UPSC WEEKLY CURRENT AFF. TEST 06 OCT. TO 12 OCT. 2019

UPSC WEEKLY CURRENT AFF. TEST

06 TO 12 OCT. 2019

With Answer key

1.     Consider the following statements regarding Brucellosis.

1.      Brucellosis is primarily a disease of animals caused by a group of bacteria from the genus Brucella.

2.      Infection in people is acquired by direct contact with infected animals.

3.      The bacteria will spread to humans if the milk is consumed even after boiling.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 3

b)     2, 3

c)      1, 2

d)     1, 2, 3

2.     Consider the following statements regarding ‘San-Sadhan’ Hackathon.

1.      It is an initiative to ease lives of Persons with Disabilities by making toilets smarter, more accessible, and easier to use.

2.      NITI Aayog is part of this initiative.

3.      In this hackathon, the government is looking for innovative solutions for economical toilets for individual and community use in rural and urban contexts.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

3.     Consider the following statements regarding Rice Fortification.

1.      Rice fortification is the practice of increasing the content of essential micronutrients in rice and to improve the nutritional quality, the look and taste of the rice.

2.      Consuming fortified food can also increase the content of vitamins in breast milk.

3.      In India, ‘Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations’ set the standards for food fortification, distribution, sale and consumption of fortified foods.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      3 only

d)     2, 3

4.     Consider the following statements about United Nations Environment Assembly.

1.      The United Nations Environment Assembly was created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

2.      The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.

3.      The Assembly meets annually to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      1, 3

d)     2, 3

5.     Consider the following statements regarding African Swine Fever (ASF).

1.      African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs.

2.      The disease is endemic to African Continent.

3.      ASF is not a threat to human beings since it only spreads from animals to other animals.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     1, 2

c)      1, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

6.     Consider the following statements regarding Project Bal Basera.

1.      It is a Crèche facility for the welfare of Children of Construction Workers.

2.      The project is supported by Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both

d)     None

7.     Consider the following statements regarding Oxytocin.

1.      Oxytocin is a hormone that is made in the brain, in the hypothalamus.

2.      It acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter.

3.      The Government promotes the wide use of Oxytocin in agriculture and dairy industry.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 3

b)     2, 3

c)      1, 2

d)     1, 2, 3

8. Consider the following statements about Polar vortex.

1.      The polar vortex is a large area of high pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s North and South poles.

2.      The polar vortex spins in the stratosphere.

3.      During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will become less stable, sending cold Arctic air southward over the United States.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     2, 3

c)      1, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

9.  Consider the following statements about Real Estate investment Trusts (REITs).

1.      REITs are mutual fund like institutions that enable investments mainly in completed and revenue generating real estate assets.

2.      REITS are regulated by the securities market regulator in India.

3.      A REIT can be launched as an initial public offer (IPO).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

10. Consider the following statements regarding Drought Toolbox.

1.      Drought Toolbox was launched by World Meteorological Organization in India.

2.      It is a web page that provides the stakeholders easy access to case studies and other resources to support action on drought preparedness with the aim of boosting the resilience of people and ecosystems to drought.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both

d)     None

11. Consider the following statements regarding Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

1.      Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) works under the Ministryof Culture with a mandate to protect and conserve India’s vast natural, built and cultural heritage.

2.      INTACH has pioneered the conservation and preservation of intangible heritage as well.

3.      The United Nations has awarded INTACH a special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

12. Consider the following statements regarding Slave trade.

1.      Slave trade was officially banned in India in 1917 by British India’s Imperial Legislative Councilafter pressure from freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi.

2.      The Slave Route Project by UNESCO enhances the understanding of slave trade and slavery that has affected all continents and caused great upheavals that have shaped our modern societies.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a)  1 only

(b)  2 only

(c)   Both 1 and 2

(d)  Neither 1 nor 2

13. Consider the following statements regarding Gravitational lensing.

1.      Gravitational lensing describes the fact that light is deflected by large masses in the universe.

2.      The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays.

3.      Lensing has also been used to help verify the existence of dark matter.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     2, 3

c)      1, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

14. Consider the following statements regarding Malcha Mahal.

1.      Malcha Mahal was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in Agra.

2.      At present it lies in ruin due to decades of neglect.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both

d)     None

15. Basel Ban Amendment recently seen in news is related to

a)     Banning fire crackers that release dangerous toxins

b)     Global ban on single use plastic

c)      Regulation of banks

d)     Global waste dumping prohibition

16.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently honoured with prestigious ‘Order of Zayed’ by which country

a)     Saudi Arabia

b)     Bahrain

c)      Afghanistan

d)     United Arab Emirates (UAE)

17. Project SURE of the Union Government is related to

a)     Providing timely information related to disaster warning

b)     Innovative Learning Program

c)      Sensitize the importance of maintaining oral health

d)     None of the above

18. India is a member country of which of the following organizations?

1.      East Asia Summit

2.      ASEAN + 3

3.      Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Select the correct answer codes:

a)     1 only

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2

19. Consider the following statements regarding Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub.

1.      Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub is aimed at helping countries decide the allocation of resources for research and development (R&D) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

2.      Recently India joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub as a new member.

3.      India is among countries with the highest bacterial disease burden in the world.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) 1, 2

 b) 1, 3

 c) 2, 3

 d) 1, 2, 3

20. Consider the following statements regarding Planet K2-18b.

1.      K2-18b is an exoplanet and is classified as a super Earth.

2.      Recently it was discovered that K2-18b has significant amounts of water vapor in its atmosphere, a first for an exoplanet in the habitable zone.

3.      A “super-Earth” is a planet which has surface conditions like Earth.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) 1, 2

 b) 1, 3

 c) 2, 3

 d) 1, 2, 3

21. Consider the following statements regarding Group of Seven (G7) countries.

1.      The Group of Seven (G7) is an international intergovernmental economic organization consisting of the seven largest IMF-described advanced economies in the world.

2.      India was invited as a non-member country for the 2019 G7 summit.

3.      Canada, France, Japan and China are the members of G7 countries.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

22. Consider the following statements about Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF).

1.      It is an attached office of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC).

2.      It aims to set standards for certifying India’s forests, their products and their sustainable management.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both 1 and 2

d)     Neither 1 nor 2

23. Consider the following statements regarding Bioterrorism.

1.      Bioterrorism, is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can kill people, livestock, and crops.

2.      Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, can be used in a biological attack.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both

d)     None

24. Which of the following is correct regarding Jaldoot, recently seen in news.

a)     Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released by NITI Aayog.

b)     State Water Policy of Meghalaya.

c)      A travelling exhibition to spread the message of water conservation.

d)     Save Water Day observed across the country.

25. Consider the following statements regarding Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).

1.      Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) provides uniform licences for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbons.

2.      Fields are offered under production-sharing modeland throw up marketing and pricing freedom for crude oil and natural gas produced.

3.      National Data Repository (NDR) has been created to provide explorers’ data on the country’s repositories, allowing them to choose fields according to their capabilities.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)     1, 2

b)     1, 3

c)      2, 3

d)     1, 2, 3

26. Consider the following statements regarding Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).

1.      Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is a NASA robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon.

2.      Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been described as essential for planning NASA’s future human and robotic missions to the Moon and locating potential resources on the Moon.

3.      Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft has snapped images of Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram’s attempted landing site near the moon’s south pole.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) 1, 2

 b) 1, 3

 c) 2, 3

 d) 1, 2, 3

27. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Pattinappaalai’

1.      It was written by the poet Uruttiragannanar in praise of the Chola king Karikala.

2.      It was written in the Sangam Period.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

28. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’

1.      All United Nations members are members of the FATF.

2.      It is a policy-making body which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in areas of money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

29. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘P-Notes’

1.      They are offshore derivative instruments with Indian shares as underlying assets.

2.      Only Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) located in FATF countries or managed by an enterprise based under FATF jurisdiction can deal in Participatory Notes.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

30. ‘HR Khan Committee’ is concerned with

a)     Foreign Portfolio Investors

b)     Real Estate Regulation

c)      PrimaryHealth Care

d)     Sagarmala Project

31. Global Competitive Index is compiled by

a)     World Economic Forum (WEF)

b)     World Bank (WB)

c)      World Trade Organisation (WTO)

d)     United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

32. ‘2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry’ was awarded

a)     for mechanistic studies of DNA repair

b)     for the development of lithium-ion batteries

c)      for the phage display of peptides and antibodies

d)     for developing cryo-electron microscopy for the high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution

33. Which of the following countries is referred to as ‘Vanilla Islands’

1.      Seychelles

2.      Madagascar

3.      Mauritius

4.      Comoros

Select the correct code:

a)     1, 2 and 3

b)     2, 3 and 4

c)      1, 3 and 4

d)     All of the above

34. Consider the following statements 

1.      ‘Geotail’ provides information about the way the magnetic envelope surrounding Earth.

2.      The geotail region exists as a result of the interactions between the Sun and Earth.

Select the correct statement

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

35. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Public Financial Management System (PFMS)’

1.      It is being implemented by Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance.

2.      It is also used for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments under MGNREGA.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

36. Governor cannot promulgate an ordinance

1.      If the ordinance has the provisions which of embodied in a bill would require president’s sanction.

2.      If the ordinance has the provisions which the governor would reserve as a bill containing them for the president’s sanction.

Select the appropriate code:

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

37. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Batten disease’

1.      It is a fatal disease of the nervous system.

2.      It usually starts in childhood, between the ages of 5 and 10.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

38. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)’

1.      It is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

2.      It is designed and implemented by IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs).

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

39. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Satnami Rebellion’

1.      It occurred in the reign of the Mughul Emperor Aurangzeb.

2.      The rebellion took form and shape under the leadership of Baxi Jagandhu Bidyadhara.

Select the correct statements

a)     1 Only

b)     2 Only

c)      Both

d)     None

40. ‘Bathukamma Festival’ is a floral festival celebrated for nine days during ‘Durga Navratri’. It is predominantly celebrated in which of the following states?

a)     Gujarat

b)     Telangana

c)      West Bengal

d)     Madhya Pradesh

41. Consider the following statements:

1.      The President, under Article 72 and the Governor under Article 161 has the power to grant pardon to a person awarded death sentence.

2.      While the President’s power to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial, the Governor does not enjoy such power.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both 1 and 2

d)     Neither 1 nor 2

42. Which of the following state/s DO NOT come under the purview of Indian Forests Act of 1927?

1.      Mizoram

2.      Orissa

3.      Uttar Pradesh

Choose the correct option:

a)     1 only

b)     1 and 2 only

c)      2 and 3 only

d)     2 only

43. Consider the following statements with respect to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian  Constitution:

1.      The schedule lists the official languages of India.

2.      The schedule recognises 22 languages as official languages of the Republic of India.

3.      Gondi, Bodo, Dogri and Santhali were added to the list of official languages by 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     1 and 3 only

c)      1 and 2 only

d)     2 and 3 only

44. Consider the following statements:

Output gap is expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).

1.      A negative output gap occurs when actual output is less than what an economy could produce at full capacity.

2.      A negative gap means that there is spare capacity in the economy due to weak demand.

Which of the given 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

45. Consider the following statements with respect to MOSAiC expedition:

1.      MOSAiC is the largest ever Arctic expedition.

2.      The mission is aimed at studying the impact of climate change on the Arctic.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.       Both 1 and 2

d.      Neither 1 nor 2

46. Consider the following statements:

1.      Ramlila is inscribed in the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

2.      It is a folk enactment that involves song, narration, recital and dialogue.

3.      It is based on Hindu epic Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas by Surdas.

Which of the given 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

47. Consider the following statements with respect to Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC):

1.      DICGC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI.

2.      Deposit insurance by DICGC does not cover foreign banks operating in India.

3.      DICGC does not deal directly with depositors.

Which of the given statement/s is/are INCORRECT?

a. 1 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 2 only

d. 3 only

48. Consider the following statements with respect to Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS):

1.      CNNS has been conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

2.      It includes children, adults and senior citizens in both urban and rural areas across India.

Which of the given statement/s is/are INCORRECT?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

49. Consider the following statements:

1.      Rising carbon dioxide levels can accelerate zinc deficiency in crops.

2.      Zinc deficiency causes diarrhoea, growth retardation, loss of appetite and impaired immune function.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     2 only

c)      Both 1 and 2

d)     Neither 1 nor 2

50. Consider the following statements with respect to Hypoxia – Inducible Factors (HIF)

1.      Hypoxia inducible factor, regulates production of red blood cells.

2.      When the level of oxygen in the cells increases, HIF in the cells increases.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

51. Consider the following pairs:

1. Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana – Uttar Pradesh
2. Rythu Bandhu Scheme – Karnataka
3. Kalia Scheme – Odisha

Which of the given pair/s is/are NOT correctly matched?

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

52. Consider the following statements:

1.      GAGAN satellite was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

2.      GAGAN Payload is operational through geosynchronous satellites.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.        Both 1 and 2

d.      Neither 1 nor 2

53. Consider the following statements with respect to Lunar Crater Observation and

Sensing Satellite (LCROSS):

1. It is a robotic spacecraft operated by the European Space Agency.
2. It was successful in confirming water in the southern lunar crater Cabeus.

Which of the given statement/s is/are INCORRECT?

a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

54. Consider the following statements with respect to PM KISAN Scheme:

1.      Under the programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support of a lump sum amount of Rs. 6,000 per year.

2.      It is a Central Sector scheme.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.        Both 1 and 2

d.       Neither 1 nor 2

55. Consider the following statements with respect to Gangetic Dolphins:

1. It is the National Aquatic Animal of India.
2. It is classified as Critically Endangered as per the IUCN Red List
3. It is the only surviving freshwater dolphin in India.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a.       1 only

b.      1 and 2 only

c.       2 only

d.      1 and 3 only

56. Consider the following statements:

1.      “Operation Peace Spring” is a military operation against Kurdish-led forces in north-eastern Syria.

2.      The military operation is led by Turkey together with the Syrian National Army.

Which of the given statement/s is/are INCORRECT?

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.       Both 1 and 2

d.      Neither 1 nor 2

57. Consider the following statements with respect to Invasive alien species:

1. They may lead to changes in the structure and composition of ecosystems.
2. They are a threat to amphibians, reptiles as well as mammals.
3. Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 touches upon the issue of Invasive alien species.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a.       1, 2 and 3 only

b.      1 and 2 only

c.       1 and 3 only

d.      2 and 3 only

58. Consider the following statements with respect to Swacch Survekshan:

1. It is a ranking exercisetaken up by the Government of India to assess rural and urban areasfor their levels of cleanliness and active implementation of Swachhata mission.
2. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation takes up the Swachh Survekshan in urban and rural areas.
3. Quality Council of India (QCI) has been commissioned the responsibility of carrying out the assessment.

Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?

a)     1 only

b)     1 and 3 only

c)      2 only

d)     1 and 2 only

59. Consider the following statements:

1.      Syria is a land-locked country.

2.      Operation Peace Spring was launched by Turkey to eliminate Syrian Kurdish militants.

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

60. Consider the following pairs:

Convention               Purpose

1. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

           

- To prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.

2. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)        

- To protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by Living Modified Organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.

3. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

           

-  To conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species.

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

a)     1 and 2 only

b)     1 and 3 only

c)      3 only

d)     1, 2 and 3

61. Consider the following statements:

1.      Central Council of Health and Family Welfare is an advisory body that is set up under Article 263 of the Constitution.

2.      The council is headed by the Prime Minister of India.

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

62. ‘Swas, Star and Safal’ launched by CSIR are a type of:

a)     Electronic equipment

b)     Electric vehicles

c)      Respiratory machine

d)     Fire-crackers

63. With reference to ‘National Human Rights Commission’, consider the following statements:

1.      It has the power of a civil court and can take suo moto cognizance of a case.

2.      The Commission submits its annual report to the President and/or to the Governor of the concerned state.

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

64. Hajong, Koch, and Rabha tribes are predominantly found in which region of India?

a)     Southern Region

b)     Central Region

c)      Western Region

d)     North-Eastern Region

65. Consider the following statements:

1.      Hindu Kush Himalayan region is considered as the third pole of the Earth.

2.      This region has the world’s largest store of snow and ice apart from the polar region.

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

66.Consider the following statements:

1.      Rafale Deal was an inter-governmental deal signed between India & Russia in 2016.

2.      Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft that can carry out all combat aviation missions.

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

67. Consider the following statements:

Information Fusion Centre (IFC) has been established by the Indian Navy only for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

All countries that have signed white shipping information exchange agreements with India are India’s IFC partners.

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

68. School Education Quality Index (SEQI)

is released by,

(a) M i n i s t r y o f H u m a n R e s o u r c e

Development.

(b) National Council of Education Research

and Training.

(c) Pratham Education Foundation.

(d) Niti Aayog.

69. Consider the following statements

regarding UMMID initiative

1.      UMMID initiative is started by The

Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

2.      It aims to create awareness about genetic disorders amongst clinicians to establish molecular diagnostic in hospitals.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

70. Consider the following statements

r g a r d i n g a n c i e n t t o w n o f

Mahabalipuram

1.      Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallavas.

2.      The town was also known as Mamallapuram, a name given due to the great king Narsimha Varman II.

3.      It is also included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2018.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 1 only

(d) 2 only

71. Consider the following pairs,

Mountain Peak                   Country

1.       Mount Kosciusko        Australia

2.      Mount Elbrus               Iran

3.      Mount Denali                Mexico

Which of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

72. Consider the following statements

regarding India Ocean Dipole

1.      In Indian Dipole, one of the poles is located in the Arabian Sea while the other is in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia.

2.      The Indian Ocean Dipole is a phenomenon similar to the ENSO condition observed in the Pacifi c Ocean.

3.      Positive Indian Ocean Dipole events are often associated with La Nina and negative Indian Ocean Dipole with El Nino.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 3 only

73. Consider the following statements,

1. The Antyodaya Express is a fully unreserved,

super-fast train service for the common

man.

2. UDAY is an air conditioned double decker

train for yatris.

3. Tejas is the India’s fi rst private train.

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

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

74. Which of the following statement(s) is/

are correct about Pradhan Mantri Kisan

Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)?

1.      It is a comprehensive package which aims to create modern infrastructure with effi cient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.

