.Euphranta siruvani is a new species of fruit fly have recently discovered in:
- Gujarat
- Tamilnadu
- Assam
- Kerala
Answer: (b) Tamilnadu
Explanation:
In NEWS: A new species of fruit fly named after Siruvani
- A fruit fly has created a buzz with its maiden show in Siruvani, a biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats. It turns out to be a new species that has been reported
- Researchers have recently discovered a new species of fruit fly from the Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. The species was found near Siruvani which is an ecological hotspot in the Western Ghats. The species is also named after Siruvani. Hence option (b) is correct
- The researchers identified this fruit fly belonging to the family Tephritidae from a non-forest area near Siruvani.
- The discovery paper was authored by L. Hancock from the UK, K.J. David and K. Sachin from National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, H. Sankararaman from Annamalai University, and Sudhir Singh from Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.
- This fruit fly differs from the other species of Euphranta by a ‘V’ shaped black band on the wing and a subapical band connected to the apical black patch.
- This fruit fly lays eggs in fruits and the larvae feed on the pulp. More information about the species is yet to be found.
- So far, 104 species of fruit fly from the genus Euphranta are known to be found across the world. Out of these 104 species, 14 are found in India. This new discovery of fruit fly is a new addition to the number of species.
- The findings of the new discovery were published in the journal Zootaxa.
Consider the following Statements regarding Central Waqf Council
1.It is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs
2.It consists of Chairperson and other members are not exceeding 20 in number
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: Waqf properties in the Union Territory to be geo-tagged
- The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs announced the plan to geo-tag all Waqf properties in Puducherry. The announcement was made by the vice-chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Atif Rasheed. The work of geo-tagging is expected to begin soon.
- This decision has been taken after the Commission took cognizance of complaints of illegal occupation of Waqf properties by goons in the Union Territory.
- Now, in an attempt to keep a check on encroachments, geo-tag the Waqf properties will be done in the Union Territory.
- No Waqf Board had been instituted in Puducherry in the last 15 years.
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karykram, the Central government will extend adequate financial support for constructing infrastructure for educational and socio-economic activities on Waqf properties in the Union Territory.
About Central Waqf Council
- It is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Hence statement 1 is correct
- It was set up in 1964, as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954 as National Level Apex Advisory Body to the Central Government on matters concerning the working of the Waqf Boards and the due administration of Waqfs in the country.
- The Council has also been empowered to advise the State Governments and State Waqf Boards. In addition to the expanded role of advice, it can also issue directives to the boards, State Government to furnish information to the Council on the performance of the board particularly on their financial performance, survey revenue records encroachment of Waqf properties and Annual and Audit report etc.
- The Council consists of Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of Waqf and such other members, not exceeding 20 in number, as may be appointed by the Government of India. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The office of the central Waqf Council is housed in New Delhi.
- Vision: Protection, Retrieval and E-monitoring of Auqaf under the provision of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013.
- Mission: Proactive role in protection development of Auqaf & to work closely with the State Waqf Boards to improve their functioning.
.Consider the following Statements regarding Wheat
1.It requires 50 to 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly- distributed over the growing season.
2.It is a temperate crop which requires a cool climate
3.Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh are the major wheat-producing states
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: First rice, now wheat: India rides on global grain trade bandwagon
- After rice, India is set to turn a major exporter of wheat as well – thanks to surging international prices from Chinese stockpiling and ultra-low interest rate money increasingly finding its way into agri-commodity markets.
- USDA has estimated India’s Wheat Exports for 2020-21 (July-June) to be around 1.8 million tonnes (mt), as against its earlier estimate of one mt. That would be the highest ever in the last six years.
- Indian wheat is still not competitive at the government’s minimum support price(MSP) of Rs 19,750 per tonne. The export price of wheat bought in Gujarat is around Rs 20,950 per tonne. That works out to $286 per tonne or $290-plus after adding exporter margins. The above price is higher than the $275-280 that major exporters such as Australia, France, the US, Russia and Canada quoted.
- This disadvantage can be overcome if wheat is sourced at below MSP from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Maharashtra where not much government procurement happens.
- The new crop arriving in these markets would be available at Rs 17,000-18,000/tonne. This wheat can be exported by rail rakes to Bangladesh or shipped to the Middle East (UAE, Oman and Bahrain) and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia).
About Wheat crop:
- It is the second most important cereal crop. It is the main food crop, in the north and north-western part of the country.
- This rabi crop requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening. It requires 50 to 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly- distributed over the growing Hence statement 1 is correct
- Wheat is a temperate cropwhich requires a cool climate with moderate rainfall. Hence statement 2 is correct
- It shows great adaptability& can be grown in tropics as well (yields are low in tropics).
- There are two important wheat-growing zones in the country – the Ganga-Satluj plains in the northwest and the black soil region of the Deccan.
- The major wheat-producing states are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Hence statement 3 is correct
Consider the following Statements regarding Asmi
1.It is the India’s first indigenous 9mm machine pistol
2.It has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Army
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: DRDO and Indian Army jointly develop India’s first indigenous 9mm Machine Pistol
- The Pune-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army’s Mhow-based Infantry School have jointly developed India’s first indigenous 9mm machine pistol named ‘Asmi’. The pistol is likely to have a production cost lower than Rs 50,000 each and has export potential as well. Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct
- Machine pistols are primarily self-loading versions of pistols which are either fully automatic or can also fire bursts of bullets.
