1.Consider the following statements regarding El Nino

It is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns.

During El Nino year, the waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean are colder than normal.

El Nino brings heavy rains to India and Australia regions.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 2 and 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 only

Explanation:

In NEWS:When the Indian Ocean’s ancient climate patterns return

Research methodology:

About El Nino:

Normal Conditions

Picture1-Jul-07-2020-07-17-29-49-AM

El Nino Condition

Picture2-Jul-07-2020-07-17-28-18-AM

Effects of El Nino

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/when-the-indian-oceans-ancient-climate-patterns-return/article31934556.ece

2.Consider the following statements regarding Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 1 only

Explanation:

In NEWS:In border claims, reimagining South Asia’s boundaries

About Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation:

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/in-border-claims-reimagining-south-asias-boundaries/article31940545.ece

3.Consider the following statements regarding Kole wetlands

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d) 1,2 and 3

Explanation:

In NEWS:Rare biological phenomenon in dragonflies sighted at Kole wetlands

A very rare biological phenomenon has been observed in the Scarlet Skimmer in the Puzhakkal area of the Kole wetlands in Thrissur, Kerala.

About Kole wetlands

Picture3-Jul-07-2020-07-17-34-63-AM
Picture4-Jul-07-2020-07-17-34-51-AM

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rare-biological-phenomenon-in-dragonflies-sighted-at-kole-wetlands/article31939658.ece

4.Consider the following statements regardingReducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+)

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Uganda becomes first African country to submit REDD+ results, paves way for payments

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/uganda-becomes-first-african-country-to-submit-redd-results-paves-way-for-payments-72015

5.Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises

1.It will be implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

2.It will adopt the One District One Product approach to reap benefits of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

In NEWS:Food Processing Ministry launches PM FME scheme to help micro-food processing enterprises

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/food-processing-ministry-launches-pm-fme-scheme-to-help-micro-food-processing-enterprises/article31945140.ece

6.With respect to Operation Green, consider the following statements

It seeks to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.

It was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

In NEWS: Operation Greens scheme expanded

About Operation Greens scheme

Objectives

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/food-processing-ministry-launches-pm-fme-scheme-to-help-micro-food-processing-enterprises/article31945140.ece

7.Kholongchhu hydropower project sometimes seen in news, is associated with which of the following?

Nepal

Myanmar

Bangladesh

Bhutan

Answer: (d) Bhutan

Explanation:

In NEWS:India, Bhutan sign pact for first joint venture hydropower project

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-bhutan-sign-pact-for-first-joint-venture-hydropower-project/article31945878.ece

8.Consider the following statements regarding Covaxin 

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: DCGI nod for India-made COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covaxin’ human trials

What is an inactivated vaccine?

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/bharat-biotech-vaccine-gains-edge-on-dcgi-nod/article31948151.ece

9.With respect to Gaganyaan Mission of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), consider the following statements:

It aims to send three astronauts to space for a minimum of seven days by 2022.

India will be fourth nation in the world after USA, Russia and China to launch human spaceflight mission.

GSLV Mk III will be used to launch Gaganyaan.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d) 1,2 and 3

Explanation:

In NEWS:India’s first manned space mission “Gaganyaan” in 2022 will not be affected by COVID: Dr. Jitendra Singh

About Gaganyaan Mission

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1635154

10.Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

  1. Measuring oxygen levels in blood
  2. Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
  3. Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
  4. Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

Answer: (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems

Explanation:

Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed (i. e., demanded) by aerobic micro organisms to break down organic material present in a given water sample. A highly polluted water will have a high levels of biological oxygen demand (BOD). Hence option (c) is correct