Raashid Shah

Q.1 Which one of the following best describes the term “Peace Arc” sometimes seen in news ? A) It is an international treaty to change the functioning of the European Union which must be ratified by atleast 3/4th member states of the European Union B) It is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase the maritime cooperation amongst navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region C) It is the Chinese navy hospital ship to provide free medical services to people of Bangladesh D) It is a multilateral energy security cooperation treaty amongst the members of the East Asia Summit Ans. C The ship was launched in 2007 with the stated intention of giving China a platform to provide a better means to providing quicker humanitarian response to disasters around the world, but others contend it also allows China to extend the navy’s blue water capabilities. On 1 September 2010, the hospital ship embarked on a three-month “Harmonious Mission 2010” to the Gulf of Aden with a total of 428 officers including 100 medical workers. En route she visited and provided medical treatment to the local people of Djibouti, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles and Bangladesh. During “Harmonious Mission 2011”, Peace Ark visited Cuba, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the first Chinese voyage to the Caribbean Q.2 Which one of the following best describes the term “SEEDS PROJECT ” sometimes seen in news ? A) It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment & Forests to conserve nature through action based research, education & public awareness B) It is a Tree Campaign launched by UNEP of planting 1 billion trees in 2007 C) It is a non-profit research research organization that focuses on management of water & land resources, enhancing food security & reducing poverty D) It is a project which directly captures the images of extra solar planets & protoplanetary disks around thousands of nearby stars Ans. D The SEEDS Project • This discovery is the part of Strategic Explorations of Exoplanets and Disks with Subaru (SEEDS) project. It is a project which directly captures the images of extrasolar planets and protoplanetary disks around thousands of nearby stars, by making use of Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. • SEEDS is a 5-year project which started off in the year 2009. • SEEDS is led by Motohide Tamura at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). • Imaging done under this project provides an insight into the orbit, atmosphere, temperature and luminosity of the planet. However, the planets are very faint and extremely close to their host stars, which is why it is extremely difficult to capture them. • The SEEDS project captures the images at near-infrared wavelengths by making use of the novel adaptive optics system of telescope and two instruments: the High Contrast Instrument for the Subaru Next Generation Adaptive Optics and the InfraRed Camera and Spectrograph. The combination of these enables the team to capture the direct images towards fainter planets. Q.3 H7N9 virus is sometimes mentioned in news with reference to which of the following disease ? A) Bird flu B) Dengue C) Swine Flu D) AIDS Ans. A H7N9 virus is referred with Bird flu Q.4 Which among the following areas have been focused under the Greenpeace campaigns ? 1. Oceans 2. Forests 3. Nuclear reactors 4. Genetically modified foods 5. Vegetarianism Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1,2,4,5 B) Only 1,2 & 4 C) 1,2,3,4 D) All are correct Ans. C Vegetarianism has not been focused under the Greenpeace campaigns The following areas have been focused under the Greenpeace campaigns ? 1. Oceans 2. Forests 3. Nuclear reactors 4. Genetically modified foods Q.5 Consider the following statements : 1. Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization focused on human rights 2. Amnesty International operates in India with headquarters in Bangalore Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization focused on human rights Amnesty International operates in India with headquarters in Bangalore Q.6 Consider the following statements about International Committee of Red Cross : 1. ICRC was established in 19th century in Geneva,Switzerland 2. International Committee of the red cross was awarded the nobel prize in 1917, 1944, 1963 – on the third occasion jointly with the League of Red Cross societies 3. Red cross society was found to protect the human life & health from the war hostilities Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only  2 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D All are correct. Just memorize it. Q.7 Consider the following statements: 1. Human Development Index for any nation is calculated as geometric mean of life expectancy Index, Education Index & Income Index 2. Life expectancy index in HDI is calculated using a minimum value of 20 years & a minimum value of 85 years Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C Human Development Index for any nation