1.consider the following statements
- The United Nations-mandated SDG 7 is aimed at ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030.
- The Energy Progress Report was released by the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the United Nations Statistics Division, the World Bank and the World Health Organization.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:Energy access goals need greater effort in post-COVID-19 world: Report
- The report Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report was released by the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the United Nations Statistics Division, the World Bank and the World Health Organization. The United Nations-mandated SDG 7 is aimed at ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030.Hence statement 1 is correct and Hence statement 2 is correct
- The pandemic has hit the world hard, resulting in plummeting oil prices, disrupted supply chains and the limited ability of many households and businesses to pay for electricity services, according to the report. It added that the pandemic is certain to affect the energy transition and progress toward SDG 7.
- According to the report, the global electrification rate progressed steadily from 2010 to 2018, rising to 90 per cent of the world’s population in 2018 from 83 per cent in 2010.
- In 2018, India was among top three countries with largest deficits regarding access to electricity. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and India had the three largest deficits: 85 million, 68 million and 64 million people respectively
- The share of the global population with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking increased to 63 per cent in 2018 from 56 per cent in 2010. It translated into around 2.8 billion people without access to clean cooking option.
- The latest data on SDG 7 progress, before the onset of the pandemic, demonstrated that there was a need to accelerate efforts towards targets at urgent basis. COVID-19 has only made the situation worse, the report said.
2.consider the following statements
- Southwest monsoon can be expected to burst onto the western coast of India at the beginning of June and to cover the entire country by mid-July
- During Southwest monsoon, the rainfall is not uniformly distributed across time and space.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala, aided by Cyclone Nisarga: IMD
- The southwest monsoon season has set in over Kerala on June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This is the normal date for the onset of the monsoon season over the state and is four days earlier than the date IMD predicted earlier.
- The reason for this is the development of a low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea which is touted to intensify into a cyclone by June 2 and make landfall along the Maharashtra coast, close to Mumbai.
About south-west monsoon:
- south-west monsoon, known as summer monsoon blows from sea to land after crossing the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
- The season brings around 70 per cent of the total rainfall that falls over India.
- Southwest monsoon can be expected to “burst” onto the western coast of India (near Thiruvananthapuram) at the beginning of June and to cover the entire country by mid-July.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Its withdrawal from India typically starts at the beginning of September and finishes by the beginning of October.
- During Southwest monsoon, the rainfall is not uniformly distributed across time and spacHence statement 2 is correct
Factors that influence the intensity of South-West Monsoons
- Low pressure strength over Tibetan Plateau
- High pressure over the southern Indian Ocean.
- Somali Jet
- Indian Ocean branch of Walker Cell.
- Indian Ocean Dipole.
- Peninsular India splits the southwest monsoon winds into two branches – Bay of Bengal branch and Arabian Sea branch.
3.With respect to Long Period Average (LPA), consider the following statement
It is the average rainfall received by the country as a whole during the south-west monsoon, for a 50-year period
The LPA of the monsoon season over the country is 89 cm
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala, aided by Cyclone Nisarga: IMD
- IMD predicts a country-wide rainfall of 103 per cent of the long period average (LPA). The LPA of the monsoon season rainfall over the country as a whole for 1961-2010 was 880 mm.
- The distribution over various regions of the country will be a bit uneven. The rains will be most intense in the north western region (107 per cent of LPA) of the country and least intense in the north eastern parts (96 per cent of LPA) of the country.
- The rainfall in the central (103 per cent of LPA) and southern regions (102 per cent of LPA) of the country will be closer to the national average.
- The month of July will be rainier in general, with rainfall intensity being 103 per cent of LPA while August will experience less rains with rainfall intensity being 97 per cent of LPA.
About Long period average (LPA)
- LPA is the average rainfall received by the country as a whole during the south-west monsoon, for a 50-year period.Hence statement 1 is correct
- The current LPA is 89 cm, based on the average rainfall over years 1951 and This acts as a benchmark against which the rainfall in any monsoon season is measured.Hence statement 2 is correct
- As per the outputs obtained from the weather models, the rainfall is categorised as normal, below normal, or above normal.
IMD maintains five rainfall distribution categories on an all-India scale. These are:
- Normal or Near Normal: When per cent departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between 96-104% of LPA
- Below normal: When departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA
- Above normal: When actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA
- Deficient: When departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA
- Excess: When departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA
4.With respect to Indian Knowledge Biosafety Portal, consider the following statement
- It is an interactive online web portal for transactions in dealing with Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation serviced by Department of Biotechnology
- It aims to provide latest scientific information and regulatory guidance related to authorization of Genetically Modified Organism / Living Modified Organismand products thereof
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:A Rapid Response Regulatory enabling mechanism facilitated by Department of Biotechnology for COVID 19
The Indian Knowledge Biosafety Portal launched in May, 2019 was made fully operationalized and now the Department is receiving all new applications through online portal only. This has made the whole process transparent and time bound
- Indian Biosafety Knowledge Portal (IBKP) is a web based portal, with a major thrust to reach out to researchers, industry and other stakeholders to provide latest scientific information and regulatory guidance related to authorization of GMOs/LMOs and products thereof.Hence statement 2 is correct
- IBKP is an interactive online web portal for transactions in dealing with Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) serviced by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India under the Rules for Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 (Rules 1989) of Environment (Protection) Act 1986.Hence statement 1 is correct
- The IBKP provides information on:
- Relevant Acts and Rules related to Biosafety of GMOs/LMOs in India
- Biosafety, Biocontainment guidelines, Check lists, etc.
- Database on various ongoing research activities on GMOs/LMOs and products thereof in the country including scientific Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plans (RARMPs)
- Linkages to international developments and scientific information.
- IBSC registrations/renewals and annual compliance records
- The portal facilitates online submission of Forms for Import/Export/Research & development projects, Pre-clinical toxicity of recombinant DNA derived Biosimilars and Investigational New Drug (IND), Event selection trials, Biosafety Research Level 1 trial, etc. including online tracking of the application status.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1627870
5.Consider the following statements regarding Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
- It has been designed and manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin.
- South Korea is the only country with the THAAD missile defence system
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:Why China is opposing THAAD defence systems in South Korea
- In South Korea, the THAAD missile defence system is operated by the US Army and the US had previously announced that the deployment of this missile defence system was a countermeasure against potential attacks by North Korea, particularly after the country had engaged in testing ballistic missiles.
- China’s opposition has little to do with the missiles itself and is more about the system’s inbuilt advanced radar systems that could track China’s actions.
- The controversy also has much to do with the geopolitics and complex conflicts in East Asia, with the US having a presence in the region particularly through its many military bases in Japan and South Korea.
- China believes the US exerts influence over South Korea and Japan and may interfere with Beijing’s long-term military, diplomatic and economic interests in the region.
About THAAD system:
- THAAD is an acronym for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, a transportable, ground-based missile defense system.
- Missile defense systems are intended to safeguard a country against imminent ballistic missile attacks.
- THAAD is coupled with space-based and ground-based surveillance stations, which transfer data about the incoming missile and inform the THAAD interceptor missile of the threat type classification.
- THAAD is alarmed about incoming missiles by space-based satellites with infrared sensors.
- This anti-ballistic missile defense system has been designed and manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin.Hence statement 1 is correct
- South Korea is not the only country with the THAAD missile defence It has been previously deployed in the UAE, Guam, Israel and Romania.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
6.Consider the following statements regarding CHAMPIONSplatform
- It is a technology driven Control Room-Cum-Management Information System which utilises modern information and communication technology (ICT) tools
- It is a real one-stop-shop solution of MSME Ministry.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:Narendra Modi launches portal to help, hand-hold MSMEs
- Champions — Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength — has been described by the MSME Ministry as an ICT-based system set up to help such enterprises in the “present difficult situation” and also to handhold them to become national and international champions.