2.      PMKSY is implemented by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).

Select the correct option using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

75. In the context of ancient India, Kaniyan

Pungundranar was

a.       An infl uential Tamil philosopher from the Sangam age.

b)      A painter in the court of Chandragupta II.

c)      One of the king of the Lichhavi’s of Vaishali.

d)     A famous physician in the court of Pallava king Narsimha Varman I.

76. Consider the following statements

regarding Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

1.      They are also referred to as “rare earth oxides” because many of them are sold as oxide compounds.

2.      These are rare minerals because they are found only in some isolated regions of the world and that too in very less quantity

Select the correct option using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

77. Consider the following statements

regarding Ratapani Tiger Reserve

1.      This tiger reserve is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

2.      Many rare migratory birds from Tibet, Nepal, Russia and Siberia also visit this reserve.

3.      The reserve mainly comprises of a teak forest.

Which of the statement(s) give above is/are

correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

78. Consider the following statements

regarding “Goldschmidtite” which was

seen recently in news

1.      A new curious mineral has been discovered inside a diamond unearthed from a mine in South Africa.

2.      Goldschmidtite has high concentrations of niobium, potassium and the rare earth elements lanthanum and cerium.

Select the correct option using the code

given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

79. “Galo Tribe” recently seen in news is

found in which state of India?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Nagaland

(c) Mizoram

(d) Meghalaya

80. Consider the following statements

regarding Bathukamma Festival

1. Bathukamma is a vibrant festival of

Karnataka.

2. Bathukamma is a beautiful fl ower stack,

arranged with different unique seasonal

fl owers most of them with medicinal values,

in seven concentric layers in the shape of

temple gopuram.

Select the correct option using the code

given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

81. “Bru refugees” recently seen in news

are related to which state of India?

(a) Mizoram

(b) Assam

(c) Sikkim

(d) Arunachal Pradesh

82. Consider the following statements

regarding a “constitution bench”,

1.      Constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India which consist of at least seven judges.

2.      Only the Chief Justice of India has the power to constitute a Constitution Bench and refer cases to it.

Select the correct option using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

83. Which of the following is not a core

sector?

(a) Automobile

(b) Fertilizer

(c) Cement

(d) Electricity

84. Consider the following statements

about Press Freedom Index:

1.      Press Freedom Index documents combat attacks on journalists around the world.

2.      World Press Freedom is brought annually by World Economic Forum.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

85. Consider the following statements

about World Hindu Economic Forum

(WHEF):

1.      It is as an independent international organization committed to make Hindu society prosperous through creation and sharing of surplus wealth.

2.      WHEF is a non-profit organization of Hindus in New York.

3.      2019 World Hindu Economic Forum was held in Mumbai.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

86. Consider the following statements,

1.      India is declared open defecation free on 2nd October 2019 by PM Narendra Modi.

2.      PM Modi was given Global Goalkeeper award for making India ODF by World Bank in 2019.

3.      Swachh Bharat Mission is an outstanding example of participatory approach and transformative development.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

87. The ‘Special Report on the Ocean and

Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’ in

2019 was published by

a.       Intergovernmental panel on Climate

Change (IPCC).

b.      United Nations Framework Convention

on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

c.       United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP).

d.      World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

88. The Public Distribution System (PDS)

in India is suffering from which of the

following problems?

1.      Large inclusion and exclusion errors in benefi ciaries.

2.      Rising Food Subsidy as a burden on State exchequer.

3.      Lack of Storage Capacity.

4.      Lack of technological interventions in PDS.

Choose the correct answer below

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(d) None of the above

89. Consider the following statements

about India’s Cooling Action Plan.

1.      It was launched in 2015 with the launch of International solar mission in France.

2.      It has a long term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/

are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

90. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan’

1. It is a pioneering and historic exploratory open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River.
2. It starts from Rudraprayag and culminating at Ganga Sagar, covering the entire stretch of over 2500 kms of the Ganga River.

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

• a.  1 only
• b.  2 only
• c.  Both 1 & 2
• d.  Neither 1 nor 2

91. The National e-Assessment Scheme (NeAC) will be head by

• a.  Finance Minister
• b.  Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax
• c.  Chairman of CBDT
• d.  Chief Commissioner of Income Tax

92.  Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Dearness Allowance’

1. DA is provided by the government to its employees to cushion the impact of the Inflation.
2. The government typically uses the All India Consumer Price Index-based inflation rate as a broad marker to arrive at the DA.
3. An increase in DA will have a positive impact on the sagging consumption demand if the money is spent.

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

• a.  1 & 2 only
• b.  1 only
• c.  1,2 & 3
• d.  2 & 3 only

93. Consider the following statements with respect to‘Public Finance Management System (PFMS)’

1. PFMS portal is administered by the Department of Expenditure and implemented by the Controller General of Accounts.
2. It is used only for DBT payments under MGNREGA.

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

• a.  1 only
• b.  2 only
• c.  Both 1 & 2
• d.  Neither 1 nor 2

94. Consider the following pairs with respect to ‘Confluence of Rivers’

            Place                         Confluence of Rivers

1. Devaprayag       -    Alaknanda and Bhagirathi
2. Rudraprayag     -    Alaknanda and Mandakini
3. Karanprayag     -    Alaknanda and Pindar

Which of the above pairs are matched correctly?

a)       1 & 2 only

b)      2 & 3 only

c)       1, 2 & 3

d)      3 only

95.  Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Geotail’

1. It is a region in space which exists as a result of the interactions between the Sun and Earth.
2. Once every 29 days, the Moon traverses the geotail for about six days.

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

a.  1 only

b.  2 only

c.  Both 1 & 2

d.  Neither 1 nor 2

96.  Consider the following about Graded Action plan

1. It is called a ‘graded’ plan because it does its function step by step. 
2. It can offer long term solution to combat air pollution. 

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

a)       a.  1 only

b)      b.  2 only

c)       c.  Both 1 and 2

d)      d.  Neither 1 nor 2

97.  Port of Mongla is located in which of the following country

a)       a.  Bangladesh

b)      b.  Kenya

c)       c.  Indonesia

d)      d.  Myanmar

98.  Which of the following is NOT correct about Hindu Kush Himalayan Region?

a)       The region extends over all or part of eight countries from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east.

b)      Cryosphere components including permafrost and glacial lakes provide various ecosystem services for mountain as well as downstream communities. 

c)       It includes entire territory of Bhutan and Nepal

d)      It includes entire territory of Afghanistan.

