Consider the following statements regarding Sudden Stratospheric Warming
- It refers to the sudden increase in stratospheric temperature by up to 50°C within a few days
- It is often followed by very cold weather and heavy snowstorms.
- This effect is most pronounced in the regions of Northern Europe and Northern America.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In News: Sudden stratospheric warming may be behind recent cold weather
- A dramatic meteorological event unfolding high above the North Pole may be behind very cold weather in large parts of the world currently
- The sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event took place January 5, 2021
About Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW)
- SSW refers to the sudden increase in stratospheric temperature by up to 50°C within a few days. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Strong westerly winds circle the pole high up in the stratosphere every year in winter, which is called as the stratospheric polar vortex.
- It circulates cold air high over the Arctic.
- Due to temporarily weaken polar vortex or reverse flow of wind from east to west, the cold air descends very rapidly in the polar vortex.
- This causes the temperature in the stratosphere to rise very rapidly, which is called as SSW.
- As the cold air from the stratosphere sinks into the troposphere, it changes in the jet stream that causes the weather to change.
- SSW is often followed by very cold weather and heavy snowstorms. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The effect is most pronounced in the regions of Northern Europe and Northern America. Hence statement 3 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding Magneto-telluric (MT) Method
- It is a geophysical method which uses natural time variation of the Earth’s magnetic and electric fields to understand the geological structure and processes.
- It is being conducted by National Seismological Centre (NCS) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
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: Earthquake monitoring and delineation of subsurface structures in Delhi region
- Magneto-telluric (MT) Method based geological survey is being conducted in the Delhi region
- Magneto-telluric (MT) is a geophysical method which uses natural time variation of the Earth’s magnetic and electic fields to understand geological(underground) structure and processes. Hence statement 1 is correct
- These measurements are conducted across three major seismic sources, namely Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault (MDF), Sohna Fault (SF) and Mathura Fault (MF)
- These measurements will ascertain the presence of fluid, which generally enhances the possibility of triggering of earthquakes.
- The study is being conducted by National Seismological Centre (NCS) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. Hence statement 2 is correct
- This survey is carried out in collaboration with Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun.
- This information along with the results of MT survey will be useful in accurate assessment of seismic hazard.
- This information can also be used for designing the earthquake resistant buildings, industrial units and critical structures like, hospitals and schools etc. The study is being conducted by NCS in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
Consider the following statements regarding Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
- It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
- It is organized every year on 9th January to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.
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: PM Modi to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 tomorrow
- The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is held in the country every year to sustain and nurture the symbiotic relationship between India and its diaspora, and to address the development challenges that the country faces.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 16th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Saturday in a virtual event. The theme of the convention, aimed at encouraging Indian diaspora to be part of socio-economic development in India, is “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- The PBD Convention will include two Plenary Sessions — ‘Role of Diaspora in Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Facing Post Covid Challenges-Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations’.
- The names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 – conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognise their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad – will also be announced.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians.
- It is organized every year on 9th January to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. Hence statement 2 is correct
- PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news
The Western dedicated freight corridor passes through which of the following states?
- UP
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 2, 4 and 5 only
- 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1,2,3 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Modi to inaugurate Rewari-Madar section of Western DFC today: Why is it important for the Railways
- PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 306-km New Rewari-New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) virtually
What is a dedicated freight corridor?
- Dedicated freight corridor (DFC) is meant to create a safe and efficient freight transportation system in the country. Currently, the Western DFC connecting Haryana and Maharashtra and the Eastern DFC connecting Punjab and West Bengal are under construction.
- The combined length of the Western and Eastern DFCs is approximately 2,843km. North-South (Delhi-Tamil Nadu), East-West (West Bengal-Maharashtra), East-South (West Bengal-Andhra Pradesh) and South-South (Tamil Nadu-Goa) DFCs are being planned.
- The Eastern Freight Corridor arm (1,839 km) starts from Ludhiana (Punjab) and passes through the states of Punjab, Haryana Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, to terminate in Dankuni (West Bengal).
- The Western Freight Corridor arm (about 1,500 km) starts from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and goes to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, passing through UP, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Hence option (d) is correct
- The project’s significance lies in the fact that once fully operational, 70 per cent of the goods trains will shift to the DFC, thereby freeing up the existing tracks entirely for passenger trains.
- The Indian Railways carries the fourth highest tonnage of freight globally — at over 1,200 million tonnes — which includes coal, steel, petroleum products, iron ore, cement, fertilisers, foodgrains and containers.
- While there has been a jump of over 700 million tonnes of freight in India in the last decade and a half, there has not been a corresponding increase in the loading capacity of the trains.
- For example, while the Golden Quadrilateral corridor, which connects Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai carries 58 per cent of India’s freight, it accounts for just over 15 per cent of the total length of the Indian Railways network.
Consider the following statements regarding National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
- NIXI is a not for profit Organization under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013
- It is working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India through the activities like Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISPs and between ISPs and CDNs, managing and operating Internet protocol IPv4 or IPv6
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: NIXI offers free Domain in local Indian languages
- NIXI is a not for profit Organization under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, and was registered on 19th June, 2003.
- NIXI was set up for peering of ISPs and other entities like content players, CDNs etc having their own AS numbers, among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the country, instead of taking it all the way to US/Abroad, thereby resulting in better quality of service (reduced latency) and reduced bandwidth charges for ISPs by saving on International Bandwidth. Hence statement 1 and statement 2 is correct.
- NIXI is managed and operated on a Neutral basis, in line with the best practices for such initiatives globally.
- The National Internet Exchange of India, NIXI has announced that it will offer a free Internationalized Domain Name, IDN in any of the preferred 22 official Indian language along with every IN domain booked by the registrant.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=NIXI-offers-free-Domain-in-local-Indian-languages&id=407554
He was an Indian barrister and independence activist. He became the President of the Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, and served as a member of the All India Congress Committee from 1936 till 1947. He strongly supported the formation of the Indian National Army and actively participated in the Quit India movement. Who is he?
- Subash Chandra Bose
- Sarat Chandra Bose
- Rabindranath Tagore
- None of the above
Answer: b) Sarat Chandra Bose
Explanation:
In NEWS: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s niece Chitra Ghosh passes away
- Sarat Chandra Bose (1889 – 1950) was an Indian barrister and independence activist. He was brother of Subhas Chandra Bose.
- In 1936, Sarat Chandra Bose became the President of the Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, and served as a member of the All India Congress Committee from 1936 till 1947.
- From 1946 to 1947, Bose would lead the Congress delegation to the Central Legislative Assembly.
- He strongly supported the formation of the Indian National Army by Subhas Bose, and actively participated in the Quit India movement.
- Following his brother’s reported death in 1945, Bose led efforts to provide relief and aid to the families of INA soldiers through the INA Defence and Relief Committee.
- In 1946, he was appointed Member of the Interim Government for Works, Mines and Powers – the position of a minister in a national executive council led by Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and presided over by the Viceroy of India.
- After India’s independence, Bose led his brother’s Forward Bloc and formed the Socialist Republican Party, advocating a socialist system for Bengal and India. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- PM Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Professor Chitra Ghosh, the youngest daughter of Sarat Chandra Bose and niece of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Consider the following Statements
- Counter-Terrorism Committee, Taliban Sanctions Committee, and Libya Sanctions committee are the subsidary bodies of United Nations Securtiy Council.
- Taliban Sanctions Committee has always been a high priority for India keeping in mind its strong interest and commitment to peace, security, development, and progress of Afghanistan.
- India will chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee of UNSC in 2022. Chairing of this committee has a special resonance for India which has not only been at the forefront of fighting terrorism especially cross border terrorism but has also been one of its biggest victims.
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: India to chair three-key subsidiary bodies of UNSC
- India will be chairing three-key subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This was announced by the Permanent Representative of India at the United Nations Security Council, TS Tirumurti.
- The panels are, Counter-Terrorism Committee (for 2022), Taliban Sanctions Committee, and Libya Sanctions committee. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- India will chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee of UNSC in 2022. Chairing of this committee has a special resonance for India which has not only been at the forefront of fighting terrorism especially cross border terrorism but has also been one of its biggest victims. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Taliban Sanctions Committee has always been a high priority for India keeping in mind its strong interest and commitment to peace, security, development, and progress of Afghanistan. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- India will be assuming the chair of the Libya Sanctions Committee at a critical juncture when there is an international focus on Libya and on the peace process.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=India-to-chair-three-key-subsidiary-bodies-of-UNSC&id=407518
With reference to Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav, consider the following statements
- The objective of this scheme is to provide farmers with required information, knowledge and advisories on regular basis by adopting villages.
- The programme aims to promote the direct interface of scientists with the farmers to hasten the lab to land process.
- It is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India.
- It reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 4 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 , 3 and 4
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: Under ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav’ Programme ICAR helping villages for disposing garbage
- The flagship programme of the Prime Minister of India, “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” was launched in 2015.
- The objective of this scheme is to provide farmers with required information, knowledge and advisories on regular basis by adopting villages. The programme aims to promote the direct interface of scientists with the farmers to hasten the lab to land process.
- It is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India. It reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture.
- Under the ICAR’s initiative ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’, Cleanliness drive was carried out recently in Ibrampur, Veling and Parra villages. Hence all the above statements are correct.
Source https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1685062
Consider the following statements
- DRDO’s biodigester is an indigenous, green and cost-effective technology, with a rare distinction of having one of the largest numbers of DRDO-licensees
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MAHA –METRO) are working together to conserve water and protect the environment by installing DRDO’s eco-friendly biodigester units
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: DRDO Signs MOU with MAHA-METRO for implementation of Advanced Biodigester Mk-II Technology in Metro Rail Network
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MAHA –METRO) are working together to conserve water and protect the environment by installing DRDO’s eco-friendly biodigester units (a non-sewered sanitation technology) in its facilities. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- A MOU was inked on January 5, 2021 between MAHA-METRO and DRDO through which DRDO will render technical support for the implementation of its advanced biodigester Mk-II technology for the treatment of human waste (night soil) in the metro rail network.
- DRDO’s biodigester is an indigenous, green and cost-effective technology, with a rare distinction of having one of the largest numbers of DRDO-licensees (ToT holders). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Indian Railways has already installed about 2.40 lakh biodigesters in its fleet of passenger coaches. Now for MAHA-METRO, the technology has been revamped and further improved in a bid to save the water and space.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1686284
With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following statements :
- Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mnixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
- In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
Which of the statements given
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1, propane and butane only. Only sweeping, red flag, pause and think. Obviously wrong. Shale gas is natural gas so would contain methane also plus impurities
- 2nd statement – no shale resources, again wrong.
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