Q1:
The area known as ‘West Bank’ sometimes appeared in the news in the context of the events related to:
- Melting glaciers in Arctic
- Israel-Middle East conflict
- Volcanic eruptions at the coast of Peru
- Major sea port of India in the medieval era
Answer : b
Explanation
West Bank is a landlocked territory in West Asia. It also contains a significant section of the western dead sea.
It was captured by Jordan after the Arab-Israeli War (1948) but Israel snatched it back during the Six-Day War of 1967 and has occupied it ever since.
Q2:
With reference the recent casting of seed bombs in Athagarh Forest Division, consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
- It aims to protect an endemic species of plant from getting extinct due to overgrazing.
- This programme has been undertaken by the government of Rajasthan.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : d
Explanation
Odisha’s Athagarh Forest Division has started casting seed balls (or bombs) inside different reserve forest areas to enrich food stock for wild elephants.This has been done to prevent man-elephant conflict.
Villagers who bear the brunt of the elephant attacks have come forward to prepare the bamboo seed balls and scatter them in 38 reserve forests under the Athagarh Forest Division.
The growth in bamboo plantations is expected to meet the needs of the elephants, which often stray out of the forests and raid human habitations.
Q3:
The ‘Convention No. 182’ recently seen in the news for universal ratification is related to?
- Worst forms of child labour
- Protection of the ozone layer
- Protection of the natural heritage
- Privileges and immunities of diplomats
Answer : a
Explanation
International Labour Organization (ILO)’s convention on Worst Forms of Child Labour also known as Convention No. 182 received universal ratification after the Kingdom of Tonga ratified the same.
The convention was adopted by ILO member states meeting in Geneva in 1999. Convention No. 182 has received ratification from all the 187 members of ILO.
Convention No. 182 is among the eight core ILO Conventions regarded as embodying the spirit of the 1998 declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work.
Q4:
With reference to the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) scheme, which of the following is/are correct?
- This scheme was envisioned by APJ Abdul Kalam for empowering and accelerating
rural development.
- It was replaced by Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) in 2016.
- 1 Only
- 2 Only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : c
Explanation
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) implemented the PURA scheme on a pilot basis in seven clusters for a period of three years (2004-05 to 2006- 07).
The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in 2016 to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas, which will also include development of economic activities and skill development. The aim of the Rurban Mission is to create 300 rural growth clusters across the country.
Q 5:
With reference to the National Flag, which of the following statements are correct?
- The tricolour as India’s national flag was adopted by the Congress Committee in Karachi (1931).
- The National Flag should be rectangular in shape with a length to width ratio of 2:3.
- In the Constituent Assembly the Ad-hoc Committee on the National Flag was headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer : a
Explanation
The Congress Committee met in Karachi (1931) and adopted the tricolor (that of Pingali Venkayya) as India’s national flag. Red was replaced with saffron and the order of the colours was changed.
The Ashok Chakra with 24 spokes replaced the spinning wheel as the emblem on the flag. It is intended “to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation”.
The National Flag should be rectangular in shape with a length to width ratio of 3:2.
The Constituent Assembly adopted the motion of national flag on 22nd July 1947.
One of the minor committees of the Constituent Assembly, the Ad-hoc Committee on the National Flag was headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
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