- Launched the portal ‘champions.gov.in’. This is a one stop place for MSME sector. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The focus areas are support & hand-holding, grievance redressal, harnessing entrepreneurial talent and discovering new business opportunities
- It is a technology-packed control room-cum-management information system. In addition to ICT tools including telephone, internet, and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is also fully integrated on a real-time basis with GOI’s main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own other web-based mechanisms.
- The entire ICT architecture is created in house with the help of NIC at no cost. Similarly, the physical infrastructure is created in one of the ministry’s dumping rooms in record time.
- Detailed objectives of CHAMPIONS:
- Grievance Redressal: To resolve the problems of MSMEs including those of finance, raw materials, labor, regulatory permissions, etc particularly in the Covid created a difficult situation;
- To help them capture new opportunities: including manufacturing of medical equipment and accessories like PPEs, masks, etc and supply them in National and International markets;
- To identify and encourage the sparks: e. the potential MSMEs who can withstand the current situation and can become national and international champions.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-launches-portal-to-help-hand-hold-msmes-6437751/
7.Consider the following statements regarding Ultra Swachh
- It is double-layered, with specialized Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of Ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle
- It has developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:DRDO develops Ultra Swachh for disinfection of PPEs, electronic items, fabrics
- Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics and others.Hence statement 2 is correct
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), the Delhi based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner M/s Gel Craft Healthcare Private Ltd, Ghaziabad.
- The system uses an advanced oxidative process comprising of multiple barrier disruption approaches using Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection.
- The system is double layered with specialized Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle. It also has a catalytic converter to ensure environment-friendly exhaust i.e. only oxygen and water.Hence statement 1 is correct
- The system operates on 15 Ampere, 220 Volts, 50 Hertz power supply. The system has been provided with various safety features such as emergency shutdown, door interlocks, dual door, delay cycle, and leak monitors, etc to ensure safe operations for a longer duration.
8.Consider the following statements regarding Bar Council of India
- It is a statutory body created to regulate and represent the Indian bar.
- It aims to set standards for legal education and grants recognition to Universities whose degree in law will serve as qualification for enrolment as an advocate
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:For a strong and vibrant Bar
Bar Council of India:
- The Bar Council of India is a statutory body created to regulate and represent the Indian bar.Hence statement 1 is correct
- It was established by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Functions of BCI
- To lay down standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.
- To lay down procedure to be followed by its disciplinary committee and the disciplinary committees of each State Bar Council.
- To safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates.
- To promote and support law reform.
- To promote legal education and to lay down standards of legal education.
- To recognise Universities whose degree in law shall be a qualification for enrolment as an advocate.Hence statement 2 is correct
- To organise legal aid to the poor.
- To recognise on a reciprocal basis, the foreign qualifications in law obtained outside India for the purpose of admission as an advocate in India.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/for-a-strong-and-vibrant-bar/article31724865.ece
9.Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme
- It is aimed at enabling the street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown.
- It has been launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:Govt unveils PM SVANIDHI scheme to provide affordable loans to street vendors
- Union Government launched PM SVANIDHI – Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi – a special micro-credit facility scheme for providing affordable loan to street vendors.
- The scheme is aimed at enabling the street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launched the scheme in pursuance of the announcement made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Street vendors play significant role in ensuring availability of the goods and services at affordable rates at the door-step of the city dwellers.
- The scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh street vendors, who had been vending on or before 24th March this year, in urban areas. The duration of the scheme is till March 2022.
- The street vendors belonging to the surrounding peri-urban or rural areas are being included as beneficiaries under the urban livelihoods programme for the first time.
Source: http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=390175
10.The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(c) Indira Gandhi
(d) Morarji Desai
Answer: (a) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation:
In the aftermath of Kameshwar Singh V State of Bihar judgment, the Government got apprehensive that the whole agrarian reform programmes would be endangered. To ensure that agrarian reform legislation did not run into heavy weather, the legislature amended the Constitution in the year 1951 under the Prime ministership of Jawahar Lal Nehru which inserted Ninth Schedule. Hence option (a) is correct
