Consider the following statements regarding National Service Scheme (NSS)
- It is an extension dimension to the higher education system to orient the student youth to community service
- It is being implemented by the Ministry of Education
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:President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind virtually conferred the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2018-19 today
- The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind virtually conferred the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2018-19 on 24th September, 2020 from Rashtrapati Bhawan.
About National Service Scheme
- National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, in 37 universities involving 40000 students.
- NSS is an extension dimension to the higher education system to orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institutions. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- It allows the students of 11th & 12th Technical Institutions, graduate & post-graduate at colleges and university level of India to be a part of various government-led community service activities & programmes.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by S Radhakrishnan, recommended the introduction of voluntary national service in academic institutions post-independence.
- The symbol for the NSS has been taken from the Rath Wheel of the world-famous Konark Sun temple.
Main objectives of NSS:
- To understand the community and to identify their needs and problems and to utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems;
- To gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
- To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters;
- To practice national integration and social harmony.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1658762
Consider the following statements regarding eSanjeevani OPD
- It was launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic to enable patient-to-doctor tele-consultations.
- Maharashtra followed by Uttar Pradesh are the top performing States eSanjeevani OPD platform
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:Health Ministry’s eSanjeevani OPD platform records 4 lakh doctor-to-patient tele-consultations
- The government’s eSanjeevani OPD platform has completed four lakh tele-consultations since its launch in April this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, the health ministry said.
- The top performing states, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, have logged in 1,33,167 and 1,00,124 sessions, respectively.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The usage trend shows that there has been a quick uptake of this service in smaller districts like Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, the ministry said
- eSanjeevani supports two types of telemedicine services viz. Doctor-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani) and Patient-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani OPD) Tele-consultations.
About eSanjeevani OPD platform:
- It has been developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in Mohali.
- It is an innovative digital platform globally set up by government for delivering health services.
- It was launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic to enable patient-to-doctor tele-consultations.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Offered at no cost, this e-health service has made it convenient for the people to avail of the health services without having to travel. It enables two-way interaction and even generates a prescription slip.
- Nationally eSanjeevani platform is being used by 26 states
Consider the following statements regarding Hydrogen fuel cell
1.It is a device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction, not combustion
2.This fuel cells need to be periodically recharged like batteries.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Standards for Safety Evaluation of Hydrogen Fuel cells based vehicles notified
- The Standards were notified through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989.
- This would facilitate the promotion of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles in the country which are energy efficient and environment friendly.
About Hydrogen fuel cell
- Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel burned with oxygen.
- It can be used in fuel cells or internal combustion engines.
- It is also used as a fuel for spacecraft propulsion.
- It is a device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction, not combustion. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined to generate electricity, heat, and water.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Fuel cells are used today in a range of applications, from providing power to homes and businesses, keeping critical facilities like hospitals, grocery stores, and data centers up and running, and moving a variety of vehicles including cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, trains, and more.
- Fuel cell systems are a clean, efficient, reliable, and quiet source of power. Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- It is composed of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. A typical fuel cell works by passing hydrogen through the anode of a fuel cell and oxygen through the cathode.
- Fuel cells that use pure hydrogen fuel are completely carbon-free, with their only by-products being electricity, heat, and water.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1658587
Consider the following statements regarding Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- It is an internationally acclaimed Institution, which offers training program, academic courses and advisory in wildlife research and management.
- It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change
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:Field study adds five amphibians to Madhya Pradesh’s fauna list
- A study conducted by researchers from Wildlife Institute of India, on amphibians in the Panna Tiger Reserve has come up with a list of five species previously undocumented in the region.
- Apart from compiling an entire amphibian inventory of this region, they have recorded a call library of eleven species and also have obtained molecular confirmation (through DNA) of the cryptic species.
- cryptic species – a term used to refer to species that appear the same but show up a difference when their DNA is examined.
- Of the five species that the group has added to the faunal list of Madhya Pradesh are the dwarf toad found in peninsular India; Odisha paddy frog, an inhabitant of eastern India; wrinkled cricket frog, earlier observed in Karnataka; Pierre’s cricket frog, seen in Nepal, Bhutan and Assam; and western burrowing frog, earlier seen in western India.
About Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an internationally acclaimed Institution, which offers training program, academic courses and advisory in wildlife research and management.Hence statement 1 is correct
- WII carries out wildlife research in areas of study like Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Forensics, Spatial Modeling, Eco development, Habitat Ecology and Climate Change.
- It was established in 1982.
- It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change, Government of India.Hence statement 2 is correct
- The institute is based in Dehradun.
Consider the following statements regarding Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD)
1.It was first reported in Kodagu
2.It is caused by virus of plant tissues which are transmitted by insect vectors.
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:Invisible killer threatens India’s sandalwood forests
- India’s sandalwood trees, the country’s pride — particularly of Karnataka — are facing a serious threat with the return of the destructive Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD).
- The infection has resurfaced in the aromatic tree’s natural habitats in Karnataka and Kerala
- The present rapid spread of the infection is largely due to restrictions on green felling in forests, which has allowed vectors to spread the disease to healthy trees, says the IWST study.
- The present rapid spread of the infection is largely due to restrictions on green felling in forests.
- Presently, there is no option but to cut down and remove the infected tree to prevent the spread of the disease
About Sandalwood Spike Disease (SSD):
- SSD has been one of the major causes for the decline in sandalwood production in the country for over a century. The disease was first reported in Kodagu in 1899.Hence statement 1 is correct
- Significantly the disease is confined to India and Indonesia.
- The disease was first thought to be caused by Viruses but in 1969, Varma et al reported that Spike disease caused by phytoplasma is the major disease of sandalwood.Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The disease is transmitted through root contacts and insect vectors.
- Spike disease is characterized by extreme reduction in leaf size accompanied by stiffening and reduction of internode length.
Sometimes the Durgam Cheruvu Lake is seen in news, is located in which of the following state in india?
1.Punjab
2.West Bengal
3.Kerala
4.Telangana
Answer: (d) Telangana
Explanation:
In NEWS:‘Cable Stayed Bridge’ constructed across Durgam Cheruvu Lake inaugurated
- Cable Stayed Bridge’ constructed across Durgam Cheruvu Lake along with four-lane elevated corridor connecting it with Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad last evening.
- The bridge is 426 metre long, including the approaches on both ends, and 25.8 metre wide, with a total of 52 stay cables. The bridge is one of longest in the country.
About DurgamCheruvu Lake
- It is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana. Hence option (d) is correct
- It is also known as RaidurgamCheruvu.
- It served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golkonda fort under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
- The lake is also known as the ‘secret lake’, as it was naturally hidden between rocks, with Jubilee Hills on one side and Madhapur on the other.
Source: http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=400770
Consider the following statements regarding Lion-tailed macaque
- It is a primate endemic to small and severely fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- It has been categorised as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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: Habitat loss puts lion-tailed macaque in IUCN endangered list for the sixth time
- As per the technical report, the total wild population of the lion-tailed macaque (LTM) could be about 4,000 individuals consisting of less than 2,500 mature individuals, made up of 47 isolated sub-populations in seven different locations in the three States.
- The population is expected to suffer an estimated decline of over 20% in the next 25 years due to varied reasons including hunting, roadkills and habitat loss, it said.
- Fragmentation of the habitat is one of the major threats to the species. Several habitats that remain disconnected from others can be linked.
- Capture and release of bonnet macaque from human habitations to the habitat of LTMs could also affect their health as the former primate can cause the spread of novel parasites
About Lion-tailed Macaque
- The scientific name of Lion-tailed Macaque is Macacasilenus.
- It is a primate endemic to small and severely fragmented rainforestsof the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is also known under its original name of Sahyadri or Benevolent Mountains.
- In Germany, lion-tailed macaques are referred to as bartaffe or “bearded monkeys”, but in India, they are called singalika or “lion-like”.
- Lion-tailed macaques play important role in the ecosystem they live, as they disperse seeds of fruits and plants they consume.
- Lion-tailed macaques are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Lion-tailed macaques are also protected by Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- IUCN Status: Endangered. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Lion-tailed Macaque is considered to be omnivorous, eating mainly fruit, insects, eggs as well as small animals on occasion.
Consider the following statements regarding JIMEX 20
1.It is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
2.It will be held in the North Japan Sea.
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: India, Japan navies match skills in northern Arabian Sea. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The 4th edition of the biennial India and Japan naval exercise is under way in the Arabian Sea . Hence statement 1 is correct
- The maritime cooperation has significantly increased between the two sides with
- focus on information sharing and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific.
- JIMEX20 will showcase high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the spectrum of maritime operations
- Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings cross deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.
- Indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak will represent the Indian Navy.
- JIMEX 20 will further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.
- The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.
Consider the following statements regarding SAATHI app
1.It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism with Quality Council of India.
2.It aims to assist the hospitality industry to continue to operate safely and thereby instil confidence among the Staff, employees and the guests about the safety of the hotel/unit.
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:Ministry of Tourism launches SAATHI app for hospitality industry on World Tourism Day
- The ministry of Tourism celebrated world tourism day on Sunday through a virtual event and launched the SAATHI application for the hospitality industry.
- United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated 2020 as the year of tourism and rural development. The tourism ministry said the year is an opportunity to promote the potential of tourism to create jobs and opportunities.
About System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for Hospitality Industry (SAATHI):
- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism with Quality Council of India.Hence statement 1 is correct
- It aims to assist the hospitality industry to continue to operate safely and thereby instill confidence among the Staff, employees and the guests about the safety of the hotel/unit.Hence statement 2 is correct
- SAATHI has been developed based on the Covid-19 guidelines, as issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays?
OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None of the above statements is correct
Answer: (c) 1,2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- All the three statements are correct with regard to OLED and they are the disadvantages of LCDs.
- Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes (FOLED) fabricated on flexible plastic substances can be bent or rolled while operating.
- The manufacturing process of OLEDs is different to those of LCD technology. OLEDs can be printed onto almost any substrate with inkjet printer technology.
- That is why new applications like displays embedded in clothes or roll-up displays are possible. LCD technology engages a backlight, whereas OLED has no backlighting function. Hence it can be used for making transparent displays.
