UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the International Relations Quiz.

With reference to the India-U.S trade, consider the following statements:

1. India’s export to the United States has consistently increased from 2021 to 2024.

2. India’s trade deficit with the United States has consistently decreased from 2021 to 2024.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The US is India’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching almost $120 billion (bn) in FY24 — slightly higher than India’s China trade.

— India’s dependence on the US has grown over the past decade. According to official 2022-23 data, the US accounts for 18% of India’s exports, compared to 10% in 2010-11. India’s export basket to the US is well-diversified, benefiting industries ranging from textiles to electronics and engineering.

— India’s export to the United States: 2021-22: 43.31 bn, 2022-23: 50.86 bn and 2023-24: 42.19 bn Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— India’s trade deficit with the United States: 2021-22: 32.85 bn, 2022-23: 27.68 bn and 2023-24: 35.32 bn Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

With reference to the kodo millet, consider the following statements:

1. The tropical and subtropical regions are best suited for Kodo millet cultivation.

2. Maharashtra is the largest producer of kodo millet.

3. It is a drought tolerant crop and has high yield potential.

4. Locally, it is known as Varagu.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— Ten wild elephants from a herd of 13 died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vijay N Ambade said the deaths could have been caused by “mycotoxins associated with kodo millet”.

— Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) is also known as Kodra and Varagu in India. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

— The crop is grown in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa.

— The millet is believed to have originated in India and Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest producers of the crop, according to a 2020 research paper, ‘Nutritional, Functional Role of Kodo Millet and its Processing: A review’. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Kodo millet is most commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, but it is also extensively dispersed in dry and semi-arid regions. Apart from MP, millet is grown in Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Kodo millet is a staple diet for many tribal and economically disadvantaged communities in India. It is one of the “hardiest crops, drought tolerant with high yield potential and excellent storage properties,” according to researchers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Kodo millet is high in vitamins and minerals. Researchers further claim that the millets are gluten-free, easily digestible, high in antioxidants, and “might have anti-carcinogenic properties.”

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

With reference to the oil producing and oil consuming countries as of April 2024, consider the following statements:

1. The United States is both the largest producer and consumer of oil.

2. India is the world’s third-largest oil consumer.

3. There is no African country among the top 10 oil producing countries.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— Oil remains a crucial part of the global economy, influencing geopolitical dynamics and national revenues.

— The IEA 2024 oil report anticipates that global oil consumption growth will drop in the following years, which will be offset by more EV sales, greater efficiency, less reliance on oil for power production in the Middle East, and fundamental economic shifts.

— As of April 11, 2024, total global oil production had reached 101.81 million barrels per day (b/d), with the top ten oil-producing countries producing over 74.59 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2023, accounting for roughly 73% of global oil production.

(Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and International Energy Statistics)

— The United States is both the largest producer and consumer of oil while there is no African country among the top 10 oil producing countries. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

— As of April 11, 2024, total global oil consumption had reached 99.95 million barrels per day (b/d), with the top 10 oil-producing countries consuming approximately 61.08 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2023, accounting for roughly 61% of global oil consumption.

(Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and International Energy Statistics)

— India is the world’s third-largest oil consumer. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR) is defined as:

(a) the percentage of employed persons in the total population.

(b) the percentage of the population aged 15 years and above that is working or seeking/willing to work for a relatively long part of a particular year.

(c) the percentage of persons employed in the organised sector among the persons in the labour force

(d) the percentage of employed persons in the urban areas among the persons in the labour force

Explanation

— The Indian economy grew at an average annual rate of 4.6% between 2019-20 and 2023-24, and 7.8% in the prior three fiscal years (April-March). For both periods, the farm sector has grown at an average rate of 4.2% and 3.6%. However, these macroeconomic growth rates are not reflected in rural wages.

— Wage growth has been estimated in both nominal (current value) and real terms (after deducting annual inflation based on the rural India consumer price index), for all rural and agricultural jobs. The latter comprises processes such as ploughing/tilling, sowing, harvesting/threshing/winnowing, commercial crop picking, horticulture, animal husbandry, watering/irrigation, and plant protection.

— The average nominal year-on-year growth in rural wages during the five years ended 2023-24 worked out to 5.2%. It was higher, at 5.8%, for only agricultural wages. But in real inflation-adjusted terms, the average annual growth was -0.4% for rural and 0.2% for agricultural wages during this period.

— Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR) is the percentage of the population aged 15 years and above that is working or seeking/willing to work for a relatively long part of a particular year.

— The all-India average female LFPR was only 24.5% in 2018-19. It rose to 30% in 2019-20, 32.5% in 2020-21, 32.8% in 2021-22, 37% in 2022-23 and 41.7% in the latest official Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2023-24 (July-June).

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements about livestock census in India:

1. It is conducted every five years.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for conducting livestock census in India.

3. The first livestock census was carried out in 1959.

4. Elephants are excluded from the livestock census.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The census is conducted every five years and counts the number of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The census collects data on the species, breed, age, gender, and ownership status of animals.

— There have been 20 livestock censuses since 1919, the most recent of which was conducted in 2019. The enumeration for the 21st census will take place from October 2024 to February 2025. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying will collect information on sixteen animal species during the 21st census. Cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant are a few examples. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— The 21st census will capture several new data points. These include:

— Data on pastoral animals, pastoralists: The census will, for the first time, collect data on the contribution of pastoralists to the livestock sector, their socio-economic status, and livestock holding.

— More details, granular information: The census will find out the proportion of households whose major income comes from the livestock sector. It will also contain data on the gender of stray cattle.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 83)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 83)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 83)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 82)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 82)

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