Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Daily Current Affairs Questions July 2022 Part 12

 

Daily Current Affairs

Questions

July 2022 Part 12

 

Index


1.    African Union

2.    Alluri Sitarama Raju

3.    Angel investment

4.    Artificial Intelligence in Defence’

5.    Chekurinji

6.    Competition Commission of India

7.    electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS)

8.    Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

9.    External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)

10. Global biodiversity conclave’

11. Global Findex database

12. Goods and Services Tax (GST).

13. G-sec

14. GST council

15. Ilaiyaraaja

16. Indian Naval Air Squadron 324

17. INS Tarkash

18. Kai Chutney’

19. Mekong River

20. Ministry of Culture

21. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

22. Mitochondrial DNA

23. Nairobi Flies

24. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)

25. Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS)

26. private sector banking

27. PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)

28. PSLV-C53’ mission

29. Public Distribution System (PDS).

30. Rare Earth Minerals

31. Rath Yatra

32. Resolution of the house

33. Seismology and helioseismology

34. Seventh Schedule

35. Shinzo Abe

36. Stand-Up India Scheme

37. Startup School India (SSI)’ initiative

38. Udyami Bharat Programme

39. Universal Service Obligation Fund

40. Varroa mite

41. Vice President of India

42. Western Ghats

43. World Summit of Information Society

44. World Urban Forum

45. world-class Shopping Festival

46. world's first multi-beam E-band Radio

47. YSR Yantra Seva Yojana

48. Yun Suk-ol

49. Yuri Averbakh

50. Zuljanah


 


1. Consider the following statements regarding the African Union (AU):

1.   In 2002, the Organisation of African Unity was succeeded by the African Union.

2.   All the countries of Africa are members of AU.

Which of the above statements is/are not correct?

A 1 only                       B 2 only

C Both 1 and 2              D Neither 1 nor 2

African Union

§  The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.

§  The African Union is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on 9th of July 2022.

§  In 1963, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was founded by the independent states of Africa. The organisation aimed to promote cooperation between African states.

§  The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action was adopted by the Organisation of African Unity. The plan suggested that Africa should minimise reliance upon the West by promoting intra-African trade.

§  In 2002, the Organisation of African Unity was succeeded by the African Union, which had as one of its goals to accelerate the "economic integration of the continent”. Hence statement 1 is correct.

§  The AU is made up of 55 Member States which represent all the countries on the African continent. AU Member States are divided into five geographic regions. which were defined by the OAU in 1976. Hence statement 2 is correct.

o   Central Africa

o   Eastern Africa

o   Northern Africa

o   Southern Africa

o   Western Africa

 

2. Consider the following statements about Alluri Sitarama Raju:

1.   He played a major part as a leader in the Rampa Rebellion/Manyam Rebellion of 1922.

2.   He asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of force, not non-violence.

3.   He was nicknamed Manyam Veerudu by local villagers for his heroic exploits.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only              B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 3 only              D 1, 2 and 3

§  Alluri Sitarama Raju was an Indian revolutionary involved in the Indian independence movement.

o   He was born in present-day Andhra Pradesh in 1897 or 1898.

o   He became a sanyasi at the age of 18 and gained a mystical aura among the hill and tribal peoples with his austerity, knowledge of astrology and medicine, and his ability to tame wild animals.

§  At a very young age, Raju channelled the discontent of the hill people in Ganjam, Visakhapatnam, and Godavari into a highly effective guerrilla resistance against the British.

§  He became involved in anti-British activities in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which effectively restricted the free movement of Adivasis (tribal communities) in their forest habitats and prevented them from practicing a traditional form of agriculture known as podu (shifting cultivation).

§  Rising discontent towards the British led to the Rampa Rebellion/Manyam Rebellion of 1922, in which he played a major part as a leader. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

o   The Rampa Rebellion coincided with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement. He persuaded people to wear khadi and give up drinking.

o   But at the same time, he asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of force, not non-violence. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

§  He was nicknamed "Manyam Veerudu" (Hero of the Jungle) by local villagers for his heroic exploits. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

§  In 1924, Raju was taken into police custody, tied to a tree, and shot by a public execution, effectively ending the armed rebellion.

 

3. Consider the following statements:

1. Angel investment is a form of equity financing where the investor supplies funding in exchange for taking an equity position in the company.

2. Angle investment is riskier because the invested capital does not have to be paid back in the event of the business failing.

3. Angel funds in India are regulated by RBI under the umbrella regulations for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

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

a.  1 and 2 only             b.  2 and 3 only

c.  1 and 3 only             d.  1, 2 and 3

Answer : a

Angel Investment

Angel investment is a form of equity financing where the investor supplies funding in exchange for taking an equity position in the company.

Angel funds invest in very early-stage businesses providing capital for start-ups or expansion.

Angle investment is much riskier than debt financing as unlike a loan, invested capital does not have to be paid back in the event of the business failing.

The angel fund will have a say in how the business is run and will also receive a portion of the profits when the business is sold.

Angel funds in India are regulated by SEBI under the umbrella regulations for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

 

4. Where is the ‘Artificial Intelligence in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition organised? New Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first ever ‘Artificial Intelligence in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition in New Delhi.
It was organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, to showcase the cutting edge AI-enabled solutions developed by the Services, research organisations, Industry and start-ups and launch of AI products for the market. A ‘GenNext AI’ Solutions Competition was also organised.

 

5. Which one of the following best describes ‘Chekurinji’?

A It's a fish species of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

B It's a plant species endemic to the Agastyamala Biosphere reserve.

C It's a recently discovered ancient Human Species.

D It's a species of insect native to East Africa.

§  Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica), is a plant species endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

o   This Anacardiaceae family tree was once abundant in the hills on the southern parts of Aryankavu Pass, but its presence has been rapidly declining over the years.

o   It's used to lower blood pressure and treat arthritis.

o   It’s a native species of South India.

§  Recently ‘Save Chenkurinji’, a campaign has been launched to protect it from climate change.

o   It aims to plant thousands of saplings as part of the campaign in the ghat sectors of the Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.

§  Hence, option B is correct.

 

6. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Competition Commission of India

1. It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002

2. The commission is also required to give an opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law

3. CCI also approves combination under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.

Choose the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1 and 2 only         b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only         d) All the above
Solution(c)

Statement Analysis:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India. It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002 in order to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India

The commission is also required to give an opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues.

CCI also approves combination under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.

Context – CCI approved proposed combination involving Google International LLC and Bharti Airtel Limited

 

7. Consider the following statements:

1. The electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) is used in launching an aircraft from the deck of naval aircraft carriers.

2. EMALS uses both steam power and linear induction force to catapult the aircraft and launch it.

3. The INS Vishal is the only aircraft carrier in India that consists of EMALS technology.

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

a) 1 only                       b) 2 and 3 only

c) 2 only                       d) 1 and 3 only

Answer : a

Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)

Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR)

An aircraft on board a carrier needs extra help to get airborne since the length of the runway on deck is insufficient to achieve the speed needed for take-off.

One of the ways to provide this extra push is by the use of catapults.

In this, an aircraft takes off from a completely flat deck with the help of catapults.

Once the catapult is released, the aircraft attached to the catapult moves forward with great speed in a short time, which helps it to gain the speed required to take off before it reaches the end of the runway.

There are two types of catapult systems — steam-powered, and electromagnetic ones called EMALS.

While the former uses steam pressure to fire catapults, EMALS uses linear induction motors.

The electromagnetic force generated is used to launch the aircraft.

Is India using EMALS?

In 2017, the U.S. provided India with its EMALS technology, developed by the U.S. defence company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

India explored the possibility of installing the system, but the Navy dropped the plan due to budget constraints, as per the Indian Defence Research Wing.

However, the state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited in Bengaluru is reportedly working on an EMALS model that could be tested for CATOBAR operations on Indian warships in the near future.

Presently, India’s sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya works on a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery, or STOBAR mechanism with an angular ski-jump.

