UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 24 February 2025

Solution: C

Explanation:

• Shivaji Maharaj’s military success can be attributed to his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which allowed him to outmaneuver numerically superior Mughal forces.
• His strategic fortifications in the Western Ghats, including forts like Raigad, Torna, and Pratapgad, provided him with a strong defensive advantage. His intelligence network was highly effective, keeping him informed about enemy movements.
• However, Shivaji’s naval strength was concentrated in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. His naval forts, such as Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg, were built to counter Portuguese, Siddis, and Mughal sea threats along the western coast, but he did not extend his naval influence into the Bay of Bengal.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Birth and Early Life:
  • Born:February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra.
  • Parents:Shahaji Bhonsle (Maratha general) and Jijabai (influential mentor).
  • Teachers:Dadoji Kondadev (military & administration), Jijabai (ethics & governance).
• Coronation and Maratha Empire:
  • Crowned as Chhatrapati:June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort.
  • Established Hindavi Swarajya, declaring independence from Mughal and Deccan Sultanates.
• Achievements & Administrative Policies:
  • Military Innovations:
    • Developed Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa)tactics, outmanoeuvring the Mughals & Deccan rulers.
    • Founded the Indian Navy, securing Konkan & western coastfrom foreign invasions.
  • Fortifications & Defense:
    • Captured and built over 370 forts, including Torna, Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad.
    • Introduced Naval fortssuch as Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg for coastal security.
  • Administrative Reforms:
    • Introduced Ashta Pradhan Mandal(Council of Eight Ministers) for governance.
    • Established progressive revenue policies(Kathi & Chauth system) ensuring stable economy.
    • Promoted religious toleranceand included Muslims, Europeans, and people from all castes in administration.
  • Major Battles & Military Expeditions:
    • Battle of Pratapgad (1659):Defeated Afzal Khan (Bijapur Sultanate).
    • Battle of Pavan Khind (1660):Defended against Adilshahi forces, legendary sacrifice of Baji Prabhu Deshpande.
    • Battle of Purandar (1665):Signed treaty with Mirza Jai Singh (Mughal commander).
    • Escape from Agra (1666):Outwitted Aurangzeb’s imprisonment, returning to Swarajya.
    • Battle of Sinhagad (1670):Recaptured Sinhagad Fort, valor of Tanaji Malusare.
    • Southern Conquests (1677–80):Expanded into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, defeating Adilshah & Golconda.

Solution: D

Explanation:
Assertion (A) is incorrect because an MP’s seat is not automatically vacated after 60 sittings of absence. The House must formally declare it vacant.
Reason (R) is also incorrect because the Election Commission (ECI) has no role in deciding Article 101(4) cases—it is a matter for Parliament and the Speaker/Chairman.

• What is Article 101(4)?
  • States that an MP’s seat may be declared vacantif absent for 60 consecutive sittings without permission.
  • The House must formally declarethe seat vacant; it is not an automatic process.
• Constitutional Provisions & Governing Law:
  • Article 101 of the Indian Constitutiondeals with vacation of seats, disqualifications, and dual membership.
  • Rules of Procedureand Conduct of Business in Parliament regulate MP attendance.
  • Committee on Members’ Absencereviews requests and recommends action.
• Procedure for Seeking Leave:
  • MPs must write to the Committee on Members’ Absencerequesting permission.
  • The committee evaluates reasons(illness, detention, emergencies) and sends a report to the House.
  • The House votes to approve or reject the requestbased on the report.
• Limitations on Leave Approval:
  • The committee grants leave for a maximum of 59 daysat a time.
  • If an MP needs additional leave, they must submit a fresh request.
• Power to Expel MPsfor Absence:
  • If an MP fails to seek permissionor is denied leave, the House may declare the seat vacant.
  • The decision must be approved by a majority vote in the House.

Solution: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court’s 2025 judgment now allows remission to be considered suo motu by the state, eliminating the requirement of a formal application.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Life imprisonment means imprisonment for life unless remitted by the government. There is no automatic release after 14 years—remission is at the discretion of the state.
• Statement 3 is correct: The power of remission under Article 161 (Governor’s power) is subject to judicial review to ensure it is exercised lawfully.

