Consider the following statements regarding Mid-day meal Scheme
- It is a wholesome freshly-cooked lunch served to children in government and government-aided schools in India
- It was launched as a National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education
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: School students to get ration for six months under mid-day meal scheme
- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal distributed dry ration kits to Delhi government school students. Consisting of wheat, rice, pulses and oil, the kits were provided to all eligible students from Classes 1 to 8 in government schools under the mid-day meal scheme.
About Mid-day meal scheme (MDM Scheme):
- Mid-day meal (MDM) is a wholesome freshly-cooked lunch served to children in government and government-aided schools in India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It was launched as a ‘National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE)’ on 15th August, 1995. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- In 2008-09, the scheme was extended to cover children of upper primary classes and the Scheme was renamed as ‘National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools’, popularly known as Mid-Day Meal Scheme. It’s the world’s largest school feeding programme.
- As per Supreme Court, the State Governments/Union Territories are mandated to implement the Mid-Day Meal Scheme by providing every child in every Government and Government assisted Primary School with a prepared midday meal.
- It is channelized through state governments.
- The scheme guarantees one meal to all children in government and aided schools and madarsas supported under Samagra Shiksha (an overarching programme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development).
- Students up to Class VIII are guaranteed one nutritional meal at least 200 days in a year.
- MDM guidelines stipulate the meals should meet certain dietary stipulations.
Consider the following statements
- The Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bats endemic to the caves of Hanumanahalli in Karnataka
- Only two species – Salim Ali’s fruit bat and Wroughton’s free-tailed bat are protected by law in India.
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: Conservation plan on table to save bat species in Kolar caves
- The Bat Conservation India Trust, which has been entrusted with drawing up a conservation plan, has also been awarded a grant to conduct further research on this species of bats.
- Till several years ago, the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat was found in only two caves in the village of Hanumanahalli in Kolar district of Karnataka. For reasons that are still unknown, the bat became locally extinct in one of the two caves. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Bats are one of the least studied mammals in the country, though there are 130 species in India.
- They are very adaptable creatures and therefore can often be found near human habitation or even in urban settlements, which makes them vulnerable. They also have a bad image in the public eye, as carriers of diseases.
- There are five species of bats that live in the caves of Hanumanahalli, of which the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat is just one. According to recent estimates, there are just 150 Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bats left in these caves.
- However, only 2 species – Salim Ali’s fruit bat and Wroughton’s free-tailed bat are protected by law in India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- India has an incredible diversity of bats including- One of the largest in the world- the Indian flying fox, One of the most colorful- the Orange and black painted bat and One of the rarest- Salim Ali’s fruit bat.
- Meghalaya is home to about half of the recorded bat species in India.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian National Centre for Oceanic Information Services
- It is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System.
- It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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: INCOIS launches ‘Digital Ocean’
- Union Minister for Science and Technology Harshvardhan launched the ‘Digital Ocean’ platform of Indian National Centre for Oceanic Information Services (INCOIS) here as a one stop-solution for all data related needs of a wide range of users, including research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry, and the public.
About Indian National Centre for Oceanic Information Services (INCOIS):
- It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is a unit of the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO).
- Objective: To provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focused research.
- Headquarters: Hyderabad
- It is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) and the Partnership for Observing the Oceans (POGO). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- It is also a member of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) OceanView Science Team (GOVST) and Patrons Group.
- It has established a national network (Indian Seismic and GNSS Network (ISGN)) that integrates Seismic and GNSS stations and provides data for research use.
Functions
- Provides monitoring and warning services for the coastal population on tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc. through the in-house Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC).
- Provides ocean information and forecasts to member countries Through the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES).
- Provides daily advisories to fisher folk to help them easily locate areas of abundant fish in the ocean
- Generates Global Ocean Analysis data using mathematical models and observations on a daily basis
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/incois-launches-digital-ocean/article33446201.ece
The Levant is a geographic term that refers to the eastern shore of the:
- Mediterranean Sea
- Sea of Japan
- Arabian Sea
- Caspian Sea
Answer: (a) Mediterranean Sea
Explanation:
In NEWS: Sesame, bananas, turmeric: Study finds link between Mediterranean diet and South Asia
- Bananas are among the most consumed fruits around the globe, but there is now archaeological evidence to suggest they became part of the wider global diet much earlier than once believed.
