February Flashcards
Consider the following statements regarding Martand Temple, recently seen in the news:
- It is a shaivite temple.
- It is located in the Kashmir Valley.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2 only
Explanation :
Members of a little-known Hindutva group forced their way into the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Martand sun temple recently.
About Martand Sun Temple:
It is a Hindu temple located near the city of Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is dedicated to the Sun God. Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya.
It was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida around the 8th Century CE. Lalitaditya Muktapida was the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty.
Features:
It has a unique architecture where local Kashmiri style is blended with the architectural styles of Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek.
The temple is located on top of a plateau and has been constructed entirely out of stone.
It covers an area of 32,000 square feet.
It stands in the middle of a large courtyard with 86 fluted columns. The courtyard is connected to the main shrine, where Sun God’s idol was installed.
The construction of the main shrine was such that during most of the days’ time, especially during sunrise and sunset, the rays would directly fall on the idol.
The central shrine, or vimana, stands tall at around 60 feet. It features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various Hindu gods and goddesses.
There are 84 smaller shrines around the main Sun Temple. They are lined along the perimeter of the complex.
The temple is believed to have been demolished by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, who ruled Kashmir from 1389 to 1413.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
News:https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/despite-asi-attempts-saffron-outfit-once-again-forces-entry-into-anantnag-martand-sun-temple
With reference to Payments Bank, consider the following statements:
- It can accept demand deposits in the form of savings and current accounts.
- It cannot issue loans and credit cards.
- It cannot become a banking correspondent (BC) of another bank.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Only two
Explanation :
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), following a system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors.
About Payments Bank:
A payments bank is like any other bank but operates on a smaller scale without involving any credit risk.
It was set up based on the recommendations of the Nachiket Mor Committee.
Objective: To advance financial inclusion by offering banking and financial services to the unbanked and underbanked areas, helping the migrant labour force, low-income households, small entrepreneurs, etc.
It is registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act 2013 and licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
It is governed by a host of legislation, such as the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, etc.
Features:
They are differentiated, and not universal banks.
These operate on a smaller scale.
The minimum paid-up equity capital for payments banks shall be Rs. 100 crores.
The minimum initial contribution of the promoter to the Payment Bank to the paid-up equity capital shall be at least 40% for the first five years from the commencement of its business.
Activities that can be performed:
It can take deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000. It can accept demand deposits in the form of savings and current accounts.
The money received as deposits can be invested in secure government securities only in the form of Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). This must amount to 75% of the demand deposit balance.
The remaining 25% is to be placed as time deposits with other scheduled commercial banks.
It can offer remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/purchases, and other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
It can become a banking correspondent (BC) of another bank for credit and other services which it cannot offer.
Activities that can be performed:
It cannot issue loans and credit cards.
It cannot accept time deposits or NRI deposits.
It cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial activities.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News: https://www.livemint.com/economy/rbi-bars-paytm-payments-bank-from-accepting-deposits-in-any-customer-account-from-next-month-11706700713798.html
Consider the following statements regarding the Black-crowned Night Heron:
- It is found mainly in the Himalayan and Central Asian regions.
- It is classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation :
A ringed juvenile black-crowned night heron, which landed recently at a local pond in Imphal and died later, was banded at the Weishan Bird Banding Station in China’s Beijing.
About Black-crowned Night Heron:
It is a medium-sized heron with a stocky build.
Scientific Name: Nycticorax nycticorax
Distribution: It is found across North America, as well as locally in Central America and the Caribbean.
Habitat: Most colonies of black-crowned night herons are associated with large wetlands. They inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, such as swamps, streams, rivers, marshes, mud flats, and the edges of lakes.
Features:
It has a stocky body with a comparatively short neck and legs.
It has a black crown, a gray body, and bright, red eyes.
It weighs between 727 and 1014 grams, has a wingspan of 115 to 118 centimeters, and is 58 to 66 centimeters in length).
Females and males look alike, but females are a little smaller.
They are social at all times of the year, frequently associating with other species of herons.
It is a migrating species.
Diet: It is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet consists mainly of fish, though it is frequently rounded out by other items such as leeches, earthworms, aquatic and terrestrial insects.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Hence both statements are not correct.
News:https://news.abplive.com/northeast/china-identifies-tagging-station-of-migratory-bird-heron-found-in-manipur-1660393
With reference to Green Roofs, consider the following statements:
- They consist of a waterproofing membrane, soil and vegetation overlying a traditional roof.
- They last longer than conventional roofs and reduce energy costs with natural insulation.
- They improve air quality and help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.
How many of the above statements are correct?
All three
Explanation :
According to a recent research, green roofs treated with mycorrhizal fungi foster a more diverse soil community that is more likely to support long-term green roof sustainability.
About Green Roofs:
Green roofs, also known as ‘vegetated roofs’ or ‘living roofs’ — are ballasted roofs consisting of a waterproofing membrane, growing medium (soil) and vegetation (plants) overlying a traditional roof.
The layers of green roof systems must, like any roof, accommodate drainage, stormwater management and protect the building from the elements with a waterproof membrane.
But they also must create a growing area and potentially provide support, irrigation, and root protection barriers while staying as light as possible.
Two types of green roofs exist: intensive and extensive.
Intensive green roofs are essentially elevated parks. They can sustain shrubs, trees, walkways and benches with their complex structural support, irrigation, drainage, and root protection layers.
Extensive green roofs are relatively light. They support hearty native ground cover that requires little maintenance. Extensive green roofs usually exist solely for their environmental benefits and don’t function as accessible rooftop gardens.
Benefits:
Green roofs last longer than conventional roofs, reduce energy costs with natural insulation, create peaceful retreats for people and animals, and absorb storm water, potentially lessening the need for complex and expensive drainage systems.
On a wider scale, green roofs improve air quality and help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, a condition in which city and suburban developments absorb and trap heat.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News:https://theprint.in/science/rich-in-fungi-soil-could-benefit-green-roofs-study-2/1947902/
What is ‘Volt Typhoon’, that was in the news recently?
A cyber hacking group
Explanation :
The United States government recently shut down a major China-backed hacking group dubbed “Volt Typhoon” that attacked hundreds of routers and had been working to compromise U.S. cyber infrastructure.
About Volt Typhoon:
It is a state-sponsored hacking group based in China that has been active since at least 2021.
The group typically focuses on espionage and information gathering.
It has targeted critical infrastructure organizations in the US, including Guam.
To achieve their objective, the threat actor puts strong emphasis on stealth, relying almost exclusively on living-off-the-land techniques and hands-on-keyboard activity.
The recurring attack pattern of Volt Typhoon begins with initial access via exploitation of public-facing devices or services.
Volt Typhoon employs the comparatively uncommon practice of leveraging preinstalled utilities for most of their victim interactions.
Compromised small office/home office (SOHO) devices are used by the attackers to proxy communications to and from the affected networks.
They issue commands via the command line to (1) collect data, including credentials from local and network systems: (2) put the data into an archive file to stage it for exfiltration: and then (3) use the stolen valid credentials to maintain persistence.
Volt Typhoon was a particularly quiet operator that hid its traffic by routing it through hacked network equipment, like home routers, and carefully expunging evidence of intrusions from the victim’s logs.
This combination of behaviors makes detection especially difficult, as defenders must be able to differentiate between attacker activities and those of power users or administrative staff.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News:https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/31/fbi-shut-down-china-volt-typhoon-hackers-targeting-us-.html
The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is located in:
Tamil Nadu
Explanation :
Recently, the union Environment Minister said that five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Of the five wetlands added to the Ramsar list, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary are in Karnataka and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest are in Tamil Nadu.
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
It is one of the largest inland wetlands of Tamil Nadu, and is a significant source of groundwater recharge for the area.
Hence option a is the correct answer.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2000838
Consider the following statements regarding the One Stop Centre scheme:
- It provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence.
- It is formulated by the union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
Recently, the union Minister for Women and Child Development said that One Stop Centres to help women who have faced violence have been established in over 700 districts across the country.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme formulated under the union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
Objectives
To provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces under one roof.
To facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support under one roof to fight against any forms of violence against women.
Target group
It supports all women including girls below 18 years of age affected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation or marital status.
For girls below 18 years of age, institutions and authorities established under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 linked with the OSC
Funding: The Scheme will be funded through Nirbhaya Fund. The Central Government will provide 100% financial assistance under the Scheme.
