.Consider the following statements regarding Purple Frog
1.It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
2.It is one of the rarest frog speciesendemic to the himalayas region
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: ‘Mahabali frog’ may be Kerala’s official amphibian
- The purple frog, one of the rarest frog species endemic to the Western Ghats, would soon be declared as Kerala’s official amphibian. A senior forest officer said a proposal for declaring the purple frog, also known as pignose frog, as state’s amphibian, is in the active consideration of the state government. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
About Purple Frog
- It has been recorded within protected areas including Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve and Silent Valley National Park.
- It is also known as pignose frog and scientifically called as Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis.
- It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Hence statement 1 is correct
- According to WWF, purple frog has been acknowledged by bio-geographers all over the world as one of the rarest kinds and a “once in a century find”.
- It spends much of its life underground, emerging briefly for a few days each year at the start of the monsoons to breed.
- The molecular evidence has found the purple frogs to be most closely related to a family of tiny frogs only found on the Seychelles.
- The species requires loose, damp aerated soil in areas with good canopy cover and occurs at low elevation sites below 1,000 m above sea level.
Sometimes the term Debt Service Suspension Initiative is seen in news, is associated with:
1.BRICS
2.G-7 Nation
3.WHO
4.G-20 Nation
Answer: (d) G-20 Nation
Explanation:
In NEWS: Union Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman had participated in the 1st BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under the BRICS Russian Chairmanship.
- Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 1st BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under the BRICS Russian Chairmanship
- G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative ensured immediate support to address the liquidity needs of low-income countries.
About Debt Service Suspension Initiative
- It was launched in April 2020 following the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. Hence option (d) is the correct answer
- It is the initiative for a time-bound suspension of loan repayments (of both principal and interest) for countries which request it.
- The Initiative applies to the 76 countries that are eligible to receive assistance from the World Bank’s International Development Association.
- India is eligible to claim the suspension.
- The Initiative applies from 1 May 2020 until the end of the year, with a possible extension based on the individual liquidity needs of eligible countries.
- The initiative would be achieved through either arescheduling or refinancing of debt, which again could give rise to concerns under other financing agreements.
Access to the Initiative will be limited to countries which:
- have made a formal request for debt service suspension from creditors; and
- Are benefiting from, or have made a request to IMF Management for, IMF financing including emergency facilities (RFI/RCF).
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1671481
Dobra Chanti Bridge is being built over which of the following LAKE in India?
1.Tehri lake
2.Renuka Lake
3.Pulicat Lake
4.Pangong Tso
Answer: (a) Tehri Lake
Explanation:
In NEWS: Now, drive over Tehri lake on India’s longest motorable suspension bridge
- The 725-metre long Dobra-Chanti suspension bridge over the Tehri lake connects Pratap Nagar town with the district headquarters New Tehri. Hence option (a) is the correct answer
- It is India’s longest (725 m) motorable single lane suspension bridge.
- It is being built over Tehri Lake.
- It will cut travel time between Tehri and Pratapnagar from 5 to 1.5 hours.
Consider the following statements regarding Food Coalition
1.It is a voluntary multi-stakeholder and multi-sector alliance which will support innovative initiatives to ensure global food access and increase the resilience of agri-food systems
2.It is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
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: COVID-19: New UN alliance to stave off ‘catastrophic food crises
- The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has pulled food systems apart, threatening food security and nutrition. At least 690 million people went hungry in 2019, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, 2020. Now, the pandemic could tip over 130 million more people into chronic hunger by the end of 2020
- Proposed by Italy and led by FAO, the global alliance aims to help countries get back on track to achieve the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, especially the ones on ending hunger and poverty. More than 30 countries have already expressed interest in joining the coalition. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The alliance would work as a network of networks and a multi-stakeholder coalition for a unified global action to support measures to ensure food access and increase the resilience of agricultural food systems in response to COVID-19. Hence statement 1 is correct
The Food Coalition would work towards:
- Mobilizing resources, expertise and innovation
- Advocating for a joint and coordinated COVID-19 response
- Promoting dialogue and exchange of knowledge and expertise among countries
- Working towards solution-oriented plans and programs
- Expanding international cooperation and partnership for a longer term impact
With reference to the mink, which of the following statements is incorrect?
1.Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets.
2.The American mink and the European mink are two extant species referred to as mink
3.The European mink is listed by the IUCN as Endangered due to an ongoing reduction in numbers.
4.Denmark is the largest producer of the mink in the world
Answer: c) The European mink is listed by the IUCN as Endangered due to an ongoing reduction in numbers.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why Denmark is culling its 17-million strong mink population
- Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets.
