Current Affairs MCQs – June 28

Consider the following statements regarding Gee’s Golden Langur:

1. It is an arboreal Old World monkey endemic to parts of Assam and Bhutan.
2. It is a specialised folivore that also contributes to forest regeneration through seed dispersal.
3. It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List and included in Appendix I of CITES.
4. India’s first wildlife sanctuary dedicated specifically to its conservation is the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Gee’s Golden Langur is an arboreal Old World monkey endemic to the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests of western Assam (India) and neighbouring Bhutan. Its distribution is highly restricted, making it one of the rarest primates in the region.

Statement 2 is correct

• It is a specialised folivore, feeding primarily on leaves, along with young shoots, buds, seeds, and seasonal fruits. By dispersing seeds through its feeding activities, it plays an important role in forest regeneration and ecosystem health.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Gee’s Golden Langur is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered. It is included in Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of international protection against commercial trade, and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Statement 4 is correct

• Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is India’s first wildlife sanctuary dedicated specifically to the conservation of Gee’s Golden Langur and serves as one of the species’ most important protected habitats.

Answer: (c) Only three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements regarding Government initiatives for tourism development in India:

1. The PRASHAD Scheme aims to develop integrated tourism infrastructure across thematic tourist circuits, while the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme focuses exclusively on pilgrimage destinations.
2. The UDAN Scheme improves regional air connectivity to enhance access to remote and emerging tourist destinations, while the Travel for LiFE initiative promotes environmentally responsible tourism through sustainable travel practices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The statement reverses the objectives of the two schemes. Swadesh Darshan Scheme develops integrated tourism infrastructure across thematic tourist circuits, and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 further emphasizes sustainable and experience-based destinations. In contrast, the PRASHAD Scheme focuses on improving infrastructure and visitor amenities at pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

Statement 2 is correct

• The UDAN Scheme enhances regional air connectivity, improving access to remote and emerging tourist destinations. The Travel for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging environmentally responsible travel practices and community participation.

Answer: (b) 2 only: Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India:

1. MSMEs account for nearly one-third of India’s Gross Domestic Product and almost half of the country’s total exports.
2. The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy scheme that promotes the establishment of new micro-enterprises through margin money assistance.
3. The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund provides collateral-free loans directly to MSMEs for working capital requirements.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The MSME sector contributes about 31.1% of India’s GDP and accounts for 48.58% of India’s total exports, making it a major driver of economic growth, manufacturing, and external trade.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy scheme that promotes self-employment by providing margin money subsidies for setting up new micro-enterprises in both manufacturing and service sectors.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund does not provide collateral-free loans directly to MSMEs. Instead, it provides equity support to viable MSMEs through daughter funds, helping them expand operations, attract investments, and eventually access capital markets. Collateral-free credit is provided under schemes such as the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only: Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Battle of Plassey (1757):

1. The Battle of Plassey marked the foundation of British rule in India.
2. The Treaty of Alinagar, signed in 1757, restored to the English all privileges granted by the Farman of 1717 and allowed them to carry out duty-free trade.
3. Mir Jafar, Rai Durlabh and Mir Madan betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah during the Battle of Plassey.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None of the above

Explanation

• This year marked the 269^th anniversary of the Battle of Plassey (1757), which laid the foundations for British colonial expansion in India.

Statement 1 is correct

• Significance of the Battle of Plassey:
  • The Battle of Plassey marked the foundation of British rule in India.
  • After this victory, the English EIC became a proper colonial enterprise, interested not just in trade but territorial control that would serve its economic interests.
  • The victory of the British undermined the position of the Nawab in Bengal.
  • The victory of Plassey enabled the Company and its servants to accumulate immense wealth by exploiting the vulnerable people of Bengal.
  • Control over Bengal played a decisive role in the Anglo-French struggle.
  • The rich revenues of Bengal enabled the British to organise a strong army.
  • The rich resources of the Bengal were used to conquer the rest of India.

Statement 2 is correct

• The English fortified Calcutta without Siraj-ud-Daulah’s consent, fearing conflict with the French.
• Siraj ordered both powers to stop fortifying, but the English refused.
• Viewing it as defiance, Siraj seized Kasimbazar and captured Calcutta.
• Later, the English recaptured Calcutta and compelled Siraj to sign the Treaty of Alinagar (1757), restoring their privileges and fortifications.
• The Treaty of Alinagar was signed on February 9, 1757, between Bengal’s Nawab Siraj ud Daula and the English EIC.
• Though the treaty ostensibly maintained the sovereignty of the Nawab of Bengal, its terms were highly favourable to the Company.
• The treaty:
  • Restored all the privileges that Farrukhsiyar’s 1717 farman had granted to the EIC
  • Allowed the EIC to carry out duty-free trade
  • Allowed the EIC to build further fortifications and operate a mint.
• The Treaty of Alinagar strengthened the British position in Bengal and laid the foundations for the Battle of Plassey a few months later.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The British attacked Siraj ud Daula on the pretext of not implementing the terms of the Alinagar treaty.
• Both sides realised that a war to the finish would have to be fought between them.
• They met for battle on the field of Plassey on 23 June 1757.
• The fateful battle of Plassey was a battle only in name. English victory on the battlefield was decided before the battle was fought.
• A major part of the Nawab’s army, led by the traitors Mir Jafar and Rai Durlabh, took no part in the fighting.
• Only a small group of the Nawab’s soldiers led by Mir Madan and Mohanlal fought bravely and well.
• The Nawab was forced to flee and was captured and put to death by Mir Jafar’s son, Miran.
• The English won the battle due to the conspiracy of the Nawab’s officials, not their military superiority.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Medium