0 UPSC ENGLISH QUIZ 25.10.2023 Daily Quiz 1 / 5 Q1. Consider the following statements : China, the world’s top graphite producer (around 65%) and exporter, has decided to curb exports of key battery material. The curbs are similar to those in place since 1st August, 2023 for two chip-making metals, gallium and germanium which pushed up prices outside of the country. Which of the above statement/statements are correct 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: China, the world’s top graphite producer ( around 65%) and exporter, has decided to curb exports of key battery material. The curbs are similar to those in place since 1st August, 2023 for two chip-making metals, gallium and germanium which pushed up prices outside of the country. China’s Decision To Curb Exports of Graphite And Its Impacts Significance This move is aimed at protecting China’s national security and controlling supplies of critical minerals in response to challenges over its global manufacturing dominance. Graphite, Cobalt, Nickel etc are important critical minerals as reflected in Mineral Security Partnership which India is not part of. It also becomes important for major Electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturers across the world and also India due to its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) where Graphite is a key component. Restrictions China will require as of December 1st that exporters apply for permits to ship two types of graphite, including high-purity, high-hardness and high-intensity synthetic graphite material, and natural flake graphite and its products. Meanwhile, it dropped temporary controls on five less sensitive graphite items used in basic industries such as steel, metallurgy, and chemicals. 2 / 5 Q2. Consider the following statements : A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia has revealed that there is a significant regional disparity in the survival rates of cervical cancer patients across India. Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 are correct 1 and 3 are correct 2 and 3 are correct All of the above Explanation: A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia has revealed that there is a significant regional disparity in the survival rates of cervical cancer patients across India. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Two HPV types (16 and 18) are responsible for nearly 50% of high grade cervical pre-cancers. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Comprehensive cervical cancer control includes primary prevention (vaccination against HPV), secondary prevention (screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions), tertiary prevention (diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer) and palliative care. 3 / 5 Q3. Consider the following statements: Global leaders expressed apprehension regarding the slow progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the SDG Summit in New York, the US. The annual SDG funding gap, which was USD 2.5 trillion before the pandemic, has now increased to an estimated USD 4.2 trillion, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial investment in achieving the SDGs. Which of the above statement/statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: Global leaders expressed apprehension regarding the slow progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the SDG Summit in New York, the US. SDG Summit 2023 Acknowledging Funding Gap The annual SDG funding gap, which was USD 2.5 trillion before the pandemic, has now increased to an estimated USD 4.2 trillion, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial investment in achieving the SDGs. Addressing the Finance Challenge The leaders stressed the importance of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) in achieving the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing efficient use of all financial flows, public and private, for sustainable development. They called for swift implementation of the UN Secretary-General's proposal for an SDG stimulus, a significant increase in funding by USD 500 billion annually. 4 / 5 Q4. Consider the following statements: Amid export restrictions, the government has decided to sell 12 lakh metric tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to 11 countries through National Co-operative Exports Limited. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had banned the export of non-Basmati white rice on July 20, 2023, following a surge in domestic prices. Since then, in three separate instructions, it has approved the export of 12.52 LMT rice through NCEL to UAE, Bhutan, Mauritius, Singapore, Nepal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines and Seychelles. Notification dated July 20, 2023 was issued for this. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 are correct 1 and 3 are correct 2 and 3 are correct All of the above Explanation: Amid export restrictions, the government has decided to sell 12 lakh metric tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to 11 countries through National Co-operative Exports Limited. Main point The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had banned the export of non-Basmati white rice on July 20, 2023, following a surge in domestic prices. Since then, in three separate instructions, it has approved the export of 12.52 LMT rice through NCEL to UAE, Bhutan, Mauritius, Singapore, Nepal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines and Seychelles. Notification dated July 20, 2023 was issued for this. Paragraph 2 (iv) of the notification dated July 20, 2023, said, “Exports to other countries will be permitted by the Government of India depending on their food security needs and as per the request of their Government.” DGFT instructions show that export of the rice variety to Bhutan, Mauritius and Singapore was allowed on August 30, 2023, while the notification for UAE was issued on September 25, 2023. 5 / 5 Q5. Consider the following statements: India’s tax-to-GDP ratio rises third year in a row. The trend of growing taxes shows that taxes will grow faster than GDP for a few more years. Which of the above statement/statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: India’s tax-to-GDP ratio rises third year in a row. For the past two-and-a-half years, the Central government’s tax collections have increased faster than the nominal GDP for the last two-and-a-half years. The trend of growing taxes shows that taxes will grow faster than GDP for a few more years. Within direct taxes, income tax growth has shown much higher buoyancy. As per the Finance Ministry, it is the combined effect of demonetisation and GST and the intensive efforts of the tax departments. After demonetisation, the Income tax department made a list of new taxpayers and found loopholes in the tax system. GST made a positive impact on indirect taxes as now companies prefer to buy from and sell to companies that are in the tax bracket. Tax exemptions allowed on EPFO and insurance premiums have been capped over the last few years. India’s direct tax-to-GDP ratio was an average of 5.5% from FY12 to FY21. It was 5.97% in FY 22 and 6.08% in FY 23. Your score is LinkedIn Facebook Twitter VKontakte Post navigation ALL EXAM 25.10.2023 ALL EXAM QUIZ 26.10.2023
