Consider the following Statements regarding Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure
It is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism
It is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 onlyb) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer:
(c) Both 1 and 2
- Explanation:
In NEWS: Doval, Pak. NSA to attend SCO summit in Dushanbe next week
- The scheduled Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, of the “Secretaries of the Security Council” in Dushanbe,
- The presence of senior security officials from India and China is also of significance, given the continuing standoff at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh between India and
- The meeting will set the course for the annual “Regional Anti-Terror Structure” mechanism joint exercises by SCO member troops, to be held in Pakistan in
About Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Hence statement 1 is correct
- It’s objective is to help members states fight combat, extremism, terrorism and The Head of RATs is elected for a three-year term. All the member’s states also have their own representatives at RATS.
The RATS was formed in the June 2004 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Hence statement 2 is correct
- RATS is engaged in furthering cooperation and ties between member countries on concerns of terrorism, security, drug trafficking, crime and
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/doval-pak-nsa-to-attend-sco-summit-in-dushanb e-next-week/article34861180.ece
Consider the following Statements regarding Sickle-Cell Disease
- It is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the
- It is an inherited blood disease which is most common among people of African, Arabian and Indian
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
-
- a) 1 only
- b) 2 only
- c) Both 1 and 2
- d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Explanation:
In NEWS: M/o Tribal Affairs organises the second National Conclave on Sickle Disease in India on World Sickle Cell on 19th June, 2021
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) organized the Second Online National Conclave on ‘Sickle Cell Disease in India’, in partnership with FICCI, Novartis, Piramal Foundation, Apollo Hospitals, NASCO and
- The event brought together a group of experts on Sickle Cell Disease across India to deliberate on recent advances in Sickle Cell Disease management — ranging from early diagnosis to latest medicines and advances in treatment of
About Sickle-Cell Disease
- It is an inherited blood disease which is most common among people of African, Arabian and Indian Hence statement 2 is correct
It is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. Hence statement 1 is correct
- People with this disease have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent shape. This blocks blood flow and oxygen from reaching all parts of the
- Symptoms: It can cause severe pain, referred to as sickle cell Infections and fatigue are other symptoms.
- People with sickle cell disorders are also at a risk of complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage,
- Over time, people with sickle cell disorders can experience damage to organs including the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen. Death can also result from complications of the
- Treatment: Medication, blood transfusions and rarely a bone-marrow transplant. Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1728681
Consider the following Statements regarding Election Petition
- Only the High Courts have the original jurisdiction on deciding on an election
- Such a petition has to be filed within 15 days from the date of the poll
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
-
- a) 1 only
- b) 2 only
- c) Both 1 and 2
- d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
- Explanation:
In NEWS: BJP may also challenge poll results in some seats, says Bengal’s Dilip Ghosh
- An election petition has been filed by West Bengal Chief Minister in the Calcutta High Court. She has challenged the Assembly election result of Nandigram constituency where she had contested and
What is an election petition?
- An election petition is a procedure for inquiring into the validity of the election results of Parliamentary or local government elections. In other words, it is a means under law to challenge the election of a candidate in a Parliamentary, Assembly or local
Election petition filed in the High Court of the particular state in which the election was conducted. Therefore, only the High Courts have the original jurisdiction on deciding on an election petition. Hence statement 1 is correct
- An election petition calling in question an election shall be filed within the time period of 45 days from the date of declaration of results. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Moreover, the Representative of the People Act of 1951 suggests that the High Court should try to conclude the trial within 6 months. But it usually drags on for much longer even for
Grounds on which an election petition can be filed
- Under Section 100 of the Representation of the People(RP) Act, an election petition can be filed on the following grounds:
- That on the day of the election, the winning candidate was not qualified to contest
- That the winning candidate, his poll agent or any other person with the consent of the winning candidate has indulged in a corrupt
Source:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/bjp-may-also-challenge-poll-results-i n-some-seats-says-bengal-s-dilip-ghosh-101624114109992.html
Consider the following Statements regarding Central Board of Film Certification
- It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act
- At present, films are certified under 8 categories by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only Explanation:
In NEWS: Filmmakers see a ‘super censor’ in Cinematograph Amendment Bill
- The draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021 put out by the Union Government on Friday, seeking public comments, has kicked up a storm with filmmakers criticising a provision which allows the Government to order
- The new provision is now being seen as the coming into force of a ‘super censor’, adding one more layer of censorship
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently sought public comments on its draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to bring back its “revisionary powers” over the Central Board of Film Certification.
