1.Consider the following statements regardingUnmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules,2020
- Only Nano and Micro class drones will be allowed to operate in India in general
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation has given permission for use of Drones for Food Delivery
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Draft rules prohibit use of drones for delivery
Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) has issued draft rules for drones termed The Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) Rules,2020.
Drones or Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) is an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote pilot station. DGCA has identified multiple categories of drones: Nano (up to 250 g), Micro ( over 250 g), small (2-25 kg), medium (25-150 kg) and large (over 150 kg).
Key Draft Rules:
- Each drone importer, manufacturer, trader, owner and operator will need to take approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA).
- DGCA will have powers to inspect a Drone manufacturing or maintenance facility before granting any authorisation under these rules.
- No drone can be owned or operated in India unless it has been allotted a Unique Identification Number (UIN), which will be issued by the DGCA.
- For owning and using a drone, one has to be at least 18 years old.
- In the case of companies, the requirement is that their main place of business has to be in India and the chairman and at least two thirds of directors have to be Indian citizens.
- No UAS should carry any payload except as permitted by the DGCA
- Only Nano class drones, which are less than 250 grams, will be allowed to operate in India in general, the draft rules stated, adding that only a “qualified remote pilot” will be permitted to operate heavier drones. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- No UAS shall operate in India unless there is in existence a valid third party insurance policy to cover the liability that may arise on account of a mishap involving such UAS
- Government hasn’t given permission for Use of Drones for Food Delivery. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
2.Consider the following statements regardingPrevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways
- It has launched by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
- It is a BIMSTEC national awareness campaign which seeks to generate awareness and education for the masses towards eliminating mortality on the roads
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: National awareness campaign on Prevention of Human, Animal Mortality on Highways launched
- Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari launched national awareness campaign on Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Hence statement 1 is correct
- Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways is a UNDP national awareness campaign which seeks to generate awareness and educationfor the masses towards eliminating mortality on the roads. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Launching the campaign through Video Conference, Mr Gadkari underlined the need for generating awareness and education for the masses at large towards reducing or eliminating mortality on the roads.
- The Minister informed that the country witnesses nearly five lakh road accidents every year, in which about 1.5 lakh lives are lost.
- India witnesses nearly five lakh road accidents every year, in which about 1.5 lakh lives are lost. It is our endeavour to bring down these figures by 20-25 per cent by the coming March 31
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has identified over 5,000 black spots
3.Consider the following statements regardingLIDAR Technology
- It is basically a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances to the subject.
- It is currently being used to provide 3D maps of the ground beneath
- It can perform well in fog, rain, snow and dusty weather.
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: How archaeologists continued digging from home during lockdown
- The coronavirus pandemic has stopped archaeologists from going to dig at sites, but that did not stop a U.K.-based team from continuing their research.
- Equipped with airborne survey data, a team of volunteers, locked down in their homes, sat and analysed thousands of images derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data.
- In this method laser light was used to survey a site and its reflection is measured with a sensor.
- The method is commonly used by geologists and surveyors to make high-resolution maps.
LiDAR in India
- LiDAR will also help in understanding domestic architecture, and defensive architecture like moats and fortifications in the area.
- Using this we can even look at the hydrology and water management systems in greater detail, all of which is probably under dense vegetation.
LIDAR Technology:
- LiDAR is typically used to collect high-density data in order to produce high-resolution LiDAR sensors are being fitted under drones to create readings of the terrain, transmission lines, buildings, and trees. Hence statement 1 is correct
- LiDAR accurately maps the ground beneath and can provide a highly accurate 3D modelwhen compared with terrestrial sampling methods. This technology is mostly used for ground-based surveys. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Apart from aerial surveys, the LiDAR sensor is the most important component in self-driving cars. The LiDAR sensor provides continuous 360 degrees of visibility and accurate depth information.
- LiDAR was first used on a spacecraft during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, when astronauts mapped the surface of the moon.
- LiDAR can’t perform well in fog, rain, snow and dusty weather. Hence statement 3 is incorrect
- Need secondary cameras: LiDAR also struggles to detect a glass wall or door, which is why smartphone manufacturers and self-driving cars makers use LiDAR along with secondary cameras and sensors.
4.Consider the following statements regarding Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
- It creates time-bound processes for insolvency resolution applies only to the companies
- These insolvency resolution processes will be completed within 180 days.
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: Bankruptcy code gets suspended for 6 months
- President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday promulgated an ordinance suspending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) for a period of at least six months to protect businesses from being dragged to bankruptcy courts.
- The IBC suspension is applicable for a period of six months or such further period, not exceeding one year from such date.
- The suspension will not apply to any corporate default committed before 25 March,2020.
- India rolled out stringent stay-at-home restrictions on 25 March, 2020 that shut down the economy for two months, pushing many companies toward bankruptcy.
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 :
- The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code) sets out a time-bound insolvency resolution process for defaulting corporate debtors.
- It introduces a creditor-in-possession model whereby a committee of creditors (CoC) is constituted to take decisions regarding the operations of the corporate debtor, including evaluating prospective resolution plans for resolving the corporate debtor’s account.
- The Code creates time-bound processes for insolvency resolution of companies and individuals. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- These processes will be completed within 180 days. If insolvency cannot be resolved, the assets of the borrowers may be sold to repay creditors. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The resolution processes will be conducted by licensed insolvency professionals (IPs). These IPs will are members of insolvency professional agencies (IPAs). IPAs also furnish performance bonds equal to the assets of a company under insolvency resolution.
- Information utilities (IUs) are established to collect, collate and disseminate financial information to facilitate insolvency resolution.
- It provides immunity to the debtors from claims of resolution by creditors during this period of resolution.
