UPSC Current Affairs Quiz: December 28, 2024
December 30, 2024 December 30, 2024
1. Which of the following seabirds is known for its long diving capabilities, reaching depths of up to 200 meters to forage for food?
[A] Puffin
[B] Common murre
[C] Albatross
[D] Gannet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Common murre]
Notes:
The common murre (Uria aalge) is a long-lived diving seabird that inhabits temperate and subarctic marine ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. It is capable of diving as deep as 200 meters in search of small schooling fish, juvenile predatory fish, and krill. This remarkable diving ability allows them to effectively forage in their marine environment. The common murre has been affected by climate change, as highlighted by a recent study documenting a drastic decline in their population due to a marine heatwave, emphasizing the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
2. With reference to the Armed Forces Flag Day, consider the following statements:
- Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on December 7th every year to honor the soldiers of India.
- The day was first observed in 1949 to support the welfare of veterans and their families.
- It is marked by the distribution of flags and the collection of donations for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on December 7th every year to honor the soldiers of India: This is correct. The day is dedicated to honoring the valor and sacrifices of the armed forces.
- The day was first observed in 1949 to support the welfare of veterans and their families: This is correct. The initiative was launched to ensure the welfare of veterans and their dependents.
- It is marked by the distribution of flags and the collection of donations for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund: This is correct. The funds collected are used for the rehabilitation of veterans and their families.
3. Consider the following pairs:
| Punjab | First state to achieve 100% piped water supply |
| Kerala | First state to achieve 100% literacy rate in India |
| Rajasthan | First state to implement the Right to Information Act |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two pairs]
Notes:- Punjab: It is the fifth state to achieve 100% piped water supply to rural households, not the first. So, this pair is incorrect.
- Goa was the first state in India to achieve 100% piped water supply in rural areas.
- Kerala: It was the first state in India to achieve a 100% literacy rate in 1991, making this pair correct.
- Rajasthan: It was the first state to implement the Right to Information Act in 2000, making this pair correct as well.
Thus, only two pairs are correct.
4. With reference to banking concepts, consider the following statements:
- The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is the minimum required ratio for banks to maintain solvency.
- Return on Assets (RoA) measures the profitability relative to total assets.
- Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) are classified as assets that are not generating income.
- Basel III regulations were introduced to strengthen bank capital requirements globally.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): CAR is a measure of a bank’s capital, ensuring it can absorb a reasonable amount of loss and complies with statutory Capital requirements.
- Return on Assets (RoA): RoA indicates how efficiently a bank is using its assets to generate earnings, calculated by dividing net income by total assets.
- Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): NPAs are loans or advances that are in default or in arrears, indicating that the borrower is unable to make interest payments or repay the principal.
- Basel III regulations: Basel III was introduced in response to the 2008 financial crisis, aiming to enhance bank capital requirements and introduce new regulatory requirements on bank liquidity and leverage.
Thus, all statements are correct. The correct answer is (c) All four.
