The Genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus can help us to determine which of the following?

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

  1. a) 3 and 5 only
  2. b) 1, 2 and 5 only
  3. c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  4. d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation:

In NEWS: How one of India’s premier research institutes is tracking new SARS-COV2 variants

How has genome sequencing helped?

How are the variants named?

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/how-one-of-indias-premier-research-institutes-is-tracking-new-sars-cov2-variants-7436040/

  1. If a voice note was taken, the stand of political parties and individual MPs on contentious political issues are not recorded individually.
    1. Voice vote can be challenged by any opposition member.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Lok Sabha passes two key bills without debate

The Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 and The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021 were passed separately by voice vote before the House was adjourned for the day as Opposition continued with their sloganeering

What is a voice vote?

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-passes-essential-defence-services-bill-amid-opposition-protests/article35697806.ece

  1. The ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ campaign was launched for inclusive and holistic preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
    1. The Constitution mandates that the Panchayats have to prepare and implement plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Government launched ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ campaign for inclusive and holistic preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan. Hence statement (1) is correct.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1741910

  1. It is also referred to as carbon-neutrality which means reaching a state where there are no emissions at all.
    1. It was an outcome of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Explained: Why ‘net zero’ carbon targets may not be enough to tackle climate change

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/net-zero-carbon-emissions-climate-change-7436649/

Consider the following statements regarding INS Vikrant:

  1. It is India’s first indegenous aircraft carrier built at Cochin Shipyard Limited.
    1. India has no aircraft carrier as of now.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Explained: The importance of IAC-1, the Made-in-India aircraft carrier

The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 1, which will be called INS Vikrant once it enters service with the Indian Navy about a year from now, started sea trials

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1

Why will this warship be named INS Vikrant?

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-importance-of-iac-1-the-made-in-india-aircraft-carrier-7438715/

Consider the following statements regarding MPLAD scheme:

  1. It was aimed towards providing funds for developmental works recommended by individual MPs.
    1. The MPLADS funds are not merged with other central welfare schemes.
    1. Under this scheme, every MP is entitled to spend Rs 5 crore annually.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 and 3 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) 1 and 2 only
  4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: 50% funds allotted for ongoing MPLADS projects lapse

Virtually half of a belated ₹2,200 crore allotted for completing ongoing MPLADS projects in 2020-21 simply lapsed, as the Finance Ministry granted “barely a week” to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to release the fund

About MPLAD scheme

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/50-funds-allotted-for-ongoing-mplads-projects-lapse/article35731768.ece

Consider the following statements regarding Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP):

  1. It is an international organization and political association of Lusophone nations across four continents where Portuguese is an official language.
    1. India has joined the CPLP as Associate Observer this

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: India joined Community of Portuguese Language Countries as Associate Observer in July this year: Meenakshi Lekhi

Source: https://newsonair.com/2021/08/04/india-joined-community-of-portuguese-language-countries-as-associate-observer-in-july-this-year-meenakshi-lekhi/

  1. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Science.
    1. Under the scheme, the India Meteorological Department is issuing crop and location-specific weather based agro advisories to the farmers.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Agro-Automatic Weather Stations provide exact weather forecast to the people, especially the farmers

Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS):

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1741806

Consider the following statements regarding Hunger Hotspots Report:

  1. It is an early-warning analysis of countries and situations called hotspots where acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate over the coming months.
    1. It was released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Food Program.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. a) 1 only
  2. b) 2 only
  3. c) Both 1 and 2
  4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: UN warns hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots

Hunger Hotspots Report:

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-warns-hunger-is-expected-to-rise-in-23-global-hotspots/article35657912.ece

Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?

  1. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
    1. Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
    1. Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
    1. Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer: (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Explanation: