Recently, the Typhoon Haishen made landfall over which of the following country?
- Japan
- South America
- North America
- Africa
Answer: (a) Japan
Explanation:
In NEWS: Explained: How severe is typhoon Haishen?
Typhoon Haishen made landfall over southern Japan becoming the country’s second landfalling typhoon within a week. Hence option (a) is correct
What has been the impact of typhoon Haishen?
- The typhoon is categorised as a Category 4 storm which means well-built framed houses can suffer severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and exterior walls.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned people of torrential rains, strong winds and tidal surges in some areas, even as the tropical storm is now making its way to the Korean peninsula.
- The damage associated with strong typhoons include wind damage, water damage, high tide damage and wave damage.
- The JMA numbers typhoons in Japan and the first typhoon to occur after January 1st of the year is called typhoon number 1.
Why are hurricanes called typhoons in the North Pacific and Asia?
- Depending on where they occur, hurricanes may be called typhoons or cyclones. The scientific name for all these kinds of storms is tropical cyclones.
- The tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern Pacific Ocean are called hurricanes and the ones that form in the Northwest Pacific are called typhoons. Tropical storms that form in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea are called cyclones.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/typhoon-haishen-japan-impact-news-explained-6587555/
Consider the following statements regarding Household Social Consumption on Education in India report
- It is based on the National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.
- Kerala tops among the most literate state in the country followed by Delhi, Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Assam.
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: International Literacy Day 2020: Kerala most literate state in India, check rank-wise list
- The literacy rate of India is 77.7% while Kerala has emerged as the most literate state in the country, followed by Delhi while Andhra Pradesh has recorded the lowest literacy rate.
- The report on ‘Household Social Consumption: Education in India as part of 75th round of National Sample Survey – from July 2017 to June 2018’ provides for state-wise detail of literacy rate among the persons aged seven years and above. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- According to the study, after Kerala, Delhi has the best literacy rate at 88.7 per cent, followed by Uttarkhand’s 87.6 per cent, Himachal Pradesh’s 86.6 per cent and Assam’s at 85.9 per cent. Hence statement 2 is correct
- On the other hand, Rajasthan is the second worst performer followed by Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
- The study has pegged the overall literacy rate in the country at about 77.7 per cent.
- In rural areas, the literacy rate is 73.5 per cent compared to 87.7 per cent in urban areas of the country.
Consider the following statements regarding Low pressure systems
- It is a region of low atmospheric pressure that generally forms over the sea surface and carries a lot of moisture and winds with it in a roughly cylindrical formation.
- This system form during the monsoon season rarely grow into cyclones but could strengthen to intermediate depressions and deep depressions.
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: Record number of low pressure systems a cause of August floods
- There were five low pressure systems (LPS) in the north Bay of Bengal during August 2020, that accounted for 27 low pressure days against a normal of 15 days, according to the India Meteorological Department.
- The five LPS in August might have added to the active monsoon season in these central, eastern and some western states of India that led to excess rainfall and subsequent floods in these areas.
But how does an LPS influence rainfall during the monsoon season?
- An LPS is a region of low atmospheric pressure that generally forms over the sea surface and carries a lot of moisture and winds with it in a roughly cylindrical formation. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The system could strengthen into a depression, a deep depression or if it stays over the sea for long enough, even tropical cyclones.
- The LPS that form during the monsoon season rarely grow into cyclones but could strengthen to intermediate depressions and deep depressions. The existence of the monsoon trough creates vertical shear winds that disrupt the formation of cyclones during this period. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The LPS that are the most numerous during the season, have a typical life span between three and six days and their horizontal span is 1,000-2,000 kilometres.
- They are crucial for monsoon rainfall in many regions in the country, especially the central, north western regions and some parts of eastern India, which are known as the core monsoon zone.
Consider the following statements regarding Asian Development Bank
- It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines and aims at reducing poverty in Asia and Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration.
- India is the founding member of ADB.
- Japan holds the largest proportions of shares in this bank
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1,2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: India, ADB sign 500 million US dollar loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System corridor
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $500 million loan to build a modern, high-speed 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.
- With a design speed of 180 kilometer per hour and high-frequency operations of every 5 to 10 minutes, the 82-kilometer corridor connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in Uttar Pradesh is expected to reduce the journey time to about one hour from the present 3 to 4 hours.
About Asian Development Bank
- ADB is a regional development bank established in December 1966.
- It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines and aims at reducing poverty in Asia and Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The bank admits the members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
- ADB was modelled closely on the World Bank, and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with member’s capital subscriptions.
- Currently, ADB has 68 members– of which 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 from outside the region.
- India is the founding member of ADB. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Japan holds the largest proportions of shares at 15.67%. The United States holds 15.56%, China holds 6.47%, India holds 6.36%, and Australia holds 5.81%. Hence statement 3 is correct
Source: http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=399363
Consider the following statements regarding ARISE-Atal New India Challenges (ANIC) initiative.
