Consider the following statements regarding Ruthenium-106
- It is produced from the fission or splitting of Uranium-235
- It provides excellent local control rates and eye preservation with a relatively low recurrence rate.
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: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai develops Eye Cancer therapy in the form of the first indigenous Ruthenium 106 Plaque for treatment of Ocular Tumours.
- Jitendra Singh has lauded the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai for developing Eye Cancer therapy in the form of the first indigenous Ruthenium 106 Plaque for treatment of Ocular Tumours. The handling of plaque is very convenient for the Surgeon and it has been acknowledged to be at par with the international standards.
What is Ruthenium-106?
- Ruthenium-106 is a radioactive form of the rare heavy metal ruthenium, which is a “platinum group” metal similar to platinum.
- Radioactive isotopes or forms of elements naturally decay into other elements, giving off radiation in the process.
Where does ruthenium-106 come from?
- Ruthenium-106 is produced from the fission or splitting of Uranium-235, the type of uranium used in nuclear fission reactors or from spent nuclear fuel. Hence statement 1 is correct
Uses:
- Ru-106 provides excellent local control rates and eye preservation with a relatively low recurrence rate. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Medicine for cancer radiation therapy, especially for eye and skin tumours.
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power satellites.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1684400
Consider the following statements regarding Longitudinal Ageing Study in India
- It is a full scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India
- The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Health.
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: Number of India’s elderly to triple by 2050
- There will be over 319 million elderly by 2050, threefold the number identified by the Census in 2011, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India.
- The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Health. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The study covered a baseline sample of 72,250 individuals aged 45 and above and their spouses, from all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India (excluding Sikkim).
- In 2011 census, the 60+ population accounted for 8.6% of population, accounting for 103 million elderly people.
- The self-reported prevalence of diagnosed cardiovascular diseases(CVDs) is 28% among older adults aged 45 and above.
- The prevalence of multi-morbidity conditionsamong the elderly age 60 and above is much higher in the states/UTs of Kerala (52%), Chandigarh (41%), Lakshadweep (40%), Goa (39%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (38%). The prevalence of single morbidity and multi-morbidity conditions increases with age.
About LASI:
- Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) is a full–scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India, launched in 2016. Hence statement 1 is correct
Objectives:
- To develop and implement a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of adult health and ageing in India.
- To enable cross-national comparative studies that will advance understanding of how different institutions, cultures, and policies influence ageing.
- To provide de-identified data to the research community in a timely manner.
- To provide data that will have a strong foundation for national and state-level policymaking.
- To provide a foundation in India for innovative, rigorous, multidisciplinary studies of ageing that will inform policy and advance scientific knowledge.
Consider the following statements regarding Basaveshwara
- He was an Indian 12th-century statesman, philosopher, a poet and Lingayat saint in the Shiva-focused Bhakti movement and a social reformer in Karnataka.
- He lived during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty.
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: Yediyurappa lays foundation stone for ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ at Basavakalyan
- Karnataka CM has laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th-century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara lived for most of his life.
Who was Basaveshwara?
- Basaveshwara or Basavanna was an Indian 12th-century statesman, philosopher, a poet and Lingayat saint in the Shiva-focussed Bhakti movement and a social reformer in Karnataka. Hence statement 1 is correct
- He lived during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty. Hence statement 2 is correct
- He was active during the rule of both dynasties but reached his peak of influence during the rule of King Bijjala II in Karnataka, India.
- Basava’s Lingayat theology was a form of qualified nondualism, wherein the individual Atman (soul) is the body of God, and that there is no difference between Shiva and Atman (self, soul).
- Basava’s views find places in Vedanta school, in a form closer to the 11th-century Vishishtadvaita philosopher Ramanuja.
- Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas.
- Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions and rituals but introduced Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Liṅga to every person regardless of his or her birth.
- As the chief minister of his kingdom, he introduced new public institutions such as the Anubhava Mantapa (or, the “hall of spiritual experience”) which welcomed men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Consider the following statements regarding Kalyana Chalukya Style of Architecture
- The style has characters of both the Northern as well as Dravidian temple architecture.
- All the temples of the Western Chalukyan period are dedicated to Shiva
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: Yediyurappa lays foundation stone for ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ at Basavakalyan
About The New Anubhava Mantapa
- The New Anubhava Mantapa, as envisaged now, will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5-acre plot and represent various principles of Basaveshwara
- It will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by him in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates.
- The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture.
- The grand structure supported by 770 pillars will have an auditorium with a seating capacity of 770 people.
- It is believed that 770 Sharanas (followers of Basaveshwara) led the Vachana reformist movement in the 12th Century.
- The basement is designed for a Dasoha Bhavana (dining hall) where around 1,500 people eat together. On its top, the structure would have a Linga placed on a large pedestal.
- The project also envisages a state-of-the-art robotic system, open-air theatre, modern water conservation system, terrace garden, library, research centre, prayer hall, yoga centre and so on.
About Kalyana Chalukya Style of Architecture
- It is the distinctive style of ornamented architecture that evolved during the rule of the Western Chalukya Empire in the Tungabhadra region of modern central Karnataka.
- These monuments, regional variants of pre-existing Dravida (South Indian) temples, form a climax to the wider regional temple architecture tradition called Vesara or Karnata Dravida.
- They are either Ekakuta (one mandapa of one shrine) or Dvikuta (a common hall attached to two shrines).
- The style has characters of both the Northern as well as Dravidian temple architecture.
- This combination of both of these styles is known as Vesara Style, also Central Indian Style, which is represented by the Hoysala Temples. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Most of the temples of the Western Chalukyas are dedicated to Shiva, some of them dedicated to Vishnu and Jain Tirthankars also. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Examples: Truketshwara Temple, Gadag; Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi
Consider the following statements regarding New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir
- It is the first Industrial Incentive Scheme which aims to take industrial development to the block level in UT of J&K.
- The main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio economic development of the area.
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: CCEA approves industrial development scheme for J&K
NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR JAMMU & KASHMIR (J&K IDS, 2021)
- Scheme is made attractive for both smaller and larger units. Smaller units with an investment in plant & machinery upto Rs. 50 crore will get a capital incentive upto Rs. 7.5 crore and get capital interest subvention at the rate of 6% for maximum 7 years
- The scheme aims to take industrial development to the block level in UT of J&K, which is the first time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Government of India has formulated New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K IDS, 2021) as Central Sector Scheme for the development of Industries in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
- The main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio economic development of the area. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a scheme for the industrial development of Jammu & Kashmir. The scheme is approved with a total outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore upto the year 2037.
Recently, the Centre government has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh and ensure citizen’s participation in the Union Territory’s development. Which of the following committee is mentioned above?
- K.Singh
- Krishna Menon
- Kishan Reddy
- Shanta Kumar
Answer: c) G. Kishan Reddy
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre decides to form committee to protect language, culture & land of Ladakh
- Centre has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh and ensuring citizen’s participation in the Union Territory’s development.
- The Committee will be headed by the Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and will include elected representatives from Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, central government, and the Ladakh administration.
- The decision to form the Committee came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met a 10-member delegation from Ladakh who expressed their views about the need to protect Ladakh’s unique cultural identity. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Source: http://ddnews.gov.in/national/centre-decides-form-committee-protect-language-culture-land-ladakh
Which of the following statement is not correct regarding the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL)
- NBWL is a statutory Board constituted officially in 2003 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The NBWL is chaired by the Home Minister
- NBWL is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
- The board is ‘advisory’ in nature and can only advise the Government on policy making for conservation of wildlife.
Answer: b) The NBWL is chaired by the Home Minister
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- National Board for Wildlife is a statutory Board constituted officially in 2003 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister and is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests. Hence option (b) is the incorrect answer.
- The board is ‘advisory’ in nature and can only advise the Government on policy making for conservation of wildlife.
- It is an important body because it serves as an apex body for the review of all wildlife-related matters and for the approval of projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
Consider the following statements
- The caracal is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India.
- In India, it is found in some parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan
- It is classified as a critically endangered species in the IUCN Red List.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In News: Govt. approves advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict across the country.
- The caracal is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- In India, it is found in some parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is classified as a Near threatened species in the IUCN Red List. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) in its 60th meeting has approved the inclusion of Caracal into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts with financial support under Centrally sponsored Scheme-Development of Wildlife Habitat.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1686597
Mahrana Pratap Sagar is located on the Beas River in Kangra district of
- Himachal Pradesh
- Haryana
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
Answer: a) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
In News: 336 migratory birds reported dead in Himachal’s Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday
H5NI avian flu has claimed over 2,700 migratory birds in the sanctuary area in Kangra district. As many as 336 migratory birds were reported dead in Himachal Pradesh’s Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary area on Wednesday. In the Union Territory of Chandigarh, five birds have been found dead.
About Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pong dam is located on the Beas river in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
- It is also known as Mahrana Pratap Sagar.
- The lake was created in 1975 by building the highest earth fill dam in India.
- The reservoir was declared as awildlife sanctuary in 1986.
- It was declared as a Ramsar wetland siteon account of its rich waterfowl diversity for conservation and sustainable use of the wetland.
- Flora:perennial and deciduous pine forests; eucalyptus; acacia, jamun, shisham, mango, mulberry, ficus, kachanar, amla and prunus.
- Fauna: migratory birds from the plains of India and Central Asian countries and Siberia such as barheaded geese, Anser indicus, northern lapwing, ruddy shelduck etc.
Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
- the mosque for the use of Royal Family
- Akbar’s private prayer chamber.
- the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
- the room in which the nobles belonging in different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs.
Answer: (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
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