GK Quiz | 8 September 2020

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. As per the UNSECO’s Global Monitoring Report on Education for All (2006), South Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate
2. Sustainable development goal 4 is related to ensure quality education.

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

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

Solution: C)

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 2: Around 773 million adult people lack basic literacy skills and around 617 million children and adolescents have not achieved minimum proficiency levels in reading and maths. According to the UNESCO’s ‘Global Monitoring Report on Education for All’ (2006), South Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate. These issues have been taken into account in UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. SDG-4 promotes universal access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout people’s lives.

Every year on 8 September, International Literacy Day is celebrated. The day was declared by UNESCO in its 14^th session of General Conference held on 26 October 1966. The day aims to highlight the importance of literacy for all. The theme for the year 2020 is “Literacy, teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond”.

So, both statements are correct. Hence, option C is correct.

 

Q2. Which of the following monuments has been inaugurated recently in Jaipur?

1. Patrika Gate
2. Mewar Fort
3. Rezangala War Memorial
4. Chini ka Roza

Solution: C)

Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Patrika Gate in Jaipur. Patrika Group of Newspapers has built this gate on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg in Jaipur.

Patrika Gate is 81 feet high and 108 feet wide with nine gates. It features Jharokhas, Pols, Pavilions and Chhatris. It connects Ramniwas Garden on the north side and Jaipur International Airport on the Southern end.

Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. DRDO has successfully test fired hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV).
2. HSTDV operates on dual mode ramjet engines.
3. India became the third country to demonstrate this technology.

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

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

Solution: C)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). It was flight tested from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. India has become the fourth country after USA, Russia and China to demonstrate this technology.

About HSTDV:

• It uses hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology.
• It operates on scramjet engines that can obtain a speed of around Mach 6.

A scramjet engine operates at hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion.

So, Statement 1 is correct and Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Hence, option C is correct.

 

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding International Solar Alliance:

1. 1^st World Solar Technology Summit is organized by ISA and ASSOCHAM.
2. ISA is part of One World One Sun One Grid project.
3. ISA was jointly launched by India and Italy in 2015.

Which of the above given statements is/ are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. None

Solution: B)

Explanation:

The first World Solar Technology Summit is organized by ISA and FICCI.

About International Solar Alliance:

• It is a treaty based intergovernmental organization.
• ISA was jointly launched by India and France in 2015 during CoP21.
• Its main objectives are to achieve 1000 GW of solar capacity and to mobilize US $1000 billion investment in solar energy sector by 2030.
• Till now, 86 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement and 68 have ratified it.
• Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana
• ISA is a part of One World One Sun One Grid.

Hence, option B is correct.

 

Q5. Which of the following genetically modified crop has been allowed for field trials by GEAC?

1. Bt Mushroom
2. Bt Brinjal
3. Bt Tomato
4. Bt Spinach

Solution: B)

Explanation:

Genetically Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has allowed Beejsheetal Research Private Ltd confined field trials of two Bt Brinjal varieties – Janak and BSS 793. These two varieties carry a new bacterial gene- Bt CryiFa1.

The trials will be conducted in seven states between 2020 and 2023. Bt Brinjal will reduce the consumption of pesticides.

GEAC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It has 24 members. It is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

Hence, option B is correct.