from the lower caste.  She was also a staunch advocate for women’s education and actively spoke out against the plight of widows, especially child widows, and child marriage.  Ramabai founded the Arya Mahila Samaj in 1882 to promote women’s education, which was seen as instrumental in eradicating child marriage.  Chandraprabha Saikiani Chandraprabha Saikiani was a social reformer and active proponent of women’s education from Assam. Saikiani demonstrated her commitment to the cause by starting a school for girls at the young age of 13, where she imparted whatever knowledge she had to other girls.  Her activism extended beyond education. At a large public gathering, she called for a ban on opium – an unusual act for a woman in that era when women speaking in public gatherings was unconventional.  In 1926, Saikiani founded the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti and dedicatedly worked for women’s education. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain and Sarala Ray Begum Rokeya, born in Pairaband, Rangpur, Bengal (part of Bangladesh now), advocated for Muslim women’s education through her visionary women-centric writings.  Her most famous short story, Sultana’s Dream, imagines a gender-reversed society where women run the world and men are confined indoors. Having never been allowed to earn a formal education, she started schools for Muslim girls in Bhagalpur (1909) and Kolkata (1911).  Sarala Ray, an educator from Bengal, founded the Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School in 1920 in Kolkata, where all girls were encouraged to learn three languages – Hindi, Bengali and English – as part of the school’s innovative curriculum.  Later, she extended her efforts towards women’s higher education and established the Gokhale Memorial Girls’ College in 1938.  Source: Indian Express WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2025 Syllabus: Prelims  – CURRENT EVENT Context: Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi on Wednesday.  Background: – Union Minister stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has taken transformative steps with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). Key takeaways The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is an annual event organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), serving as a global platform to discuss and advance sustainable development and climate solutions.  Established in 2001 as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS), it was rebranded to WSDS to reflect its broader international scope. WSDS 2025 Theme: ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions’ This 24th edition emphasizes the critical role of collaborations among governments, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders in driving meaningful progress toward sustainability goals. Key Components of WSDS: Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA): Since 2005, this award has honored global leaders for their contributions to sustainable development. Ministerial and High-Level Sessions: Panels featuring policymakers, business leaders, and academics discussing pressing environmental issues. Thematic Tracks: Focused discussions on specific sustainability challenges, engaging domain experts to propose actionable solutions. CEO Forum: A platform for industry leaders to brainstorm sustainable business practices. Youth Connect: Initiatives to engage young students in sustainability dialogues, fostering awareness and involvement. Source: DD News CONVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Lithuania quit an international convention banning cluster bombs, citing security concerns over neighbouring Russia in a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups. Background: NATO member Lithuania has said it wants to strengthen its defences following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fearing it could be next if Moscow succeeds. Key takeaways The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is an international treaty that prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which pose severe risks to civilians. Key Features of the Convention Adoption: 30 May 2008 in Dublin, Ireland. Entry into Force: 1 August 2010 (after 30 countries ratified it). Signatories: 123 countries (as of 2023), but major powers like the USA, Russia, China, and India have not signed. Main Provisions: Total Ban on cluster munitions. Stockpile Destruction within 8 years. Clearance of Affected Areas within 10 years. Assistance to Victims (healthcare, rehabilitation, and reintegration). Why Cluster Munitions are Controversial? Wide Area Effect: Cluster bombs release multiple submunitions over large areas, causing indiscriminate damage. Failure Rate: Unexploded bomblets become de facto landmines, harming civilians for decades. Humanitarian Crisis: Countries like Laos, Vietnam, Syria, and Ukraine suffer from past cluster munition use. India’s Stand on CCM Not a Signatory: India has not signed or ratified the CCM. Reasons for Non-Signature: Believes in the legitimate defense use of cluster munitions. Calls for a balance between security and humanitarian concerns. Reluctant to accept legally binding disarmament treaties without universal participation (as major powers like the USA and Russia are not part of it). Source: The Hindu BANGUS VALLEY Syllabus: Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: The Jammu and Kashmir government announced a new set of rules for Bangus, a far-off tourist spot near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, in a bid to promote it as an ecotourism destination.  Background: – The decision comes in the wake of unplanned and uncontrolled growth in concrete structures in the traditional tourist hotspots of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir. Key takeaways  Bangus Valley, also known as Bungus Valley, is a pristine and lesser-known destination located in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.  The name “Bangus” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Van” (forest) and “Gus” (grass), reflecting the valley’s lush grassy landscapes. Situated approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Srinagar, the valley rests at an elevation of about 10,000 feet above sea level within the Pir Panjal mountain range. The valley is divided into two main sections: Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus): The main valley, locally known as Bodh Bangus, covers an estimated area of about 300 square kilometers. It consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis. Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus): A smaller valley known as Lokut Bangus lies on the northeastern side of the main valley.  Both valleys feature level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains covered with dense coniferous forests. The valley is encircled by the Rajwar and Mawar regions to the east, the Shamasbury and Dajlungun Mountains to the west, and the Chowkibal and Karnah Guli areas to the north. Source: The Hindu LOSS AND DAMAGE FUND Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: In a setback to global climate justice efforts, the United States has withdrawn from loss and damage fund aimed at compensating developing countries for the damages caused by climate change. Background: – As the largest historical emitter, the United States bears a significant share of the blame for the climate adversities affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. Key takeaways The Loss and Damage Fund is a critical financial mechanism established to address the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable and developing countries.  The concept of “Loss and Damage” was first introduced in the 1991 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations by island nations fearing existential threats due to climate change. It gained prominence under the Paris Agreement (2015), which recognized the need to address loss and damage separately from mitigation and adaptation. It was formally established at the COP27 (27th Conference of the Parties) held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022. At COP28, the decision to operationalize the LDF was adopted by consensus, with several countries pledging significant amounts to the fund. For example, the United Arab Emirates committed USD 100 million, the United Kingdom committed GBP 40 million, and the European Union committed 225 million euros. Scope: The fund addresses both extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, floods) and slow-onset events (e.g., sea-level rise, desertification). Governance: The LDF is overseen by a Governing Board that determines how the fund’s resources are disbursed. The World Bank serves as the interim trustee, hosting the fund for four years. Funding: The fund encourages voluntary contributions from developed countries but also invites developing countries to contribute. Financial support is provided in the form of grants and concessional financing Source: Times of India Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Which of the following statements regarding the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is correct? (a) It allows the use of cluster munitions for self-defense. (b) It mandates the destruction of stockpiles within 15 years. (c) India, the USA, Russia, and China have not signed the treaty. (d) It was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2005.   Q2.) The Loss and Damage Fund was formally established at which COP meeting? a) COP25 b) COP26 c) COP27 d) COP28 Q3.) Which organization is responsible for organizing the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS)? (a) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (b) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) (c) World Economic Forum (WEF) (d) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 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  7th March  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – b Q.3) – a

Important Articles

[MOST AWAITED] 60 DAY – RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES 2025 – IASbaba’s Most Trusted Initiative for UPSC IAS PRELIMS 2025 – FREE Initiative!

