1.Consider the following statements regardingT Cells

2.Consider the following statements regarding the Paris agreement

It was adopted at the UNFCCC COP21.

It aims to keep global temperature rise in the 21st century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

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:Avg global temperature can rise by 1.5°C in next 5 years: WMO report

One of the next five years may be witness to global average temperatures of 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels (defined as the average of global temperatures between 1850-1900), according to a recent World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report. 

There is also a 70 per cent chance that the 1.5°C rise above pre-industrial levels barrier will happen in one or more months in this time.

The forecast for global temperatures in the next five years showed a significant upward trend when compared to the temperatures in the recent past, which is considered to be between 1981 and 2010. Between 2020 and 2024, all regions of the world, except the southern oceans, are likely to be warmer.

The period will also witness an increase in the number of storms in the European region.

About Paris agreement:

It was adopted at the UNFCCC COP21 held in Paris in 2015.Hence statement 1 is correct

It aims to keep global temperature rise in the 21st century well below2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.Hence statement 2 is correct

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/avg-global-temperature-can-rise-by-1-5-c-in-next-5-years-wmo-report-72233

3.Consider the following statements regarding Epiphytes

It grows on the surface of another plant.

Like parasitic plants, epiphytic plants harm its host.

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:The flowering ‘tigers’

The ‘Tigers’ are in full bloom at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), but given the COVID-19 scenario, the public may not get an opportunity to view them this time

The bloom of Tiger orchids (Grammatophyllum speciosum) flowers resembles the tiger skin.

It flowers alternate years.

It is endemic to South East Asia (countries like Indonesia, Philippines etc) and is an epiphytic plant.

Epiphytic Plant grows on the surface of another plantand derives its nutrients from rain, air, water or from debris accumulating it.Hence statement 1 is correct

Unlike parasitic plants, epiphytic plants use other plants as a base and do not harm its host. E.g. Lichens, Algae, Orchids etc.Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Picture4-Jul-20-2020-05-29-00-55-AM

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-flowering-tigers/article32043886.ece

4.Consider the following statements regarding United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF)

It is the foremost international platform for follow-up and review of progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

It meets annually under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN.

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:NITI Aayog presents India’s second Voluntary National Review at UN’s High-Level Political Forum

NITI Aayog presented India’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, 2020.

About United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF)

The HLPF is the foremost international platform for follow-up and review of progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Hence statement 1 is correct

The HLPF meets annually in July for eight daysunder the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN.Hence statement 2 is correct

HLPF, comprising the political representatives (heads of states or ministers) of the members, meets every July at the UN in New York to review progress on Agenda 2030.

Voluntary National Reviews, which are voluntary and country driven, form the basis of this review.

The Forum adopts inter-governmentally negotiated political declarations.

India VNR 2020:

NITI Aayog prepared and presented India’s first VNR in 2017.

The India VNR 2020 report titled – Decade of Action: Taking SDGs from Global to Local. 

India’s VNR this year has undertaken a paradigm shift in terms of embodying a whole-of-society approachin letter and spirit. 

NITI Aayog engaged with sub-national and local governments, civil society organizations, local communities, people in vulnerable situations and the private sector. 

As part of this process, NITI Aayog partnered with the UN in Indiaand engaged in consultation fourteen population groups including women, children, elderly, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), People Living with HIV (PLHIV), among others.

The report is a comprehensive account of the adoption and implementation of the 2030 Agenda in India. 

Apart from presenting a review of progress on the 17 SDGs, the report discusses at length the policy and enabling environment, India’s approach to localising SDGs, and strengthening means of implementation.

Leveraging science, technology and innovation for SDGs, and costing and financing of SDGs are the two levers of strengthening means of implementation which have been introduced this year.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1638261

5.Consider the following statements regarding Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) movement 

It works with governments to enable 120 million more women and girls to use contraceptives by 2020.

It is an outcome of the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.

India is not a signatory to FP2020.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1 and 2 only

Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Nearly 1.8 million unsafe abortions averted in 2019, says Harsh Vardhan

About Family Planning 2020(FP2020) movement 

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/in-2019-50-5-mn-pregnancies-1-8-mn-unsafe-abortions-averted-vardhan-120071101220_1.html

6.‘Antara’ programme was in news recently. What is it associated with?

Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes

Controlled Human Infection Model

Integrated Solution for Vehicle Registration

Injectable contraception prescribed to women

Answer: (d) Injectable contraception prescribed to women

Explanation:

In NEWS: Over 99,000 women in Rajasthan bat for injectable contraceptive Antara

About Antara Programme

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/over-99k-women-in-raj-bat-for-injectable-contraceptive-antara/articleshow/76916303.cms

7.Consider the following statements with reference to Asiatic Lion

They are found throughout the Indian subcontinent

It has been listed as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List.

They are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 2and 3 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1 and 2 only

Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: More than Rs 25 crore for Asiatic lions unspent despite 331 deaths

About Asiatic lions

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/more-than-rs-25-crore-for-asiatic-lions-unspent-despite-331-deaths-72266

8.Recently seen in news, the Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti port is located within which of the following?

Iran

Philippines

Papua New Guinea

Yemen

Answer: (a) Iran

Explanation:

In NEWS: Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay

About Chabahar port

Picture5-Jul-20-2020-05-27-46-22-AM

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iran-drops-india-from-chabahar-rail-project-cites-funding-delay/article32072428.ece

9.Consider the following statements with reference to FASTag

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS:Govt. links FASTags with vehicle registration portal

About FAStag

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-links-fastags-with-vehicle-registration-portal/article32058835.ece

10.Consider the following statements:

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India.

One of the tasks of PNGRB is to ensure competitive markets for gas.

Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: