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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Attempt Economy MCQs with answers on imports of non-fuel ethanol, electric vehicle adoption and more (Week 122)
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 the Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the electric vehicle (EV) adoption, consider the following statements: 1. In the adoption of EVs, India leads among China, the US, and the EU. 2. India has a target of 30 per cent EV sales by 2040. 3. India has the highest EV penetration rate in two-wheelers, followed by cars. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — India will need 'soft' mandates – that could become more stringent over time – to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Centre's apex public policy think tank NITI Aayog has said in a new report. — Noting India's progress in EV adoption over the years, largely on the back of government incentives, NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba said, 'It's alright to pat oneself on one's back, but we also have to acknowledge the fact that the adoption of EVs in India is at a slower pace than not only China, but also the US and the EU. Global penetration is about 17 per cent now, whereas we are at 7.6 per cent.' Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — To meet the national target of 30 per cent EV sales by 2030, mandates on the sale of certain segments of vehicles such as public buses, freight fleets, and government vehicles could give the market the right signal, according to the report. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — According to the report, India has the highest EV penetration rate in three-wheelers (16 per cent), followed by two-wheelers (5 per cent), buses (7 per cent), cars (2 per cent), and trucks (0.07 per cent). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. Ethanol exports from the US to India are basically for manufacturing alcohol-based chemicals, medicines and other industrial uses. 2. India currently permits imports of non-fuel ethanol and oil, but not whole grain and oilseed. 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 — Even though agriculture, along with the purchase of Russian oil, has emerged as a major sticking point in India-US trade discussions. — Tree nuts, primarily almonds and pistachios, have been the leading exports from the United States to India, valued at $1.1 billion or more in 2024 and growing at a 42.8% annual rate in the first half of this year. — Ethanol exports from the US to India, worth over $420 million last year, are basically for manufacturing alcohol-based chemicals, medicines and other industrial uses. The US wants India to open up imports of ethanol also for fuel use, i.e. blending with petrol and diesel. India has been resisting that, just as much as it is not allowing imports of genetically modified (GM) maize and soyabean. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — US farmers mostly grow only GM maize (corn) and soyabean. India currently permits imports of non-fuel ethanol and oil, produced from GM corn and soyabean respectively, but not the whole grain and oilseed as such. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), consider the following statements: 1. The MDR is levied on merchants by banks that process debit and credit card payments. 2. Since January 2020, there has been no MDR on RuPay debit cards and UPI transactions to promote the adoption of digital payments across the country. 3. It ranges from 5% to 8% of the transaction amount. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Speculation has been rife that UPI payments may be slapped with a per transaction fee called the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). — The MDR is levied on merchants by banks that process debit and credit card payments. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — It is usually in the range of 1-3 per cent. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — Since January 2020, there has been no MDR on RuPay debit cards and UPI transactions to promote the adoption of digital payments across the country. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), consider the following statements: 1. It is the government's flagship financial inclusion programme launched in 2018. 2. It has helped in direct benefit transfers (DBTs). 3. Under the PMJDY, there are account opening charges and account maintenance charges. 4. Its beneficiaries have access to an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2, and 4 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only Explanation — RBI Governor Malhotra announced that bank accounts opened under the PM Jan Dhan Yojana will be up for an update of accountholders' KYC (know-your-customer norms). About PMJDY — The government's flagship financial inclusion programme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years ago on August 28, 2014. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — It is a National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner. — Under the PMJDY, there are no account opening charges, no account maintenance charges, and no minimum balance charges. Free RuPay debit card, with in-built accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh, and access to overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000, are other major features of the scheme. Hence, statement 3 is not correct and statement 4 is correct. — PMJDY accounts are eligible for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA) scheme. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. The white-backed plant hopper, a pest that spreads the Fiji virus disease, feeds on: (a) Millet plant (b) Maize plant (c) Wheat plant (d) Rice plant Explanation — Crop protection chemicals are commonly known as 'pesticides'. These are basically substances sprayed on crops to protect against insects ('pests') that cause damage, whether directly (by feeding on them) or indirectly (by transmitting disease). They also include fungicides (to control fungal diseases such as blast and sheath blight in rice or powdery mildew and rusts in wheat) and herbicides (to kill or inhibit the growth of weeds). — Take the white-backed plant hopper, a pest that both feeds on rice plants and also spreads the Fiji virus disease, resulting in their stunted growth. This 'dwarfing' disease has been reported by many paddy farmers in Punjab and Haryana during the current kharif growing season. The vector insect here injects the virus while sucking the sap from mostly young plants. — Farmers generally spray insecticides and fungicides only when they physical observe and assess the pest population or disease incidence to be significant enough to impact crop yield and quality/marketability. — In recent times, farmers have also been resorting to prophylactic application of 'pre-emergent' herbicides around or just after crop sowing. These stop the weeds from coming out, helping keep the field clean from the start. Alternatively, they may use 'early post-emergent' herbicides to control weeds at the crop's initial sensitive growth stage. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to Scheduled Commercial Bank, consider the following statements: becomes eligible for debts/loans at the bank rate from the RBI and automatically acquires the membership of a clearing house. includes Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Scheduled Payments Banks, Scheduled Small Finance Banks and Scheduled Co-operative Banks. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to — A Scheduled Commercial Bank (SCB) is a commercial bank which has been included in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act). Conditions for inclusion in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act are as stated in section 42(6)(a) of the RBI Act. — Every Scheduled Commercial Bank enjoys two types of principal facilities: – (i) It becomes eligible for debts/loans at the bank rate from the RBI (ii) It automatically acquires the membership of a clearing house. SCBs include Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Scheduled Payments Banks, Scheduled Small Finance Banks and Scheduled Co-operative Banks. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. TRIPS Agreement often seen in news is administered by: (a) BRICS (b) UNCTAD (c) World Trade Organisation (d) European Union Explanation According to — The TRIPS Agreement of WTO, which came into effect on 1 January 1995, is to date the most comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following countries: 1. United States 2. China 3. Germany 4. India 5. Japan 6. United Kingdom Arrange the countries above according to the current GDP rankings, from highest to lowest among the given options. (a) 1, 2, 6, 4, 3, 5 (b) 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 5 (c) 1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Explanation — Below are the top ten largest economies in the world, according to the current GDP (current prices), as of May 2025. (Source: IMF's World Economic Outlook | Data as of: May 26, 2025) Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 121) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava leads the UPSC Essentials section of The Indian Express (digital). He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘I'm ready to pay the price': Modi draws red line, says no compromise on farmers amid rising US trade pressure
Even as agriculture—and India's continued purchase of Russian oil—emerges as a key sticking point in trade talks with the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers and fishermen, regardless of the personal cost. 'I know I will have to pay a huge price, but I am ready for it,' he said during his address at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference. The Prime Minister's remarks come amid ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, which is demanding zero-duty access for all its agricultural and dairy products in the Indian market. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent penalty on most imports from India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, pushing overall duties on some exports to 50 per cent. Among the affected goods are shrimps—a key fisheries export from India to the US. Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, Modi said, 'Hamaare liye apane kisanon ka hit sarvochch praathamikata hai. Bharat apne kisanon ke, pashupalakon ke aur machhuaaron bhai behnon ke hiton ke saath kabhi bhi samajhauta nahin karega. Aur, main janata hoon, vyaktigat roop se mujhe bahut badee keemat chukaanee padegee lekin main isake lie taiyaar hoon. Nere desh ke kisanon ke liye, mere desh ke machhuaaron ke liye, mere desh ke pashupaalakon ke lie aaj Bharat taiyaar hai. (For us, the interests of our farmers are the highest priority. India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. And I know that I will personally have to pay a very heavy price for this, but I am ready. Today, India is prepared—for the farmers of my country, for the fisherfolk of my country, and for the livestock rearers of my country.) 'We are continuously working on the goals of raising farmers' income, reducing cost of cultivation, and creating new sources of income,' the PM added. 'Our government has recognised farmers' strength as the foundation of the nation's progress.' #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, 'For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it.… — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025 India has made it clear that agriculture and dairy remain non-negotiable in its ongoing trade talks with the United States. As reported by The Indian Express on July 26, New Delhi is unlikely to concede to Washington's push for market access to genetically modified (GM) crops such as corn and soya. 'Some things are non-negotiable on principle. We can't import GM,' a source had said, indicating India's firm stance. Agriculture continues to be one of the most contentious areas between the two countries, with the US Trade Representative (USTR) repeatedly raising concerns over India's restrictions on GM imports, calling them discriminatory. On Wednesday, Washington escalated the pressure just weeks ahead of a scheduled visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi on August 25. It doubled duties on several Indian goods—raising overall tariffs to 50 per cent—citing India's continued crude oil trade with Russia. A 25 per cent penalty will be added to the reciprocal tariffs announced on August 1, but with a 21-day buffer before implementation. In a statement, the White House said the additional '25 per cent ad valorem duty' was being imposed to address a national emergency triggered by Russia's actions in Ukraine. The executive order stated that this step was necessary due to India's 'direct or indirect' imports of Russian oil and that higher tariffs would more effectively address the situation. The sharp tariff hike puts India at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and even China, who now face lower or more favourable trade terms. New Delhi responded strongly to the move, calling the US action 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.' The government said it would do whatever is required to safeguard its national interest. 'The United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said in a statement on Wednesday evening. 'It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,' said the statement, in a reference to Europe and China also buying energy from Russia but not facing any consequences. 'We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,' the MEA statement said. Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
Donald Trump calls India a 'Dead Economy' but runs his family company here, earning crores from the Real Estate Business
New Delhi: Escalating his tariff offensive against India, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday slapped an additional 25 per cent duty–doubling it to 50 per cent–on Indian goods over New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil. The move that is likely to hit sectors such as textiles, marine and leather exports hard was slammed by India as 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable'. With this action singling out New Delhi for the Russian oil imports, India will attract the highest US tariff of 50 per cent along with Brazil. It is important to note that the US President Donald Trump often refers to India as a 'dead economy.' He has expressed strong displeasure over India's trade relations with Russia and China. However, for his family's company, The Trump Organization, India has become its largest market outside the United States. The Trump Organization has been consistently expanding its operations in India's real estate market. Since Trump first became President of the United States, his company's real estate business in India has tripled. Citing records, the Indian Express has reported that The Trump Organization partnered with several major builders in India and earned ₹175 crore from seven projects in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurugram. 'It's not a punishment for India, but it will also burden American consumers' Ever since Trump became the US President for the second time on November 5, 2024, his company, in collaboration with its Indian partner Tribeca Developers, has launched six new projects across Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru. These projects collectively span 8 million square feet of land. Out of these, three projects — in Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad — have already been initiated this year. Work is currently underway on 4.3 million square feet under these projects. Business to Expand to 11 Million Square Feet In 2012, The Trump Organization announced its first project in India, and by the time these projects are completed, Trump's total real estate business in India will grow from 3 million to 11 million square feet. According to Tribeca Developers, these projects could be sold for at least ₹15,000 crore. Tribeca Developers, led by Kalpesh Mehta, is the official partner of The Trump Organization in India. The Company Doesn't Invest Money Directly An interesting fact is that The Trump Organization does not invest money directly in construction projects. It merely lends its brand name and, in return, charges a licensing fee or development fee, or takes a 3% to 5% share of the total project sales. Such properties are luxury developments, and because they carry the Trump name, their market value tends to be significantly higher. Who is working on these projects in India? In India, major companies working on these projects include Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Lodha Group, M3M Group, Panchshil Realty, IRA Infra, and Unimark. For this report, The Indian Express reached out to Reliance Group, Tribeca Developers, M3M Group, Unimark Group, Panchshil Group, and The Trump Organization, but none of them responded. Lodha Group stated that it currently has no plans for any Trump-branded projects.
