GK Quiz | 15 May 2020

1. Which of the following are true criteria of categorizing a species as endangered species according to IUCN?

1. Reduction in population size by 70% over the last 10 years.
2. There is less than 50 mature individuals in a particular species.
3. The probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20% within 20 years.
4. Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 1,2,3,4
2. 1,2,3
3. 1,3,4
4. 2,3,4

Ans. C

Explanation

According to the IUCN classification, following are the criteria of classifying a species as endangered species:

• Reduction in population size by 70% over the last 10 years.
• Population size estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals.
• Probability of extinction in the wild in at least 20% within 20 years.
• Considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

The Annual Endangered Species Day is celebrated on May 15, 2020.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

2. Which of the following are the Baltic countries?

1. Estonia
2. Latvia
3. Lithuania
4. Poland
5. Belarus

Select the correct answers from the codes given below:

1. 1,2,3,4,5
2. 1,2,3
3. 1,2,4
4. 1,2,4,5

Ans. B

Explanation

Baltic countries are the countries surrounding the Baltic sea. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are the Baltic states.

Hence, the correct answer is B.

 

3. Which of the following is true about Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Urban)?

1. The scheme provides benefits to all the Economically Weaker Section, Lower Income Group, and Middle Income Group under all the verticals of the scheme.
2. The government will launch the Affordable Renting Housing Complexes scheme under PMAY(U).
3. The scheme is under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 1,2 and 3
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 1 and 2

Ans. C

Explanation

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna is a scheme under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aims to provide Housing for all by 2022 with the following verticals:

• Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with the participation of private developers using land as a resource.
• Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy
• Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors
• Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement.

The scheme covers LIG, EWS, and MIG people. EWS category is eligible for assistance under all the verticals but LIG and MIG are eligible for benefits under the Credit Link Subsidy Scheme.

Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan the government has proposed to introduce the Affordable Renting Housing Complexes scheme to provide rental houses to migrants laborers, students, and urban poor in urban areas. The scheme will be launched under the Public-Private Partnership.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

4. Which of the correctly describes the Laizzez faire model of the economy?

1. The model advocates a capitalist economy without any intervention of the government.
2. It can promote crony capitalism.
3. The propagator of the idea was Adam Smith.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Ans. B

Explanation

Laizzez's faire model is a capitalist theory that supports free market and open competition which is also called an invisible hand. It has been criticized as it can promote crony capitalism.

The model was popularized in the 1700s when it was developed by a group called Physiocrats in France.

Hence, the correct answer is B.

 

5. Which of the following statements is true?

1. Moderates differentiated between labors of Indian industries and labor of foreign industries.
2. Tilak supported the 1^st labor strike through his newspapers Kesari and Maratha.
3. Both statements are true.
4. None of the statements is true.

Ans. C

Explanation

During the phase of the Indian Independence movement, the moderates were indifferent to the labor's cause. They differentiated between labor in the Indian owned factory and those of the British owned factory, as they believed that the labor legislation would affect the competitive edge enjoyed by the Indian owned industries. Also, the moderates were not in the favor of the movement as they did not want the class-based division in the society as a reason for which the moderates did not support the factory acts of 1881 and 1891.

The 1^st labor strike in British India was that of the Great Indian Peninsular Railways took place in 1899 and got support from Kesari and Marathas of Tilak.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

6. Who among the following releases Global Energy Transition Index?

1. World Economic Forum
2. World Bank
3. International Monetary Fund
4. G20

Ans.  A

Explanation

The Global Energy Transition Index is released by the World Economic Forum. In the Global Energy Transition Index 2020, India has moved up by 2 positions from 76^th to 74^th after improving on all the parameters of economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

Sweden has topped the index followed by Switzerland and Finland.

Hence, the correct answer is A.