GK Quiz | 30 July 2020

Q1. Consider the following statements about Zimbabwe:

1. It is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa.
2. It is bordered by Mozambique to the east and northeast, and Botswana to the west and southwest.
3. It passes through the Tropic of cancer.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3: Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved an MoU between India and Zimbabwe on Cooperation in the field of Traditional System of Medicine and Homeopathy.

About Zimbabwe:

• It is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa.
• It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Mozambique to the east and northeast, and Botswana to the west and southwest.
• It does not pass through the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Equator.
• There are eight countries in Africa, namely, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Chad, Niger, Western Sahara, Mali, Mauritania through which Tropic of Cancer passes.
• The Tropic of Capricorn passes through the four countries of Africa viz. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.
• There are 11 countries of the world namely Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, São Tomé & Príncipe, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Colombia, Brazil, Indonesia and Ecuador, through which Equator passes.

So, statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is incorrect. Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q2. Which of the following substances are involved in Substance use disorder (SUD):

1. Alcohol
2. Caffeine
3. Sedatives
4. Tobacco
5. Cannabis
6. Phencyclidine

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Solution: C)

Explanation: About Substance use disorder (SUD):

• Substance use disorder (SUD) is the persistent use of drugs despite substantial harm and adverse consequences.
• Following are the drug classes involved in SUD: phencyclidine and other hallucinogens, alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, stimulants, tobacco, opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; inhalants.
• Causes:
• Children born to parents with SUDs have high chances of developing a SUD compared to children born to parents without any SUDs.
• Being male, being under 25, having other mental health problem.
• Taking highly addictive drugs
• Lack of familial support and supervision
• Diagnosis usually involves an in-depth examination by psychologist, psychiatrist, or drug and alcohol counselor.

Hence, option C is correct.

 

Q3. In which of the following states Green-Ag Project will be implemented?

1. Rajasthan
2. Mizoram
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Uttarakhand

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Solution: D)

Explanation:

Recently, the Green-Ag Project has been launched in Mizoram. Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand are the other states in which the project will be implemented.

About the Green-Ag Project:

• It is funded by the Global Environment Facility.
• The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) is the national executing agency.
• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are also involved in its implementation.
• It seeks to integrate biodiversity, climate change and practices into Indian agriculture and sustainable land management objectives.
• The pilot project aims to cover 35 villages and includes two protected areas —the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dampa Tiger Reserve. It is supposed to end on 31^st March 2026 in all states.

Hence, option D is correct.

 

Q4. With reference to the updated report on India’s Tiger Survey from 2018, consider the following statements:

1. India has nearly 90% of the world’s tigers.
2. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers followed by Karnataka.
3. Mizoram and Chhattisgarh saw a decline in tiger population.
4. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve recorded the highest number of tigers.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Solution: C)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4:  On the occasion of International Tiger day (29^th July), the Union Environment Ministry has released an updated report on India’s Tiger Survey from 2018.

As per the updated report:

• 70% of the world’s tigers are in India.
• Currently, India’s tiger population is 2,967.
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 526 followed by Karnataka (524) and Uttarakhand (442).
• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the “maximum improvement” since 2014.
• Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tigers.
• Mizoram and Chhattisgarh saw a decline in tiger population.

So, statements 1 and 4 are incorrect and statement 2 and 3 are correct. Hence, option C is correct.

 

Q5. Consider the following statements about Pampa River:

1. It is the longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala.
2. It originates in the Eastern Ghats.
3. Sabarimala temple is located on the banks of the river Pamba.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3: About Pampa/Pamba River:

• The river is also known as 'Dakshina Bhageerathi' and 'River Baris'.
• The Pamba River is the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha.
• Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
• It originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats.
• Tributaries: Kallar, Kakkiyar, Madatharuvi, Varattar, Kuttemperoor, Kozhithodu, Thanungattilthodu, Azhuthayar, Kakkattar.

So, statement 1 and 2 are incorrect and statement 3 is correct. Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q6. With reference to the New National Education policy 2020, consider the following statements:

1. Ministry of Human Resource Development to be merged into Ministry of Science and Technology.
2. It provided for the abolition of M.Phil degree.
3. Coding and vocational studies will be included in the new school curriculum from Class 6.
4. A child’s mother tongue being used as the medium of instruction at least till Class 10.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4: Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved new National Education Policy.

Following are some important features of the new National Education Policy:

• It aims to achieve 100% youth and adult literacy.
• Ensuring Universal Access at all levels of school education.
• A National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is to be created by MHRD.
• Vocational education will start in schools from the 6th grade, and will include internships.
• Mother tongue/regional language/ local language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond.
• The policy aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035.
• It provides for four-year undergraduate degrees with multiple entry and exit options, abolish the M.Phil degree.
• The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for building research capacity across higher education.

So, statements 1 and 4 are incorrect and statements 2 and 3 are correct. Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q7. Global Assessment Report (GAR) is released by-

1. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
2. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
3. Greenpeace
4. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Global Assessment Report (GAR) is released by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body, established by member States in 2012. It aims is to strengthen ecosystem services for the conservation, the science-policy interface for biodiversity and long-term human well-being and sustainable development and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q8. Consider the following statements about Natesa idol:

1. It is a rare sandstone idol in the 9^th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan.
2. A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon.
3. It is a brilliant figure of Lord Vishnu.
4. It was originally from the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga of Madhya Pradesh.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

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

Solution: D)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4: Natesa idol is returning to India after 22 years. It was smuggled out of India in 1998.

About Natesa idol:

• It is a rare sandstone idol in the 9^th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan.
• A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon.
• The Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft. in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva.
• It was originally from the Ghateswara Temple, Baroli (Rajasthan).

(Source: The Hindu)

So, statement 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 and 4 are incorrect. Hence, option D is correct.

 

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Courts:

1. The cases cannot be transferred from one special court to any other special court.
2. These courts are empowered with all powers of the court of sessions under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for trial of any offense.
3. The State Governments cannot appoint such special courts in their states.
4. Any question as to the jurisdiction of these courts is decided by the Central Government.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

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

Solution: C)

Explanation:

Statements 1,2,3 and 4: About the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Courts:

• Under Section 11 and 22 of the NIA Act 2008, these courts have been notified by the Central Government of India for trial of the cases registered at various police stations of NIA.
• These are presided over by a judge appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the concerned state High Court.
• The cases can be transferred from one special court to any other special court within or outside the state by the Supreme Court of India, if the same is in the interest of justice in light of the prevailing circumstances in any particular state.
• These courts are empowered with all powers of the court of sessions under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for trial of any offense.
• State Governments can also appoint one or more such special courts in their states.
• Any question as to the jurisdiction of these courts is decided by the Central Government.

So, statement 1 and 3 are incorrect and statement 2 and 4 are correct. Hence, option C is correct.

 

Q10. Consider the following statements about Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC):

1. It is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956.
2. NBFCs forms a part of the payment and settlement system.
3. It cannot accept demand deposits.
4. It can issue cheques drawn on itself.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4:

About Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC):

• NBFC is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the acquisition of shares /debentures/ stocks/bonds securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, and in the business of loans and advances.
• It is a financial institution that is not supervised by a national or international banking regulatory agency or does not have a full banking license.
• NBFC cannot accept demand deposits and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself.
• NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system.
• The depositors of NBFCs cannot avail the deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.

So, statements 1 and 3 are correct and statements 2 and 4 are incorrect. Hence, option A is correct.