[DAY 46] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – ECONOMY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (c)

Solution (c)

Solution (c)

Solution (b)

Solution (b)

Solution (c)

Solution (a)

Solution (a)

Solution (c)

Solution (b)

Solution (d)

Solution (c)

Sovereign borrowing means raising money from foreign markets by issuing government bonds by the government/central bank of a country.

Solution (b)

Solution (c)

Solution (c)

Foreign currency deposits of banks are included in the capital accounts.

In the external sector, it refers to the account maintained by every government of the world in which every kind of current transaction is shown—basically this account is maintained by the central banking body of the economy on behalf of the government. Current transactions of an economy in foreign currency all over the world are—export, import, interest payments, private remittances, and transfers. All transactions are shown as either inflow or outflow (credit or debit). At the end of the year, the current account might be positive or negative. The positive one is known as a surplus current account, and the negative one is known as a deficit current account.

Solution (c)

Solution (c)

Solution (b)

Solution (b)

The impossible trinity also called the Mundell-Fleming trilemma or simply the trilemma expresses the limited options available to countries in setting monetary policy.

The impossible trinity (also known as the impossible trilemma or the Unholy Trinity) is a concept in international economics that states that it is impossible to have all three of the following at the same time:

1. A fixed foreign exchange rate
2. Free capital movement (absence of capital controls)
3. An independent monetary policy

According to the impossible trinity, a central bank can only pursue two of the above-mentioned three policies simultaneously

Solution (b)

The Foreign Exchange Reserves of India consists of below four categories:

• Foreign Currency Assets
• Gold
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
• Reserve Tranche Position

Solution (d)

Kanha National Park is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras, the heart of India, that forms the central Indian highlands. It is characterized mainly by forested shallow undulations, and hills with varying degrees of slopes, plateaus, and valleys. It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”. It is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh. Hence option d is correct.

Solution (c)

• The Kosi River is formed by the confluence of the Sun Kosi, the Arun Kosi, and the Tamur Kosi in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• About 30 miles (48 km) north of the Indian-Nepalese frontier, the Kosi is joined by several major tributaries and breaks southward through the Siwalik Hills at the narrow Chatra Gorge.
• The river then emerges on the great plain of northern India in Bihar state on its way to the Ganges River, which it enters south of Purnea after a course of about 450 miles (724 km).
• It has seven major tributaries – Sun Koshi, Tama Koshi or Tamba Koshi, Dudh Koshi, Indravati, Likhu, Arun, and Tamore or Tamar.
• It is a transboundary river that flows through China, Nepal, and India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is a prominent tributary of the Ganges.
• It drains an area of 74,500 sq. km, of which only 11,070 sq. km lie within Indian Territory.
• The Kosi River valley is bounded by steep margins that disconnect it from the Yarlung Zangbo River to the north, the Mahananda River to the east, the Gandaki to the west, and the Ganga to the south.
• It is well known for its tendency to change course generally in a westward direction.
• It is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”, as it has caused widespread human suffering in the past due to flooding. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (a)

• The SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) was a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft that studied infrared light, essentially heat, emitted by objects in the universe. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The observatory, fitted with an 8.9-foot-wide (2.7 meter) telescope with a nearly 20-ton mirror, used a door in the side of the aircraft to peer at the sky.
• The airplane is capable of ten-hour flights, with flight paths chosen to keep ahead of the sunrise and maximize the amount of darkness.
• Flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet put SOFIA above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere, allowing astronomers to study the solar system and beyond in ways that are not possible with ground-based telescopes.
• It is operated jointly by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the German Space Agency. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The observatory’s mobility allowed researchers to observe from almost anywhere in the world and enabled studies of transient events that often take place over oceans, where there are no telescopes.
• It is the world’s largest airborne astronomical observatory, complementing NASA’s space telescopes as well as major Earth-based telescopes. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The SOFIA project was prematurely ended in 2022 after operating for 12 years.

Solution (c)

• The Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative is a Proof of Concept (PoC) distributed in two stages to be conducted in one of the major cities of India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The first stage is exploratory for clarity of horizon and creative exploration to unleash potential.
• The second stage is for practical demonstration of specific use cases generating a future blueprint that may serve as a roadmap to scale and replicate successful strategies in future infrastructure projects through collaboration.
• It is launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The initiative aims to demonstrate the practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions, to develop a model framework for facilitating faster and more effective collaboration, and to provide a future blueprint that may serve as a roadmap to scale and replicate successful strategies in future infrastructure projects.
• It symbolizes a collaborative leap towards reshaping infrastructure planning and design, combining the prowess of 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI native 6G, Digital Twin, and next-gen computational technologies with the collective intelligence of public entities, infrastructure planners, tech giants, start-ups, and academia to break the silos and engage in a whole-of-nation approach. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Sangam brings all stakeholders on one platform aiming to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions, bridging the gap between conceptualization and realization, ultimately paving the way for ground-breaking infrastructure advancements.

Solution (b)

• The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows along the eastern coast of North America. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It originates in the Gulf of Mexico. It then travels northward along the eastern coast of the United States. It follows a north-eastward path across the western North Atlantic Ocean.
• The two equatorial sources of the Gulf Stream are the North Equatorial Current (NEC), which flows generally westward along the Tropic of Cancer, and the South Equatorial Current (SEC), which flows westward from southwestern Africa to South America and then northward to the Caribbean Sea. Together, these two warm currents, along with waters from the Gulf of Mexico, form the Gulf Stream.
• It carries warm water from the tropics (around 25 to 28°C or 77 to 82°F) to higher latitudes. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Gulf Stream is several hundred kilometres wide and can flow at an average speed of about four miles per hour (6.4 kilometers per hour). However, its speed can vary depending on the location and other factors.
• The current is also very deep, extending to depths of up to 1,000 meters.
• It moderates the temperatures along the eastern coast of North America, keeping the coastal areas warmer in winter and cooler in summer compared to inland regions at the same latitudes. Since the Gulf Stream also extends toward Europe, it warms Western European countries as well. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The warm and moist air above the Gulf Stream can lead to the formation of low-pressure systems, which may develop into storms or hurricanes. It can also contribute to the formation of fog in certain areas.

Solution (a)

• The Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) is a learning and awareness-creating programme regarding space science by the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO). Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It aims to impart basic knowledge of space technology, space science, and space applications to younger students with a preference for rural areas.
• It is a two-week residential programme offered by ISRO. It will include invited talks, experience sharing by eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts, and practical and feedback sessions.
• It encourages more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based careers. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”.
• Students who have finished class 8 and are currently studying in class 9 can apply for the programme. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Three students from each state/Union Territory will participate in this programme every year, covering CBSE, ICSE, and state-board syllabus.
• The selection is based on 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities.
• Students belonging to the rural areas have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.

Solution (c)

• The European Free Trade Association is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The members of this organization are all open, competitive economies committed to the progressive liberalisation of trade in the multinational arena as well as in free trade agreements.
• Its member countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Its highest governing body is the EFTA Council. It generally meets 8 times a year at the ambassadorial level and twice a year at the ministerial level.
• EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
• EFTA Court is based in Luxembourg and has the competence and authority to settle internal and external disputes regarding the implementation, application, or interpretation of the EEA agreement.
• It aims to promote free trade and economic integration between its members within Europe and globally. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (b)

• The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the percentage of cash required to be kept in reserves with the Reserve Bank of India as against the bank’s total deposits. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Under CRR, commercial banks have to hold a certain minimum amount of deposits as reserves with the RBI.
• The RBI decides the CRR and is kept with them for financial security.
• The bank cannot use CRR for lending and investment purposes and does not get any interest from the RBI. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The CRR applies to scheduled commercial banks, while regional rural banks and NBFCs are excluded.
• In a high inflation environment, the RBI can increase CRR which helps to control inflation. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• It ensures banks have a minimum amount of funds readily available to customers, even during huge demand.
• CRR serves as the reference rate for loans. Also known as the base rate for loans, banks cannot offer loans below this rate.

Solution (b)

• Diphtheria is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
• Its symptoms include a thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils, sore throat and hoarseness, swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck, difficulty breathing, etc.
• It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
• The bacteria can also infect the skin, causing open sores or ulcers. However, diphtheria skin infections rarely result in severe disease.
• It is treated by neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT). Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Although diphtheria can be treated with medications, in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.

Solution (c)

• Mutualism is an association between organisms of two different species in which each benefit. It is exhibited by a Golden-backed frog and Bonnet mushroom. Hence option c is correct.
• Golden-backed Frog is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala. They are primarily insectivorous and feed on a range of small insects and arthropods such as ants, beetles, and crickets.
• Bonnet mushroom is commonly found as a saprotroph (an organism that feeds on non-living organic matter) on rotting wood. It belongs to the Mycena genus.

Solution (b)

Second number of series = [(2 × first number)− 3]

11 = (2 × 7)− 3

19 = (2 × 11) − 3

35 = (2 × 19) − 3

X = (2 × 35)− 3

= 70 − 3 = 67

Solution (b)

(x – 15) : 10 = 15 : 35

7x – 105 = 30

X = 20

Required selling price = 60 * (120/100 ) = 72

Solution (c)

Let total no of the male employee be x

Total no of the female be y

Then total salary of all male = 14000 × x

The total salary of all female =10000 × y

But as per question total salary of all the employee = 12000(x + y)

So [(14000 × x)+ (10000 × y)] = 12000(x + y)

By equating we will find x/y = 1/1

So the percentage of female employee= 1 2 × 100 = 50%

Solution (c)

Taking A = 1, B = 2, C = 3…., T = 20,….., Z = 26,

We have: CAT = C × A x T = 3 × 1 x 20 = 20.

AS = A x S = 1 x 19 = 19.

Similarly, BED = B x E x D = 2 x 5 x 4 = 40.