- There are two extant species referred to as “mink”: the American mink and the European mink.
- The European mink is listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered due to an ongoing reduction in numbers. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
- Denmark is the world’s largest mink producer, with a 15-17 million strong mink population across 1,100 farms. The country’s mink population is valued at roughly 3 billion kroner.
- Denmark, which has recorded more than 55,000 cases of COVID-19 so far, has also recorded over 200 human cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants that are associated with farmed minks.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-denmark-is-culling-its-17-million-strong-mink-population-7033907/
Consider the following statements
1.Saffron production has long been restricted to a limited geographical area in the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
2.North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) supported a pilot project to explore the feasibility of growing saffron in North East region of India, with the same quality and higher quantity.
3.Budgam region in India is commonly known as Saffron bowl of Kashmir
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: NECTAR undertakes a pilot project to explore feasibility of growing saffron in North East region
- Saffron production has long been restricted to a limited geographical area in the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Pampore region, in India, commonly known as Saffron bowl of Kashmir, is the main contributor to saffron production, followed by Budgam, Srinagar, and Kishtiwar districts. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Though the National Mission on Saffron focused on several measures to improve its farming, the measures were still limited to the specified areas of Kashmir.
- North East Centre For Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India supported a pilot project to explore the feasibility of growing saffron in North East region of India, with the same quality and higher quantity. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The Botany and Horticulture department of Sikkim Central University carried out tests to understand the soil and actual pH conditions of Yangyang of Sikkim and found it comparable to saffron growing places of Kashmir.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1671408
Consider the following statements regarding Hunaar hat
1.It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities.
2.These are organized by the Ministry of Tribal affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme.
3.It aims to provide market exposure and employment opportunities to artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts.
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: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Hunar Haat to restart from tomorrow after 7-month gap due to Corona pandemic
- Hunar Haat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- These are organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- These Haat aim to provide market exposure and employment opportunities to artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- It envisages boosting the skills of craftsmen, weavers and artisans who are already engaged in the traditional ancestral work.
- ‘Hunar Haat’ has proved to be “Empowerment Exchange” for master artisans and craftsmen.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=Hunar-Haat-to-restart-from-tomorrow-after-7-month-gap-due-to-Corona-pandemic&id=404016
Jingtang Port is located in which of the following countries?
1.China
2.Mongolia
3.South Korea
4.Philippines
Answer: (a) China
Explanation:
In NEWS: No clarity on release of stranded Indian merchant ship at China’s Jingtang port
- China has cited COVID-19 regulations for denying departure to a stranded Indian merchant ship loaded with Australian coal. The ship named Jag Anand been awaiting anchorage at the Chinese port Jingtang near Tangshan in China’s Hebei province since June this year.
- The Port of Jingtang is an artificial deep-water international seaport on the coast of Tangshan Municipality, Hebei, in Northern China. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=No-clarity-on–release-of-stranded-Indian-merchant-ship-at-China%26%2339%3bs-Jingtang-port&id=404023
With reference to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), consider the following statements
1.It envisages a research based management system where strategies of air pollution mitigation go hand in hand with nation’s economic development to target a win-win scenario.
2.It was introduced by the Ministry of Earth Science
Select the incorrect 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: CAQM reviews air quality scenario in NCR & adjoining areas
- System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) envisages a research based management system where strategies of air pollution mitigation go hand in hand with nation’s economic development to target a win-win scenario. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It was introduced by the Ministry of Earth Science. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The air quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘severe’ category. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, SAFAR has advised people to avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Parameters monitored:
- Pollutants: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO, NOx (NO, NO2), SO2, BC, Methane (CH4), Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), Black Carbon, VOC’s, Benzene and Mercury.
- Meteorological Parameters: UV Radiation, Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind speed, Wind direction, solar radiation.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=CAQM-reviews-air-quality-scenario-in-NCR-%26-adjoining-areas&id=403987
With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray -chinned minivet and White -throated redstart are
1.Birds
2.Primates
3.Reptiles
4.Amphibians
Answer: (a) Birds
Explanation:
- The Sri Lanka frogmouth, Sri Lankan frogmouth or Ceylon frogmouth is a small frogmouth (The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds) found in the Western Ghats of south India and Sri Lanka.
- The coppersmith barbet, also called crimson -breasted barbet and coppersmith, is an Asian barbet with crimson forehead and throat, known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident bird in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
- The grey -chinned minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found from the Himalayas to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The white -throated redstart is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, central China and far northern areas of Myanmar and Northeast India. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. Hence option (a) is the correct answer
