Consider the following statements regarding the Houbara bustard
- It is a resident of the colder Central Asian region
- It is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN Red List Status.
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: Pakistan issues special permit to Saudi Crown Prince, two others to hunt rare houbara bustards: Report
- Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21
- The houbara bustard is a resident of the colder Central Asian region. It migrates southwards every year to spend its winters in a relatively warmer environment in Pakistan. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Bustards are large, terrestrial birds that belong to several species, including some of the largest flying birds. The houbara bustard, which lives in arid climates, comes in two distinct species as recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one residing in North Africa (Chlamydotis undulata) and the other in Asia (Chlamydotis macqueenii).
- The population of the Asian houbara bustards extends from northeast Asia, across central Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula to reach the Sinai desert. According to the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), roughly 33,000 Asian houbara bustards and over 22,000 of the North African houbara bustards remain today
- According to IFHC, the main reasons for the houbara’s decline are poaching, unregulated hunting, along with degradation of its natural habitat.
- It is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN Red List Status. Hence statement 2 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding the Braided River
- It is a network of small channels separated by islands that are often not fixed.
- They can be found in places where the river carries a lot of sediment
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: Why is the Brahmaputra so wide? Due to sediment
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posted a satellite image of the Brahmaputra river on its websiteNovember 29, 2020, and explained that the cause behind the river being so wide was the tonnes of sediment it carried.
- The image, captured on November 9, showed the course of the Brahmaputra in its lower reaches, from Pasighat to its confluence with the Ganga in Bangladesh.
- Notice how the narrow channel widens after passing the town of Pasighat, transforming into a braided river with multiple, interlacing channels. As the water slows in the flatter Brahmaputra Valley, it loses its capacity to carry sediment, depositing the excess silt in sandbars. In the course of a few kilometers, the river channel increases its width twentyfold
- A braided river is a network of small channels separated by islands that are often not fixed. They can be found in places where the river carries a lot of sediment, or when it slows down and spreads out, like in a river delta. A braided river, or braided channel, consists of a network of river channels separated by small, and often temporary. Hence statement 1 is correct and Hence statement 2 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding the liquidity adjustment facility
- It is a monetary policy tool which allows banks to borrow money through repurchase agreements or repos
- It was introduced in RBI in 1998 based on the recommendations of Narasimham Committee on Banking Sector Reforms.
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: RBI proposes liquidity enhancing measures for RRBs, directions to come soon
- After banks and NBFCs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now decided to facilitate a more efficient liquidity management in Regional Rural Banks
- Accordingly, the apex bank has decided to extend the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) to RRBs. It has also decided to permit the RRBs to participate in the Call/Notice money market, both as borrowers and lenders.
About Liquidity Adjustment Facility
- LAF is a facility extended by the Reserve Bank of India to the scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs) and primary dealers to avail of liquidity in case of requirement or park excess funds with the RBI in case of excess liquidity on an overnight basis against the collateral of Government securities including State Government securities. Basically LAF enables liquidity management on a day to day basis.
- Liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) is a monetary policy tool which allows banks to borrow money through repurchase agreements or repos. LAF is used to aid banks in adjusting the day to day mismatches in liquidity (frictional liquidity deficit/surplus). Hence statement 1 is correct
- The RBI introduced the LAF as part of the outcome of the Narasimham Committee on Banking Sector Reforms of 1998. Hence statement 2 is correct
- LAF’s can manage inflation in the economy by increasing and reducing the money supply.
- The two main components of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility are Repo rate and Reverse Repo Rate. Repo rate is the rate at which the banks borrow money from the Reserve Bank of India. While borrowing the money, the banks will put the Government Securities as collateral. The Reverse Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from the banks. The Reverse Repo helps to absorb the liquidity from the system
4.Consider the following statements regarding the Advertising Standards Council of India
- It is a statutory autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament.
- It is committed to the cause of self- regulation in advertising ensuring the protection of the interest of consumers.
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: Govt asks private TV channels to follow ASCI guidelines for advertisements
- The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued an advisory asking all private television broadcasters to follow guidelines issued by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for advertisements relating to online gaming and fantasy sports.
- The Ministry has advised that the advertisements should not promote any activity prohibited by statute or law.
- ASCI guidelines require that every such gaming advertisement must carry a disclaimer that the game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. The disclaimer should occupy at least 20% of the advertisement space.
- The advertisements should neither suggest that online gaming presents an income generating opportunity as an alternative to employment nor depict a person playing such games is more successful than others.
About Advertising Standards Council of India
- The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)”, established in 1985, is a self-regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry in India.
- It is a non-Government body. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- ASCI is committed to the cause of self- regulation in advertising ensuring the protection of the interest of consumers. Hence statement 2 is correct
- ASCI seeks to ensure that advertisements conform to its Code for Self-Regulation, which requires advertisements to be legal, decent, honest and truthful and not hazardous or harmful while observing fairness in competition.
- It is the dedicated work put in by this group of highly respected people that has given tremendous impetus to the work of ASCI and the movement of self- regulation in the advertising.
Recently, Basan char has been mentioned in the news, which is located in which of the following region?
- Mediterranean sea
- Bay of Bengal
- Bering sea
- Arabian sea
Answer: b) Bay of Bengal
Explanation:
In News: Where Rohingya are being sent: a newly surfaced island in Bay of Bengal
- Bhasan Char, the site where Bangladesh has begun sending Rohingya refugees from the overcrowded camps at Cox’s Bazar, is an island formed by sedimentation (char is Bengali for sediment) close to the coast.
- Bhasan Char is less an island and more mud flat, and is vulnerable to going under water from tides and flooding. Much of it is submerged during the monsoon.
- Located near the mouth of the river Meghna where it flows into the Bay of Bengal, Bhasan Char surfaced only in 2006 from the sediment deposited by the river. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/where-rohingya-are-being-sent-a-newly-surfaced-island-in-bay-of-bengal-7094452/
With reference to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), consider the following statements
- PNGRB has notified a new tariff structure for 14 natural gas pipelines,
- It aims to reduce the cost of natural gas for users further away from sources of natural gas and LNG terminals on the west coast of the country.
- Under the new unified tariff structure, buyers will be charged a fixed tariff for the transport of gas within 300 kms of a source and a fixed tariff for the transport of gas beyond 300 kms on a single pipeline network.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Petroleum board’s new unified tariff structure its impact and challenges in implementation
- PNGRB has notified a new tariff structure for 14 natural gas pipelines, which, it says, aims to reduce the cost of natural gas for users further away from sources of natural gas and LNG terminals on the west coast of the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It aims to reduce the cost of natural gas for users further away from sources of natural gas and LNG terminals on the west coast of the country. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Under the new unified tariff structure, buyers will be charged a fixed tariff for the transport of gas within 300 kms of a source and a fixed tariff for the transport of gas beyond 300 kms on a single pipeline network. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-petroleum-boards-new-unified-tariff-structure-its-impact-and-challenges-in-implementation-7093848/
Consider the following statements
- The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks.
Recently, Kandhamal Haladi in Himachal Pradesh have obtained the Geographical Indication tag
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Himachal Pradesh wants GI status for five products, here is why?
- The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks. Darjeeling tea, Kullu shawl, Mysore agarbathi, champagne (France), Swiss watches etc are some of its examples. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The Himachal Pradesh government is trying to obtain GIs (Geographical Indication) for five products from the state – Karsog Kulth, Thangi of Pangi, Chamba Metal Crafts, Chamba Chukh, and Rajmah of Bharmour. Kandhamal Haladi is a GI product associated with Odhisha. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/himachal-pradesh-wants-gi-status-for-five-products-here-is-why-7093919/
Consider the following statements
- International Civil Aviation Day is being observed on 7 December.
- The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate awareness of the importance of international civil aviation and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
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: International civil aviation day
- International Civil Aviation Day is being observed on 7 December. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate awareness of the importance of international civil aviation and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries, the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period.
- The Council has decided that from now until 2023, the theme will be: “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
Source https://www.un.org/en/observances/civil-aviation-day
Consider the following statements regarding Ayush Export Promotion Council
- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of AYUSH have decided to set up an AYUSH Export Promotion Council
- It was also decided that the entire AYUSH sector will work together to achieve price and quality competitiveness to boost exports.
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: Govt to promote Ayush based solutions for disease resistance and treatment
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of AYUSH have decided to set up an AYUSH Export Promotion Council to boost AYUSH exports. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It was also decided that the entire AYUSH sector will work together to achieve price and quality competitiveness to boost exports. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- This decision was taken recently in a joint review of AYUSH trade and Industry by Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of AYUSH. The following are the action points that emerged from the meeting:
- Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Commerce and Industry will work together for establishing an AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AEPC). The proposed AEPC can be housed at Ministry of AYUSH.
- Standardisation of HS code for AYUSH will be expedited.
- Ministry of AYUSH will work in collaboration with Bureau of Indian standards to develop international standards for AYUSH products as well as services.
- AYUSH industry will work on ensuring quality and standards of AYUSH products as well as to become price-competitive.
- AYUSH will figure in the Brand India activities.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-to-promote-ayush-exports/article33264750.ece
Which of the following statements correctly explain the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
- Indian handicrafts were ruined.
- Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
- Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country
- Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures
Answer: (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
Explanation:
- India was a major player in the world export market for textiles in the early 18th century, but by the middle of the 19th century it had lost all of its export market and much of its domestic market. At the beginning of Industrial revolution cotton industries developed in England, industrial groups began worrying about imports from other countries. They pressurised the government to impose import duties on cotton textiles so that Manchester goods could sell in Britain without facing any competition from outside. At the same time industrialists persuaded the East India Company to sell British manufactures in Indian markets as well. Exports of British cotton goods increased dramatically in the early nineteenth century.
- Cotton weavers in India thus faced two problems at the same time: their export market collapsed, and the local market shrank, being glutted with Manchester imports. Produced by machines at lower costs, the imported cotton goods were so cheap that weavers could not easily compete with them. By the 1850s, reports from most weaving regions of India narrated stories of decline and desolation. Hence option (a) is correct answer
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