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Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, fiscal deficit and more (Week 111)
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. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Least Developed Countries, consider the following statements: 1. They are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. 2. The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are reviewed every five years by the Committee for Development (CDP). 3. They are less vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — With Bangladesh set to graduate from the United Nations' Least Developed Country (LDC) category in November 2026, ending duty-free access to export markets such as the European Union and posing new challenges, the country has begun a sharp economic pivot away from New Delhi and towards Beijing, straining trade ties with India. — Least developed countries (LDCs) are low-income countries that face significant structural barriers to sustainable development. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — They are extremely sensitive to economic and environmental shocks, with low levels of human capital. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The Committee for Development (CDP) reviews the list of LDCs every three years and currently includes 44 nations. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — LDCs have unique access to certain international support measures, particularly those related to development assistance and trade. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the Suez Canal, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Nearly 30 per cent of global container traffic flowed through the Suez Canal before the Houthi attacks began. 2. In 2024-25, the Suez Canal's daily transit trade increased compared to 2023-24. 3. It accounts for 8-9 per cent of global energy flows. 4. The shipping costs in the Suez Canal region soared to almost double. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 Explanation — Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is offering a 15 per cent discount on transit fee to cargo ships of minimum 130,000 mt capacity, underscoring the impact that the Red Sea security crisis has had on the waterway critical to the shortest maritime route to the Mediterranean Sea and beyond from the Arab Peninsula, North-East Africa, and the Arabian Sea. — According to IMF data, the Suez Canal accounts for approximately 12-15% of global trade. Prior to the Houthi strikes, the Suez Canal handled about 30% of all worldwide container traffic. It is also a critical route for 8-9 percent of world energy flows. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct. — According to data from PortWatch, a live conflict tracker maintained by the IMF and Oxford University, the Suez Canal's daily transit trade volume (TTV) was 484,137 mt on May 11, 2025, compared to 1,349,086 mt the previous year. TTV refers to the total volume of goods transported along a shipping route. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Shipping prices in the Suez Canal region increased by 180 percent over the time under review. India, like many other countries, relied primarily on the Red Sea shipping route for exports to Europe, with the Suez Canal handling approximately 80% of the quantities. Hence, statement 4 is correct. — The movement of trade flows from the Red Sea to the route around Africa has clearly impacted Indian exporters, reducing margins since they now have to fight with increased freight charges for exports to Europe and elsewhere. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is a long-term plan to improve railway stations across India. 2. The scheme focuses on upgrading the station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and linking stations with other transport options like buses and metros. 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 — Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 refurbished railway stations in 86 districts across 18 states and union territories. He also launched a new weekly train between Bandra Terminus in Mumbai and Bikaner Station in Rajasthan. — The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term initiative that would gradually renovate railway stations across India. Under this method, precise blueprints are created for each station, and construction is completed in stages based on what each station requires. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The goal is to make the stations cleaner, more pleasant, and easier to use. This involves improving access and departure locations, waiting areas, restrooms, platforms, and roofing. Lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi are introduced as needed. — The Amrit Bharat Mission program also focusses on station construction upgrades, connecting both sides of the city via the station, and connecting stations to other modes of transportation such as buses and metros. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The Amrit Bharat Stations program dates back to 2021, when Gandhinagar became the first railway station to undergo modernisation, complete with all modern amenities and a five-star hotel. Later that year, Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj, received a new look. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: The condition of a high fiscal deficit is reflected by: 1. Government borrowing 2. Higher interest rates 3. Inefficient spending by the government Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — A significant fiscal deficit can indicate inefficient government expenditure, which can lead to inflationary pressure in the economy. A large fiscal deficit causes the government to borrow more from the market, increasing demand for credit and potentially raising interest rates. — Higher interest rates, in turn, raise firms' borrowing costs, limiting their investments and decreasing overall economic growth. Furthermore, increased debt might limit a government's budget in the long run, jeopardising many growth-related initiatives. As a result, governments must be careful in monitoring their fiscal deficits. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. To read more: India's fiscal balancing amid global economic uncertainties Consider the following statements about the Alternate Investment Fund (AIF): 1. These are any funds established or incorporated in India that are privately pooled investment vehicles. 2. These include funds covered under the SEBI. 3. Certain exemptions from registration are provided under the AIF. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised draft guidelines for investments by regulated entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), aiming to enhance oversight and prevent potential misuse. — Alternative Investment Fund, or AIF, refers to any fund established or incorporated in India that is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from sophisticated investors, either Indian or foreign, and invests them in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — AIF does not include funds covered by the SEBI (Mutual Funds) laws, 1996, SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999, or any other Board laws governing fund management operations. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Furthermore, the AIF Regulations give exemptions from registration to family trusts established for the benefit of'relatives' as defined in the Companies Act of 1956. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 110) 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.
