GK Quiz | 16 March 2020

1. Which of the following is true about the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020?

1. It aims to ensure 100% electric vehicles on roads by 2030.
2. The scheme is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
3. Both A and B
4. None

Ans. D

Explanation

National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 aims to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles by the year 2020. The aim is to be fulfilled through FAME India Scheme under the Department of Heavy Industries. The scheme is being implemented in two phases. The 1^st phase was implemented from 2015 to 2019, aiming at creating demand for an effective technology Platform, creating charging Infrastructure and is focused on all vehicle segments i.e. 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheelers Auto, Passenger 4-Wheeler vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, and Buses. Its 2^nd phase is being implemented from 2019 to 2022.

Hence, D is the correct answer.

 

2. Which of the following correctly explains Nix-TB?

1. It is a new drug discovered for MDR-TB
2. It is a new drug effective in the treatment of XDR-TB.
3. It is an initiative of the Government of India to provide financial support for the treatment of TB.
4. It is the clinical trial carried out to test the three-drug BPaL regimen, consisting of bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid against TB.

Ans. D

Explanation

Nix- TB is the clinical trial carried out to test the three-drug BPaL regimen, consisting of bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid against TB carried out in South Africa. The trial is successful against MDR-TB and XDR- TB.

Note:

MDR- TB: Multidrug-resistant TB is the type of tuberculosis that is resistant to at least two of the most powerful medicines i.e. isoniazid and rifampin.

XDR- TB: Extensively Drug-Resistant TB is a type of MDR-TB that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin and any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (i.e., amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin).

Hence, D is the correct answer.

 

3. Which of the following is true about UN Peacekeeping Force?

1. UN Peacekeeping works on 3 principles i.e. consent of parties, non- partiality and non-use of force except in self-defense.
2. Currently, there are 13 peacekeeping operations active in 3 countries.
3. UN Peacekeeping provides policing, removes land mines, disarmament and solves disputes by prosecuting the criminals.
4. UN member countries contribute to the force voluntarily.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Ans. A

Explanation

UN Peacekeeping forces are part of the Department of Peace Operations and are mandated to prevent conflicts and oversee the post conflicts peace operations. Depending on the situation UN Security Council mandates or approves the deployment of peacekeeping operations. In this case, either the UNSC can deploy the UN peacekeeping forces or can ask the regional organizations like NATO to take on the lead.

The forces are often mandated to play a role in the following peacebuilding activities:

• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants;
• Mine action;
• Security sector reform and rule of law-related activities;
• Protection and promotion of human rights;
• Electoral assistance;
• Support for the restoration and extension of State authority;
• Promotion of social and economic recovery and development.

 (Source: Unpeacekeeping site)

UN members contribute to forces voluntarily, but the financing is done through a legal mandate by which each member has to contribute their share. Currently, there are 13 peacekeeping operations operational. The 1^st operation was deployed in 1948 to newly created Israel. The forces are also called Blue Helmets.

Hence, C is the correct answer.

 

4. Which of the following correctly explains SIRT-1?

1. SIRT-1 enzyme regulates the presence of bile juice in the liver.
2. SIRT-1 regulates the presence of insulin in the body.
3. Its excess in the body leads to obesity and the ageing problem.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. All of the above
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only

Ans. D

Explanation

Sirtuin or NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 or SIRT-1 is a protein encoded by the SIRT-1 gene. It regulates the presence of insulin. If it is not active, there is a lack of insulin in the body, which can cause the problem of diabetes. Its excess in the body leads to obesity and ageing problems.

Hence, D is the correct answer.

 

5. Which of the following is true about the National Mission on Biodiversity and human wellbeing?

1. The mission aims to link biodiversity science with economic means.
2. The mission is to be implemented by the government, students, citizens, farmers.
3. Both A and B
4. None of the above

Ans. C

Explanation

The National Mission on Biodiversity and human wellbeing is a mission with a mandate to promote inclusive development by linking biodiversity science, people’s health, and economics. The mission aims to include all the stakeholders, including the government, students, citizens, farmers, etc. The mission will be hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change supported by Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). National Biodiversity Authority is the nodal agency for this mission.

Hence, C is the correct answer.

 

6. Which of the following is true about UNCTAD?

1. It aims to help developing countries to access the benefits of globalization.
2. It also works towards protecting consumers from abuse.
3. It is the principal agency of the United Nations.
4. It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Ans. A

Explanation

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is an intergovernmental body under United Nations formed in 1964 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The mission of UNCTAD is to maximize the trade, investment, and development opportunities in developing countries and to ensure the benefits of globalization to the developing countries. It reports to the United Nations General Assembly and UN Economic and Social Council.

The efforts of UNCTAD are focused on promoting countries to:

• Achieve beneficial integration into the international trading system
• Diversify economies to make them less dependent on commodities
• Increase access to digital technologies
• Promote entrepreneurship and innovation
• Help local firms move up value chains
• Speed up the flow of goods across borders
• Protect consumers from abuse
• Curb regulations that stifle competition
• Adapt to climate change and use natural resources more effectively

(Source: unctad.org.in)

 

Hence, A is the correct answer.