- The new Bill will also “make the process of sanctioning of films for exhibition more effective, in tune with the changed times and curb the menace of piracy”.
About Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):
- It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Board consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at
- Films can be publicly exhibited in India (on cinema halls, V. channels) only after they have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification.
At present, films are certified under 4 categories: U, U/A, A& S. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U)
- Unrestricted Public Exhibition – but with a word of caution that Parental discretion required for children below 12 years (U/A)
- Restricted to adults (A)
- Restricted to any special class of persons (S) Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/filmmakers-see-a-super-censor-in-cinema tograph-amendment-bill/article34865225.ece
Consider the following Statements regarding Biotech KISAN Programme
- It is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017 for agriculture
- It is a department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology initiative that empowers farmers, especially women
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
- Explanation:
In NEWS: DBT Issues a Special Call under Biotech KISAN Programme for improving Agriculture Productivity in the North East Region
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has issued a Special Call for North East Region as a part of its Mission Programme “Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)”, with the aim to understand the local problems of the NER farmers and provide scientific solutions to those
- Biotech-KISAN is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017 for agriculture innovation with an objective to connect science laboratories with the farmers to find out innovative solutions and technologies to be applied at farm Hence statement 1 is correct
- Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) is
a Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology’s initiative to empower farmers, especially women farmers. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Under this scheme, so far 146 Biotech-KISAN Hubs have been established covering all 15 agroclimatic zones and110 Aspirational Districts in the
- The scheme has benefitted over two lakhs farmers so far by increasing their agriculture output and income. Over 200 entrepreneurships have also been developed in rural
- The Biotech-KISAN will be implemented in the North East Region with objective of linking available innovative agriculture technologies to the farm with the small and marginal farmers, specially women farmers of the
- The scheme has benefitted over two lakhs farmers so far by increasing their agriculture output and income. Over 200 entrepreneurships have also been developed in rural
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1728507
Consider the following Statements regarding National Internet Exchange of India
- It is under the Ministry of Science and
- It was set up for peering of ISPs among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
- Explanation:
In NEWS: NIXI announces personalized email service for .IN domain users
- The government-run body will offer the personalized email service to all .IN users on demand, and it will have 10GB storage space
- Users can register for the service through registry.in, the official registry website for .IN domains
- The new service was announced as part of NIXI’s 18th Foundation Day celebration
- India currently has over 7 million registered domains on the internet, according to NIXI, which is the third-largest Asian nation in the country-centric top-level domain growth.
About National Internet Exchange of India
- It is a not for profit Organization under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
It is under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It was set up for peering of ISPs among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the Hence statement 2 is correct
- It is working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India through the following activities:
- Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISPs and between ISPs and CDNs
- IN Registry, managing and operation of IN country code domain and भारत IDN
domain for India
- IRINN, managing and operating Internet protocol (IPv4/IPv6)
Objectives of National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
- To Promote Internet
- To set up, when needed, in select location(s)/parts/regions of India Internet Exchanges/Peering Points
- To enable effective and efficient routing, peering, transit and exchange of the Internet traffic within India
- To continuously work for enhancing and improving the quality of Internet and Broadband services
- To Set up Internet Domain Name Operations and related activities Source:
https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/nixi-announces-personalized-email-servic e-for-in-domain-users-11624096107646.html
Consider the following Statements regarding Black Softshell Turtle
- They are found in ponds of temples in northeastern India
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the freshwater black softshell turtle is Critically Endangered
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
- Explanation:
In NEWS: Vision document for conserving Assam temple turtles launched
- Assam forest department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and adopted a Vision Document to raise at least 1,000 black softshell turtles by
About Black Softshell Turtle
- It is the rarest of India’s 28 turtle species were believed to be ‘extinct in the wild’ till The International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN), however, changed the status to ‘critically endangered’ after surveys found presence of the the turtle species in the wild. Hence statement 2 is correct
- They are found in ponds of temples in northeastern India and Its distribution range also includes the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The pond at Hayagriva Madhab temple at Hajo is one of the temples where conservation breeding of the species was done before a stock of over 300 turtles were released in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and in the Brahmaputra basin in North
It also does not enjoy legal protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Threats: Consumption of turtle meat and eggs, silt mining, encroachment of wetlands and change in flooding
- Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vision-document-for-conserving-ass am-temple-turtles-launched/article34863208.ece
Consider the following Statements
- Hydrogen generated entirely from renewable power sources is called green hydrogen
- Green Hydrogen has no carbon
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
- Explanation:
In NEWS: India all set to host two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives beginning tomorrow
- India is all set to host a two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives beginning tomorrow involving the BRICS nations. The prestigious event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own
About Green Hydrogen
- Hydrogen generated entirely from renewable power sources is called green Hence statement 1 is correct
- Green hydrogen is Environment friendly because its usage led to zero It is a clean burning molecule which can decarbonise sectors like iron & steel, chemicals, and transportation.
- Green Hydrogen will also help in transition towards clean electric mobility and will help in reducing dependency on minerals & rare-earth element-based battery for energy
Green Hydrogen which has no carbon footprint. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Green hydrogen has innumerable Green Chemicals like ammonia and methanol can directly be utilized in existing applications like fertilizers, mobility, power, chemicals, shipping etc.
- Green Hydrogen blending up to 10% may be adopted in CGD networks to gain widespread
Source:
http://newsonair.com/2021/06/21/india-all-set-to-host-two-day-summit-on-green-hydrogen
-initiatives-beginning-tomorrow/
World Investment Report 2021 is released by which of the following international organizations?
a) UN Conference on Trade and Development
b) World Trade Organization
c) International Monetary Fund
d) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Answer: (a) UN Conference on Trade and Development Explanation:
In NEWS: India receives $64 billion FDI in 2020, fifth-largest recipient of inflows in world: UN
- India received $64 billion in Foreign Direct Investment in 2020, the fifth-largest recipient of inflows in the world, according to a UN report which said the COVID-19 second wave in the country weighs heavily on the country’s overall economic activities but its strong fundamentals provide “optimism” for the medium
- The World Investment Report 2021 by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), released said global FDI flows have been severely hit by the pandemic and they plunged by 35 per cent in 2020 to $1 trillion from $1.5 trillion the previous Hence option (a) is correct
- FDI increased 27 per cent to $64 billion in 2020 from $51 billion in 2019, pushed up by acquisitions in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, making the country the fifth-largest FDI recipient in the
- The pandemic boosted demand for digital infrastructure and services globally. This led to higher values of greenfield FDI project announcements targeting the ICT industry, rising by more than 22 per cent to $81
- Major project announcements in the ICT industry included a $2.8 billion investment by online retail giant Amazon in ICT infrastructure in
- The report noted that the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in India weighs heavily on the country’s overall economic
- The country’s export-related manufacturing, a priority investment sector, will take longer to recover, but government facilitation can help. India’s Production Linkage Incentive scheme, designed to attract manufacturing and export-oriented investments in priority industries including automotive and electronics can drive a rebound of investment in
- FDI outflows from South Asia fell 12 per cent to $12 billion, driven by a drop in investment from India ranked 18 out of the world’s top 20 economies for FDI outflows, with 12 billion dollars of outflows recorded from the country in 2020 as compared to 13 billion dollars in 2019.
- FDI inflows to developing Asia grew by 4 per cent to $535 billion in 2020, making it the only region to record growth and increasing Asia’s share of global inflows to 54 per
- In China, FDI increased by 6 per cent to $149 billion. While some of the largest economies in developing Asia such as China and India recorded FDI growth in 2020, the rest recorded a contraction, it
- The report added that FDI inflows in Asia are expected to increase in 2021, outperforming other developing regions with a projected growth of 5-10 per
Source:
https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/article/india-receives-64-billi on-fdi-in-2020-fifth-largest-recipient-of-inflows-in-world-un/773648
‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and
a) European Union
b) Gulf Cooperation Council
c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Answer: (a) European Union Explanation:
The FTA talks with EU have been deadlocked since 2013 after 16 rounds of negotiations. Last year EU raised its concern over what it called India’s “unilateral termination” of existing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with “a significant number of” EU member countries. Hence option (a) is correct