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
FM's special envoy leads Qatar team to Everest Dialogue, meets Nepal FM, environment minister
QNA Kathmandu Qatar participated in the Everest Dialogue, a three-day event hosted by Nepal under the theme 'Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity'. Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change and Sustainability HE Ambassador Bader bin Omar Al Dafa represented Qatar at the Dialogue. In his opening remarks at the event, Ambassador Al Dafa underlined Qatar's readiness to collaborate with Nepal in the area of climate change, citing the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2021 that sets out Qatar's solutions to climate change effects. During his participation in a session on Food Security and Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Ambassador Al Dafa stressed that climate change is associated with food security challenges, calling for utilising cutting-edge technologies in this regard. He highlighted Qatar's experience in enhancing agricultural production and the significance of sharing experiences and expertise among nations. He emphasised that donors should fulfil their commitments to support food security and programmes, and counter climate change effects in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). On the sidelines of the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held talks with Ambassador Al Dafa. The agenda included ways to foster bilateral cooperation and coordination in battling climate change effects and promoting sustainable development. Minister for Forests and Environment of Nepal Ain Bahadur Shahi met with Ambassador Al Dafa. During the meeting, they discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of conserving the environment and curbing the effects of climate change, as well as ecological, animal, and plant diversity. The meetings were also attended by Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal HE Mishaal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari.
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar takes part in Everest Dialogue in Nepal
KATHMANDU: The State of Qatar has participated in the Everest Dialogue, a three-day event hosted by Nepal under the theme 'Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity'. Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change and Sustainability HE Ambassador Bader bin Omar Al Dafa, represented the State of Qatar at the Dialogue. In his opening remarks before the event, Ambassador Al Dafa underlined the State of Qatar's readiness to collaborate with Nepal in the area of climate change, citing the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2021 that sets out Qatar's solutions to climate change effects. During his participation in a session on Food Security and Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Ambassador Al Dafa stressed that climate change is associated with food security challenges, calling for utilizing cutting-edge technologies in this regard. He highlighted the State of Qatar's experience in enhancing agricultural production and the significance of sharing experiences and expertise among nations. He emphasized that donors should fulfill their commitments to support food security and programs and counter climate change effects in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Zawya
04-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HBKU professor named World Trade Organization Chair
Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been granted a World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair, with the College of Law's Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Research, named as chairholder. Established to enhance knowledge and understanding of the international trading system through research, policy outreach, and teaching, the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) supports academic institutions working to build expertise in trade-related areas. The WTO's selection of Dr. Dimitropoulos is a significant achievement for Qatar and HBKU, marking a milestone in the region's contribution to global trade discussions. In particular, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar, through its Geneva office, was instrumental in supporting the initiative. As WTO Chair, Dr. Dimitropoulos will lead programs and activities that bridge academic research and policymaking. The Chair will focus on issues that pertain to trade and investment in the digital economy with an emphasis on emerging economies and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Following the announcement of the WTO Chair, Dr. Ala Al-Fuqaha, Acting Provost and Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning, HBKU, stated: 'I would like to congratulate Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos for being appointed WTO Chair. Focusing on issues that pertain to the digital economy, the Chair examines the evolving role of industrial and digital policies in achieving sustainable development, with a focus on bridging digital divides in the Global South, particularly in the Western Asia and MENA regions.' 'Dr. Dimitropoulos' research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between global trade frameworks and digital development while fostering collaboration between emerging economies and LDCs,' added Dr. Ala Al-Fuqaha. 