The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link being made functional from December 17 is the 5th rail link between
- India and Nepal
- India and Myanmar
- India and Bhutan
- India and Bangladesh
Answer: (d) India and Bangladesh
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina launch 5th rail link connecting India and Bangladesh
- The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link opened after a gap of 55 years and is expected to boost people-to-people contact and tourism between both nations.
- This is part of the commitment to revive and operationalize the six pre-1965 rail links between the two countries. Chilahati-Haldibari link was cut off during the 1965 India-Pakistan war
- The 10.5 km long rail link connecting Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh is expected to further strengthen people to people contact and boost trade between the two neighbours. Hence option (d) is correct answer
- At present there are four other operational rail links between both countries. They are, Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India)-Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh) and Radhikapur (India)-Birol (Bangladesh).
- The rail link, 3.5 km of which is on the Indian side and the rest in Bangaldesh, was operational till 1965 and was part of the broad-gauge rail route from Kolkata to Siliguri during partition. But the link got disconnected in 1965 after the war with Pakistan.
Consider the following statements regarding Lunar Gateway Space Station
- It will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that provides vital support for a sustainable, long-term human return to the lunar surface, as well as a staging point for deep space exploration
- It is a critical component of NASA’s Artemis program.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: NASA, Canadian Space Agency Formalize Gateway Partnership for Artemis Program
- NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) finalized an agreement between the United States and Canada to collaborate on the Gateway
- Under this agreement, CSA will provide the Gateway’s external robotics system, including a next-generation robotic arm, known as Canadarm3. CSA also will provide robotic interfaces for Gateway modules, which will enable payload installation including that of the first two scientific instruments aboard the Gateway. The agreement also marks NASA’s commitment to provide two crew opportunities for Canadian astronauts on Artemis missions, one to the Gateway and one on Artemis II.
- CSA will be responsible for end-to-end external robotics, including engineering and operations. Canadarm3 will move end-over-end to reach many parts of the Gateway’s exterior, where its anchoring “hand” will plug into specially designed interfaces. Delivery to the lunar outpost is targeted in 2026 via a U.S. commercial logistics supply flight.
About Lunar Gateway Space Station
- The Gateway will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that provides vital support for a sustainable, long-term human return to the lunar surface, as well as a staging point for deep space exploration. It is a critical component of NASA’s Artemis program. Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is correct
- Gaining new experiences on and around the Moon will prepare NASA to send the first humans to Mars in the coming years, and the Gateway will play a vital role in this process. It is a destination for astronaut expeditions and science investigations, as well as a port for deep space transportation such as landers en route to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to destinations beyond the Moon.
- The Gateway is to be developed and utilized by international and commercial partners from CSA (Canadian Space Agency), JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), European Space Agency.
Recently, the Hawker Culture has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is belonged to which of the following country?
- Singapore
- Russia
- Srilanka
- Afghanistan
Answer: (a) Singapore
Explanation:
In NEWS: Singapore’s foodie “hawker” culture given UNESCO recognition
- Singapore’s hawker centres were set up to house former street vendors, or “hawkers” in an effort to clean up the island in the 1970s and serve a variety of cheap, no-frills dishes to locals as well as providing a social setting. Hence option (a) is correct answer
- Singapore’s tradition of communal dining at hawker centres, open air food courts popularised by celebrity chefs and hit films such as ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, has been recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
- The United Nations’ cultural agency announced late Wednesday it had added the city-state’s “hawker culture” to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, nearly two years after Singapore submitted a bid to be included in the list.
- These centres serve as ‘community dining rooms’ where people from diverse backgrounds gather and share the experience of dining over breakfast, lunch and dinner
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/singapore-street-hawker-food-unesco-recognition-7108347/
Consider the following statements regarding Human Freedom Index
- It is published annually by the United Nations Development Programme.
- It is a global ranking of personal, civil and economic freedom.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: India ranks 111 out of 162 countries on personal freedom index
- A global ranking of personal, civil and economic freedom released on Thursday placed India at 111 out of 162 countries. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Human Freedom Index 2020, a worldwide ranking of civil, economic and personal freedom, released on Thursday, placed India at the 111th spot out of 162 countries. India ranked 94 on the index in 2019.
- India is ahead of China and Bangladesh, which ranked 129 and 139 on the 2020 index respectively. New Zealand, Switzerland and Hong Kong bagged the first three spots.
