.Recently, the new genus Rohanixalus vittatus is seen in news, is associated with
1.Tree Frog
2.Freshwater turtle
3.Rubber Species
4.Teak Wood
Answer: (a) Tree Frog
Explanation:
In NEWS: New genus of tree frog discovered, found in Andamans and Northeast India
- The new genus Rohanixalus is named after the Sri Lankan taxonomist Rohan Pethiyagoda
- Frogs of this genus are known to inhabit forested as well as human-dominated landscapes right from Northeast India, Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, up to southern China.
- This is the first time a tree frog species, Rohanixalus vittatus (Striped Bubble-nest frog), is reported from the Andaman Islands of India. Hence option (a) is correct
- Frogs of the new genus are characterized by a rather small and slender body (size about 2 to 3 cm long), a pair of contrastingly colored lateral lines on either side of the body, minute brown speckles scattered throughout the upper body surfaces, light green colored eggs laid in arboreal bubble and several unique behavioral traits including maternal egg attendance
- Based on DNA studies, the new genus is also revealed to be a distinct evolutionary lineage from all previously known tree frog genera.
Consider the following statements regardingAriel Space Mission
1.It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System.
2.It is an initiative of the European Space Agency
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: Explained: What is the Ariel Space Mission adopted by the European Space Agency?
- Ariel (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey), which scientists are planning to launch in 2029, will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years.
About Ariel Space Mission
- Ariel, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, was selected as the fourth medium-class mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme. Hence statement 2 is correct
- During its 4-year mission, Ariel will study what exoplanets are made of, how they formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of about 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths.
- It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System. Hence statement 1 is correct
What are exoplanets?
- Planets that lie outside of the Solar System and orbit around stars other than the Sun are called exoplanets or extrasolar planets. Exoplanets are not easy to detect since they are much less brighter than the stars they orbit and hence it is difficult to see them directly using telescopes.
Why do scientists study exoplanets?
- The search for exoplanets is driven by the possibility that life may exist beyond Earth and even if there is no evidence for this, scientists believe that their hunt for an answer will reveal details about where humans came from and where we’re headed.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ariel-space-mission-europe-7050574/
Recently, Scientists have identified a new species of primate the Popa langur is belonged to which of the following IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?
4.Near threatened
Answer: (b) Critically endangered
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- Trachypithecus is a genus of non-human primates widely distributed in Asia with about 20 known species.
- The newly-discovered species, the Popa langur (Trachypithecus popa), occurs in central Myanmar.
- It is named after the sacred Mount Popa, which holds the largest population of the species with just over 100 animals.
- Commonly known as lutungs, langurs, or leaf monkeys, members of this genus live mainly in Southeast Asia, from Bhutan, Assam (India) and Bangladesh in the west, over Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to Vietnam and South China in the east, but also in large parts of the Sundaland region (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java) and some smaller islands.
- It is a lithe tree-dweller living in the forests of central Myanmar with a mask-like face framed by a shock of unruly grey hair.
- But with only 200 to 250 left in the wild today, experts will recommend that the leaf-eating species be classified as “critically endangered”. Hence option (b) is correct
Arun Goel committee’ which was in news recently, is associated with which of the following?
1.Coastal Regulation Zones
2.Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
3.Code on Wages
4.Capital Goods (CG) Sector.
Answer: (d) Capital Goods (CG) Sector.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Government forms inter-ministerial panel to boost country’s capital goods sector
- The committee will look into issues pertaining to the capital goods (CG) sector, including technology development, mother technology development, global value chains, testing, skill training, global standards, reciprocity issues and custom duties to make the sector globally competitive and to become the manufacturing hub for the world
- The government has set up a 22-member Arun Goel inter-ministerial committee for strengthening India’s capital goods sector through interventions that help it in contributing more actively towards achieving the target of a USD 5 trillion economy and a USD 1 trillion manufacturing sector. Hence option (d) is correct
He was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. He was the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularized ornithology in India. He was a well-known environmental crusader who often stood for protecting the wildlife. He was called the Birdman of India. He was
1.Biswamoy Biswas
2.Salim Ali
3.Satish Pande
4.Humayun Abdulali
Answer: b) Salim Ali
Explanation:
In NEWS: Birth Anniversary of ‘Birdman of India’ Salim Ali today
- Salim Ali was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. He was the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularized ornithology in India.
- He was a well-known environmental crusader who often stood for protecting the wildlife. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976, India’s third and second highest civilian honours respectively.
- Besides the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, Ali received the Gold Medal of the British Ornithologists’ Union in 1967. He was the first non-British citizen to receive the honour.
- November 12 marks the 124th birth anniversary of ‘Birdman of India’ – Salim Ali. His birthday is celebrated as National Bird Day in India. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Source: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Birth-Anniversary-of-%26%2339%3BBirdman-of-India%26%2339%3B-Salim-Ali-today&id=404110
Which of the following Pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
1.Sarna – Jharkhand
2.Angami – Nagaland
3.Santhal – Madhya Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why Jharkhand is seeking a separate religious code for Sarna tribals
- Recently the Jharkhand government convened a special session and passed a resolution to send the Centre a letter to recognize Sarna religion and include it as a separate code in the Census of 2021. Hence Pair 1 is correct.
- The followers of Sarna faith believe pray to nature. The holy grail of the faith is “Jal, Jungle, Zameen” and its followers pray to the trees and hills while believing in protecting the forest areas. Jharkhand has 32 tribal groups of which eight are from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
- The Angami Nagas are one of the major tribes of Nagaland, widely present in the district of Kohima. Hence Pair 2 is correct.
- The Santhal tribes are the major tribes of West Bengal and are mostly seen in the districts of Bankura and Purulia. They are also widely seen in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam. Hence Pair 3 is incorrect.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-jharkhand-is-seeking-a-separate-religious-code-for-sarna-tribals-7048700/
With reference to World diabetes day, consider the following statements
1.It is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on November each year.
2.The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is The Nurse and Diabetes.
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: World Diabetes Day 14 November
- World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on 14 November each year. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is “The Nurse and Diabetes.” The campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/diabetes-day
With reference to Atma Nirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana, consider the following statements
1.It aims to incentivize job creation during COVID-19 recovery.
2.It will benefit any new employee joining employment in EPFO registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs.8000.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Finance Minister announces measures on Atma Nirbhar Bharat 3.0
- Atma Nirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana: A new scheme to incentivize job creation during COVID-19 recovery has been launched. If EPFO-registered establishments take in new employees without EPFO registration or those who lost jobs earlier, the Yojana will benefit these employees. Hence statement 1 and statement 2 is correct.
- Beneficiaries / New Employees under the scheme would be
- any new employee joining employment in EPFO registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs.15,000
- EPF members drawing monthly wage of less than Rs.15,000 who made exit from employment during COVID Pandemic from 01.03.2020 to 30.09.2020 and is employed on or after 01.10.2020.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1672321#:~:text=Nirmala%20Sitharaman%20has%20announced%2012,to%20%E2%82%B9%202.65%20Lakh%20crore.&text=Out%20of%20this%2C%20stimulus%20worth,been%20provided%20by%20the%20government
Consider the following statements
1.India is the leading Importer of the Basmati Rice in the world.
2.Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has registered Basmati Rice as a product with Geographical Indication (GI).
Select the incorrect answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In News: Basmati Rice
- India is the leading exporter of the Basmati Rice to the global market. India is also the largest producer of basmati rice in the world. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Major Export Destinations (2019-20) : Iran, Saudi Arab, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait.
- The areas of Basmati Rice production in India are in the states of J & K, Himanchal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh.
- On February 15, 2016, the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an autonomous organisation under the Department of Commerce in India, registered Basmati Rice as a product with Geographical Indication (GI). hence statement 2 is correct.
Source: http://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/SubHead_Products/Basmati_Rice.html
With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as
1.ports handling foreign trade
2.capitals of powerful kingdoms
3.places of exquisite stone art and architecture
4.important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
Answer: (a) ports handling foreign trade
Explanation:
In India evidences of ship building, port and warehouses installations are datable to Harappan culture. The important Harappan and late Harappan ports were Lothal, Lakhabawal, Kindarkhera, Kuntasi, Megham, Prabhasa, Todio, Amra. The excavations of these sites have yielded antiquities of Bahrain island, Persian gulf, Egypt and Mesopotmia cities. Hence option (a) is correct
