June 17 - June 22 Flashcards

Question

Why this oversight is necessary?

Answer 1

The suspected work on a uranium metal disk, which could be used as a nuclear weapon component, and on neutrons—which are used to trigger a nuclear implosion—point to Iranian work on a neutron initiator for a nuclear weapons test or nuclear weapons device. Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium has grown by around 50% since February to 1,572 kilograms. That puts Iran’s stockpile of the nuclear fuel far above the limit of 202.8 kilograms stipulated in the 2015 nuclear accord. With 1,000 kilograms of low-enriched uranium, Iran would likely have enough material to fuel a single bomb once the material is further enriched, a process some experts believe could take as little as three months.

Answer 2

It is clear that the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal cannot simply be reinstated. Not only has Iran been in breach of key JCPOA commitments from day one of the agreement, it has now made significant progress toward nuclear bomb capabilities over the last two years since openly violating the agreement’s enrichment restrictions. A simple return to the JCPOA, with its sunset clauses beginning to lift almost all restrictions on enrichment a bare three years from now, would all but guarantee full Iranian military nuclear capability in a very short period of time.

Answer 3

Iran agreed to rein in its nuclear programme in a 2015 deal struck with the US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Tehran agreed to significantly cut its stores of centrifuges, enriched uranium and heavy-water, all key components for nuclear weapons. The JCPOA established the Joint Commission, with the negotiating parties all represented, to monitor implementation of the agreement.

Answer 4

Trump and opponents to the deal say it is flawed because it gives Iran access to billions of dollars but does not address Iran’s support for groups the U.S. considers terrorists, like Hamas and Hezbollah. They note it also doesn’t curb Iran’s development of ballistic missiles and that the deal phases out by 2030. They say Iran has lied about its nuclear program in the past.

Answer 5

Set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. Reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Answer 6

Works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Answer 7

22 member states (must represent a stipulated geographic diversity) — elected by the General Conference (11 members every year) – 2 year term. At least 10 member states — nominated by the outgoing Board. Board members each receive one vote. Recommendations to the General Conference on IAEA activities and budget. Responsible for publishing IAEA standards. Responsible for making most of the policy of the IAEA. Appoints the Director General subject to General Conference approval.

Answer 8

Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT). Human Health Program. Water Availability Enhancement Project. International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, 2000.

Answer 9

NASA scientists on Earth have collaborated with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to corral the first ever Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)- the fifth state of matter- outside of Earth’s gravity. The matter has been created in one of the coldest places in the universe- the Cold Atom Laboratory– a device on board the International Space Station (ISS).

Answer 10

Matter is the “stuff” that makes up the universe — everything that takes up space and has mass is matter. All matter is made up of atoms, which are in turn made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms come together to form molecules, which are the building blocks for all types of matter. Both atoms and molecules are held together by a form of potential energy called chemical energy.

Answer 11

There are four natural states of matter: Solids, liquids, gases and plasma. The fifth state is the man-made Bose-Einstein condensates.

Answer 12

A Bose-Einstein condensate is so named because its existence was posited almost a century ago by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose. This exotic material only exists when atoms of certain elements are cooled to temperatures near absolute zero. At that point, clusters of atoms begin functioning as a single quantum object with both wave and particle properties.

Answer 13

BEC was created by scientists in 1995. Using a combination of lasers and magnets, scientists cooled a sample of rubidium to within a few degrees of absolute zero. At this extremely low temperature, molecular motion comes very close to stopping. Since there is almost no kinetic energy being transferred from one atom to another, the atoms begin to clump together. There are no longer thousands of separate atoms, just one “super atom.”

Answer 14

A BEC is used to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic level. Light appears to slow down as it passes through a BEC, allowing scientists to study the particle/wave paradox. A BEC also has many of the properties of a superfluid, or a fluid that flows without friction. BECs are also used to simulate conditions that might exist in black holes.

Answer 15

BECs have been produced in a variety of experiments on Earth since 1995, but these are hindered by gravity, which collapses the clouds in a split second. To make a BEC, scientists must first corral and then supercool atoms. In the near-zero gravity in space, they can mix the ingredients in a much smaller catchment “trap.” On Earth’s surface, the atoms begin to repel each other and fly apart almost instantaneously. On Earth, laboratories can only maintain Bose-Einstein condensates for a matter of milliseconds. However, research aboard the ISS has created a Bose-Einstein condensate that persisted for more than a second.

Answer 16

Food. Feed.Fibre. – the links between consumption and land.

Answer 17

This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1995, after the day when United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was drafted.

Answer 18

Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world‘s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.

Answer 19

Established in 1994. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It is the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference’s Agenda 21. To help publicise the Convention, 2006 was declared “International Year of Deserts and Desertification”. Focus areas: The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. Aim: Its 197 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The end goal is to protect land from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide food, water and energy. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for this Convention.

Answer 20

India has witnessed increase in the level of desertification in 26 of 29 states between 2003-05 and 2011-13, according to the State of India’s Environment (SoE) 2019 in Figures. More than 80 per cent of the country’s degraded land lies in just nine states: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Top three districts with highest area under desertification or land degradation are (just know the places in map and remember names no need to remember numbers, just see the numbers once and feel Aww) 1. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (92.96 per cent during 2011-13 and 98.13 per cent during 2003-05), 2. Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh (80.54 per cent during 2011-13 and 80.57 per cent during 2003-05) and 3. Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir (78.23 per cent during 2011-13 and 78.22 per cent during 2003-05).

Answer 21

Water erosion (10.98 per cent). Wind erosion (5.55 per cent). Human-made/settlements (0.69 per cent). Vegetation degradation (8.91 per cent). Salinity (1.12 per cent). Others (2.07 per cent). Most observable part here is — human made settlements has degraded land less than wind erosion and vegetation erosion

Answer 22

It is a new species of fish discovered in Arunachal Pradesh recently. The fish species belongs to genus Schizothorax. The name of this fish species has been derived from the name of the rivers where it was found- junction of River Siku and Sirum near Gakang area under Mebo circle of East Siang District. This you must mug up (Trick is see the fish image in google, and see its beauty you will remember it for ever)

Answer 23

Dexamethasone Mug up this (Cram)

Answer 24

The body of the foreign Bacteria or virus produce antigens This was somewhat poisonous to our body, so our immune system retaliate the organisms by producing antibodies

Answer 25

Cytokines are “cell signalling” molecules that aid “cell to cell communication” in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection and trauma.

Answer 26

This is happened when cytokines over do the work This makes the immune system work on out body instead of foreign germs

Answer 27

There are 15 members 5 permanent and other 10 non permanent 5 permanent are — US, UK, France, China, Russia These 10 non permanent — 5 are elected for every 2 years

Answer 28

Nope it was 11 member body i,e 5 permanent and 6 non permanent In 1965 it got changed to 15

Answer 29

2 from Latin America and caraibean islands 1 from Eastern Europe states 5 from Asia and Africa 2 from Western Europe and other states (See all these on map)

Answer 30

Its the Member of Parliament land areas development scheme I.e he gets 5 crore amount annually, executive will use this 5 crore And this was to be used for assets creation like roads, tanks, etc construction, but 78% of the works are used for improvement of existing works.

Answer 31

The election is done in the form of secret ballot and there are no nominations

Answer 32

They can use it in there elected state only

Answer 33

MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation)

Answer 34

In 1997, when UK left with a guarantee of “One country Two systems”

Answer 35

In 1949 And renegotiated in 2007

Answer 36

1. Aral Sea 2. Lake baikal (Point these on map)

Answer 37

Yes, when he stays more than 182 days So it is not used as the proof of citizen ship

Answer 38

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended the use of Standard Q COVID-19 Ag antigen detection test in containment zones and healthcare settings in combination with the RT-PCR test. The is to be used in specified settings, and kits from only one manufacturer have got approval– the South Korean company S D Biosensor.

Answer 39

Antigens are foreign substances that induce an immune response in the body.

Answer 40

It is a test on swabbed nasal samples that detects antigens that are found on or within the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a point-of-care test, performed outside the conventional laboratory setting, and is used to quickly obtain a diagnostic result.

Answer 41

Like RT-PCR, the rapid antigen detection test too seeks to detect the virus rather than the antibodies produced by the body. The most significant difference between the two is time. RT-PCR test takes a minimum of 2-5 hours including the time taken for sample transportation. In a rapid antigen detection test, the maximum duration for interpreting a positive or negative test is 30 minutes.

Answer 42

These tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. Negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative. Once the sample is collected in the extraction buffer, it is stable only for one hour. Therefore, the antigen test needs to be conducted at the site of sample collection in the healthcare setting.

Answer 43

The United States has now twice indicated that it would like to secure priority access to doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Other countries, including India and Russia, have taken similar stances. This prioritisation of domestic markets has become known as vaccine nationalism.

Answer 44

Vaccine nationalism occurs when a country manages to secure doses of vaccine for its own citizens or residents before they are made available in other countries. This is done through pre-purchase agreements between a government and a vaccine manufacturer.

Answer 45

Vaccine nationalism is not new. During the early stages of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, some of the wealthiest countries entered into pre-purchase agreements with several pharmaceutical companies working on H1N1 vaccines. At that time, it was estimated that, in the best-case scenario, the maximum number of vaccine doses that could be produced globally was two billion. The US alone negotiated and obtained the right to buy 600,000 doses. All the countries that negotiated pre-purchase orders were developed economies.

Answer 46

Vaccine nationalism is harmful for equitable access to vaccines. It further disadvantages countries with fewer resources and bargaining power. It deprives populations in the Global South from timely access to vital public health goods. Taken to its extreme, it allocates vaccines to moderately at-risk populations in wealthy countries over populations at higher risk in developing economies.

Answer 47

International institutions — including the WHO — should coordinate negotiations ahead of the next pandemic to produce a framework for equitable access to vaccines during public health crises. Equity entails both, affordability of vaccines and access opportunities for populations across the world, irrespective of geography and geopolitics.

Answer 48

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed stringent norms for housing finance companies.

Answer 49

At least 50% of net assets should be in the nature of ‘qualifying assets’ for HFCs, of which at least 75% should be towards individual housing loans. Such HFCs which do not fulfil the criteria will be treated as NBFC – Investment and Credit Companies (NBFC-ICCs) and will be required to approach the RBI for conversion of their Certificate of Registration from HFC to NBFC-ICC. The NBFC-ICCs which want to continue as HFCs would have to follow a roadmap to make 75% of their assets individual housing loans. The target has been set at 60% by March 31, 2022, 70% by March 31, 2023, and 75% by March 31, 2024. It has also proposed a minimum net-owned fund (NOF) of ₹20 crore as compared to ₹10 crore now. Existing HFCs would have to reach ₹15 crore within a year and ₹20 crore within two years.

Answer 50

The RBI defined ‘qualifying assets’ as loans to individuals or a group of individuals, including co-operative societies, for construction/purchase of new dwelling units, loans to individuals for renovation of existing dwelling units, lending to builders for construction of residential dwelling units.

Answer 51

A housing finance company is considered a non-banking financial company (NBFC) under the RBI’s regulations. A company is treated as an NBFC if its financial assets are more than 50% of its total assets and income from financial assets is more than 50% of the gross income.

Answer 52

NASA recently finalised the contract for the initial crew module of the agency’s Gateway lunar orbiting outpost. The contract, which is worth $187 million has been awarded to Orbital Science Corporation of Dulles, Virginia, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Space.

Answer 53

NASA has issued this contract to design the habitation and logistics (HALO) support for the Gateway, which is a part of NASA’s Artemis program that aims to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon by 2024. The HALO refers to the pressurised living quarters where astronauts will spend their time while visiting the Gateway. These quarters will be about the size of a small apartment and will provide augmented life support in tandem with NASA’s Orion spacecraft.

Answer 54

The Gateway is a small spaceship that will orbit the Moon, meant for astronaut missions to the Moon and later, for expeditions to Mars. It will act as a temporary office and living quarters for astronauts, distanced at about 250,000 miles from Earth. The spaceship will have living quarters, laboratories for science and research and docking ports for visiting spacecraft. Compared to the ISS, the Gateway is much smaller.

Answer 55

As of now, NASA has targeted the completion of the Gateway for 2026, while work on the spaceship is already underway. By 2022, NASA plans to ready the power and propulsion for the spaceship, which will be launched on a partner-provided commercial rocket.

Answer 56

Artemis– Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of Moon’s Interaction with the Sun. It is NASA’s next mission to the Moon. Objective: To measure what happens when the Sun’s radiation hits our rocky moon, where there is no magnetic field to protect it. Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology.

Answer 57

Observed on June 17th every year. It is a global awareness campaign to highlight the plight of endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world.

Answer 58

The mugger or marsh crocodile The estuarine or saltwater crocodile The Gharial (See there pics in google)

Answer 59

The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN. The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes. (Remember IUCN categories)

Answer 60

The Gharial or fish eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is listed as a Critically Endangered by IUCN. Small released populations are present and increasing in the rivers of the National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Son River Sanctuary and the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Orissa. (Remember IUCN categories)

Answer 61

It is the largest of all living reptiles. It listed as least concern by IUCN. It is found throughout the east coast of India. (Remember IUCN Categories)

Answer 62

The Gharial and Saltwater crocodile conservation programme was first implemented in Odisha in early 1975 and subsequently the Mugger conservation programme was initiated, since Odisha is having distinction for existence of all the three species of Indian crocodilians. The funds and technical support for the project came from UNDP/ FAO through the Government of India. ‘BAULA’ PROJECT AT DANGAMAL: ‘Baula’ is the Oriya term for Saltwater Crocodile. Dangmal is in Bhitarkanika sanctuary. MUGGER PROJECT AT RAMATIRTHA: The Ramatirtha center, in Odisha, is meant for Mugger crocodiles. GHARIAL PROJECT AT TIKARPADA, Odisha. CAPTIVE BREEDING OF CROCODILES AT NANDANKANAN, Odisha.

Answer 63

Even as India and China are engaged in military-level talks and in controlled engagement, there has been a violent face-off between the army troops of both sides. Recently, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Indian Army clashed and used stones, knives, and machetes to attack each other and this resulted in fatalities on both sides. This incident happened at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh region.

Answer 64

India and China share a border that is more than 3,440km (2,100 miles) long and have overlapping territorial claims. From past one month, Indian and Chinese armies have been locked in a tense stand-off at three points along the Line of Actual Control — the Galwan River Valley, Hot Springs area and the Pangong Lake — since early May.

Answer 65

The Galwan river is the highest ridgeline and it allows the Chinese to dominate the Shyok route passes, which is close to the river. It lies along the western sector of the LAC and close to Aksai Chin, a disputed area claimed by India but controlled by China.

Answer 66

India is trying to construct a feeder road emanating from Darbuk-Shyok Village – Daulat Beg Oldi road (DS-DBO road). This road runs along the Shyok River and is the most critical line of communications close to LAC. Hence, Chinese are keen on controlling this area as they fear that the Indian side could end up threatening their position on the Aksai Chin plateau by using the river valley.

Answer 67

That China is becoming more belligerent across strategic theatres, challenging the status quo, is supported by multiple examples from the South China Sea. For the Government of India, this is a moment to guard against complacency, fostered by decades of nimble diplomacy that led to equilibrium, however precarious, on the border issue with China.

Answer 68

Why in News? China has accorded the pangolin the highest level of protection and removed the scales of the endangered mammal from its list of approved traditional medicines. Key facts: Pangolin is only scaly mammal on the planet. According to CITES, it is also the most illegally traded vertebrate within its class (Mammalia). Of the eight species of pangolin worldwide, two are found in India. They are Chinese pangolin, mostly found in northeast India and Indian pangolin. Protection Status: Chinese pangolin has been listed as “critically endangered”. Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) has been listed as “endangered”. It is also a Schedule I category protected animal, under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). (See the pic of pangolin, i like it, it is so diff species) — See the IUCN red list category its endangered (Least concern < Vulnerable < endangered < critically endangered < extinct in the wild < extinct — these are the threat levels faced by animals — least concern means they are abundant and extinct means they are gone from this world, so IUCN red list categorisation is important )

Answer 69

Germany, India, Japan and Brazil constitute G4 nations

Answer 70

Context: The Punjab government, last week, constituted a three-member civil services board to decide on IAS transfers and postings in the state. Opposition to this move: This notification providing for fixed tenure of IAS officers has left some leaders in the state upset. It is because they feel appointment and transfer of IAS officers are a prerogative of the state. They say, If their term is fixed, it will not only create functional and administrative problems, but also overstep the authority and jurisdiction of the state government. With the fixed tenure rule and Chief Secretary’s board having all power to examine a recommendation for a transfer, the leaders feel their influence has been reduced to a naught and all power handed to the CS.

Answer 71

It says if the officials have a fixed tenure they will be able to provide better administration.\ They will also feel safe and try to stick to the rules instead of pleasing political bosses. It says every official requires 3-6 months to get into the groove at his new place of posting. If he stays there for two years, it would mean better delivery and stable tenure to people.

Answer 72

To insulate the bureaucracy from political interference and to put an end to frequent transfers of civil servants by political bosses, the Supreme Court had in 2013 directed the Centre and the states to set up a civil services board to consider transfers and postings of bureaucrats among others. As per rules, all states should have a civil services board to decide on transfers and postings of the bureaucrats. Functions: The board is mandated to decide on the transfer of a civil servant before completion of his or her fixed tenure. The rules mandate the civil services board to submit an annual report on January 1 to the central government about the date of the meetings held by them. Composition: The civil services board is headed by chief secretary of a state. It has senior most additional chief secretary or chairman, Board of Revenue, Financial Commissioner or an officer of equivalent rank and status as member. In addition, it will have Principal Secretary or Secretary, Department of Personnel in the state government as member secretary.

Answer 73

Context: The Indian government has tried to respond to the border dispute with China by training its guns on trade. The idea resonating in Indian streets is that Indians should boycott Chinese goods and thus “teach China a lesson”. But, given China’s centrality and India’s insignificant share in global trade, banning trade will barely hurt China while adversely impacting Indian consumers and businesses.

Answer 74

Smartphones: Market size: Rs 2 lakh Cr. Share of Chinese products: 72%. Telecom Equipment: Market size: Rs 12,000 Cr; Share of Chinese products: 25%. Auto Components: Market size: 43.1 lakh Cr.; Share of Chinese products: 26%. Internet Apps: Market size: 45.0 Crore smartphone users; Share of Chinese products: 66% of people use at least one Chinese app on their smartphones. Solar Power: Market size: 37,916 MW; Share of Chinese products: 90% Steel: Share of Chinese products: 18-20%. Pharma/API: Market size: 1.5 Lakh Crore; Share of Chinese products: 60%.

Answer 75

When the economical gap between India and China is narrowed, the country, prompted by emotions of nationalism amid the standoff between the two countries, can boycott Chinese products and carve out a path for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat.’

Answer 76

Provision of cheap labour is one of the factors that contribute to cheaper Chinese products. Raw materials are cheaper. They are a significant part of the total cost of the product. Since the Chinese firms invest in bulk purchases for bulk production, it saves the tremendous cost of production. Efficient business ecosystem comprising of a network of suppliers, component manufacturers, distributors, government agencies, and customers. All have key-roles to play in ironing out the production process. Business loans are easily accessible, especially for bigger industries which provides a greater financial cushion to businesses in the manufacturing segment. The Chinese factories have been criticized for their lower compliance with health and safety regulations and environmental protection laws. China follows a Value Added Tax (VAT) system. A tax which is charged only on the “value-added” to a product, material or service at every stage of its further manufacture or distribution. Exported goods are subject to zero per cent VAT. In simpler terms, they enjoy a VAT exemption or rebate policy.

Answer 77

Trade deficit: In 2018-19, India’s exports to China were mere $16.7 billion, while imports were $70.3 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $53.6 billion. Private Indian companies with Chinese investment: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China stood at a total of $1.8 billion between 2015 and 2019. Chinese tech investors have put an estimated $4 billion into Indian start-ups. Over a period of five years ending March 2020, 18 of India’s 30 unicorns are now Chinese-funded. China’s dominance in the Indian digital market: Apps with Chinese investments constituted a substantial 50% of top app downloads (both iOS and G Play combined) which includes web browsers, data sharing and social media apps as per the Gateway house report. A blanket ban on Chinese imports will hurt all small businesses at a time when they are already struggling to survive, apart from hitting India’s ability to produce finished goods.

Answer 78

Estimates indicate that a third of the Chinese imports constitute low-tech goods that were either made earlier by Indians, or are still being made but in smaller quantities. These can surely be discouraged, and re-replaced by local products and brands. In addition, such attempts will prove to be a fillip for the hundreds of small and medium firms, which have languished due to the lack of demand. If the MSME segment kicks off, the overall manufacturing sector will get a boost, which will benefit the ‘Make in India’ scheme. As local sales grow, Indians will become competitive. They can emerge as exporters of these products, and battle globally with China.

Answer 79

Why in News? India will participate in the virtual meeting of the Russia-India-China grouping on June 23. The Indian decision to go ahead with the ministerial level exchange has created an opening for de-escalation of tension along the Line of Actual Control with the Russian diplomatic sources indicating that they support “constructive dialogue” over the tension in eastern Ladakh. What is RIC? Conceived by the then Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov in 1998. The group was founded on the basis of “ending its subservient foreign policy guided by the U.S.,” and “renewing old ties with India and fostering the newly discovered friendship with China.”

Answer 80

Together, the RIC countries occupy over 19 percent of the global landmass and contribute to over 33 percent of global GDP. All three are nuclear powers and two, Russia and China, are permanent members of the UN Security Council, while India aspires to be one. The trio could also contribute to creating a new economic structure for the world. They could work together on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Answer 81

It forms the core of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India is in a geostrategic sweet spot today. It is important for India as an aspiring power to be able to thwart China’s aspirations of being a hegemon in both the maritime and continental spheres.

Answer 82

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed legislation calling for sanctions over the repression of China’s Uighur Muslims. Details: The Bill calls for sanctions against those responsible for repression of Uighurs and other Muslim groups in China’s Xinjiang province, where the United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps. It singles out the region’s Communist Party secretary, Chen Quanguo, as responsible for “gross human rights violations” against them. The Bill also calls on U.S. firms operating in Xinjiang region to ensure their products do not include parts using forced labour.

Answer 83

The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps in the Xinjiang region. The U.S. State Department has accused Chinese officials of subjecting Muslims to torture, abuse “and trying to basically erase their culture and their religion.”

Answer 84

Uighurs are a Muslim minority community concentrated in the country’s northwestern Xinjiang province. They claim closer ethnic ties to Turkey and other central Asian countries than to China, by brute — and brutal — force.

Answer 85

Xinjiang is technically an autonomous region within China — its largest region, rich in minerals, and sharing borders with eight countries, including India, Pakistan, Russia and Afghanistan. Over the past few decades, as economic prosperity has come to Xinjiang, it has brought with it in large numbers the majority Han Chinese,who have cornered the better jobs, and left the Uighurs feeling their livelihoods and identity were under threat. This led to sporadic violence, in 2009 culminating in a riot that killed 200 people, mostly Han Chinese, in the region’s capital Urumqi. And many other violent incidents have taken place since then. Beijing also says Uighur groups want to establish an independent state and, because of the Uighurs’ cultural ties to their neighbours, leaders fear that elements in places like Pakistan may back a separatist movement in Xinjiang. Therefore, the Chinese policy seems to have been one of treating the entire community as suspect, and launching a systematic project to chip away at every marker of a distinct Uighur identity.

Answer 86

Context: 14 states/UTs yet to join the scheme. About the scheme: One Nation One Ration Card (RC) will ensure all beneficiaries especially migrants can access PDS across the nation from any PDS shop of their own choice. Benefits: no poor person is deprived of getting subsidised foodgrains under the food security scheme when they shift from one place to another. It also aims to remove the chance of anyone holding more than one ration card to avail benefits from different states. Significance: This will provide freedom to the beneficiaries as they will not be tied to any one PDS shop and reduce their dependence on shop owners and curtail instances of corruption.

Answer 87

The poor migrant workers will be able to buy subsidised rice and wheat from any ration shop in the country but for that their ration cards must be linked to Aadhaar. Migrants would only be eligible for the subsidies supported by the Centre, which include rice sold at Rs. 3/kg and wheat at Rs. 2/kg, It would not include subsidies given by their respective state government in some other state.

Answer 88

A standard format for ration card has been prepared after taking into account the format used by different states. For national portability, the state governments have been asked to issue the ration card in bi-lingual format, wherein besides the local langauge, the other language could be Hindi or English. The states have also been told to have a 10-digit standard ration card number, wherein first two digits will be state code and the next two digits will be running ration card numbers. Besides this, a set of another two digits will be appended with ration card number to create unique member IDs for each member of the household in a ration card.

Answer 89

Prone to corruption: Every state has its own rules for Public Distribution System (PDS). If ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ is implemented, it will further boost corruption in an already corrupted Public Distribution System. The scheme will increase the woes of the common man and, the middlemen and corrupt PDS shop owners will exploit them. Tamil Nadu has opposed the proposal of the Centre, saying it would result in undesirable consequences and is against federalism.

Answer 90

The current migrant crisis should be seen as an opportunity to develop a national migration policy addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers’ productivity, living conditions and social security. While this must be done, the government must also fast-track the ONORC scheme because India’s present rights-based regime is based on the assumption that people are sedentary. The ONORC should also include access to health and other things.

Answer 91

It is an anti-inflammatory drug, commonly used to treat conditions in which the body’s immune system does not function properly, and causes inflammation and tissue damage. Dexamethasone reduces the production of the chemicals that cause inflammation and also reduces the activity of the immune system by affecting the way white blood cells function. It falls in a category called corticosteroids, which closely mimic cortisol, the hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands in humans. Why in News? It has become the subject of discussion after researchers from the Recovery Trial reported that it helps reduce death rates in certain Covid-19 patients.

Answer 92

Popularly known as the ‘Festival of Chariots’, Rath Yatra festival in honour of Puri’s Lord Jagannath is grand celebration. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his sister Goddess Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra. All the three deities of the temple – Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra – travel in three different chariots during this festival. The chariots are called Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Devadalana respectively. New chariots for all the three deities are constructed every year using wood even if the architect of the chariots remain similar. Four wooden horses are attached to each chariot. Why in News? Supreme Court of India has stayed annual Rath Yatra at Puri’s Jagannath Temple in Odisha which was scheduled from June 23. The apex court said that ‘Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow this year’s Rath Yatra’.

Answer 93

Kodumanal is a village located in the Erode district in Tamil Nadu. It is located on the northern banks of Noyyal River, a tributary of the Cauvery. It was once a flourishing ancient trade city known as Kodumanam, as inscribed in Patittrupathu of Sangam Literature. It served as a trade-cum-industrial centre from 5th century BCE to 1st century BCE. The place is an important archaeological site, under the control of State Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu. Why in News? The following things have been found during the ongoing excavation at the site: 10 Pots and bowls placed outside three-chambered burial cists and inside the cairn-circle. This has thrown light on burial rituals and the concept of afterlife in megalithic culture. Other findings: Animal skull, possibly of a wolf or a dog; precious stones; copper smelting units; potteries.

Answer 94

The Context: Skeletal remains of a child excavated as part of Keeladi’s 6th phase excavation. The skeleton was found buried between two terracotta urns. All about Keeladi excavations: Excavations in Keeladi prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam era on the banks of the river Vaigai. Many antiquities have been unearthed that provide crucial evidence to understanding the missing links of the Iron Age [12th century BCE to 6th century BCE] to the Early Historic Period [6th century BCE to 4th century BCE] and subsequent cultural developments. Literate society: Tamil Brahmi letters found were inscribed when the pot was wet or after the pot became dry. This clearly suggests literacy levels in the 6th century BC. Agrarian society that reared cattle: Skeletal fragments of cow/ox, buffalo, sheep, goat, nilgai, blackbuck, wild boar and peacock were found. High standard of living: Long walls, Well-laid floors along with roof tiles in a collapsed state, iron nails fastened to the poles and rafters prove a high standard of living during the Sangam age. Items found: Brick structures, terracotta ring wells, fallen roofing with tiles, golden ornaments, broken parts of copper objects, iron implements, terracotta chess pieces, ear ornaments, spindle whorls, figurines, black and redware, rouletted ware and a few pieces of Arretine ware, besides beads made of glass, terracotta and semi-precious stones. Graffiti marks are found in earthenware, caves and rocks in or near the excavation sites.

Answer 95

Why in News? A petition was filed in the Supreme Court asking the Court to direct the government to setup expert panels to boost India’s prospects in the Rule of Law Index. What has the petitioner demanded? A direction to the government to constitute expert committees to examine the best practices of the countries ranked among top 20 in Rule of Law Index-2020 and accordingly take steps to improve the “pathetic ranking” of India.

Answer 96

On March 11, the World Justice Project announced the Rule of Law Index and ranked India in the 69th position. India has never been ranked even among top 50 in the Index, but successive governments did nothing to improve international ranking of India. The nation’s ranking in the Index “confirms poor performance in eight sectors, constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, public order and security, regulatory enforcement and civil and criminal justice”. Besides, poor rule of law has a devastating effect on right to life, liberty, economic justice, fraternity, individual dignity and national integration. It also offends rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21.

Answer 97

This was not an “appropriate case” for the court and a representation to this effect can be made to the government for taking action. This petition may be treated as representation by the respondents for such appropriate actions as may be found appropriate, which may be decided within a period of six months.

Answer 98

Released by the World Justice Project- an independent organisation. It is a quantitative assessment tool designed to offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice. The index covers 128 countries.

Answer 99

It measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors: (1) Constraints on Government Powers, (2) Absence of Corruption, (3) Open Government, (4) Fundamental Rights, (5) Order and Security, (6) Regulatory Enforcement, (7) Civil Justice, and (8) Criminal Justice.

Answer 100

The World Justice Project defines the rule of law system as one in which the following four universal principles are upheld: The government and its officials and agents are accountable under the law. The laws are clear, publicized, stable and fair, and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property. The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, efficient, and fair. Justice is delivered by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

Answer 101

Context: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has signed MoU with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in order to engage SIDBI as the Implementation Agency for PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) – a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street Vendors.

Answer 102

SIDBI will manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). It will develop and maintain a customized and integrated IT Platform providing end-to-end solutions to ensure engagement and information flow between Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Lending Institutions, Digital Payment Aggregators and other stakeholders.

Answer 103

It is a special micro-credit facility plan to provide affordable loan of up to ₹10,000 to more than 50 lakh street vendors, who had their businesses operational on or before 24 March. The scheme is valid until March 2022. Small Industries Development Bank of India is the technical partner for implementation of this scheme. It will manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises.

Answer 104

Under the scheme, vendors can avail working capital loan of up to ₹10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments within one year. On timely/early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy of 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on six-months basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.

Answer 105

The scheme is applicable to vendors, hawkers, thelewalas, rehriwalas, theliphadwalas in different areas/contexts who supply goods and services. Street vendors belonging to the surrounding peri-urban/rural areas are also included.

Answer 106

The lockdown has affected the lives and livelihoods of many especially daily wagers including street vendors who businesses were affected due to the restrictions. Street vendors usually work with a small capital base taken on very high interest rates from informal sources. Further, they might have consumed their savings and high cost capital during the lockdown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide affordable credit for working capital through formal banking channel to street vendors to help them resume the business.

Answer 107

Why in News? The United States has reportedly pulled out of talks aimed at overhauling the global tax system for digital giants. With this, France has now confirmed an “impasse” on the so-called GAFA tax. What’s the concern now? France as well as U.K., Spain, Italy and others have imposed taxes on the largest digital firms. U.S. officials have slammed the moves as discriminating against American firms, and say any new levies should come only as part of a broader overhaul of international tax rules. Now, the US withdrawal from talks risks reigniting a transatlantic trade spat.

Answer 108

In January, 137 countries agreed to negotiate a deal on how to tax tech multinationals by 2020-end, under the auspices of the OECD. France, Britain, Italy and Spain have already sent a reply expressing their desire to agree on “a fair digital tax at the level of the OECD as quickly as possible.

Answer 109

GAFA tax—named after Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon—is a proposed digital tax to be levied on large technology and internet companies. France has decided to introduce the tax (3% tax on revenues from digital activities). The rationale for having separate taxation on digital firms: Existing tax norms that are framed envisaging brick and mortar business models are not suitable to regulate online services. The technology companies differ from traditional businesses as a result of user participation in creating value, which, in turn, translates into revenue. The often complex corporate structures set up by several companies that derive huge revenues from major European economies but allow them slash their tax bills by shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions. (Base Erosion and Profit Sharing issue) European countries in particular say the so-called GAFA — Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon — are unfairly exploiting tax rules that let them declare profits in low-tax havens, depriving them of a fair share of their fiscal payments.

Answer 110

India has the second-largest online users in the world, with over 560 million internet users, and hence, from the viewpoint of its tax revenue base, digital businesses could not be overlooked. However, as is the case in other jurisdictions, Indian tax laws were suited for conventional business models such as brick and mortar stores and thus in dire need of an overhaul. Recent Amendments: To ensure that value created digitally is appropriately taxed; two significant amendments were introduced in Indian taxation laws in the recent past – The “Equalization Levy” – A tax aimed at foreign digital companies has been in place since 2016 and levied a 6% tax payable on gross revenues from online advertising services, which raked over Rs. 550 crores in fiscal year 2017-2018. The new amendment, effective from April 1, 2020, essentially expands the equalization levy from online advertising to nearly all online commerce activitiesdone in India by businesses that do not have taxable presence in India through applicability of 2% on its revenues. Specifically, it is levied on consideration receivable by the e-commerce operator for supply or services or facilitation of supply or service to – Person resident in India, Non-resident under specified circumstances such as through sale of data collected from a person resident in India, and Person who buys goods or services through an IP address located in India. The concept of “Significant Economic Presence” (SEP): Introduced for the purposes of corporate income tax, which expanded to include the following: Advertisement which targets a customer residing in India or who accesses advertisement through internet protocol (IP) address located in India. Sale of data collected from a person residing in India or who uses an IP address located in India. Sale of goods/services using data collected from a person residing in India or who uses IP address located in India.

Answer 111

Why in News? China has released genome sequencing data for the coronavirus responsible for a recent outbreak in Beijing. It has shared this data with WHO and GISAID. What the data suggest? At least one of the strains tied to the Chinese capital’s largest wholesale food market had reportedly shown similarities to a strain found in Europe. Local confirmed infections had been recorded for five consecutive days in two areas, apparently referencing Beijing and the neighbouring province of Hebei.

Answer 112

Beijing has seen 183 confirmed cases since the outbreak last week at the Xinfadi market and the situation for prevention remains very grave.

Answer 113

Genomic sequencing is a technique that allows us to read and interpret genetic information found within DNA or RNA.

Answer 114

The SARS-CoV2 genome, as it is formally known, has about 30,000 base pairs, somewhat like a long string with 30,000 places where each one of these occupy one of four chemicals called nucleotides. This long string, with its unique combination of nucleotides, is what uniquely identifies the virus and is called its genomic sequence. A look at virus genome sequences from patient samples that test positive for COVID-19 helps researchers to understand how the virus is evolving as it spreads. So far, there are over 1,000 COVID-19 genomes that have been published worldwide.

Answer 115

It helps track the transmission route of the virus globally. It can determine how quickly the virus is adapting as it spreads. It identifies targets to therapies. It is required to understand the role of co-infection.

Answer 116

The GISAID platform was launched on the occasion of the Sixty-first World Health Assembly in May 2008. GISAID is a global science initiative and primary source for genomic data of influenza viruses and and the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. In 2010 the Federal Republic of Germany became the official host of the GISAID platform and EpiFlu™ database providing sustainability of the platform and stability through its public-private-partnership with the GISAID Initiative to this day. In 2013 the European Commission recognized GISAID as a research organization and partner in the PREDEMICS consortium, a project on the Preparedness, Prediction and the Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Viruses with Pandemic Potential using multidisciplinary approaches.

Answer 117

The Initiative ensures that open access to data in GISAID is provided free-of-charge to all individuals that agreed to identify themselves and agreed to uphold the GISAID sharing mechanism governed through its Database Access Agreement.

Answer 118

Context: The Finance Ministry has given approval to a proposal to allow individuals and institutions to contribute directly to the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). Significance and implications of this move: This is a significant development at a time when many have expressed concerns about donations sent to the PM CARES Fund or the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, as both claim they are not public authorities subject to questions under the Right to Information Act.

Answer 119

The NDRF was set up in accordance with Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is meant to “meet the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation” for any threatening disaster situation. It is a fund managed by the Central Government for meeting the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation due to any threatening disaster situation or disaster. Constituted to supplement the funds of the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) of the states to facilitate immediate relief in case of calamities of a severe nature. Although Section 46 includes a clause regarding grants made by any person or institution, provisions for such donations had not been made. Located in the “Public Accounts” of Government of India under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest“.

Answer 120

In pursuance of an appeal by the then Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in January, 1948, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was established with public contributions to assist displaced persons from Pakistan. The resources of the PMNRF are now utilized primarily to render immediate relief to families of those killed in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquakes, etc. and to the victims of the major accidents and riots. Assistance from PMNRF is also rendered, to partially defray the expenses for medical treatment like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, etc.

Answer 121

Launched by Ministry of Mines. SATYABHAMA stands for Science and Technology Yojana for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Mining Advancement. Designed, developed and implemented by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Mines Informatics Division. It allows online submission of project proposals along with monitoring of the projects and utilization of funds / grants. The researchers can also submit progress reports and Final Technical Reports of the projects in the electronic format in the portal.

Answer 122

Why in News? Supreme Court has delivered its judgment on Secrecy of Ballot. The judgment came on an appeal against the Allahabad High Court decision setting aside the voting of a no-confidence motion in a zila panchayat in Uttar Pradesh in 2018. The High Court had found that some of the panchayat members had violated the rule of secrecy of ballot. It relied on CCTV footage to conclude that they had either displayed the ballot papers or by their conduct revealed the manner in which they had voted.

Answer 123

Secrecy of ballot is the cornerstone of free and fair elections. The choice of a voter should be free and the secret ballot system in a democracy ensures it. It is the policy of law to protect the right of voters to secrecy of the ballot. Even a remote or distinct possibility that a voter can be forced to disclose for whom she has voted would act as a positive constraint and a check on the freedom to exercise of franchise. The principle of secrecy of ballots is an important postulate of constitutional democracy. However, a voter can also voluntarily waive the privilege of non-disclosure. No one can prevent a voter from doing. Nor can a complaint be entertained from any, including the person who wants to keep the voter’s mouth sealed as to why she disclosed for whom she voted.

Answer 124

Section 94 of the Representation of People Act upholds the privilege of the voter to maintain confidentiality about her choice of vote. What next? The apex court ordered a re-vote of the motion within the next two months. It ordered the Allahabad District Judge or his nominee to act as the presiding officer. The vote should be conducted by the secret ballot system.

Answer 125

Why in News? Nepali opposition party leaders have opposed the planned changes in the existing citizenship rules that will most notably affect the families in Nepal’s plains also known as the Madhes region where cross-border kinship with India is common. However, the government defends its move by citing India’s citizenship rules to justify the amendments the Nepalese govt has brought.

Answer 126

The Bill seeks to amend the country’s Citizenship Act that would require a foreign woman married to a Nepali national to wait seven years for naturalised citizenship. It includes seven rights that a foreign woman married to a Nepali national can exercise till she acquires citizenship certificates. Lack of a citizenship certificate will not bar them from running any businesses and earn, use and sell any fixed and movable assets, make profits through businesses and get involved in transaction of property of any kind.

Answer 127

The Madheshi are residents of Terai region in the south of Nepal at the foothill of the Himalayas on the border with India in Bihar. The Madhesis have castes and ethnicity similar to Bihar and eastern UP, with frequent inter-marriages between families on either side of the border. They believe these changes will introduce uncertainty and tension in the society and families. Critics have termed the changes as racially motivated.

Answer 128

The move to amend the citizenship act comes days after the Nepal government completed the process of redrawing the country’s political map through a Constitutional amendment, incorporating three strategically important Indian areas, a move that could severely jolt relations with New Delhi. These include- Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh.

Answer 129

Context: India attended the virtual 32nd special Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) plenary meeting, under the aegis of the Financial Action Task Force. What is EAG? The EAG is a regional body comprising nine countries: India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. Established in 2004, it is an associate member of the FATF. The founding conference was held in Moscow on October 6, 2004 and was attended by six founding countries:Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. In 2005 and 2010 the group was expanded to include Uzbekistan (2005), Turkmenistan (2010) and India (2010). The Agreement on the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism was signed in Moscow in June 2011, granting the EAG the status of a regional intergovernmental organization.

Answer 130

Assisting member-states in implementing the 40 FATF anti-money laundering Recommendations and the 9 Special FATF Recommendations on combating terrorist financing (FATF 40+9 Recommendations). Developing and conducting joint activities aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Implementing a program of mutual evaluations of member-states based on the FATF 40+9 Recommendations, including assessment of the effectiveness of legislative and other measures adopted in the sphere of AML/CFT efforts. Coordinating international cooperation and technical assistance programs with specialized international organizations, bodies, and interested states. Analyzing money laundering and terrorist financing trends (typologies) and exchanging best practices of combating such crimes taking into account regional specifics.

Answer 131

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mega ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ aimed to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Answer 132

The first priority of the scheme is to meet the immediate requirement of workers who have gone back to their districts by providing them with livelihood opportunities. The focus is also on rural citizens. It is a focused campaign of 125 days across 116 districts in six states to work in mission mode. Public works worth 50,000 crore rupees to be carried out under the scheme. It includes focused implementation of 25 different types of work to provide employment and to create durable infrastructure. The villages will join this programme through the common service centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Answer 133

The scheme will be a coordinated effort by 12 different ministries including rural development, Panchayati Raj, Road transport and highways, mines, drinking water and sanitation, environment, railways, petroleum and natural gas, new and renewable energy, border Roads, Telecom and agriculture.

Answer 134

Post-COVID-19 lockdown, maximum migrant workers have returned to these six states. These districts are estimated to cover about 2/3 of such migrant workers. The chosen districts include 27 aspirational districts.

Answer 135

The jobs selected in the campaign will enable proper utilisation of the strength and skill of people. It will also enable the government to convert Covid crisis into an opportunity. The campaign will contribute towards provision of modern facilities, such as internet connectivity, laying of optic fibre cables, to increase internet speed in villages, so that children in villages are able to study and learn like those in cities.

Answer 136

Why in News? Kerala government is planning to modify specific laws that govern the plantation sector to allow the management to intercrop food crops with cash crops such as tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber. Laws that need modification include the Kerala Land Reforms Act, Kerala Grants and Leases (Modification of Rights) Act and Kerala Land Utilisation Order.

Answer 137

To break its dependency on food imports from neighbouring States. To guard against possible food protectionism by large-scale producers by opening up plantations for farming edibles.

Answer 138

Plantations encompassed 8 lakh hectares in Kerala. An amendment of the law would free up an estimated 2 lakh hectares for inter-cropping. The proposed modification would also permit plantations to diversify into dairy and poultry farming. It would spur investment in precision farming characterised by high yield food crops, reduced use of toxic pesticides, chemical fertilisers and water.

Answer 139

The Kerala Agriculture University had zoned Kerala into 23 agro-climatic sectors. It had suggested that oranges, apples, avocados, grapefruit and winter vegetables as ideal intercrop for high altitude tea plantations in regions such as Munnar. In rubber growing regions, the cultivation of rambutan, mangosteen and other tropical fruits in small plots interspersed among the trees has been suggested. It had also suggested jack fruit as shade trees in tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.

Answer 140

It is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. The main goal is to produce a greater yield on a given piece of land by making use of resources of ecological processes that would otherwise not be utilised by a single crop.

Answer 141

Mixed intercropping – two or more crops are planted in a mix without a distinct row arrangement. Row intercropping – two or more crops are planted in distinct rows. Relay intercropping – two or more crops are grown at the same time as part of the life cycle of each i.e. a second crop is sown after the first crop has been well established but before it reaches its harvesting stage. Strip intercropping – growing two or more crops at the same time in separate strips wide enough apart for independent cultivation.

Answer 142

More efficient use of light, water and other nutrient resources compared to single crops. It allows for effective management of cover crops because crop mixtures have lower pest densities. Potential increased crop yields per unit area. Improved soil fertility by leguminous intercrops e.g. nitrogen fixing. Reduced soil erosion. Lowered soil surface evaporation.

Answer 143

Intercropping is not always suited to a mechanised farming system. Time consuming: It requires more attention and thus increased intensive, expert management. There is reduced efficiency in planting, weeding and harvesting which may add to the labour costs of these operations. The biggest challenge to adopting intercropping systems is the advance planning of planting, cultivation, fertilisation, spraying and harvesting of more than one crop in the same field.

Answer 144

It is an antiviral Remdesivir for treatment of COVID 19. Drug Controller General of India has recently given its nod to Drugmaker Hetero to launch this new drug. It is the second such drug to enter the Indian market after Fabiflu by Glenmark, which came a day earlier.

Answer 145

Why in News? Primatologists have observed that the Gee’s golden langur induce stillbirth of babies killed inside the womb of females, besides practising infanticide. Forced abortion and infanticide happen when a new male takes over. He often kills the baby of a lactating female or hits the abdomen of a female impregnated by the deposed male till the point of abortion. Other Concerns: Obstructions such as wires, and gaps in the forest due to felling, have increased the threat of inbreeding among golden langurs. Facts: Habitat: semi evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. Found in Small regions of western Assam and in the neighbouring foothills of the black mountains of Bhutan. Protection status: Schedule I species in the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). CITES Appendix I. Endangered in IUCN Red List. Population: In 2019, Bhutan recorded a drop of 62% in the population of golden langurs over the 2009 census. The recorded estimation in Assam in 2009 was 5,140. This year’s census could not be completed due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Answer 146

Observed on June 21st every year. Theme for 2020: “Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home”. The World Health Organization mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world. Background: The UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014, during the 69th session of the General Assembly.

Answer 147

Swabhiman Anchal, formerly known as Cut-off area, in Malkangiri district of Odisha has been a Maoist stronghold. The area was covered by water from three sides and inhospitable terrain by another. It had long been a stronghold of naxalites. The Maoists from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh used to slip into Swabhiman Anchal to take refuge. Why in News? The Odisha police has been strengthening security infrastructure in the area.

Answer 148

Why in News? UNICEF Kid Power’ has listed 13 Yoga stretches and poses for children. What is it? UNICEF Kid Power is a program of UNICEF USA that gives kids the power to save lives by connecting their everyday activity to real-world impact. Launched in 2015, the initiative, in collaboration with technology firms, develops activity tracker bands for kids. These bands act as a kids’ fitness tracker bracelet that connects to a smartphone app. The app lets users complete missions, which counts total steps and awards points. The points then unlock funding from partners, which is then used by UNICEF to deliver packets of therapeutic food (Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)) to severely malnourished children around the globe.

Answer 149

Context: Country witnessed an annular solar eclipse on 21th June, 2020. This eclipse is a rare annular eclipse that occurs once in every one or two years, and coincides with the northern hemisphere’s longest day of the year, called the summer solstice.

Answer 150

It is a natural event that takes place on Earth when the Moon moves in its orbit between Earth and the Sun (this is also known as an occultation). It happens at New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction with each other. During an eclipse, the Moon’s shadow (which is divided into two parts: the dark umbra and the lighter penumbra) moves across Earth’s surface.

Answer 151

If the Moon was only slightly closer to Earth, and orbited in the same plane and its orbit was circular, we would see eclipses each month. The lunar orbit is elliptical and tilted with respect to Earth’s orbit, so we can only see up to 5 eclipses per year. Depending on the geometry of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Sun can be totally blocked, or it can be partially blocked.

Answer 152

Total Solar Eclipse: It occurs when the Moon completely blocks the solar disk. In a total solar eclipse, the narrowest part of the path (where the Sun is completely blocked and the Moon casts its darkest shadow (called the umbra)) is called the “zone of totality”. A phenomenon called “Bailey’s Beads” often appears as sunlight shines out through valleys on the lunar surface. Annular Solar Eclipse: When the Moon is farther away in its orbit than usual, it appears too small to completely cover the Sun’s disk. During such an event, a bright ring of sunlight shines around the Moon. This type of eclipse is a called an “annular” eclipse. Partial Solar Eclipse: It occurs when Earth moves through the lunar penumbra (the lighter part of the Moon’s shadow) as the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun. The Moon does not block the entire solar disk, as seen from Earth. Depending on your location during a partial eclipse, you might see anything from a small sliver of the Sun being blotted out to a nearly total eclipse.

Answer 153

Context: A medium intensity earthquake of 5.1 magnitude rocked Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur and the other northeastern States on 21st June. Why Mizoram and Tripura are more vulnerable? As per the seismic hazard map of India, both the states of Mizoram and Tripura lie entirely in Zone V. Also, in Mizoram, lie the southern most end of the Purvanchal Himalayan range. Their folded structure is a synclinorium consisting of broad synclines and tight-faulted anticlines. Therefore, earthquakes in this region are generally shallow, though a few quakes of intermediate depth have occurred. Most deeper earthquakes occur along and across the international border, in Myanmar’s Chin Division. Earthquake activity in Tripura is mainly shallow. The Dauki Fault which follows the international border of India and Bangladesh in Meghalaya passes though northern sections of Tripura. The other major threat is from the Madhupur Fault in Bangladesh.

Answer 154

Why in News? Amid military talks, reports of Chinese build-up at Pangong. Why there is a dispute here? The Line of Actual Control (LAC) – the line that separates Indian and Chinese troops since 1962 – generally runs along the land except for the width of Pangong Tso. Here it runs through water. Both sides have marked their areas announcing which side belongs to which country. India controls about 45 km stretch of the Pangong Tso and China the rest. The current site of confrontation is spurs jutting out of Chang Chenmo, an eastern extension of the Karakoram Range. These spurs are called fingers.

Answer 155

There are eight of them in contention here. India and China have different understanding of where the LAC passes through. India has maintained that the LAC passes through Finger 8, which has been the site of the final military post of China. India has been patrolling the area – mostly on foot because of the nature of the terrain – up to Finger 8. But Indian forces have not had active control beyond Finger 4. China, on the other hand, says the LAC passes through Finger 2. It has been patrolling up to Finger 4- mostly in light vehicles, and at times up to Finger 2.

Answer 156

The current impulses of China seem to be guided by 255 km Daulat Beg Oldie-Darbuk-Shayok road. It extends up to the base of the Karakoram pass, which is the last military post. Daulat Beg Oldie is the highest airfield in the world. This road, when complete, will reduce the travel time from Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie from two days to six hours. The latest Chinese move is also part of its long-term strategy to gain greater control of the area. It was under this design, China had built road up to 5 km on the Indian side of the LAC in 1999, during the Kargil war with Pakistan.

Answer 157

Pangong Tso is strategically crucial as it is very close to Chusul Valley, which was one of the battlefronts between India and China during the 1962 war. China appears to keep India constricted in the region by taking strategic advantage of looking over the Chusul Valley, which it can do if it advances along Pangong Tso. China also does not want India to boost its infrastructure anywhere near the LAC. China fears it threatens its occupation of Aksai Chin and Lhasa-Kashgar highway. Any threat to this highway also puts Chinese rather imperialist plans in Pakistan-occupied territories in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and beyond in Pakistan.

Answer 158

Pangong Tso literally translates into a “conclave lake”. Pangong means conclave in Ladakhi and Tso means a lake in Tibetan language. Situated at over 14,000 feet, Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is about 135 km long. It is formed from Tethys geosyncline. It is a salt water lake.

Answer 159

Context: A local council- assembly of Ishigaki city- in southern Japan has voted to rename an area, including islands disputed with China and Taiwan, a move Beijing denounced as illegal and a “serious provocation”.

Answer 160

It has approved a plan to change the name of the area covering the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku Islands — known by Taiwan and China as the Diaoyus — from “Tonoshiro” to “Tonoshiro Senkaku”.

Answer 161

The uninhabited islands are at the centre of a festering row between Tokyo and Beijing. Besides, Taiwan says the islands are part of its territory, and also protested the move.

Answer 162

The Senkaku Islands are located in the East China Sea between Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of China (Taiwan). The archipelago contains five uninhabited islands and three barren rocks, ranging in size from 800 m2 to 4.32 km2.

Answer 163

The Senkaku Islands were not included in the territory which Japan renounced under Article 2 of the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 that legally defined the territory of Japan after World War II. Under Article 3 of the treaty, the islands were placed under the administration of the United States as part of the Nansei Shoto Islands. The Senkaku Islands are included in the areas whose administrative rights were reverted to Japan in accordance with the Agreement between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands that entered into force in 1972.

Answer 164

China says that the islands have been part of its territory since ancient times, serving as important fishing grounds administered by the province of Taiwan. Taiwan was ceded to Japan in the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, after the Sino-Japanese war. When Taiwan was returned in the Treaty of San Francisco, China says the islands should have been returned too.

Answer 165

The Senkaku/Diaoyu issue highlights the more robust attitude China has been taking to its territorial claims in both the East China Sea, the South China Sea and also on the Indian side.

Answer 166

It has island and maritime border disputes with Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea and its extension. The disputes include islands, reefs, banks and other features in the South China Sea including Spratly Islands (with Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan), Paracel Islands (Vietnam), Scarborough Shoal (Philippines), and Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam).

Answer 167

Context: National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body, has voted to join the global treaty to regulate conventional arms sales at a time when the country has been cornered over its handling of pandemic and curbing of Hong Kong’s autonomy. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans last year to pull the United States out of the agreement — which entered into force in 2014.

Answer 168

It has the ambitious aim of responding to international concern that the $70 billion a year trade in conventional weapons leaves a trail of atrocities in its wake. The treaty calls for the international sale of weapons to be linked to the human rights records of buyers. It requires countries to establish regulations for selling conventional weapons. It calls for potential arms deals to be evaluated in order to determine whether they might enable buyers to carry out genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. The treaty also seeks to prevent conventional military weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists or organized criminal groups, and to stop deals that would violate UN arms embargos.

Answer 169

Conventional weapons covered by the UN Arms Trade Treaty include tanks and other armored combat vehicles, artillery, attack helicopters, naval warships, missiles and missile launchers, and small arms. It also establishes common international standards for the regulation of the international trade in ammunition, weapons parts, and arms components. The treaty does not regulate the domestic sale or use of weapons in any country. It also recognizes the legitimacy of the arms trade to enable states to provide for their own security.

Answer 170

Context: A study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology has detected the presence of singly ionised ﬂuorine for the first time in the atmospheres of hot Extreme Helium Stars. This discovery makes a strong case that the main formation of these objects involves a merger of a carbon-oxygen (CO) and a Helium (He) white dwarf.

Answer 171

The origin and evolution of these Hydrogen deficient objects have been shrouded in mystery. Their severe chemical peculiarities challenge the theory of well-accepted stellar evolution as the observed chemical composition of these stars do not match with that predicted for low mass evolved stars.

Answer 172

An extreme helium star or EHe is a low-mass supergiant that is almost devoid of hydrogen, the most common chemical element of the universe. There are 21 of them detected so far in our galaxy.

Answer 173

A white dwarf is what stars like the Sun become after they have exhausted their nuclear fuel. Near the end of its nuclear burning stage, this type of star expels most of its outer material, creating a planetary nebula. Only the hot core of the star remains This core becomes a very hot white dwarf, with a temperature exceeding 100,000 Kelvin. Unless it is accreting matter from a nearby star (see Cataclysmic Variables), the white dwarf cools down over the next billion years or so. A typical white dwarf is half as massive as the Sun, yet only slightly bigger than Earth.

Answer 174

Meaning: The term “lone wolf” is used by US law enforcement agencies and the media to refer to individuals undertaking violent acts of terrorism outside a command structure. A lone actor, lone-actor terrorist, or lone wolf is someone who prepares and commits violent acts alone, outside of any command structure and without material assistance from any group. They may be influenced or motivated by the ideology and beliefs of an external group and may act in support of such a group.

Answer 175

Because of the recent knife attack at a park in Reading, a town west of London, which killed three people and injured three others. This incident is yet another reminder of the threat of lone wolf attacks the U.K. is facing. Since November 2019, the country has seen three such major incidents.

Answer 176

Terrorist organisations embrace this tactic to spread violence in countries where coordinated big attacks are impossible. In coordinated terror attacks, the chances of competent intelligence agencies detecting the perpetrators are much higher. But, in Lone wolf attacks, extremist individuals translate their beliefs into violent actions, and therefore are hard to detect and prevent.

Answer 177

The government and the security agencies need to adopt a multi-pronged approach towards radicalisation, which is anchored in human intelligence, strong ties with communities and community leaders and deradicalisation programmes.

Answer 178

Context: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a wildlife smuggling syndicate with seizure of a consignment of exotic macaws which had been smuggled from Bangladesh to Kolkata. The birds were identified as Hyacinth Macaw, Pesquet’s Parrot, Severe Macaw and Hahn’s Macaw. All the birds were seized under provisions of the Customs Act and Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Offences under these laws are punishable with a sentence of up to seven years of imprisonment. Protection status: They are all protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with Hyacinth Macaw being accorded the highest protection and listed under Appendix I. Protection under CITES implies ban in global and domestic trade of the species.

Answer 179

Context: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched its flagship “Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana” in Rajasthan’s Pokhran, to restore the lost glory of the pottery site. Under this, KVIC distributed 80 electric potter wheels to 80 potter families in Pokhran which has a rich heritage in terracotta products. Key facts: Pokhran is one of the aspirational districts identified by the Niti Ayog. Pokhran served as the test site for India’s first underground nuclear weapon, ballistic missiles.

Answer 180

It is an initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for empowerment of potters’ community in the remotest of locations in the country. The program reaches out to the potters in many states including U.P., M.P., Maharashtra, J&K, Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana and Bihar. This program provides the following support to potters. Training for advanced pottery products Latest, new technology pottery equipments like the electric Chaak Market linkages and visibility through KVIC exhibitions

Answer 181

Why in News? Assam Chief Minister has ordered the arrest of a Kolkata-based political commentator, Garga Chatterjee, who had described Chaolung Sukapha as a “Chinese invader”. About Sukapha: He was a 13th-century ruler who founded the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam for six centuries. Contemporary scholars trace his roots to Burma. He is widely referred to as the architect of “Bor Asom” or “greater Assam”. Sukapha is said to have left a place called Maulung in AD 1215 with eight nobles and 9,000 men, women and children — mostly men. It was in Charaideo that Sukapha established his first small principality, sowing the seeds of further expansion of the Ahom kingdom. The founders of the Ahom kingdom had their own language and followed their own religion. Over the centuries, the Ahoms accepted the Hindu religion and the Assamese language. To commemorate Sukapha and his rule, Assam celebrates “Asom Divas” on December 2 every year.

Answer 182

Context: Freedom fighter Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji‘s life is set to be portrayed on the silver screen, in a project starring Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. Who was Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji? Born in 1870s, he was a brave freedom fighter who stood up to the British in Kerala’s Malabar region in early 20th century and even established a short-lived regime of his own. His father, Moideenkutty Haji, was deported and jailed in the Andaman Islands for his participation in a rebellion against the British. Such personal incidents, very early on in his life, played an important role in lighting the fire of vengeance inside Kunjahammed. He used art as an instrument to rally the locals against the British. He promised support the Indian National Congress and Khilafat movement against the atrocities of the British and the landlords. Haji was aware of the strength of Hindu-Muslim unity and ensured people of other faiths were given adequate security.

Answer 183

When Haji got the news that his countryman and Khilafat leader Ali Musaliyar was arrested at Tirurangadi and the mosque has been looted and some police officers killed in the ensuing fight, Haji decided to take arms against the British and arranged a band of army with the help of some sepoys who enthusiastically rallied behind him. He ensured that the movement had a secular character. But at the same time, he targeted all those who helped the British, be they Hindu or Muslim.

Answer 184

As the rebellion helmed by the Haji and others began to spread across the Ernad and Valluvanad taluks of erstwhile Malabar district, British officers and the local police loyal to them escaped, leaving vast tracts of territory firmly under the control of the local rebels. The territory was declared an ‘independent state’ in August 1921 with Haji its undisputed ruler. For nearly six months, Haji ran a parallel Khilafat regime headquartered in Nilambur, with even its own separate passport, currency and system of taxation. During the time, an extensive army with the participation of Hindu men was built with the express aim of thwarting any attempt by the British to overthrow the Khilafat rule. Tenants were granted the power over the lands they cultivated along with tax incentives.

Answer 185

The rule did not last long. In January 1922, under the guise of a treaty, the British betrayed Haji through his close friend Unyan Musaliyar, arresting him from his hideout and producing him before a British judge. He was sentenced to death along with his compatriots.

Answer 186

Context: Russia, on June 24th, celebrated 75th Victory Day, with a military parade that was meant to be held on 9 May (Postponed because of COVID pandemic). What is Victory Day? Victory Day marks the end of World War II and the victory of the Allied Forces in 1945. Adolf Hitler had shot himself on April 30. On May 7, German troops surrendered, which was formally accepted the next day, and came into effect on May 9. In most European countries, it is celebrated on May 8, and is called the Victory in Europe Day.

Answer 187

This is because the instrument of surrender signed on May 7 stipulated that all hostilities would cease at 23:01 Berlin Time on May 8 and, as time in Moscow was an hour ahead, this would push the ceasefire into May 9. An initial document was signed in Reims, France on May 7. But, Russia argued that some German troops considered the Reims instrument a surrender to the Western allies only and that fighting continued in eastern Europe, especially in Prague. Therefore, Soviet Union demanded another signing. A second surrender ceremony then took place in a manor on the outskirts of Berlin late on May 8, when it was already May 9 in Moscow. Both texts stipulated that forces under German control were to cease operations at 11:01pm Berlin Time. Therefore, in the eyes of the Soviet Union, the head of Germany’s armed forces surrendered personally to Joseph Stalin’s representative on May 9 and the instrument of surrender was signed in the early hours of that day.

Answer 188

The celebrations this year were pushed to June because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, June 24th is also significant for Russia. After winning the war and having its own Victory Day on May 9, Stalin wanted to commemorate the victory with a military parade On June 24, 1945 in commemoration of the victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War. Hence the first Victory Day Parade took place on June 24 in Moscow. However, since then, the Victory Day Parades have taken place on May 9.

Answer 189

Context: India has the highest suicide rate in the South-East Asian region, according to the World Health Organization report released last year. India’s suicide rate is at 5 suicides per 100,000 people. India also had the third-highest female suicide rate (14.7) in the world. Suicide was decriminalised in India in 2017, but Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code still stays.

Answer 190

Anyone who survives an attempted suicide can be booked under Section 309 IPC, which deals with “Attempt to commit suicide”. The law, brought in by the British in the 19th century, reflected the thinking of the time, when killing or attempting to kill oneself was considered a crime against the state, as well as against religion.

Answer 191

No. The section continues to remain in the IPC. What has happened though, is that The Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017, which came into force in July 2018, has significantly reduced the scope for the use of Section 309 IPC — and made the attempt to commit suicide punishable only as an exception. Section 115(1) of The MHCA says: “Notwithstanding anything contained in section 309 of the Indian Penal Code any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said Code.”

Answer 192

Section 115(2) says that “The appropriate Government shall have a duty to provide care, treatment and rehabilitation to a person, having severe stress and who attempted to commit suicide, to reduce the risk of recurrence of attempt to commit suicide.”

Answer 193

Use of this Section can potentially deprive a victim of treatment in the golden hour, as hospitals wait for a go-ahead from police in what would be seen as a “medico-legal case”. It is possible that unscrupulous hospital authorities may misuse this situation and charge extra to “hush up” the case by not informing the police; similar extortion is possible on the part of corrupt police personnel as well. All of this is in addition to the trauma and harassment that an already severely distressed individual and people around him/her would likely be going through.

Answer 194

There are occasions when people show up at government offices and threaten to kill themselves if their demands are not met. It is in these cases, where police suspect that the person does not intend to commit suicide but is using the threat as a way to unfairly pressure or blackmail the system. And during such instances this section need to be used. If 309 is repealed, there will be no provision to take action against those who intend to create trouble of this sort.

Answer 195

Section 309 IPC can be redefined in such a manner where it can still be leveraged in law and order situations, and not be used against those who are suffering from genuine mental health issues.

Answer 196

In ‘Gian Kaur vs State of Punjab’, 1996, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 309. In 1971, the Law Commission in its 42nd Report recommended the repeal of Section 309 IPC. The IPC (Amendment) Bill, 1978, was even passed by Rajya Sabha, but before it could be passed by Lok Sabha, Parliament was dissolved, and the Bill lapsed. In 2008, the Law Commission in its 210th Report, said that an attempt to suicide needed medical and psychiatric care, and not punishment. In March 2011, the Supreme Court too recommended to Parliament that it should consider the feasibility of deleting the section.

Answer 197

Sociologist Emile Durkheim had famously hypothesised that ‘suicides are a result of not just psychological or emotional factors but social factors as well’.

Answer 198

Context: Yoga guru Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved Ltd has launched what they claimed was the first Ayurvedic medicine to cure Covid-19. About the medicine: Ramdev has claimed that ‘Coronil tablet’, ‘Swasari Vati’ and ‘Anu Taila’ had shown “100 per cent favourable results” during clinical trials on Covid-19 patients.

Answer 199

The AYUSH Ministry has sought details about the medicine and has directed Patanjali and Ramdev to stop advertising such claims. The concerned Ayurvedic drug manufacturing company has been informed that such advertisements of drugs including Ayurvedic medicines are regulated under the provisions of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder and the directives issued by the Central Government in the wake of COVID outbreak.

Answer 200

It prohibits advertisements of drugs and remedies that claim to have magical properties, and makes doing so a cognizable offence. The penalty carries a maximum sentence of 6 months imprisonment with or without fine on first conviction. In case of any subsequent conviction, the term may be up to a year. If the convicted party is a company, all members of the company will be deemed guilty.

Answer 201

inducing miscarriage or preventing conception in women improving or maintaining the capacity for sexual pleasure correction of menstrual disorders curing, diagnosing or preventing any disease or condition mentioned in an included schedule

Answer 202

The act defines “magic remedy” as any talisman, mantra, amulet or any other object which is claimed to have miraculous powers to cure, diagnose, prevent or mitigate a disease in humans or animal. It also includes such devices that are claimed to have power to influence structure or function of an organ in humans or animals.

Answer 203

The law is rarely enforced and several such products are freely available to the public. The law is considered severely outdated as 14 of the diseases in the list are now curable, and newer diseases like AIDS are not on the list.

Answer 204

Context: The World Bank has released new Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) for reference year 2017, under International Comparison Program (ICP), that adjust for differences in the cost of living across economies of the World. Globally 176 economies participated in 2017 cycle of ICP.

Answer 205

International Comparison Program (ICP) is the largest worldwide data-collection initiative, under the guidance of UN Statistical Commission (UNSC). The goal is of producing Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) which are vital for converting measures of economic activities to be comparable across economies. Along with the PPPs, the ICP also produces Price Level Indices (PLI) and other regionally comparable aggregates of GDP expenditure. The next ICP comparison will be conducted for reference year 2021.

Answer 206

India has participated in almost all ICP rounds since its inception in 1970. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is National Implementing Agency (NIA) for India, which has the responsibility of planning, coordinating and implementing national ICP activities. India has also been a co-Chair of the ICP Governing Board along with Statistics Austria for the ICP 2017 cycle.

Answer 207

Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) of Indian Rupee per US$ at Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level is now 20.65 in 2017 from 15.55 in 2011. Exchange Rate of US Dollar to Indian Rupee is now 65.12 from 46.67 during same period. Price Level Index (PLI)— the ratio of a PPP to its corresponding market exchange rate—is used to compare the price levels of economies, of India is 47.55 in 2017 from 42.99 in 2011.

Answer 208

In 2017, India retained and consolidated its global position, as the third largest economy, accounted for 6.7 percent ($8,051 billion out of World total of $119,547 billion) of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of PPPs. China (16.4%) and United States (16.3%), respectively. India is also third largest economy in terms of its PPP-based share in global Actual Individual Consumption and Global Gross Capital Formation.

Answer 209

In 2017, India retained its regional position, as the second largest economy, accounted for 20.83 % of Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of PPPs. China was at 50.76% (first) and Indonesia at 7.49% (third). India is also second largest economy in terms of its PPP-based share in regional Actual Individual Consumption and regional Gross Capital Formation. Among 22 participating economies in Asia-Pacific region, the Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) of Indian Rupee per Hong Kong Dollar(HK$) at Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level is now at 3.43 in 2017 from 2.97 in 2011. The Exchange Rate of Hong Kong Dollar to Indian Rupee is now at 8.36 from 6.00 during same period.

Answer 210

The rate at which the currency of one country would have to be converted into that of another country to buy the same amount of goods and services in each country.

Answer 211

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has brought in certain changes to promote ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. These include: It is now mandatory for sellers to enter the Country of Origin while registering all new products on GeM. Sellers, who had already uploaded their products before the introduction of this new feature on GeM, have to regularly update the Country of Origin. There shall be a provision for indication of the percentage of local content in products. ‘Make in India’ filter has now been enabled on the portal. Buyers can choose to buy only those products that meet the minimum 50% local content criteria.

Answer 212

What is it? GeM is a state-of-the-art national public procurement platform of Ministry of Commerce and Industries, that has used technology to remove entry barriers for bonafide sellers and has created a vibrant e-marketplace with a wide range of goods and services. Aim: GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.

Answer 213

Listing of products for individual, prescribed categories of Goods/ Services of common use. Look, estimate, compare and buying facility on dynamic pricing basis. Market place buying of majority of common User Items. Buying Goods and Services online, as and when required. Transparency and ease of buying. Useful for low value buying and also for bulk buying at competitive price using Reverse Auction/ e-bidding. Continuous vendor rating system. Return policy.

Answer 214

Enhances transparency. Increased efficiency. Secure and safe. Savings to the government.

Answer 215

It is an initiative to help systematically assimilate technologies having commercial potential and information related to incubated startups in our higher education institutions. YUKTI stands for Young India combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation. Ministry of HRD prepared the portal in view of Coronavirus. Through this portal, the Ministry of Human Resource Development will endeavor to ensure that students, teachers and researchers in higher educational institutions are getting appropriate support to meet the requirements needed to advance their technologies and innovations.

Answer 216

Gaia hypothesis put forth by James Lovelock is an ecological theory proposing that living creatures and the physical world are in a complex interacting system that maintains equilibrium.

Answer 217

Blazars are among the brightest objects in the universe thanks to emissions powered by supersized black holes. The most distant of the newly discovered blazars started to emit their light when the universe was just 1.4 billion years old. Blazars are similar to all active galaxies, acquiring energy from matter falling toward a central supermassive black hole. A small part of this infalling material becomes redirected into a pair of particle jets, which blast outward in opposite directions at nearly the speed of light.

Answer 218

Context: Cabinet approves Extension of term of the commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization within other Backward Classes in the Central List.

Answer 219

Article 340 of the Indian Constitution lays down conditions for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of the backward classes. The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India.

Answer 220

Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law. That means un-equals cannot be treated equally. Measures are required to be taken for the upliftment of un-equals to bring them on par with the advanced classes. Article 16 (4) provides that the State can make any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens who, in the opinion of the state, are not adequately represented in the services under the State.

Answer 221

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) proposed the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) back in 2015. In October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 340 of the Constitution, appointed a commission to examine the issue of sub-categorisation of OBCs, chaired by retired Justice G. Rohini, to ensure social justice in an efficient manner by prioritising the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).

Answer 222

Sub categorization of the OBCs will ensure that the more backward among the OBC communities can also access the benefits of reservation for educational institutions and government jobs. At present, there is no sub-categorisation and 27% reservation is a monolithic entity.

Answer 223

This decision speaks to the long years of failure in effectively preventing large sections of the creamy layer from taking advantage of the quota system to the detriment of the poorer sections among their own caste groups. In effect, the Union government is now seeking to ensure a more equitable distribution of reservation benefits by further differentiating caste groups coming under backward classes on the basis of their levels of social and economic backwardness.

Answer 224

Context: The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. It is also called as “Distressed Assets Fund–Sub-ordinate Debt for MSMEs”. Overview: It is a scheme for the distressed MSME sector. The scheme seeks to extend support to the promoter(s) of the operational MSMEs which are stressed and have become NPAs as on 30th April, 2020. As per the Scheme, guarantee cover worth Rs. 20,000 crores will be provided to the promoters who can take debt from the banks to further invest in their stressed MSMEs as equity. The scheme will be operationalised through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSEs (CGTMSE).

Answer 225

Promoter(s) of the MSMEs will be given credit equal to 15% of their stake (equity plus debt) or Rs. 75 lakh whichever is lower. Promoter(s) in turn will infuse this amount in the MSME unit as equity and thereby enhance the liquidity and maintain the debt-equity ratio. 90% guarantee coverage for this sub-debt will be given under the Scheme and 10% would come from the concerned promoters. There will be a moratorium of 7 years on payment of principal whereas the maximum tenor for repayment will be 10 years.

Answer 226

The scheme would provide much-required support to around 2 lakh MSMEs and will help in reviving the economic activity in and through this sector. It will also help in protecting the livelihoods and jobs of millions of people who depend on them.

Answer 227

Context: Cabinet has approved 2% Interest Subvention approved on prompt repayment of Shishu Loans under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana for a period of 12 months. The estimated cost of the Scheme would be approximately Rs. 1,542 crore which would be provided by the Government of India. This Scheme is for implementation of one of the measures relating to MSMEs, announced under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

Answer 228

The scheme will be extended to loans which meet the following criteria – outstanding as on 31stMarch, 2020; and not in Non-Performing Asset (NPA) category, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, on 31st March 2020 and during the period of operation of the Scheme. The interest subvention would be payable for the months in which the accounts are not in NPA category including for the months that the account becomes a performing asset again, after turning NPA.

Answer 229

The Scheme will be implemented through the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and will be in operation for 12 months.

Answer 230

The Scheme has been formulated as a specific response to an unprecedented situation and aims to alleviate financial stress for borrowers at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ by reducing their cost of credit. It will incentivize people who will make regular repayments of loans.

Answer 231

Launched in April, 2015. The scheme’s objective is to refinance collateral-free loans given by the lenders to small borrowers. Banks and MFIs can draw refinance under the MUDRA Scheme after becoming member-lending institutions of MUDRA. Mudra Loans are available for non-agricultural activities upto Rs. 10 lakh and activities allied to agriculture such as Dairy, Poultry, Bee Keeping etc, are also covered. Mudra’s unique features include a Mudra Card which permits access to Working Capital through ATMs and Card Machines.

Answer 232

Context: The Annual TB Report is prepared and published by the Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI. Highlights: 04 lakh notified TB patients in 2019 in India, which is a 14% increase from 2018. Reduction in the number of missing cases to 2.9 lakh cases as against more than 10 lakhs in 2017. Private sector notifications increased by 35% with 6.78 lakh TB patients notified. Proportion of children diagnosed with TB increased to 8% in 2019 compared to 6% in 2018. Provision of HIV testing for all notified TB patients increased from 67% in 2018 to 81% in 2019. Expansion of treatment services has resulted in a 12% improvement in the treatment success rate of notified patients. For 2019, it is 81% compared to 69% in 2018.

Answer 233

The country is achieving near-complete on-line notification of TB patients through the NIKSHAY system. Nikshay is an information management system that acts like a one-stop solution for managing patients’ information and monitor program activity and performance all over the country. It is developed and maintained by the Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the World Health Organization Country office for India.

Answer 234

It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented under the aegis of the National Health Mission with resource sharing between the State Governments and the Central Government. The goal of the program is to achieve a TB-free India with zero deaths, disease and poverty due to tuberculosis.

Answer 235

Context: Pakistan is likely to remain on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failing to comply with the global terrorist financing watchdog’s deadline to prosecute and penalise terrorist financing in the country. What’s the issue? At an FATF meeting in February, Islamabad had been told that ‘all deadlines’ had expired and if they didn’t prosecute and penalise terrorist financing by June, the watchdog would take action. At the Paris plenary too, the FATF had expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s failure to complete its 27-point action plan in line with the agreed timelines – which ended in September 2019.

Answer 236

With Pakistan’s continuation in the ‘Grey List’, it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB and the European Union. This will further enhance problems for the nation which is in a precarious economic situation. Also, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the ‘Black List’.

Answer 237

It is an inter- governmental body established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7. Its Secretariat is located at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris. Member Countries: There are 39 member of FATF, representing most financial centres around the world. This includes 2 regional organisations- GCC and EC. The FATF Plenary is the decision making body of the FATF. It meets three times per year.

Answer 238

Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries. Grey List: Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist.

Answer 239

Context: USA has decided to extend the 60-day ban on immigrant and non-immigrant worker visas till the end of 2020. The ban is effective immediately so the processing of all new H-1B, H-2B, J and L visa categories stands suspended. H-1B, H-2B, J and L visa holders, and their spouses or children already present in the US shall not be impacted by the new worker visa ban.

Answer 240

In order to fill a vacuum of highly-skilled low-cost employees in IT and other related domains, the US administration issues a certain number of visas each year which allows companies from outside the US to send employees to work on client sites. H-1B: Person is Specialty Occupation: To work in a specialty occupation. Requires a higher education degree of its equivalent. L1 visas allows companies to transfer highly skilled workers to US for a period of up to seven years. H-2B visas allow food and agricultural workers to seek employment in the US. J-1 Visas: It is for students on work-study summer programmes.

Answer 241

To protect American jobs during the ongoing pandemic. The entry of additional workers through the H-1B, H-2B, J, and L non-immigrant visa programmes presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for domestic workers by undercutting their jobs.

Answer 242

Indian IT companies are amongst the biggest beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa regime, and have since the 1990s cornered a lion’s share of the total number of visas issued each year. Indians had applied for as many as 1.84 lakh or 67 per cent of the total H-1B work visas for the current financial year ending March 2021. The executive order has also made sweeping changes to the H-1B work visa norms, which will no longer be decided by the currently prevalent lottery system. The new norms will now favour highly-skilled workers who are paid the highest wages by their respective companies. This could result in a significant impact on margins and worker wages of Indian IT companies which send thousands of low-cost employees to work on client sites in the US.

Answer 243

This order has been criticised by the tech industry as well as politicians on both sides of the aisle as damaging to the U.S. economy. Critics say, this order has the potential to do permanent damage to the USA’s reputation of attracting the best and the brightest. The ban on issuing visas will harm employers, families, universities, hospitals, communities and delay America’s economic recovery. Without highly skilled immigrants, the industry will slow down and the economy will worsen affecting the timeline for a treatment and cure of Covid-19 as well.

Answer 244

Context: Approved by Cabinet in pursuance of recently announced Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package. Overview: Size of the fund is 15000 crore. This Fund will incentivise infrastructure investments in dairy, meat processing and animal feed plants.

Answer 245

Who is eligible? Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), MSMEs, Section 8 Companies, Private Companies and individual entrepreneur with only 10% margin money contribution by them. Rest of the Funds: The balance 90% would be the loan component to be made available to them by scheduled banks. GOI will provide 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries. There will be 2 years moratorium period for repayment of the loan with 6 years repayment period thereafter.

Answer 246

A Credit Guarantee Fund of Rs. 750 crore will also be set up. It is to be managed by NABARDwhich would provide credit guarantee to the projects which are covered under the MSME defined ceilings. Guarantee Coverage would be up to 25% of the Credit facility of the borrower.

Answer 247

This ensures the availability of capital to meet upfront investment required for these projects. It also helps enhance overall returns/pay back for investors. Such investments in processing and value addition infrastructure by eligible beneficiaries would also promote exports by adding to farmers’ incomes.

Answer 248

Overview: Created to provide private players to use Indian space infrastructure. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will remain the basic body that decides what missions are to be undertaken but this new body will help fill the gaps. With this, Private companies will be provided level playing field in satellites, launches and space-based services. Future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel will be open for the private sector.

Answer 249

India is among a handful of countries with advanced capabilities in the space sector. With these reforms, the sector will receive new energy and dynamism, to help the country leapfrog to the next stages of space activities. This will not only result in an accelerated growth of this sector but will enable Indian Industry to be an important player in global space economy. With this, there is an opportunity for large-scale employment in the technology sector and India becoming a Global technology powerhouse. Allow ISRO to focus more on research and development activities, new technologies, exploration missions and human spaceflight programme.

Answer 250

MSDE-IBM partnership unveils Free Digital Learning Platform “Skills Build Reignite” to reach more job seekers & provide new resources to business owners in India. The free digital learning platform provides job seekers and entrepreneurs, with access to free online coursework and mentoring support designed to help them reinvent their careers and businesses. Job seekers, individual business owners, entrepreneurs and any individual with learning aspirations can access content on topics including Artificial intelligence, Cloud, Data analytics and security to reskill and upskill themselves, at no cost. There is also personalized coaching for entrepreneurs, seeking advice to help establish or restart their small businesses as they begin to focus on recovery to emerge out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer 251

Ashadhi Bij/Beej is the 2nd day of Shukla paksha of Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar (June – July). The Kutchi people of Gujarat celebrate their Kutchi New Year on this day. This day is associated with the beginning of rains in Kutch, Gujarat.

Answer 252

It is in Uttar Pradesh. Kushinagar is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvan Kushinagar is dotted with several other Buddhist sites in the nearby surroundings like Sravasti (238 km), Kapilvastu (190 km) and Lumbini (195 km).

Answer 253

CCEA has approved additional investment of US$ 121.27 million by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) towards further development of Shwe oil & gas project in Myanmar. ``` ONGC Videsh (OVL) has been associated with exploration and development of Shwe gas project in Myanmar since 2002. Significance: ``` The participation of Indian PSUs in oil & gas exploration and development projects in neighbouring countries is aligned with India’s Act East Policy, and also part of India’s strategy to develop Energy Bridges with its neighbours in addition to further strengthening India’s energy security needs.

Answer 254

Comprehensive convention on International terrorism in 1996 But it was opposed by many other countries

Answer 255

Grain Kalyan Rojgar yojana

Answer 256

World justice project

Answer 257

As per inscriptions of sangam literature, kodumanal was A major trading port in Indo Roman Trade, located mid way between the Muziris port on the Malabar coast with the kaveripoompattinam port on the coromandel coast An important industrial centre where highly skilled craftsmen specialised in making beads and high quality iron

Answer 258

Daulat Beg oldi Galwan valley Hot spring Pan gong Tso Chusul valley

Answer 259

Aksai chin region to Tibet

Answer 260

The china is claiming the whole Galwan valley as its territory But Galwan shyok river confluence is taken as Indian territory So do the stand off now

Answer 261

Because the strategic bridge connecting Durbuk, Galwan river and Daulat beg Oldi was completed in construction

Answer 262

Tariff redemption, 97% of exports from Bangladesh

Answer 263

Asia pacific trade agreement came under Bangkok agreement in 1975 India, china, Bangladesh, Laos, srilanka, mangaolia, South Korea are the members of this agreement

Answer 264

Bangladesh next is Pakistan

Answer 265

Armistice Agreement

Answer 266

2018 — Singapore summit 2019 — Vietnam summit

Answer 267

Section 46 It was created for emergency response and relief and rehabilitation

Answer 268

World food programme was established by FAO and UNGA It was created at the behest of the US president Dwight Eisenhower as an experiment to provide food aid through UN System

Answer 269

Cardamom hills not the Nilgiri hills The Periyar national park is located in Kerala and its is an notable elephant reserve and tiger reserve It forms the major water shed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and pamba

Answer 270

Yes, India got into it in 2010

Answer 271

Sangam period

Answer 272

E.V. Ramaswami Naicker

Answer 273

Swami Sahajanand Saraswati

Answer 274

Mahatma Gandhi

Answer 275

DRDO Rustom DRDO Nishant DRDO lakshya

Answer 276

Though ECI put in 2014-15 But SC removed it

Answer 277

Coastline protection River banks

Answer 278

Citizenship status of indian tamils in srilanka

Answer 279

United Nations conference on the human environment

Answer 280

1946 So it has happened after bardoli Satyagraha 1926

Answer 281

Government e-Market place

Answer 282

H-1B indians — skilled professionals H-2B seasonal workers — land scaping hospitality L-1 Intra company transfers H-4 Dependents of H-1B Holders

Answer 283

It was began as a reaction against a heavy handed crackdown by the colonial government on the khilafat movement It was also due to the feudal system of southern Malabar

Answer 284

M0 — currency in circulation + bankers deposit with RBI + Other deposits with RBI M1 — Currency with public + Demand deposits with banking system + other deposits of RBI M2 — M1 + Savings deposits of post office savings bank M3 — M1 + Time deposits of Banking system M4 — M3+ All deposits of Post office saving bank

Answer 285

Narrow money — M1 Broad money — M3

Answer 286

Dual control of RBI and Registrar of Co operative societies

Answer 287

That local procurement is preferred and more over the seller must list the country of origin and % of local content in it

Answer 288

It made india to have import substitution rather than the export oriented industries And tech driven industries

Answer 289

IN-SPACe Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre

Answer 290

ANTRIX corp — commercial arm of ISRO for facilitation of Foreign launches in India New Space (NSIL) — primarily for encouraging space based start ups

Answer 291

Nope It was announced in COVID 19 Economic Relief Package

Answer 292

Swadeshi movement

Answer 293

Article 371 A

Answer 294

Article 163

Answer 295

It was seen due to the new inclusion of 7years waiting period for a foreign wife to get citizenship when they get married to a Nepal men

Answer 296

Dibru saikhowa national park

Answer 297

International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking

Answer 298

Nasha Mukt Bharat

Answer 299

It is the china aggression in south china sea

Answer 300

Paracel islands between china and Vietnam Spratly islands between china and Myanmar Philippines — Scarborough shoal

Answer 301

USA, UK, Aus, NZ, Canada

Answer 302

Bramhaputra Barak Subansiri

Answer 303

ESM is an agency of EU which provides financial assistance to euro zone countries

Answer 304

Drugs and Magic remedies (objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

Answer 305

Norway Iceland Switzerland

Answer 306

National council security secretariat RAW Defence Intelligence agency

Answer 307

Butterflies Birds Crustaceans

Answer 308

Thrissur district of Kerala

Answer 309

South Africa

Answer 310

Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer 311

World bank — to strengthen NGO

Answer 312

Kholongchhu project

Answer 313

Tabernacle of new dipensation Indian reform association

Answer 314

1985 for integration and connectivity

Answer 315

State of world population report 2020

Answer 316

1/3 girls missing in world is due to Pre and Post natal sex selection and it was seen due to india 142 million girls are missing and 46 million are from india Excess female mortality rate below 5 years is high in India

Answer 317

It was started in 2005 Launched by international rhino foundation which had partnered with WWF, Bodoland territorial council, Assam forest Department

Answer 318

Kaziranga Pobitora Orang Manas Laokhowa Burachapori Dibru Saikhowa

Answer 319

Prakash singh case, 2006

Answer 320

Electoral officials Armed forces Diplomats

Answer 321

12 All the laws of country is applicable here Freedom of navigation can be denied here for foreign vessels

Answer 322

200 nautical miles International water Freedom of navigation allowed

Answer 323

24 nautical miles International water Coastal state can enforce laws in only four domains 1. Customs 2. Taxation 3. Immigration 4. Pollution It is also called hot pursuit area

Answer 324

Mahalanobis

Answer 325

Population distribution

Answer 326

UNFCCC UNCCD Agenda 21 Convention on Biological diversity

Answer 327

National technical research centre (NTRO) Transport, power and energy, telecom, government, banking , strategic and public enterprises are the critical infrastructures seen

Answer 328

Kabini reservoir

Answer 329

Dharma guardian — land exercises Shinyu maitri — aerial exercise JIMEX — naval exercise Trilateral naval exercise — Malabar — India, USA and Japan

Answer 330

91 AA, 2003 Article 75(1A), Article 164(1A)

Answer 331

It is an index of the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors

Answer 332

Railway liberalisation

Answer 333

Doklam Jakarlung Pasarlung

Answer 334

Sakteng wildlife sanctuary

Answer 335

Empress Bega begum

Answer 336

Along with the Parso Arabic architecture, features of Nagari Architecture can also be found at the Qutub complex

Answer 337

Zardozi Art

Answer 338

Bubonic plague Septicemic plague Pneumonic plague Based on the route of infection

Answer 339

Golden bird wing

Answer 340

Sukhoi Mirage Jaguar Source : Stockholm international peace research institute

Answer 341

Prithvi -II Agni (1-5) Source : Stockholm international peace research institute

Answer 342

Dhanush Sagarika K-4 Source : Stockholm international peace research institute

Answer 343

INS Arihant INS chakra — but cant be used Source : Stockholm international peace research institute

Answer 344

PM 10 PM 2.5 NO2 O3 CO SO2 NH3 Pb

Answer 345

2004 - 24% 2009 - 30% 2014 - 34% 2019 - 43%

Answer 346

For the gaps in intelligence gatherings in 26/11 attacks

Answer 347

By mid July

Answer 348

Pragyatha guidelines

Answer 349

Kaziranga national park

Answer 350

Made the establishment of National Social Council of Nagaland (NSCN) as a insurgent outfit

Answer 351

Lala Lajpat rai

Answer 352

National skill development Corporation