India’s second aircraft carrier named INS Vikrant, set to be commissioned later this year, will use the CATOBAR system to launch aircraft.

 

8. With reference to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, consider the following statements:

1.   It was enacted under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution.

2.   Central government as per the Act has the power to direct the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process.

3.   Non-compliance or Contravention to any of the provisions of the Act is considered as an offence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only              B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 3 only              D 1, 2 and 3

§  The Environment (Protection) Act, (EPA) 1986, establishes the framework for studying, planning, and implementing long-term requirements of environmental safety and laying down a system of speedy and adequate response to situations threatening the environment.’

§  The EPA Act was enacted under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution which provides for the enactment of legislation for giving effect to international agreements. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

o   Article 48A of the Constitution specifies that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

o   Article 51A further provides that every citizen shall protect the environment.

§  The Central government as per the Act has the power to direct:

o   The closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

o   The stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.

§  Non-compliance or Contravention to any of the provisions of the Act is considered as an offence. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

 

9. As per the RBIs liberalised norms, what is the new limit of External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) under automatic route? USD 1.5 billion
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) liberalised norms to boost inflows of foreign exchange. The measures include easing norms for FPI investment in debt market, and increasing the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) limit under the automatic route from USD750 million or its equivalent per financial year to USD 1.5 billion.
Exemption from Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) on Incremental FCNR (B) and NRE Term Deposits was also announced.

 

10. Which city is the host of ‘2022 Global biodiversity conclave’? Bonn
The 2022 Global biodiversity conclave is organised in Bonn, Germany. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) announced that Assessment on the Sustainable Use of Wild Species will be released.
Sustainable use of wild species keeping in mind the well-being of communities that depend on them for livelihood will be the focus of the report to be released.

 

11. Which institution released the ‘Global Findex database 2021’? World Bank
The World Bank released the Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19
It surveyed how people in 123 economies use financial services throughout 2021. As per the report, large share of the global population without formal banking lives in India and China because of their size. The report also found that women are more likely to be unbanked than men.

 

12. As per the recent notification by the Finance Ministry, what is the GST applied for sale of the Indian national flag? 0 per cent
As per the recent notification by the Finance Ministry, sale of the Indian national flag is exempt from the
Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The Indian national flag, irrespective of whether machine made or of polyester, is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Hand-woven, hand-spun national flags made of cotton, silk, wool or Khadi are already exempt from GST.

 

13. Consider the following statements:

1. Every G-sec has a face value, coupon payment, and price, and is the safest investment in any economy.

2. The price of the bond may or may not be equal to the face value of the bond.

If G-sec yields are going up, it implies that lenders are demanding more from private sector firms or individuals.

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

a.  1 and 2 only             b.  1 and 3 only

c.  2 and 3 only             d.  1, 2 and 3

Answer : d

G-Sec

G-secs, or government securities or government bonds, are instruments that governments use to borrow money.

Governments routinely keep running into deficits — that is, they spend more than they earn via taxes.

That is why they need to borrow from the people.

G-sec yields change over time; often several times during a single day.

This happens because of the manner in which G-secs are structured.

Every G-sec has a face value, a coupon payment, and a price.

The price of the bond may or may not be equal to the face value of the bond.

G-secs are the safest investments in any economy, and the G-sec yield is the lowest risk-free interest rate in any economy.

If G-sec yields are going up, it would imply that lenders are demanding even more from private sector firms or individuals; that’s because anyone else is riskier when compared to the government.

If G-sec yields start going up, it means lending to the government is becoming riskier.

 

14. Consider the following statements on GST council

1. It is a constitutional body which was constituted by the 101st constitutional amendment act 2016.

2. The quorum of the council is 10 per cent of the total number of members present and voting

3. Center has one-third of the voting rights in the council.

Choose the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1 and 2 only         b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only         d) All the above
Solution(c)

Statement Analysis:

GST was constituted by 101st constitutional amendment act 2016 by adding Article 279A.

One-half of the total numbers of members of the Council is the quorum for conducting a meeting.

Every decision of the Council is to be taken by a majority of not less than three-fourths of the weighted votes of the members present and voting at the meeting. The vote of the central government shall have a weightage of one-third of the total votes cast in the meeting. (ii) The votes of all the state governments combined shall have a weightage of two-thirds of the total votes cast in that meeting.

Context- GST council held its 47th meet recently.

 

15. Ilaiyaraaja, who was recently nominated to Rajya Sabha, is an eminent personality in which field? Music
Legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja was recently nominated to Rajya Sabha, along with veteran athlete PT Usha, film screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad and spiritual leader Veerendra Heggade.
The nominations are done by the President on the advice of the Union Cabinet. While PT Usha is from Kerala, Ilaiyaraaja is from Tamil Nadu, Veerendra Heggade is from Karnataka and Vijayendra Prasad is from Andhra Pradesh.

 

16. Consider the following statements regarding “Indian Naval Air Squadron 324”:

1.   It has been named KESTRELS.

2.   It is the Western Seaboard's first Naval Squadron to use Imported Advanced Light Helicopters.

3.   It is equipped with ALH MK III helicopters which have state-of-the-art equipment.

Which of the above statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only              B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 3 only              D 1, 2 and 3

§  Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned a new Indian Naval Air Squadron 324 at eastern Naval Command.

§  It has been named "KESTRELS," which are birds of prey and have good sensory capabilities, symbolising the aircraft's and air squadron's intended role. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

§  The unit is the Eastern Seaboard's first Naval Squadron to use indigenously designed and built Advanced Light Helicopters. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

§  It's equipped with ALH MK III helicopters which have state-of-the-art equipment which includes modern surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

 

17. Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with which country’s navy? Sudan
Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash, visited Djibouti and conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Sudan Navy ships Almazz and Nimer in the Red Sea near the Sudan Naval Base.
This is a part of its long range overseas deployment. It is also on a deployment to Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

 

18. Scientists of which Indian state has recently sought a GI tag for its Red Ant chutney under the food category?
In the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, the red ants are consumed as Chutney or a watery semi-solid paste which is known as ‘Kai Chutney’, and now scientists have sought a Geographical Indications (GI) tag for the dish. 

 

19. Consider the following statements regarding the Mekong River:

1.   Its origin is in the Himalayan region.

2.   The river passes through all the mainland nations of south-east Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only                       B 2 only

C Both 1 and 2              D Neither 1 nor 2

Mekong River

§  The Mekong River is the longest river in Southeast Asia, the 7th longest in Asia, and the 12th longest in the world. It has a length of about 4,350 km.

§  Rising in southeastern Qinghai province, China (eastern part of Tibetan plateau), it flows through the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Hence statement 1 is not correct.

§  It forms part of the international border between Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, as well as between Laos and Thailand. The river then flows through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea south of Ho Chi Minh City.

o   Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, both stand on its banks.

o   About three-fourths of the drainage area of the Mekong lies within the four countries the river traverses on its lower course—Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Hence statement 2 is correct.

 

20. Which Union Ministry identified and published poems, writings and publications that were banned by the British Government? Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture is the nodal ministry for the 75-week-long Amrit Mahosav celebrations.
It has identified poems, writings and publications that the British government banned and put them as catalogue, which has been published on the website by the National Archives of India. These works are in nine regional languages Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Odiya, Punjabi, Sindhi, Telugu, Tamil and Urdu.

 

21. Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently launched the second phase of the ‘Going Oline as Leaders Programme (GOAL)’ programme. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched it in partnership with Facebook India.
2. It aims to digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal communities.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A  Only 1                      B  Only 2

C  Both 1 and 2             D  Neither 1 nor 2

Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with Facebook India, has launched the second phase of the Going Oline as Leaders Programme (GOAL) programme.  GOAL 2.0 aims to identify, mobilise, and connect 2,500 renowned leaders from the industry who can personally mentor 5,000 youth (women) from tribal communities across the country. It also aims to digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal communities. The partnership will create a platform for the Self-Help Group and those associated with the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED) to take their products global.

 

22. Consider the following statements:
1. Mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles.
2. While nuclear DNA is encoded for the genetic information of only the nucleus, mitochondrial DNA is encoded for the genetic information of the entire cell.
3. While mitochondrial DNA is polyploidy, nuclear DNA is monoploidy.
Which of the above statement(s)is/are correct?
a.  1 only                  b.  2 only
c.  3 only                  d.  1, 2 and 3
Answer : a
Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA
Mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles called mitochondria.
Located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria are the site of the cell's energy production and other metabolic functions.
Mitochondrial DNA is monoploidy while nuclear DNA is polyploidy.
The main difference between mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA is that mitochondrial DNA is encoded for the genetic information required by mitochondria whereas nuclear DNA is encoded for the genetic information required by the entire cell.

 

23. With reference to Nairobi Flies, consider the following statements:

1.   They are species of insect native to West Africa.

2.   These insects don’t bite and release a substance called Pederin when disturbed.

3.   They thrive in areas with high rainfall.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only              B 2 and 3 only

C 3 only                       D 1 and 3 only

Explanation

§  Nairobi Flies is a species of insect native to East Africa. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

§  Nairobi flies, also known as Kenyan flies or dragon bugs, are small, beetle-like insects of two species:

o   Paederus Eximius.

o   Paederus sabaeus.

§  They are orange and black in colour and thrive in areas with high rainfall, as has been seen in Sikkim in recent weeks. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

§  Like most insects, they are attracted to Bright lights.

§  These insects usually don't bite but if they are disturbed during their stay on human skin, they could release a potent acidic substance that can cause burns on human skin. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

o   The released substance is called Pederin and it can cause irritation on the skin, which leads to lesions or unusual marks or coloring of the skin.

 

24. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) was recently seen in the news. In this regard, consider the following statements about the ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India:

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.

2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.

3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, through an Amendment in 1966.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A  1 only                      B  2 and 3 only

C  1 and 3 only              D  1, 2 and 3

Cabinet has recently approved the digitisation of 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).  Urban Cooperative Banks are supervised and regulated by the Urban Banks Department of the Reserve Bank of India. Thus, the first statement is not correct.  Urban Cooperative Banks can issue equity shares and preference shares. Thus, the second statement is correct.  Urban Cooperative Banks were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, through an Amendment in 1966. Thus, the third statement is also correct.

 

25. The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS). Consider the following statements about it:

1. It aims to computerise all the PACS of North East India and bring them on a common platform at the National level.

2. This project proposes the computerisation of about 63,000 functional PACS in 5 years with a total budget outlay of Rs. 2516 crore.

3. For those states where computerisation of PACS has been completed, Rs. 50000 per PACS will be reimbursed provided they agree to integrate with the common software.

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A  1 and 2                     B  2 and 3

C  1 and 3                     D  1, 2 and 3

The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS). It aims to computerise all the PACS throughout the Country and bring them on a common platform at the National level, and has a Common Accounting System (CAS) for their day-to-day business. This project proposes the computerisation of about 63,000 functional PACS in 5 years with a total budget outlay of Rs. 2516 crore. The central government will provide 1528 crore for this purpose. For those states where computerisation of PACS has been completed, Rs. 50000 per PACS will be reimbursed provided they agree to integrate with the common software, and their hardware meets the required specifications. The software should have been commissioned after February 1, 2017..

 

26. Consider the following statements:
1. Total assets in the private sector banking is more than public sector banking.
2. The mergers of banks was proposed by P J Nayak committee in 2014.
Which of the above given statements is/ are correct?
a) 1only                   b) 2only
c) Both 1 and 2         d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B)
Total assets in the public and private banking sectors were US$ 1,602.65 billion and US$ 878.56 billion, respectively.
In 2014, P J Nayak committee suggested that the government should privatise or merge some PSBs.

 

27. Consider the following statements:

1. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) is a platform that will help perform in-orbit experiments using the third and fourth stages of the PSLV.

2. POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control System for attitude stabilization, which controls the aerospace vehicle within permitted limits.

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

a.  1 only                      b.  2 only

c.  Both 1 and 2             d.  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer : b

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)

The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a platform that will help perform in-orbit experiments using the final, and otherwise discarded, stage of ISRO’s workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

The PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — ends up as space junk.

POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilization, which stands for controlling the orientation of any aerospace vehicle within permitted limits.

The NGC will act as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.

 

28. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘PSLV-C53’ mission

1. It is the 53rd mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the first mission using PSLV-Core Alone variant.

2. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) onboard performs in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform

Select the correct statement(s)
a) 1 only                   b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2         d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution(b)

Statement Analysis:

The PSLV-C53 is the 55th mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and 15th mission using PSLV-Core Alone variant. PSLV-C53 is the second dedicated commercial mission of NSIL.

The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) activity is performs in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform. It is first time that PS4 stage would orbit the earth as a stabilized platform. Attitude stabilization is achieved using a dedicated NGC system. POEM derives the power from the solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a Li Ion battery.

Context- PSLV-C53 was successfully launched .

 

29. Consider the following statements regarding Public Distribution System (PDS).

1. The concept of a buffer stock was first introduced during the Second Five Year Plan.

2. The Central Government takes the responsibility for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of foodgrains, at subsidised prices.

3. The responsibility of distribution to consumers including target groups through a network of fair price shops (FPSs) rests with the State Governments.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1, 2                  b) 2, 3
c) 2 only              d) 1, 3
Solution: b)

PDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments. The Central Government takes the responsibility for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of foodgrains, at subsidised prices. The responsibility of distribution to consumers including target groups through a network of various fair price shops (FPSs) rests with the State Governments.

The buffer stock provides the basic and most flexible instrument for moderating short-term effects of supply or production shortfalls. The concept of a buffer stock was first introduced during the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) and a buffer stock of 5 million tonnes of foodgrains was envisaged. The buffer stock figures are normally reviewed after every 5 years.

 

30. Consider the following statements regarding Rare Earth Minerals.

1. The magnets made from rare earths are more powerful than conventional ones.

2. India holds 2nd largest reserves after China.

3. Theyare called’rare earth’ because earlier it was difficult to extract them from their oxides forms technologically.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1, 2                  b) 3 only
c) 2, 3                  d) 1, 3
Solution: d)
The rare earth minerals (REM) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table in addition to scandium and yttrium that show similar physical and chemical properties to the lanthanides.

They are called ‘rare earth‘ because earlier it was difficult to extract them from their oxides forms technologically.

 For instance, magnets made from rare earths are many times more powerful than conventional ones.

India has the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth elements, nearly twice as much as Australia, but it imports most of its rare earth needs in finished form from China.

 

31. The Vice President of India has recently greeted the nation on the eve of Rath Yatra. Consider the following statements in this regard:

1. The Rath Yatra of Odisha depicts the annual journey of Lord Jagannatha.

2. Lord Jagannatha is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A  Only 1                      B  Only 2

C  Both 1 and 2             D  Neither 1 nor 2

The Vice President of India has recently greeted the nation on the eve of Rath Yatra.  The Rath Yatra of Odisha depicts the annual journey of Lord Jagannatha. Lord Jagannatha is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  Devotees pull the chariot of the Lord Jagannatha during the Rath Yatra. The splendour and grandeur of the Rath Yatra are truly unparalleled.  .

 

32. Which can be removed from the office by a resolution of the house passed by a majority of “all the then members of the house”?
1. Speaker of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly.
2. Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly.
3. The Vice-president of India

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only                  b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only         d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

·     Effective Majority of the house means more than 50% of the effective strength of the house. This implies that out of the total strength, we deduct the vacant seats. When the Indian Constitution mentions “all the then members”, that refers to the effective majority.

·     The effective majority is used in the case of:

·     Removal of the Vice-president of India.

·     Removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly.

