UPSC EXAM QUIZ 06.02.2025

Explanation:

• The state cabinet has approved the cultivation of cannabis in Himachal Pradesh.In 2023, the HP government constituted a committee to examine the legalisation of cannabis/hemp cultivation (excluding charas) for medicinal, scientific, and industrial purposes.
• Now, according to the state cabinet, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University in Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture in Nauni, Solan, will collaborate on a study that will evaluate the potential for cannabis cultivation in the future. The state’s agriculture department has been designated as the nodal agency for this initiative.

Cannabis

• Cannabis (marijuana) refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa L plant.
• The plant contains at least 125 different cannabinoids including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant.
• It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions.
• The Cannabis sativa L plant also contains non-intoxicating cannabinoid compounds like cannabidiol (CBD).

Explanation:

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is officially established as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization headquartered in India.
• The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven major big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—around the world and seeks to address problems such as illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change.
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India is the Depository of the Framework Agreement of IBCA.

The following four countries along with India have deposited the instruments of ratification/acceptance/approval, under Article VIII (1) of the Framework Agreement.

1. Republic of Nicaragua,
2. Kingdom of Eswatini,
3. Federal Republic of Somalia, and
4. Republic of Liberia

As of now, 27 countries including India have consented to join IBCA and several international/national organisations working in the field of wildlife conservation have also partnered with IBCA.IBCA has a one-time budget allocated which is Rs.150 crore for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Explanation:

• Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology announced that India became the World’s 2nd largest mobile manufacturer after China.India significantly increased mobile manufacturing units from only 2 in 2014 to over 300 in 2024.
• In 2014 -15 only 26% of the mobile phones which were being sold in India were made in India this figure increased to 99.2% in 2024 of all mobile phones which are sold in India are made in India.
• The manufacturing value of mobile phones has surged from ₹18,900 crore in the Financial Year 2014 to ₹4,22,000 crore in the Financial Year 2024.
• The exports, which were almost non-existent in 2014, have now surpassed ₹1,29,000 crore.The sector also created approximately 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs over the decade.

Explanation:

• In the budget FY25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised FDI limits in the insurance sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent.
• This enhanced limit will be for those companies who will invest the entire premium in India.
• It will attract foreign investment, enhance competition, improve insurance penetration, and align with global practices.
• At present, there are 26 life insurers and 27 general insurers including 2 specialized insurers.
• The insurance sector has registered approximately 10% CAGR in the last five years.
• The FDI limit in insurance was introduced in 2000 with a cap of 26%. It was gradually raised to 49% in 2015 and 74% in 2021.
• In 2019, the Insurance intermediaries, such as brokers, were allowed 100% FDI.
• The Government aims to use the full potential of the Indian insurance sector, which is projected to grow at 7.1% annually over the next five years.
• Countries like Canada, Brazil, Australia, and China have allowed 100% FDI in their insurance sectors.

Explanation:

• India’s manufacturing PMI reached a six-month high in January.
• India’s manufacturing sector witnessed a strong start in January.
• The employment PMI indicate that job has been created in the manufacturing sector.
• Input cost inflation declined for the second consecutive month by reducing the need for manufacturers to increase final output prices.
• The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from December’s 56.4 to 57.7 in January.
• PMI values range between 0 and 100 and reading above 50 indicate expansion and below 50 indicate contraction.
• International demand for Indian goods also strengthened in January. The growth rate in new export orders was the highest recorded in nearly 14 years.
• Cost pressures eased to their lowest level in 11 months and selling prices continued to rise due to buoyant demand and strengthened business confidence.