Administration: The day to day implementation and administrative matters would be the responsibility of the District Collector/District Magistrate.
The OSC will facilitate access to: Emergency Response and Rescue Services, Medical assistance, assistance to women in lodging FIR/ NCR/DIR, psycho-social support/ counseling, legal aid and counseling, shelter and Video Conferencing Facility.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/700-one-stop-centres-set-up-across-the-country-irani/article67796904.ece
With reference to bluetongue disease, consider the following statements:
- It is a viral disease.
- It is transmitted by insects.
- It mainly affects aquatic animals.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Only two
Explanation :
China has banned the direct and indirect import of ruminants and its related products from Iraq due to an outbreak of bluetongue disease.
It is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants (primarily sheep and including cattle, goats, buffalo, antelope, deer, elk and camels).
It is transmitted by insects, particularly biting midges of the Culicoides species.
The virus which causes BT is identified as a member of the Reoviridae family.
Twenty-four (24) different serotypes have been identified and the ability of each strain to cause disease varies considerably.
Symptoms: The severity of disease varies among different species with symptoms being most severe in sheep resulting in deaths, weight loss and disruption in wool growth.
Geographical distribution
It has a significant global distribution in regions where the insect vector is present, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and several islands in the tropics and subtropics.
The virus is maintained in areas where the climate will allow biting midges to survive over winter.
Transmission and spread
The insect vector is the key to transmission of BT virus between animals.
Vectors are infected with BT virus after ingesting blood from infected animals.
Without the vector, the disease cannot spread from animal to animal.
BT virus transmission can occur throughout the year, particularly during rainy periods.
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-bans-imports-ruminants-animals-iraq-due-bluetongue-disease-2024-01-31/
Sphaerotheca varshaabhu, recently seen in news, is a:
frog
Explanation :
Researchers from various national and international organisations have identified and documented a previously unknown species of frog which has been thriving amidst the urban landscape of Bengaluru.
Sphaerotheca varshaabhu is a new frog species.
Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu, meaning a genus of frog which welcomes rain, has been attributed to its behaviour of coming out of burrows during the early showers.
The newly unearthed amphibian exhibits distinctive characteristics that set it apart from known frog species.
It has adapted to its urban surroundings displaying behaviours and physical attributes that help it navigate challenges posed by urbanization.
The team utilised advanced genetic analysis, morphological studies and bioacoustics to confirm the distinctiveness of this newly discovered amphibian.
Key facts about amphibians
They are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment and can give scientists valuable insight into how an ecosystem is functioning.
Amphibians, like frogs, toads and salamanders, are known as indicator species.
They are both predators and prey; many other animals are affected by them.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/researchers-identify-new-species-of-burrowing-frog-in-urban-bengaluru/article67795686.ece
Consider the following statements regarding the eROSITA:
- It is a wide-field X-ray telescope.
- It provides new insights about evolution of super massive black holes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
Recently, the German eROSITA consortium has released the data for its share of the first all-sky survey by the soft X-ray imaging telescope.
The eROSITA (extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) is a wide-field X-ray telescope on-board the Russian-German “Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma” (SRG) observatory.
It was developed under the leadership of the Max-Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics in Germany (DE).
It is a sensitive X-ray telescope capable of delivering deep, sharp images over very large areas of the sky.
The eROSITA telescope consists of seven identical Wolter-1 mirror modules.
SRG was successfully launched from Baikonur on July 13 2019, and placed in a halo orbit around the L2 point.
Functions
It has been performing an all-sky survey, in which the whole celestial sphere is mapped once every six months. Eight such all-sky charts are planned until December 2023.
It is also expected to yield a sample of several million Active Galactic Nuclei, providing a unique view of the evolution of supermassive black holes within the emerging cosmic structure.
The survey will also provide new insights into a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, including accreting binaries, active stars and diffuse emission within the Galaxy, as well as solar system bodies that emit X-rays via the charge exchange process.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://phys.org/news/2024-01-erosita-sky-survey-largest-high.html
With reference to the Mesolithic Period, consider the following statements:
- It is a cultural stage which existed between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic periods.
- People transitioned from using smaller chipped stone tools to large stone tools.
- People began growing crops and practicing animal husbandry.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Only two
Explanation :
Mesolithic era rock paintings have been recently discovered at Sitamma Loddi, Gattusingaram, in Peddapalli district, Telangana.
About Mesolithic Period:
Mesolithic, also called Middle Stone Age, is an ancient cultural stage which existed between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic (New Stone Age).
Timeframe: This period is generally considered to have occurred between approximately 12,000-10,000 years ago.
Some of the defining characteristics of the Mesolithic Age are as follows:
People transitioned from using large chipped stone tools to using smaller chipped stone tools (microliths).
Microliths were probably stuck onto handles of bone or wood to make tools such as saws and sickles.
At the same time, older varieties of tools continued to be in use.
People transitioned from hunting large herds animals in groups to a more hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
Towards the end of the Mesolithic Age, people began growing crops and practising animal husbandry, which is the controlled cultivation, management, and production of domestic animals.
It was during the Mesolithic Age that the dog was domesticated.
The permanent settlements in the Mesolithic Age varied from villages of huts to walled cities.
During the Mesolithic Age, the climate was warming after the last ice age, which occurred at the end of the Palaeolithic period.
The art created in the Mesolithic Age is highly reflective of the change in climate that was happening at the time.
During the Mesolithic period, humans developed cave paintings, engravings, and ceramics to reflect their daily lives.
In certain areas of the world, a range of pottery was made during the Mesolithic Age.
Mesolithic Sites in India: Bagor in Rajasthan, Sarai Nahar Rai in Allahabad, Jharkhand, Chhota Nagpur plateau.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mesolithic-era-rock-art-discovered-in-t-hyderabad-sitamma-loddi/articleshow/107307966.cms
Consider the following statements regarding Input Service Distributor (ISD) under Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- It receives invoices for services used by its branches and distributes the tax paid to such branches on a proportional basis.
- It is not applicable when capital goods are involved.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
The Finance Minister in Budget 2024 proposed the manner of distribution of credit by input service distributors.
About Input Service Distributor (ISD):
ISD means an office of the supplier of goods or services or both which receives tax invoices towards receipt of input services and issues a prescribed document for the purposes of distributing the credit of central tax (CGST), State tax (SGST)/ Union territory tax (UTGST), or integrated tax (IGST) paid on the said services to a supplier of taxable goods or services or both having the same Permanent Account Number (PAN) as that of the ISD.
Hence, ISD is a business which receives invoices for services used by its branches.
It distributes the tax paid to such branches on a proportional basis by issuing an ISD invoice.
The branches can have different GST Identification Numbers (GSTINs) but must have the same PAN as that of ISD.
Registration under GST:
An ISD is required to obtain a separate registration.
Registration is mandatory and there is no threshold limit for registration for an ISD.
Relevance of ISD:
It is relevant for businesses having multiple branches operating within India.
These businesses are required to obtain GSTIN for each branch from where taxable supplies are made.
Based on the purchases of the head office or branch, ITC (Input Tax Credit) in the form of SGST, CGST, or IGST would accrue to the business.
Toensure that the ITC is properly distributed amongst the various branches of the business, ISD concept has been introduced by the Government.
ISD is made available to business having a large share of common expenditures, and billing/payment is done from a centralised location.
Where ISD doesn’t apply?
ISD mechanism is meant only for distributing credit on common invoices pertaining to input services.
It is not applicable when input or capital goods are involved.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.taxscan.in/finance-bill-2024-know-proposed-manner-of-distribution-of-credit-by-input-service-distributor-under-gst/370584/
Consider the following statements regarding Tidal Disruption Event (TDE):
- It occurs when a star passes close enough to a supermassive black hole and is pulled apart by its tidal forces.
- It is often observed as bright flare of radiation which lasts only for a few seconds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
Explanation :
An international team of astronomers recently conducted multi-wavelength observations of AT 2023clx—the closest to Earth tidal disruption event (TDE).
About Tidal Disruption Event (TDE):
Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are astronomical phenomena that occur when a star passes close enough to a supermassive black hole and is pulled apart by the black hole’s tidal forces, causing the process of disruption.
Such tidally disrupted stellar debris starts raining down on the black hole and radiation emerges from the innermost region of accreting debris, which is an indicator of the presence of a TDE.
How does a TDE typically unfold?
Close Approach: A star in a galaxy approaches a black hole on a very close trajectory due to gravitational interactions within the galaxy.
Tidal Forces: As the star gets closer to the black hole, the gravitational forces acting on it become increasingly uneven due to the difference in gravitational pull on the near side and far side of the star. These tidal forces can be strong enough to disrupt the star.
Stellar Disruption: When the tidal forces exceed the self-gravitational forces holding the star together, it undergoes a process called “tidal disruption.” The star is stretched and eventually torn apart into a stream of gas and debris.
Accretion Disk Formation: The debris from the disrupted star forms an accretion disk around the black hole. This disk is composed of hot gas and dust, and it spirals inwards towards the black hole.
Energy Release: As the material in the accretion disk spirals inwards, it releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of X-rays and ultraviolet radiation.
Flares and Observations: TDEs are often observed as bright flares of radiation from the centre of a galaxy. These flares can last for several months to years, gradually fading as the disrupted star’s material is consumed by the black hole.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News:https://phys.org/news/2024-01-properties-nearest-tidal-disruption-event.html
Consider the following statements regarding Tax Buoyancy:
- It refers to changes in tax revenue in response to changes in the tax rate.
- When a tax is buoyant, its revenue increases only when the tax rate increases.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation :
Finance Minister recently presented fiscal consolidation projections that surpass expectations for the current financial year and Budget Estimates (BE) for the next year, despite the conservative tax buoyancy in the estimates.
About Tax Buoyancy:
Tax buoyancy explains the relationship between the changes in the government’s tax revenue growth and the changes in Gross domestic product (GDP).
There is a strong connection between the government’s tax revenue earnings and economic growth.
As the economy achieves faster growth, the tax revenue of the government also goes up. Tax buoyancy explains this relationship.
It refers to the responsiveness of tax revenue growth to changes in GDP.
When a tax is buoyant, its revenue increases without increasing the tax rate.
It depends upon:
the size of the tax base;
the friendliness of the tax administration;
the rationality and simplicity of tax rates;
Tax buoyancy will be highest for direct taxes. Generally, direct taxes are more sensitive to the GDP growth rate.
What is tax elasticity?
A similar looking concept is tax elasticity. It refers to changes in tax revenue in response to changes in the tax rate.
For example, how tax revenue changes if the government reduces corporate income tax from 30 percent to 25 percent indicate tax elasticity.
What is Laffer Curve?
It is an economic theory pioneered by economist Arthur Laffer.
Created in 1974, it visually shows the relationship between tax rates and the amount of tax revenue collected by governments.
It suggests that tax rates above a certain threshold reduce tax revenue since they incentivize people not to work.
It suggests there is an optimum tax rate which maximises total tax revenue.
Hence both statements are not correct.
News:https://www.business-standard.com/budget/news/fm-fiscal-consolidation-better-than-expected-despite-modest-tax-buoyancy-124020101296_1.html
Consider the following statements regarding Manatees:
- They are large herbivorous aquatic mammals.
- All the species of manatees inhabit freshwater ecosystem.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
Explanation :
A record number of manatees converged at a Florida state park recently.
About Manatees:
Manatees are large aquatic mammals, and sometimes they’re referred to as “sea cows.”
They belong toa group of animals called Sirenia. This group also contains dugongs.
Dugongs and manatees are very similar in appearance and behavior, but there is one key difference: their tails.
Manatees have paddle-shaped tails, and dugongs have fluked tails, giving it a whale-like appearance.
Habitat: Manatees inhabit shallow, marshy coastal areas and rivers.
There are three species, or types, of manatee.
The Amazonian manatee lives in the Amazon River and in fresh water in South America. This species is only found in freshwater.
The African manatee lives in tropical West Africa.
The Caribbean manatee is found in Florida and the West Indies.
Features:
Adult manatees may reach a length of 15 feet (4.6 meters) and a weight of 1,660 kilograms.
Females tend to be larger and heavier than males.
Dull gray, blackish, or brown in colour, all three manatee species have stout tapered bodies ending in a flat rounded tail used for forward propulsion.
The forelimbs are modified into flippers; there are no hind limbs.
In order to breathe, they must swim to the water’s surface for air.