 

33. Consider the following Assertion and Reason:

Assertion (A): A major difference between geo-seismology and helioseismology is that while the Earth is solid, the layers in the Sun are fluid.

Reason (R): There are no shear waves in the Sun following the quakes.

a) Both A and R are true, R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, R is not the correct explanation of A.

c) A is true and R is false.

d) Both A and R are false.

Answer : a

Helioseismology

Seismology literally means the study of earthquakes.

There are, thus, different types of waves generated by natural quakes as well as explosions made by people.

Helioseismology is a technique used to study the Sun.

Derived from the words Helios (Sun), seismos (quake), and logos (study of), helioseismology is both similar and different from geo-seismology.

The study of the waves generated by quakes and explosions (seismic waves) and what they reveal about the interior of the Earth.

A major difference between geo-seismology and helioseismology is that while the Earth is solid, the layers in the Sun are fluid.

Hence, there are no shear waves in the Sun following the quakes.

 

34. Which of these are part of the State List under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

1. Agriculture
2. Health
3. Police

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 2 only              b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only         d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Agriculture, Health, and Police come under the state list of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

 

35. Shinzo Abe, who was recently assassinated, is the former Prime Minister of which country? Japan
Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed away he was shot at a political campaign event in the city of Nara.
Abe’s speech was part of a campaign for his former party, the Liberal Democratic Party, as upper house elections in Japan are due to take place in this week.

 

36. Which of the statements are correct regarding Stand-Up India Scheme?

1.   It is meant to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-root level focusing on economic empowerment and job creation.

2.   Women entrepreneurs above 18 years of age under this scheme are eligible for the credit facility.

3.   Loans under the scheme are available for both Greenfield and Brownfield projects.

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

A 1, 2 and 3                  B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 2 only              D 1 and 3 only

§  Stand Up India Scheme was launched in April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-root level focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

§  It aims to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs, and Women Entrepreneurs.

§  The SC/ST and/or women entrepreneurs; above 18 years of age are eligible under the scheme. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

§  Loans under the scheme are available for only Greenfield projects. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

 

37. Which company launched ‘Startup School India (SSI)’ initiative? Google
Tech Major Google announced the launch of Start-up School India (SSI) as part of the Google for Start-ups initiative.
This is a platform under which Google will bring together investors, entrepreneurs and programmers and provide opportunities to start-ups from small cities to interact and learn from them. Google aims to reach out to at least 10,000 start-ups with this programme.

 

38. Consider the following statements regarding the Udyami Bharat Programme:

1. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise.

2. Under the program, the MUDRA Yojana, SFURTI, and Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme were launched.

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

a) 1 only                       b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2             d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer : c

Udyami Bharat Programme

Udyami Bharat is reflective of the continuous commitment of the government, right from day one, to work towards the empowerment of MSMEs.

The program is carried out by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The government has launched several initiatives from time to time like MUDRA Yojana, Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), etc.

In order to provide necessary and timely support to the MSME sector, which has helped benefit crores of people across the country.

 

39. Consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Telegraph Act, 2003 gives statutory status to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

2. The objective of USOF is to provide widespread and non-discriminatory access to quality ICT services at affordable prices to people in rural and remote areas.

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

a.  1 only                      b.  2 only

c.  Both 1 and 2             d.  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer : d

Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)

The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003 giving statutory status to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was passed by both Houses of Parliament in December 2003.

The objectives of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) are:

Provide widespread and non-discriminatory access to quality ICT services at affordable prices to people in rural and remote areas.

Provide an effective and powerful linkage to the hinterland thereby mainstreaming the population of rural and remote parts of the country.

Ensure that universal services are provided in an economically efficient manner.

Ensure that by developing hitherto unconnected areas, the benefits of inclusive growth are reaped by our nation, bringing in its wake rapid socio-economic development and improved standards of living.

 

40. Consider the following statements regarding “Varroa mite”:

1.   It's a parasitic insect that infects and feeds on honeybees.

2.   Varroa mites can feed and live on adult honeybees only.

3.   It is also known as Varroa Destructor.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only              B 2 and 3 only

C 1 and 3 only              D 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

§  Australian authorities have killed millions of honeybees over the past two weeks in an effort to stop a potentially catastrophic parasite plague named Varroa mite.

§  Its parasitic insect infects and feeds on honeybees. The small pests, which are reddish-brown in colour, have been capable of eradicating entire colonies of honeybees. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

§  Although Varroa mites can feed and live on adult honey bees, they primarily feed and reproduce on larvae and pupae in developing brood, causing malformation and weakening as well as virus transmission. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

§  It is often known as the varroa destructor. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

 

41. Which of the following are the members of the electoral college for the purpose of election of the Vice President of India?

1. Elected and nominated members of both the houses of the Parliament.

2. Elected members of legislative assemblies of states and Union Territories (UTs).

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A Only 1                      B Only 2

C Both 1 and 2              D  Neither 1 nor 2

Electoral college for the purpose of election of the Vice President of India consisting of members (elected as well as nominated) of both Houses of Parliament, by the system of proportional representation using single transferable votes and the voting is by secret ballot. 

 

42. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Western Ghats?

1.   Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak of the Western Ghats.

2.   The mountains of the Western Ghats are Block Mountains.

3.   It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Choose the correct statement using the codes given below:

A 1, 2 and 3      B 1 and 2 only

C 2 and 3 only  D 1 and 3 only

§  The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are well known for their rich and unique assemblage of flora and fauna.

§  It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

§  The mountains of the Western Ghats are Block Mountains formed due to the down warping of a part of land into the Arabian Sea. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

§  The peak of Anamudi in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, as well as the highest peak in India outside the Himalayas. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

 

43. In which country the World Summit of Information Society 2022 has been organized? – Switzerland

 

44. India Forum for Nature-Based Solutions was launched at the 11th World Urban Forum. It was held in which country? Poland

 

45. Which city will host a world-class Shopping Festival in 2023? Delhi
Delhi will host a world-class 'Delhi Shopping Festival' from January 28 to February 26, 2023. This announcement was made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a live address on July 6, 2022. The Delhi CM said that the 30-day Delhi shopping festival will be the biggest shopping festival in India. It will offer people an unparalleled shopping experience with heavy discounts. 

 

46. Which company has recently developed the world's first multi-beam E-band Radio that communicates from one tower to multiple towers simultaneously while delivering multi GBPS throughput to each of these towers?
GigaMesh is a network solution that wirelessly provides fibre-like backhaul capacity and paves the road for 5G. The technology is developed by Astrome and supported by AI & Robotics Technology Park, the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)ARTPARK. It is the world's first multi-beam E-band Radio that communicates from one tower to multiple towers simultaneously while delivering multi GBPS throughput to each of these towers.  A single GigaMesh device can provide up to 40 links with 2+ Gbps capacity, communicating up to a range of ten kilometres. The flexibility in range makes it suitable for both extending rural coverage and decongesting the dense urban networks.  With India's majority population living in rural areas, Astrome can help improve domestic internet connectivity. 

 

47. Which state government has recently launched YSR Yantra Seva Yojana? – Andhra Pradesh

 

48. Yun Suk-ol has become the President of which country- South Korea

 

49. Which oldest chess grandmaster in the world has passed away – Yuri Averbakh

 

50. Name the country that recently (in July ’22) launched a solid-fueled rocket named “Zuljanah” into space. Iran
Iran launched its second solid-fuelled rocket named “Zuljanah” with a satellite carrier into space by the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
The Zuljanah is a three-stage satellite launcher using a combination of solid and liquid fuels.
About Zuljanah:
i. It’s a solid-fueled 25.5-meter-long rocket which can carry a satellite of 220 kilograms into space. The rocket weighs 52 tons and can reach an orbit of 500 kilometers above the surface.
ii. It will gather data in low-earth orbit as well as promote Iran’s space industry.
iii. The rocket’s name, Zuljanah, comes from the name of the horse of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.


 

 

 

 

 

 

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