- The Asmi machine pistol fires the in-service 9 mm ammunition and has an upper receiver made from aircraft-grade aluminum and lower receiver from carbon fibre. The 3D printing technology has been used in designing and prototyping of various parts, including trigger components which have been made by metal 3D printing.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/drdo-india-pistol-asmi-7146496/
Consider the following statements regarding Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES)
1.It helps nations advance the knowledge on environmental-economic accounting that can help in ensuring sustainable economic growth..
2.The NCAVES Project is being implemented in five countries including India by the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP)
3.The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has taken up several initiatives under the NCAVES Project during the past three years.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 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: NCAVES India Forum 2021
- In 2017, the European Union initiated a project, “Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services” (NCAVES) in 2017 to help nations advance the knowledge on environmental-economic accounting that can help in ensuring sustainable economic growth. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The NCAVES Project is being implemented in five countries – India, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa – by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). hence statement 2 is correct
- The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has taken up several initiatives under the NCAVES Project during the past three years. Hence statement 3 is correct
- The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is conducting NCAVES India Forum (in a virtual format), in collaboration with United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), European Union and UN Environment.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1688608
With reference to Forest Fires in Himachal Pradesh, consider the following statements
1.Forest fires are a recurrent annual phenomenon in the state, and most commonly occur in Chir Pine forests.
2.In the summer season, forest fires occur frequently in the low and middle hills of the state, where forests of Chir Pine are common.
3.During the post-monsoon season and in winters, forest fires are also reported in higher areas, including parts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts, where they usually occur in grasslands.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why forest fires are common in Himachal Pradesh
- Except for periods of precipitation in monsoon and winter, the forests remain vulnerable to wildfires. Forest fires are a recurrent annual phenomenon in the state, and most commonly occur in Chir Pine forests. Hence statement 1 is correct
- In the summer season, forest fires occur frequently in the low and middle hills of the state, where forests of Chir Pine are common. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- During the post-monsoon season and in winters, forest fires are also reported in higher areas, including parts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts, where they usually occur in grasslands. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Natural causes such as lightning or rubbing of dry bamboos with each other can sometimes result in fires, but forest officials maintain that almost all forest fires can be attributed to human factors.
- When the grass is dry, even a small spark, such as someone dropping a burning matchstick, torchwood or a bidi/cigarette, can cause a massive fire. A spark can also be produced when dry pine needles or leaves fall on an electric pole.
- Also, when people burn their fields to clear them of stubble, dry grass or undergrowth, the fire sometimes spreads to the adjoining forest.
- Himachal Pradesh frequently witnesses forest fires during dry weather conditions. This month, a forest fire which started near Kullu raged for several days before being brought under control.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-forest-fires-are-common-in-himachal-pradesh-7145869/
Consider the following Statements
1.Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was launched as a regional connectivity scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016.
2.It aims to provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns.
3.First flight to the newly constructed Hisar airport in Haryana from Chandigarh was flagged off under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government of India.
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: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Haryana CM inaugurates country’s first air taxi service from Chandigarh to Hisar
- Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was launched as a regional connectivity scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. Hence statement 1 is correct
- To provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns. Hence statement 2 is correct
- To provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns.
- The scheme is implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is operational for a period of 10 years.
- First flight to the newly constructed Hisar airport in Haryana from Chandigarh was flagged off under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government of India. Hence statement 3 is correct
Source:
Consider the following statements regarding National Innovation Portal (NIP)
1.NIP is currently home to about 1.15 lakh innovations scouted from common people of the country, covering Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Health.
2.It was developed by National Innovation Foundation
3.It is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
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: d) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In News:
- The National Innovation Portal (NIP) is currently home to about 1.15 lakh innovations scouted from common people of the country, covering Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Health. Hence statement 1 is correct
- In terms of domain areas, presently the innovations cover Energy, mechanical, automobile, electrical, electronics, household, chemical, civil, textiles, Farm / cultivation practice, storage practice, plant variety, plant protection, poultry, livestock management, nutraceuticals etc.
- Innovation Portal is a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and an excellent resource for students, entrepreneurs, MSME’s, Technology Business Incubators (TBI’s) and common people engaged in a variety of occupations.
- National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Hence statement 2 and statement 3 is correct
- The Union Minister for Science & Technology dedicated an Innovation Portal, developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India to the nation.
Source: https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/harsh-vardhan-dedicates-innovation-portal-to-nation/2010558
Which of the following statements correctly explain the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
1.Indian handicrafts were ruined.
2.Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
3.Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country
4.Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures
Answer: (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
Explanation:
- India was a major player in the world export market for textiles in the early 18th century, but by the middle of the 19th century it had lost all of its export market and much of its domestic market. At the beginning of Industrial revolution cotton industries developed in England, industrial groups began worrying about imports from other countries.
- They pressurised the government to impose import duties on cotton textiles so that Manchester goods could sell in Britain without facing any competition from outside. At the same time industrialists persuaded the East India Company to sell British manufactures in Indian markets as well. Exports of British cotton goods increased dramatically in the early nineteenth century.
- By the 1850s, reports from most weaving regions of India narrated stories of decline and desolation. Hence option (a) is correct answer
The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
1.Equatorial climate
2.Mediterranean climate
3.Monsoon climate
4.All of the above climates
Answer: (c) Monsoon climate