2025 RAPID REVISION SERIES THE ONLY REVISION PROGRAM YOU NEED TO JOIN TO CRACK PRELIMS 2025 ACCESS RAPID REVISION SERIES NOW This year, when we opened to read the notification by UPSC, the number ‘979’ brought a ray of hope in all our hearts. Some of our students we know 😉 also did the Bhangra in their hearts! The Countdown for the test has begun. More vacancies will be unlocking more dreams this year. A piece of much welcome news! But the competition stays the same. Or it may have increased. We never really know. How much ever you feel prepared, it is only during the exam we get to analyse our situation. This is the reason why seasoned teachers and toppers shout from the rooftop around the importance of multiple revisions before sitting for the exam. If you want to know the key to success in Prelims 2025, it will surely be REVISION and More Revision! To arm our students and subscribers with last-minute solid revision tactics and help them be more confident while solving the paper, we are back with our highly demanded series – The 60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series. A programme that has become synonymous with UPSC Preparation among lakhs of aspirants     How Did Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Change The Game For The Aspirants? Yes, we know you would want to know that. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is a favourite amongst aspirants like yourself who love to get into the preparation mode along with some sweet surprises that makes your preparation enthusiastic and methodological. Holistic Practice of UPSC-standard Question Paper: This will give you a holistic practice of all the aspects of the UPSC Prelims preparation. The questions are framed considering the latest trend of UPSC and based on intelligent and thorough interpretation of the kind of questions that can be asked in the upcoming Prelims examination. Tracking Progress & Accountability: In order to stay true to yourself and track preparation, once you are done with the tests, it is advisable to upload the OMR Sheet on a daily basis in the comment section. This exercise for the next 60 days will track your progress like nothing else. This is a kind of self-accountability that is extremely important. High Vibe, High Chances: We can assure you that this progress is a major morale booster. In the comment section, you will be able to ask technical queries also, and our subject experts will address your issues and concerns. The comment section also helps in a healthy peer discussion. Let us take you through the details of this program: Fees: FREE! FREE! FREE! But you’ll have to register by filling in your details. Total number of Questions: 35 questions will be posted daily. Day-wise Schedule: To be provided (Taking out the guesswork completely so you can just focus) Breakup of the questions: Static questions: 20 Current Affairs: 10 CSAT: 5 Download the Detailed Schedule Detailed Analysis of Previous Prelims Papers 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 To Receive Regular updates about the 60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – Click Here Please Note: The questions will be posted 6 days a week by 11 am on daily basis!  “The idea of the 60 day Plan is simple- one small step at a time!” Yes! One small step is what it takes to become successful! One small step is what it takes to realize your dream of becoming a civil servant! One small step is what it takes to become what you always wanted to become. But what is that one small step? What if we told you that following a simple step of solving 35 objective questions a day can make you clear this examination? What if you were told that by solving only 35 questions a day, you will be a part of a group that has a much higher probability of cracking the Prelims examination than the others? What if we told you that religiously learning 35 questions a day would create such strong fundamentals for you that the journey to cracking Prelims would become highly enjoyable? What if 35 questions a day give you the ammunition to tackle any pressure? What if 35 questions a day makes you cross the very first hurdle of the examination cycle that you have entered? What if 35 questions a day gives a high dose booster to your confidence? What if we told you that 35 questions a day made hundreds of aspirants crack the Prelims stage without taking undue stress? Does it sound lucrative? Of course, it does. There is no doubt about it. But then, the bottom line is- one small step at a time! In The 60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series, each day, we post 35 Questions. The schedule is provided in advance so that you can prepare yourself as per the detailed micro-plan. You study from the sources mentioned in the schedule or from any source of your liking and try to answer the 35 objective questions posted on a daily basis. What you actually do is that for a period of 60 days, you stimulate one-quarter of the real-time examination process. For 60 days, your brain stimulates the process of analytical thinking and logical reasoning. For 60 days, you get accustomed to the process of thinking through and coming out with well-thought responses. For 60 days, you are exposed to a variety of high-quality questions that challenge your intellect and critical thinking just like UPSC does. For 60 days, you live and breathe the process that we know as the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut-off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut-off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on Fundamental Rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyse these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyse them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. Lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realise that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find lack of information as the main culprit while dealing with questions related to Culture and with regard to Polity, lack of analytical ability may be the possible culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyse your preparation and perform better in the examination. How to use it? You can go through the entire day-wise plan given in the schedule. Now, we present you the following scales (with the weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyse your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyse your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this programme, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. Importance of self – tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. To Receive Regular updates about the 60 Days – Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – Click Here So, gear up for this thrilling final lap of your preparation. The launch of “The 60 Days– Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series” is the indication that the Count Down for UPSC Prelims-2025 has started. Tik Tik Tik – The time is running out. Make the best use of it. All the best IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 7th March 2025

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) POPULISM AND GOOD GOVERNANCE Syllabus: Prelims – GS 2 Context: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, called for a national debate on the shift from democracy to Emocracy, saying, “National debate is required so that we take note of shift from Democracy to Emocracy. Emotion-driven policies, emotion-driven debates, discourses threaten good governance.” Background: – “Historically, populism is bad economics. And once a leader gets attached to populism it is difficult to get out of the crisis. The central factor must be the good of the people, the largest good of the people, the lasting good of the people”, V P said. Relationship between populism and good governance The relationship between populism and good governance is complex, with both positive and negative implications. Understanding Populism :A political ideology that seeks to represent the interests of the common people against a perceived elite. Characteristics: Direct appeal to the masses Charismatic leadership Anti-establishment rhetoric Simplified solutions to complex problems Types of Populism: Left-Wing Populism: Advocates wealth redistribution and state intervention (e.g., Latin American leaders like Hugo Chávez). Right-Wing Populism: Focuses on nationalism, cultural identity, and anti-immigration policies (e.g., Donald Trump, European right-wing parties). Understanding Good Governance: Governance that ensures efficient, accountable, participatory, and transparent administration. Key Features (As per UNDP): Transparency: Open decision-making and information availability. Accountability: Responsibility of public institutions towards citizens. Rule of Law: Fair legal framework enforced impartially. Inclusiveness: Equal participation of all groups in governance. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Best use of resources for public welfare. Populism vs. Good Governance: Conflict and Challenges Short-Term Popularity vs. Long-Term Institutional Strengthening: Populist leaders may focus on immediate benefits rather than sustainable policies. Erosion of Institutional Autonomy: Populists may undermine democratic institutions and weaken democratic Norms. Fiscal Populism: Excessive subsidies, loan waivers, and unsustainable welfare schemes burden the economy. Undermining Expertise and Bureaucracy: Populists often bypass expert opinions, leading to flawed policy decisions. Positive Aspects of Populism in Governance Increased Political Participation: Populist leaders mobilize the masses, bringing political awareness. Focus on Marginalized Groups: Populist movements often highlight the concerns of the underprivileged. Policy Innovation: Pressure from populist movements can lead to new welfare policies. Way Forward Institutional Checks and Balances: Strengthening judiciary and autonomous bodies to prevent executive overreach. Evidence-Based Policymaking: Ensuring policy decisions are backed by data rather than populist rhetoric. Strengthening Democratic Norms: Promoting media freedom, civil society participation, and deliberative democracy. Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring populist welfare policies are financially sustainable. Public Awareness: Educating citizens about the long-term impacts of populist policies. Source: PIB AIKOSHA Syllabus: Prelims  – CURRENT EVENT Context: Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw marked a major milestone in India’s AI journey with the launch of several key initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission during its anniversary celebration. Key among the newly introduced initiatives is AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform. Background: – The launch of AIKosha signifies a major step in democratizing AI access, enabling research-driven innovation, and strengthening India’s global AI leadership. Key takeaways AIKosha, launched by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline access to high-quality, non-personal datasets, AI models, and development tools, thereby fostering AI innovation across the nation. Key Features of AIKosha: Extensive Repository: The platform hosts over 300 datasets and more than 80 AI models from 12 organizations, providing a rich resource for model builders and developers to create India-centric AI solutions.  AI Sandbox Capabilities: AIKosha offers integrated development environments equipped with tools and tutorials, enabling users to experiment, develop, and refine AI applications effectively.  Secure and Accessible: The platform ensures data security through features like data encryption (both at rest and in motion), secure APIs, and firewalls for real-time threat filtering. It also emphasizes content discoverability and AI readiness scoring of datasets to assist users in selecting appropriate resources.  Objective and Impact: By providing a unified portal for seamless access to datasets, models, and tools, AIKosha aims to democratize AI development in India. It supports students, startups, researchers, academia, and government departments in building AI applications tailored to India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.  This initiative is part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through public-private partnerships. Source: PIB REAL ESTATE REGULATORY AUTHORITY (RERA) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Supreme Court criticised the functioning of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and termed it as “disappointing”. Background: This isn’t the first time the court has criticised RERA’s performance. In September 2024, the Supreme Court described RERA as a “rehabilitation centre for former bureaucrats,” accusing it of undermining the Act’s purpose.  Key takeaways The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 to regulate and promote transparency in the real estate sector. RERA is applicable to residential and commercial real estate projects, including plotted developments. Objectives of RERA Regulate the real estate sector and improve accountability. Ensure timely completion of projects and prevent delays. Promote transparency in property transactions. Protect buyers’ rights by setting grievance redressal mechanisms. Encourage investment by creating a reliable framework. Key Provisions of the RERA Act, 2016 Establishment of RERA States and Union Territories must establish a Real Estate Regulatory Authority for grievance redressal. Functions include project registration, dispute resolution, and policy implementation. Mandatory Project Registration : Developers must register real estate projects (above 500 sq. m. or 8 apartments) before advertising or selling. Projects without RERA registration are illegal. Escrow Account Requirement : Builders must deposit 70% of funds collected from buyers into a separate escrow account to ensure funds are used for the same project. Timely Completion & Compensation : Developers must complete projects on time, failing which they face penalties or compensation liabilities. Consumer Protection & Rights Buyers have the right to full project details, possession timeline, and compensation for delays. False advertising by developers can lead to refunds or penalties. Establishment of Real Estate Appellate Tribunal : If dissatisfied with RERA decisions, consumers can approach the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal. Source: Economic Times CAPITAL ACCOUNT CONVERTIBILITY Syllabus: Mains – ECONOMY Context: India should not rush into full capital account convertibility at its current per capita income level of about $2,570, Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, has said. Background: – Instead, the country should consider this reform only when per capita income reaches $8,000-10,000, he suggested. Key takeaways  Capital Account Convertibility (CAC) refers to the freedom to convert local financial assets into foreign financial assets and vice versa at market-determined exchange rates. It is part of the Balance of Payments (BoP), which consists of the current account (trade in goods and services) and the capital account (financial transactions). Types of Convertibility: Current Account Convertibility: Allows free exchange of currency for trade in goods and services. Capital Account Convertibility: Allows free exchange of currency for financial transactions like investments, loans, and acquisitions. Importance of Capital Account Convertibility: Foreign Investment: CAC attracts foreign investment and capital inflows boosting economic growth. Global Integration: It facilitates integration with global financial markets, enabling access to international capital. Economic Efficiency: CAC promotes efficient allocation of resources by allowing capital to flow to its most productive uses. Challenges and Risks of Capital Account Convertibility: Volatility: Free capital flows can lead to exchange rate volatility and financial instability, as seen during the Asian Financial Crisis (1997). Capital Flight: In times of economic uncertainty, investors may withdraw capital rapidly, leading to currency depreciation and economic instability. Monetary Policy Constraints: CAC limits the ability of the central bank to control domestic interest rates and money supply, as it must consider global financial conditions. Speculative Attacks: Countries with weak economic fundamentals may face speculative attacks on their currency, leading to crises. India’s Approach to Capital Account Convertibility: Tarapore Committee (1997): The S.S. Tarapore Committee was set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to recommend a roadmap for CAC in India. The committee suggested a three-phase approach with preconditions like fiscal consolidation, low inflation, and a strong financial system. Partial Convertibility: India has adopted a gradual and cautious approach to CAC, allowing partial convertibility with certain restrictions. For example, while FDI and FPI are allowed, there are limits on the amount of capital that can be moved in and out of the country. Current Status: India has full current account convertibility but partial capital account convertibility. The Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows individuals to remit up to $250,000 per year for permissible transactions. Source: Hindu Businessline ONGOLE CATTLE Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The population of Ongole cattle is dwindling in India, while its numbers and prestige are increasing in countries like Brazil. Background: –  In February, an Ongole purebred cow was sold for a whopping 4.38 million USD (25.7 million Brazilian Real or INR 40 crore) in Brazil. Key takeaways Ongole Cattle are a renowned breed of indigenous cattle native to India, known for their strength, endurance, and adaptability. They are primarily found in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Ongole region, from which they derive their name. Physical Characteristics: Size: Ongole cattle are large and robust, with a well-built muscular frame. Color: They are typically white or light gray, with a distinctive hump on their back. Dewlap: They have a prominent dewlap (loose skin under the neck), which helps them tolerate hot climates. Adaptability: Ongole cattle are highly adaptable to tropical climates and can thrive in harsh, dry conditions. They are resistant to many tropical diseases, making them ideal for regions with challenging environments. Utility: Draught Purposes: Ongole cattle are primarily used as draught animals for plowing and transportation due to their strength and endurance. Milk Production: While not high-yielding milk producers, they provide a moderate amount of milk with high fat content. Temperament: Ongole cattle are known for their docile nature, making them easy to handle and manage. Source: Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Which of the following cattle breeds is native to the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh? a) Gir b) Sahiwal c) Ongole d) Red Sindhi   Q2.) Which of the following statements regarding the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is correct? a) RERA registration is mandatory for all real estate projects, regardless of size. b) Developers must deposit at least 70% of the buyers’ funds into an escrow account to prevent fund diversion. c) RERA is applicable only to residential real estate projects and excludes commercial properties. d) The decisions of RERA are final and cannot be challenged in any tribunal.   Q3.) With reference to Capital Account Convertibility (CAC), consider the following statements: CAC allows unrestricted exchange of domestic currency for foreign currency in financial transactions like investments and loans. The S.S. Tarapore Committee (1997) recommended an immediate and full adoption of CAC in India. India currently follows a policy of full capital account convertibility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 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  6th March  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – c Q.3) – c

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th March 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) GANDHI AND BHAGAT SINGH Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – HISTORY Context: Among the various criticisms levelled at the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931, is that it failed to secure the commutation of Bhagat Singh’s death sentence. Background: – Some argue that it is unfair to claim that the Mahatma was indifferent to Bhagat Singh, as he had repeatedly appealed to Irwin on behalf of the revolutionaries. This assertion is not entirely incorrect. Key takeaways Bhagat Singh was arrested for bombing the Central Assembly in Delhi on April 8, 1929. But it was the Lahore Conspiracy Case for which he would eventually be sentenced to death by a Special Tribunal set up by Viceroy Lord Irwin. The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), led by Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad, had killed British police officer John P Saunders on December 17, 1928 to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Three HSRA members — Bhagat Singh, Shivram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar — were sentenced to death on October 7, 1930 after a controversial trial. Because of the way the Tribunal was set up, little legal recourse was available after the sentencing. A political settlement was the only plausible way to save Bhagat Singh from the gallows. Gandhi, Irwin, and a pact to end Civil Disobedience In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement with his 24-day march to Dandi. After he broke the salt laws, protests erupted across the country. Police launched a crackdown, and thousands of freedom fighters including Gandhi were arrested. On January 25, 1931, Viceroy Irwin announced the unconditional release of Gandhi and other leaders to facilitate negotiations. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was followed by the release of all political prisoners who were not convicted of violence, remission of fines, and return of some confiscated lands. Government employees who had resigned from service were treated leniently. The Congress agreed to end the Civil Disobedience Movement and take part in the Second Round Table Conference later that year. Bhagat Singh: A glaring omission in Gandhi-Irwin Pact Gandhi’s talks with Irwin began less than a week after Bhagat Singh’s final appeal was rejected. As the negotiations progressed, there was expectation that Gandhi would ensure that the young revolutionary did not hang. In his autobiography Sinhavalokan (1951-55), Bhagat Singh’s comrade Yashpal wrote: “Gandhi considered it moral to put government pressure on the people for prohibition [of alcohol] but he considered it immoral to put people’s pressure on a foreign government to commute the sentence of Bhagat Singh.” Gandhi and Bhagat Singh Gandhi described the bombing of the Central Assembly in Delhi as the “criminal act of two mad youth”. At the Congress’ Karachi session, held three days after Bhagat Singh’s execution on March 23, 1931, Gandhi spoke of the revolutionary’s “error”. Gandhi and Irwin discussed Bhagat Singh on multiple occasions. As early as May 4, 1930, Gandhi had objected to the creation of the Special Tribunal. During the negotiations for the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, he brought up the case of Bhagat Singh on February 18, 1931, although he did not take a particularly strong position.But Gandhi never officially asked for commutation, and the Viceroy refused to suspend the execution. On the morning of March 23, the day of Bhagat Singh’s execution, Gandhi once again wrote to the Viceroy asking for a suspension of the sentence. But his pleas were rejected. Source: Indian Express EUTELSAT Syllabus: Prelims  – CURRENT EVENT Context: Suggestions that Ukraine could lose access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite Internet system, which has been vital in maintaining its military communications, have focused investor interest on Starlink’s smaller European rival Eutelsat. Background: – The stock price of Eutelsat, a Franco-British company, has more than quadrupled since the February 28 public showdown between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. Key takeaways Starlink users access the Internet for data or voice communication by using a small satellite dish to bounce signals off a constellation of satellites overhead. Ukraine’s fixed-line and mobile networks have been badly damaged by bombing since Russia invaded in February 2022, and Starlink has helped Kyiv fill the void by sending tens of thousands of its dishes with terminals. Some are made available to civilians, but most are used by Ukraine’s armed forces. Ukrainian units often talk to each other via Starlink, and its services have become virtually indispensable for battlefield command and control. Initially, SpaceX helped to fund the provision of Starlink to Ukraine. The US government then took over, though last month Poland said it had been paying Ukraine’s Starlink subscription and would continue to do so. Eutelsat and Starlink Eutelsat already supports government and institutional communications in Ukraine, and can provide an alternative for certain government and defence applications, according to the company. Since its merger in 2023 with Britain’s OneWeb, Eutelsat controls the only operational global-coverage constellation, besides Starlink, of satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). Starlink’s more than 7,000 LEO satellites, suited to real-time communication, allow it to reach more users around the world and offer higher data speeds. But Eutelsat says that even with only 630 LEO satellites, backed up by 35 linked satellites in higher, geostationary orbit, it offers the same capabilities as Starlink in Europe. Starlink promises broadband at up to 200 megabits per second, Eutelsat 150. OneWeb terminals, however, cost as much as $10,000, plus a monthly subscription. Starlink charges Ukrainian users a one-time payment of $589 in addition to a monthly subscription of $95-$440, depending on the usage. Source: Indian Express PRADHAN MANTRI SHRAM YOGI MAANDHAN YOJANA Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) completes six years. Background: The scheme is a tribute to the workers in the Unorganized sectors who contribute around 50 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Key takeaways Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme launched by the Government of India to provide social security to unorganised workers. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Service Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) for seamless implementation.  LIC is the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for Pension pay out. Key Features of PM-SYM Minimum Assured Pension: ₹3,000 per month after 60 years of age. Government Contribution: The Government of India matches the worker’s contribution on a 1:1 basis. Voluntary and Contributory: The scheme is voluntary, allowing workers to contribute based on their affordability and requirement. Family Pension: If the beneficiary passes away, the spouse receives 50% of the pension amount as a family pension. Family pension is applicable only to spouse. Exit Provisions: Participants can exit the scheme under specified conditions. Easy Enrolment: Eligible workers can register at Common Service Centres (CSCs) or through the Maandhan portal. The contribution amount varies based on the age at the time of enrolment. To enroll in PM-SYM, individuals must meet the following eligibility conditions:       Age Requirement: 18 to 40 years. Income Limit: Monthly income should be ₹15,000 or less. Workers engaged Unorganised. Exclusion Criteria: Should not be covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or National Pension Scheme (NPS). Should not be an income taxpayer. Should not be receiving benefits from any other government pension scheme. Source: PIB ANTARCTIC CIRCUMPOLAR CURRENT Syllabus: Mains & Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: A groundbreaking study has revealed that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)—the world’s most powerful ocean current—is slowing down due to melting ice sheets. Background: – The research suggests the Antarctic Circumpolar Current will be 20% slower by 2050 as the world warms, with far-reaching consequences for life on Earth. Key takeaways  The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a major ocean current that flows clockwise from west to east around Antarctica. It is the largest and strongest ocean current in the world, transporting more water than any other current. The ACC flows between 50°S and 60°S latitude, and is the only current that circumnavigates the globe uninterrupted by landmasses. The ACC is approximately 21,000 kilometers long and 1,000 kilometers wide. Key Features of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current: Location: The ACC is located in the Southern Ocean, encircling the continent of Antarctica. It extends from the surface to depths of over 4,000 meters. Direction and Flow: The current flows in an eastward direction, driven by the strong westerly winds known as the “Roaring Forties” and “Furious Fifties.” The ACC connects the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, allowing for the exchange of water, heat, and nutrients between these basins. Strength and Volume: The ACC is the strongest ocean current, with a flow rate of approximately 135 to 145 million cubic meters of water per second.  Temperature and Salinity: The ACC transports cold, dense water from the Antarctic region northward and brings relatively warmer, saltier water from the subtropics southward. This exchange of water masses helps regulate the global climate by redistributing heat and influencing oceanic temperature gradients. Ecological Importance: The ACC brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food web. This, in turn, supports various marine species, including krill, fish, birds, and marine mammals. Climate Influence: The ACC acts as a barrier that isolates Antarctica from the warmer waters of the subtropics. This helps maintain the continent’s cold climate. The current also influences global weather patterns. Source: Economic Times WALLACE LINE Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: Kangaroos and cockatoos are synonymous with Australia and tigers and orangutans with Asia. Both these continents boast rich biodiversity that is also very unique. A simple yet popular way to understand these unique and distinct species distribution is Wallace line. Background: – Named after the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who first identified it in the 19th century, the Wallace Line is a crucial concept for understanding biodiversity, evolution, and ecological distribution Key takeaways The Wallace Line is a significant biogeographical boundary that separates the distinct flora and fauna of Asia and Australasia. Location: The Wallace Line runs between the islands of Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, extending northward through the Makassar Strait between Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sulawesi, and further into the Philippine Sea. It marks the boundary between the Indo-Malayan ecozone (to the west) and the Australasian ecozone (to the east). These regions have distinct evolutionary histories and biodiversity. Key Features of the Wallace Line: Biodiversity Divide: West of the Wallace Line: The flora and fauna are predominantly of Asian origin, including species like tigers, rhinoceroses, and primates. East of the Wallace Line: The flora and fauna are predominantly of Australian origin, including marsupials, cockatoos, and eucalyptus trees. Evolutionary Significance: The Wallace Line represents a deep historical separation caused by plate tectonics and continental drift. The regions on either side of the line evolved in isolation for millions of years. Ecological Transition: The area between the Wallace Line and the Lydekker Line (further east) is known as Wallacea, a transitional zone with a mix of Asian and Australian species. Factors Contributing to the Wallace Line: Geological History: During the Ice Ages, sea levels dropped, exposing land bridges that allowed species to migrate between continents. However, the deep Wallace Trench between Bali and Lombok acted as a barrier, preventing the mixing of Asian and Australian species. Ocean Currents: Strong ocean currents in the region further limited the dispersal of species across the line. Climatic Differences: Variations in climate and habitat types on either side of the line also contributed to the distinct evolutionary paths of species. Source: The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Which of the following is the largest ocean current in the world? a) Gulf Stream b) Antarctic Circumpolar Current c) Kuroshio Current d) North Atlantic Drift Q2.) Which of the following statements about the Wallace Line is correct? a) It separates the floral regions of Asia and Africa. b) It is a deep-sea trench located in the Pacific Ocean. c) It marks the boundary between the faunal regions of Asia and Australasia. d) It is the name of a tectonic fault line in the Indian Ocean. Q3.) Which of the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana is correct? a) It is a mandatory pension scheme for all unorganised sector workers. b) The scheme provides a minimum assured pension of ₹5,000 per month after 60 years of age. c) The Government of India contributes an equal amount to the beneficiary’s contribution. d) The scheme is applicable to individuals covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and National Pension Scheme (NPS). 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  5th March  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – a Q.3) – a