- Researchers studying the eating habits of people in the southern Levant region during the Bronze and Early Iron Age said they found evidence of foods from South Asia, including bananas, sesame and turmeric, going back to at least the second millennium BCE.
- This new finding shows the Levant — the eastern Mediterranean region which includes present-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Turkey — had been trading with South Asia, where bananas, sesame and turmeric were widely cultivated, as early as 3,500-4000 years ago. Hence option (a) is correct
- The evidence on which the study is based comes from the dental calculus — tooth tartar or calcified dental plaque — drawn from the teeth of 14 skulls.
- Dental calculus is considered an invaluable source of insight into the way ancient peoples lived.
- Dental calculus has been found to trap a lot of evidence, from DNA to food molecules to bacteria.
Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition to promote
- Baagh Paintings
- Zari- Zardozi crafts
- Chanderi fabric
- None of the above
Answer: b) Zari- Zardozi crafts
Explanation
In News:
- Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing ‘Raag-Bhopali’ exhibition to promote Zari-Zardozi crafts of Bhopal.Hence option (b) is the correct answer
- Embroidery done with metallic threads is called kalabattu and forms the zari. The main zari production centres are Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
- Zardozi: This is a heavy and more elaborate embroidery work which uses varieties of gold threads, spangles, beads and gota. It is used to embellish wedding outfits, heavy coats, cushions, curtains etc.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in which of the following state?
- Telangana
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Answer: b) Gujarat
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why there are protests over an eco-sensitive zone in Narmada district
- Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Gujarat state, located in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- It shares a common boundary with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Firstly, as per the provisions of the notification, land falling in the eco-sensitive zone cannot be transferred for non-agricultural use for commercial, industrial or residential purposes. Any land that needs to be transferred can be done so only after approval from the state government.
- Second, a process has been initiated to include the state government as the co-owner of the land in the 121 villages.
- Third, they feel that it could dilute the “power” vested with villagers under the Panchayat (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, implemented in areas notified under Schedule V of the Constitution.
Consider the following Statements
- Anemia is the condition of having a higher-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin.
- It can make feel tired, cold, dizzy, irritable and short of breath, among other symptoms.
- The conditions that may lead to anemia include pregnancy, heavy periods, blood disorders , cancer, inherited disorders and infectious diseases.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why more than half of India’s kids, women are anaemic
- Anaemia is the condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- It can make one feel tired, cold, dizzy, irritable and short of breath, among other symptoms. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- A diet which does not contain enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 is a common cause of anaemia.
- Some other conditions that may lead to anaemia include pregnancy, heavy periods, blood disorders or cancer, inherited disorders and infectious diseases. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- In 15 of these 22 states and UTs, more than half the children are anaemic. Similarly, more than 50 per cent women are anaemic in 14 of these states and UTs.
- The proportion of anaemic children and women is comparatively lower in Lakshadweep, Kerala, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, and higher in Ladakh, Gujarat, J&K, and West Bengal, among others.
Consider the following statements
- Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators – India (ASHA-India) aims to promote domestic research and entrepreneurship by providing incubation and acceleration support to potential future technologies.
- Under ASHA-India initiative, all ASHA-India Centers have been set up for providing incubation and acceleration support.
- The technologies, processes and materials identified through this initiative will provide a major fillip to young creative minds, start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: PM to also distribute PMAY (Urban) and ASHA-India awards
- Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators – India (ASHA-India) aims to promote domestic research and entrepreneurship by providing incubation and acceleration support to potential future technologies. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Under ASHA-India initiative, five ASHA-India Centers have been set up for providing incubation and acceleration support. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The technologies, processes and materials identified through this initiative will provide a major fillip to young creative minds, start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1684801
Consider the following statements
- Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Km
- The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.
- Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenization.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In News: Union Cabinet gives approval for Akash missile export
- Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenization. Hence statement 1, 2 and statement 3 is correct.
- After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries.
- The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries.
- So far, Indian defense exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-nod-for-akash-missile-export/article33453024.ece
Consider the following liquid assets:
- Demand deposits with the banks
- Time deposits with the banks
- Savings deposits with the banks
- Currency
The correct sequence of these assets in the decreasing order of liquidity is
- 1–4–3–2
- 4–3–2–1
- 2–3–1–4
- 4–1–3–2
Answer: (d) 4-1-3-2
Explanation:
- Liquidity of currency is highest. Next will come demand liabilities, as they have to be cleared when demanded. Next savings and least liquidity will be of time deposits
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