99.  Consider the following statements with respect to GEMINI System

1.      It helps fishermen to know the probability of fish catch in the surrounding seas.

2.      It works with the help of GAGAN Mission, which is developed by ISRO.

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

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.       Both 1 and 2

d.      Neither 1 nor 2

100. Consider the following statements with respect to WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023

1.      It is one of the first that fully aligns with the newly adopted WHO 13th General Programme of Work and its 'triple billion' targets and SDGs.

2.      It outlines how WHO can support the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other allied Ministries to drive impact at the country level.

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

a.       1 only

b.      2 only

c.       Both 1 and 2

d.      Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC WEEKLY CURRENT AFF. ANSWER KEY

06 OCT. TO 12 OCT 2019

 1.     Solution: c)

Brucellosis is primarily a disease of animals. Brucellosis is caused by a group of bacteria from the genus Brucella. 

Infection in people is acquired from cattle (Brucella abortus), dogs (B. canis), pigs (B. suis), or sheep and goats (B. melitensis), usually by direct contact with infected animals or by consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk or cheese.

The bacteria will spread to humans if the milk is consumed without boiling. Since milk is generally boiled, it is unlikely to be a cause for concern.

2.     Solution: d)

The government calls for applications for its latest initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission, called the ‘San-Sadhan’ Hackathon, an initiative to ease lives of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) by making toilets smarter, more accessible, and easier to use. In this hackathon, the government is looking for smart, scalable and innovative solutions for economical toilets for individual and community use in rural and urban contexts.

The initiative is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and 91springboard.

3.     Solution: d)

Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace elements) in a food, so as to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health. Rice fortification is the practice of increasing the content of essential micronutrients in rice and to improve the nutritional quality of the rice.

4.     Solution: c)

The United Nations Environment Assembly was created in June 2012, when world leaders called for UN Environment to be strengthened and upgraded during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, also referred to as RIO+20.

5.     Solution: c)

ASF is a highly contagious and fatal animal disease that infects domestic and wild pigs, typically resulting in an acute form of hemorrhagic fever. It was first detected in Africa in the 1920s. The mortality is close to 100 per cent, and since the fever has no cure, the only way to stop it spreading is by culling the animals. ASF is not a threat to human beings since it only spreads from animals to other animals.

6.     Solution: c)

A Crèche (Bal Basera) is a project for the welfare of Children of Construction Workers. Bal Basera shall accommodate about 35 Children and shall be run by the CPWD OWA.

7.     Solution: c)

The health ministry in April 2018 notified a ban on private firms from manuacturing and selling oxytocin, stating that it wanted to restrict the responsibility of supplying the drug to a Karnataka-based public sector manufacturer to avoid its misuse in the veterinary field.

8.     Solution:  b)

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s North and South poles. The term vortex refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air close to the poles.

The polar vortex spins in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere 10-48 km above the ground and above the troposphere, where most familiar weather patterns develop.

9.     Solution: d)

REITs are similar to mutual funds. While mutual funds provide for an opportunity to invest in equity stocks, REITs allow one to invest in income-generating real estate assets.

They are collective investment vehicles that operate and manage property portfolios and give returns to investors. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) mandated that all REITS be listed on exchanges and make an initial public offer to raise money.

10.Solution: b)

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched a ‘drought toolbox’ – a kind of knowledge bank that may be used by vulnerable countries, including India, to reduce drought risk, be better prepared and effectively respond to it – on sidelines of its conference (COP14) in Greater Noida.
It is a web page that provides the stakeholders easy access to case studies and other resources to support action on drought preparedness with the aim of boosting the resilience of people and ecosystems to drought.

11.Solution: c)

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is a non-profit charitable organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

12.Solution: c)

In 1998, UNESCO designated August 23 as the International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Abolition to commemorate “the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples”.

13.  Solution: d)

Gravitational lensing is an effect of Einstein’s theory of general relativity – simply put, mass bends light. Gravitational lensing describes the fact that light is deflected by large masses in the universe, just like a glass lens will bend a light right on Earth.

14.Solution: b)

Feroz Shah Tuglaq’s 14th century hunting lodge – Malcha Mahal – which lies in ruin due to decades of neglect, is likely to be restored!

The Delhi government has already received a proposal from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, also known as INTACH, to restore the 14th century Malcha Mahal.

15.Solution: d)

The 1995 Basel Ban Amendment, a global waste dumping prohibition, has become an international law after Croatia ratified it on September 6, 2019.

16.Solution: d)

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was honoured with prestigious ‘Order of Zayed’, United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) highest civilian award.

17.Solution: d)

The Union Minister for Textiles launched Project SURE, a move towards sustainable fashion. The SURE project is a commitment by India’s apparel industry to set a sustainable pathway for the Indian fashion industry. SURE stands for ‘Sustainable Resolution’ – a firm commitment from the industry to move towards fashion that contributes to a clean environment.

18.Solution: a)

Statement 1: 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian regions

(Including India), USA and RUSSIA are its members. Trade is an important focus for the summit.

Statement 2: ASEAN+3 includes the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and VietNam) plus China, Japan, and South Korea. It excludes India.

19.Solution: d)

India, which is among countries with the highest bacterial disease burden in the world, has become a part of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub on September 12, 2019. The hub, which was launched during the 71st session of the World Health Assembly in 2018, is aimed at helping countries decide the allocation of resources for research and development (R&D) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by identifying gaps and overlaps. It will also promote coordination among governments in the fight against AMR.

20.Solution: a)

K2-18b is an exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf K2-18, located 124 light-years away from Earth. The planet, initially discovered through the Kepler space telescope, is about eight times the mass of Earth, and thus is classified as a super Earth. It has a 33-day orbit within the star’s habitable zone.

21.Solution: a)

The Group of Seven (G7) is an international intergovernmental economic organization consisting of the seven largest IMF-described advanced economies in the world.

The G7, originally G8, was set up in 1975 as an informal forum bringing together the leaders of the world’s leading industrial nations.

