Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme is an initiative of:
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Ministry of earth sciences
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: (d) Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation:
In NEWS:Land records digitalised in more than 90 per cent of the states: Centre
- Land records have been digitalised in 23 states/union territories.
- Under the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), computerisation of registration of land, cadastral maps and land records have been completed in more than 90 per cent of the states
- The details of digitalisation of data related to land records was shared by the ministry in an event to release a booklet on best practices in DILRMP.
About Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme:
- DILRMP is an initiative of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.Hence option (d) is correct
- It is the amalgamation of two former Centrally Sponsored Schemes:Computerisation of Land Records (CLR) and Strengthening of Revenue Administration and Updating of Land Records (SRA&ULR)
- The main aims of DILRMP are to usher in a system of updated land records, automated and automatic mutation, integration between textual and spatial records, inter-connectivity between revenue and registration, to replace the present deeds registration and presumptive title system with that of conclusive titling with title guarantee.
- The State Governments/UT Administrations will implement the programme with financial and technical supports from the Dept. of Land Resources, Government of India. The district will be taken as the unit of implementation, where all activities under the programme will converge.
The DILRMP has 3 major components
- Computerization of land record
- Survey/re-survey
- Computerization of Registration.
Consider the following statements regarding SVAMITVA scheme
- It is a collaborative effort of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.
- It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station
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:Land records digitalised in more than 90 per cent of the states: Centre
- The Union Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has released a booklet on “Best Practices in Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)”.
- This publication lists various ‘good practices’ followed in land records modernisation across national policy framework and in nine study states namely Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, etc.
- It also covers the gaps in implementation of different processes (such as registration, mutation, survey, settlement, land acquisition), technological initiatives and legal and institutional aspects.
Other govt. initiatives:
About SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)
- It is a collaborative effort of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India.Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS).Hence statement 2 is correct
- The mapping will be done across the country in a phase-wise manner over a period of four years – from 2020 to 2024.
- The program is currently being implemented in six states – Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Consider the following statements regarding Index of Industrial Production
- The base year for IIP is 2011-2012.
- It is an index that shows the growth of the manufacturing and service industry in different sectors of the economy
- It is compiled and published by the Central Statistical Organization
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:Core Industries Output Contracts Nearly 25% In June Quarter
- The growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for June 2020 declined by 15.0 % (provisional) compared to decline of 22.0 % (revised) in previous month of May 2020. Its cumulative growth during April to June, 2020-21 was -24.6 %.
- Final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for March’2020 is revised at -8.6 %. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
- Fertilizers (4.2%) remained the only sector to record positive growth due to the ample rainfall and a brisk start to kharif sowing in June.
- Steel is the worst performing sector
About Index of Industrial Production
- Index of Industrial Production data or IIP as it is commonly called is an index that tracks manufacturing activity in different sectors of an economy.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The IIP number measures the industrial production for the period under review, usually a month, as against the reference period.
- IIP is a key economic indicator of the manufacturing sector of the economy.
- IIP index is currently calculated using 2011-2012 as the base year.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Electricity, crude oil, coal, cement, steel, refinery products, natural gas, and fertilisers are the eight core industries that comprise about 40 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production.
- Mining, manufacturing, and electricity are the three broad sectors in which IIP constituents fall.
- In the case of Index of Industrial Production India, IIP data is compiled and published by CSO every month.Hence statement 3 is correct
- The data is also used to compile the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the manufacturing sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on a quarterly basis.
Source:https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/core-industries-output-contracts-nearly-25-in-june-quarter-120080100577_1.html
https://www.financialexpress.com/what-is/index-of-industrial-production-iip-meaning/1616261/
Consider the following statements regarding Monetary Policy Committee
It is a committee of the Reserve Bank of India and is entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy interest rate to contain inflation targets at 4%
The RBI is authorised to made monetary policy under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
The decision of the Committee is not binding on the RBI.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 3only
- 1 and 2 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee meets next week amid urgency to revive growth
- The Reserve Bank’s rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet next week to decide on the policy stance amid the urgency to revive the coronavirus-hit economy and increased demand for one-time loan restructuring by industry chambers.
About Monetary Policy Committee
- It is a committee of the Reserve Bank of India which is entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy interest rate (repo rate) to contain inflation targets at 4% (with a standard deviation of 2%). Hence statement 1 is correct
- The RBI is authorised to made monetary policy under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.Hence statement 2 is correct
- The committee comprises six members – three officials of the RBI and three external members nominated by the Government of India.
- The meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee are held at least 4 times a year and it publishes its decisions after each such meeting.
- The Governor of RBI is the chairperson ex officio of the committee.
- The proceedings of MPC are confidential and the quorum for a meeting shall be four members, at least one of whom shall be the Governor and in his absence, the Deputy Governor who is the Member of the MPC.
- The MPC makes decisions based on majority vote (by those who are present and voting).
- In case of a tie, the RBI governor will have the second or casting vote.
- The decision of the Committee would be binding on the RBI.Hence statement 3 is incorrect
Consider the following statements regarding Hoolock Gibbons
- It is the only species of apes found in India
- In india, it is native to Northeast state and Western ghats
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:Hoolock Gibbons threatened with extinction in two Manipur districts
- Hoolock Gibbons, the only species of apes found in India, are threatened with extinction in the Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The two districts used to be covered with dense, tropical rainforests, which provided ideal tree canopies for the arboreal, brachiating ape species.
- Without the tree canopies, the gibbons cannot swing from branch to branch and stake out their territories. They also cannot adapt to living on the ground and cannot bear the high temperatures brought about by the loss of green cover
About Hoolock Gibbons
- It is found in all the states of the north-east, restricted between the south of the Brahmaputra river and east of the Dibang river. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The Hoolock Gibbon is categorised into two types: the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) and the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys).
- The western hoolock gibbon: Ithas a much wider range, as it is found in all the states of the north-east, restricted between the south of the Brahmaputra river and east of the Dibang river. Outside India, it is found in eastern Bangladesh and north-west Myanmar.
- The eastern hoolock gibbon: It inhabits specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, and southern China and north-east Myanmar.
- IUCN Status: The western hoolock is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and the eastern hoolock is listed as Vulnerable,
- In India, both the species are listed on Schedule 1 of the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972.
Consider the following statements regarding HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range Missiles)
It is a medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation
It is a rocket- enabled precision missile with a range of 60 km perfectly suited for high altitude.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:Rafale jets | The ‘game-changer’ fighters
- HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a medium-range air-to-ground weapon. It has the capability to take out any types of targets at the range of around 60-70 kms.Hence statement 2 is correct
- It belongs to the Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) family of missiles i.e. it is an Air-to-Ground Modular Weapon. The weapon is modular because it can integrate different types of guidance units and different types of bombs.
- It has been developed by Safran Electronics & Defense for the French Air Force and Navy.Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- With the Rafales arriving in the country in the middle of a dispute with China, the Indian Air Force is further boosting the capabilities of the combat aircraft by equipping it with the HAMMER missiles from France.
- The HAMMERs would give India the capability to take out any bunkers or hardened shelters in any type of terrain including the mountainous locations such as Eastern Ladakh
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-jets-the-game-changer-fighters/article32249724.ece
Consider the following statements regarding A(H5N1) virus
- It was first detected in 1996 in geese in China.
- It does not affect human health
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: Scientists map black swan genome to better understand immune response
- Australian scientists have mapped the genome of the black swam, a species highly susceptible to the avian flu virus, in order to better understand immune response and protect public health.
- The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) usually occurs in birds and can sometimes spill over to humans. More than 50 per cent of the 800 people infected globally by HPAI since 2003 have not survived
- The researchers wanted to understand as to why black swans were so susceptible to HPAI. The swans can die from viral infection in 24 hours whereas ducks are hardly affected and develop only mild symptoms.
- The research team has already identified certain genes that might be responsible for the manner in which black swans are affected by HPAI.
About Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus
- It occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them. HPAI Asian H5N1 is especially deadly for poultry.
- The virus was first detected in 1996 in geese in China.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Asian H5N1 was first detected in humans in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong and has since been detected in poultry and wild birds in more than 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Six countries are considered to be endemic for Asian HPAI H5N1 virus in poultry (Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam).
- Rare human-to-human spread with this virus has occurred, but it has not been sustained and no community spread of this virus has ever been identified.
- With effect from 3rd September 2019, India has been declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Consider the following statements regarding Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan
It is an initiative of Vijnana Bharati and National Council of Educational Research and Training
It is a national program for popularizing science among school students of standard VI to XI
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:Dr Harsh Vardhan launches ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan 2020-21
- Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today launched ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan, 2020-21.
- Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) is an initiative of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).Hence statement 1 is correct
- VVM is a national program for popularizing science among school students of standard VI to XI, conceptualized to identify the bright minds with a scientific aptitude among the student community.Hence statement 2 is correct
- This initiative is a national programme for popularizing science among school students of Class 6th to 11th. It was designed to identify the bright minds with a scientific aptitude among the student community.
- It is a platform to indentify the talent in the field of science and to promote the scientific acumen among the students.
Consider the following statements regarding Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019
It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce.
The act makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years imprisonment with a fine.
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:
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is observing the first anniversary of the passage of the triple talaq bill in Parliament as the Muslim Women’s Rights Day
- The law, formally called the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, was passed in last year after intense debates in both the lower and upper houses of Parliament, with opposition parties stating it targeted the Muslim community even as the centre asserted that it would help achieve gender justice for Muslim women.
About the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019:
- The law makes all declarations of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void and illegal.
- It defines talaq as talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq pronounced by a Muslim man resulting in instant and irrevocable divorce. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The act makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years imprisonment with a fine. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by: The married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or Any person related to her by blood or marriage.
- Allowance: A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared, is entitled to seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate.
- Custody: A Muslim woman against whom such talaq has been declared, is entitled to seek custody of her minor children. The manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate.
Consider the following statements:
- The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
- The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
- A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- The protocol against the smuggling of Migrants by land, sea and air, it comes under the the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). The main objective of this conventon is to fight against Transnational organized crime. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. The Convention covers many different forms of corruption, such as bribery, trading in influence, abuse of functions, and various acts of corruption in the private sector. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- “Returning Assets to their rightful owners from whom they they have been taken illicitly”, is included under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its Member States to assist in the implementation of both Conventions, such as UNCAC and UNTOC, along with the UN Drug Conventions of 1961, 1971 and 1988 underpin all the operational work of UNODC. Hence statement 4 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Alliance to End Plastic Waste
- It is an UN-Habitat programme based in Singapore.
- 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 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- 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
- Alliance to End Plastic Waste, a Singapore-based-NGO working in the environmental sector, plans to invest between USD 70 million to 100 million in India over the next five years to majorly to reduce plastic waste
- India currently generates around 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day, over 10,000 tonnes of which is not collected
- The latest project by the Alliance and Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is the Aviral, Reducing Plastic Waste in the Ganga.
About Alliance to End Plastic Waste
- In January 2019, we founded the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a non profit organisation to help solve this serious and complex issue – 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It works with government, environmental and economic development NGOs and communities around the world to address the challenge to end plastic waste in the environment
- Nearly fifty companies across the plastics value chain have joined the Alliance and together they have committed to invest US$1.5 billion towards solutions that will prevent the leakage as well as recover and create value from plastic waste.
- The alliance focuses on solutions in four strategic areas: infrastructure, innovation, education & engagement and the clean up. Hence statement 2 is correct
- From India, Reliance Industries will advance efforts towards a sustainable future.
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
- Walmart-owned Flipkart on Friday said it supports over six lakh artisans, weavers and craftsmen across the country through its Samarth programme and is working on onboarding more such sellers to the platform.
- The Samarth programme was launched last year, wherein the e-commerce major had partnered with five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help artisans use the online marketplace to sell their products. Hence option (a) is correct
Samarth supports the livelihood of over six lakh artisans, weavers and craftsmen through partnerships with NGOs and government entities, and provides the artisans an access to a pan-India customer base of more than 200 million
The initiative has been launched by Flipkart in 2019. - It significantly contributes to the growth of the country and has a huge potential to do more. E-commerce companies can help Indian MSMEs and the handicraft sector adopt a global outlook
- Flipkart also supports MSMEs through Walmart Vriddhi, a supplier development programme that aims to empower 50,000 MSMEs to ‘Make in India’ for local and global markets. It leverages the supply chains and expertise of the Flipkart businesses and Walmart, and provides tailored training and advice along with access to an ecosystem of peers and mentors.
Consider the following statements regarding Pratihara Style
- It is a famous temple architecture belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of Gujarat
- They are known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Natesa of Rajasthan temple returns to India
- A long-pending case of idol theft finally saw an important development as Natesa, a rare sandstone idol in the 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan, is returning to the country after 22 years. The Natesa icon, currently at the Indian High Commission, London, was originally from the Ghateswara Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan.
- The sandstone Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft. in a rare and brilliant depiction of Lord Shiva in the late 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan. A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon.
Pratihara Style:
- It is a famous temple architecture belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of Rajasthan.They ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th century. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The Gurjara-Pratiharas were instrumental in containing Arab armies moving east of the Indus River.
- The architecture is known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples belonging to Nagara Style of temple Architecture. Hence statement 2 is correct
- They used most common sandstones for idols that have various shades of red, caused by iron oxide (rust).
- The greatest development of their style of building is at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Consider the following statements regarding International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
- It is an international human rights treaty adopted by United nations
- India is ratified the ICCPR but is yet to enact the legislation
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: Protesting is a fundamental right: UN
- A panel of independent experts of the United Nations Human Rights Committee published a fresh interpretation of the right of peaceful assembly. They reaffirmed that protesting peacefully, online or in person, is a fundamental human right.
- According to one of the committee members, it was a fundamental human right for people to gather to celebrate or to air grievances, in public and private spaces, outdoors, indoors and online.
- Everyone, including children, foreign nationals, women, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees, can exercise the right of peaceful assembly.
- Governments could not prohibit protests by making generalised references to public order or public safety, or an unspecified risk of potential violence.
About International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
- The ICCPR is an international human rights treaty adopted by United nations in 1966. It came into force from March 23, 1976. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The ICCPR is part of the International Bill of Human Rights, along with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- The ICCPR is monitored by the United Nations Human Rights Committee which reviews regular reports of States parties on how the rights are being implemented.
- There are currently 74 signatories and 168 parties to the India ratified the ICCPR in 1968 but is yet to enact the legislation for the same. Hence statement 2 is correct
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/protesting-is-a-fundamental-right-un/article32225267.ece
Consider the following statements regarding Gramodyog Vikas Yojana
- It aims to enhance the production of ‘Agarbatti’ in the country and create sustainable employment for the traditional Artisans
- It has launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
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: 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)
- Union Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbattiand to develop village industry under ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’ (as a pilot project) on 30th July 2020. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Govt of India placed the ‘Agarbatti’ item from ‘Free trade’ to ‘Restricted’ trade in the import policy.
- It also enhanced the import duty from 10% to 25% on ‘round bamboo sticks’ used for manufacturing of Agarbatti.
- Under this Mission, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), one of the statutory organizations, working under the M/o MSME,will provide training, and assistartisans working in this area
- The program will act as a catalyst in reviving the Agarbatti manufacturing in the villages and small towns and will immediately generate a minimum of about 500 additional jobs.
- The programme aims to enhance the production of ‘Agarbatti’ in the country and create sustainable employment for the traditional Artisans, by providing them regular employment and increase in their wages. Hence statement 1 is correct
- This will give a boost to the domestic Agarbatti Industry in the country and will reduce imports of Agarbatti.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642601
Consider the following statements regarding Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
- It is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, international non-governmental organization working in the area of human rights.
- It is headquartered in London, UK
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: Commonwealth countries lagging behind on action against modern slavery, says report
- With Commonwealth countries accounting for about 40% of people living in conditions of modern slavery in the world, the 54 nations were found lacking in actions to eradicate modern slavery by 2030, according to a report released by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and an international anti-slavery organisation Walk Free on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
- The report assessed the progress made by Commonwealth countries on the promises made in 2018 to end modern slavery by 2030 and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending forced labour, human trafficking and child labour.
- The report found that one-third of the Commonwealth countries had criminalised forced marriage, while 23 had not criminalised commercial sexual exploitation of children.
About Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI):
- CHRI is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, international non-governmental organization working in the area of human r Hence statement 1 is correct
- It was founded in 1987.
- In advocating for approaches and measures to prevent human rights abuses, CHRI addresses the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Human Rights Council members, civil society and the media on criminal justice concerns.
- It is headquartered in New Delhi, India, with offices in London, UK and Accra, Ghana. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- CHRI’s work is split into two core themes: Access to Information and Access to Justice, which includes Prison Reform, Police Reform, and advocacy on media rights and the South Asia Media Defenders Network
Consider the following statements regarding Smart India Hackathon 2020
- It is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Persistent Systems and i4c
- 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 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- 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
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Young India is a storehouse of talent and brimming with innovative and creative solutions to the country’s problems, and with a little guidance students would go a long way in taking India forward amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the new global scenario that would emerge once the health crisis is over
- PM Modi praised the concept of a rainfall prediction model that was put forward by one of the finalists and said that he appreciated the step and encouraged the student saying that the innovation if successful, would be of immense help to the farmers.
About Smart India Hackathon 2020
- The hackathon is a nationwide initiative to provide students with a platform to solve some of the pressing problems we face in our daily lives, and thus inculcate a culture of product innovation and a mindset of problem- Hence statement 2 is correct
- It proved to be extremely successful in promoting innovation, out-of-the-box thinking in young minds.
- It is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Persistent Systems and i4c. Hence statement 1 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding Dhole
- It is listed as a critically endangered as per IUCN red list.
- 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 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Three States rank high in dhole conservation
- Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh rank high in the conservation of the endangered dhole in India, according to a new study.
- Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation SocietyIndia, the University of Florida, the Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences found that these three States were adequately equipped to maintain their high ranks in consolidating forest habitats and recoverdhole populations by increasing prey density and reducing pressure on forests.
About Dhole
- Dhole is an apex social carnivore in the tropical forests of South and South East Asia. Dholes hunt in packs and tend to venture into forested landscapes adjoining protected areas. Hence statement 2 is correct
- During the Pleistocene, the dhole ranged throughout Asia, Europe and North America but became restricted to its historical range 12,000–18,000 years ago.
- The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females.
- Its habitat is forest, grassland, shrubland.
- Dholes are susceptible to rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus and sarcoptic mange among others which are usually contracted from domestic village dogs that act as reservoirs.
- It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Council for Cultural Relations
- It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- It is an autonomous organisation which functions under the Ministry of External 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: 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)
- ICCR was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. Hence statement 1 is correct
- ICCR was transferred from Ministry of Education and Youth Affairs to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 1971. Hence statement 2 is correct
- ICCR’s has its headquarters at New Delhi.
- Its objectives are to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to develop relations with nations.
Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India ?
- Oxides of sulphur
- Oxide of nitrogen
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
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.
