Daily Current Affairs UPSC: News Based MCQs Quiz | 7th August 2025

Answer: (D) None of the above

Detailed Explanation

• An ad valorem tax (Latin for “according to value”) is a tax whose amount is based on the value of a transaction or of a property. It is typically imposed at the time of a transaction, as in the case of a sales tax or value-added tax (VAT).
• Retaliatory tariffs harm India as the tariff amount in the form of import duty needs to be paid by the importer which in this case will be Indian Companies which will further lead to high cost of imported goods (both finished and intermediate).

Answer: (D) All of the above

Detailed Explanation

• Interest Subvention Scheme: Under this modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme, Government is facilitating entrepreneurs with Interest subvention @ 6% per annum or 50% of rate of interest charged by banks/financial institutions, whichever is lower, on the loans to be extended by banks/financial institutions is being borne by the Central Government.
• PM JI-VAN yojana: Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana” is a scheme launched by the Government of India to promote 2G ethanol production using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. Its main objective is to establish commercially viable projects for ethanol production, provide remunerative income to farmers and promote research and development.
• National Bio-energy Programme: The National Bioenergy Programme is an initiative by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to promote the sustainable use of biomass and other renewable resources for energy generation. Launched in 2022, it aims to support various bioenergy projects, including waste-to-energy, biomass utilization, and biogas production. The program is structured into two phases and includes sub-schemes focused on different aspects of bioenergy.

Answer: (A) 1 only

Detailed Explanation

• The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is an invasive species due to its impact on Indian biodiversity.
• Native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, it has spread globally, including India, through the exotic pet trade. Its aggressive nature, rapid reproduction, and ability to outcompete native species make it a significant threat to local ecosystems.
• Competition: Red-eared sliders are omnivores with a wide diet, including plants, insects, snails, tadpoles, crayfish, worms, and fish. They can outcompete native turtles for food, basking sites, and nesting areas.
• Aggression: They are aggressive and can displace native turtle species.
• Disease Transmission: They can transmit diseases and parasites to native reptiles.
• Predation: They can prey on native species, including fish, frogs, and other turtles.
• Habitat Modification: They may also alter their habitats by feeding on aquatic vegetation, which can affect other species.

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

Answer: (A) 1 only

Detailed Explanation

• definitions extending down to 1 micrometer (1 micrometer = 0. 001 mm).
• They are classified into two main categories:
• Primary microplastics: These are intentionally manufactured at a small size, such as microbeads in cosmetics or microfibers from synthetic clothing.
• Secondary microplastics: These are formed when larger plastic items break down due to weathering, wear and tear, or other environmental factors.

Answer: (D) None of the above

Detailed Explanation

• Crisil is a global, insights-driven analytics company. Our extraordinary domain expertise and analytical rigour help clients make mission-critical decisions with confidence.
• Founded in 1987 as India’s first credit rating agency, our expertise today extends across businesses: Crisil Ratings, Crisil Intelligence, Crisil Coalition Greenwich and Crisil Integral IQ.
• CRISIL Limited, formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited, is an Indian analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services and is a subsidiary of American company S&P Global.

Answer: (B) (2), (3) and (4) only

Detailed Explanation

• The RBI controls the money supply in the economy in various ways. The tools used by the Central bank to control money supply can be quantitative or qualitative.
• Quantitative tools control the extent of money supply by changing the CRR, bank rate or open market operations.
• Qualitative tools include persuasion by the Central bank in order to make commercial banks discourage or encourage lending which is done through moral suasion, margin requirement, etc.

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

• Syngas Production:
• Syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases) is produced during the gasification of various materials, including agricultural residues and municipal solid waste.
• Electricity Generation:
• This syngas can be used in power plants to generate electricity, potentially offsetting the use of coal.
• Quantifying the Contribution:
• Studies suggest that utilizing syngas from these sources could theoretically generate around 8-13 TWh of power, which translates to 0. 5-0. 7% of India’s total annual electricity generation
• Biochar application in agriculture can significantly enhance soil water retention, especially in coarse-textured soils like sand and sandy loam
• Porous Structure and Surface Area: Biochar is characterized by its highly porous structure and large surface area, allowing it to hold a significant amount of water within its pores.
• Reduced Bulk Density and Increased Porosity: Biochar’s low density compared to soil results in a reduction in soil bulk density and an increase in overall porosity when incorporated, creating more spaces for water retention.
• Improved Soil Aggregation: Biochar can promote soil aggregation, forming stable structures that enhance pore spaces and further improve water-holding capacity.
• Modified Pore Size Distribution: Biochar can alter the distribution of soil pores, increasing the proportion of mesopores (medium-sized pores) and micropores (small pores), which are particularly effective at retaining water against gravity and making it available to plants.
• Hydrophilic Properties: The surface chemistry of biochar, influenced by its production conditions and aging process, can become more hydrophilic (water-attracting) over time, enhancing its ability to interact with and retain water molecules.