Lifespan: 50 to 60 years
They are herbivores. They spend up to eight hours a day grazing and can consume 4 to 9 percent of their body weight in aquatic vegetation daily.
Apart from mothers and their young, or males following a receptive female, manatees are generally solitary animals.
Conservation Status: All three manatee species are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News:https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240125-a-florida-state-park-reports-a-record-number-of-manatees-gathering-whats-behind-the-convergence
Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in:
Tamil Nadu
Explanation :
The Tamil Nadu government has declared 80,114.80 hectares of reserve forests in Bargur Hills in Erode district, as the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
This region is part of the corridor that connects the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) to the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Tiger Reserve and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, and plays a crucial role in maintaining a viable tiger population.
These forests occupy a prominent position in the Eastern Ghats as they merge with the Western Ghat at the Nilgiris.
The vast landscape is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal habitat for various life forms.
The landscape is interconnected to the Kollegal forests of Karnataka and the Nilgiris, creating one of the most diverse habitats in the region.
It is one of the tiger corridors identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The region is also part of the Nilgiris Elephant Reserve and is home to a healthy population of large herbivores including elephants and the Indian Gaur.
Also, the landscape is the catchment of the Palar River that drains into the Cauvery River and is a crucial source of water for agricultural activities.
It is also of cultural and historical significance to tribal and local communities who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and traditional practices.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-gets-its-18th-wildlife-sanctuary-spanning-over-80000-hectares-of-reserve-forests-in-erode-district/article67799442.ece
Consider the following statements regarding the MagSafe:
- It is a wireless power bank that connects to the back of wireless-compatible mobiles.
- It uses the magnetic current to charge a mobile phone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
There are a variety of power banks that are available online, but since the launch of MagSafe chargers from Apple, the industry has evolved.
MagSafe charger is a wireless charger/power bank that connects to the back of your wireless-compatible mobile phone to charge your phone in the easiest of ways.
It is equipped with either a 5,000 or a 10,000 mAh battery pack on the inside, which can be used as a power backup.
This type of charger uses the magnetic current present at the back of your mobile phone and the magnets on the MagSafe charger.
A good MagSafe charger is just like any other wireless power bank that attaches to your mobile phone and works as a power bank.
As with any other power bank, a MagSafe charger also needs to be charged.
Working
It is a type of power bank that is only compatible with devices that support wireless charging.
The MagSafe chargers, after you fix them directly on the back of your mobile phone, connect to the magnets on the charger that complete the circuit.
The complete circuit allows the current to flow from the power bank to the device, which allows the charger to charge your mobile phone.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hot-picks/what-is-magsafe-how-does-magsafe-work/articleshow/107330984.cms
With reference to Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, consider the following statements:
- It is a Central Sector Scheme.
- It is incentivizing entrepreneurs to establish dairy processing infrastructure.
- Under it, government entities and cooperatives are eligible to get incentives.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Only two
Explanation :
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister of India approved the continuation of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to be implemented under Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) for another three years up to 2025-26.
It is a Central Sector Scheme.
It has been approved for incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSME, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8 companies to establish
the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure
meat processing and value addition infrastructure and
Animal Feed Plant.
Objectives
To help increasing of milk and meat processing capacity and product diversification thereby providing greater access for unorganized rural milk and meat producers to organized milk and meat market.
To make available increased price realization for the producer.
To make available quality milk and meat products for the domestic consumer.
To promote exports and increase the export contribution in the milk and meat sector.
To make available quality concentrated animals feed to the cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig and poultry to provide balanced ration at affordable prices.
Government of India will provide 3% interest subvention for 8 years including two years of moratorium for loan up to 90% from the scheduled bank and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), NABARD and NDDB.
Under this government entities and cooperatives are not eligible to get benefit of this scheme
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2001054
Subika paintings, recently seen in news, is linked to the cultural history of:
Meitei community
Explanation :
Manipur boasts a rich cultural heritage but some of its invaluable art forms like Subika paintings are on the brink of extinction due to neglect.
It a style of painting which is intricately linked to the Meitei community’s cultural history.
It is surviving through its six manuscripts — Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil and Thengrakhel Subika.
Although the royal chronicle, Cheitharol Kumbaba, doesn’t mention a specific founder, there is a possibility that this art form existed when the writing tradition was introduced in the state.
Experts estimate the use of Subika paintings since the 18th or 19th century.
Key points about Subika Laisaba
The painting of Subika Laisaba is a composition of cultural motifs made by pre-existing features and other influences stimulated from their cultural worldviews.
Among the six manuscripts, Subika Laishaba represents a direct and authentic continuation of the Meitei cultural tradition depicted through visual images.
The illustrations of Subika Laishaba have visual language from the elements such as lines, shapes, forms, colours, and patterns.
These visual images become Meitei’s cultural motif, structure to create visual effects as well as express cultural significance meaning and values.
The visual images found in this manuscript are painted on handmade paper.
It is also found that materials of manuscript are prepared indigenously either handmade paper or barks of tree.
Hence option a is the correct answer.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/manipur-subika-style-painting-yumnam-sapha-9137297/
Consider the following statements regarding the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies scheme:
- It aims to reimburse all embedded State and Central Taxes/Levies for exports of manufactured goods and garments.
- The rebate under the scheme shall be in the form of duty credit scrips.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for export of Apparel/Garments and Made ups upto 31st March 2026.
It aims to reimburse all embedded State and Central Taxes/Levies for exports of manufactured goods and garments.
It has been established as a successor for the old “Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) Scheme.
The difference between RoSL & RoSCTL Scheme is that under RoSL Scheme, there was no benefit on the central tax and Levies. But in the RoSCTL scheme, the exporter will get rebate of both State and Central tax and Levies.
Objective: To compensate for the State and Central Taxes and Levies in addition to the Duty Drawback Scheme on export of apparel/ garments and Made-ups by way of rebate.
The rebate under the Scheme shall be in the form of duty credit scrips.
The scrips shall be issued electronically on Customs system.
The duty credit scrips shall be used for payment of Basic Customs Duty on import of goods. These scrips shall be freely transferable.
The duty credit available in an e-scrip shall be transferred at a time for the entire amount in the said e-scrip to another person and transfer of the duty credit in part shall not be permitted.
Validity of e-scrip: The period of validity of the e-scrip, of one year from its creation, shall not change on account of transfer of the e-scrip.
Eligibility: All exporters of garments/Apparel and made-ups manufactured in India are eligible to take benefit under this scheme, except entities/ IECs under the Denied Entity List of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Implementing agency: It has been notified by the Ministry of Textiles. However, the scheme shall be implemented by the Department of Revenue.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2001049
Consider the following statements regarding Wheat Blast:
- It is a disease of wheat crop caused by a virus.
- It spreads through infected seeds, crop residues and spores.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2 only
Explanation :
Researchers who have modeled for the first time how wheat blast will spread in the future found the fungal disease could reduce global wheat production by 13% until 2050.
About Wheat Blast:
Wheat blast, caused by the plant fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is a fast-acting, severe disease of wheat that causes bleaching of the heads.
Magnaporthe oryzae can infect many grasses, including barley, lolium, rice, and wheat, but specific isolates of this pathogen generally infect limited species; that is, wheat isolates infect preferably wheat plants but can use several more cereal and grass species as alternate hosts.
It spreads through infected seeds, crop residues, and spores that can travel long distances in the air.
It thrives in warm and humid conditions, making regions with such climates particularly susceptible.
The pathogen is also resistant to fungicides.
The seriousness of the disease is indicated by the fact that crops are burnt to avoid this disease.
Effects:
It causes progressive bleaching of the heads, lower yields, and poor seed quality.
Stems and leaves are discoloured, with dark brown, eye-shaped lesions on leaves.
Sometimes dark grey spores can be seen.
It can shrivel and deform the grain in less than a week from the first symptoms.
History of the Outbreak:
First found in Brazil in 1985, it spread quickly through South America, infecting around three million hectares of wheat within a decade.
In 2016, it made it across to Bangladesh, and in 2020, it was confirmed in Africa, in crops in Zambia.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
News: https://www.world-grain.com/articles/19580-researchers-find-wheat-blast-could-reduce-production-by-13
Consider the following statements regarding Millipedes:
- They are cylindrical or slightly flattened invertebrates.
- They are typically found in desert and arid areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
Explanation :
Researchers recently discovered a new genus and five new species of millipedes in remote African jungles.
About Millipedes:
They are any member of the arthropod class Diplopoda. (Arthropods are animals with hard exoskeletons and jointed limbs.)
They are cylindrical or slightly flattened invertebrates.
The word “millipede” translates to “a thousand feet”—but while millipedes have many feet, none of them quite have a thousand.
They’re not insects. They are actually more closely related to lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp.
There are approximately 12,000 species distributed worldwide.
Habitat: They are typically found in areas of high moisture and decaying vegetation, such as under trash, in piles of grass and leaves, etc.
Features:
They are usually blackish or brownish in color, but some are also red, orange, or have mottled patterns.
Their bodies are split into a number of segments, and each segment has two sets of legs that attach to the body’s underside, except for the first (head) segment, which is legless, and the next three segments, which each contain one pair of legs.
In addition, each segment contains two pairs of internal organs (i.e., two pairs of ganglia and two pairs of heart arteries).
The length ranges from 2 to 280 mm (0.08 to 11 inches).
They are not poisonous, but many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Most millipedes are nocturnal and are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying plants and occasionally dead insects. , although some species attack the roots of living plants.
Millipedes vs Centipedes:
Both centipedes and millipedes are made up of segments that link together to form one long body.
Millipedes have two sets of legs per segment, positioned directly under their body.
Centipedes have one set of legs per segment, positioned on the side of their body.
Centipedes mostly eat insects after killing them with their venom. Millipedes feast on decomposing plants.
They respond to threats in different ways. A millipede will coil up and release a smelly secretion. Centipedes can bite, (which is typically harmless to humans) and run away quickly.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://phys.org/news/2024-02-genus-alien-multi-legged-forest.html
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA):
- It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- It extends financial assistance for setting up projects relating to renewable sources of energy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Explanation :
IREDA in partnership with its knowledge partner Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recently convened a Strategic Meeting focusing on key aspects of business expansion and initiatives aimed at cost reduction in fund utilization.
About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA):
It is a Mini Ratna (Category–I) non-banking financial institution under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
It is a Public Limited Government Company established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFC) in 1987.
REDA has been notified as a “Public Financial Institution” under Section 4 ‘A’ of the Companies Act, 1956, and registered as NBFC with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
REDA is primarily engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects relating to new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation.
IREDA is the single largest “Green Financier” in the country. It caters to all technologies in the renewable energy sector and predominantly provides financing for the sector.
Motto: ENERGY FOR EVER
Objectives:
To give financial support to specific projects and schemes for generating electricity and/ or energy through new and renewable sources and conserving energy through energy efficiency.
To maintain its position as a leading organization to provide efficient and effective financing in renewable energy and energy efficiency/ conservation projects.
To increase IREDA`s share in the renewable energy sector by way of innovative financing.
Improvement in the efficiency of services provided to customers through continual improvement of systems, processes, and resources.
To strive to be a competitive institution through customer satisfaction.
Funding: IREDA generates its revenue through the interest and principal repayments from the projects it finances, as well as by raising funds from the market and through borrowings.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2002051
The GHAR Portal, recently seen in the news, is launched to:
digitally track and monitor the restoration and repatriation of children
Explanation :
GHAR - GO Home and Re-Unite Portal have been developed and launched by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
About GHAR Portal:
It is a portal to digitally monitor and track the restoration and repatriation of children according to the protocols under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Rules thereof.
It has been developed and launched by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The following are the salient features of the portal:
Digital tracking and monitoring of children who are in the Juvenile Justice system and have to be repatriated to another Country/State/District.
Digital transfer of cases of children to the concerned Juvenile Justice Board/Child Welfare Committee of the State. It will help in the speedy repatriation of children.
Where there is a requirement of a translator/interpreter/expert, request will be made to the concerned State Government.
Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Officers can ensure proper restoration and rehabilitation of children by digitally monitoring the progress of the case.
A checklist format will be provided in the forms so that the children who are being hard to repatriate or children who are not getting their entitled compensation or other monetary benefits can be identified.
List of Government implemented schemes will be provided, so that at the time of restoration, the Child Welfare Committees can link the child with the schemes to strengthen the family and ensure that the child remains with his/her family.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2001879