The summit gathers leaders from the European Union (EU) and the following countries:

22.Solution: b)

The council of Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), a Geneva-based non-profit, has decided to endorse the Certification Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) developed by Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF), an Indian non-profit.

23.Solution: c)

A biological attack, or bioterrorism, is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops. Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, is one of the likely agents to be used in a biological attack.

24.Solution: c)

Union minister for information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar flagged off a vehicle christened ‘Jaldoot’ to spread the message of water conservation.
Javadekar said Jaldoot, a travelling exhibition arranged by Pune-based Regional Outreach Bureau of I&B ministry, will tour eight districts of Maharashtra in the next two months.

25.  Solution: b)

The OALP, a critical part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, provides uniform licences for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbons, enabling contractors to explore conventional as well as unconventional oil and gas resources.

26.Solution: d)

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is a NASA robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. Data collected by LRO has been described as essential for planning NASA’s future human and robotic missions to the Moon. Its detailed mapping program is identifying safe landing sites, locating potential resources on the Moon, characterizing the radiation environment, and demonstrating new technologies.

27.Solution (c)

Pattinappaalai (Romanized: Paṭṭiṉap Pālai, meaning the city and the desert) is a Tamil poetic work in the Pathinenmaelkanakku anthology of Tamil literature, belonging to the Sangam period corresponding to between 100 BCE – 100 CE. Pattinappaalai is part of the Pattupattu collection, which is the oldest available collection of long poems in Tamil literature.

28.Solution (b)

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 by the Ministers of its Member jurisdictions.  The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.  The FATF is therefore a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas.

29.Solution (c)

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified that only FPIs – Foreign Portfolio Investors located in FATF countries or managed by an enterprise based under FATF jurisdiction can deal in Participatory Notes.

30.Solution (a)

The committee was formed by SEBI under the chairmanship of HR Khan, former deputy governor of RBI, to suggest measures for revitalizing and streamlining FPIs.

31.Solution (a)

India ranked 68th in the annual Global Competitiveness Index. It is the worst performing among the BRICS nations along with Brazil that is ranked at 71. The Global Competitive Index is compiled by World Economic Forum. The Forum has mapped 141 countries using 103 indicators.

32.Solution (b)

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to John B Goodenough, M Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino for the development of lithium-ion batteries. These three scientists created the right conditions for a wireless and fossil fuel-free society.

33.Solution (d)

Vanilla Islands is an affiliation of the island nations Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte in the Indian Ocean to form a new travel destination brand.

34.Solution (c)

The geotail is a region in space that allows the best observations. The region exists as a result of the interactions between the Sun and Earth.

Geotail provides information about the way the magnetic envelope surrounding Earth, called the magnetosphere, responds to incoming material and energy from the Sun.

35.Solution (c)

Public Financial Management System (PFMS) is an ambitious project of Government of India being implemented by Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance. PFMS has proved as a robust digital platform towards Prime Minister’s vision of DIGITAL INDIA.

36.Solution (c)

Power of Governor to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature

(1) If at any time, except when the Legislative Assembly of a State is in session, or where there is a Legislative Council in a State, except when both Houses of the Legislature are in session, the Governor is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action, he may promulgate such Ordinance as the circumstances appear to him to require: Provided that the Governor shall not, without instructions from the President, promulgate any such Ordinance if

37.Solution (c)

It is a rare group of nervous system disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) that get worse over time. It usually starts in childhood, between the ages of 5 and 10. There are different forms of the disease but all are fatal, usually by the late teens or twenties. The damage is caused by the buildup of fatty substances, called lipopigments, in the cells of the brain, central nervous system, and retina in the eye.

38.Solution (c)

The Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) is an opportunity for young, dynamic individuals to contribute to enhancing skill development and promote rural employment in the country.

39.Solution (a)

40.Solution (b)

Bathukamma Festival

It is floral festival celebrated predominantly by the Hindu women of Telangana.

It is celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri.

Bathukamma is a stack of flowers arranged in the shape of Gopuram of a Hindu Temple.

41.  Answer: b

Similar to the pardoning powers of the President (Article 72) , as per article 161, Governor of a State has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends. President can grant pardon to a person awarded the death sentence, but the Governor of State does not enjoy this power. The power of the President to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial but Article 161 does not provide any such power to the Governor.

42.  Answer: a

Explanation:

Mizoram does not come under the purview of the Indian Forests Act of 1927. The Mizoram Forest Act of 1955 governs the state’s forests in line with customary laws.

43.  Answer: c

The schedule lists the official languages of India and recognises 22 languages as official languages of the Republic of India. Of these languages, 14 were initially included in the Constitution. Subsequently, Sindhi was added in 1967 by the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act; Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added in 1992 by 71st Constitutional Amendment Act; and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali were added in 2003 by 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act. At present, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are demands for inclusion of 44 more languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, one among those is “Gondi”.

44.  Answer: d

Explanation:

An output gap indicates the difference between the actual output of an economy and the maximum potential output of an economy expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). A country’s output gap may be either positive or negative. A negative output gap occurs when actual output is less than what an economy could produce at full capacity. A negative gap means that there is spare capacity, or slack, in the economy due to weak demand.

45.  Answer: c

Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition is the largest ever Arctic expedition in history and will be the first to conduct a study of this scale at the North Pole for an entire year.  It is spearheaded by the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany. Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition will help the researchers better understand the impact of climate change and aid in improved weather projections. The mission is aimed at studying the impact of climate change on the Arctic and how it could affect the rest of the world.

46.  Answer: a

Ramlila, literally “Rama’s play”, is a performance of the Ramayana epic in a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue. It is a folk re-enactment of Lord Rama.  This staging of the Ramayana is based on the Ramacharitmanas, one of the most popular storytelling forms in the north of the country. It is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

47.  Answer: c

Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI. The DICGC does not deal directly with depositors. The RBI (or the Registrar), on directing that a bank be liquidated, appoints an official liquidator to oversee the winding-up process. Under the DICGC Act, the liquidator is supposed to hand over a list of all the insured depositors

48.  Answer: c

Explanation:

The first-ever Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) has been conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) is a cross-sectional, household survey covering more than 1,20,000 children and adolescents in both urban and rural areas across India. The CNNS included three population groups – pre-schoolers 0-4 years, school-age children 5-9 years, and adolescents 10-19 years – in rural and urban areas.

49.  Answer: c

Rising carbon dioxide levels can accelerate zinc deficiency in crops and thus in human consumption. Zinc deficiency is characterized by growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. In more severe cases, zinc deficiency causes hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence.

50.  Answer: a

HIF, or hypoxia-inducible factor, is a protein that increases inside the cell when the oxygen levels fall, helping the cell survive. Hypoxia inducible factor, regulates production of red blood cells. When the level of oxygen in the cells drops, HIF in the cells increases. Hypoxia – Inducible Factors increases the activity of gene that are used in production of Erythropoietin Hormone. This increases the production of RBC. Hence, the research aids in treating anemia and cancer by controlling RBC growth. The recipients of 2019 Nobel Prize for Medicine won for their pioneering research into how the cells sense and adapt to low oxygen conditions. i.e, research on HIF got the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology.

51.  Answer: a

Explanation:

Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana in Madhya Pradesh was sought to provide relief to farmers by providing the differential between MSPs and market prices. The Rythu Bandhu scheme of the Telangana government provides ₹4,000 per acre for every season to all the farmers of the state. In December 2018, Odisha launched the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income augmentation (KALIA). KALIA commits to give Rs 5,000 per Small and Marginal Farmers, twice a year.

52.  Answer: b

Explanation:

GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation-GAGAN project was jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Airports Authority of India (AAI). It provides augmentation service for

53.  Answer: a

Explanation:

The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) was a robotic spacecraft operated by NASA. 

54.  Answer: b

Explanation:

Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year. This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each. PM KISAN is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from the Government.

55.  Answer: d

The Gangetic Dolphin was declared the Indian national aquatic animal and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is the worlds first sanctuary for the endangered dolphin. These are indicators of the health of the fresh water ecosystem and are the top in the food chain thus “key stone species”. Gangetic river dolphins are found in the rivers systems of Ganga, Brahmaputra,Meghna and Karnaphuli- Sangu in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. It is the only surviving freshwater dolphin in India. IUCN Red List classifies Gangetic Dolphin as Critically Endangered. It is also called a blind dolphin because it doesn’t have a crystalline eye lens and uses echolocation to navigate and hunt.

56.  Answer: d

Operation Peace Spring is Turkey led military operation against Kurdish-led forces in north-eastern Syria.  Turkey together with the Syrian National Army launched Operation Peace Spring in the area. It wants to push back members of the YPG (Kurdish militia, the People’s Protection Units), which it views as an extension of a Kurdish rebel group that has been fighting in Turkey for decades and is designated a terrorist organisation.

57.  Answer: a

An alien species is a species introduced outside its natural past or present distribution; if this species becomes problematic, it is termed an invasive alien species (IAS).  IAS are the most common threat to amphibians, reptiles and mammals.  IAS are such a problem that Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and one clause of UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land specifically address the issue.

58.  Answer: b

Swachh Survekshan is a ranking exercise taken up by the Government of India to assess rural and urban areas for their levels of cleanliness and active implementation of Swachhata mission initiatives in a timely and innovative manner. The objective of the survey is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst 

59.B) 2 only

60.C) 3 only

61.1 only

62.D) Fire-crackers

63.1 only

Explanation

The National Human Rights Commission has all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It can inquire on suo moto basis, or on the basis of petitions presented to it by victims, or on a direction/ order/ decree of any court, into complaints of the violation of human rights. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

64.D) North-Eastern Region

Explanation

The minor tribes namely, Bodo-Kachari, Hajong, Koch, Mann, and Rabha predominantly reside in the North-Eastern states of India like Assam, Meghalaya, etc. Hence, option D is the correct answer.

65.C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is considered the Third Pole (after the North and South Poles) and has significant implications for climate. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The region stores more snow and ice than anywhere else in the world outside the polar regions, giving it the name: ‘The Third Pole’. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

66.B) 2 only

Explanation

Rafale Deal was an inter-governmental agreement that was signed between India & France in September 2016. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

67.C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

Information Fusion Centre (IFC) has been established by the Indian Navy at the Indian Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram, Haryana for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Hence, statement 1 is correct.

68.Correct Option: (d)

69.Correct Option (C)

70.Correct option: (c)

71.Correct option: (A)

72.Correct option: (A)

73.Correct Option: (d)

All the statements given above are

correct. Supplementary notes:

The Tejas Express is India’s fi rst semi-high

speed fully air-conditioned train Introduced

by Indian Railways. It features modern on-board

facilities with automatic doors.

The fi rst Tejas train was started between

Lucknow to Delhi.

74.. Correct option: (c)

Explanation: Both the given statements are correct. Supplementary notes: About PMKSY:

 A Central Sector Scheme - SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in 2017.

75.Correct option: (a)

Explanation:

  Option (a) is correct. Supplementary notes: About Kaniyan Pungundranar:

 Kaniyan Poongunranar, also Poongundranar or Pungundranar was an infl uential Tamil philosopher from the Sangam age.

His name Kaniyan implies that he was an astronomer as it is a Tamil word referring mathematics.

76.Correct option: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rare earths are not rare at all. In fact, they are found in several countries including China, the US, Australia, Brazil, Burundi, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – with global deposit reserves estimated at 120 million tones

77.Correct Option: (c)

 Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, in Vindhya Range. Supplementary notes:

 Recently declared the Tiger State of India, Madhya Pradesh is inching closer to getting its seventh tiger reserve — the Ratapani Tiger Reserve.

  Of the 823.065 sq km area of the existing sanctuary, 763.812 sq km has been redrawn as the core and the remaining 59.253 sq km will be the buffer area of the proposed reserve.

While residents of Dantkhow village have been relocated, the process to relocate residents of three other villages is on.

78.. Correct option: (c)

Explanation:

 Both the statements are correct Supplementary notes A new, curious mineral has been discovered inside a diamond unearthed from a mine in South Africa.

  The mineral has been named goldschmidtite, after Victor Moritz Goldschmidt, the Norwegian scientist acknowledged as the founder of modern geochemistry.