- It will be driven by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- It is a national program that seeks to promote research & innovation so as to increase competitiveness of Indian startups and MSMEs
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: Atal Innovation Mission Launches Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Initiative
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog launched one of its most awaited programmes, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenges, to spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups.
- The programme will be driven by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), four ministries—Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs—and associated industries to facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE–ANIC programme will support deserving applied research–based innovations by providing funding support of up to Rs 50 lakh for speedy development of the proposed technology solution and/or product.
- It provides a steady stream of innovative products and solutions where the Central government will become the potential first buyers.
- This program is in compliance with the Make in India, Startup India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in order to fast track the growth of MSME sector. Hence statement 2 is correct
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1652751
EASE Banking Reforms Index is prepared by the
- Reserve Bank of India
- Banking Codes and Standards Board of India
- Banks Board Bureau
- Indian Banking Association
Answer: (d) Indian Banking Association
Explanation:
In NEWS: Finance Minister unveils Doorstep Banking Services and declares EASE 2.0 Index Results
- Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today inaugurated Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs and participated in the awards ceremony to felicitate best performing banks on EASE Banking Reforms Index.
- PSBs have shown a healthy trajectory in their performance over fourquarters since the launch of EASE 2.0 Reforms Agenda. The overall score of PSBs increased by 37% between March-2019 and March-2020, with the average EASE index score improving from 49.2 to 67.4 out of 100.
- The Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, and erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce were felicitated for being the top three in the ‘Top Performing Banks’ category.
- The Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India & erstwhile Corporation Bank were awarded in the ‘Top Improvers’ category.
About EASE Banking Reforms Index
- It was launched in 2018 which is aimed at institutionalizing clean and smart banking.
- It is jointly prepared by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and Boston Consulting Group. Hence option (d) is correct
- Significant progress is seen across six themes of the Reforms Agenda, with the highest improvement seen in the themes of ‘Responsible Banking’, ‘Governance and HR’, ‘PSBs as Udyamimitra for MSMEs’, and ‘Credit off-take’.
Living Planet Report 2020 is released by the
- World Wide Fund
- World Bank
- United Nations Development Programme
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Answer: (a) World Wide Fund
Explanation:
In NEWS: World lost 68% vertebrates in 1970-2016: WWF
- Every two years, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) releases its landmark report, revealing how far species populations have declined since 1970 — an important marker for the overall health of ecosystems. Hence option (a) is correct
- The population of vertebrate species declined by around 68 per cent between 1970 and 2016, said the Living Planet Report 2020 released by international non-profit World Wide Fund
- The Living Planet Index (LPI) — a measure of the state of the world’s biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats — was used by the report to calculate this decline.
- It tracked almost 21,000 populations of more than 4,000 vertebrate species between 1970 and 2016. Wildlife populations in freshwater habitats suffered a decline of 84 per cent, equivalent to four per cent per year, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Large fishes are also heavily impacted by dam construction that blocks their migratory routes to spawning and feeding grounds
- Natural habitat loss, degradation and deforestation driven by food production processes were the other factors the report attributed the decline to.
Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- It aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India
- It aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
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 digitally launch Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana & e-Gopala App today
- PM Modi will also inaugurate the e-Gopala App, a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers.
- PMMSY will transform the fisheries sector and add strength to the efforts of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
About PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
- The PMMSY aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It has an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/UTs, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
- PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Thus it aims doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of gainful employment opportunities in the sector.
Consider the following statements regarding Rogan art
- It is originated in Persia.
- It is a form of textile painting made by using castor oil and natural colors.
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: Rogan art’s connect during COVID-19
- An old tradition of hand painting on cloth, Rogan art — practised by the Khatris — affected, members struggled to stay motivated., managing to stay connected digitally.
- The word Rogan means “Oil” in Persian.With origins in Persia, it came to Kutch around 300 years ago. Hence statement 1 is correct
- This rare craft is practised by a lone Muslim family, the Khatris of Nirona Village, Gujarat.
- Rogan is a form of textile painting which uses a rich, brightly coloured paint made from castor oil and natural colors. Castor is a crop commonly grown in the Kutch region of Gujarat and the artists source it from the local farmers. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The castor paste is mixed with natural colours and then is drawn out into a fine ‘thread’ with a metal stylus or ‘Kalam’. This metal rod never comes in contact with the fabric.
- The artisans then carefully twist the paint across the cloth into motifs and patterns.
A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
- Slowing economic growth rate
- Less equitable distribution of national income
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
- For the tax/GDP ratio to decrease either the tax collection should decrease or GDP should increase. Now considering the first statement if the GDP collection might or might not necessarily increase with a slow growth rate. Hence this option is ruled out.
- Increase in indirect tax collection may lead to less equality in income distribution but the same cannot be said for increase in direct tax collection. Hence, even this option can be ruled out.
