1.Consider the following statements regarding Alliance to End Plastic Waste 

1.It is an UN-Habitat programme based in Singapore.

2.It focuses on solutions in four strategic areas of infrastructure, innovation, education & engagement and the clean-up.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Singapore-based NGO to invest up to USD 100m on environmental projects in India

About Alliance to End Plastic Waste

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/singapore-based-ngo-invest-usd-100m-environmental-projects-india-6532905/

2.What is the aim of Samarth Programme?

It aims to help artisans use the online marketplace to sell their products

It aims to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in the textile sector

It aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‗on-job work exposure‘ and stipend

It aims to ensure quality, credibility and timely availability of information from all the schools in the country.

Answer: (a) It aims to help artisans use the online marketplace to sell their products

Explanation:

In NEWS: Walmart-owned Flipkart supports 6 lakh artisans in India through Samarth programme

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/flipkart-supports-6-lakh-artisans-in-india-through-samarth-programme/articleshow/77287571.cms

3.Consider the following statements regarding Pratihara Style

1.It is a famous temple architecture belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of Gujarat

2.They are known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Natesa of Rajasthan temple returns to India

Pratihara Style: 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/natesa-of-rajasthan-temple-returns-to-india/article32225514.ece

4.Consider the following statements regarding International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

1.It is an international human rights treaty adopted by United nations

2.India is ratified the ICCPR but is yet to enact the legislation

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Protesting is a fundamental right: UN

About International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/protesting-is-a-fundamental-right-un/article32225267.ece

5.Consider the following statements regarding Gramodyog Vikas Yojana

1.It aims to enhance the production of ‘Agarbatti’ in the country and create sustainable employment for the traditional Artisans

2.It has launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Government of India launches a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’(as a pilot project)

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642601

6.Consider the following statements regarding Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

1.It is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, international non-governmental organization working in the area of human rights.

2.It is headquartered in London, UK

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Commonwealth countries lagging behind on action against modern slavery, says report

About Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI):

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/commonwealth-countries-lagging-behind-on-action-against-modern-slavery-says-report/article32233622.ece

7.Consider the following statements regarding Smart India Hackathon 2020

1.It is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Persistent Systems and i4c

2.It is a nationwide initiative to provide students with a platform to solve some of the pressing problems we face in our daily lives

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Young India’s innovative solutions will help nation move forward in challenging times: PM Modi

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-young-india-s-innovative-solutions-will-help-india-move-forward-in-challenging-times-pm-modi/story-X8NdyOoPoruLP1i1nUq6rN.html

8.Consider the following statements regarding Dhole

1.It is listed as a critically endangered as per IUCN red list.

2.It is an apex social carnivore in the tropical forests of South and South East Asia

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Three States rank high  in dhole conservation

About Dhole

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/three-states-rank-high-in-the-conservation-of-the-endangered-dhole/article32250471.ece#:~:text=Karnataka%2C%20Maharashtra%20and%20Madhya%20Pradesh%20rank%20high%20in%20the%20conservation,according%20to%20a%20new%20study.

9.Consider the following statements regarding Indian Council for Cultural Relations

1.It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

2.It is an autonomous organisation which functions under the Ministry of External Affairs.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Tilak made freedom struggle truly Indian, says Amit Shah 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the one who madethe freedom struggle, started by the Congress, meaningful and truly Indian.

Mr. Shah was addressing the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) online conference on Tilak, marking 100 years since his death on August 1, 1920.

About Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tilak-made-freedom-struggle-truly-indian-amit-shah/article32247475.ece

10.Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India ?

1.Oxides of sulphur

2.Oxide of nitrogen

3.Carbon monoxide

4.Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In steel furnace, coke reacts with iron ore, releasing iron and generating CO and CO2 gases. Due to use of coal, pollutants such as SOx and NOx are released, thus all are correct options.