1.Consider the following statements regardingEssential Commodities Act, 1955

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: Explained: What is the Essential Commodities Act, and how will amending it help?

About Essential commodity

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/essential-commodities-act-amendments-explained-6442362/

2.Consider the following statements regardingMAITREE program

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: EESL and USAID Announce the “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” Initiative

Source:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1629597#:~:text=The%20Market%20Integration%20and%20Transformation,efficiency%20as%20a%20standard%20practice

3.Consider the following statements regarding‘#iCommit’ campaign

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: Power Minister launches the ‘#iCommit’ initiative on World Environment Day

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1629635

4.Consider the following statements regardingPayments infrastructure development fund (PIDF)

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: RBI creates ₹500 cr. fund to boost payment infrastructure

India’s central bank has created a ₹500 cr. fund to encourage acquirers to deploy Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure in both physical and digital modes in tier-3 to tier-6 centres and northeastern states

About ‘Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF):

Considering the high cost of merchant acquisition and merchant terminalisation, most of the POS terminals in the country are concentrated in tier 1 and 2 cities and towns and other regions have been left out. This move is expected to make the economics more favorable and will significantly increase the merchant base accepting digital payments.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/rbi-creates-500-cr-fund-to-boost-payment-infrastructure/article31761067.ece

5.Consider the following statements regardingAmbarnaya River

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: Explained: Why an oil spill in Russia’s Arctic region has become a cause for worry

How did the leak happen?

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-oil-spill-russias-arctic-region-6442828/

6.What is the purpose of Nagar Van Programme?

Answer: (d) It aims to develop 200 Urban Forests across India in next five years with the help of people’s participation and collaboration between Forest Department, Municipal bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local citizens

Explanation:

In NEWS: Centre launches programme to increase forest cover in urban areas

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/world-environment-day-centre-launches-programme-to-increase-forest-cover-in-urban-areas/article31754582.ece

7.Consider the following statements regardingUnited Nations Security Council (UNSC)

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

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1,2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Counterterror in focus as India prepares to occupy UNSC seat

About UN Security Council:

The Security Council consists of fifteen members:

Resolutions of the Security Council are typically enforced by UN peacekeepers, military forces voluntarily provided by member states and funded independently of the main UN budget.

Unlike the General Assembly, the Security Council meets year-round. Each Security Council member must have a representative available at UN Headquarters at all times in case an emergency meeting becomes necessary.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/counterterror-in-focus-as-india-prepares-to-occupy-unsc-seat/story-y19wMjjCguo4DOS5497t2K.html

8.With respect to the mangrove forests in India, consider the following statements

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: How this mangrove forest withstood cyclone Amphan, saved a national park

About Mangrove Forest

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/how-this-mangrove-forest-withstood-cyclone-amphan-saved-a-national-park-120060600255_1.html

9.With respect to Sundarbans, consider the following statements

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: Solar power lights up Sundarbans island

About Sundarbans island

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/energy/solar-power-lights-up-sundarbans-island-71585

10.Consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. India occupies a prominent position in the world oilseeds industry with contribution of around 10% in worldwide production. But the demand of edible oils (extracted from oilseeds in addition to palm oil) is significantly higher than the domestic production, leading to dependence on imports (60% of requirement).

 Statement 2 is not correct. Government imposes customs duty on edible oils to safeguard the interests of domestic oil crushing industry. The duty on two major edible oils, namely crude sunflower seed oil and crude canola/rapeseed/mustard is 25 per cent, while crude soyabean oil attracts 30 per cent duty.