[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 21 November 2023

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The term Line of Control (LoC) refers to the military control line between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir—a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the de facto border. Originally known as the Cease-fire Line, it was redesignated as the “Line of Control” following the Simla Agreement, which was signed on 3 July 1972. The part of the former princely state that is under Indian control is divided into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while the Pakistani-controlled part is divided into Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan. The northernmost point of the Line of Control is known as NJ9842. The India–Pakistan border continues from the southernmost point on the LoC.
• The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, formed after the 1962 war.
• The McMahon Line is the demarcation line between the Tibetan region of China and the North-east region of India proposed by British colonial administrator Henry McMahon at the 1914 Simla Convention signed between British and Tibetan representatives. It is currently the effective boundary between China and India, although its legal status is disputed by the Chinese government.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/30-years-of-india-china-border-peace-and-tranquility-agreement-bpta/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only option 2 is correctly paired
• Rupin Pass: Rupin Pass is a high altitude pass across the Himalaya mountain range in state of Uttrakhand, India. One can witness the Garhwali culture as well as the Kinnauri culture in either side of the pass.
• Lipulekh pass links the Byans valley of Uttarakhand, India with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and forms the last territorial point in Indian territory.
• Valley of Flowers: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/valley-of-flowers/

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/30-years-of-india-china-border-peace-and-tranquility-agreement-bpta/

Ans: (c)

Explanation: What is seabuckthorn?

• It’s a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry. In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti. In Himachal Pradesh, it is locally called chharma and grows in the wild in Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Kinnaur.
• As a folk medicine, seabuckthorn has been widely used for treating stomach, heart and skin problems. In the last few decades, scientific research worldwide has backed many of its traditional uses. “Its fruit and leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids and omega fatty acids, among other substances, and it can help troops in acclimatising to high-altitude
• Besides being an important source of fuelwood and fodder, seabuckthorn is a soil-binding plant which prevents soil-erosion, checks siltation in rivers and helps preserve floral biodiversity.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/sea-buckthorn/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Tidal flats are coastal landforms that experience periodic inundation and exposure due to the rise and fall of tides. They are often muddy or sandy areas and are important ecosystems with a variety of plant and animal life adapted to the changing conditions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/kadalundi-mudflat/

Ans; (b)

Explanation:

• Gambusia, also known as mosquitofish, is a freshwater fish recognized for its role in biological pest control. Gambusia species are often introduced into water bodies to control mosquito populations by feeding on mosquito larvae. This biological control method is an environmentally friendly way to manage disease-carrying mosquitoes.
• Context: The article discusses the unintended consequences of introducing mosquitofish, specifically Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.
• Initially introduced in the 1960s as a biological control method to combat mosquito-borne diseases, these fish have proliferated beyond their intended habitats, causing severe ecological and environmental problems.
• Mosquitofish, originally from the U.S., was introduced in India to prey on mosquito larvae. However, their adaptability and high tolerance for changing environmental conditions led to their widespread distribution, displacing and preying on native fauna.
• Despite the World Health Organization’s withdrawal of the recommendation for Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982 and its designation as an invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India in 2018, both government and non-governmental organizations continue to release these fish for mosquito control.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/gambusia-fish/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: An investigative report (called Cyprus Confidential) by The Indian Express and ICIJ, exposes Cyprus as a favoured location for global wealthy individuals engaging in tax evasion and money laundering.
• Option A: This statement is incorrect. Cyprus is not landlocked; it is an island located in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Option B: This statement is correct. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with the southern part of the island being the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, and the northern part being the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The division resulted from a military intervention by Turkey.
• Option C: This statement is accurate. Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia.
• Option D: This statement is incorrect. Cyprus gained independence from British rule, not Greece, in 1960. It did not gain independence in the 21st century.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/cyprus-confidential/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Exercise Name : Countries Involved
• Military Exercises
• Indra India-Russia
• Yudh Abhyas India-USA
• Hand-in-Hand India-China
• Shakti India-France
• Mitra Shakti India-Sri Lanka
• Sampriti India-Bangladesh
• Surya Kiran India-Nepal

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/21/exercise-mitra-shakti-2023/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Refer: UPSC CSE 2022

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Initiative endorsed by G20 together with Paris Club.
• Statement 2 is correct: It is an initiative to support low income countries with unsustainable debt.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2022

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• S1: Since these bonds provide no risk of capital loss, it can offer a lesser rate of interest (coupon) as interest is directly proportional to risk.
• S2: Inflation indexed bonds provide protection to investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.
• S3: Interest or inflation compensation both are taxable. There is no special treatment for these bonds.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2022