1.Consider the following statements regarding Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan
- It aims to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens
- It will be implemented in all over india
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: Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan to be launched by PM tomorrow to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India
- The Government of India has decided to launch a massive rural public works scheme Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20 June 2020.
- It aims to provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Nearly 25 schemes of the Central government are being brought together under Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan .
- The objectives under these schemes will be achieved within 125 days, by offering work to migrant workers and rural citizens.
- The scheme will cover 116 districts of six states Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.Maximum 32 districts are from Bihar. Migrant labourers of Telihar village of Khagaria district are enthusiastic over launch of ambitious Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- These districts are estimated to cover about 2/3 of such migrant workers.
- Public works worth Rs 50,000 crore to be carried out under Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan.
- The Abhiyaan will be a coordinated effort between 12 different Ministries/Departments, namely, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Road Transport & Highways, Mines, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Environment, Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, New & Renewable Energy, Border Roads, Telecom and Agriculture.
2.Consider the following statements regarding Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (I-LAB)
- It is a mobile diagnostic unit with biosafety facility with on-site ELISA, RT-PCR, Bio chemistry analyzers
- It aims to promote last mile access of testing to rural India
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: Mobile I-Lab rolled out for last mile COVID-19 testing access
- Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched the country’s first mobile I-Lab (Infectious disease diagnostic lab) for last mile coronavirus (COVID-19) testing access. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The lab will be deployed in interior, inaccessible parts of the country and has the capability to perform 25 RT-PCR tests a day, 300 ELISA tests a dayand additional tests for TB, HIV as per CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) rates. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Infectious Disease Diagnostic Lab (I-LAB) is supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, under the COVID Command strategy
- It can run 50 RT-PCR reactions and about 200 ELISA in a day.
- The unique feature of these mobile testing labs is their utility in diagnosing other infectious diseases beyond the COVID-19.
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology along with Andhra Pradesh Med-tech Zone (AMTZ) has initiated the DBT-AMTZ COMManD [COVID Medtech Manufacturing Development] Consortia to address the shortage of critical healthcare technologies in India and move progressively towards a stage of self-sufficiency.
- Under this, India’s first I- lab (infectious disease diagnostic lab) has been built at AMTZ in record time of 8 days.
3.Consider the following statements regarding Rath Yatra festival.
- It is a Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannath held at Puri in Odisha.
- It is associated with Lord Jagannath’s annual journey to his aunt’s residence along with his brother and sister.
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: Puri Shankaracharya, priests want SC to review stay on Rath Yatra
The Supreme Court stayed the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri scheduled on June 23 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ratha Jatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri,the temple town in Odisha, on the east coast of India. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Every year, in this month, when the summer is at its height, the deity and his siblings step out to bathe in public, unable to bear the heat inside the temple. This is called Snana Purnima.
- Then, for the fortnight that follows, Krishna and his siblings takeill after they bathe with 108 pots of water under the blazing sun, and are kept in a recovery chamber called anasar ghar.
- When they recover, their appetite returns and they wish to eat the food cooked by their aunt Gundicha, whose house is a little away from his Hence statement 2 is correct
- The chariots of the deities are newly built every year. Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosa, the chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja and that of Subhadra is called Dwarpadalana.
- The name comes from the conjugation of two Sanskrit words – Jagat (world) and natha (master). Hence, the word “Jagannath” means ‘Master of the world’.
- Ratha Yatra transcends all religious boundaries and is not only celebrated by Hindus but also draws Muslims, Buddhists and members from many other communities.
4.Consider the following statements regardingIndian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme
- It is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- It is a demand-driven, response-oriented programme that focuses on addressing the needs of developing countries through innovative technological cooperation between India and the partnering nation
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: 30 Bangladeshi civil servants receive good governance class from India
A total of 30 civil servants from Bangladesh on Friday completed a two-day online course on good governance during pandemic, jointly organized by Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Ministry of external affairs and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)
- The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was instituted by a decision of the Indian Cabinet on 15 September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India
- It is a demand-driven, response-oriented programme that focuses on addressing the needs of developing countries through innovative technological cooperation between India and the partnering nation. Hence statement 2 is correct
- ITEC resources have also been used for cooperation programmes conceived in regional and inter-regional context such as Economic Commission for Africa, Commonwealth Secretariat, UNIDO, Group of 77 and G-15
- Under ITEC and its sister programme SCAAP (Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme), 161 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to share in the Indian developmental experience acquired over six decades of India’s existence as a free nation
- Personnel training under ITEC covers a wide and varied range of sectors such as banking, IT and computers, personnel management and administrative and scientific areas.
- ITEC is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs andall expenses including international airfare, boarding, lodging and tuition fees of selected personnel are borne by the Indian authorities. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
Source: TH
5.Consider the following statements regardingthe National Centre for Good Governance
- It is an autonomous institute under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
- Its head office is at New Delhi and registered office at Mussoorie.
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: Digital infrastructure found very useful in fighting COVID-19 pandemic: DARPG Secy
- Digital preparedness and digital infrastructure have been found to be very useful in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and in ensuring delivery of public services and telemedicine, said K Shivaji, the Secretary in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
- A two-day workshop on ”COVID-19 – good governance practices in a pandemic
- The workshop was jointly conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs, DARPG and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) with the objective of disseminating India”s good governance practices in fighting COVID-19 to Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) countries.
About National Centre for Good Governance
- The National Centre for Good Governance is an autonomous institute under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Its head office is at New Delhi and branch office at Mussoorie. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The NCGG has been set up to assist in bringing about governance reforms through studies, training, knowledge sharing and promotion of good ideas.
- It seeks to carry out policy relevant research and prepare case studies; curate training courses for civil servants from India and other developing countries; provide a platform for sharing of existing knowledge and pro-actively seek out and develop ideas for their implementation in the government, both at the States and the Central level.
- The National Centre for Good Governance traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR). NIAR was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
- NIAR was subsequently renamed with an expanded mandate, as National Centre for Good Governance, which was inaugurated on February 24th, 2014.
6.Consider the following statements regardingNavRakshak
- It is an innovative breathable fabric material PPE kit
- It has been developed at the Innovation Cell of the Institute of Naval Medicine of the Indian Navy
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: User-friendly PPEs to hit market soon
- NavRakshak is an innovative breathable fabric material PPE kitdeveloped indigenously by Indian Navy. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The manufacturing know-how of NavRakshak PPE has been developed at the Innovation Cell of the Institute of Naval Medicine of the Indian Navy. Hence statement 2is correct
- It is cost effective as it does not require any major capital investment and can be adopted even by gown manufacturing units using basic stitching expertise.
- The PPE fabric does not require any lamination with polymer or plastic-like film.
- This enables the PPE to permeate heat and moisture from the skin of the user thus promising comfort.
- The enhanced breathability factor in the PPE suit makes it attractive to frontline health workers who are required to wear these suits for long hours and face extreme discomfort while working.
7.Consider the following statements regardingQuantum Experiments at Space Scale
- It is a joint Chinese-Austrian satellite mission
- It is a proof-of-concept mission designed to facilitate quantum optics experiments over long distances to allow the development of quantum encryption and quantum teleportation technology.
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: China’s quantum satellite enables first totally secure long-range messages
- In the middle of the night, invisible to anyone but special telescopes in two Chinese observatories, satellite Micius sends particles of light to Earth to establish the world’s most secure communication link.
- Named after the ancient Chinese philosopher also known as Mozi, Micius is the world’s first quantum communications satellite and has, for several years, been at the forefront of quantum encryption.
About QUESS (Quantum Experiments at Space Scale) / Micius
- QUESS is a joint Chinese-Austrian satellite mission operatedby CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences), in cooperation with the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences (AAS). Hence statement 1 is correct
- QUESS is a proof-of-concept mission designed to facilitate quantum optics experiments over long distances to allowthe development of quantum encryption and quantum teleportation technology. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Quantum Science Satellite (QSS), also known as the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), was nicknamed “Micius” after a fifth century B.C. Chinese scientist named Mozi (Micius in Latin).
- He discovered that light travels in straight lines and was likely the first person to record an image with a pinhole.
The scientific objectives of the QUESS mission are:
- Implementation of long-distance quantum communication network based on high-speed QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) between the satellite and the ground station, to achieve major breakthroughs in the realization of spaceborne practical quantum communication.
- Quantum entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation on a space scale, fundamental tests of the laws of quantum mechanics on a global scale.
8.Consider the following statements regardingPM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)
- Under this Scheme, the vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year.
- Small industrial Development Bank of Indiawill be an implement agency for the PM SVANidhi Scheme under the guidance of MoHUA
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: Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry signs MoU to engage SIDBI as implementation agency for PM SVANidhi
- Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and Small Industries Development Bank of India, SIDBI signed an MoU to engage SIDBI as the implementation agency for PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi). Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Ministry had launched the PM SVANidhi on 1st of this month for providing affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to Covid-19 lockdown.
- This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh Street Vendors.
- Under the Scheme, the vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to ten thousand rupees, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It will also manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises.
- It will develop and maintain a customized and integrated IT Platform providing end-to-end solutions, including documentation of all the processes and workflows for an end-to-end solution, through a Portal and a Mobile App.
9.Consider the following statements regardingSickle cell disease
- It is a life threatening autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from inheritance of abnormal genes from both parents
- It is characterized by a modification in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent shape
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: Need to create more awareness in rural/ tribal areas about Sickle Cell disease and its management – Shri Arjun Munda
- In the ‘National Sickle Cell Conclave’ to mark the World Sickle Cell Day, it was highlighted that the government is committed to address and find a solution to deal with Sickle Cell disease in India.
- In order to collect real time data and provide relevant information related to Sickle Cell, the government has launched a new portal which will act as a catalyst in creating awareness.
- The Ministry has also initiated an ‘Action Research’ project under which Yoga dependent lifestyle should be promoted and to reduce the complications in the patient suffering from this disease.
About Sickle Cell Disease
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life threatening autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from inheritance of abnormal genes from both parents. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Normal red blood cells (RBCs) are biconcave disc shaped and move smoothly through the blood capillaries. The RBCs are produced in bone marrow and average life of normal RBCs is about 120 days.
- Biconcave disc shape of RBCs changes to sickle shape under low oxygen tension due to polymerization of faulty haemoglobin called HbS arisingout of a point mutation in beta globin gene. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The life span of RBCs in SCD patients is only about 10 to 20 days and the bone marrow can’t replace them fast enough.
- As a result there is decrease in number of RBCs in the body and the RBCs don’t contain sufficient amount of haemoglobin (hypochromia)
- The Sickle cell anaemia has no available cure. However, treatments to improve the anaemia and lower complications can help with the symptoms and complications of the disease in both children and adults.
- Blood and marrow stem cell transplants may offer acure for a small number of people.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1632622
10.With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
- Shramana
- Parivraajaka
- Agrahaarika
- Maagadha
Answer: (d) Maagadha
Explanation:
During Gupta period, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories or epic tales was the work of a different group of people, the sutas and magadhas. Hence option (d) is correct
