UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: April 4, 2025
April 4, 2025 April 4, 2025
1. With respect to Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Phosphatic fertilisers are primarily used to enhance the growth of root systems in plants.
- Potassic fertilisers are exclusively used for fruit-bearing plants.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Nor 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nor 1 nor 2]
Notes:- Phosphatic fertilisers enhance root growth, but they also promote flowering and fruiting in various plants (Incorrect).
- Potassic fertilisers are not exclusively for fruit-bearing plants; they benefit a wide range of crops, including vegetables and grains (Incorrect).
2. In the context of ‘Bisons’, consider the following statements:
- Bisons are known as ‘habitat marker’ species of forest ecosystems.
- Bisons are primarily herbivorous and do not exhibit any social behavior.
- The Indian Bison is also known as the gaur and is the largest species of wild cattle.
- The Western Ghats in India is a significant habitat for the Indian Bison population.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:- Habitat Marker (Correct): Bisons are indeed known as ‘habitat marker’ species, indicating the health and quality of forest ecosystems. Their presence signifies a well-balanced environment that supports diverse flora and fauna.
- Social Behavior (Incorrect): Contrary to the statement, bisons exhibit social behavior, often forming herds, especially during migration or calving seasons, which helps in their protection and breeding.
- The Indian Bison is also known as the gaur and is the largest species of wild cattle: This is correct. Gaur can weigh up to 1,500 kg and stand up to 2 meters tall at the shoulder.
- The IUCN Red List classifies the Indian Bison as “Endangered” due to habitat loss and poaching: This is incorrect. The Indian Bison is classified as “Vulnerable,” not “Endangered.”
- The Western Ghats in India is a significant habitat for the Indian Bison population: This is correct. The Western Ghats support one of the largest populations of gaurs.
3. With reference to the initiatives related to marine ecosystems and fisheries, consider the following statements:
- The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project focuses solely on economic sustainability without considering ecological health.
- The Glolitter and Reglitter Projects aim to reduce marine plastic litter from land-based sources.
- The Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) initiative includes the construction of fish drying yards and cold storage facilities.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one]
Notes:- The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project focuses solely on economic sustainability without considering ecological health: This is incorrect. The project integrates ecological health, social equity, and economic sustainability.
- The Glolitter and Reglitter Projects aim to reduce marine plastic litter from land-based sources: This is incorrect. They focus on sea-based sources of marine plastic litter.
- The Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) initiative includes the construction of fish drying yards and cold storage facilities: This is correct. The initiative aims to enhance resilience through infrastructure development.
Thus, only one statement is correct. The correct answer is (A) Only one.
4. Consider the following pairs:
| Sovereign Green Bonds | Debt securities issued to fund environmentally sustainable projects |
| Treasury Bills | Short-term government securities with maturities of less than 180 days |
| Ways and Means Advances | Short-term loans provided by the RBI to the government |
How many of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three pairs]
Notes:- Sovereign Green Bonds: These are indeed debt securities issued specifically to fund projects that have positive environmental impacts, making this pair correct.
- Treasury Bills: They are short-term government securities that typically have maturities of 91 days, 182 days, or 364 days, confirming the accuracy of this pair.
- Ways and Means Advances: These are short-term loans provided by the Reserve Bank of India to the government to manage temporary mismatches in cash flow, thus this pair is also correct.
Thus, all three pairs are correct.
5. Consider the following:
- Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)
- Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR)
- High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs)
Which of the above is/are primarily aimed at enhancing banks’ liquidity resilience?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) mandates banks to hold enough High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) to meet short-term obligations during stress scenarios. The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) ensures that banks maintain a stable funding profile in relation to their assets over a longer term. HQLAs are critical components for both LCR and NSFR, as they consist of assets that can be easily converted to cash with minimal loss. Together, these frameworks enhance the overall liquidity resilience of banks, ensuring they can withstand financial disruptions.
The above questions are part of Daily UPSC 20 Current Affairs MCQs Series in GKToday Android Application. This series can be subscribed in the app only for user friendly test with detailed answers and explanations.
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