Current Affairs Quiz 12th April 2024

Ans;- C) Persistent geopolitical tensions coupled with high policy uncertainty

Option A is incorrect as it describes a positive development expected to boost commercial services trade, not a risk factor to global trade stability.

Option B is incorrect because the reduction of inflation is typically seen as a positive adjustment that could enhance purchasing power and economic growth, thereby supporting trade, rather than posing a risk.

Option C is correct, as the report highlights these issues as critical risks. These factors can lead to disrupted trade flows, increased costs due to rerouting or delays, and potentially lead to a fragmentation of global markets, all of which negatively impact global trade predictions and operations.

Option D is incorrect because this trend is identified as a growth area in the report. The expansion in digitally delivered services is contributing positively to the balance of commercial services trade, thus supporting, not jeopardizing, global trade stability.

Ans;- C) India’s Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences is ranked 24th globally in the field of dentistry.

Explanation:

Option A is incorrect because the QS World University Rankings evaluate universities based on a broad set of indicators including academic and employer reputations, faculty-student ratio, international faculty and student ratios, citations per faculty, and more, rather than primarily focusing on regional impact and local student ratios.

Option B is incorrect as IIM-Ahmedabad ranks second globally for business and management studies, not first. It holds the 22nd position worldwide in this specific subject area.

Option C is correct. The QS World University Rankings 2024 notes that the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences is ranked 24th globally in the field of dentistry, highlighting its significant international recognition in this specific discipline.

Option D is incorrect because Delhi University leads Indian entries with 30 subjects represented in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, not 20.

Ans;- a) Only 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

Explanation:
Statement 1: True. The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is indeed located in the Eastern Ghats, covering parts of the Nallamala Hills. It spans across five districts of Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam, Kurnool, Guntur, and Mahbubnagar, accurately reflecting the geographical spread mentioned.

Statement 2: True. The flora of the reserve comprises tropical and dry deciduous forests, with a dominance of teak and bamboo. This diverse vegetation supports various faunal species and is critical for the ecological balance of the region.

Statement 3: True. The Krishna River flows through the tiger reserve, creating unique and vital habitats that contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the area. This includes providing necessary resources for flagship species like the Bengal tiger and various other fauna.

Statement 4: False. The reserve was actually declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983, not 1990, under Project Tiger. This program aims to protect tigers and their habitats, ensuring the survival of this endangered species.

Ans;- c) Native species cultivation for agricultural diversity

Explanation:
Option A: Global trade and travel are major contributors to the spread of invasive species. Species are often transported across borders via cargo ships, airplanes, and vehicles. These modes of transport can carry invasive species within cargo, ballast water, or even attached to external and internal surfaces, inadvertently aiding their spread.

Option B: Climate change significantly affects the proliferation of invasive species. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns create new habitats suitable for invasive species, while disrupting the life cycles of native species. These changes make native species more vulnerable to competition and predation by non-native species.

Option C: Cultivating native species specifically for agricultural diversity generally promotes biodiversity and helps maintain ecological balance. This practice is oriented towards using local species adaptively and does not contribute to invasive species issues. In fact, focusing on native species can be a measure against the spread of non-native invaders.

Option D: Deliberate introductions of non-native species for gardening, landscaping, and biological pest control can lead to invasive outbreaks if these species escape cultivation and establish in the wild. Many well-known invasive species have been spread this way, often with considerable ecological and economic consequences.

Ans;- c) To present the latest developments in public finance, refine medium-term fiscal forecasts, and discuss the global implications of varied fiscal policies.

Explanation:
Option A is incorrect because, while geopolitical changes are relevant to the fiscal landscape, the Fiscal Monitor Report specifically focuses on fiscal policies’ broader implications rather than directly on geopolitical events. The report also emphasizes fiscal, not trade balance adjustments per se.

Option B is incorrect as this statement mischaracterizes the scope of the Fiscal Monitor Report. The report does integrate national fiscal data and projections prepared by IMF desk economists, making it a comprehensive document that incorporates detailed country-specific fiscal analyses rather than excluding them.

Option C is the correct answer. The Fiscal Monitor Report aims to provide updates on the latest public finance developments, refine medium-term fiscal outlooks based on current data, and evaluate the global implications of fiscal policies. This encompasses assessing how these policies impact economic stability and growth across countries, fitting the IMF’s broader mission of fostering global economic stability.

Option D is incorrect because the Fiscal Monitor Report, while utilizing economic performance data from member countries, primarily serves as an analytical tool rather than a mere statistical compilation. The purpose of the report is not to distribute data for other assessments but to analyze and project fiscal outcomes to guide economic policies.

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