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th March 2025

<div class="pf-content"><div class="printfriendly pf-button pf-button-content pf-alignleft">                     <a href="#" rel="nofollow" onclick="window.print(); pfTrackEvent('DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th March 2025'); return false;" title="Printer Friendly, PDF &amp; Email">                     <img decoding="async" class="pf-button-img" src="https://cdn.printfriendly.com/buttons/printfriendly-pdf-button-nobg.png" alt="Print Friendly, PDF &amp; Email" style="width: 112px;height: 24px;">                     </a>                 </div><h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: right;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff6600;"><a style="font-size: 16px; color: #ff6600; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://iasbaba.com/current-affairs-for-ias-upsc-exams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Archives</strong></a></span></h3> <hr> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff6600;"><strong>(PRELIMS &amp; MAINS Focus)</strong></span></h3> <hr> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">RATNA STATUS</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Syllabus:</b></em></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Prelims – CURRENT EVENT</b></em></span></li> </ul> <p><b>Context: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Centre approved the upgradation of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) as the country’s 25th and 26th Navratna companies respectively.</span></p> <p><b>Background: –</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">All seven listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) of the Indian Railways now have Navratna status. The Indian Railways have a total 12 CPSEs.</span></li> </ul> <p><b>Key takeaways</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Government of India classifies Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) into Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna categories to grant them varying degrees of financial and operational autonomy. This classification aims to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and decision-making powers in India’s public sector enterprises.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Criteria for grant of Maharatna status to CPSEs</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The CPSEs meeting the following criteria are eligible to be considered for grant of Maharatna status.</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having Navratna status</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">An average annual turnover of more than Rs. 25,000 crore during the last 3 years</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">An average annual net worth of more than Rs. 15,000 crore during the last 3 years</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">An average annual net profit after tax of more than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last 3 years</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Should have significant global presence/international operations.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Criteria for grant of Navratna status to CPSEs</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Navratnas are the second category of the central government-owned ‘Ratna’ companies, placed between the Maharatnas and the Miniratnas.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) of the Ministry of Finance picks the CPSEs for Navratna status. Six indicators are considered: (i) ratio of net profit to net worth, (ii) ratio of manpower cost to total cost of production or services, (iii) ratio of profit before depreciation, interest, and tax (PBDIT) to capital employed or return on capital employed, (iv) ratio of profit before interest and taxes (PBIT) to turnover, (v) earning per share, and (vi) inter-sectoral performance of the company.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The six indicators carry weights from 10 (for earning per share) to 25 (for ratio of net profit to net worth).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If a CPSE has a composite score of 60 or higher for all six indicators, and has obtained an Excellent or Very Good MOU rating in three of the last five years, it is eligible to be considered for Navratna status.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Criteria for grant of Miniratna status to CPSE&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miniratna Category-I status: – The CPSEs which have made profit in the last three years continuously, pre-tax profit is Rs.30 crores or more in at least one of the three years and have a positive net worth are eligible to be considered for grant of Miniratna-I status.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miniratna Category-II status: – The CPSEs which have made profit for the last three years continuously and have a positive net worth are eligible to be considered for grant of Miniratna-II status.</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miniratna CPSEs should have not defaulted in the repayment of loans/interest payment on any loans due to the Government.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miniratna CPSEs shall not depend upon budgetary support or Government guarantees.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: </span><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/navratna-status-irctc-irfc-9868272/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indian Express</span></a></p> </div></div> <hr> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">AGRICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (AIF) SCHEME</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Syllabus:</b></em></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Prelims &amp; Mains – AGRICULTURE</b></em></span></li> </ul> <p><b>Context</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Punjab has utilised 100% of the Rs 4,713 crore allocated to it by the Centre under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.</span></p> <p><b>Background: –</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As of February 28, with 21,740 projects, Punjab is at the No.1 position in the country for the highest number of sanctioned projects, said the state government.</span></li> </ul> <p><b>Key takeaways</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a central sector scheme, started in 2020 with an aim to provide medium to long-term financing for agriculture infrastructure projects at the post-harvest stage.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the scheme was started, it was meant for post-harvest management and processing at the primary level, but now, integrated processing at the secondary level has also been included.&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, a kinnow farmer could earlier get funds under the scheme for grading, waxing, and packaging of the crop (primary post-harvest processes), but since 2024, can also avail money to make and sell juices, jams, etc. out of his kinnow produce (secondary level).