• What is Remission?
  • Remission is the reduction of a convict’s sentencebefore the completion of the full term.
  • It does not erase the convictionbut shortens the duration of imprisonment.
• Laws Governing Remission:
  • Section 473 of BNSS, 2023 & Section 432 of CrPC, 1973empower state governments to grant remission.
  • Articles 72 & 161 of the Constitutionallow the President & Governor to remit sentences.
  • Section 475 of BNSS & Section 433A of CrPCimpose a 14-year minimum term for life convicts.
• Procedure for Granting Remission:
  • Prison authorities review casesand recommend eligible convicts.
  • State governments consider applicationsand grant remission based on predefined policies.
  • If conditions are violated, remission can be revoked, and the convict can be re-arrested.
• Past SC Judgments on Remission:
  • Sangeet & Anr. v State of Haryana (2013):SC ruled that remission cannot be suo motu, requiring an application from the convict.
  • Mohinder Singh v State of Punjab (2013):Reaffirmed that remission must be initiated through an application, not by courts or the government automatically.
  • Mafabhai Motibhai Sagar v. State of Gujarat (2024):Held that remission conditions must be reasonable and cannot be arbitrarily stringent or vague.
• Supreme Court’s 2025 Judgment & Guidelines
  • Suo motu remission allowed:If a remission policy exists, states must proactively consider eligible convicts without waiting for applications.
  • Mandatory remission policy:States without a remission policy must formulate one within two months.
  • Conditions for remission:Must be based on crime motive, criminal record, and public safety, ensuring rehabilitation.
  • Protection against arbitrary cancellation:Remission cannot be revoked for minor breaches, and convicts must get a notice and a chance to respond before cancellation.
  • Transparency in remission decisions:Legal aid authorities must track remission cases and maintain real-time data on a digital portal.

Solution: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Andaman Sea is not entirely surrounded by Indian waters. It borders Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia along with India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Sunda Trench and Andaman-Nicobar Subduction Zone make the Andaman Sea seismically active, leading to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis (e.g., the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami).
• Statement 3 is correct: The Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s largest river, empties into the Andaman Sea.

About Andaman Sea:

• Location and Neighbouring Nations
  • Located in the northeastern Indian Ocean, between latitudes 4°N to 20°N and longitudes 92°E to 100°E.
  • Bordered by Myanmar to the north and east, Thailand and Malaysia to the east, and Indonesia’s Sumatra to the south.
  • Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) to the west.
• Rivers Flowing into the Andaman Sea:
  • The Irrawaddy River (Myanmar) is the major river, depositing vast amounts of silt into the sea.
• Key Features:
  • Major Islands:Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Breueh Island (north of Sumatra).
  • Trench:Andaman-Nicobar Trench, with depths exceeding 14,500 feet (4,400 metres).
  • Volcanic Activity:Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located here.
  • Coral Reefs:Rich biodiversity with extensive coral reefs, popular for tourism.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Major shipping route between India and China via the Strait of Malacca.
  • Key sea link for Myanmar through ports like Yangon, Bassein, and Mergui.

Solution: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Shivaji Maharaj replaced the jagirdari system with Ryotwari-style direct revenue collection, reducing intermediary corruption.
• Statement 2 is correct: His land revenue system was based on scientific land measurement, particularly using the Kathi system, which ensured accurate taxation.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Chauth (25% tax) and Sardeshmukhi (10% tax) were levied on Mughal and Deccan Sultanate territories, not just his own lands. These taxes acted as tribute payments to prevent Maratha raids.

Solution: C

Explanation:

• The Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) is a financial initiative launched by IN-SPACe to support Indian startups, MSMEs, and industries in commercializing early-stage space technologies. One of its key goals is to reduce dependency on imported space technologies by fostering domestic innovation.
• TAF provides funding for research and development in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space-based services.
• However, it does not provide grants to foreign private entities; the focus is entirely on Indian non-government entities (NGEs) to strengthen India’s self-reliance in space technology.

• What is TAF?
  • A financial initiative by IN-SPACe to support the transition of early-stage space technologies into market-ready products.
  • Aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported space solutions and boost domestic innovation.
• Department:Operated under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), an autonomous body under the Department of Space (DOS).
• Aim:
  • To nurture and commercialize innovative space technologies developed by Indian startups, MSMEs, and larger industries.
  • To strengthen India’s position as a global leader in the space sector.
• Key Features:
  • Funding:Up to 60% of project costs for startups/MSMEs and 40% for larger industries, capped at Rs 25 crore per project.
  • Eligibility:Open to all non-government entities (NGEs) with commercially viable space technologies.
  • Focus Areas:Supports a wide range of space technologies, including launch vehicles, satellites, and space-based services.
  • Outcomes:Development of new products, intellectual property creation, and enhanced production processes.

About IN-SPACe:

• Established in:2020, as part of India’s space sector reforms.
• Ministry:Department of Space (DOS), Government of India.
• Headquarters:Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Aim:
  • To promote, authorize, and supervise private sector participation in India’s space activities.
  • To act as a single-window interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities (NGEs).
• Functions:
  • Facilitates private players in building launch vehicles, satellites, and space-based services.
  • Enables sharing of ISRO’s infrastructure and premises with private entities.
  • Assesses and accommodates the needs of private players, educational institutions, and research organizations.
  • Collaborates with ISRO, academia, and industry to maximize the impact of space initiatives.

Solution: B

Explanation:

The Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is considered functionally extinct because only two females remain (Najin and Fatu, both in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya). The last male, Sudan, died in 2018, making natural reproduction impossible. However, the species is not declared extinct by IUCN, as conservationists are attempting in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using preserved sperm from deceased males.

• What is a White Rhino?
  • The white rhino, also known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, is one of the five rhino species.
  • Its name originates from the Afrikaans word “weit,” meaning “wide,” referring to its broad muzzle.
• Habitat:
  • Found in long and short grass savannahs.
  • Southern white rhinos are primarily located in South Africa, with smaller populations in Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Northern white rhinos are critically endangered, with only two individuals remaining at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
• Types:
  • Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum):Near Threatened.
  • Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni):Critically Endangered.
• Features:
  • Food Habits:Exclusive grazers, feeding almost entirely on short grasses.
  • Biological:
    • Second-largest land mammal after elephants.
    • Two horns on the nose, with the front horn being significantly larger.
  • Physical:
    • Square upper lip adapted for grazing.
    • No difference in skin color between white andblack rhinos.

Solution: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (MGNP) in the Andaman Islands protects coral reefs, marine life, and nesting sea turtles.
Statement 2 is correct: Dugongs (sea cows) are found in the shallow waters of the Andaman Sea, especially around Little Andaman Island.

Solution: C

Explanation:

• Rupee-Dollar Swap Auctions are conducted by the RBI to manage liquidity and reduce volatility in the currency market. Banks sell USD to RBI in exchange for INR and later repurchase the USD at a pre-agreed rate.
• While swap auctions can indirectly impact inflation by managing liquidity, their primary purpose is not inflation control but liquidity management. The RBI uses other monetary tools like repo rates and CRR adjustments for inflation control.

About Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions:

• It is a tool used by RBIto manage liquidity in the economy and stabilize currency volatility.
• Banks sell US dollarsto RBI in exchange for rupees in the first leg and agree to repurchase dollars at a future date.
• Who Conducts It?
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as part of its monetary policy interventions, executes the swap auctions.
• How It Works?
  • First Leg (Buy Phase):Banks sell USD to RBI and receive Indian Rupees (INR).
  • Reverse Leg (Sell Phase):Banks buy back USD from RBI at a pre-determined price at the end of the swap period.
• Key Features of the Swap:
  • Tenor:Can be short-term (6 months) or long-term (3 years or more).
  • Liquidity Management:Used to infuse or absorb rupee liquidity in the system.
  • Forex Reserve Utilization:RBI uses its forex reserves to regulate currency flows.
  • Impact on Exchange Rate:Helps stabilize rupee fluctuations against the dollar.
• Impact on the Indian Economy:
  • Improves Banking Liquidity:Injects Rs 86,000 crore into the banking system, addressing the current liquidity shortfall of Rs 1.7 lakh crore.
  • Enhances Monetary Policy Transmission:Ensures that interest rates in money markets align with RBI’s policy stance.
  • Strengthens the Rupee:Reduces depreciation pressure on INR due to forex market fluctuations.
  • Supports Economic Growth:Enables banks to lend more to businesses and industries, promoting investment and consumption.
  • Controls Inflation Risks:Provides liquidity without increasing inflationary pressures, as money is infused against future forex obligations.

Solution: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: PMI does not measure total output; it is a leading economic indicator based on surveys of business activity.
Statement 2 is incorrect: PMI in India is released by S&P Global, not the RBI.
Statement 3 is incorrect: A PMI below 50 indicates contraction, not 60.

• What is PMI?
  • PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index)is an economic indicator derived from monthly business surveys.
  • It measures activity at the purchasing/input stage, unlike IIP (Index of Industrial Production), which tracks actual output.
  • There are two types:
    • Manufacturing PMI– Tracks industrial and factory activity.
    • Services PMI– Assesses the growth in the services sector.
  • PMI above 50indicates economic expansion, while below 50 signals contraction.
• Who Releases PMI in India?
  • S&P Global(earlier released by IHS Markit) conducts PMI surveys in India.
  • Based on a survey of 500 manufacturing companiesfor the Manufacturing PMI.
• PMI Calculation Methodology:
  • Derived from qualitative responsesof purchasing managers.
  • Five key indicatorswith assigned weights: