GS SCORE Prelims 2024 Practice Test 6 With Solution

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PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
GENERAL STUDIES
CURRENT AFFAIRS-1
MAY-JUNE 2023
Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200
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1. With reference to the Virtual Digital Assets 3. The term ‘Seamount’ was recently seen in the
(VDAs), consider the following statements: news. In this context, consider the following
statements:
Statement-I:
1. A seamount is an underwater mountain.
According to the Income Tax Act, VDAs refers
2. Like volcanoes on land, seamounts can
to any information, code, number, or token be active, extinct or dormant.
generated through cryptographic means and
3. Most seamounts are formed near mid-
blockchain technologies.
ocean ridges.
Statement-II: How many of the above statements are
correct?
India has recently extended the anti-money
laundering provisions to VDAs businesses and (a) Only one
service providers. (b) Only two
Which one of the following is correct with (c) All three
respect to the above statements?
(d) None
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(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
correct and Statement-II is the correct 4. Which of the following is/are eligible under
explanation for Statement-I the government’s Credit Guarantee Fund for
Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)?
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
(a) MSEs in manufacturing or service
are correct and Statement-II is not the
activity
correct explanation for Statement-I
(c)
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Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
(b) MSEs in agriculture sector
(c) MSEs in self-help groups
is incorrect
(d) All of the above
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-
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II is correct
5. ‘Rang ghar’, also known as the first Pavilion
of Asia, was built by which of the following
2. With respect to the natural phenomenon, personality?
recently seen in news, consider the following (a) King Rudra Singh
statements in this regard:
(b) Swargadeo Promotta Singha
1. Sun halo is an optical phenomenon
(c) Chaolung Sukaphaa
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that occurs due to sunlight refracting

in millions of hexagonal ice crystals (d) Suhungmung
suspended in the atmosphere.
6. Consider the following statements with respect
2. It takes the form of a ring with a radius to Human health:
of approximately 22 degrees around the
1. It is an inherited disorder that results
sun or the moon.
from the buildup of a type of fat, called
3. Circular halos specifically are produced globotriaosylceramide, in the body’s
cells.
by cumulus cirrus clouds, which are thin,
detached, hair-like clouds. 2. It belongs to a group of diseases known
as lysosomal storage disorders.
How many of the statements given above is /
are incorrect? Identify the appropriate disease based on the
information given above.
(a) Only one (a) Gaucher
(b) Only two (b) Fabry
(c) All three (c) Insomnia
(d) None (d) Botulism
2 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
7. Which of the following given Articles of the 10. Consider the following statements regarding
Constitution of India grants the power to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT):
Supreme Court for passing any decree to do
1. IIFT is an autonomous body under the
“complete justice”?
Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
(a) Article 120
2. The Institute was granted “Deemed to be
(b) Article 121 University” status in 2002.
(c) Article 142 Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(d) None of these
(a) 1 only
8. Regarding the species of Painted stork (b) 2 only
(Mycteria leucocephala), consider the following (c) Both 1 and 2
statements:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. The Painted stork belongs to the family,
Ciconiidae. 11. Consider the following statements regarding
‘Mridangam’, recently seen in news:
2. The International Union for Conservation
1. Mridangam is a percussion instrument
RE
of Nature (IUCN) has listed them as
‘Near Threatened’. made of leather and jackwood.
3. They are found in Pakistan, India, Sri 2. It is a popular bifacial drum of Carnatic
Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand music and is used as an accompaniment
and Vietnam. in South Indian Classical music.
How many of the above statements are 3. The instrument is very close to Pakhavaj
that is mostly used in the Hindustani
correct?
(a)
(b)
Only one
Only two
O traditional music in Northern India.
How many of the statements given above is/
are incorrect?
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(c) All three (a) Only one
(d) None (b) Only two
(c) All three
9. Consider the following statements regarding
(d) None
Similipal Tiger Reserve:
Statement-I:
Washington Declaration:
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The Reserve is located in Odisha, the eastern 1. The agreement outlines cooperation
state of India. towards nuclear deterrence.
Statement-II: 2. The declaration reaffirmed the non-
The Pseudo-melanistic tigers or black tigers proliferation Treaty implying that
are found in this reserve. South Korea would not venture into the
creation of its own independent nuclear
Which one of the following is correct in respect capabilities.
of the above statements?
3. It mandated the U.S. President as the
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear
correct and Statement-II is the correct arsenal of the U.S. in the event of a
explanation for Statement-I nuclear confrontation.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II How many of the statements given above is/
are correct and Statement-II is not the are correct?
(a) Only one
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
is incorrect (b) Only two
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement- (c) All three

II is correct (d) None
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 3
https://upscmaterial.online/
13. Which of the following statements is correct 16. The Greenshoe option was recently seen in
regarding ‘Arexvy’, recently mentioned in the the news, consider the following statements in
news? this regard:
(a) It is the world’s first respiratory syncytial 1. It is a provision in context of IPOs, by
virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults.
which a private company can go public
(b) It is the first malaria vaccine, and also the by offering its stock to the general public
first vaccine for any parasitic disease. for the first time.
(c) It is a method to synthesize the highly 2. IPOs are made available for subscription
potent antimalarial drug artemisinin.
by investors.
(d) None of these
3. This process is known as the subscription
period or the offering period.
the River Cities Alliance (RCA): 4. During this period, interested investors
1. RCA is envisaged as a facilitatory have the opportunity to place orders to
platform for initiating river-sensitive purchase shares of the company being
planning and development. listed.
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2. It is a joint initiative of the Department How many of the above statements are
of Water Resources, River Development correct?
& Ganga Rejuvenation.
(a) Only one
3. The Alliance only applies to river cities
of India. (b) Only two
How many of the above statements are (c) Only three
correct?
O (d) All four
(a) Only one
(b) Only two 17. With respect to the FAO Food Price Index
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(c) All three (FFPI), consider the following statements:
(d) None Statement-I:
FFPI is a measure of the annual change
in international prices of a basket of food
the National Programme for Prevention &
Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP- commodities.
NCD) in India: Statement-II:
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1. It is being implemented under the

It consists of the average of five commodity
National Health Mission (NHM).
group price indices weighted by the average
2. The proportion of deaths due to non- export shares of each of the groups over 2014-
communicable diseases in India is more 2016.
than 50 percent.
Which one of the following is correct in respect
3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and
chronic kidney disease are classified of the above statements?
under non-communicable disease. (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
4. The programme is currently confined only correct and Statement-II is the correct
urban areas to provide free diagnostic explanation for Statement-I
facilities and drugs for patients.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
How many of the statements given above is/ are correct and Statement-II is not the
are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two is incorrect
(c) Only three (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-
(d) All four II is correct
4 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
https://t.me/visioniastestseries2024
18. Which of the following statements is incorrect 3. It is audited annually by an independent
regarding the ‘Watsonx Platform’, recently external agency.
mentioned in news?
4. It is not exclusively stored within the
(a) It is a cloud-based platform developed country.
by IBM for artificial intelligence and
cognitive computing applications.
are correct?
(b) The platform is designed to help
(a) Only one
developers build and deploy chatbots
and virtual assistants for businesses and (b) Only two
organizations.
(c) Only three
(c) Watsonx Platform uses machine
learning algorithms and natural (d) All four
language processing (NLP) techniques to
understand and respond to user queries. 21. Consider the following statements regarding
the Deep Ocean Mission:
(d) It is primarily used for personal
entertainment purposes, such as playing Statement-I:
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video games and watching movies.
It is a long-term oceanographic program
focusing on harnessing its resources and
19. Consider the following statements regarding protecting the marine environment.
the ‘Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter’:
Statement-II:
Statement-I:
The National Institute of Ocean Technology
Dhruv is a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter (NIOT) is responsible to carry out the mission
(HAL).
Statement-II:
O
developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
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It is equipped with advanced avionics and a (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
glass cockpit, enabling operations in both day correct and Statement-II is the correct
and night conditions. explanation for Statement-I
Which one of the following is correct in respect (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
of the above statements? are correct and Statement-II is not the
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct explanation for Statement-I
correct and Statement-II is the correct (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
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explanation for Statement-I is incorrect

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-
are correct and Statement-II is not the II is correct
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II 22. Consider the following statements regarding
is incorrect Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT),
often seen in news?
II is correct 1. MDT is a technique in which a child is
made from IVF using the genetic material
20. Regarding the Reserve Bank of India’s of the parents but the mitochondrial
material of a donor.
(RBI) gold reserve, consider the following
statements: 2. The technique involves the transfer of the
nucleus of the patient’s egg to the egg of a
1. The RBI holds the largest gold reserve
healthy donor with intact mitochondrial
among all central banks in the world.
DNA.
2. The reserve is primarily used to back
3. The United Kingdom was the first country
the currency and maintain financial
to legalize MDT in 2020.
stability.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 5
How many of the statements given above is / 25. Arrange the below given Tiger reserves
are incorrect? according to the timeline of their inclusion
under ‘Project Tiger’:
(a) Only one
1. Corbett Tiger Reserve
(b) Only two
2. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
(c) All three
(d) None 3. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve
23. Consider the following statements regarding Select the correct option using the code given
the recently launched scheme ‘Poshan Bhi,
below.
Padhai Bhi’ Scheme:
(a) 1-4-3-2
Statement-I:
(b) 1-2-3-4
It is a government initiative aimed at improving
the nutritional status and educational (c) 3-4-2-1
outcomes of school children.
(d) 4-2-3-1
Statement-II:
RE
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of 26. Consider the following statements regarding
Education in collaboration with the Ministry the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave
of Women and Child Development. Observatory (LIGO), often seen in news:
Which one of the following is correct in respect Statement-I:
LIGO is an international network of
O
correct and Statement-II is the correct
laboratories that detect the ripples in space-
time produced by the movement of large
explanation for Statement-I celestial objects like stars and planets.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II Statement-II:
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correct explanation for Statement-I These ripples were first postulated in Albert
Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity that
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II encapsulates our current understanding of
is incorrect
how gravitation works.
II is correct
GS
24. Regarding the Exchange Traded Commodity (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
Derivatives (ETCD), consider the following correct and Statement-II is the correct
statements: explanation for Statement-I
1. ETCD refers to the trading of standardized (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
commodity contracts on a regulated are correct and Statement-II is not the
exchange platform. correct explanation for Statement-I
2. It allows market participants to hedge (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
their price risk associated with various is incorrect
commodities.
3. In India, ETCD is regulated by the II is correct
Reserve Bank of India.
How many of the above statements are 27. About the Hadron Beam Therapy, consider
correct? the following statements:
(a) Only one 1. It is a branch of radiation therapy that
uses charged protons to kill the tumour
(b) Only two
source in the body.
(c) All three
2. It minimizes the initial and long-term
(d) None side effects of radiation treatment.
6 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
3. This chemotherapy regimen focuses more 2. It is responsible for promoting, protecting,
energy with high radiation to tumor and and enforcing the rights of consumers
the surrounding tissues. across India.
How many of the above statements are 3. The body has the power to investigate,
correct? initiate class action suits, and order
(a) Only one recalls, refunds, or replacements of goods
or services that are found to be defective
(b) Only two or unfair to consumers.
(c) All three
4. CCPA operates at the state level and
(d) None works closely with state consumer
dispute redressal commissions to resolve
28. With respect to the Indian Painting, consider consumer complaints.
the following: How many of the statements given above is/
1. Warli painting are correct?
2. Phad painting (a) Only one
RE
3. Madhubani painting (b) Only two
4. Pattachitra painting (c) Only three
How many of the above-mentioned painting (d) All four
styles is/are associated with the state of
Rajasthan?
31. Regarding the Semi-cryogenic Engine, consider
(a) Only one O the following statements:
(b) Only two Statement-I:
(c) Only three It is a type of rocket engine that uses a
(d) All four combination of liquid and solid propellants for
SC
propulsion.
29. Consider the following statements regarding Statement-II:
the ‘Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(SOFR)’, often seen in news: It provides higher thrust and efficiency
compared to conventional liquid rocket
1. It is the benchmark interest rate for engines.
dollar-denominated derivatives
GS
2. It is the preferred alternative to

USD London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR). (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
3. Similar to LIBOR, the rate is not based correct and Statement-II is the correct
on actual transactions. explanation for Statement-I
Which of the statements given above is/are (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
correct? are correct and Statement-II is not the
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
is incorrect
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 II is correct
30. In the context of the Central Consumer 32. With respect to the Special Marriage Act of
Protection Authority (CCPA), consider the 1954, consider the following statements:
following statements:
1. The Act governs a civil marriage where
1. It is a statutory body established under
the state sanctions the marriage rather
the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
than the religion.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 7
2. Issues of personal law such as marriage, 3. Thawing permafrost would unleash
divorce, adoption are governed by thousands of dormant viruses and
religious laws that are codified. bacteria.
3. Under the Muslim Marriage Act, 1954, How many of the above statements is/are
and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, incorrect?
require either spouse to convert to the (a) Only one
religion of the other before marriage.
(b) Only two
How many of the above statements are
correct? (c) All three
(a) Only one (d) None
(b) Only two 35. With respect to the financial market in India,
(c) All three consider the following statements:
(d) None 1. Some contracts require that the business

doing the work be properly bonded.
33. With respect to the online financial transactions 2. Authorized surety companies provide
RE
in India, consider the following statements: surety bonds to businesses that meet
their qualifications.
Statement-I:
3. The SBA guarantees surety bonds for
Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services (AePS) is private surety companies, so more small
a bank-led model enabling online transactions businesses can qualify.
at PoS and Micro ATMs using Aadhaar
4. Small businesses get SBA-guaranteed
authentication.
O surety bonds so they can get to work.
Statement-II: How many ways the Small Business
According to the National Payments Administration (SBA) Surety Bond Program
Corporation of India (NCPI), it allows fund works?
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transfers using only the bank name and (a) Only one
Aadhaar number.
(b) Only two
of the above statements? (c) Only three
(d) All four
GS
explanation for Statement-I 36. Consider the following statements regarding

the Reserve Bank of India’s ‘Liberalised
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II Remittance Scheme’, recently seen in news:
correct explanation for Statement-I Statement-I:
The scheme aims to facilitate hassle-free
foreign exchange.
is incorrect
Statement-II:
II is correct Indian residents, except minors are eligible for
the schemes.
34. The natural phenomenon was recently seen in Which one of the following is correct in respect
the news. In this regard, consider the following of the above statements?
statements:
1. Permafrost is made of a combination of correct and Statement-II is the correct
soil, rocks and sand that are held together explanation for Statement-I
by ice. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
2. When permafrost is frozen, it’s harder are correct and Statement-II is not the
than concrete. correct explanation for Statement-I
8 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II How many of the statements given above is/
is incorrect are correct?
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement- (a) Only one
II is correct
(b) Only two
37. Consider the following statements regarding (c) Only three

the species, recently seen in news: (d) All four
1. The Greater Flamingo is the largest
species of flamingo. 40. With reference to ‘arsenic exposure’, consider
the following statements:
2. The species can be found in a variety
of saltwater habitats including salt or 1. Arsenic exposure occurs primarily
alkaline lakes, estuaries, shallow coastal through inhalation of contaminated air.
lagoons and mudflats. 2. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element
3. There are no subspecies of the Greater and beneficial for human health in trace
Flamingo. amounts.
Which of the statements given above is/are
RE
How many of the above statements are
correct? correct?
(a) Only one (a) 1 only
(b) Only two (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) All three
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) None
O
38. Which of the following given tree species is/are
known as the ‘Tree of life’ in Africa?
the ‘Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)’:
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1. It occurs when infants and children do
1. Buffalo Thorn not have adequate energy, protein and
2. Lala Palm micronutrients in their diet.
3. Mopane Tree 2. It is when children suffer severe wasting

that may or may not be accompanied by
4. Baobab tree swelling of the body from fluid retention.
Select the correct answer using the code given 3. Children affected by severe acute
GS
below. malnutrition are very thin as most of

their fat and muscle has been used by
(a) 4 only
their bodies to stay alive.
(b) 1 and 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) 2 and 3 only correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
the ‘Depsang Plains’, often seen in news?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The Depsang Plains are located in the
southern part of eastern Ladakh.
42. The International Pathogen Surveillance
2. To the north of Depsang is the Karakoram Network (IPSN), recently mentioned in
Pass. news, is launched by which of the following
organisations?
3. The Lingzi Thang mountain range divides
the Depsang Plains from Aksai Chin. (a) National Research Centre on Meat
4. The western edge of Depsang is next to (b) United Nations Office on Drugs and
the southeast part of the Rimo glacier. Crime
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 9
(c) United Nations Population Fund Which one of the following is correct in respect
(d) World Health Organisation
explanation for Statement-I
the Forum for India–Pacific Islands
Cooperation (FIPIC), recently seen in news: (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
1. The Forum was launched in 2014 to
expand India’s engagement in the Pacific
region. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
is incorrect
2. The islands included in the Forum have
large exclusive economic zones (EEZs). (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-
II is correct
3. EEZs extends 140 nautical miles beyond
a nation’s territorial sea.
46. The Orang National Park was recently seen
How many of the above statements are in news. In this regard, consider the following
correct? statements:
RE
(a) Only one 1. It is the only stronghold of rhinoceros
(b) Only two on the north bank of the Brahmaputra
River.
(c) All three
2. It is also known as the mini Kaziranga
(d) None National Park due to similarities in
landscape.
44. Consider the following statements:
O
3. It is home to Spot Billed Pelican, White
1. Provide citizens with high-quality Pelican, Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser
currency notes Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Duck, and
Pintail Duck.
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2. Removing worn-out notes from
circulation 4. Some part of the park was earlier high
grassland, but due to exploitation the
3. To curb the circulation of fake notes in park now comprises only low lying
the country areas.
How many of the above are the objectives of How many of the statements given above is/
the RBI’s ‘Clean Note Policy’? are correct?
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(a) Only one (a) Only one

(b) Only two (b) Only two
(c) All three (c) Only three
(d) None (d) All four
45. With reference to the Open Radio Access 47. Regarding Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes),
Network (ORAN), consider the following consider the following statements:
statements:
1. Nicotine is the primary agent in regular
Statement-I: cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is
It is a non-proprietary version of the Radio highly addictive.
Access Network (RAN) system that allows 2. It produces acetaldehyde that can cause
interoperation between cellular network lung disease, as well as cardiovascular
equipment provided by different vendors. (heart) disease.
Statement-II: 3. India is one of the only countries that
It provides an integrated platform of both have completely banned the sale of
hardware and software. e-cigarettes.
10 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
How many of the above statements are 51. Which of the following statements are not
correct? correct regarding ‘Government Bonds’?
(a) Only one (a) They are financial instruments that are
categorised in the asset class of debt.
(b) Only two
(b) They are fixed tenure debt instruments
(c) All three issued to finance specific projects by the
issuer.
(d) None
(c) It can be issued by both Central and State
governments.
48. The ‘Sengol’ was recently seen in news, belongs
to which of the following Empire? (d) Its liquidity is comparatively low than
corporate bonds.
(a) Maurya Empire
(b) Vijayanagar Empire 52. With reference to the ‘CITIIS 2.0 program’,
consider the following statements:
(c) Maratha Empire
1. The program envisages supporting
(d) Chola Empire projects to promote circular economy with
RE
focus on integrated waste management
49. Regarding the ‘Global Alliance of National at the city level.
Human Right Commission (GANHRI)’, 2. This is operational under Ministry of
consider the following statements: housing and urban affairs (MoHUA).
1. Established in 1993, GANHRI promotes 3. The program aims to remain functional
the role of National Human Rights till 2030 to supplement the climate
Institutions (NHRI’s) worldwide, actions of Government of India.
interact and exchange.

O
providing a forum for its members to
correct?
2. It works with the United Nations (a) 1 only
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Development Programme (UNDP).
(b) 2 and 3 only
incorrect? (c) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only 53. With reference to Electronics Repair Services

(c) Both 1 and 2 Outsourcing (ERSO) project, launched
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recently, consider the following statements:

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It is an initiative for procurement,
maintenance and repairing of electronic
50. Consider the following: goods.
1. Lower cost due to abundance of Sodium 2. Under the initiative, India’s e-waste
resource policy will be modified to enable repair
companies to domestically recycle 5% of
2. Safer imported goods.
3. Lower energy density 3. The nodal agency for implementation
is Ministry of Environment, Forest and
4. Long cycle life
Climate change.
How many of the above are the advantages of
How many of the Statement(s) given above is/
Sodium-ion batteries? are correct?
(c) Only three (c) All three
(d) All four (d) None
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 11
54. Consider the following statements regarding Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF): correct?
1. CMF works is in line with the Rules-Based (a) 1 only

International Order (RBIO) to promote (b) 1 and 3 only
peace and security in International
Waters. (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. India and Pakistan are member nations
of CMF.
57. With reference to the ‘Desiccation-tolerant
3. It is headquartered in Bahrain. vascular (DT) plants’, consider the following
How many of the statement(s) given above is/ statements:
are correct? 1. They cannot survive prolonged periods
(a) Only one of dehydration and show immediate
damage.
(b) Only two
2. Vascular plants are eukaryotes.
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(c) All three
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(d) None correct?
(a) 1 only
55. Consider the following statements:
(b) 2 only
1. Agriculture accounts for nearly 80% of
(c) Both 1 and 2
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the country’s annual available water
use. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. More than half of India’s cultivated land
now has access to assured irrigation. 58. Sal tree (Shorea robusta), recently mentioned
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in news, is native to-
3. About 15 % of the cultivable area
continues to rely on rainfall due to lack (a) Nepal
of water resources. (b) Sri Lanka
Which of the statements given above is/are (c) South Africa
correct?
(d) Bhutan
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(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only 59. The ‘Global Slavery Index’ is compiled by:
(c) 2 and 3 only (a) Walk Free
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) Anti-Slavery International

(c) Free the Slaves
(d) All of the above
the PM Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi
(SVANidhi) scheme:
60. Regarding the ‘Nominal Gross Domestic
1. It is a Special Micro-Credit Facility Product (GDP)’, consider the following
launched by the Ministry of Housing and statements:
Urban Affairs.
1. Nominal GDP is the calculation of the
2. It aims to provide collateral-free loans to annual economic production of the entire
active local vendors. country’s population at the current
market price of goods.
3. This central sector scheme facilitates a
free working capital of up to Rs.10, 000 2. The value gets affected by the price
for one year. changes caused due to inflation.
12 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Which of the statements given above is/are 64. Consider the following pairs:
correct?
Tribal groups Belongs to
(a) 1 only
1. Todas – Assam
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Chothe – Manipur
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Lushai – Tripura

61. Consider the following statements regarding 4. Phom – Nagaland
the ‘Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources
Dhan (GOBARdhan)’ initiative: Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
1. It aims to generate wealth and energy by
converting cattle dung, agri-residue and (a) 1 and 2 only
other organic waste into Biogas, CBG
and bio fertilizers. (b) 2 only
2. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

Climate Change is the nodal agency of
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
the initiative.
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3. The Unified Portal of GoBARdhan
provides real time tracking of Biogas
the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos
schemes.
isabellinus):
are incorrect? 1. They are omnivorous
(a)
(b)
(c)
Only one
Only two
All three
O 2. They exhibit sexual dimorphism.
3. They are found in Jammu & Kashmir
and Ladakh regions.
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(d) None How many of the above statements are
62. Consider the following statements regarding correct?
the Environment Information Awareness,
(a) Only one
Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme
(EIACP): (b) Only two
1. It is a Central Sector Sub-Scheme aligned (c) All three
with the Mission LiFE initiative.
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(d) None
2. It serves as a one stop platform for
dissemination of environmental
information and facilitation of alternate 66. Consider the following statements:
livelihoods through green skilling.
1. Kathakali was promoted by the king
Which of the statements given above is/are Zamorin of Calicut.
correct?
2. Attakatha is the story told during a
(a) 1 only
kathakali performance.
(b) 2 only
3. Kathakali performances generally occurs
(c) Both 1 and 2
in Malayalam language
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
63. Which of the following Jyotirlinga faces the are correct?
South direction?
(a) Only one
(a) Nageshwar
(b) Mahakaleshwar (b) Only two
(c) Grishneshwar (c) All three

(d) Vaidyanath (d) None
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 13
67. Consider the following statements regarding Which of the statements given above is/are
the ‘Agni-I missile’: incorrect?
1. These are short-range ballistic missile (a) 1 only

(SRBM) with a strike range of 5000 km. (b) 2 only
2. Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force (c) Both 1 and 2
Command (SFC) of the Indian Army.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct? 70. The concept of ‘adverse possession’ refers to-
(a) 1 only (a) A legal concept that refers to the hostile
(b) 2 only possession of property.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) A person cannot interfere with the

possession of another person by setting
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 up a defence.
(c) The conscious intention of the possessor
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68. Consider the following statements: to exclude others from interfering with
his right of possession.
1. Article 299 delineates power between
Centre and the States to acquire, hold, (d) None of these
and dispose of a property.
2. It is mandatory for a state contract to be 71. Consider the following regarding Lipoproteins,
seen in news recently:
expressed made by the Governor or the
President.
O 1. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the cells
in arteries.
3. Article 299 (2) says that neither the
President nor the Governor can be 2. They are made up of Proteins and fats.
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personally held liable for such contracts. 3. Lipoprotein can cause blood clots.
4. In case of any dispute, any person whose How many of the statements given above is/
relationship with the parties of the are correct?
dispute falls under the 7th Schedule
will be ineligible to be appointed as an (a) Only one
arbitrator. (b) Only two
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How many of the statements given above is/ (c) All three
are correct?
(d) None
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented
(c) Only three Navigation) Satellite Technology:
(d) All four 1. This Satellite-Based Augmentation

System (SBAS) is the first such system
developed for India and neighbouring
69. Mangroves play a crucial role in the coastal
countries in the equatorial region.
ecosystem of India. Consider the following
statements regarding mangroves in India: 2. GAGAN uses a system of ground stations
to provide necessary augmentations to
1. Halophytes are common in all Mangroves the GPS standard positioning service
except in Bay of Bengal due to less (SPS) navigation signal.
salinity.
3. Apart from GAGAN, there are only two
2. Mangroves trees have complex salt Space-Based augmentation systems
filtration system with large roots to cope available in the world namely Europe
high waves. (EGNOS) and the US (WAAS).
14 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are (c) It is an online portal with real-time
correct? information on mental healthcare
(a) 1 only facilities.
(b) 1 and 2 only (d) None of these
(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS):
1. This body acts as the sole railway safety
73. KAVACH, an indigenously developed
Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, authority in the country.
has been in the news recently. Consider the 2. Investigating serious train accidents is
following statements regarding KAVACH:
the key responsibility of the CRS.
1. KAVACH is a safety system designed to
prevent train accidents by automatically 3. The Ministry of Railways is bound to
controlling train movements. consult CRS to bring unilateral changes
to the railway rules.
2. KAVACH was developed by an
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international consortium of railway Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
companies. correct?
3. The primary objective of KAVACH is to (a) 1 only
improve train speed and efficiency.
(b) 1 and 2 only
correct? O (c) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only
77. Which of the following given dimensions are
(c) 1 and 2
considered under the UN Gender Social Norms
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(d) 1, 2 and 3 Index (GSNI) that quantifies ‘biases’ against
women?
the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator 1. Political
Vehicle: 2. Educational
1. HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet
3. Economic
demonstration aircraft for hypersonic
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speed flight. 4. Cultural

2. Liquid hydrogen was the fuel used by the Select the correct answer using the code given
scramjet combustor. below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
78. India conducts the joint military exercise
Exercise “Ekuverin” with-
75. Which of the following correctly defines
‘Antardrishti’, recently seen in the news? (a) Sri Lanka
(a) It is a financial inclusion dashboard. (b) Bhutan
(b) It is a performance dashboard for real
(c) Maldives
time updates on flagships government
schemes. (d) Nepal
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 15
79. Consider the following statements regarding How many of the factor(s) is/are responsible
the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram for influencing ‘Reflation’?
(PMJVK)’: (a) Only one
1. It is a centrally-sponsored scheme. (b) Only two
2. Under this area development programme, (c) Only three
community infrastructure and basic
(d) All four
amenities are being created in the
identified areas.
83. With reference to the ‘wage-price spiral’,
Which of the statements given above is/are consider the following statements:
correct?
1. It establishes cause-and-effect
(a) 1 only relationship between rising wages and
lowering prices.
(b) 2 only
2. It is also known as the cost-push origin
(c) Both 1 and 2 of inflation.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. This is not controlled by the central
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banks.
80. Consider the following statements: How many of the statements given above are
correct?
1. Umbilical Cord Blood banks (UCB)
are permitted only under license and (a) Only one
monitoring by the Central Drug Standards (b) Only two
Controlling Organization (CDSCO).
O (c) All three
2. Stem cell preservation is helpful in (d) None
treating life-threatening diseases.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are 84. Regarding the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus
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correct? leucocephalus), consider the following
statements:
(a) 1 only
1. They are nocturnal species.
(b) 2 only
2. They are endemic to North America.
(c) Both 1 and 2
3. They are included under least concerned
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 status under IUCN red list.
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How many of the statements given above are

81. Sagar Samajik Sahyog, recently mentioned in correct?
news, is launched by- (a) Only one
(a) Ministry of Ports, Shipping & (b) Only two
Waterways
(c) All three
(b) Ministry of Social Justice and
(d) None
Empowerment
(c) Ministry of Tribal Affairs 85. Consider the following statements with
reference to the Artemis Accord:
(d) None of these
1. It is based on the 1967 Outer Space
Treaty.
82. Consider the following:
2. This contains binding set of principles,
1. Open Market operations designed to guide civil space exploration.
2. Liquidity flow in the market 3. The Artemis Accords reinforce that space
resource extraction and utilisation can
3. Tax cuts
be conducted under the Outer Space
4. Increasing Interest rates Treaty.
16 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
4. The multilateral arrangement aims 89. Consider the following statements:
to ultimately make humans an
1. An Internet bot is a computer program
interplanetary species as they venture
that runs on a network.
on to Mars.
2. Internet bots cannot function without
written instruction of the developer.
correct?
Which of the above statements is/are
(a) Only one
incorrect?
(b) Only two
(a) 1 only
(c) Only three
(b) 2 only
(d) All four
(c) Both 1 and 2
86. Consider the following: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Immunomodulation therapy 90. Consider the following statements:

2. Tissue engineering 1. Earth’s rotational pole is the point around
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3. Cell therapies which the planet rotates.
How many of the above are examples of 2. Polar motion has diurnal and semi-
‘Regenerative Medicine’? diurnal variations.
(a) Only one 3. The groundwater depletion can affect the

polar drift.
(b) Only two O How many of the statements given above are
(c) All three correct?
(d) None (a) Only one
(b) Only two
87. With reference to the Centralised Public
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Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (c) All three
(CPGRAMS), consider the following (d) None
statements:
1. It is a single portal connected to all the 91. Consider the following statements regarding
Ministries/Departments of Government the Asia-Pacific Plant Protection Commission
of India and States. (APPPC):
2. This online platform is available to lodge 1. It reviews the plant protection situation at
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grievances to the public authorities on the national level in member countries.

any subject related to service delivery.
2. India, Japan and China are members of
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are the commission.
correct?
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
88. The Kalasa-Banduri project, often mentioned
in news, aims to divert water from- 92. Consider the following statements regarding
(a) Mahadayi river India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine for the
Omicron variant, GEMCOVAC-OM:
(b) Zuari river
1. It is a lyophilised vaccine.
(c) Penna river
2. It is a thermostable vaccine and does not
(d) Netravathi River require ultra-cold chain infrastructure.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 17
Which of the statements given above is/are 96. Consider the following statements regarding
correct? the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure
and Development (NaBFID):
(a) 1 only
1. They are development financial institution
(b) 2 only (DFIs) for infrastructure financing.
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. DFIs can accept deposits from people like
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Banks.
3. NaBFID can borrow money from
93. The Northern Sea Route (NSR), seen in news, Multinational Institutions like World
connects the- Bank.
(a) Eastern and western parts of the Arctic How many of the statements given above is/
are correct?
Ocean.
(a) Only One
(b) Continents of North and South America
(b) Only two
(c) Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
(c) All three
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(d) None of these
(d) None
Stem Cells: 97. Consider the following statements:
1. They are mature cells. 1. Pokkali rice is flood and saline resistant.
2. The Pokkali Rice farming and prawn
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2. They can perform cell division to make
culture are mutually complementary.
two or more daughter cells.
3. Stem cells are similar to brain cells. 3. Pokkali rice contains high protein
content.
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correct?
correct?
(a) Only one
(a) Only one
(c) Only three (c) All three
(d) None
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(d) None
95. Consider the following statements regarding 98. Consider the following statements
the Trade Receivables electronic Discounting regarding Mizoram parachute gecko (Gekko
System (TReDS): mizoramensis):
1. It is an online electronic platform for 1. They are known for their ability to fly by
factoring of trade receivables of MSME using their bones.
sellers.
2. It is a nocturnal species.
2. Anyone can participate as sellers in
3. The skin flaps help to act as a camouflage
TReDS. against predators.
Which of the statements given above is/are How many of the statements given above are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only (a) Only one
(b) 2 only (b) Only two
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) All three
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) None
18 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
99. With reference to Gravitational Waves, 100. Consider the following:
consider the following statements:
Exercises Countries
1. Gravitational waves can be detected by participated
using pulsars. with India
2. They are used for studying cosmology. 1. Tarang Shakti – France
3. LIGO are developed to detect gravitational 2. JIMEX – Japan
waves by measuring tiny disturbances in
space-time. 3. EKUVERIN – Maldives
How many of the statement(s) given above is/ How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
are correct? correctly matched?

(c) All three (c) All three
(d) None
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(d) None

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PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 19
IAS Prelims - 2024

PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
GENERAL STUDIES
CURRENT AFFAIRS-1
MAY-JUNE 2023
Answer Key
Q. 1 (a) Q. 21 (a) Q. 41 (d) Q. 61 (b) Q. 81 (a)

Q. 2 (a) Q. 22 (a) Q. 42 (d) Q. 62 (c) Q. 82 (c)
Q. 3 (c) Q. 23 (c) Q. 43 (b) Q. 63 (b) Q. 83 (a)
Q. 4 (a) Q. 24 (b) Q. 44 (c) Q. 64 (c) Q. 84 (b)
Q. 5 (b) Q. 25 (a) Q. 45 (a) Q. 65 (b) Q. 85 (c)
Q. 6 (b) Q. 26 (a) Q. 46 (c) Q. 66 (c) Q. 86 (c)
Q. 7 (c) Q. 27 (b) Q. 47 (c) Q. 67 (b) Q. 87 (c)
Q. 8 (c) Q. 28 (a) Q. 48 (d) Q. 68 (c) Q. 88 (a)
Q. 9 (b) Q. 29 (b) Q. 49 (d) Q. 69 (a) Q. 89 (b)
Q. 10 (b) Q. 30 (c) Q. 50 (b) Q. 70 (a) Q. 90 (c)
Q. 11 (d) Q. 31 (c) Q. 51 (d) Q. 71 (c) Q. 91 (a)
Q. 12 (d) Q. 32 (c) Q. 52 (c) Q. 72 (b) Q. 92 (c)
Q. 13 (a) Q. 33 (c) Q. 53 (a) Q. 73 (a) Q. 93 (a)
Q. 14 (b) Q. 34 (d) Q. 54 (b) Q. 74 (a) Q. 94 (a)
Q. 15 (c) Q. 35 (d) Q. 55 (b) Q. 75 (a) Q. 95 (a)
Q. 16 (d) Q. 36 (c) Q. 56 (b) Q. 76 (b) Q. 96 (b)
Q. 17 (d) Q. 37 (c) Q. 57 (b) Q. 77 (b) Q. 97 (c)
Q. 18 (d) Q. 38 (a) Q. 58 (a) Q. 78 (c) Q. 98 (b)
Q. 19 (a) Q. 39 (c) Q. 59 (a) Q. 79 (c) Q. 99 (c)
Q. 20 (c) Q. 40 (d) Q. 60 (a) Q. 80 (c) Q. 100 (c)
1. Correct option: (a) It takes the form of a ring with a radius of
approximately 22 degrees around the sun or
Explanation the moon.
Both statements are correct
Where the halos are formed?
Supplementary Notes Circular halos specifically are produced
Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) by cirrus clouds, which are thin, detached,
hair-like clouds. These clouds are formed
According to the Income Tax Act, ‘virtual
digital asset’ refers to any information, code, very high up in the atmosphere, at a height
number, or token (not being Indian currency of over 20,000 feet.
or foreign currency) generated through What causes a sun halo to appear?
cryptographic means and blockchain
technologies. The halo phenomena happen when the light
is reflected and refracted by ice crystals and
It can be transferred, stored, or traded
electronically and its definition specifically may split into colours because of dispersion,
includes a non-fungible token (NFT) or any according to the UK based Atmospheric
other token of similar nature, by whatever Optics, a knowledge-sharing website.
name is called. It further explained that the crystals behave
India’s recent attempt to regulate VDAs like prisms and mirrors, refracting and
reflecting light between their faces, sending
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India has recently extended the anti- shafts of light in particular directions.
money laundering provisions to virtual
digital assets businesses and service Atmospheric optical phenomena like halos
providers. were used as part of weather lore, which was
The Union Finance Ministry, in a gazette an empirical means of weather forecasting
notification, extended the following activities before meteorology was developed.
under the Prevention of Money Laundering They often do indicate that rain will
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Act (PMLA) Act 2002: fall within the next 24 hours, since the
Exchange between virtual digital assets cirrostratus clouds that cause them can
and fiat currencies. signify an approaching frontal system.
Exchange between one or more forms of India’s tech hub witnessed an optical
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virtual digital assets, transfer of virtual phenomenon - Sun Halo or a rainbow-
digital assets. coloured ring around the sun across
Safekeeping or administration of virtual Bengaluru on Monday, which brightened up
digital assets or instruments enabling the day with several people on social media
control over virtual digital assets sharing pictures and funny captions with
And participation in and provision of it.
financial services related to an issuer’s offer Why in News?
and sale of a virtual digital asset.
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India’s tech hub witnessed an optical

Why in News? phenomenon - Sun Halo or a rainbow-
Recently, there are calls to regulate artificial coloured ring around the sun across
intelligence and blockchain technology. Bengaluru, which brightened up the day
Amidst all this, India’s measured approach with several people on social media sharing
to regulating Virtual Digital assets is pictures and funny captions with it.
commendable.
Bengaluru residents were left awed by the
rainbow-coloured halo surrounding the sun
2. Correct Option (a) as the striking circular rainbow ring was
reportedly visible from most parts of the
Explanation: capital of Karnataka.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Circular halos
It was first seen around 11 a.m. and lasted
specifically are produced by cirrus clouds,
which are thin, detached, hair-like clouds. for over an hour, in which time Bengaluru
residents flooded social media with pixtures
Supplementary Notes of the rare phenomenon.
What is a Sun halo?
Sun halo, also known as ‘22 degree halo’, is 3. Correct option: (c)
an optical phenomenon that occurs due to
sunlight refracting in millions of hexagonal Explanation:
ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. All statements are correct
2 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes Why in news?
Seamount The government recently launched the
revamped CGTMSE Scheme.
A seamount is an underwater mountain.
They are formed through volcanic activity
and scientists recognise them as hotspots 5. Correct option: (b)
for marine life. Like volcanoes on land,
seamounts can be active, extinct or Explanation:
dormant volcanoes. Option (b) is correct: Rang ghar was built
Most seamounts are formed near mid- by Swargadeo Promotta Singha in the year
ocean ridges, where the earth’s tectonic 1744 A.D. Sukhrungphaa also Swargadeo
plates are moving apart, allowing molten Rudra Singha, (c. 1665- 27 August 1714)
rock to rise to the seafloor. The planet’s two was a Tungkhungia Ahom king and 30th
most-studied mid-ocean ridges are the Mid- king of the Ahom kingdom who reigned
Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific from 1696 to 1714.
Rise.
Supplementary Notes:
Some seamounts have also been found
near intraplate hotspots – regions of heavy Rang Ghar
volcanic activity within a plate – and oceanic
island chains with volcanic and seismic Rang ghar is known as the first Ampitheatre
or first Pavilion of Asia. It was built by
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activity called island arcs.
Swargadeo Promotta Singha in the year
Because seamounts are formed when molten 1744 A.D.
rock comes up from below the tectonic plates,
they provide information about the mantle’s Its shape is octagonal at base. The building
composition and about how tectonic plates has two storeys. At the roof of the structure
evolve. is shaped like an inverted royal Ahom long
boat where there are the projecting heads
Why in News? of two small MAKARAS or JALAHASTIS
In the recent study, scientists from
O facing reverse towards north and south.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, U.S.;
The Rang Ghar was built specially for
Chungnam National University, South
enjoyment of recreational/sports activities
Korea; and University of Hawaii at Manoa,
by the royal families and public of the Ahom
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U.S. reported discovering the new
dynasty.
19,000+ seamounts in data collected by
advancements in altimetry for gravity- Many of the arched entrances have retained
field mapping. little more than their brick framework, with
mere vestiges of sculptural adornments
here and there.
4. Correct option: (a)
The adjoining field, known as Rupohi Pothar,
Explanation: wore a festive look when games like bull-
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Option (a) is correct: All new and existing fight, cock-fight, elephant fight, wrestling,
MSEs in manufacturing or service activity etc., were held on different occasions during
excluding agriculture, and self-help groups the Ahom rule.
(SHGs) can seek loans with CGTMSE Rang Ghar, besides standing as the royal
cover. pavilion, also contributed in spreading the
Supplementary Notes: games to different parts of the kingdom and
its neighbouring States.
Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro and
Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) Why in news?
CGTMSE was established in 2000. It is A laser show as part of the celebration of
jointly set up by the Ministry of Micro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 100th
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Man Ki Baat episode at the Ahom era
the Government of India and the Small amphitheatre Rang Ghar in Assam’s
Industries Development Bank of India Sivasagar district has drawn criticism
(SIDBI). after “religious symbols” were shown in
It aims to catalyze flow of institutional credit projections.
to Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs).
CGTMSE extends a helping hand by 6. Correct option: (b)
providing a guarantee to enable access
credit leading to setting up viable micro and Explanation:
small enterprises. Option (b) is correct:
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 3
Supplementary Notes: Article 142 was enacted by the Constituent
Assembly on 27 May, 1949, giving the
Fabry Disease country’s highest court plenary power
Fabry disease is an inherited disorder that to ensure the secured administration of
results from the buildup of a type of fat, justice.
called globotriaosylceramide, in the body’s Why in news?
cells.
Supreme Court recently ruled that it can
It is a rare inherited disorder of directly grant divorce to couples under
glycosphingolipid (fat) metabolism resulting Article 142.
from the absent or markedly deficient
activity of the lysosomal enzyme, alpha-
galactosidase A (α-Gal A). It belongs to a 8. Correct option: (c)
group of diseases known as lysosomal Explanation:
storage disorders.
All statements are correct
This enzymatic deficiency is caused
by alterations (mutations) in the Supplementary Notes:
α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene that instructs Painted Stork
cells to make the α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A)
enzyme. Lysosomes function as the primary The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala)
digestive tract of cells. belongs to the family, Ciconiidae. The
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painted stork is a large wading bird of stork
Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning family. These birds are widely distributed
or pain in the hands or feet, extreme pain over the plains of Asia.
during physical activity and heat or cold The painted storks are usually seen in the
intolerance etc. freshwater wetlands and occasionally in the
What are Lysosomes? coastal regions. They are found in Pakistan,
India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia,
These are simple tiny spherical sac-like Thailand and Vietnam.
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structures present in the cytoplasm.
The International Union for Conservation
These are membrane-enclosed organelles of Nature (IUCN) had categorized and
that contain an array of enzymes capable evaluated these stork species and had listed
of breaking down all types of biological them as ‘Near Threatened’.
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polymers—proteins, nucleic acids, The painted stork is a large bird, measuring
carbohydrates, and lipids. 90 to 100 cm in length and weighing 2,000
These function as the digestive system of to 3,500 grams. They have a wingspan of
the cell, serving both to degrade material about 150 to 160 cm. They have a long heavy
taken up from outside the cell and to digest yellow beak with a down curved tip.
obsolete components of the cell itself. The bare head is reddish or orange in color.
They have a distinctive black pectoral band
Why in news? with white scaly markings. The tertials are
long and the tips are bright pink extending
GS
Recently, the Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Support Society sought the Union Ministry beyond the tail when at rest.
of Health and Family Welfare’s immediate
intervention for the treatment of Fabry 9. Correct option: (b)
Disease patients.
Explanation:
Both Statements are correct
7. Correct option: (c)
Explanation:
Option (c) is correct: The Constitution of Pseudo-melanistic Tigers
India under Article 142 grants the power to The Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in the
the Supreme Court for passing any decree eastern state of Odisha, India, has recently
to do “complete justice”. gained international attention after a
captivating sighting of a rare melanistic
Supplementary Notes: tiger.
Article 142 This unique and elusive creature was
captured on camera through the ingenious
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution use of a camera trap, a sophisticated
empowers the Supreme Court of India with device employed by conservationists and
a discretionary power to pass any such order researchers to monitor wildlife populations
that it deems as ‘necessary for complete and study their interactions within the
justice’, in any matter pending before it. reserve.
4 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
The remarkable video of the melanistic tiger, 11. Correct option: (d)
distinguished by an unusually high level of
dark pigmentation in its skin and hair, has Explanation
taken the internet by storm, captivating All statements are correct
audiences worldwide.
The term “black tigers” or “pseudo-
melanistic tigers” is often used to describe Mridangam
these enigmatic felines.
Mridangam is a classical musical instrument
They possess thick black stripes, closely that is used mostly in South Indian music.
arranged, with the tawny background It is a popular percussion instrument,
barely visible in between. which is a double-headed drum and made of
However, it is crucial to clarify that different types of wood.
black tigers are not a separate species It is widely used in both vocal and
or subspecies but rather a rare variation instrumental music presentations in South
caused by a genetic mutation resulting in India. The instrument is also known as
this distinct appearance.
maddal or maddalam in some places.
While their unique pigmentation sets them
The classical drum of South Indian music
apart from their more commonly known
is the mridangam. This is an indispensable
orange counterparts, their genetic makeup
accompaniment in the concerts of both the
remains the same, emphasizing the
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vocal and instrumental music in south India.
importance of preserving these magnificent
It is also known by the name of maddal or
animals.
maddalam.
Why in news? The body of the mridangam is scooped out of
Recently, the death of a Rare Black Tiger a single block of wood. Jackwood or redwood
was reported in the Similipal Tiger Reserve is the ideal choice of mridangam makers,
in Odisha. but the wood of morogosa tree or the core
O of the coconut tree and the palm tree is also
used for this purpose. It is shaped like a
10. Correct option: (b) barrel whose right head is a little smaller
Explanation: than the left.
The instrument is one-and-a-half or two
SC
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Indian
Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is an feet in length and its diameter is twenty-
autonomous body under the Ministry of five to thirty centimetres. The making of the
Commerce & Industry. parchment is a highly developed skill.
Supplementary Notes: The right head of the drum consists of

three concentric layers of the skin, the
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) innermost being concealed from view, which
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is a complete skin, and two layers at the
periphery.
GS
was established in 1963 as an autonomous

body under the Ministry of Commerce & Out of these three the complete one is made
Industry to contribute in the skill building of cow-hide with calf-skin used for the outer
for the external trade sector of India. The ring and sheep skin for the inner ring.
Institute was granted “Deemed to be
University” status in 2002. Why in news?
The Institute was granted the prestigious Karaikudi R. Mani, who dominated the
AACSB accreditation on 17th November, Carnatic music world for more than half
2021. a century as a mridangam player and
popularised the south Indian percussion
With this the IIFT figures amongst 900+
Business School of the world which have instruments across the globe through his
earned this accreditation. troupe Sruthilaya, died, aged 77.
The National Assessment and Accreditation Mr. Mani and his troupe had collaborated
Council (NAAC) has recognized IIFT as with American singer Paul Simon and one
Grade ‘A’ Institution in 2005 as well as in could listen to his konnakol in the album
2015. Dazzling Blue.
Why in news?
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT),
12. Correct option: (d)
New Delhi celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Explanation
on its 60th Foundation Day on 2nd May
2023. All statements are correct
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 5
Supplementary Notes Older adults are at high risk for severe
disease due in part to age-related decline in
Washington Declaration immunity, and older adults with underlying
According to the declaration, an American conditions are at even greater risk for severe
nuclear ballistic submarine would be disease.
deployed in the Korean peninsula; a nuclear RSV can exacerbate conditions, including
consultative group would be formed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
formulate principles of joint response tactics; (COPD), asthma, and chronic heart failure
South Korea would receive Intel from the and can lead to severe outcomes, such as
U.S. regarding nuclear advancements; and pneumonia, hospitalisation, and death.
the U.S. will strengthen South Korea’s
nuclear deterrence capabilities through Why in News?
joint military training programs and an The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
annual intergovernmental simulation. approved Arexvy from GSK, making the
British pharma giant’s product the first
The declaration reaffirmed the non-
U.S.-cleared shot for respiratory syncytial
proliferation Treaty implying that South
virus (RSV).
Korea would not venture into the creation of
its own independent nuclear capabilities and
would instead focus on deterrence measures 14. Correct option: (b)
through an alliance-based approach.
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Explanation:
It also mandates the U.S. President as
the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear Statement 3 is incorrect: River Cities
arsenal of the U.S. in the event of a nuclear Alliance (RCA) has one international
confrontation. member city from Denmark.
While the existence of the agreement is Supplementary Notes:

based on the security needs of South Korea, River Cities Alliance (RCA)
O
the policy reflects big power politics where
the interests of the larger power (U.S.) take The River Cities Alliance (RCA) is a joint
precedence. initiative of the Department of Water
Resources, River Development & Ganga
Why in news? Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal
SC
In April 2023, South Korean President Yoon Shakti (MoJS) & the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), with a vision to
Suk Yeol visited the U.S. to commemorate
connect river cities and focus on sustainable
the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea
river centric development.
bilateral relations. A highlight of the
visit was the signing of the “Washington Beginning with 30 member cities in
Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence November 2021, the Alliance has expanded
strategy. to 109 river cities across India and one
international member city from Denmark.
GS
13. Correct option: (a) Why in the news?