'His work aligns with HBKU's commitment to fostering impactful research and teaching, as well as supporting initiatives that address pressing global challenges.' Remarking on the importance of the WTO Chair, Susan L Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, observed: 'Qatar is one of the world's leading trading hubs, linking Asia and Africa with Europe and beyond. Thus, it is fitting that one of the prestigious WTO Chairs be housed at a university in Qatar. It is further appropriate that Dr. Dimitropoulos is WTO chairholder, given his extensive research on contemporary trade issues, his broad network of researchers around the world, and his interdisciplinary approach that blends trade, international relations, and policy. We are grateful to the WTO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the leadership of HBKU for their support and are especially proud of Professor Dimitropoulos.' The Director of the State of Qatar to the WTO, Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, added: 'I am proud to witness the recognition of Qatar's commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in the global trading system through this prestigious initiative. The selection of our proposal under the WTO Chairs Program underscores Qatar's forward-looking vision in addressing critical challenges such as digital transformation, sustainability, and national security. 'By collaborating with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and leveraging support from the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, we are not only contributing to the global discourse on trade and development but also positioning Qatar as a leader in shaping the future of industrial policy in a digital age,' he added. 'This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which places great emphasis on collaboration with international organizations and investing in human capital. It will not only enrich our academic institutions and policymakers but also play a pivotal role in preparing and empowering future generations of Qatari international lawyers and diplomats, equipping them with the expertise and tools to navigate the evolving complexities of the global trading environment.' 'I am deeply honored to be appointed as a WTO Chair,' said Dr. Dimitropoulos. 'This is also an institutional milestone. HBKU and the College of Law have become a global hub for research in international economic and digital law. This recognition and support will allow us to further spearhead our work in these areas. I am grateful to everyone who is involved. The WTO and HBKU leadership, as well as Her Excellency Dr. Hend Al Muftah, Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, and Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, the Director of the Office of the State of Qatar to the World Trade Organization. I look forward to working with the WTO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Mission, and all fellow WTO chairholders.' Dr. Dimitropoulos' research focuses on redefining the boundaries of domestic and international law, with particular emphasis on economic sovereignty and the impact of digital technologies on traditional legal models. About Hamad Bin Khalifa University Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), is a leading, innovation-centric university committed to advancing education and research to address critical challenges facing Qatar and beyond. HBKU develops multidisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities that drive collaboration with leading global institutions. The university is dedicated to equipping future leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset and advancing innovative solutions that create a positive global impact. For more information about HBKU, its colleges, research institutes, and initiatives, please visit To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook. For any media inquiries, please contact: media@ About the College of Law With an international standing for quality and innovation in teaching and research, HBKU's College of Law has become one of the most prestigious law schools in the Middle East today. Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the college represents a hub for promoting an understanding of the importance of the rule of law across the world. The College builds national and regional capacities with global relevance by preparing leaders to manage multi-faceted relationships across a diversity of international legal systems. These include civil law, common law, and Shari'a, all informing Qatari law and governing transactions across the region and elsewhere in the world. For more information about HBKU's College of Law, visit
Arab News
26-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan finance chief urges faster payouts from climate loss and damage fund
KARACHI: Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday urged the international community to ensure faster and simpler disbursements from a new global fund set up to help vulnerable countries respond to climate-related losses. The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), established at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt in 2022 before being officially operationalized by 198 countries, aims to help developing and least developed countries (LDCs) cope with both economic and non-economic impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and slow-onset crises like sea-level rise and droughts. Aurangzeb made the remarks while addressing a high-level dialogue over the issue, held on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's Spring Meetings in Washington. 'Emphasizing that simplicity and agility should be the guiding principles, the finance minister urged the need for speedy disbursements under the fund, unlike the experience of LDCs and other vulnerable nations with existing climate finance mechanisms,' Pakistan's finance ministry said in a statement circulated after the dialogue. Aurangzeb also stressed the importance of 'the integrity of the whole process with adequate checks and balances,' according to the statement. He said Pakistan had been among the strongest proponents of the fund, warning that climate change represents an 'existential threat' to countries like his own. Pakistan has experienced increasingly erratic weather patterns in recent years, including heatwaves, droughts, cyclones and glacial melting. In 2022, record monsoon rains triggered floods that killed over 1,700 people, affecting 30 million more and causing economic losses exceeding $30 billion.