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the secondary level funds are available only to those involved in the primary processing too.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This scheme offers credit guarantees and interest subvention. Farmers, agripreneurs, primary agriculture cooperative societies, farmers producer organisations, start-ups, state sponsored public-private partnerships, state-agencies can apply for funds under this scheme.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a loan limit of ₹2 crores. This interest subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹2 crores, interest subvention is limited up to ₹2 crores.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under the AIF, one can take benefits of other state and central subsidies as well. Credit guarantee support is through the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABSanrakshan) Scheme.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: </span><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/first-estimate-of-gangetic-dolphins-finds-6327-across-four-states/article69286367.ece"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Hindu</span></a></p> </div></div> <hr> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px"> RARE EARTH MINERALS</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Syllabus:</b></em></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Prelims &amp; Mains – CURRENT EVENT</b></em></span></li> </ul> <p><b>Context: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">A proposal by the Trump administration to secure $500 billion worth of profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for U.S. wartime assistance highlights the strategic importance of these resources.</span></p> <p><b>Background:</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">World’s 5% critical raw materials are currently present in Ukraine. 19 million tonnes of proven reserves of graphite are found in Ukraine. Lithium deposits, one third of all of Europe’s, lie in Ukraine.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ukraine also had 7% of world’s titanium production which is utilised in manufacturing aeroplanes to power stations. Ukraine is also the host of significant deposits of rare earth metals.</span></li> </ul> <p><b>Key takeaways</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rare Earth Elements (REEs) or Rare Earth Metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides, and have similar chemical properties.&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite their name, most rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, but they are rarely found in concentrated, economically exploitable forms.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">REEs are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 17 Rare Earths are cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Major Producers:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">China:&nbsp;Dominates global REE production (over 60%) and reserves (37%). Key mining areas include Inner Mongolia and Sichuan.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Australia:&nbsp;Second-largest producer, with significant reserves in Mount Weld.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">United States:&nbsp;Mines REEs at Mountain Pass, California.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why are REEs important?</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">REEs are an essential — although often tiny — component of more than 200 consumer products, including mobile phones, computer hard drives, electric and hybrid vehicles, semiconductors, flatscreen TVs and monitors, and high-end electronics.&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rare Earth elements are also used in space shuttle components, jet engine turbines, and drones.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scandium is used in televisions and fluorescent lamps, and yttrium is used in drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and&nbsp;cancer.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">REEs and India</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some REEs are available in India — such as&nbsp;Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium&nbsp;and&nbsp;Samarium, etc.&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Others such as Dysprosium, Terbium, and Europium, which are classified as HREEs, are not available in Indian deposits in extractable quantities. Hence, there is a dependence on countries such as China for HREEs.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: </span><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-rare-earth-elements-national-critical-minerals-mission-upsc-prelims-2025-9866124/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indian Express</span></a></p> </div></div> <hr> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">OBESITY EPIDEMIC</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Syllabus:</b></em></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Mains – GS 2</b></em></span></li> </ul> <p><b>Context: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">The&nbsp;obesity epidemic&nbsp;just got bigger with a new Lancet study predicting that 21.8 crore men and 23.1 crore women in India will be overweight or obese — totalling up to 44.9 crore or nearly a third of the country’s projected population — by 2050.</span></p> <p><b>Background: –</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Globally, more than half of all adults and a third of children and adolescents will become overweight or obese by 2050, the study says.</span></li> </ul> <p><b>Key takeaways&nbsp;</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Among young men, the prevalence of overweight or obesity increased from 0.4 crore in 1990 to 1.68 crore in 2021, and is projected to reach 2.27 crore by 2050.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Among young women, the number rose from 0.33 crore in 1990 to 1.3 crore in 2021, and is projected to increase to 1.69 crore by 2050.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Childhood obesity is also on the rise:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boys: 0.46 crore (1990) → 1.3 crore (2021) → 1.6 crore (2050).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Girls: 0.45 crore (1990) → 1.24 crore (2021) → 1.44 crore (2050).</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Causes and Impact of Rising Obesity</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rising prevalence of obesity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), combined with persistent childhood malnutrition and the burden of infectious diseases, poses a severe challenge to healthcare systems.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The “Double Burden” of Malnutrition: Childhood undernutrition often leads to metabolic adaptations, resulting in higher fat accumulation and obesity in adulthood. This, in turn, increases the risk of early-onset lifestyle diseases such as:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Type 2 Diabetes</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cardiovascular Diseases</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Certain Cancers</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unhealthy Dietary Shifts: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is a major driver of the obesity epidemic.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Multinational food and beverage corporations are increasingly targeting LMICs, where weaker regulations, population growth, and rising per capita income provide fertile ground for market expansion.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Between 2009 and 2019, India, Cameroon, and Vietnam recorded the highest annual growth in ultra-processed food and beverage sales per capita.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Policy Gaps and the Need for a Comprehensive Strategy</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study highlights that current policies are inadequate to curb the obesity epidemic.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global Scenario: Only 40% of countries have an operational policy or strategy to tackle obesity.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Low and Middle-Income Countries: This figure drops to just 10%, indicating a critical lack of regulatory interventions.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Way Forward: Addressing Obesity as a National Priority</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts emphasize that obesity must be officially recognized as a major Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and integrated into India’s public health framework. A National Obesity Programme should focus on:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Awareness Campaigns: Promoting healthier dietary habits and physical activity through mass media.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">School-Based Interventions: Implementing nutrition education, healthy meal policies, and fitness programs.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Workplace Wellness Initiatives: Encouraging corporate wellness programs to reduce sedentary lifestyles.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regulation of Processed Foods: Imposing higher taxation on unhealthy foods and strict regulations on food advertising.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Access to Treatment: Expanding healthcare services for obesity management, including nutrition counseling and medical interventions.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">National Obesity Registry: Establishing a database to track trends, interventions, and health outcomes related to obesity.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: </span><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/lancet-study-india-obese-2050-whats-driving-obesity-epidemic-9867087/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indian Express</span></a></p> </div></div> <hr> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">MAJULI RIVER ISLAND</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Syllabus:</b></em></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #993366;"><em><b>Prelims – GEOGRAPHY</b></em></span></li> </ul> <p><b>Context: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">A recent six-day survey conducted by NGO Aaranyak has shed light on the escalating human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Majuli River Island district of Assam.</span></p> <p><b>Background: –</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wildlife such as rhinos, wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, and tigers have increasingly damaged crops and livestock, posing severe risks to the largely agrarian population, nearly 90% of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.</span></li> </ul> <p><b>Key takeaways</b></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is situated on the Brahmaputra River in Assam.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Geographical Significance</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Formed by the fluvial action of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, Majuli is a dynamic landmass undergoing constant erosion and deposition.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The island spans an area of ~352 sq. km (as per recent estimates), but continuous riverbank erosion has significantly reduced its size over the years.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Declared as India’s first island district in 2016.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cultural and Historical Importance</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spiritual Hub: Majuli is known as the cradle of Neo-Vaishnavism, founded by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Satras (Vaishnavite Monasteries): The island is home to several Satras, which serve as cultural and religious centers promoting Assamese traditions, art, and music. Notable ones include: Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traditional Art &amp; Dance: The island is renowned for its mask-making tradition, Sattriya dance, and handloom weaving.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Biodiversity Hotspot: Majuli hosts migratory birds, indigenous flora, and fauna, making it a vital ecotourism destination.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: </span><a href="https://nenews.in/assam/rising-human-wildlife-conflict-in-assams-majuli-river-island-sparks-concern-study/21226/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NorthEast News</span></a></p> </div></div> <hr> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 16px;">Practice MCQs</strong></h3> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">Daily Practice MCQs</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q1.) Which of the following statements regarding Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is correct?</span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">A) Rare Earth Elements are found only in China.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">B) India has no reserves of Rare Earth Minerals.</span></li> <li>C) Rare Earth Elements are critical for the renewable energy sector.</li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">D) Rare Earth Elements are not used in defense applications.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q2.) Consider the following statements regarding Majuli River Island:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Majuli is the largest river island in the world, located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is known for its unique Vaishnavite culture and the presence of several Satras (monastic institutions).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Majuli has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance.</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which of the above statements is/are correct?</span></p> <p>(a) 1 and 2 only<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(b) 2 and 3 only</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(c) 1 and 3 only</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(d) 1, 2, and 3</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q3.) With reference to the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme, consider the following statements:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The scheme provides financial support for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only government agencies and cooperatives are eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</span></p> <p>(a) 1 and 2 only<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(b) 2 and 3 only</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(c) 1 and 3 only</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(d) 1, 2, and 3</span></p> <hr> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #008000;"><strong>Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!</strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="color: #00ccff;"><b>ANSWERS FOR ’&nbsp; Today’s</b><b>&nbsp;</b></span></em><em><span style="color: #00ccff;"><b>– Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs</b></span></em></p> </div></div> <hr> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>ANSWERS FOR&nbsp; 4th March&nbsp; </b><b>– Daily Practice MCQs</b></span></h3> <div class="su-box su-box-style-soft" id="" style="border-color:#c0c0c0;border-radius:3px"><div class="su-box-title" style="background-color:#f3f3f3;color:#d45f07;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px">Answers- Daily Practice MCQs</div><div class="su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim" style="border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px"> <p><strong>Q.1) – b</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.2) – c</strong></p> <p><strong>Q.3) – a</strong></p> </div></div> </div>

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 6th March 2025

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

Website
Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress