1.Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
- It is a refinancing scheme for providing loans up to 10 lakhs to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
- All commercial banks, RRB, Cooperative Bank or other Micro Finance Institutions are eligible for refinance under PM Mudra Yojana
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: 2% Interest Subvention approved on prompt repayment of Shishu Loans under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana for a period of 12 months
- The Scheme has been formulated as a specific response to an unprecedented situation and aims to alleviate financial stress for borrowers at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ by reducing their cost of credit.
- The Scheme is expected to provide much needed relief to the sector, thereby enabling small businesses to continue functioning without laying off employees due to lack of funds
About Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on April 8, 2015 for providing loans up to 10 lakh to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. These loans are classified as MUDRA loans under PMMY. Hence statements 1 is correct
- These loans are given by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, MFIs and NBFCs. The borrower can approach any of the lending institutions mentioned above or can apply online through this portal www.udyamimitra.in . Hence statements 2 is correct
- Under the aegis of PMMY, MUDRA has created three products namely ‘Shishu’, ‘Kishore’ and ‘Tarun’ to signify the stage of growth / development and funding needs of the beneficiary micro unit / entrepreneur and also provide a reference point for the next phase of graduation / growth.
The products would be covered under three categories that are as follows:
- Shishu : covering loans up to Rs. 50,000/-
- Kishor : covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 Lakh
- Tarun : covering loans above Rs. 5 Lakh and up to Rs. 10 Lakh
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1633891
2.Consider the following statements regarding eBloodServices mobile App
- It is developed by the E-Raktkosh team of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) under the Digital India scheme
- It aims to allow people to access safe blood easily especially during COVID-19 pandemic.
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: Dr. Harsh Vardhan launches Indian Red Cross Society’s ‘eBloodServices’ Mobile App
- The Union health minister has launched the ‘eBloodServices’ App in partnership with the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS).
- This application is developed by the E-Raktkosh team of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) under the Digital India scheme. Hence statements 1 is correct
- It aims to allow people to access safe blood easily especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Hence statements 2 is correct
- The app will make it easy for a blood seeker to get blood with complete transparency and single window access to the service.
e-Raktkosh:
- It is a Centralized Blood Bank Management System that provides a comprehensive IT solution to standardize and streamline the standard operating procedures, guidelines and workflow of blood banks across the country.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1634231
3.Consider the following statements regarding SPARC Scheme
- It is an initiative of the ministry of science and technology
- It aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational Institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world
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: IITM, German institute collaborating to develop green energy solutions
- Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras are collaborating with their counterparts in Germany to develop new materials for green energy solutions.
- Conventional methods of generating hydrogen result in a large quantity of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that imposed serious environmental concerns. Whereas electrochemical splitting of water, called ‘Water Electrolysis’ (WE), is clean, facile, and highly efficient technology for large-scale production of high-purity H2.
- The project, taken up under the Scheme for Promotion of academic and Research Collaboration or SPARC, aims at developing alternative technologies to produce green hydrogen in anticipation of transition to hydrogen-based economy.
- SPARC is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Around ₹66 lakh has been allocated for the project. Hence statements 1 is incorrect
- Aim of SPARC Scheme: To improve the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational Institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutionsin the world from 28 selected nations to jointly solve problems of national and international relevance. Hence statements 2 is correct
4.Consider the following statements regarding Finance Commission
- It is constituted by the President of India every fifth year under Article 275 of the Constitution.
- It decides the share of taxes and grants to be given to the local bodies in states.
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: Discussing alternatives to base year, says 15th FC chairman N K Singh
- Singh said that while the current year and part of next year would see a continued slowdown, things could get better from the latter half of 2021-22, and economy may grow at a rapid pace from thereon
- Singh said while no decision had been taken, there were deliberations on whether to take the first six months of 2021-22 or assumptions based on the past three years (2017-18 to 2019-20) as base year.
About Finance Commission
- The Finance Commission (FC) is constituted by the President of India every fifth year under Article 280 of the Constitution. Hence statements 1 is incorrect
- The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) was constituted in November 2017 to give recommendations for vertical and horizontal devolution of taxes for five fiscal years
- Finance Commission is a constitutional body, that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the states.
- The Finance Commission also decides the share of taxes and grants to be given to the local bodies in states. This part of tax proceeds is called Finance Commission Grants, which is a part of the Union budget. Hence statements 2 is correct
- The Finance Commission has a chairman and four members appointed by the President of India.
- The 15th Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November 2017, under the chairmanship of NK Singh. Its recommendations will cover a period of five years from April 2020 to March 2025.
5.Consider the following statements regarding Kala-Azar
- It is a neglected tropical disease
- It is a parasitic disease transmitted by the aeges agypties mosquitos
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: New biomolecules to fight drug resistance in Kala- azar
–By Sunderarajan Padmanabhan
- A team of researchers from the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune have found new biomolecules to fight drug resistance in Kala- azar (visceral leishmaniasis).
- The only drug available against leishmaniasis, miltefosine, is rapidly losing its effectiveness because of emerging resistance to this drug due to a decrease in its accumulation inside the parasite.
- A protein called ‘P4ATPase-CDC50’, is responsible for intake of the drug by the parasite, and another protein, called ‘P-glycoprotein’, is responsible for throwing this drug out from within the parasite’s body.
About Kala-azar
- Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting almost 100 countriesincluding India. Hence statements 1 is correct
- It is caused by a parasite called Leishmania, which is transmitted through the bite of sand flies.
- There are three main forms of leishmaniasis – visceral, which affects multiple organs and is the most serious form of the disease, cutaneous, which causes skin sores and is the most common form); and mucocutaneous, which causes skin and mucosal lesion).
- Visceral leishmaniasis, which is commonly known as Kala-azar in India, is fatal in over 95% of the cases, if left untreated.
- The parasite primarily infects reticuloendothelial system and may be found in abundance in bone marrow, spleen and liver.
- It is zoonotic (or parasatic) infection transmitted by sand fly (Leishmania donovani). Hence statements 2 is incorrect
- Kala-azar is a vector borne disease.
- It is second-largest parasitic killer in world after Malaria.
- It is endemic to Indian subcontinent in 119 districts in four countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal).
- India accounts for half the global burden of Kala-azar disease.
- In India, Leishmania donovani is the only parasite causing this disease.
- Sandfly of genus Phlebotomus argentipes are the only known vectors (carrier) of kala-azar in India.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1633851
6.With respect to Maareech, consider the following statements
- It has been designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organization
- It is an advanced anti torpedo decoy system
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: Indian Navy inducts indigenously developed anti-torpedo decoy system Maareech
- The Indian Navy has inducted an advanced anti-torpedo decoy system called ‘Maareech’ that is capable of being fired from all frontline ships. Hence statements 2 is correct
- Anti-Submarine Warfare capability of the Indian Navy received a major boost today with the induction of Advanced Torpedo Decoy System Maareech capable of being fired from all frontline warships.
- Design and Development of this anti-torpedo decoy system has been undertaken indigenously by DRDO labs(NSTL and NPOL) and it is capable of detecting, locating and neutralizing incoming torpedo.The Bharat Electronics Limited, a Defence PSU, would undertake the production of this decoy system. Hence statements 1 is correct
- This induction not only stands testimony to the joint resolve of the Indian Navy and DRDO towards indigenous development of defence technology, but has also given a major fillip to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the country’s resolve to become ‘atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in niche technology
- Anti – Submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy has received a major boost today with the conclusion of a contract for advanced torpedo decoy system Maareech capable of being fired from all frontline warships
7.Consider the following statements regarding Battle of Plassey
- This battle took place at Plassey on the banks of the Hooghly River
- This battle helped the British East India Company gained political and economic power in Bengal
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: Robert Clive was an 18th-century nouveau riche dream come true … To downplay Plassey is to downplay history
About Battle of plassey
- The Battle of Plassey was a decisive victory of the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-daula and his French allies on 23 June 1757, under the leadership of Robert Clive.
- The war is often known for the ‘great betrayal’ to the Nawab due to the defection of Mir Jafar Ali Khan, who was Siraj-ud-daula’s commander in chief.
- The battle took place at Plassey on the banks of the Hooghly River,about 150 kilometres north of Calcutta and south of Murshidabad, then capital of Bengal. Hence statements 1 is correct
- The Plassey war lasted only for few hours.
- This shows Siraj-ud-daula’s weaknesses and inability for the throne.
- He was defeated, captured and executed in his own capital
- Britishers gained political and economic power in Bengal which was the wealth-house of India. Hence statements 2 is correct
- Company now become more prestigious as French rule over Indian places was also vanished.
- The company got one crore and seventy-seven lakh rupees as war compensation as well.
8.What is Nasha Mukt Bharat Action Plan , sometimes seen in news?
- It is a programme for women self help groups to uplift the rural women
- It is a development action plan to uplift the scheduled castes
- It is a drug-free india campaign to focus on community outreach programme
- It is a programme to provide funds to voluntary organisations to uplift the tribals
Answer: (c) It is a drug-free india campaign to focus on community outreach programme
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre rolls out anti-drug plan in 272 vulnerable districts
- An annual antidrug action plan for 272 vulnerable districts was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Friday, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
- The ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’, or drugfree India campaign will focus not just on institutional support but also on community outreach programmesin the districts identified in coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau. Hence option (c) is correct
- The Action Plan has the following components: Awareness generation programmes; Focus on Higher Educational institutions, University Campuses and Schools; Community outreach and identification of dependent population; Focus on Treatment facilities in Hospital settings; and Capacity Building Programmes for Service Provider.
- The Action Plan includes components for preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building, treatment and rehabilitation, setting quality standards, focussed intervention in vulnerable areas, skill development, vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts, State/UT specific interventions, surveys, studies, evaluation and research etc.
Source: TH
9.Consider the following statements regarding International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- It is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy
- It is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
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: Energy transition can add 5.5 mln jobs by 2023: Report
- According to a report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Energy transition-related technologies can add 5.5 million jobs globally by 2023
- The report outlined immediate stimulus action for 2021-2023 as well as measures for a mid-term 2030 recovery perspective over the next decade. It also emphasised the governments’ role in targeting policy measures and public spending.
- Out of the 5.5 million additional jobs, renewable energy will account for 2.46 million; energy efficiency for 2.91 million; and grids and energy system flexibility for 0.12 million
- The report also recommended: Reforming fossil fuel prices, retiring fossil fuel assets, driving green financing and bailouts and strategically investing in energy transition.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. Hence statements 1 is correct
- It serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
- IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy.
- It was founded in 2009 & its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010 and is headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Hence statements 2 is correct
- IRENA is an official United Nations observer.
- With more than 180 countries actively engaged, IRENA promotes renewable resources and technologies as the key to a sustainable future and helps countries achieve their renewable energy potential.
10.In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
- The Bio -medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
- The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
- The e -Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
- The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Answer: (c) The e -Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
Explanation:
- Extended producer’s responsibility (EPR) is the main feature of the E -waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, wherein the producer of electrical and electronic equipment has the responsibility of managing such equipment after its ‘end of life’, thus the producer is responsible for their products once the consumer discards them. Hence option (c) is correct