- India’s scored 6.30 out of 10 in personal freedom and 6.56 in economic freedom. The country’s overall human freedom score was 6.43.
- The index was published by American think tank Cato Institute and Fraser Institute in Canada. It takes into account 76 indicators of personal, civil, and economic freedoms to rank 162 countries from 2008 to 2018. The institutes noted that the world has seen a notable decline in personal freedom since 2008. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Fifteen per cent of the world’s population lives in the freest quartile of countries in the index, while 34 per cent lives in the bottom quartile of countries. The gap in freedom between the most free and the least free countries has also been increasing since 2008
Consider the following statements regarding the sessions of the Parliament
- It is the period spanning between the first sitting of a House and its prorogation.
- During a session, the House meets every day to transact business
- The period spanning between the prorogation of a House and its reassembly in a new session is called recess.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 only
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In News: With winter session cancelled, a look at how Parliament is convened
- It is the period spanning between the first sitting of a House and its prorogation.
- During a session, the House meets everyday to transact business
- The period spanning between the prorogation of a House and its reassembly in a new session is called recess. Hence all the statements are correct.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/parliament-winter-session-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-7107893/
With reference to New Development Bank (NDB), which of the following statement is not correct?
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit.
- It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
- In 2018, the NDB received observer status in the United Nations General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the United Nations.
- All members of the United Nations could be members of the Bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can be less than 20% of voting power.
Answer: d) All members of the United Nations could be members of the Bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can be 20% of voting power.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Govt inks $1-bn loan pact with NDB to boost rural employment, infrastructure
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.
- It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
- It’s ownership structure is unique, as the BRICS countries have an equal share and no country has any veto power.
- It is headquartered at Shanghai, China.
- In 2018, the NDB received observer status in the United Nations General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the United Nations.
- All members of the United Nations could be members of the Bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-inks-1-bn-loan-pact-with-ndb-to-boost-rural-employment-infrastructure-7107783/
Consider the following statements regarding E20 fuel
- E20 fuel is blend of 20% of ethanol with gasoline.
- It will also help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc
- It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security.
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: Government invites public comments for introducing adoption of E20 fuel
- E20 fuel is blend of 20% of ethanol with gasoline. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The notfication facilitates the development of E20 compliant vehicles. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It will also help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The compatibility of the vehicle to the percentage of ethanol in the blend of ethanol and gasoline shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and the same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/government-invites-public-comments-for-introducing-adoption-of-e20-fuel/articleshow/79800560.cms?from=mdr
Consider the following statements
- The National Commission for Minorities celebrated “World Minorities Rights Day” on December 18, 2020.
- National Commission for Minorities was set up by the Government of India in 1992.
- The day is celebrated by the National Commission for Minorities in India which focuses on religious harmony, respect, and a better understanding of all minorities’ communities.
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: World Minorities Rights Day celebrated on 18 Dec
- The National Commission for Minorities celebrated “World Minorities Rights Day” on December 18, 2020. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- United Nations on December 18, 1992 adopted and broadcast the Statement on the individual’s Rights belonging to religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities. The same year the National Commission for Minorities was set up by the Government of India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The Ministry of Minority Affairs was established in January 26, 2006. It was carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The day is celebrated by the National Commission for Minorities in India which focuses on religious harmony, respect, and a better understanding of all minorities’ communities. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The Constitution of India provides equal rights for all citizens and safeguards the rights of linguistic, ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. It also has provisions for economically or socially disadvantaged people, including the people of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes.
Source http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=World-Minorities-Rights-Day-celebrated-on-18-Dec&id=406301
Consider the following statements regarding Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
- The Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI) is one of the oldest and largest voluntary organizations having its affiliates all over the country.
- It organizing National Conference on Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON), an annual conference wherein around 500 delegates from all over India assemble and exchange views on tuberculosis.
Select the correct 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: Dr Harsh Vardhan addresses75th National Conference of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON)
- The Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI) is one of the oldest and largest voluntary organizations having its affiliates all over the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It was set up in February, 1939 as a registered society by incorporating the King Emperor’s Anti-Tuberculosis Fund and King George Thanks-giving (Anti-Tuberculosis) Fund.
- Since the year 1939 the Association is organizing National Conference on Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON), an annual conference wherein around 500 delegates from all over India assemble and exchange views on tuberculosis. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1681807
Which of the following statements correctly explain the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
- Indian handicrafts were ruined.
- Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
- Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country
- 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
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