 Goldschmidtite has an unusual chemical signature for a mineral from Earth’s mantle

While the mantle is dominated by elements such as magnesium and iron, goldschmidtite has high concentrations of niobium, potassium and the rare earth elements lanthanum and cerium.

79.Correct option: (a)

Explanation:

Option (a) is correct: The Galo are a central Eastern Himalayan tribe, who are descendants of Abo Tani and speak the Tani language Galo language found in the state of Arunachal Pradesh

80.Correct option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bathukamma is a colourful and vibrant festival of Telangana and celebrated by women, with fl owers that grow exclusively in each region. This festival is a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity.

81.  Correct option: (a)

 Explanation:

  Option (a) is correct: Bru refugees belong to Mizoram Supplementary notes

Mizoram offi cials have re-identifi ed 26,128 Bru refugees belonging to 4,278 families lodged in six relief camps in North Tripura district

 The Brus are in Tripura since late 1997 in the wake of a communal tension triggered by the murder of a forest guard inside the Dampa Tiger Reserve on October 21, 1997 by Bru National Liberation Front militants.

 The Brus, also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the northeastern states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram.

82.   Correct option: (b) Explanation:

 Statement 1 is incorrect: Constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India which consist of at least fi ve judges of the court. Supplementary notes

Constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India which consist of at least fi ve judges of the court which sit to decide any case “involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution of India or

83.Correct Option: (a)

Explanation: Supplementary Notes:

 Core industry can be defi ned as the main industry of the economy.  In most countries, there is particular industry that seems to be backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the core industry.  In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refi nery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.  The electricity has the maximum weight of 10.32% followed by Steel (6.68%), Petroleum Refi nery (5.94%), Crude Oil production (5.22 %), Coal production (4.38 %), Cement (2.41%), Natural Gas production (1.71 %) and Fertilizer production (1.25%). These eight Core Industries comprise nearly 40% of weight of items included in Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures factory output.

84.Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

  Statement 2 is incorrect: India has dropped two places on a global press freedom index -2019 to be ranked 140th out of 180 countries brought about by Reporters without Borders. Supplementary Notes

 The World Press Freedom Index 2019 fi nds an increased sense of hostility towards journalists across the world.

India has dropped two places on a global press freedom index -2019 to be ranked 140th out of 180 countries brought about by Reporters Without Borders.

85.Correct Option: (C)

86.Correct Option: (C)

Explanation:

Statement 2 is incorrect: PM Modi was given Global Goalkeeper award for making India ODF by Gates Foundation in 2019.

87.Correct Option: (a)

88.Correct Option: (c)

Explanation: Supplementary Notes

PDS is public rationing system of India.

 India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) is the largest distribution network of its kind in the world.

89.Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: India became one of the fi rst countries in the world to launch a comprehensive Cooling Action plan in 2019 Supplementary Notes

  India became one of the fi rst countries in the world to launch a comprehensive Cooling Action plan in 2019.

The India’s Cooling Action plan has a long term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries. It lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand, which will also help in reducing both direct and indirect emissions.

90.Answer : a

The ‘Ganga AamantranAbhiyan’ is a pioneering and historic exploratory open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River.

Starting at Devprayag and culminating at Ganga Sagar, the expedition will cover the entire stretch of over 2500 kms of the Ganga River.

This is the first ever effort by National Mission for Clean Ganga to raft across the entire stretch of the river and the expedition will draw attention to the ecological challenges being faced by Ganga.

The expedition will encompass the five Ganga basin states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal with stops at Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Sonepur and Kolkata.

91.Answer : b

NeAC will be an independent office that will look after the work of e-Assessment scheme which is recently notified for faceless e-assessment for income tax payers.

There would be a NeAC in Delhi to be headed by Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Pr.CCIT).

There are 8 Regional e-Assessment Centres (ReAC) set up at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad which would comprise Assessment unit, Review unit, and Technical unit and Verification units.

Each ReAC will be headed by Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCIT).

Cases for the specified work shall be assigned by the NeAC to different units by way of automated allocation systems.

92.Answer : c

93.Answer : a

Public Finance Management System (PFMS) portal is an end-to- end solution for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and reporting.

It provides platform for efficient management of funds through tracking of funds and real time reporting of expenditure and receipts through treasury and bank interface.

It is administered by the Department of Expenditure and implemented by the Controller General of Accounts.

PFMS is also used for DBT payments under MGNREGA and other notified schemes of the Government of India.

94.Answer : c

• PanchPrayag is an expression used to connote the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand.
• The five prayagsin the descending flow sequence of their occurrence are as follows.

1. Vishnuprayag - Confluence of Alaknanda and Dauli Ganga Rivers.
2. Nandaprayag - Confluence of Alaknanda and Nandakini Rivers.
3. Karanprayag - Confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers.
4. Rudraprayag -Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers.
5. Devaprayag -Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers. (Beyond this confluence, the river is known as Ganges)

95.Answer : c

Geotail Formation

The Sun emits the solar wind, which is a continuous stream of charged particles.

These particles are embedded in the extended magnetic field of the Sun, Earth’s  magnetic field obstructs these solar wind plasma.

This interaction results in the formation of a magnetic envelope around Earth.

On the Earth side facing the Sun, the envelope is compressed into a region that is approximately three to four times the Earth radius.

On the opposite side, the envelope is stretched into a long tail, which extends beyond the orbit of the Moon, this tail is called the geotail.

Once every 29 days, the Moon traverses the geotail for about six days.

96.Answer : a

GRAP is approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, the plan institutionalized measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates.

GRAP works only as an emergency measure and the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions.

97.Answer : a

Recently Bangladesh signed an agreement to open Chattogram and Mongla ports for India trade.

The Port of Mongla is the second busiest seaport of Bangladesh.

It is located in the southwestern part of the country, and lies 62 kilometers north of the Bay of Bengal coastline.

98.Answer : d

99.Answer : c

The Government has recently launched the Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) device.

It is used for seamless and effective dissemination of emergency information and communication on disaster warnings, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen.

100.       Answer : c

Union Health Ministry has recently launched ‘The WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023: A Time of Transition’.

The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) provides a strategic roadmap for WHO to work with the Government of India towards achieving its health sector goals,