Consider the following statements regarding Jal Jeevan Mission
- It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
- It will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
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: 19 crore rural households to get tap water by 2024
- In a year since the beginning of the implementation of the Jal Jeevan scheme, more than 3 crore households have been provided with tap water connections.
- Since its launch in August 2019, the Centre’s ambitious flagship scheme Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which in partnership with the States seeks to ensure that every rural household of the country gets assured drinking water supply by 2024, has achieved 32.3% coverage of tap connections in rural India, emerging as a key scheme in the Narendra Modi administration’s second term.
- Less than 50 per cent of the population in India has access to safely managed drinking water.
- The two-thirds of India’s 718 districts are impacted by extreme water depletion, and the current lack of planning for water safety and security is a major concern.
About Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural Hence statement 1 is correct
- The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting
- The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission. Hence statement 2 is correct
- JJM looks to create a Jan Andolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.
Recently, the term Portulaca laljii is seen in news, what is it?
- New Variety of drought resistant rice
- New species of the wild sun rose
- African Catfish
- Invasive alien tree species
Answer: (b) New species of the wild sun rose
Explanation:
In NEWS: New species of sun rose found in the Eastern Ghats
- Botanists have discovered a new species of wild sun rose from the Eastern Ghats in India.
- The new species, named Portulaca laljii, discovered from Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh has unique features such as a tuberous root, no hair in its leaf axils, a reddish pink flower, prolateshaped fruits, and copper brown seeds without lustre. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- These morphological features distinguish the species from other species of genus Portulaca.
Source: TH
Consider the following statements regarding Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark
- It is a virtual platform to bring on board the Global Indian Science & Technology Community to address the Indian societal challenges / problems.
- It is developed by Niti Aayog.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- Dr Harsh Vardhan highlighted the various initiatives by Government to strengthen the connect with the Indian S&T diaspora such as the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit, which was collectively organized by several scientific departments/ministries/councils wherein many of the Diaspora experts enthusiastically deliberated on several topics and priority areas. In another initiative from CSIR to engage with diaspora more extensively and in a structured fashion, an interactive National Digital Platform named “Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark (PRABHASS)” has been developed.
About PRABHASS
- PRABHASS is a virtual platform to bring on board the Global Indian Science & Technology Community to address the Indian societal challenges / problems. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Vision: Serve as National Digital Platform to effectively collaborate with Global Indian S&T Community for collectively promoting – Inclusive growth in India – Strengthening Indian innovation ecosystem- Contributing towards nation building.
- Objective: To invite and encourage Indian Diaspora to come forward and join hands with India to help solve challenges being faced by Indian people thereby making an impact on society at large. PRABHASS platform broadly encompasses the outcomes of Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik Summit Vaibhav.
Source: https://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1683029
Consider the following statements
- Under Article 174, a governor shall summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State at a time and place, as she or he thinks fit.
- Article 163 says the governor shall exercise her or his functions with the aid and advice of the council of ministers
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: Governor’s role in calling an Assembly session: what the law, courts say
- In yet another tug-of-war between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Governor has turned down a request to summon a special sitting of the Assembly to debate the new three central farm laws.
Who can summon a session of the Assembly?
- “The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit…” says Article 174 of the Constitution. Hence statements 1 is correct
- The provision also puts on the Governor the responsibility of ensuring that the House is summoned at least once every six months.
- Although it is the Governor’s prerogative to summon the House, according to Article 163, the Governor is required to act on the “aid and advice” of the Cabinet. So when the Governor summons the House under Article 174, this is not of his or her own will but on the aid and advice of the Cabinet. Hence statements 2 is correct
Can the Governor refuse the aid and advice of the Cabinet?
- There are a few instances where the Governor can summon the House despite the refusal of the Chief Minister who heads the Cabinet. When the Chief Minister appears to have lost the majority and the legislative members of the House propose a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister, then the Governor can decide on his or her own on summoning the House.
- But the actions of the Governor, when using his discretionary powers can be challenged in court.
Thoubal MultiPurpose Project is located in which of the following river?
- Brahmaputra
- Manipur
- Barak
- Gomati
Answer: d) Manipur
Explanation
In News: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched several development projects in Manipur
- He inaugurated the e-office and Thoubal Multipurpose Project (Thoubal Dam) in Imphal through virtual mode which will irrigate 35,104 hectares. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1684003
Recently BBX11, which is seen in the news, is related to
- A gene that facilitates in the greening of plants
- ISRO’s full fledge human mission
- It is a commercialized rice variety
- None of the above
Answer: a) A gene that facilitates in the greening of plants
Explanation:
In NEWS: IISER scientists identify the gene that greens plants
- IISER scientists have identified the gene ‘BBX11’ and their study was recently published in the prestigious British journal New Phytologist.
- The synthesis of chlorophyll in plants is a lengthy, multi-step process. When a seedling emerges from under the soil it must quickly synthesise chlorophyll to start supporting its own growth.
- In order to facilitate quick synthesis of chlorophyll, plants make a precursor of chlorophyll called ‘protochlorophyllide’ in the dark, which glows red when blue light is shone on the plant.
- Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) have identified a gene that facilitates in the greening of plants by playing a crucial role in regulating the levels of protochlorophyllide — an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the green pigment chlorophyll. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Consider the following Statements regarding Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT
- It aims to extend coverage to all residents of Jammu & Kashmir.
- The scheme will provide a financial cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family for in-patient care and surgical procedures.
- Benefit of this scheme would be that treatment is not limited to government and private hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir only.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 ony
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat PMJAY SEHAT scheme for residents of J-K
- The scheme will provide a financial cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family for in-patient care and surgical procedures.
- Getting free treatment of up to 5 lakh rupees under this scheme would improve the ease of living. Right now about 6 lakh families of the state are getting the benefit of Ayushman Bharat Scheme. All 21 lakh families will get the same benefit after the SEHAT scheme.
- Another benefit of this scheme would be that treatment is not limited to government and private hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir only. Rather, treatment can be availed from thousands of hospitals empanelled under this scheme in the country. Hence all the above statements are correct.
The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago. Gradually the art became an integral part of local custom and culture in which of the following states?
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Chattisgarh
- Sikkim
Answer: b) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
In NEWS: KVIC Brings Alive 1000-yrs Old Monpa Handmade Paper Industry in Tawang to Revive the Heritage Art; a Historic Feat for North East
- The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago. Gradually the art became an integral part of local custom and culture in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- Once produced in every household in Tawang, this handmade paper was a major source of livelihood for the locals.
- The fine-textured handmade paper, which is called Mon Shugu in the local dialect, is integral to the vibrant culture of the local tribes in Tawang.
- The paper has great historic and religious significance as it is the paper used for writing Buddhist scriptures and hymns in monasteries.
- The Monpa handmade paper, will be made from the bark of a local tree called Shugu Sheng, which has medicinal values too.
- The 1000-year old heritage art – the Monpa Handmade Paper of Arunachal Pradesh – which was driven to the extinction, has come to life once again, with the committed efforts of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
Source https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1683797
Consider the following statements
- NASA aims to establish a flight hardware system that is ready for integrating with the lunar lander by 2026-end.
- United States of America’s plan to have the first nuclear reactor on the moon by the end of 2026
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: White House paves way for nuke reactor on moon
- USA’s plan to have the first nuclear reactor on the moon by the end of 2026 — for which the US Department of Energy in collaboration with Nasa intends to solicit industry design proposals in early 2021 — got an impetus with a recent White House directive. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- NASA aims to establish a flight hardware system that is ready for integrating with the lunar lander by 2026-end. The fission power system — as the nuclear reactor is called — will benefit future robotic and human exploration missions to the moon as well as Mars. hence statement 1 is correct.
- The availability of safe, efficient, and readily available power is critical to these missions and a fission surface power system meets those requirements.
- On December 16, outgoing President Donald Trump, issued the “National Strategy for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion”.
- Under it, he asked Nasa to “initiate fission surface power project for lunar surface demonstration by 2027 with scalability to a power range of 40 kilowatt-electric and higher to support a sustained lunar presence and exploration of Mars”.
Which of the following constitute Capital Account?
- Foreign Loans
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Private Remittances
- Portfolio Investment
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1, 2 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
Answer: b) 1,2 and 4
Explanation:
Private Remittances forms a part of current account and not capital account
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