GK Quiz | 11 June 2020

1. Consider the following statements:

1. The Central government has increased the customs duty on bamboo imported by agarbatti manufacturers.
2. Bamboo is not a tree but a grass.
3. India is the largest producer of bamboo in the world.

Which of the above given statements is/are incorrect?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 2 and 3

Ans. C

Explanation

Recently the government has increased the customs duty on imported bamboo by agarbatti manufacturers. The customs duty has been increased from 10% to 25% with immediate effect. The decision has been taken to promote the use of domestic bamboo under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. At least 1 lakh new jobs will be created within the next 8-10 months in the Agarbatti industry. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Bamboo is not a tree but belongs to the grass family Poaceae. It can be used as food, for making furniture, as construction material, for making handicrafts, etc. Bamboo was earlier considered a tree under the Indian Forest Act. In 2017, Bamboo ceased to be a tree after the amendment in Indian Forest Act, 1927. This has eased transit and felling restrictions on bamboo in private lands. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.

India is the second-largest producer of bamboo after China and is also the second-largest importer of bamboo and its products. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

2. Which of the following has been declared the summer capital of Uttarakhand?

1. Nanital
2. Ranikhet
3. Haldwani
4. Gairsain

Ans. D

Explanation

Gairsain has been officially declared the summer capital of Uttarakhand. The announcement was made during the budget session of the state assembly on 4 March. Gairsain is a town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, after being carved out from Uttar Pradesh. Dehradun is the temporary capital of the State.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

3. Which of the following countries is/are part of the Coral Triangle?

1. Indonesia
2. Malaysia
3. Australia
4. Papua New Guinea
5. New Zealand
6. Philippines

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 1, 2 and 4
2. 2, 3 and 5
3. 1, 2, 3 and 6
4. 3, 4, 5 and 6

Ans. A

Explanation

Coral Triangle Day is celebrated every year on 9 June to create awareness about the importance of the sea, especially the coral triangle, which is the world's epicenter of marine biodiversity.

The coral triangle is spread across 6 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.

Coral Triangle is one of the three mega ecological complexes on the earth, the other two being the Congo Basin and the Amazon Rainforest.

Hence, the correct answer is A.

 

4. Which of the following is true about Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana?

1. Per Drop, More Crop is a component of PMKSY.
2. The scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level using techniques like drip irrigation system.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

 

Ans. C

Explanation

'Per Drop, More Crop' is a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through technologies like Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems. These techniques save water as well as help in reducing the usage of fertilizer, labour expenses and other agricultural input costs. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Recently, the government has allotted Rs 4,000 crore to states under the PMKSY-PDMC scheme for the year 2020-21.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

5. Which of the following is not one of the Global Credit Rating Agencies?

1. S&P
2. Moody's
3. Fitch
4. ICRA

Ans. D

Explanation

The big three credit rating agencies are Standard & Poor's (S&P), Moody's and Fitch group. ICRA is the Indian credit rating agency.

Recently, Moody's has downgraded India's sovereign rating from Baa2 to Baa3 and outlook retained as negative. While S&P has retained the sovereign rating of India at BBB-.

Hence, the correct answer is D.

 

6. Consider the following statements regarding Ramon Magsaysay Award:

1. The award is the Asian version of the Nobel Prize.
2. For the first time, the award has been cancelled due to COVID-19 global pandemic.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. A

Explanation

Recently, the Ramon Magsaysay awards for the year 2020 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. This is not the first time the awards have been cancelled. Previously, in 1970 and 1990, the awards were cancelled due to financial crisis and earthquake in Philippines, respectively. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

The awards were instituted in 1957 and were named after Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Philippines. The award is considered as the Asian version of the Nobel prize and is the highest honour of Asia. The awards are presented annually to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations whose selfless service has offered successful solutions to their societies, Asia and the world regarding problems of human development. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is A.

 

7. Recently, UP Government has directed officials to commission Truenat machines in all districts of the State. What is true regarding the Truenat machine?

1. It is a TB testing machine that will be used to test for COVID-19.
2. It will be used to disinfect medical equipment surfaces, PPE kits, etc.
3. It is an internet controlled machine to assist medical staff.
4. None of the above

Ans. A

Explanation

Truenat machine is used to test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB. The machine is developed by the Molbio Diagnostics. The machine will now be used to conduct COVID-19 tests as recommended by ICMR.

The machine is battery operated and requires a minimum of 60 minutes for a test. Recently, UP government has directed its officials to commission Truenat machines in all 75 districts of UP so as to increase the number of tests.

Hence, the correct answer is A.

 

8. What is the IUCN status of Asiatic Lion?

1. Least Concern
2. Critically Endangered
3. Vulnerable
4. Endangered

Ans. D

Explanation

The IUCN status of Asiatic Lions is Endangered and their only natural habitat is Gir Forests in Gujarat. Asiatic Lions are also listed under Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Recently, Gujarat Forest Department estimated the population of Asiatic Lions in the Gir forest region of Gujarat. The population had increased to about 29% from the last lion census in 2015.

Hence, the correct answer is D.