Consider the following statements regarding Bird Flue
- It is a severe respiratory disease in birds.
- It is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals.
- Properly cooked eggs don’t transmit the virus.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS:Alappuzha, Kottayam in Kerala on high alert after bird flu cases detected
Two districts in Kerala, Alappuzha and Kottayam, have been put on high alert after bird flu cases have been confirmed in ducks
About Bird Flue:
- It is also called Avian Influenza.
- Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- There are many varieties of viruses and H7N9 is considered dangerous among them.
- H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu. It’s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier.
- H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong.
- Currently, the virus isn’t known to spread via human-to-human contact. However, it may pose the risk of becoming pandemic.
- It is transmitted to humans through contact with the infected birds’ feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes.
- Properly cooked eggs don’t transmit the virus.Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source has approved a test designed to identify avian influenza.The test is called influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) virus real-time RT-PCR primer and probe set.
Consider the following statements
- Only twospecies of pangolin are found in India
- Indian pangolin has been listed as Critically endangered in IUCN Red List.
- Indian pangolin is placed in Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:Track social media to check pangolin poaching
- The Odisha Forest department has stressed the need for stricter monitoring of social media platforms to check pangolin poaching and trading.
- During past few years, instances of pangolin poaching have been reported at regular intervals from different parts of Odisha.
- The Athagarh Forest Division in Odisha’s Cuttack district had tasted success in pinning down the active gang of pangolin smugglers during November 2019 and subsequently arrested more than 30 members of the organised network from different parts of the State.
About Pangolin
- Pangolins or scaly anteaters are mammals.
- They are the only mammals wholly-covered in scales (made of keratin) and they use those scales to protect themselves from predators in the wild.
- Thousands of them are poached every year due to their medicinal value and human consumption in countries like China and Vietnam.
- There are eight species of pangolin worldwide and two are found in India. They are Chinese pangolin mostly found in northeast India and Indian pangolin.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas and the North-East. The species is also found in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- Chinese Pangolin is found in the Himalayan foothills in Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northern India, North-East Bangladesh and through Southern China.
- Threats to Pangolins in India: Hunting and poaching for local consumptive use (e.g. as a protein source and traditional medicine) and international trade for its meat and scales in East and South East Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam.
- IUCN Red list: Critically endangered (Chinese and Sunda pangolins)
- Indian pangolin has been listed as endangered in IUCN Red List.Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Both these species are listed under Schedule I, Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.Hence statement 3 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Antarctic Program
- It is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program under the control of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research
- Currently, Maitri and Bharati are the active research stations under the program
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: 40th Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica launched
- Apart from its scientific mission, the expedition shall carry out the humanitarian responsibility of relieving the 48-strong winter crew from their 15-month tenure
- The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) departed for the South Pole from Mormugao Port, Goa with 43 members on board, January 5, 2021.
- Polar regions are crucially important in answering key questions about global climate change, its contribution towards global sea-level rise, the background aerosol properties, variability in the sea ice cover and phenomena like Antarctic haze and ozone concentrations. Attempts to address some of these issues are helping in mitigating several important problems concerning human life and well-being
About Indian Antarctic Expedition
- The Indian Antarctic Programme is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program under the control of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It was initiated in 1981 with the first Indian expedition to Antarctica.
- The first research station under the program was named DakshinGangotri.
- Objective: To study atmospheric, biological, earth, chemical, and medical sciences.
- Currently, Maitri and Bharati are the active research stations under the program. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Maitri: It was created in 1988 near Lake Priyadarshini (in Schirmacher Oasis) for conducting experiments in geology, geography and medicine.
- Bharati: It was commissioned in 2012 to facilitate year-round scientific research activity by the Indian Antarctic Programme.
- Both of the above stations, along with India’s research base in the Arctic called Himadri, is managed by NCPOR.
- India is one of the nine nations that have multiple stations in the region.
Consider the following statements regarding Faceless tax assessment scheme
- This scheme is introduced In the Union Budget 2019
- The scheme seeks to eliminate the human interface between the taxpayer and the income tax department.
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:Faceless tax scheme delivers 24,000 final orders: Pandey
- The government’s faceless tax assessment scheme has managed to deliver about 24,000 final orders since its introduction in August 2020.
- In the Union Budget 2019, the Finance Minister proposed the introduction of a scheme of faceless e-assessment.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The scheme seeks to eliminate the human interface between the taxpayer and the income tax department.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The scheme lays down the procedure to carry out a faceless assessment through electronic mode.
About Faceless Tax Scheme
- All provisions introduced under Faceless Assessment, under the Income Tax Act, 1961, are introduced to:
- Eliminate the interfacebetween the Assessing Officer and the assessee during the course of proceedings, to the extent that is technologically feasible;
- Optimise the utilisation of resourcesthrough the economies of scale and functional specialisation; and
- Introduce a team-based determination of arm’s length price with dynamic jurisdiction.
- As per the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020, Faceless Assessment will now bring other provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961under its purview.
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) decides the scope of the faceless assessment such as territorial area, persons, class of persons, incomes, class of incomes, cases or class of cases to whom this faceless assessment is applicable.
Why Faceless Tax Scheme was introduced?
- It is an attempt of the government toremove individual tax officials’ discretion and potential harassment for income tax payers.
- In the faceless regime, the main objective is to remove physical interactionas much as possible, and the taxpayers may not have the opportunity to explain (in person) business-related complexities and explain various positions they have taken while filing their income-tax returns.
- The Central Government introduced the Faceless Assessment Scheme to provide greater transparency, efficiency and accountabilityin Income Tax assessments.
Consider the following statements regarding TOYCATHON
- This is a special kind of hackathon where students and teachers from schools and colleges, design experts, toy experts and startups will get together to crowd source ideas for developing toys and games that are based on Indian culture and ethos and local folklore and heroes.
- Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Textile, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of I&B and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have jointly launched Toycathon-2021
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
In News: Union Education Minister and Union Minister WCD and Textiles jointly launch Toycathon-2021 and Toycathon Portal
- Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Textile, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of I&B and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have jointly launched Toycathon-2021 and Toycathon Portal. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- This is a special kind of hackathon where students and teachers from schools and colleges, design experts, toy experts and startups will get together to crowd source ideas for developing toys and games that are based on Indian culture & ethos and local folklore & heroes. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- While this will greatly help India develop into a global hub for toys and games, it will also help our children to understand the ethos and values of Indian culture as envisaged in the National Education Policy 2020.
- The Toycathon is based on nine themes viz. Indian Culture, History, Knowledge of India and Ethos; Learning, Education and Schooling; Social and human values; Occupations & specific fields; Environment; Divyang ; Fitness and sport; Out of the box, creative and logical thinking and Rediscovering/redesigning traditional Indian toys
- The Toycathon will have 3 variants of tracks of Junior Level, Senior Level and Start up Level and will allow participation of students and teachers from schools, colleges and universities apart from startups and toy experts.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1686270
Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of which of the following rivers?
- Krishna
- Godavari
- Periyar
- Yamuna
Answer: b) Godavari
Explanation:
In NEWS: When a sacred river offers shelter, livelihood to 4 families
- In a unique initiative, Migrant fisher-folk families have built temporary houses on the sands of Sabari river near Chintoor village along the tri-State border of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh in East Godavari Agency.
- Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of Godavari. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- It originates from the western slopes of Eastern Ghats in Odisha state from Sinkaram hill ranges. It forms common boundary between Chhattisgarh and Odisha states and later enters into Andhra Pradesh to merge with River Godavari.
- It is also known as Kolabriver in Odisha. Upper Kolab project, located in Odisha across the Sabari is a major dam project supplying water for irrigation and Hydro power generation.
- Sileru River (known as Machkund in its upper reaches) is the major tributary of Sabari which joins Sabari river at tri-junction boundary point of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Sileruriver has huge potential of hydro electricity generation.
Consider the following Statements regarding School Bag Policy
- It was released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
- The heavy school bag has adverse physical effects on growing children which can cause damage to their vertebral column and knees.
- NThe schoolteachers should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on a particular day and frequently check their bags to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary material.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: DoE circular asks teachers to check weight of school bags
- The Directorate of Education has issued a circular asking schools to follow the new ‘School Bag Policy, 2020’ released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- According to the circular, schoolteachers should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on a particular day and frequently check their bags to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary material. Hence statement 3 is correct
- The weight of the school bags, as per the policy, should be 1.6 to 2.2 kg for students of Classes I and II, 1.7 to 2.5 kg for Classes III, IV and V, 2 to 3 kg for Classes VI and VII, 2.5 to 4 kg for Class VIII, 2.5 to 4.5 kg for Classes IX and X and 3.5 to 5 kg for Classes XI and XII.
- The teachers should take the responsibility of checking the weight of school bags of the students every three months on a day selected for the whole class and any information about heavy bags should be communicated to the parents.
- To reduce the weight of the school bag, the school management should provide quality potable water in sufficient quantity to all the students in the school so that they do not need to carry water bottles from their homes.
- Heavy school bags are a serious threat to the health and well-being of students.
- The heavy school bag has severe/adverse physical effects on growing children which can cause damage to their vertebral column and knees. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following Statements regarding RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog
- It is a high-powered permanent body to formulate policies and to provide directions for the implementation of schemes related to cattle.
- It comes under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
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:RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog to hold online exam on cow science on Feb 25
- RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog (RKA), the government body set up for cow welfare has announced that it will hold a countrywide online examination on ‘gauvigyan’ (cow science) on February 25. There will be no fee for the examination.
- It is thefirst-ever exam of this kind which will be held annually.
- The students of primary, secondary and college levelsand general public can take part in the ‘KamdhenuGau-VigyanPrachar-Prasar Examination’ without any fee.
- The RKA decided to conduct a national exam on cow science for raising mass awareness about the indigenous cows among young students and every other citizen.
- The exam will infuse the curiosity into all Indians about cowsand make them aware of the unexplored potential and business opportunities a cow can offer, even after it stops giving milk.
About RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog (RKA)
- It has been constituted by the Government of India for the conservation, preservation, protection and development of cows and their progenies.
- It is a high-powered permanent bodyto formulate policies and to provide directions for the implementation of schemes related to cattle.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It comes under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It aims at transmission and application of improved technology and management practicesat the farmers’ doorstep through coordination with dairy cooperatives, farmer producer companies and dairy industry.
- RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog will function as an integral part of RashtriyaGokul Mission.
Global Economic Prospects report is published by theWorld Bank
- World Trade Organization
- International Monetary Fund
- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Answer: (a) World Bank
Explanation:
In NEWS:Global and India output set to expand in 2021-2022, says World Bank. Hence option (a) is correct
- According to the report the Indian economy is to contract by 9.6% in 2020-21. The Indian economy is to recover 5.4 percent in 2021-22. The contraction in Indian economy will be mainly due to sharp decline in household spending and private investment. The informal sector that accounts to four fifth of employment in the country has been badly affected.
- On the other hand, the world economy is to expand by 4% in 2021.The services and manufacturing sector are gaining Momentum.
- According to World Bank India is facing its first technical recessionary phase.
What is Technical recessionary phase?
- When the GDP growth is negative for two consecutive quarters or more than the period it is called technical recessionary phase. In India, the Gross Domestic Product declined by 23.9 percent between April and June quarter. The Gross Domestic Product growth rate contracted by 7.5 % during the July and September quarter. This clearly shows that the GDP growth of India has been negative for two consecutive quarters. Thus, India is in a technical recessionary phase.
What does venture capital mean?
- A short-term capital provided to industries
- A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs
- Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses.
- Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries.
Answer: (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs
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