is calculated as geometric mean of life expectancy Index, Education Index & Income Index Life expectancy index in HDI is calculated using a minimum value of 20 years & a minimum value of 85 years Q.8 Who among the following releases World Press Freedom Index ? A) Institute for Economics and Peace B) Oxfam International C) Reporters Without Borders D) World Economic Forum Ans. C The 2019 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) shows how hatred of journalists has degenerated into violence, contributing to an increase in fear. The number of countries regarded as safe, where journalists can work in complete security, continues to decline, while authoritarian regimes continue to tighten their grip on the media. Q.9 Which one of the following plants is popularly grown

Q.1 Which among the following is/are the long term FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) ? A) Sovereign Wealth Funds Only B) Pension Funds Only C) Sovereign Wealth Funds, Endowment Funds, Insurance Funds, Pension Funds D) Sovereign Wealth Funds, Insurance Funds, Pension Funds Ans. C Markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 29 March 2016 decided to increase the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) investment limit in Central Government securities. This will boost inflows of foreign funds into Indian capital markets. The limit for long term FPIs (Sovereign Wealth Funds, Multilateral Agencies, Endowment Funds, Insurance Funds, Pension Funds and Foreign Central Banks) in the Central Government securities will be enhanced to 50000 crore rupees from 4 April 2016 and 56000 crore rupees on 5 July 2016. Currently, the existing limit is 44100 crore rupees for long term FPIs. Q.2 Which one of the following best describes the term “Fertile Crescent” sometimes seen in news ? A) It is the Rajasthan’s state fertile soil that provides food & firewood to support rural economy B) It is the confluence of different biogeographical zones that is very rich in species diversity C) It is a tree species found in a part of south India that can serve as a safety hedge against coastal calamities D) It is an ancient area of fertile soil & vital rivers in the middle east Ans. D Fertile Crescent” : It is an ancient area of fertile soil & vital rivers in the middle east -Initiative of UN’s Food & Agriculture Organisation & University of Birmingham’s school of Biosciences Q.3 With reference to the Minsk agreement, consider the following statements : 1. This agreement was based on 11 point peace plan that included the release of hostages 2. The agreement was brokered by the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D This agreement was based on 12 point peace plan that included the release of hostages The agreement was brokered by the Organisation for security & cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ukraine & pro-Russian rebels agreed on ceasefire agreement called Minsk agreement Q.4 A report titled scientific assessment of Ozone depletion revealed that the ozone layer is well on track to recovery in the next few decades. The report has been prepared by which of the following organizations ? A) UNEP  & WMO B) Green Climate Fund C) UNDP & UNEP D) Global environment Facility Ans. A A report titled scientific assessment of Ozone depletion revealed that the ozone layer is well on track to recovery in the next few decades. The report has been prepared by UNEP (United Nation Environment Programme) & WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) Q.5 Who among the following has released a report titled “ Environmental Crime Crisis ? A) Bombay Natural History Society B) World Wildlife Fund C) Birdlife International D) UNEP (United nation Environment Programme) Ans. D UNEP (United nation Environment Programme) has released a report titled “ Environmental Crime Crisis Q.6 Who among the following has published  a report titled “Mysterious Mekong” mentioning the discoveries of new exotic species in Greater Mekong Region ? A) Bombay Natural History Society B) World Wildlife Fund C) Birdlife International D) UNEP (United nation Environment Programme) Ans. B World Wildlife Fund has published  a report titled “Mysterious Mekong” mentioning the discoveries of new exotic species in Greater Mekong Region Q.7 With reference to ATOMEXPO, an International Forum for nuclear power industry, consider the following statements : 1. It is an initiative of Russia’s state Nuclear Energy Corporation 2. First ATOMEXPO was held in 2009 to define the place & role of nuclear generation in 21st century Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C Atomexpo is a major communication company providing the whole spectrum of services in field of congress-exhibition management, event-industry and business presentations worldwide. Atomexpo LLC is in the market of communication services since 2009. The company is arranging the business events conducted by State Corporation Rosatom and the companies of the nuclear sector of the Russian industry, as well as by the bodies of the RF executive authorities and international companies. The company portfolio contains over 500 successfully led projects both in Russia and abroad. Q.8 With reference to the GSAT 7, consider the following statements : 1. Payload of the GSAT 7 is designed to provide communication capabilities to users in distant coastal regions 2. Its solar arrays generate 2100 W of electric power Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D GSAT 7: -Payload of the GSAT 7 is designed to provide communication capabilities to users in distant oceanic regions – Its solar arrays generate 2900 W of electric power Q.9 Which among the following factor(s) is/are considered for cataloging the specimens in the bio Banks ? 1. Blood type 2. Cornea of the eyes 3. Hair cells of the human beings Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 3 C) 2 & 3 D) Only 1 Ans. D A biobank is a type of biorepository that stores biological samples (usually human) for use in research. Since the late 1990s biobanks have become an important resource in medical research, supporting many types of contemporary research like genomics and personalized medicine. Biobanks give researchers access to data representing a large number of people. Samples in biobanks and the data derived from those samples can often be used by multiple researchers for cross purpose research studies. For example, many diseases are associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and performing genome-wide association studies using large collections of samples which represent tens or hundreds of thousands of individuals can help to identify disease biomarkers. Many researchers struggled to

Q.1 “Death Penalty Report” is released by which organization ? A) Amnesty International B) Greenpeace C) World Social Forum D) Doctors Without Borders Ans. A Amnesty International released Death Penalty Report 2016 As per the report, at least 60 people who had been sentenced to death were exonerated in 9 countries in 2016 Q.2 “Globalization Backlash” is released by which organization ? A) World Bank B) World Tourism Organisation C) World Bank Group D) International Fund for Agricultural Development Ans. A World Bank released report Globalization Backlash South Asia’s performance will maintain momentum, with the gap between its growth rate and that of East Asia slightly widening over time. Highlights of Globalization Backlash •    With a strong performance in the eastern part of the South Asia Region – in particular in Bhutan, Bangladesh and India – the region defied disappointing world growth in 2016. •    Inflation slowed down in the second half of 2016, mainly due to lower food prices, but appears to be turning up again. •    Despite recent real exchange rate appreciation, current account balances are mostly in order throughout the region. Q.3 In context with the Agni-III which among the following statements is/are correct ? 1. This Surface-to-Surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile can hit targets in the range of around 2500 km 2. It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield 3. The missile was inducted into the armed forces in June 2016 Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 2 & 3 B) 1 & 3 C) Only 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. C Highlights of the Agni-III ballistic missile • This Surface-to-Surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile can hit targets in the range of around 3000 km. • The two-stage solid-propelled missile has a length of 17 metres, 2 metres diameter and its launch weight is around 50 tonnes. • It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield. • The missile was inducted into the armed forces in June 2011. Q.4 Which one of the following best describes the term ” Microlensing ” sometimes seen in news ? A) It is a technique that aids the discovery of distant objects by using background stars as flashlights B) It is a technique to correct refractive errors of the eye by permanently changing the shape of the cornea C) It is a technique of reducing the person’s dependence on glasses by preparing the contact lenses D) None of the above Ans. A What is Microlensing? • It is a technique that aids the discovery of distant objects by using background stars as flashlights. • When a star crosses from the front of a bright star, the gravity of the star in the front focuses the light of the background star, making it appear brighter. • So, a planet orbiting the foreground star may cause a glitch in its brightness. MOCK Q.487 – FRAMED FROM THE HINDU Q.5 Recently, India has become the member of which of the following UN subsidiary bodies for the period of three years ? 1. Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) 2. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 3. International Narcotics Control Board Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 2 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. A India, along with 12 other members, was elected for the period of three years to the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These two organisations are Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) and International Narcotics Control Board. India’s Election to Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) • India, along with 12 other members, was elected for the period of three years to the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). • It garnered the most number of votes in the Asian group, with 49 out of 50 members of ECOSOC voting in its favour. • The other 12 members elected for three-year terms include Burkina Faso, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, the United Kingdom and United States. • The CPC is the main subsidiary organ of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly for planning, programming and coordination. Q.6 IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)  to transfer Sterile Insect Technique to numerous countries to combat which among the following virus disease ? A) Zika B) Small pox C) Ebolla D) Common cold and different types of flu Ans. A IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)  to transfer Sterile Insect Technique under 2.3 Million Euro Project to Combat Zika Since 1997, SIT has been transferred to numerous countries to combat pests that affect food and crops, and insects that transmit diseases, including mosquitoes. About Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a form of pest control that uses ionizing radiation to sterilize male insects mass-produced in special rearing facilities. Since 1997, SIT has been transferred to numerous countries by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. Q.7 Apart from the rotavirus vaccine, which among the following new vaccine has been introduced as part of UIP (Universal Immunization Programme) ? A) Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) B) Hepatitis A Vaccine C) Chicken Pox Vaccine D) Hepatitis B Vaccine Ans. A SNIPPET FROM THE NEWS : Health Minister JP Nadda launched Rotavirus vaccine as part of Universal Immunization Programme The vaccine is being introduced initially in four states, which are Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha and will be expanded to the entire country in a phased manner. Apart from the rotavirus vaccine, three new vaccines are also being introduced as part of UIP including Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), Measles, Rubella (MR) vaccine and Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine. About Universal Immunization Programme • Universal Immunization Programme is a vaccination

Q.1 With reference to the news, “CLASS” is associated with which of the following? A) An instrument on Chandrayaan-2 is designed to detect direct signatures of elements present in the lunar soil B) It is a payload imaging sensor built by Santa Barbara Remote Sensing that was launched into Earth orbit by NASA in 1999 on board the Terra satellite, and in 2002 on board the Aqua satellite C) It is CIXS instrument, also referred to as Chandrayaan-1 X-ray Spectrometer, to carry out high quality X-ray spectroscopic mapping of the moon. D) None of the above Ans. A The CLASS instrument on Chandrayaan-2 is designed to detect direct signatures of elements present in the lunar soil. ISRO said in a statement released on its official website that CLASS is able to detect direct signatures of elements present in the lunar soil. It was also found by the CLASS that best observation occurred when the Sun provides a rich source of x-rays to illuminate the lunar surface. The payload can also detect secondary x-ray emissions resulted from the lunar surface to find out elements like Na, Ca, Al, Si, Ti and Fe. About X-ray Monitor X-ray Monitor or XSM detects the X-rays emitted by the Sun and its corona. It calculates the strength of solar radiation in these rays and assists CLASS. Major objective of XSM is to provide solar X-ray spectrum in the energy range of 1-15 KV. This payload will give high-energy resolution and high-cadence measurements of solar X-ray spectra as input for analysis of data from CLASS. Q.2 With which among the following part of India, Aarey Forest Controversy is associated ? A) Aarey colony of Maharashtra B) Western Ghats of Kerala C) Aarey forests of Andhra Pradesh D) Temperate forests found between an altitude of 1,000 and 2,000 m Ans. A Aarey protest: The Supreme Court hit out at the Maharashtra state government saying that no more trees should be cut in Aarey colony Q.3 Which of the following statements best describes ICON Mission launched by NASA ? A) It is to study heat and energy move through the sun’s corona  and explore what accelerates the solar winds that affect Earth and other planets B) An innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities. C) Mission is to explore Mars and to provide a continuous flow of scientific information and discovery through a carefully selected series of robotic orbiters, landers and mobile laboratories interconnected by a high-bandwidth Mars/Earth communications network D) It was launched from an aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean near the Florida coast to study the Earth’s Ionosphere which will be able to understand the link between space and the earth’s weather with this study Ans.  D NASA’s ICON satellite was launched from an aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean near the Florida coast. About ICON Mission • The ICON satellite will study the Earth’s Ionosphere. It includes various layers of the uppermost atmosphere where free electrons flow freely. It affects Earth’s magnetic field and radio communications. • The scientists will be able to understand the link between space and the earth’s weather with this study. • The ICON mission is the 39th successful launch and satellite deployment by Pegasus rocket. • This mission is operated by the University of California. It was originally planned to launch in late 2017 but delayed due to the problems with the Pegasus XL rocket. • Ionosphere Connection Explorer (ICON) is equipped with 780-watt solar arrays to power the instruments. • ICON has designed as a two year’s mission but if all goes well according to the plan, it will last for more than a decade. Q.4 ‘Ex-Eastern Bridge-V’ joint exercise begins between which among the following nations ? A) India & USA B) USA & Vietnam C) India & Oman D) USA & Oman Ans. C IAF and Royal Air Force of Oman begins Joint Exercise ‘Ex-Eastern Bridge-V’ Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman will also promote the exchange of experience during Ex-Eastern Bridge-V. Q.5  With reference to the India Energy Forum, consider the following statements : 1. It was established in 2011 with an objective to understand India’s Nuclear Energy Program 2. All the public and private nuclear organizations, oil and gas organizations, Renewable energy organizations are members of India Energy Forum Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D What is India Energy Forum? It was established in 2001 with an objective to understand India’s Nuclear Energy Program. Now, it has a special status of the spokesman of India’s total energy sector. Several public and private nuclear organizations, oil and gas organizations, Renewable energy organizations are members of India Energy Forum. Some of them are – NHPC, NTPC, Power Grid Corporation, ONGC, Power Finance Corporation among others. Q.6 Chile cancels hosting COP-25 and APEC due to nationwide unrest. With reference to the following, What is Chile Unrest ? A) It is a nationwide protest against the increase in carbon dioxide emission from the industrial & thermal plants affecting the  climate B)  It is a nationwide protest against authorities in maintaining public safety and order C) It is a nationwide protest against 30 per cent increase in Metro fares D) It is a nationwide protest caused by a 50%–200% increase in fuel prices, calling for the overthrow of the government in Chile Ans. C Chile cancels hosting COP-25 and APEC due to nationwide unrest Chile announced a 30 per cent increase in Metro fares in October 2019 which triggered the anger of people and they started protesting against the government. What is Chile unrest? The government of Chile announced a 30 per cent increase in Metro fares in October 2019. The county was already going through issues of inflation which triggered the anger of people

Q.1 Recently our scientists have discovered a huge area that is reported to host microorganisms, which are ready to remove all the nitrogen from the water but traces of oxygen stop them from doing so. Where it has been discovered ? A) Bay of Bengal B) Arabian sea C) Indian Ocean D) Andaman & Nicobar Islands Ans. A Huge dead zone discovered in the Bay of Bengal Researchers have discovered a huge area covering about 60000 square km that has little or no oxygen in the Bay of Bengal. The zone is reported to host microorganisms, which are ready to remove all the nitrogen from the water but traces of oxygen stop them from doing so. About Dead zones • Dead zones are large areas in the ocean that have low oxygen concentration. • The marine life in these areas mostly suffocates and dies or if they are mobile like the fish then, they leave the area. • Though at many times, dead zones occur naturally, scientists are also of the opinion that they are created due to increased human activity. • The main cause of the zones created by humans is nutrient pollution. Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) can result in the overgrowth of algae, which later decomposes in the water consuming excess oxygen, depleting the supply available for the marine life. Dead zones can be found in virtually every oceanic body, the largest encompassing almost the whole bottom of the Baltic Sea. Another large dead zone is located in the Gulf of Mexico. Other dead zones occur off the western coasts of North and South America and off the coast of Namibia and western coast of India. Global warming triggered by climate change is predicted to lead to an expansion of these dead zones. However, it is not certain whether the climate change would lead to the removal of the last traces of oxygen from the bay as well. Q.2 Which among the following is not the member state of the MERCOSUR ? A) Argentina B) Brazil C) New Zealand D) Paraguay Ans. C South America’s Trade Bloc Mercosur removes Venezuela for failure to follow rules Mercosur’s member states, in a letter addressed to Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, stated that the “oil-rich country had been stripped of membership rights immediately and that it will be required to renegotiate its membership.” About Mercosur • Mercosur is a sub-regional bloc. • Its full members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. • Its associate countries are Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname, while the observer countries are New Zealand and Mexico. • The purpose of the bloc is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people and currency. • The official languages of the bloc are Spanish, Portuguese and Guarani. • The motto of the bloc is “Our North is the South.” Q.3 China launches TanSat satellite to monitor global carbon emissions. With reference to the Tansat Satellite consider the following statements : 1. The satellite was sent into a sun synchronous orbit about 700 kms above the earth. 2.  It has a very good vision and can distinguish as small as 1 percent changes in atmospheric CO2 Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C China launches TanSat satellite to monitor global carbon emissions The Satellite weighs around 620-kg and it will be located in sun synchronous orbit about 700 kms above the earth while serving three-year mission life. Highlights of the TanSat satellite • The chief designer of TanSat is Yin Zengshan who works at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). • The satellite was sent into a sun synchronous orbit about 700 kms above the earth. • It will monitor the concentration, distribution and flow of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. • It has a very good vision and can distinguish as small as 1 percent changes in atmospheric CO2. • It will help understanding the climate change and will provide China’s policy makers with independent data. Q.4 Which of the following statements best describes “carbon Disclosure Project 2019”? A) An initiative of the Global Reporting, aimed at measuring the carbon reduction activities undertaken by different companies and firms operating in various countries across the globe B) It has been launched by the government of India to reduce the black carbon through the promotion of solar plants , lamps, biogas plants & efficient stoves C) It has been launched by the environmentalist group to reduce mega tones of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere D) It has been launched by the government of India aimed to increase the plant growth by reducing the most potent greenhouse gases Ans. A India ranks 5th in Carbon Disclosure Project 2019 India is the first developing economy with maximum number of companies committing to the science-based targets. Carbon Disclosure Project, an initiative of the Global Reporting Initiative, is aimed at measuring the carbon reduction activities undertaken by different companies and firms operating in various countries across the globe. The report surveys corporate commitments to science-based targets (SBT) and evaluates the climate change risk that they are exposed to. In the annual report, the United States of America secured the top spot followed by Japan, United Kindom and France. India secured the 5th spot on the project report. Q.5 Global Democracy Index is released by : A) World Social Forum B) Economist Intelligence Unit C) World Economic Forum D) World Justice Report Ans. B EIU’s Global Democracy Index: India slips 10 spots to 51st rank, Norway tops the list The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) releases an annual index of 167 independent countries, which broadly shows the status of democracy in these countries. Q.6 Consider the following statements : 1. Anthracite has high carbon content & low ash content , thus  causes less pollution 2. India has sufficient reserves of Lignite & Anthracite coal Select the correct answer using the

Q.1 With reference to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor consider the following : 1. It consists of electrified single track segment of 1409 km 2. It also includes states of Punjab & Haryana Select the correct statement using the code given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. B It consists of electrified single track segment of 447 km & Double track segment of 1409 km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor  is an under-construction broad gauge freight corridor in India. The railway will run between Ludhiana in Punjab and Dankuni (near Kolkata) in West Bengal via Khurja in Uttar Pradesh. This railway line is one of the multiple freight corridors being constructed by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), a public-sector unit (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways. The Eastern DFC will mostly have double tracks and will be electrified, but the section from Ludhiana to Khurja (365 km) will be single line electrified due to lack of space. This freight corridor will cover a total distance of 1,839 km. This corridor is having a 46 km branch line which is joining Khurja (Bulandshahr district) on the Eastern DFC with Dadri (Gautam Buddha Nagar district) on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (Western DFC). As of June 2022, 923 km or 50% of the Eastern DFC has been completed and 99% required land for these have been acquired. The Eastern DFC is expected to be complete by March 2023. First two DFCs, Western DFC, from Dadri, Uttar Pradesh to JNPT (Navi Mumbai) and Eastern DFC from Punjab to West Bengal, which will decongest railway network by moving 70% of India’s goods trains to these two corridors, are both on track for completion in March 2023. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which caused lockdowns, curfews and restrictions, it resulted in delays in work due to lack of labour. Q.2 With reference to the Computer, what is DCAF ? A) Document Coprocessor Access Facility B) Distributed Console Automated File C) Distributed Console Access Facility D) Disk Coprocessor Automated File Ans. C DCAF : Distributed Console Access Facility Q.3 Recently our scientists have found a new Alpine Plant species in India, that have the ability to grow at higher elevation. Where it has been found ? A) Kerala B) Andaman & Nicobar Islands C) Arunachal Pradesh D) Lakshadweep Ans. C New Alpine Plant Species in India: Cremanthodium indicum discovered in Arunachal Pradesh Q.4 With reference to the news , what is UMMID Initiative ? A) These are humanitarian initiatives that raise and disburse additional funds for infectious diseases– such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria B) It is an Indian health programme for improving healthcare delivery across rural India C) The Health Care InitiativE (HCI) fosters and promotes faculty research, supports the development of a portfolio of high-impact educational programs D) It is an initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of newborn babies Ans. D UMMID initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of newborn babies UMMID initiative aims to create awareness about genetic disorders and establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals. Q.5 With reference to the Khanderi, which among the following is/are correct ? 1. INS Khanderi construction began  in April 2009 67.5 metres long and 12.3 metres tall 2. It is capable of saving oxygen availability and can stay underwater for long periods Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C Key Features of INS Khanderi – The INS Khanderi construction began  in April 2009. It was first built into five separate segments which were later welded together. – INS Khanderi is 67.5 metres long and 12.3 metres tall. – Its hull form, fin and hydroplanes have been designed to enable minimum underwater resistance. – The submarine’s Permanently Magnetised Propulsion Motor is powered by 360 battery cells. Each battery cell weighs 750 kg. – It is capable of saving oxygen availability and can stay underwater for long periods Q.6 For which conference of Parties , “Time for Action” Tagline has been given ? A) COP 23 B) COP 24 C) COP 25 D) COP 26 Ans. C COP 25 Tagline: Time for Action. No decision on long-term climate finance The parties also failed to decide on long-term climate finance, which is the financial support given to the developing countries by the developed countries to fight against climate change. This was agreed upon in the Paris climate agreement. 2020 Climate talks The next UN Climate talks will be held in Glasgow, Scotland. Q.7 Why the launch of RISAT-2BR1 marked major milestones for ISRO ? 1. This was the 50th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) 2. It was also the 75th Launch Vehicle Mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C RISAT2-BR1 is the second satellite in the RISAT-2B series and is expected to be followed by two more satellites. RISAT2-BR1 • RISAT2-BR1 is the second satellite in the RISAT-2B series and is expected to be followed by two more satellites. • The satellite, with a mission life of five years, follows the successful launch of RISAT-2B in May 2019. • RISAT2-BR1 weighs about 628 kg and it would be used in various fields such as forestry, agriculture and disaster management support. • The current domestic remote sensing satellite is not equipped to capture images of the earth during cloud cover and hence, India had to rely on the images provided by Canadian satellites to obtain information regarding the same. ISRO’s major milestones: The launch of RISAT-2BR1 marked major milestones for ISRO such as: 1. This was the 50th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the second flight of PSLV-QL. 2. It was also the 75th Launch Vehicle Mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre