.AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme is an initiative of:
1.Atal Innovation Mission
2.National Supercomputers Mission
3.Bank for International Settlements
4.Reserve Bank of India
Answer: (a) Atal Innovation Mission
Explanation:
In NEWS: AIM-Sirius Innovation’ programme launched for Indian & Russian school children
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Sirius, Russia, today launched ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme for Indian and Russian school children. NITI Aayog said that the AIM-Sirius programme seeks to develop technological solutions for the two countries. Hence option (a) is correct
- The programme aims to develop technological solutions for both India and Russia.
- SIRIUS is Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station. It is a series of experiments that investigates flight to the moon
- The programme is jointly held between AIM and SIRIUS based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed during PM Modi’s visit to Russia in 2018.
- The programme is to be held between November 7, 2020 and November 21, 2020. Around 48 students and 16 educators are to participate in the programme. The innovations developed by the students will be from the field of block chain, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Source: http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=403866
Consider the following statements regarding Brown Treesnake
1.It is an invasive species and has been discovered on Cocos Island
2.They caused the losses of nine of 11 native forest birds species on Guam.
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: Invasive brown treesnake present on Cocos Island near Guam
- The brown treesnake, an invasive species, has been discovered on Cocos Island, a small atoll near the United States territory of Guam in the Pacific Oce Hence statement 1 is correct
- A fisherman first reported the presence of the snakes on the island to the local administration in September this year.
- The administration is now working with the United States Geological Survey to locate and remove any snakes found on the island, a statement on the Survey’s website said.
- Brown treesnakes have earlier wrought havoc on Guam itself. They caused the losses of nine of 11 native forest birds and significant population declines of several native lizards, bats and other bird species on Guam. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Cocos Island is home to a large number of endemic bird, reptile and other species. The snakes could threaten their existence
The Tigray region is associated with which of the following regions?
a) Ethiopia
b) Egypt
c) Libya
d) Nigeria
Answer: (a) Ethiopia
Explanation:
In NEWS: Explained: Why there are armed clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray, and what it means for Horn of Africa
- The domestic conflict in Ethiopia comes after several smaller conflicts that have been festering for months that could now spiral and impact the Horn of Africa region at large.
- Ethiopia is on the brink of a civil warafter Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that he had ordered troops to counter an allegedly violent attack by armed forces in the country’s northern Tigray region.
- In early November 2020, the region and the Ethiopian federal government entered into conflict, with some gunfire being reported in the capital of Tigray, Mekelle.
- The conflict escalated in September, when Tigray held local elections in insubordination of the Ethiopian federal government these elections were considered “illegal” by the federal government, further leading to conflict with Tigray authorities.
- About Tigray Region
- Tigray Region is the northernmost of the nine regions (kililat) of Ethiopia. Hence option (a) is correct
- Tigray is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob and Kunama peoples.
- Tigray is also known as Region 1 according to the federal constitution.
- Its capital and largest city is Mekelle.
- Tigray is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Sudan to the west, the Amhara Region to the south and the Afar Region to the east and south east.
Consider the following statements regarding Kasturirangan committee on the Western Ghats
1.Only 37% (i.e. 60,000 sq. km.) of the total area be brought under ESA instead of the total area of Western Ghats
2.A complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in ESA.
3.It was constituted to examine the WGEEP report.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2
- 1,2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Plea in SC against Centre’s notification demarcating 56,825 sq km in 6 states as Western Ghats ESA
- A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the 2018 draft notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change demarcating an area of 56,825 square kilometre spread across six states as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
- The plea filed by an NGO Karshaka Shabdam’ through advocate Suvidutt M S sought directions to the Centre and Kerala to not implement the recommendations of Western Ghats Ecologically Expert Panel (WGEEP), also called the Gadgil Committee, and of the High-Level Working Group, also called the Kasturirangan Committee.
- The plea sought a direction to Kerala to not implement the recommendations of WGEEP and HLWG reports on the Western Ghats.
- The plea also sought implementation of the recommendations of the Oommen V Oommen committee constituted in 2014 by the Kerala government to review the Kasturirangan committee report.
- The projects and activities to be prohibited or regulated in the eco-sensitive area include mining, no new construction of thermal power plants and buildings.
About Kasturirangan committee on the Western Ghats
- The Kasturirangan committee was constituted to examine the WGEEP report. Hence statement 3 is correct
- The committee is often called HLWG, 10 member high-level working group (HLWG), headed by Kasturirangan.
Recommendations
- Only 37% (i.e. 60,000 sq. km.) of the total area be brought under ESAinstead of the total area of Western Ghats, under Kasturirangan report. Hence statement 1 is correct
- A complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in ESA. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Distinguished between cultural(58% occupied in the Western Ghats by it like human settlements, agricultural fields and plantations) and natural landscape (90% of it should come under ESA according to the committee).
- No thermal power be allowed and hydropower projects are allowed only after detailed study.
- Red industries i.e. which are highly polluting be strictly bannedin these areas.
- Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats has made several pro-farmer recommendations, including the exclusion of inhabited regions and plantations from the purview of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs).
It is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi city near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. This city is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage to which his devout followers should visit. It was also the site of the Buddha’s Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it. The above mentioned city is:
1.Varanasi
2.Sarnath
3.Prayag
4.None of the above mentioned city
Answer: b) Sarnath
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Modi to inaugurate and lay foundation stone of various development projects in Varanasi tomorrow
- Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi city near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Deer Park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.
