UPSC static Quiz, 17th April 2023

Correct Answer: B
Explanation
National Monetization Pipeline (NMP):
• Statement 1 and 1 are incorrect. Statement 3 is correct. NITI Aayog has developed the pipeline, in
consultation with infrastructure line ministries, based on the mandate for ‘Asset Monetisation’ under
Union Budget 2021-22.
• It aims to unlock value in brownfield projects by engaging the private sector, transferring to them
revenue rights and not ownership in the projects, and using the funds generated for infrastructure
creation across the country. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The NMP has been announced to provide a clear framework for monetization and give potential
investors a ready list of assets to generate investors’ interest.
• Currently, only assets of central government line ministries and Central Public Sector Enterprises
(CPSEs) in infrastructure sectors have been included. Hence, statement 3 is correct
• The government has stressed that these are brownfield assets, which have been “de-risked” from
execution risks, and therefore should encourage private investment.
• Roads, railways and power sector assets will comprise over 66% of the total estimated value of the
assets to be monetized, with the remaining upcoming sectors including telecom, mining, aviation, ports,
natural gas and petroleum product pipelines, warehouses and stadiums.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation
One Nation One Ration Card scheme (ONORC):
• Statement 1 and 4 are correct. Statement 2 and 3 are incorrect.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution rolled out a pilot scheme titled, One
Nation One Ration Card Scheme in four states on a pilot basis in 2019.
• It is a national ration card that will enable migrant workers and their families to access the public
distribution system (PDS) benefits from any fair price shops across the country. Hence, Statement 4 is
correct.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Stablecoins:
• Cryptocurrency prices tend to vary a huge amount in a short span of time and people find this volatility
exciting.
• Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies without the volatility. They share a lot of the same powers as other
cryptos, but their value is steady, more like a traditional currency, i.e. the US Dollar, Indian Rupee, etc.
• Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency linked to an asset like the U.S. dollar that doesn’t change
much in value. Hence option (d) is correct.
• Many are also pegged to other fiat currencies issued by governments like the euro and yen.
• There are two types of stablecoins depending on the collateral: national currency backed, and
cryptocurrency backed.
• Collateralized stablecoins are attached to another asset, like the US dollar. Their issuers back up the
value of their coin by holding on to that asset.
• Other stablecoins are linked to the price of crypto assets like Ether or, in certain DeFi apps, collections
of coins put up as collateral.
• Originally, stablecoins were primarily used to buy other cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, because many
cryptocurrency exchanges didn‘t have access to traditional banking.
• They are more useful than country issued currencies because you can use them 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, anywhere in the world – without relying on banks. Money transfers take seconds to
complete.
QUESTION

Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Home Rule League Movement
• Statement 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is incorrect.
• It was Indian response to First World War, inspired by Irish Home Rule Leagues. The aim of the
movement was self-rule through political education and discussion, public meetings etc. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
• The Russian revolution 1917 gave boost to the movement. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Tilak launched the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 at Belgaum. Annie Besant launched the
Home Rule League in September 1916 at Madras. Hence statement 3 is incorrect

Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Social Reform and related British Acts
• Statements 1 and 3 are correct and statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.
• Abolition of Sati: The government declared the practice of sati illegal and punishable by criminal courts
as culpable homicide.
• The regulation of 1829 was applicable in the first instance to Bengal Presidency alone, but was
extended in slightly modified forms to Madras and Bombay Presidencies in 1830. Hence statement 4 is
incorrect.
• Preventing Female Infanticide: The Bengal regulations of 1795 and 1804 declared infanticide illegal
and equivalent to murder. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• An Act passed in 1870 made it compulsory for parents to register the birth of all babies and provided
for verification of female children for some years after birth.
• The Indian Christian Marriage Act of 1872 is an act of the Parliament of India regulating the legal
marriage of Indian Christians. It was enacted on July 18, 1872.
• The Sarda Act (1930) pushed up the marriage age to 18 and 14 for boys and girls, respectively. Hence
statement 3 is correct.
• Abolition of Slavery: Charter Act of 1833 abolished slavery in India and under Act V of 1843 the
practice of slavery got sacked by law and declared illegal. The Penal Code of 1860 also declared trade in
slavery illegal. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.