- It provides for a common platform of debtors and creditors of all classes to resolve insolvency.
5.Consider the following statements regarding Jaya Jaitly task force
- It is set up by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- It will examine the issues related to Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Rate, Total Fertility Rate, Sex Ratio at Birth, Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and any other issues pertaining to health and nutrition
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: WCD Ministry constitutes task force to examine issues related to lowering Maternal Mortality Rate
- Government has constituted a task force to examine issues related to age of motherhood, lowering Maternal Mortality Rate and improvement of nutritional levels.
- The task force will be headed by Jaya Jaitly and it will submit its report by 31st July of next month.
- The task force set up by the Women and Child Development Ministrywill suggest suitable legislations and amendments in existing laws and also chalk out a detailed roll-out plan with timelines to implement these recommendations. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The task Force will examine the issues related to Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Rate, Total Fertility Rate, Sex Ratio at Birth, Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and any other issues pertaining to health and nutrition. Hence statement 2 is correct
- It will also suggest measures for promoting higher education among women
- The taskforce may invite other experts to its meetings if and as required and it will be provided secretarial assistance by NITI Aayog
6.Consider the following statements regarding Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
- It is a medical device with stringent specifications of quality, polymer grade, dimensions and sterilization
- It has successfully developed by the National Chemical Laboratory
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: NCL Pune develops indigenous nasopharyngeal swab for collecting samples
- The National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune has successfully developed an indigenous nasopharyngeal (NP) swabfor collecting samples from the throat cavity of patients affected with Corona Virus which causes the Covid-19. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The NCL, a lab under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will manufacture one lakh nasopharyngeal swabs a day, a press release issued by the organization
- The nasopharyngeal swab is a medical device with stringent specifications of quality, polymer grade, dimensions and sterilization.Hence statement 1 is correct
- It consists of a cylindrical plastic stick with a brush-like tip of synthetic bristles/flocks. Flocking is a very important processing step in the manufacture of medical swabs, which is to align the fine bristles in a parallel orientation on the stick head, much like a toothbrush, except that this has round uniform geometry and the nasopharyngeal swab bristles are of micron diameter
7.Which one of the following is the best description of ‘Aditya’, that was in the news recently?
- Amphibious warfare ship
- Nuclear-powered submarine
- Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
- India’s first solarpowered ferry
Answer: (d) India’s first solarpowered ferry
Explanation:
In NEWS: India’s solar ferry sails into global contest
- India’s first solarpowered ferry, Aditya, which became an icon on the Vaikom Thavanakadavu route in Kerala, is among 12 such ferries that have been shortlisted for the Gustave Trouvé Award. It is the sole entrant from Asia. Hence option (d) is correct
- The vessel will have an air-conditioned lower deck and pushback seats. The upper deck, which is non-air conditioned, can be used for dining and to get a better view of the backwaters.
- The per km energy cost of Aditya is low, and the ferry normally operates 22 trips a day, covering a total of 66 km, carrying 75 passengers per trip
- It needs just ₹180 per day in energy cost, compared to about ₹8,000 for a diesel run ferry of similar size. It is unusual for a high technology product to have such a low breakeven period
- Operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD), the vessel was built by Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, Kochi.
Source: TH
8.Consider the following statements regarding TRAFFIC
- It is a joint program of World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature
- It is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom
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: Poaching doubled during lockdown, says wildlife trade monitoring group
- A recent report by TRAFFIC, a leading wildlife trade monitoring network, has recorded a significant increase in poaching in India during the over two month lockdown period.
- Indian wildlife amidst the COVID-19 crisis: An analysis of status of poaching and illegal wildlife trade, released , points out that reports of poaching for consumption and local trade have more than doubled during the lockdown.
- The biggest increase in reported poaching was relatedto ungulates, where the percentage jumped from 22% of total reported cases during prelock down to 44%, during the lockdown period.
About Traffic India:
- TRAFFICis an NGO (CITES on the other hand is a multilateral treaty) working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- TRAFFIC is a joint programme of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Traffic is complimentary to CITES. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The programme was founded in 1976, with headquarters now located in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- TRAFFIC’s mission is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
- It investigates and analyses wildlife trade trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to provide the leading knowledge base on trade in wild animals and plants.
Source: TH
9.Consider the following statements
- ARF is the effect of anthropogenic aerosols on the radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface and on the absorption of radiation within the atmosphere
- Aerosol radiative forcing is larger than the global averages over the trans-Himalayas.
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: Aerosol characterization and radiative effects at High Altitude site in Western-Trans Himalayas
- Researchers at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Govt. of India have found that aerosol radiative forcing larger than the global averages, implying some amount of radiative effects, in spite of the clean atmosphere over the trans-Himalayas. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The paper under publication in the journal Science of the Total Environment shows that monthly-mean atmospheric radiative forcing of aerosols leads to heating rates of 0.04 to 0.13 C per day.
- Further, the temperature over the Ladakh region is increasing 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius per decades from the last 3 decades.
- The atmospheric aerosols play a key role in the regional/global climate system through scattering and absorption of incoming solar radiation and by modifying the cloud microphysics.
- ARF is the effect of anthropogenic aerosols on the radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface and on the absorption of radiation within the atmosphere. Hence statement 1 is correct
- A deep scientific study of aerosol generation, transport, and its properties have important implications in our understanding and mitigation of climate change via atmospheric warming, which among many things, impacts the snow and glacier dynamics over the trans-Himalayan region
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1629589
10.What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
Foundation of Muslim League
Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to the elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
Answer: (b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
Explanation:
- In 1907, the extremists wanted either Tilak or Lajpat Rai to be president, so when Rasbehari Ghose was announced as president, the extremist resorted to violence. Hence Surat Split happened. Hence option (b) is correct