- Also referred to as Isipatana, this city is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage to which his devout followers should visit.
- It was also the site of the Buddha’s Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it.
- Singhpur, a village approximately one kilometer away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism. Hence option (b) is the correct answer
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=PM-to-inaugurate-%26-lay-foundation-stone-of-various-development-projects-in-Varanasi-on-Nov-9&id=403860
Consider the following statements regarding World Science day for Peace and development
- World Science Day for Peace and Development will be observed on 10 November
- It highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues
- The focus of World Science Day is on “Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic.”
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: World Science Day for Peace and Development, 10 November
- Celebrated every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. Hence statement 1 and statement 2 is correct.
- 2020 Theme: This year, at a time when the world is struggling with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of World Science Day is on “Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic.” hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-science-day
Consider the following statements regarding Atal Beemit Kalyan Yojana
- It is a welfare measure being implemented by the Employees State Insurance (ESI) Corporation.
- It offers cash compensation to insured persons when they are rendered unemployed.
- The scheme provides relief to the extent of 50% of the average per day earning during the previous four contribution periods to be paid up to maximum 90 days of unemployment once in lifetime of the Insured Person.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Claims through Affidavit Form no longer required now under Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana of ESIC
- Ministry of Labour and Employment said that submitting claims through Affidavit Form is now no longer required under Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation- ESIC.
- Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana is a welfare measure being implemented by the Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) Corporation. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It offers cash compensation to insured persons when they are rendered unemployed. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The scheme provides relief to the extent of 50% of the average per day earning during the previous four contribution periods (total earning during the four contribution period/730) to be paid up to maximum 90 days of unemployment once in lifetime of the Insured Person. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The Scheme was introduced w.e.f. 01-07-2018. The ESI Corporation in its meeting held in August this year had extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana’ from 1st of July, 2020 to 30th June,2021.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=Claims-through-Affidavit-Form-no-longer-required-now-under-Atal-Beemit-Vyakti-Kalyan-Yojana-of-ESIC&id=403908
With reference to Law against religious conversion, Consider the following statements
- The Act does not cover a person re-converting to his “parent religion”.
- Any marriage done for the sole purpose of religion conversion may be declared null and void by a court on a petition by either party.
- All offences under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable.
- Recently, Delhi government passed the bill.
Which of the given above statement(s) is/are correct?
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Himachal Pradesh’s law against religious conversion
Haryana Home Minister said that his government is considering a law against forced religious conversions and has sought information about such a law already in force in Himachal Pradesh. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
Salient features of the bill
- Last year, the Himachal Pradesh assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2019.
- According to it, no person shall convert any other person from one religion to another by use of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage; nor shall any person abet or conspire such conversion.
- The Act does not cover a person re-converting to his “parent religion”. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Any marriage done for the sole purpose of religion conversion may be declared null and void by a court on a petition by either party. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Anyone who wishes to convert to any other religion will give a declaration to the district authorities at least one month in advance, specifying that one is doing so as per his/her “own volition or free consent”.
- The burden of proof as to whether a religious conversion was not effected through force or fraud lies on the person so converted, or the person who has facilitated the conversion.
- All offences under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable. The violator can be punished with a prison term ranging from one to five years, along with a fine. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/himachal-pradesh-law-against-religious-conversion-haryana-faridabad-murder-7010598/
With reference to the One Rank One Pension (OROP), consider the following statements
- Under the OROP scheme, uniform pension is paid to defense personnel who retire in the different rank but with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement.
- The OROP was implemented to bridge the gap between the pensions of current and past ex-servicemen at periodic intervals.
- The armed forces personnel who retired by June 30, 2014, are covered under the OROP scheme.
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: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In News: 5 yrs of OROP: PM Modi salutes soldiers for courageously protecting nation
- Under the OROP scheme, uniform pension is paid to defence personnel who retire in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- On November 7, 2015, the government issued an order notifying the OROP scheme and had stated that it would be effective from July 1, 2014.
- The OROP was implemented to bridge the gap between the pensions of current and past ex-servicemen at periodic intervals. Hence statemen 2 is correct.
- Before OROP, ex-servicemen used to get pensions as per the Pay Commission’s recommendations of the time when they had retired.
- The armed forces personnel who retired by June 30, 2014, are covered under the OROP scheme. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The Centre has disbursed over Rs 42,700 crore to 20.6 lakh retired Defence personnel under the OROP scheme since its inception, the Defence Ministry had said.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/5-yrs-of-orop-pm-modi-salutes-soldiers-for-courageously-protecting-nation/story-cCDk1kMDIaQF5t52kayyVI.html
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
a) Corbett
b) Ranthambore
c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
d) Sunderbans
Answer: (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
Explanation:
- Critical ‘tiger’ habitats (CTHs), also known as core areas of tiger reserves—are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 based on scientific evidence that “such areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers”. The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose. Nagarjunsagar -Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India . The reserve spreads over five districts, Kurnool District, Prakasam District, Guntur District, Nalgonda District and Mahbubnagar district. The total area of the tiger reserve is 3,728 km2 (1,439 sq mi). Hence option (c) is correct
