Which of the following statement is not correct regarding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Proactively ensuring social inclusion by strengthening the livelihood base of rural poor.
- The applicant is not only a part of a local household but also from anywhere in India.
- The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Government of India is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.
- Right to get unemployment allowance in case employment is not provided within fifteen days of submitting the application or from the date when work is sought.
Answer: b) The applicant is not only a part of a local household but also from anywhere in India.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Getting MGNREGS wages harder than the labor
- The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Govt of India is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.
- Proactively ensuring social inclusion by strengthening the livelihood base of rural poor.
- The applicant must be part of a local household. Hence option (b) is not the correct answer.
- Individual beneficiary-oriented works can be taken up on the cards of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, small or marginal farmers or beneficiaries of land reforms or beneficiaries under the Indira Awaas Yojana of the Government of India.
- Within 15 days of submitting the application or from the day work is demanded, wage employment will be provided to the applicant.
- Right to get unemployment allowance in case employment is not provided within fifteen days of submitting the application or from the date when work is sought.
- Social Audit of MGNREGA works is mandatory, which lends to accountability and transparency.
- The Gram Sabha is the principal forum for wage seekers to raise their voices and make demands.
- It is the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat which approves the shelf of works under MGNREGA and fixes their priority.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=GGH7VRESI.1&imageview=0
Consider the following statements regarding National Population Register (NPR)
- NPR is a register of usual residents of the country
- It is being prepared under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
- To create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country.
- The NPR was first collected in 2005.
Which of the statement(s) is/are correct?
- 1 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1,2 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Questionnaire of NPR being finalized: RGI
- It is a Register of usual residents of the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is being prepared at the local (Village/sub-Town), sub-District, District, State and National level under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR.
- Objective: To create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The NPR was first collected in 2010 and then updated in 2015. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=G6D7VRMRS.1&imageview=0
Consider the following statements
- Plasma is the liquid part of the blood.
- Convalescent plasma is extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection.
- Convalescent plasma is a source of antibodies against the infection.
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: ICMR against indiscriminate use of plasma therapy
- Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. Convalescent plasma, extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection, is a source of antibodies against the infection. The therapy involves using their plasma to help others recover. Hence all the above statements are correct.
- For Covid-19, this has been one of the treatment options. The donor would have to be a documented case of Covid-19 and healthy for 28 days since the last symptoms.
Source:https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=GGH7VRET4.1&imageview=0
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has decided to impose a 30 day moratorium on Chennai based Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB). In the light of the above statement what are all the challenges faced by LVB?
- LVB has not been able to raise adequate capital to address the issues and was also experiencing the continuous withdrawal of deposits and low levels of liquidity.
- The financial position of the LVB has undergone a steady decline, with continuous losses over the last three years eroding the bank’s net worth.
- The functioning of LVB, along many such banks, has been under scrutiny as most of them do not have strong promoters, making them targets for mergers.
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: Moratorium on Lakshmi Vilas Bank, and what it means for depositors, financial sector
Challenges faced by Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB)
- LVB has not been able to raise adequate capital to address the issues and was also experiencing the continuous withdrawal of deposits and low levels of liquidity. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The financial position of the LVB has undergone a steady decline, with continuous losses over the last three years eroding the bank’s net worth. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The functioning of LVB, along many such banks, has been under scrutiny as most of them do not have strong promoters, making them targets for mergers. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The LVB episode started unfolding after the RBI and banks led by State Bank of India bailed out fraud-hit Yes Bank in March 2020.
- Serious governance issues in recent years have led to a deterioration in the performance of the bank.
- Its gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood 25.4% of its advances as of June 2020, as against 17.3% in 2019. Due to which, it was unable to raise capital to shore up its balance sheet.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lakshmi-vilas-what-a-failed-bank-means-7056518/
With reference to Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), which of the following statement is not correct?
- It is a very common lung disease.
- GBS is caused by bacteria or viral infection.
- The syndrome’s first symptoms are a tingling or itching sensation in the skin, followed by muscle weakness, pain and numbness.
- Both statements (b) and (c) are not correct.
Answer: (a) It is a very common autoimmune disorder
Explanation:
In News: Mumbai neurologists to study Guillain Barre Syndrome in Covid-19 patients
- Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a very rare autoimmune disorder. Hence option (a) is not the correct answer.
- The immune system, in an attempt to kill the coronavirus, accidentally starts attacking the peripheral nervous system.
- The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that lead from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. Attacking them can affect limb functions.
- GBS is caused by bacteria or viral infection.
- The syndrome’s first symptoms are a tingling or itching sensation in the skin, followed by muscle weakness, pain and numbness.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/mumbai-neurologists-to-study-guillain-barre-syndrome-in-covid-19-patients/article33138875.ece
Consider the following statements
- Param Siddhi is a High Performance Computing-Artificial Intelligence (HPC-AI) supercomputer developed by the Department of Science and Technology under National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.
- National Supercomputing Mission envisages empowering our national academic and Research and Development (R&D) institutions spread over the country by installing a vast supercomputing grid comprising more than 70 high-performance computing facilities.
- National Supercomputing Mission aims to empower our scientists and researchers with state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities and enable them to carry out cutting-edge research in their respective domains
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
In news: India’s AI supercomputer Param Siddhi 63rd among top 500 most powerful non-distributed computer systems in the world
- Param Siddhi is a High Performance Computing-Artificial Intelligence (HPC-AI) supercomputer developed by the Department of Science and Technology under National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- National Supercomputing Mission envisages empowering our national academic and Research and Development (R&D) institutions spread over the country by installing a vast supercomputing grid comprising more than 70 high-performance computing facilities. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- National Supercomputing Mission aims to empower our scientists and researchers with state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities and enable them to carry out cutting-edge research in their respective domains. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) supercomputer Param Siddhi ranked 63rd among top 500 most powerful non-distributed computer systems in the world.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1673715
Consider the following statements regarding New Development Bank (NDB)
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil.
- 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 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.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1,2, 3 and 4
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
IN News: Centre inks $500-million loan deal with NDB for RRTS project
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil.
- 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 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. Hence all the above statements are correct.
- Recently, a 500-million dollar loan agreement was signed between the Union government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National Capital Region (NCR) Transport Corporation Limited and the New Development Bank (NDB) for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/centre-inks-500-million-loan-deal-with-ndb-for-rrts-project/article33136353.ece
With reference to Willow Warbler, consider the following statements
- It is one of the longest migrating small birds.
- They breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic.
- It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
In News: Willow Warbler sighted for the first time in country
- Recently, Willow Warbler has been sighted for the first time in India at Vellayani-Punchakkari paddy fields, Kerala.
- They breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is one of the longest migrating small birds. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The bird weighs around 10 grams and its long wing feathers help it fly long distances.
- Warblers are generally difficult to identify owing to the small size and change in plumage twice a year. They are also the most difficult groups of birds to identify in the field for their striking resemblance to each other.
- IUCN Red list: Least Concern. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
With respect to “Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)”, consider the following statements:
- IRNSS is an independent global navigation satellite system developed by India
- It is designed to provide accurate position information service to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters.
- India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognized by the IMO as a part of the WWRNS.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1,2 and 3
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
In News; India becomes 4th nation to get IMO nod for navigation satellite system
- The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) has been accepted as a component of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for operation in the Indian Ocean Region by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of IMO during its recent meeting (102nd session) held from 4 to 11 November 2020 has approved the recognition of the IRNSS as a component of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System. This will enable merchant vessels to use IRNSS for obtaining position information similar to GPS and GLONASS to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean waters within the area covered by 50°N latitude, 55°E longitude, 5°S latitude and 110°E longitude.
- IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate position information service to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters. Hence statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.
- India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the IMO as a part of the WWRNS. The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the US, Russia and China. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
The Virtual Court (traffic) and e-Challan project have been recently inaugurated in which of the following north eastern states?
- Nagaland
- Assam
- Sikkim
- Tripura
Answer: b) Assam
Explanation
In News: Virtual court and e-challan project launched in Assam; Maharashtra also got it’s 2ndvirtual court recently hence option (b) is the correct answer
- The Virtual Court (traffic) and e-Challan project have been recently (12th November, 2020) inaugurated in Assam by the chief minister of Assam. Hence option (b) is correct.
- The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Committee of Gauhati High Court in association with Government of Assam and Assam Police, under the aegis of e-Committee of Supreme Court of India, are spearheading the project in the State.
- E-challan solution is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) whereas the software has been developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC). It will replace the present concept of manual challan with an electronically generated digital challan.
- Virtual court is an initiative of E-Committee of Supreme Court along with Department of Justice, Ministry of Law& Justice. It is an online court being managed by Virtual Judge (which is not a person but an algorithm) whose jurisdiction can be extended to entire state and working hours may be 24X7.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1674430