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Explanation: in association with the National Institute of
Option (a) is correct: The U.S. Food and Urban Affairs (NIUA) organized the ‘River-
Drug Administration approved Arexvy, Cities Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar.
the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
vaccine approved for use in the United
States. Arexvy is approved for the prevention
of lower respiratory tract disease caused Explanation:
by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and
Statement 4 is incorrect: It covers both
older. urban and rural areas and provides free
Supplementary Notes: diagnostic facilities and drugs for patients
attending the NCD clinics at district and
Arexvy community health centres.
Arexvy is indicated for those aged 60 years Supplementary Notes:
and older to prevent lower respiratory tract
disease caused by RSV. National Programme for Prevention &
Control of NCD (NP-NCD)
RSV is a common, contagious virus that
can lead to potentially serious respiratory The NPCDCS programme – now renamed
illness. National Programme for Prevention &
6 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Control of Non-Communicable Diseases During the subscription process, two
(NP-NCD) – was launched in 2010 as part of scenarios can arise: oversubscription
the National Health Mission (NHM), based and undersubscription. In the case of
on the proposals received from the States/ oversubscription, the company receives
UTs and subject to the resource envelope. an overwhelming response from investors,
with the bids exceeding the actual number
The programme focuses on strengthening of shares available.
infrastructure, human resource
development, health promotion and This indicates a high demand for the IPO.
awareness generation for prevention, early On the other hand, if the company faces
diagnosis, management and referral to an undersubscription, it means that the bids
appropriate level of healthcare facility for received are for lesser shares compared to
treatment of the NCDs. the number of shares offered.
Under the programme, 677 NCD clinics at Let’s focus on the oversubscription scenario.
When an IPO is oversubscribed, it indicates
the district level, 187 district cardiac care
strong demand for the shares, which can
units, 266 district daycare centres and push the share price above the offering
5392 NCD clinics at the community health price. This can create a situation where the
centre level have been set up to ensure the shares trade at a premium in the secondary
treatment of common NCDs, as per the data market.
shared by the health ministry in 2022.
To address this, underwriters often employ
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According to the India State-Level Disease a risk management mechanism called the
Burden Initiative in 2017 by the Indian “oversubscription’ option or “over-allotment”
Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it is option.
estimated that the proportion of deaths due The “over-allotment” option or Greenshoe
to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in option allows the underwriters to sell an
India has increased from 37.9% in 1990 to additional 15% of shares (over and above
61.8% in 2016. the original offering size) to investors. This

O
The four major NCDs are cardiovascular
overselling provides underwriters with the
flexibility to meet the excess demand in case
diseases (CVDs), cancers, chronic respiratory the IPO is oversubscribed.
diseases (CRDs), and diabetes which share
four behavioural risk factors –unhealthy The purpose of the option is to ensure that
diet, lack of physical activity, and use of there is sufficient liquidity in the market
SC
for the newly listed shares and to stabilise
tobacco and alcohol.
the stock price during the initial trading
Why in News? period.
The existing National Programme for By increasing the supply of shares available
Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, for purchase, this option helps meet the
market demand and reduces the chances
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
of excessive price volatility after the shares
(NPCDCS) programme has been renamed
being listed in the secondary market.
National Programme for Prevention &
GS
Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Why in News?

(NP-NCD) amid widening coverage and In the DRHP document, there is information
expansion. included about the ‘oversubscription’ option
or ‘Greenshoe’ option in case the shares
offered in the IPO receive higher demand
16. Correct option: (d) than the available supply.
Explanation:
All statements are correct 17. Correct option: (d)
Supplementary Notes: Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: FFPI is
Greenshoe option
a measure of the monthly change in
Once the underwriter completes all the international prices of a basket of food
necessary preparations for launching commodities.
an IPO, the shares are typically made
Supplementary Notes
available for subscription by investors. This
process is known as the subscription period FAO Food Price Index (FFPI)
or the offering period. During this period, The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is
interested investors have the opportunity a measure of the monthly change in
to place orders to purchase shares of the international prices of a basket of food
company being listed. commodities.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 7
It consists of the average of five commodity Supplementary Notes
group price indices weighted by the average
export shares of each of the groups over Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter
2014-2016. The Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter is
A feature article published in the June 2020 indeed a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter
developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
edition of the Food Outlook presents the
(HAL) in collaboration with M/s Eurocopter,
revision of the base period for the calculation
now known as Airbus Helicopters.
of the FFPI and the expansion of its price
coverage, to be introduced from July 2020. The Dhruv helicopter is equipped with
advanced avionics and a glass cockpit,
A November 2013 article contains technical
enabling operations in both day and night
background on the previous construction of
conditions. This enhances its operational
the FFPI.
capabilities and versatility.
Why in News? The indigenously designed and developed
FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) was recently Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV)
released by Food and Agricultural is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission
Organisation of United Nations. new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton
weight class.
18. Correct option: (d) The basic Helicopter is produced in skid
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version and wheeled version. Dhruv is
Explanation: “type –Certified” for Military operations
by the Centre for Military Airworthiness
Option (d) is correct: The Watsonx
Certification (CEMILAC) and civil
Platform is not primarily used for personal
operations by the Directorate General of
entertainment purposes but rather
Civil Aviation (DGCA).
focuses on AI and cognitive computing
applications. Certification of the utility military variant
O
was completed in 2002 and that of the
Supplementary Notes civil variant was completed in 2004. The
The Watsonx Platform is a cloud-based deliveries of production series helicopters
platform developed by IBM for AI and commenced from 2001-02 onwards. A total
cognitive computing applications. of 336 Helicopters have been produced by
SC
October 2022.
The platform is designed to assist developers
in building and deploying chatbots and The major variants of ALH are classified as
virtual assistants for businesses and Mk-I Conventional cockpit
organizations.
MK-II & Mk-III Glass cockpit
Watsonx Platform leverages machine
MK-III Maritime Role (Navy/ Coast
learning algorithms and NLP techniques to
Guard)
comprehend and respond to user queries.
GS
MK-IV armed version

International Business Machines Corp
(IBM.N) launched watsonx, a new artificial Why in the news?
intelligence and data platform to help
A design review of a “safety-critical system”
companies integrate AI in their business.
of the Dhruv advanced light helicopter,
The new AI platform launch comes over a involved in a string of accidents, may be
decade after IBM’s software called Watson in order, according to a top government
got attention for winning the game show regulatory body responsible for the
Jeopardy. certification of the airworthiness of military
aircraft.
Why in News?
Watsonx allows clients to specialise and
deploy models for various enterprise use 20. Correct option: (c)
cases or build their own. Watsonx comprises
Explanation:
three products - Watsonx.ai, Watsonx.data
and Watsonx.governance. Statement 1 is incorrect: While the RBI
holds a significant amount of gold reserves,
it does not hold the largest gold reserve
19. Correct option: (a) among all central banks in the world. As
of 2021, countries like the United States,
Explanation Germany, Italy, and France hold larger gold
Both statements are correct reserves.
8 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes Development of Technology for deep
sea mining, manned submersible and
Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) gold underwater robotics
reserve
Development of Ocean and climate
The RBI’s gold reserve is primarily used to change Advisory services
back the currency and maintain financial
stability. It serves as a strategic asset to Technology innovations for exploration
provide confidence and stability to the and conservation of deep sea
Indian economy. biodiversity
The RBI’s gold reserve is audited annually Deep Ocean survey and exploration
by an independent external agency. This Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
ensures transparency and accountability in
managing the gold reserves. 6) Advanced marine station for Ocean
Biology
The RBI’s gold reserve is not exclusively
stored within the country. Like many other Why in News?
central banks, the RBI may hold a portion The Minister was chairing the first-ever
of its gold reserves in foreign vaults for high-level Steering Committee Meeting of
various reasons, including safekeeping and
Deep Ocean Mission.
liquidity management.
The Committee consists of Union Ministers
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains
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of State of Environment, External Affairs,
gold reserves for various reasons, including
Defence and Finance in addition to Vice
diversification of its foreign exchange
Chairman NITI Aayog.
reserves, hedging against currency risks,
and as a store of value.
Gold is a valuable asset that can be used 22. Correct Option (a)
to back the currency in times of crisis, and
it also helps to maintain confidence in the Explanation:
stability of the Indian economy.
O Statement 3 is incorrect: The United
Additionally, gold reserves can be used Kingdom was the first country to legalize
as collateral to borrow money from other MDT in 2015.
central banks in case of emergencies. Supplementary Notes
SC
The RBI’s gold reserves also play an
important role in maintaining India’s
Mitochondrial Donation Treatment
international creditworthiness and (MDT)
reputation. Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT)
is a technique in which a child is made
Why in News?
from IVF using the genetic material of the
The gold reserves as of March 31, 2023, parents but the mitochondrial material of a
included gold deposits of 56.32 metric donor.
GS
tonnes, according to the RBI’s half-yearly

MDT is a medical procedure that involves
report on Management of Foreign Exchange
Reserves- October 2022 – March 2023. transferring healthy mitochondria
from a donor to a patient to prevent the
transmission of mitochondrial diseases
21. Correct option: (a) from mother to child. Mitochondria are the
powerhouses of the cells and are responsible
Explanation for producing energy. Any damage to the
Both statements are correct mitochondria can lead to a range of serious
and sometimes fatal disorders.
Supplementary Notes
The United Kingdom was the first country to
Deep Ocean Mission legalize MDT in 2015. It has since been used
The Deep Ocean Mission was sanctioned in to treat a small number of families affected
September 2021. The estimated cost of the by mitochondrial diseases. However, MDT is
Mission is Rs. 4047 Cr for 5 years with two a controversial technique as it involves the
phases: creation of embryos with genetic material
from three different people.
Phase I – Rs. 2823.40 Cr. – three years
Phase-II – Rs. 1223.60 Cr. – after MDT is a technique that uses tissue from
successful review of Phase -I the eggs of healthy female donors to create
IVF embryos that are free from harmful
The Deep Ocean Mission consists of 6 mutations their mothers carry and are
themes: likely to pass on to their children.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 9
Because the embryos combine sperm and Statement 2 is correct: ETCD allows
egg from the biological parents with tiny market participants to hedge their price
battery-like structures called mitochondria risk associated with various commodities.
from the donor’s egg, the resulting baby has Statement 3 is incorrect: In India,
DNA from the mother and father as usual, ETCD is regulated by the Securities and
plus a small amount of genetic material – Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI is
about 37 genes – from the donor.
the regulatory authority responsible for
The process has led to the phrase “three- overseeing and regulating the securities
parent babies”, though more than 99.8% and commodities markets in India. SEBI
of the DNA in the babies comes from the ensures transparency, fairness, and investor
mother and father. protection in the ETCD market.
Why in news? Supplementary Notes
Recently, the first UK baby created with Exchange Traded Commodity Derivatives
DNA from three people has been born after (ETCD)
doctors performed a groundbreaking IVF
procedure that aims to prevent children ETCD refers to the trading of standardized
from inheriting incurable diseases. The commodity contracts on a regulated
technique is known as mitochondrial exchange platform.
donation treatment (MDT). These contracts are based on various
commodities such as agricultural products,
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metals, energy, and others.
The contracts have standardized
Explanation specifications regarding quantity, quality,
Statement 1 is correct: The scheme focuses delivery period, and settlement procedures.
on improving the nutritional status and ETCD allows market participants, including
educational outcomes of school children. producers, consumers, and investors, to
hedge their price risk associated with
O
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Ministry
of Women and Child Development is various commodities.
responsible for the implementation of the Hedging involves taking offsetting positions
scheme. in the derivatives market to protect against
Supplementary Notes adverse price movements.
SC
By using ETCD, market participants can
Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi Scheme manage their exposure to commodity price
‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ Scheme is a fluctuations and minimize potential losses.
recently launched government initiative
aimed at improving the nutritional status Why in News?
and educational outcomes of school Indian capital markets regulator SEBI has
children. allowed exchanges to extend direct market
The scheme recognizes the interlinkages access (DMA) to foreign portfolio investors
GS

between nutrition and education and aims (FPIs) to participate in exchange-traded
to address both aspects together. commodity derivatives (ETCDs).
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development (MoWCD) recently launched Explanation:
the Centre’s flagship programme ‘Poshan
Option (a) is correct.
Bhi, Padhai Bhi’, which will focus on Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at Supplementary Notes
anganwadis across the country.
Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris)
ECCE is an important component of Mission
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 Corbett Tiger Reserve, located in
(Mission Poshan 2.0) and envisaged under Uttarakhand, is known for its diverse
the National Education Policy 2020. wildlife, including tigers, but it is not
specifically known for its population of
Bengal Tigers. It was included under Project
24. Correct option: (b) Tiger in 1974.
Explanation: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, located in
Assam, is primarily known for its population
Statement 1 is correct: ETCD involves
of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and
trading standardized commodity contracts
not specifically for Bengal Tigers. It was
on a regulated exchange platform. included under Project Tiger in 2006.
10 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in Kerala, Wave Observatory (LIGO), one of the most
is known for its rich biodiversity and the complex pieces of scientific equipment ever
presence of several wildlife species, including built. The observatory comprises two 4-km-
tigers. However, it is not specifically long vacuum chambers, built perpendicular
recognized for its population of Bengal to each other. Highly reflective mirrors are
Tigers. It was included under Project Tiger placed at the end of the vacuum chambers.
in 1978.
Light rays are released simultaneously in
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in both the vacuum chambers. They hit the
Madhya Pradesh, is known for its significant mirrors, get reflected, and are captured
population of Bengal Tigers. The reserve back. In normal circumstances, the light
has been instrumental in the conservation rays in both the chambers would return
efforts of the Bengal Tigers, making it a simultaneously. But when a gravitational
significant tiger reserve in India. It was wave arrives, one of the chambers gets a
included under Project Tiger in 1993.
little elongated, while the other one gets
The Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris squished a bit. In this case, light rays
tigris) is the most numerous of all the sub- do not return simultaneously, and there
species and inhabits Bangladesh, Bhutan, is a phase difference. The presence of a
India, and Nepal. phase difference marks the detection of a
Of the approximately 2,500 Royal Bengal gravitational wave.
tigers in the world, around 103 individuals LIGO-India will be located in Hingoli district
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live in Bhutan today. of Maharashtra, about 450 km east of
The Bengal tigers are unique to India and Mumbai, and is scheduled to begin scientific
Bangladesh. runs from 2030. Here’s what you need to
They are usually found in the mangrove know about gravitation, Einstein’s General
forest of India and Bangladesh especially Theory of Relativity, and the purpose and
in the Gangetic delta region of both these significance of the LIGO project.
countries.
Why in News?

O
The critically endangered Bengal Tigers are
The government has given the final go-
one of the iconic species found in the tiger
reserves of India. Each tiger reserve plays ahead to India’s Laser Interferometer
a crucial role in the conservation of these Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO,
project, clearing the way for the construction
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majestic animals.
of the country’s biggest scientific facility that
Why in News? will join the on-going global project to probe
Recently, the International Union for the universe by detecting and studying
Conservation of Nature and Natural gravitational waves.
Resources (IUCN) considers the Bengal tiger
to be an endangered subspecies (see
endangered species). 27. Correct option: (b)
Explanation:
GS
26. Correct option: (a) Statement 3 is incorrect: Compared

with other methods, it focuses more energy
Explanation on the tumor itself with less radiation to
Both statements are correct surrounding healthy tissue. As opposed to
the conventional methods, Hadron beams
Supplementary Notes
cause minimum damage to the surrounding
LIGO-India normal tissues.
LIGO is an international network of Supplementary Notes:
laboratories that detect the ripples in
spacetime produced by the movement Hadron Beam Therapy
of large celestial objects like stars and Hadron Beam Therapy, also known as
planets. Particle Therapy or Proton Therapy, is an
These ripples were first postulated in Albert advanced form of cancer treatment that
Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity that utilizes high-energy particles to target and
encapsulates our current understanding of destroy cancer cells.
how gravitation works.
It is particularly effective for treating
How LIGO works tumors located near critical structures or
It is to measure these tiny effects of in pediatric patients, where minimizing
gravitational waves that scientists have set radiation exposure to healthy tissues is
up the Laser Interferometer Gravitational crucial.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 11
In Hadron Beam Therapy, the patient is Pattachitra painting is a traditional art
positioned on a treatment table, and a form from Odisha, known for its intricate
machine called a synchrotron or cyclotron detailing, vibrant colors, and the use of
accelerates protons or heavy ions to high traditional motifs. Pattachitra paintings
speeds. often depict stories from Hindu mythology
These particles are then delivered precisely and are created on a cloth or canvas using
to the tumor site, where they deposit their natural colors.
maximum energy and damage the DNA While all these painting styles hold
of cancer cells, preventing their ability to significance in Indian art, when it comes
divide and grow. to the state of Rajasthan, Phad painting is
The advantage of Hadron Beam Therapy the traditional style closely associated with
lies in its ability to deliver a higher dose the region, known for its distinct narrative
of radiation to the tumor while minimizing storytelling and portrayal of folklore and
damage to surrounding healthy tissues. legends.
The precise targeting and limited Why in News?
penetration of the particles allow for a more
focused treatment, reducing the risk of side Prestigious moment for the community’
effects and improving the patient’s quality - Artist expresses joy on creating Phad
of life during and after treatment. painting for the new Parliament building.
RE
Why in news?
29. Correct option: (b)
On the occasion of National Technology
Day on May 11, 2023, Prime Minister Explanation
Narendra Modi inaugurated the National
Statement 3 is incorrect: The rate is
Hadron Beam Treatment Facility at Tata
based on actual transactions unlike LIBOR
Memorial Centre’s Advanced Centre for
settings, thus, SOFR provides an accurate
Treatment Research and Education in
means of measuring the cost of borrowing
O
Cancer (ACTREC), Kharghar.
money
Supplementary Notes
28. Corerct option: (a)
Secured Overnight Financing Rate
Explanation:
SC
(SOFR)
Option (a) is correct: Phad painting is a
traditional style of painting associated with SOFR is a risk-free reference rate (“RFR”)
the state of Rajasthan in India. selected as the rate for usage in certain
United States Dollar (“USD”) derivatives
Phad Painting and other financial contracts, by the
It originated in the Bhilwara district of Alternative Reference Rates Committee
Rajasthan and is known for its large, (“ARRC”) of the Federal Reserve Bank of
narrative paintings depicting folk deities New York (“NY Fed”) in the year 2017.
GS
and legendary heroes. It is the preferred alternative to USD

Phad paintings are traditionally created LIBOR.
on a long piece of cloth known as “phad” SOFR is the benchmark interest rate for
and often depict stories from epic tales like dollar-denominated derivatives and loans
Ramayana and Krishna Leela. produced by the NY Fed in cooperation
Supplementary Notes: with the Office of Financial Research and
published on each business day.
India is renowned for its diverse and vibrant
painting traditions, each associated with It is the measure of the cost of borrowing
different regions and cultural practices. cash overnight collateralized by the United
States Treasury securities in the repurchase
Warli painting is a tribal art form that
option / agreement market.
originated in the Maharashtra-Gujarat
region. It is characterized by its simplistic Since the rate is based on actual transactions
style, geometric patterns, and the use of unlike LIBOR settings, SOFR provides an
white pigment on a brown background to accurate means of measuring the cost of
depict scenes from tribal life. borrowing money
Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila Fixed-income instruments including
painting, is associated with the Mithila floating rate notes, loans, and mortgages
region of Bihar. It is characterized by are generally linked to a term rate based
intricate and colorful depictions of nature, on tenors of 1, 3, 6 or 12 months just like
mythology, and social themes. LIBOR.
12 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Since SOFR is also an overnight rate, it is The new Act recognises offences such as
required to be compounded daily to get an providing false information regarding the
equivalent term rate. quality or quantity of a good or service, and
Term SOFR represents an indication of the misleading advertisements.
forward-looking measurement of overnight It also specifies action to be taken if
SOFR, which is based on market expectations goods and services are found “dangerous,
implied from derivative markets. hazardous or unsafe”.
Why in the news? The CCPA, introduced in the new Act, aims
The Reserve Bank of India has asked banks’ to protect the rights of the consumer by
financial institutions to ensure that new cracking down on unfair trade practices,
transactions undertaken by them or their and false and misleading advertisements
customers do not rely on or are priced using that are detrimental to the interests of the
the US$ LIBOR (London Interbank Offered public and consumers.
Rate) or the Mumbai Interbank Forward
Outright Rate (MIFOR).
30. Correct option: (c) Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Semi-cryogenic
Explanation: Engine is a type of rocket engine that uses
RE
Statement 4 is incorrect: The CCPA is a a combination of liquid propellants, such as
central authority and does not operate at the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, for the
state level. It works independently of state main combustion process, while employing
consumer dispute redressal commissions. solid propellants for the initial ignition and
However, it may coordinate and thrust assistance.
collaborate with state authorities to Statement 2 is incorrect: The Semi-
resolve consumer complaints and ensure cryogenic Engine is not primarily known
protection laws.
O
effective implementation of consumer for providing higher thrust and efficiency
compared to conventional liquid rocket
Supplementary Notes engines. Its advantage lies in the use of
cryogenic propellants, which offer higher
Central Consumer Protection Authority specific impulse and increased payload
SC
(CCPA) capacity. However, it may not necessarily
The Central Consumer Protection Authority outperform other liquid rocket engines in
(CCPA) is indeed a statutory body terms of thrust or efficiency.
established under the Consumer Protection Supplementary Notes
Act, 2019. It was established to promote,
protect, and enforce the rights of consumers Semi-cryogenic Engine
in India.
A semi-cryogenic engine uses refined
The CCPA is responsible for promoting,
GS
kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen. It uses

protecting, and enforcing the rights of liquid oxygen as an oxidiser. Kerosene is
consumers across India. Its primary objective much lighter than liquid fuel and can be
is to ensure fair practices in the market, stored at a normal temperature.
prevent unfair trade practices, and take
action against misleading advertisements The Kerosene combined with liquid
and false claims made by companies. oxygen provides more thrust to the rocket.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can also be
The CCPA has been granted extensive used as fuel.
powers to investigate complaints, conduct
inquiries, and take suomotu action against It also occupies less space which makes it
unfair trade practices. It can initiate class possible to have more propellant in the fuel
action suits on behalf of consumers and has compartment or tank.
the authority to order recalls, refunds, or The semi-cryogenic engine is more
replacements of goods or services found to environment-friendly, cost-effective and
be defective or unfair. more powerful compared to a cryogenic
The Central Consumer Protection Authority engine.
(CCPA) is being constituted under Section
It can carry a huge weight to a higher
10(1) of The Consumer Protection Act,
altitude. Moreover, the payload can be
2019.
increased since the weight of the fuel will
The Act replaced The Consumer Protection come down by 500kg. Under deep throttle,
Act, 1986, and seeks to widen its scope in it will provide and work with much higher
addressing consumer concerns. operability.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 13
If an objection has been made, the Marriage
Officer cannot solemnize the marriage
until he has inquired into the matter of
the objection and is satisfied that will not
prevent the marriage from taking place,
unless the person making such an objection
withdraws it.
Why in News?
Recently, the Supreme Court said provisions
of the Special Marriage Act which mandate
a 30-day prior notice of intent to marry is
steeped in patriarchy and exposes vulnerable
couples to an “invasion” by the society.
Why in the news?

The Indian Space Research Organisation
has successfully commenced testing of its Explanation
semi-cryogenic engines that would power
Statement 2 is incorrect: It allows
future launch vehicles.
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fund transfers using only the bank name,
Aadhaar number, and fingerprint captured
32. Correct option: (c) during Aadhaar enrolment, according to the
National Payments Corporation of India
Explanation: (NCPI).
All statements are correct
Supplementary Notes
Supplementary Notes Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services
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Special Marriage Act of 1954 (SMA) (AePS)
The SMA was passed by the Parliament on AePS is a bank-led model which allows
October 9, 1954. It governs a civil marriage online financial transactions at Point-of-
Sale (PoS) and Micro ATMs through the
SC
where the state sanctions the marriage
rather than the religion. business correspondent of any bank using
Aadhaar authentication.
Issues of personal law such as marriage,
divorce, adoption are governed by religious The model removes the need for OTPs, bank
laws that are codified. account details, and other financial details.
It allows fund transfers using only the bank
These laws, such as the Muslim Marriage name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint
Act, 1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, captured during Aadhaar enrolment,
1955, require either spouse to convert to the
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according to the National Payments

religion of the other before marriage. Corporation of India (NCPI).
What is the “notice period” under the For AePs, these are the only inputs required
SMA? for certain types of transactions, including
As per Section 6, a true copy of the notice cash deposit, cash withdrawal, balance
inquiry, mini statement, Aadhaar to
given by the parties will be kept under
Aadhaar fund transfer, authentication, and
the “Marriage Notice Book” which will be
BHIM Aadhaar pay.
open for inspection at all reasonable times,
without a fee. How do you lock Aadhaar online?
Upon receiving the notice, the marriage Aadhaar cards can be locked using the
officer shall publish it in “some conspicuous UIDAI website to generate a 16-digit VID
place in his office” to invite any objections to number via SMS service. Users can also
the marriage within 30 days. lock their Aadhaar biometric information
Section 7 deals with “Objection to marriage” using the My Aadhaar tab on the UIDAI
and allows any person “before the expiration website.
of thirty days from the date of the notice’s The 16-digit code generated when locking
publication” to object to the marriage on the Aadhaar will be needed to unlock
the ground that it would contravene one or it. Users can also lock and unlock their
more of the conditions specified in Section 4 Aadhaar information using the myAadhaar
of the Act. app, available for iOS and Android.
14 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Why in News? A 2022 study by Columbia University
Scammers are reportedly using leaked observed that thawing permafrost would
biometric details, bypassing the need for unleash thousands of dormant viruses
OTPs, to siphon money from users’ bank and bacteria. Some of these “could be new
accounts. viruses or ancient ones for which humans
lack immunity and cures, or diseases that
society has eliminated, such as smallpox or
34. Correct option: (d) Bubonic plague.
Explanation: Why in News?
All statements are correct Study says with rising global temperatures,
thawing permafrost is likely to destabilise
Supplementary Notes
thousands of industrial sites and linked
Thawing permafrost contaminated areas in the Arctic, which
Permafrost is made of a combination could result in the spread of toxic substances
of soil, rocks and sand that are held across the region, according to a new study.
together by ice. The soil and ice in Nearly 2,100 industrial sites and between
permafrost stay frozen all year long. 5,600 and 10,000 contaminated sites are
Near the surface, permafrost soils also under threat of destabilisation by the end
contain large quantities of organic carbon—a of this century.
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material leftover from dead plants that
couldn’t decompose, or rot away, due to the
cold. Lower permafrost layers contain soils
35. Correct option: (d)
made mostly of minerals. Explanation:
A layer of soil on top of permafrost does All the statements are correct.
not stay frozen all year. This layer, called
the active layer, thaws during the warm Surety Bonds
summer months and freezes again in the
O
fall. In colder regions, the ground rarely
The Small Business Administration (SBA)
guarantees bid, performance, and payment
thaws—even in the summer.
surety bonds issued by certain surety
There, the active layer is very thin—only 4 companies.
to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). In warmer
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Surety bonds help small businesses win
permafrost regions, the active layer can be
contracts by providing the customer with a
several meters thick.
guarantee that the work will be completed.
How Does Climate Change Affect Many public and private contracts require
Permafrost? surety bonds, which are offered by surety
As Earth’s climate warms, the permafrost companies.
is thawing. That means the ice inside the
The SBA guarantees surety bonds for
permafrost melts, leaving behind water and
certain surety companies, which allows the
soil.
GS
companies to offer surety bonds to small

Thawing permafrost can have dramatic businesses that might not meet the criteria
impacts on our planet and the things living for other sureties.
on it. For example:
How the SBA Surety Bond Program
Many northern villages are built on
permafrost. When permafrost is frozen,
works?
it’s harder than concrete. However, Some contracts require that the business
thawing permafrost can destroy houses, doing the work be properly bonded.
roads and other infrastructure.
Authorized surety companies provide
When permafrost is frozen, plant material surety bonds to businesses that meet their
in the soil—called organic carbon—can’t qualifications.
decompose, or rot away. As permafrost
The SBA guarantees surety bonds for
thaws, microbes begin decomposing this
material. This process releases greenhouse private surety companies, so more small
gases like carbon dioxide and methane to businesses can qualify.
the atmosphere. Small businesses get SBA-guaranteed
When permafrost thaws, so do ancient surety bonds so they can get to work.
bacteria and viruses in the ice and soil. Why in News?
These newly-unfrozen microbes could make
humans and animals very sick. Scientists The Indian insurance regulator, IRDAI,
have discovered microbes more than 400,000 has made changes to surety bonds, a risk
years old in thawed permafrost. transfer tool for the principal.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 15
36. Correct option: (c) Why in news?
A greater flamingo was rescued from
Explanation:
Najafgarh wetland, bordering Haryana.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Minors are
also eligible given that their guardian signs
Form A2. 38. Correct option: (a)
Supplementary Notes Explanation:
Option (a) is correct: The Baobab tree is
Liberalised Remittance Scheme of RBI known as the ‘Tree of life’ in Africa.
The RBI introduced the LRS scheme or
Supplementary Notes
Liberalised Remittance Scheme to facilitate
hassle-free foreign exchange. Under this Tree of life
scheme, an Indian resident can transfer The Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an
funds of up to USD 250,000 in a financial important, nutritious food source for local
year outside India. people in many African countries, and it has
Indian residents, apart from corporates, the potential to increase the incomes of local
partnership firms, HUFs, etc., are eligible communities, particularly women.
for LRS. Even minors are eligible for LRS, Native to mainland Africa and the island
given that their guardian signs Form A2. country of Madagascar, the deciduous
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baobab Adansonia digitata can live up to
Why in news? 2,000 years and is a globally threatened
Spending in foreign exchange through species.
international credit cards will be covered This multipurpose food tree of the semi-
under the RBI’s liberalised remittance arid and sub-humid zones of sub-Saharan
scheme (LRS), under which a resident can Africa, including countries in western
remit money abroad up to a maximum Africa (e.g. Senegal, Mali, Niger, Benin),
southern Africa (e.g. Namibia, South
O
of $2.50 lakh per annum without the
authorisation of the Reserve Bank, as per a Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi) and
Finance Ministry notification. eastern Africa (e.g. Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Tanzania).
Location in India: Mandu, in Dhar district
SC
of Madhya Pradesh, is perhaps the only
place in India where baobab trees are found
Explanation: in abundance, with an estimated 1,000 trees
All statements are correct in the periphery of Mandu town.
Supplementary Notes Aside from Mandu where it is most

abundant, baobab trees have been
Greater Flamingo recorded in Prayagraj (formerly
Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh, Wai
Out of the six species of flamingo on our planet,
in Maharashtra, and some places in
GS
the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

roseus) is the most common and widespread
member of the flamingo family. The remarkable, long-lived baobab tree
has a short, swollen trunk, wide-spreading
The Greater Flamingo is an easily branches and a large, round canopy.
identifiable, colorful wading bird and is
Almost all parts of the baobab are useful for
often found flocking together with the human beings, with fruits and leaves being
Lesser Flamingo in the great salt lakes the most important for food and nutrition
across Africa. security of local communities.
These famous pink birds can be found in
Why in news?
warm, watery regions on many continents
and also occur in Asia in the coastal regions Madhya Pradesh high court has ordered
of India and Pakistan, Central America, the state government to halt the felling of
South America, the Caribbean and in Baobab trees in Dhar, following protests by
tribals.
Southern Europe.
The closest relatives to the Greater Flamingo
are the Chilean Flamingo, Caribbean 39. Correct option: (c)
Flamingo and the Lesser Flamingo. There Explanation:
are no subspecies of the Greater Flamingo
Statement 4 is incorrect: The Depsang
The flamingo’s pink coloration comes from its Plains, located in the northern part of
diet of Shrimp and other pink crustaceans. eastern Ladakh.
16 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes Arsenic exposure through inhalation of
contaminated air is relatively rare and
Depsang Plains usually associated with occupational settings
The Depsang Plains come under India’s Sub or specific environmental incidents.
Sector North (SSN) and as elsewhere, the
Ingestion of contaminated water or food is
LAC here is disputed.
the most common route of arsenic exposure
The SSN is sandwiched between the for the general population.
Siachen Glacier on one side and Chinese-
controlled Aksai Chin on the other. While arsenic is a naturally occurring
element and has some industrial
To the north of Depsang is the over 18,000 applications, it is not considered beneficial
feet Karakoram Pass. or essential for human health.
To its right is the Chinese-annexed Aksai
Chin, across which runs the G219 highway Why in news?
that connects Tibet and Xinjiang provinces. In a recent study it has been found that
The Lingzi Thang mountain range divides even low levels of ‘arsenic consumption’
the Depsang Plains from Aksai Chin. may impact cognitive function in children,
adolescents, and young adults.
They are close to the strategically important
Daulat Beg Oldie (near the Karakoram
Pass), where India’s highest airstrip is 41. Correct option: (d)
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located.
The western edge of Depsang abuts the
Explanation:
southeast part of the Rimo glacier, which is All statements are correct.
an extension of the Siachen glacier.
Supplementary Notes
Why in news?
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
China demands creation of buffer zone inside
India-claimed lines on Depsang Plains. Severe acute malnutrition is when children
O suffer severe wasting that may or may not
be accompanied by swelling of the body from
40. Correct option: (d) fluid retention.
Explanation: It occurs when infants and children do
SC
not have adequate energy, protein and
Statement 1 is incorrect: Primary source
of arsenic exposure is through contaminated micronutrients in their diet, combined with
drinking water. Arsenic exposure other health problems such as recurrent
through inhalation of contaminated air infections.
is relatively rare and usually associated It is diagnosed when the circumference of
with occupational settings or specific the upper arm is less than 115 mm or when
environmental incidents. the weight for height of a child is severely
Statement 2 is incorrect: Arsenic is reduced.
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a highly toxic substance and can have Children with severe acute malnutrition are
detrimental effects on various organs and among the most vulnerable people in the
systems in the body. world. They are very thin: most of their fat
Supplementary Notes and muscle has been used by their bodies to
stay alive.
Arsenic Exposure
Why in news?
Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s
crust and is widely distributed throughout Orissa HC recently asked State government
the environment in the air, water and land. to ensure complete absence of Severe Acute
It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Malnutrition (SAM) children by 2023-end.
Arsenic exposure is a serious public health
concern due to its toxic nature. 42. Correct option: (d)
Arsenic can enter the body through various
routes, but one of the major sources of Explanation:
exposure is through contaminated drinking Option (d) is correct: The World
water. Health Organization (WHO) launched
Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, the International Pathogen Surveillance
mainly through drinking-water and food, Network (IPSN), a public health network
can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. to prevent and detect infectious disease
Skin lesions and skin cancer are the most threats before they become epidemics or
characteristic effects. pandemics.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 17
Supplementary Notes Supplementary Notes
International Pathogen Surveillance Forum for India–Pacific Islands
Network (IPSN) Cooperation (FIPIC)
WHO and partners launched a global FIPIC was launched during PM Modi’s
network to help protect people from visit to Fiji in November 2014. It includes
infectious disease threats through the power 14 island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji,
of pathogen genomics. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea,
The International Pathogen Surveillance Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu,
Network (IPSN) will provide a platform to and Vanuatu – that are located in the Pacific
connect countries and regions, improving Ocean, to the northeast of Australia.
systems for collecting and analyzing
Despite their relatively small size and
samples, using these data to drive public
considerable distance from India, many of
health decision-making, and sharing that these islands have large exclusive economic
information more broadly. zones (EEZs). EEZs is the distance up to
Pathogen genomics analyzes the genetic which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over
code of viruses, bacteria and other disease- the ocean, including both living and non-
causing organisms to understand how living resources. It generally goes to 200
infectious they are, how deadly they are, nautical miles or 230 miles (around 370 km)
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and how they spread. With this information, beyond a nation’s territorial sea.
scientists and public health officials can Why in the news?
identify and track diseases to prevent and
The 3rd Summit of the Forum was recently
respond to outbreaks as part of a broader
held.
disease surveillance system, and to develop
treatments and vaccines.
The IPSN, with a Secretariat hosted by 44. Correct option: (c)
O
the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Explanation
Intelligence, brings together experts
worldwide at the cutting-edge of genomics All statements are correct.
and data analytics, from governments, Supplementary Notes
SC
philanthropic foundations, multilateral
organizations, civil society, academia and RBI’s Clean Note Policy
the private sector. The RBI’s Clean Note Policy was brought in
All share a common goal: to detect and the year 1988 to provide good quality notes
to the people.
respond to disease threats before they
become epidemics and pandemics, and to This policy was introduced to curb the
optimize routine disease surveillance. circulation of fake notes in the country.
The Policy aims to provide citizens with
GS
The goal of this new network is ambitious,

but it can also play a vital role in health high-quality currency notes and coins while
security: to give every country access to removing worn-out notes from circulation.
pathogen genomic sequencing and analytics The RBI has instructed banks to give the
as part of its public health system. public only clean and good-quality notes,
avoiding the recycling of worn-out notes
Why in News? received by them.
Recently, WHO launches global network
Why in the news?
to detect and prevent infectious disease
threats. India’s central bank, as part of its ‘Clean
Note Policy’, declared that `2,000 currency
notes will no longer be in circulation in the
43. Correct option: (b) world’s fifth largest economy.
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect: EEZs is the
distance up to which a coastal nation has Explanation:
jurisdiction over the ocean, including
Statement 2 is incorrect: In the traditional
both living and non-living resources. It set-up, Radio Access Network is provided as
generally goes to 200 nautical miles or 230 an integrated platform of both hardware
miles (around 370 km) beyond a nation’s and software. Therefore, it is difficult to mix
territorial sea. vendors for the radio and baseband unit,
18 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
and in most cases, they come from the same The park has a rich flora and fauna, including
supplier. ORAN enables operators to mix Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, pigmy
and match components. hog, elephants, wild buffalo and tigers. It
is the only stronghold of rhinoceros on the
Supplementary Notes
north bank of the Brahmaputra River.
Open Radio Access Network (ORAN)
Why in news?
An Open Radio Access Network (ORAN)
A full grown rhino died in Orang National
is a nonproprietary version of the Radio
Access Network (RAN) system that allows Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR).
interoperation between cellular network
equipment provided by different vendors. 47. Correct option: (c)
In the traditional set-up, Radio Access
Network is provided as an integrated Explanation:
platform of both hardware and software. All statements are correct
Therefore, it is difficult to mix vendors for
Supplementary Notes
the radio and baseband unit, and in most
cases, they come from the same supplier. Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes)
The idea of Open RAN is to change this, Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated
and enable operators to mix and match systems that heat a substance (in liquid or
components.
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solid state), which constitutes nicotine and
It goes a step further by opening the often other flavors, to create an aerosol for
interfaces inside the base station. The Open inhalation.
RAN architecture allows for the separation As a result, vapor containing nicotine is
- or disaggregation - between hardware and
inhaled deep into the lungs, and thus into
software with open interfaces.
the blood.
Why in news? E-cigarettes produce a number of dangerous
Open Radio Access Network (ORAN)
O chemicals including acetaldehyde, acrolein,
test bed project was recently launched and formaldehyde. These aldehydes can
for conformance, certification and cause lung disease, as well as cardiovascular
interoperability testing of O-RAN based (heart) disease. E-cigarettes also contain
solutions in New Delhi. acrolein, a herbicide primarily used to kill
SC
weeds.
46. Correct option: (c) The difference between tobacco smoking and
e-cigarettes is that the former involves the
Explanation: physical burning of tobacco leaves, producing
Statement 4 is incorrect: Almost half the tar, carbon monoxide, and numerous other
park comprises low-lying areas, and there potentially harmful chemicals in addition to
are two rivers [Belsiri and Dhansiri] that nicotine.
border the park and join the Brahmaputra.
GS
The tiger reserve also has a lot of high Why in the news?
grassland. The health ministry is considering tougher
action to implement a central ban on
Supplementary Notes
Electronic cigarettes after finding that the
Orang National Park ban is being flouted by sellers and buyers
Orang National park is the oldest game both offline and online.
reserve of the State just on the northern
bank of river Brahmaputra with an area 48. Correct option: (d)
of 78.80 sq. kms and it is an important
breeding ground for varieties of Fishes. Explanation
It is located on the north bank of the Option (d) is correct: The sacred scepter
Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sengol traces its origin to the Chola
Sonitpur districts of Assam, India. It was Empire.
established as a sanctuary in 1985 and
declared a National Park on 13 April 1999. Supplementary Notes
It is also known as the mini Kaziranga Sengol
National Park (IUCN site) since the two
parks have a similar landscape made up of The historical Sengol, which was received
marshes, streams and grasslands and are by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
inhabited by the Great Indian One-Horned symbolising the transfer of power from
Rhinoceros. the British to India in 1947, is set to be
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 19
installed in the new Parliament building. Why in news?
The sacred scepter traces its origin to the
For the second time in a decade, the U.N.-
Chola Empire.
recognised Global Alliance of National
In the Chola kingdom, the transfer of power Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)
from one king to another was marked by the deferred the accreditation of National
handing over of the Sengol, the unbending, Human Rights Commission, India (NHRC-
intricately carved, golden staff. The Sengol
India) citing objections like political
was surmounted by the divine bull, Nandi,
the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Nandi is a symbol interference in appointments, involving the
of justice. police in probes into human rights violations,
and poor cooperation with civil society.
The Sengol, which measures 5 feet, has
rich workmanship from top to bottom. The
Sengol’s orb, which symbolizes the world, is 50. Correct option: (b)
surmounted by a carving of Nandi.
Sengol was more or less forgotten after 1047. Explanation:
Then, in 1971, a Tamil scholar mentioned it Option (b) is correct
in a book.
The word Sengol, derived from the Supplementary Notes
Tamil word “Semmai”, literally means Sodium-ion batteries
‘righteousness’. The Nandi surmounting the
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golden Sengol also represents righteousness, Advantages of sodium-ion batteries:
and adherence to Dharma. Sodium resources are more abundant, and
the global distribution is even; the cost of
Why in News?
sodium-ion batteries is about 30% lower
Recently, Sengol was installed in New than that of lithium batteries, and the cost
Parliament building by the government of advantage is obvious; sodium-ion batteries
India.
are safer and are not easy to produce lithium
O
dendrites.
49. Correct option: (d) Disadvantages of sodium ion batteries:
Explanation lower energy density of sodium ion batteries;
short cycle life; and the industrial chain is
Both statements are correct.
SC
still incomplete.
Supplementary Notes The sodium-ion battery has a similar
Global Alliance of National Human Right working principle to the lithium-ion
Commission (GANHRI) battery. Sodium ions also shuttle between
At the International Conference held in the cathode and anode.
Tunis in 1993, NHRIs established the However, compared with lithium ions,
International Coordinating Committee of sodium ions have a larger volume and higher
NHRIs (ICC) with the aim to coordinate the requirements regarding structural stability
GS
activities of the NHRI network.

and the kinetic properties of materials.
In 2016, the ICC changed its name to
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Why in news?
Institutions (GANHRI). Scientists have made significant
GANHRI is incorporated as a legal advancements in addressing the air/
entity under the Swiss law, and has a water-instability and structural-cum-
Bureau consisting of 16 “A status” NHRIs electrochemical instability of Sodium-
representing the four regions of GANHRI. transition-metal-oxide-based cathode
General annual meetings of GANHRI, materials for Sodium-ion batteries.
meetings of the GANHRI Bureau and of the
Sub-Committee on Accreditation, as well as
international conferences of GANHRI are 51. Correct Option: (d)
held in cooperation with UN Human Rights
in its capacity as the GANHRI secretariat. Explanation:
Global Alliance of National Human Right Option (d) is incorrect: As government
Commission (GANHRI) works with the bonds and securities are always in demand
UN Human Rights Office, the United based on their low-risk profile, they are
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highly liquid.
as well as other international and regional
organisations to review the performance of It means that it is easier for investors to find
national human rights institutions across sellers if they want to sell the government
the world. bonds before their maturity.
20 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes: The program will run for a period of four
years, i.e., from 2023 till 2027.
Government Bonds
Government bonds, also called government Supplementary Notes:
securities, are debt instruments that the CITIES 2.0 Program
country’s government issues to raise capital
from the general public. CITIIS 2.0 is a program conceived by the
Ministry of housing and urban affairs
Government bonds can be issued by both (MoHUA) in partnership with the French
India’s central and state governments to Development Agency (AFD), the European
ensure they have enough funds for certain Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban
operational purposes. Affairs (NIUA).
Government bonds allow the investors to The cities will have to apply to the
invest their capital, called the principal government and will be shortlisted by a
amount and receive regular interest panel for final approval, officials familiar
payments. with the matter said.
The interest payments are made based The programme has three components
on the bond rate (coupon rate), which is – firstly, financial and technical support
specified in the government bond contract. for developing projects focused on building
Furthermore, government bonds also climate resilience, adaptation and
include the promise to legally repay the mitigation in up to 18 smart cities through
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principal amount to the bondholder at the the selection of competitively selected
end of the maturity period. projects promoting a circular economy with
a focus on integrated waste management.
Bonds are financial instruments that are
categorised in the asset class of debt. Secondly, all states and Union Territories
will be eligible for support on-demand
Bonds create a legal agreement between the
basis.
issuer and the buyer to allow the issuer to
raise a certain amount of funds. The states will be provided support to

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Governments or private organisations issue
(a) set up/strengthen their existing state
climate centres/ climate cells/ equivalents
bonds to raise capital while the buyers invest
(b) create state and city-level climate data
their capital to receive regular interest
observatories (c) facilitate climate-data-
payments on the principal amount. driven planning, develop climate action
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Why in News? plans and (d) build capacities of municipal
functionaries. To achieve these objectives,
The Reserve Bank of India opened the the Program Management Unit (PMU)
first tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds at NIUA will coordinate the provision of
2023-24. technical assistance and strategic support
The bond, backed by the Central government, to state governments.
is available at an issue price of Rs.5, 926 And thirdly, interventions at all three
per gram of gold. levels– Centre, State and City– to further
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The last date to apply for the subscription climate governance in urban India through
was till June 23. institutional strengthening, knowledge
dissemination, partnerships, building
capacity, research and development to
52. Correct Option: (c) support scale-up across all States and
Cities.
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect: CITIIS 2.0 Why in news?
will supplement the climate actions of Furthering its smart cities programme,
Government of India through its on-going the Union cabinet approved the ‘City
National programs (National Mission on Investments to Innovate, Integrate and
Sustainable Habitat, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)’, to 18 more cities
Bharat Mission 2.0 and Smart Cities with an outlay of over Rs.1,700 crore.
Mission), as well as contributing positively
to India’s Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions (INDCs) and Conference of 53. Correct Option: (a)
the Parties (COP26) commitments.
Explanation:
CITIIS 2.0 is a program conceived by the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Statement 1 is incorrect: It aims to
(MoHUA) in partnership with the French promote India as a hub for repairing
Development Agency (AFD), the European electronic goods and to assess the feasibility
Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban and potential of capturing 20% of the global
Affairs (NIUA). repair service market within five years.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 21
Statement 2 is correct: India’s e-waste Order (RBIO) by countering illicit non-
policy will be modified to enable repair state actors on the high seas and promoting
companies to domestically recycle 5% of security, stability, and prosperity across
imported goods by weight on a trial basis. approximately 3.2 million square miles of
The repaired goods will not be permitted to international waters, which encompass
be sold in the domestic market. some of the world’s most important shipping
lanes.
New provisions will be made to allow their
exportation to regions other than their Statement 2 is incorrect: Pakistan is a
country of origin. full member of CMF, but India is not.
Statement is correct: CMF is a flexible
Statement 3 is incorrect: Nodal
organisation. Contributions can vary from
Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & IT.
the provision of a liaison officer at CMF HQ
Supplementary Notes: in Bahrain to the supply of warships or
support vessels in task forces, and maritime
In a significant move towards establishing
reconnaissance aircraft based on land.
India as a global electronics powerhouse,
the Indian government has initiated a pilot Supplementary Notes:
project called Electronics Repair Services
Outsourcing (ERSO). Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
The concerted effort seeks to make India the The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
is a multinational maritime partnership,
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most appealing destination for outsourcing
repair services for ICT products on a global which exists to uphold the Rules-Based
scale. International Order (RBIO) by countering
illicit non-state actors on the high seas
After consultations with the repair and promoting security, stability, and
industry, MeitY and other departments prosperity across approximately 3.2 million
have introduced necessary policy and square miles of international waters,
process changes, which are currently being which encompass some of the world’s most
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validated through a limited pilot phase. important shipping lanes.
The ERSO project has garnered support The grouping is commanded by a U.S.
from various government departments. Navy Vice Admiral, who also serves as
Bengaluru has been chosen as the pilot Commander U.S. Naval Forces CENTCOM
and U.S. Fifth Fleet. All three commands are
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location, where the project will run for
duration of three months, starting from co-located at U.S. Naval Support Activity
Wednesday. Bahrain. In the immediate neighbourhood,
Pakistan is a full member of CMF.
Five prominent companies, namely Flex,
Lenovo, CTDI, R-Logic, and Aforeserve, It is comprised of three task forces:
have voluntarily come forward to participate CTF 150 (maritime security and counter-
in the pilot and contribute their expertise. terrorism)
Upon the completion of the pilot phase, a CTF 151 (counter piracy)
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comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and
allowing for necessary modifications to cooperation)
the policies and processes. This iterative
approach ensures that India’s ERSO Why is the news?
initiative is refined and optimized before UAE had withdrawn its participation in the
scaling it up to a national level. Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Why in News?
Recently, the Union Ministry of Electronics 55. Correct Option: (b)
& IT launched the ERSO Pilot initiative to
validate certain transformational policy and
Explanation:
process changes to make India the Repair Statement 3 is incorrect: As per a
Capital of the World. document from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, it
has been estimated that approximately 60%
of the arable land in the country has the
54. Correct Option: (b) potential for irrigation development.
Explanation: However, it should be noted that about
40% of the cultivable area will continue
Statement 1 is correct: The Combined
to rely on rainfall, as the establishment of
Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational
irrigation networks is not feasible in certain
maritime partnership, which exists to
regions due to hydrological and geographical
uphold the Rules-Based International constraints.
22 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes: – selling goods such as vegetables, fruits,
ready-to-eat street food, tea, pan shops,
Government update of status of artisan products, etc., or services including
irrigation: barber shops, cobblers, laundry services etc.,
According to government figures for 2022- can get access to working capital credit up
23, there has been a notable milestone to Rs.50,000 in three tranches from banks,
achieved in India’s agricultural landscape. NBFCs, and microfinance lenders.
For the first time, over 50% of the As on June 30, 2023, 48.5 lakh loan
country’s cultivated area now enjoys applications have been sanctioned with
secured irrigation access. the disbursal of more than 46.4 lakh loans
amounting to a total of Rs.5,795 crore.
As per the latest data provided by NITI
Aayog, the state-run think tank, irrigation Why in the news?
coverage in India witnessed a significant
The scheme for street vendors to get
rise in the 2022-23 Period.
working capital loans — Prime Minster
Out of the country’s total gross sown area Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM
of 141 million hectares, approximately SVANidhi) completed three years.
73 million hectares, or 52%, had access to
irrigation facilities.
This represents a noteworthy increase from
57. Correct Option: (b)
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the 41% coverage recorded in 2016. Explanation:
Why in News? Statement 1 is incorrect: They are able
Stating that the per drop more crop – to withstand extreme dehydration, losing
micro irrigation is a “priority scheme” of up to 95% of their water content.
the Agriculture Department, the Union Statement 2 is correct: Vascular plants
government has sought a report from the are advanced plants with a transporting
Jharkhand government citing a report on function that occurred through xylem and
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irregularities in its implementation. phloem.
The Jharkhand government is conducting The glucose (produced during
an inquiry into the irregularities, while the photosynthesis), gases, water, minerals,
state’s Agriculture Director has asked the and nutrients are circulated throughout the
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Hazaribagh Agriculture Office to register plant. Vascular plants are eukaryotes.
FIRs against any erring Nabcons employees Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells
and private companies. contain a nucleus and other membrane-
bound organelles.
56. Correct Option: (b) Supplementary Notes:
Explanation: Desiccation-Tolerant Vascular Plant
Statement 2 is incorrect: It aims to
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India’s biodiversity hotspot, the Western

provide collateral-free loans to street Ghats, is home to 62 Desiccation-Tolerant
vendors and hawkers. Vascular Plant Species which could have
Eligibility: Street Vendors who were active applications in agriculture, particularly in
in urban areas on or before 24 March 2020 areas with scarcity of water.
are eligible for the scheme. Eligible vendors Desiccation-tolerant vascular (DT) plants
will be identified based on the below- are able to withstand extreme dehydration,
mentioned criteria: Possession of Certificate losing up to 95% of their water content,
of Vending / Identity Card issued by Urban and they revive themselves once water is
Local Bodies (ULBs). available again. This unique ability allows
Supplementary Notes: them to survive in harsh, arid environments
that would be uninhabitable for most other
PMSVANidhi plants.
The scheme was launched on June 1, 2020, A recent study by scientists from Agharkar
with an aim to instil ‘Swarozgar, Svavlamban, Research Institute (ARI) Pune, an
Swabhimaan’ (Self Employment, Self- autonomous institute of the Department of
Sustenance, and Self-Confidence) in street Science and Technology (DST), has identified
vendors. 62 DT species in the Western Ghats, many
Under the scheme, street vendors — not more than the earlier known nine species.
registered with the Goods and Services In the inventory of 62 species, 16 are
Tax (GST) authorities and Udyam portal Indian endemic, and 12 are exclusive to
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 23
the Western Ghats outcrops, highlighting (UN) International Labour Organization
WG’s importance as a global DT hotspot. In (ILO), the International Organization for
addition to rock outcrops, tree trunks in the Migration (IOM) and the Australia-based
partially shaded forests were also found to human rights organization Walk Free, 15.6
be crucial habitats for DT species, as per the out of every thousand people in Turkey were
study. defined as “modern slaves” in 2021.
Why in News? Compiled by the human rights charity Walk
Free, the report defines modern slavery
India’s biodiversity hotspot, the Western
as encompassing “forced labour, forced
Ghats, is home to 62 Desiccation-Tolerant
Vascular Plant Species which could have or servile marriage, debt bondage, forced
applications in agriculture, particularly in commercial sexual exploitation, human
areas with scarcity of water. trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the
sale and exploitation of children”.
Desiccation-tolerant vascular (DT) plants
are able to withstand extreme dehydration, Why in News?
losing up to 95% of their water content,
and they revive themselves once water is The fifth edition of the Global Slavery
available again. Index provides a global overview of modern
slavery and is based on the 2022 estimates.
The index is created by Walk Free, a
58. Correct Option: (a) human rights organization, and is based on
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data from the Global Estimates of Modern
Explanation:
Slavery, produced by the International
The Sal tree is native to India, Myanmar Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and
and Nepal. International Organization for Migration
Supplementary Notes: (IOM).
Sal tree
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The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is a hardwood 60. Correct Option: (a)
timber tree Explanation:
The sal tree is native to India, Myanmar and Statement 2 is incorrect: The value
Nepal. It occurs in deciduous dry and moist
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remains unaffected by the price changes
forests and in evergreen moist forests.
caused due to the continuous fluctuations
It is sensitive to frost and waterlogging. It recorded in the market over a period.
flourishes best in deep, sandy, moist soils
As it is resistant to fire, Shorea robusta is
often a dominant tree in Indian forests. For Nominal gross domestic product (GDP)
artificial regeneration it can be combined
with upland rice, maize, sesame and Nominal gross domestic product (GDP)
is GDP given in current prices, without
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mustard.
adjustment for inflation.
Why in news?
Current price estimates of GDP are obtained
The government-owned Tribal Development by expressing values of all goods and services
Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd produced in the current reporting period.
(TDCCOL) decided to procure sal seeds
(Shorea robusta) from nine Odisha districts. Forecast is based on an assessment of the
The move, which comes after a gap of three economic climate in individual countries
years, intends to arrest the distress sale of and the world economy, using a combination
the minor forest produce (MFP). of model-based analyses and expert
judgement.
59. Correct Option: (a) This indicator is measured in growth rates

compared to previous year.
Explanation:
The index is compiled by the human rights

charity Walk Free.
Supplementary Notes: Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Department
Global Slavery Index
of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS),
According to the 2023 Global Slavery Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal
Index prepared by the United Nations department of GOBARdhan.
24 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes: The Environmental Information, Awareness,
Capacity Building and Livelihood
GoBARdhan Scheme:
Programme (EIACP) is a Central Sector
The objective of GOBARdhan is to generate sub-scheme aligned with the Mission LiFE
wealth and energy by converting cattle initiative.
dung, agri residue and other organic waste
into Biogas, CBG and bio fertilizers. The program is dedicated to raising
awareness, building capacity, and promoting
This initiative comprises the entire gamut
sustainable actions among individuals and
of schemes, programmes, policies promoting
communities across India.
the conversion of organic waste like cattle
dung, agri-residue etc. to biogas/CBG/Bio By focusing on education and empowerment,
CNG. It encompasses schemes/programmes the EIACP aims to drive positive change
under various Ministries & Departments and foster a sustainable future for all.
viz.
Why in News?
Waste to Energy Scheme of M/o new and
Renewable Energy, SATAT (Sustainable EIACP Programme Centre were opened
Alternative towards Affordable at Raipur, Chhattisgarh creates a world
Transportation) scheme of M/o Petroleum record by taking LiFE pledge of over 12.38
and Natural Gas, SBM (G) Phase II of lakh people to conserve environment.
DDWS, Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
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of Dept. of Agriculture Cooperation &
Farmers Welfare and Animal Husbandry 63. Correct Option: (b)
Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
of Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Dairy. Explanation:
GOBARdhan is being implemented in Option (b) is correct: Mahakaleshwar
partnership with State Governments and Jyotirlinga is the only jyotirlinga that
Private Sector including entrepreneurs, faces south – dakshinamukhi. All the other
societies etc. jyotirlingas face east.

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Any plant/project producing CBG/Biogas This is because the direction of death is
(more than 10 cuM/day) and bio slurry as believed to be south. As Lord Shiva faces
principal outputs is eligible to be under the south, it symbolizes that he is master of
ambit of GOBARdhan. death.
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GOBARdhan initiative is envisioned to In fact, people worship Mahakaleshwar to
contribute significantly towards reaching prevent untimely death – to enjoy a long
India’s climate action goals particularly life.
achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Why in News?
Recently, Government has launched unified Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
registration portal for biogas projects. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located
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The “GOBARdhan” scheme launched by in the historical city of Ujjain in Madhya

the Government of India is in the news Pradesh, India.
for its unified registration portal, which
It is situated on the banks of the holy river,
acts as a one-stop repository for assessing
Shipra.
investment and participation in the biogas/
CBG (Compressed Biogas) sector. The Mahakaleshwar temple has been
The scheme aims to convert organic waste, built in Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya
such as cattle dung and agricultural residue, architectural styles. It has five levels, one
into biogas, CBG, and bio-fertilizers, thus of which is underground. There are images
promoting a circular economy and waste-to- of Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati (to
wealth generation. the north), his sons, Ganesha (to the west)
and Kartikeya (to the east) and his mount,
Nandi (to the south).
62. Correct Option: (c)
Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines of Lord
Explanation: Shiva; it is believed that Lord Shiva himself
Both statements are correct. visited these places and hence they have a
special place in the hearts of devotees. There
Supplementary Notes: are 12 of them in India.
Environment Information Awareness, Jyotirlinga means ‘column or pillar of light’.
Capacity Building and Livelihood The ‘stambha’ symbol represents that there
Programme (EIACP): is no beginning or end.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 25
64. Correct Option: (c) They will also prey on large mammals,
including sheep and goats.
Explanation:
Himalayan brown bears exhibit sexual
Toda Tribe is the most ancient and unusual dimorphism. Males range from 1.5 to
tribe of Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. 2.2 m (4 ft. 11 in to 7 ft. 3 in) long, while
females are 1.37 to 1.83 m (4 ft. 6 in to 6
ft. 0 in) long. They are the largest animals
Tribes in News in the Himalayas and are usually sandy or
reddish-brown in colour.
The Chothe people is one of the Naga
ethnic group found in the state of Manipur, Why in news?
The Lushai tribe resides in the Jampui Threatened by habitat destruction due
and Shakan hills, also known as the Lushai to various anthropogenic pressures such
Hills, of North Tripura on the Tripura- as habitat encroachment, tourism, and
Mizoram border. The Lushai belong to grazing pressure, the Himalayan brown
the Kuki-Chin group of tribes and are of bear population has been steadily declining
Mongoloid origin. in the past century with only an estimated
500-750 bears left in India.
Phom is one of the 17 major tribes of
Nagaland. Others are— Angami, Ao,
Chakhesang, Chang, Dimasa Kachari, 66. Correct Option: (c)
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Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha,
Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Explanation:
Tikhir, Yimkhiung and Zeliang. All the statements are correct.
Why in News? Supplementary Notes:
The most important festival of the Phom
Kathakali Dance Form
Naga tribe of Nagaland, ‘Monyiü’ was
‘Kathakali’, an important genre in the
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celebrated at NBCC Convention Hall,
Kohima. Indian classical dance form, is associated
with the storytelling form of this art.
The festival was organised by Phom Union
Kohima. It is a dance drama from the south Indian
state of Kerala. Similar to other Indian
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classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’
65. Correct Option: (b) is also communicated to the audience
through excellent footwork and impressive
Explanation: gestures of face and hands complimented
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Himalayan with music and vocal performance.
brown bear is generally restricted to the However it can be distinguished from the
alpine meadows and sub-alpine scrub zones others through the intricate and vivid
above the tree line in the Himalayan regions make-up, unique face masks and costumes
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of India and Pakistan. worn by dancers as also from their style and
In India, it occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, movements that reflect the age-old martial
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. arts and athletic conventions prevalent in
(NOT Ladakh) Kerala and surrounding regions.
Traditionally performed by male dancers, it
developed in courts and theaters of Hindu
Himalayan brown bear regions contrary to other Indian classical
dances which predominantly developed in
The bears are found in Nepal, Tibet,
Hindu temples and monastic schools.
west China, north India, north Pakistan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, entire Kyrgyzstan Although not clearly traceable, this classical
and south-east Kazakhstan. dance form is considered to have originated
from temple and folk arts that trace back to
They are already speculated to have become
1st millennium CE or before.
extinct in Bhutan. Phylogenetic analysis has
shown that the Gobi bear clusters with the The fully developed style of Kathakali
Himalayan brown bear and may represent originated around the 17th century, but its
a relict population of this subspecies. roots are in the temple and folk arts such
as Krishnanattam and religious drama
Himalayan brown bears are omnivores and of the kingdom of the Zamorin of Calicut,
will eat grasses, roots and other plants as south-western Indian peninsula, which are
well as insects and small mammals; they traceable to at least the 1st millennium
also like fruits and berries. CE.
26 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
The traditional themes of the Kathakali The missile is a proven system, capable of
are folk stories, religious legends and striking targets with a very high degree of
spiritual ideas from the Hindu epics and precision.
the Puranas.
The vocal performance has traditionally been 68. Correct Option: (c)
performed in Sanskritised Malayalam.
Explanation:
Why in news?
Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 299 of
A new book, ‘Kathakali Dance Theatre: A
the Constitution provides that “all contracts
Visual Narrative of Sacred Indian Mime’
made in the exercise of the executive power
has been released focusing on the classical
dance form. of the Union or of a State shall be expressed
to be made by the President or by the
Governor of the State”.
67. Correct Option: (b) Statement 2 is correct: In 1966, the apex
Explanation: court laid down essential requirements for
government contracts under Article 299.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Agni-I is an
There are three conditions to be met before
Indian short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
a binding contract against the government
with a range of 700 km.
could arise:
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Statement 2 is correct: Agni 1 was first
tested in 1989 at the Interim Test Range The contract must be expressed to be
in Chandipur, but they were Short-range made by the Governor or the President;
ballistic missiles (SRBM). It must be executed in writing, and
Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force The execution should be by such persons
Command (SFC) of the Indian Army. and in such a manner as the Governor or
Supplementary Notes: the President might direct or authorise.
‘Agni-I missile’
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says that neither the President nor the
The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from Governor can be personally held liable for
700 km to 3,500 km and they have already such contracts.
been deployed.
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Statement 4 is correct: According to the
India has developed various variants of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,
Agni series of missiles. any person whose relationship with the
The Indian Army’s Strategic Forces parties or counsel of the dispute falls under
Command first deployed the nuclear- the 7th Schedule (of the Act) will be
capable, road-mobile missile in 2007. ineligible to be appointed as an arbitrator.
The Agni-I originated from India’s 1983 The 7th Schedule includes relationships
Integrated Guided Missile Development where the arbitrator is an employee,
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Program, which also developed the Prithvi, consultant, advisor, or has any other past or
Nag, Akash, and Trishul missiles. India’s present business relationship with a party.
Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) originally envisioned a Supplementary Notes:
two-stage rocket—the Agni demonstrator—
Requirements for Government or State
for validating reentry vehicle technologies.
The DRDO adapted the Agni from two Contracts
existing boosters: a solid-fueled first stage Article 298 grants the Centre and the
from India’s SLV-3 space launch vehicle, and state governments the power to carry on
a modified Prithvi-I body for the missile’s trade or business, acquire, hold, and dispose
upper stage.1 of property, and make contracts for any
In December last, India successfully test- purpose, while Article 299 delineates the
fired nuclear-capable ballistic missile manner in which these contracts will be
Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up concluded.
to 5,000 km. Articles 298 and 299 came after the
Why in the news? Constitution came into effect and the
government entered into contracts even in
A successful training launch of a Medium-
the pre-independence era.
Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1 was
carried out by the Strategic Forces Command According to the Crown Proceedings Act
from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on of 1947, the Crown could not be sued in
June 01, 2023. court for a contract it entered into.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 27
Why in the news? 70. Correct Option: (a)
The Supreme Court has held that the
government, when entering into a contract
Explanation:
under the President’s name, cannot claim Adverse possession refers to the hostile
immunity from the legal provisions of possession of property.
that contract under Article 299 of the
Constitution, in a recent case. Supplementary Notes:
Adverse possession
69. Correct Option: (a) The concept of adverse possession stems
Explanation: from the idea that land must not be left
vacant but instead, be put to judicious use.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Mangrove
wetlands are characterized by such qualities Essentially, adverse possession refers to
as a humid climate, saline environment, the hostile possession of property, which
waterlogged soil or muddy soil. must be “continuous, uninterrupted, and
Mangrove plants grow in waterlogged soils peaceful.”
and capable of tolerating salinity ranging According to the Law Commission’s
from 2% to 90%.
report, the rationale behind this comes
Mangroves are varied in size from shrubs from considerations that the “title to land
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to tall trees. should not long be in doubt”, “society will
Statement 2 is correct: Mangroves are benefit from someone making use of land
salt-tolerant trees, also called halophytes, the owner leaves idle,” and “persons who
and are adapted to live in harsh coastal come to regard the occupant as owner may
conditions. They contain a complex salt be protected.”
filtration system and a complex root system
to cope with saltwater immersion and wave Why in the news?
action.
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“There is no justification for introducing
Supplementary Notes: any change in the law relating to adverse
possession,” the 22nd Law Commission has
Features of Mangroves
said in its recent report.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems that provide
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numerous ecological, economic, and social
benefits. 71. Correct Option: (c)
They act as nurseries for fish and other
Explanation:
marine species, protect coastlines from
erosion and storm surges, filter pollutants, All the statement are correct.
and provide livelihood opportunities for
coastal communities. Supplementary Notes:
Conservation and sustainable management Lipoproteins
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of mangroves are essential for maintaining

the health of coastal ecosystems and ensuring Lipoproteins are particles made of protein
the well-being of coastal communities. and fats (lipids). They carry cholesterol
through your bloodstream to your cells.
Mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating
The two main groups of lipoproteins are
climate change by sequestering carbon
dioxide. They have the ability to store called HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or
a significant amount of carbon in their “good” cholesterol and LDL (low-density
biomass and soil, making them important lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol.
in carbon sequestration efforts. Lipoprotein (a) is a type of LDL. These
Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants that lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the cells in
grow in intertidal zones and estuary areas. your arteries. If you have high levels of LDL
They are specially adapted to survive in particles, cholesterol can build up in your
saline conditions. arteries and form blockages called plaques.
Why in News? Lipoprotein (a) particles are stickier than
other types of LDL particles, so they may
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals
Limited (MRPL) signed a memorandum be more likely to cause blockages and blood
of understanding (MoU) with the Forest clots in your arteries. As a result, high levels
Department on June 14 to support restoration of lipoprotein (a) may mean you have a very
of a mangrove forest on Kudumburu rivulet high risk for heart disease, stroke, and other
between Baggundi Lake and Phalguni serious conditions related to blockages and
(Gurupura) river. blood clots in your arteries.
28 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
In a ground-breaking discovery, researchers
from McMaster University and the
Explanation:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology have Statement 1 is correct: KAVACH is
harnessed the power of artificial intelligence an indigenously developed Automatic
to unveil a new antibiotic. Train Protection (ATP) system aimed at
This breakthrough could potentially preventing train accidents by automatically
eradicate a formidable superbug controlling train movements. It uses
(Acinetobacter baumannii) that plagues advanced technologies to ensure safe train
hospitals and poses a significant threat operations.
to human health, as revealed in a study
published in the journal Nature Chemical Statement 2 is incorrect: KAVACH
Biology. was not developed by an international
consortium of railway companies. It is an
indigenous initiative undertaken by Indian
72. Correct Option: (b) Railways.
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect: The primary
Statement 3 is incorrect: There are objective of KAVACH is to enhance safety
only four Space-Based augmentation and prevent accidents; it is not specifically
systems available in the world namely designed to improve train speed and
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India (GAGAN), Europe (EGNOS), Japan efficiency.
(MSAS) and the US (WAAS). GAGAN is the
first such system developed for India and Supplementary Notes:
neighbouring countries in the equatorial
The KAVACH is an indigenously
region.
developed Automatic Train Protection
Supplementary Notes: (ATP) system by the Research Design
and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented
Navigation) Satellite Technology:
O collaboration with the Indian industry.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented The trials were facilitated by the South
Navigation) is an Indian Satellite-Based Central Railway to achieve safety in train
Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly operations across Indian Railways.
SC
developed by the Indian Space Research It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with
Organisation (ISRO) and Indian Space
Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards.
Research Organisation (ISRO).
It is the first such system developed for It is meant to provide protection by
India and neighbouring countries in the preventing trains to pass the signal at Red
equatorial region. (which marks danger) and avoid collision.
It activates the train’s braking system
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) certified GAGAN System in 2015 automatically if the driver fails to control
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for Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV the train as per speed restrictions.
1) and en-route (RNP 0.1) operations. In addition, it prevents the collision between
It should be noted that there are only two locomotives equipped with functional
four Space-Based augmentation systems Kavach systems.
available in the world namely India
The system also relays SoS messages during
(GAGAN), Europe (EGNOS), Japan
(MSAS) and the US (WAAS). GAGAN is the emergency situations. An added feature
first such system developed for India and is the centralised live monitoring of train
neighbouring countries in the equatorial movements through the Network Monitor
region. System.
The GAGAN provides additional accuracy, ‘Kavach’ is one of the cheapest, SIL-4
availability, and integrity required to certified technologies where the probability
enable users to rely on GPS for all phases of error is 1 in 10,000 years.
of flight, from en route through approach
for all qualified airports within the GAGAN Why in News?
service volume.
The death of over 288 passengers in
Why in News? the ghastly train accident on June 2 at
India conducts Asia’s first demo of Bahanaga Bazaar railway station in the
performance-based navigation for copters Balasore district of Odisha has brought into
from Juhu in Mumbai to Pune using GAGAN sharp focus the safety mechanisms needed
satellite technology. to prevent such tragedies.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 29
74. Correct Option: (a) The Reserve Bank has been supporting
financial inclusion by implementing a
Explanation: number of policy initiatives and the launch
Statement 2 is incorrect: Ethylene was of Antardrishti is another step in this
the fuel used by the scramjet combustor. direction.
Supplementary Notes: Why in News?

Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das recently
Vehicle: unveiled a new financial inclusion
dashboard called ‘Antardrishti.’ The
HSTDV was tested at APJ Abdul Kalam
dashboard aims to provide valuable insights
testing range (Wheeler Island) in Odisha’s
and track the progress of financial inclusion
Balasore.
by capturing relevant data. This initiative
India is only the fourth country in the world further reinforces the RBI’s commitment
after the US, Russia and China to develop to promoting financial inclusion through a
and test the technology that will pave the collaborative approach involving multiple
way for missiles that will travel at six times stakeholders.
the speed of sound.
The launch was done using Agni missile
booster. 76. Correct Option: (b)
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The Agni solid rocket booster launched the Explanation:
cruise vehicle to an altitude of 30 Km, at Statement 3 is incorrect: Power of the
this altitude the aerodynamic heat shields Railway Ministry to amend the Railways
were separated at hypersonic speed. In the
Act, 1989: As per the existing position,
next step, there was separation of launch
the Ministry of Railways has full power
vehicle and cruise vehicle.
and authority to amend the provisions of
O
Hypersonic combustion sustained and the the Railways Act, 1989. This allows the
cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight Ministry to bring about unilateral changes
path at a velocity of six times the speed of to the rules, without consulting the CRS.
sound (Mach 6), which is nearly 2 km, for
more than 20 seconds. Supplementary Notes:
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Ethylene was the fuel used by the scramjet Commission of Railway Safety (CRS)
combustor.
The Commission of Railway Safety works
Why in news? under the administrative control of the
Iran has unveiled Fattah; a hypersonic Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of
ballistic missile it says is capable of breaching India.
defence systems, which could cause further Though the administrative control is that
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concerns for the West and Israel. of the MoCA, the Commission derives its
statutory powers from the Railways Act,
1989.
75. Correct Option: (a)
The main functions of the Commission are
Explanation: inspectorial, investigatory and advisory in
Option (a) is correct: Antardrishti is a nature. The Commission is also entrusted
new financial inclusion dashboard. with conducting inquiries into serious train
accidents and making recommendations
for improving the safety of the Indian
Antardrishti railways.
RBI launched a financial inclusion The Commission directs, advises and
dashboard named ‘Antardrishti’. cautions the Railway Board that works
The dashboard would, as its name suggests, under the Ministry of Railways.
provide the necessary knowledge to evaluate The Commission comprises one Chief
and track the development of financial Commissioner located at Lucknow and nine
inclusion by recording relevant data. Commissioners located across different
This tool will also make it possible to assess places in the country. The Commissioners
the degree of financial exclusion at a local look after different Zonal Railways and
level across the nation so that such places have Deputy Commissioners working under
may be addressed. them.
30 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Why in News? 78. Correct Option: (c)
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) is Explanation:
a crucial government commission in India
responsible for ensuring the safety of rail Option (c) is correct: Ekuverin meaning
travel and train operations. ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual exercise
conducted alternatively in India and
Established during the British era, the Maldives.
CRS has evolved over time to become an
independent authority under the Ministry Supplementary Notes:
of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Exercise Ekuverin
The 12th edition of joint military exercise
77. Correct Option: (b) “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army &
the Maldives National Defence Force has
Explanation: commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
Option (b) is correct: The Gender Social The exercise is aimed at enhancing
Norms Index (GSNI) quantifies biases interoperability in Counter Insurgency/
against women, capturing people’s attitudes Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN
on women’s roles along four key dimensions: mandate and carry out joint Humanitarian
political, educational, economic and Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
physical integrity.
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The focus is to share best practices, enhance
Supplementary Notes: coordination and cooperation between both
the forces at tactical level.
UN Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI)
The defence cooperation between the two
The UNDP recently released the Gender countries extends from joint exercises to
Social Norms Index (GSNI) report. assisting Maldives with defence training
The Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) and equipment requirements. Both the
report is released by the UN Development nations have very close and friendly
Programme.
O relations in economic, cultural and military
cooperation.
The report is focussed on looking at the
progress women rights and issues have Why in News?
made in the past ten years.
SC
The 12th edition of joint military exercise
Among both men and women, “biased gender “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army &
social norms are prevalent worldwide: the Maldives National Defence Force has
almost 90% of people have at least one bias” commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
of the seven biases analysed, the report from 11 to 24 June 2023.
said. Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral
The report noted that prejudices remain annual exercise conducted alternatively in
“deeply embedded” in society along with India and Maldives.
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cultural bias and pressures that hinder

women’s empowerment.
These prejudices “are widespread among
men and women suggesting that these Explanation:
biases are deeply embedded and influences Both statements are correct.
both men and women to similar degrees.
Why in News?
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
Biased gender social norms continue to (PMJVK)
impede progress towards achieving gender
equality and violate human rights, according The PMJVK, a centrally-sponsored scheme,
to the United Nations Development is an area development programme under
which community infrastructure and basic
Programme (UNDP).
amenities are being created in the identified
Despite global efforts and campaigns areas.
advocating for women’s rights, a significant
The infrastructure built up under the
percentage of people still hold biased beliefs
scheme is for the benefit of all the people
against women.
living in an area.
The UNDP’s 2023 Gender Social Norms
The scheme was restructured and
Index (GSNI) provides insights into the implemented with effect from May 2018 as
persistence of these biases and their impact the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram
on various aspects of women’s lives. (PMJVK).
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 31
An amount of about Rs.4,500 crore
Explanation:
under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas
Karyakram(PMJVK) of the Ministry of Option (a) is correct: The new guidelines
Minority Affairsis lying “unused” with the are launched by the Ministry of Ports,
states, as per latest update. Shipping & Waterways.
Sagar Samajik Sahyog
Explanation:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
Both statements are correct. Waterways has launched new corporate
Supplementary Notes: social responsibility (CSR) guidelines called
‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’.
Stem cell preservation
These guidelines aim to empower ports to
Stem cells are the first-born cells of the address local community issues in a more
human body. cooperative and swift manner.
These cells treat injury and diseases related Under the new guidelines, ports in India
to blood, bone, and cancer. When a child is will allocate a specific percentage of their
born inside the womb, stem cells are first
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net annual profit towards CSR activities.
born, and then these cells get regenerated
to produce new organs and the whole body. The CSR budget for ports will be based
These cells are later used to cure the injury on their respective turnover for the
and renew the damaged part. year, the division will be as follows:
Every cell or organ has a specific Ports with an annual turnover of less
characteristic; likewise, stem cells are than Rs.100 crores will spend 3-5 per
regenerative medicine in our body as these cent on CSR.
O
cells are transplanted to different parts of Ports with a turnover between Rs.100 to
the body to cure diseases or decrease effect 500 crores will spend 2-3 per cent.
on our body.
Ports with a turnover exceeding Rs.500
Stem cells or umbilical cord blood cells in our
crores will spend 0.5-2 per cent.
SC
body are used during stem cell transplants.
These transplants are carried out for Two per cent of the total CSR expenses
diseases related to bone-like cerebral palsy, will be dedicated to project monitoring
leukaemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, by the ports in order to ensure effective
different myeloma, cancer treatments like implementation and monitoring of the
radiation or chemotherapy, or head or spine respective CSR projects.
injury. This system aims to ensure that ports of
These stem cells or umbilical blood cords all sizes contribute to community welfare
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are used to treat such therapies. initiatives.

Umbilical Cord Blood banks (UCB) are Why in News?
permitted only under license and monitoring
by the Central Drug Standards Controlling The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping
Organization (CDSCO). & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda
Sonowal, has unveiled the new corporate
The Cord Blood Banks have to comply with
the Drugs and Cosmetics (3rd Amendment) social responsibility (CSR) guidelines
Rules, for collection, processing, testing, called ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’ by the
storage, banking, and release of stored Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
units.
Why in News? 82. Correct Option: (c)
The ‘Global Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Explanation:
Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and
Forecast 2023-2028’ by Expert Market Option (c) is correct: Reflation is the
Research gives an extensive outlook of process of increasing the money supply to
the global umbilical cord blood banking stimulate economic growth and counter
market, assessing the market on the basis deflationary pressures.
of its segments like storage operation, Policies include tax cuts, infrastructure
service type, application, and major spending, increasing the money supply, and
regions. lowering interest rates influence reflation.
32 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Supplementary Notes: 84. Correct Option: (b)
Reflation Explanation:
Reflation refers to the deliberate policy action Statement 1 is incorrect: Though eagles
taken by a government or central bank to are commonly associated with nightfall,
increase the money supply in an economy these majestic birds are diurnal, as they are
with the goal of stimulating economic growth most active during the day.
and countering deflationary pressures.
It involves injecting liquidity into the
economy through measures such as lowering Bald Eagle
interest rates, conducting open market The bald eagle is a classic icon of the United
operations, or implementing quantitative States, standing for strength, courage, and
easing. freedom.
Why in News? Chosen in 1782 as a symbol for our national

emblem, today the bald eagle is depicted
Recently, there has been an increasing on a variety of official U.S. items, including
consensus in Europe and US that passports, quarters, and the one-dollar bill.
Greedflation is driving the rising cost of
Bald eagles are large, predatory raptors
living rather than just Inflation. that are recognizable for their brown body
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and wings, white head and tail, and hooked
83. Correct Option: (a) yellow beak.
Their feet, which are also yellow, are
Explanation: equipped with sharp black talons. Juvenile
Statement 1 is incorrect: Wage-price bald eagles look very different from
spiral establishes cause-and-effect adults—they are almost entirely brown,
relationship between rising wages and with occasional white markings on the
rising prices.
O undersides of their wings and chest.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The wage-price As the juvenile gets older, the bill turns
spiral describes a perpetual cycle whereby from dark brownish-black to yellow and the
rising wages create rising prices and vice head and tail turn white.
SC
versa. Central banks use monetary policy, Bald eagles grow to about 2.5 to 3 feet (0.7
the interest rate, reserve requirements, and to 0.9 meters) in height, and they have
open market operations to curb the wage- an impressive wingspan of 6.5 feet (two
price spiral. meters). Female bald eagles are larger than
the males, but share the same coloration.
Why in News?
Wage-price spiral The American bald eagle was removed from
The wage-price spiral is a macroeconomic the United States’ list of endangered species
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theory used to explain the cause-and-effect on June 28, 2007 marking.
relationship between rising wages and Since then, the population of the bird has
rising prices, or inflation. steadily risen. A 2021 report by the US Fish
The wage-price spiral suggests that rising and Wildlife Service said that the number
wages increase disposable income raising of bald eagles in the wild has quadrupled
the demand for goods and causing prices to since 2009.
rise.
Rising prices increase demand for higher 85. Correct Option: (c)
wages, which leads to higher production
Explanation:
costs and further upward pressure on prices
creating a conceptual spiral. Statement 2 is incorrect: The accord is
non-binding in nature.
Why in News?
On June 14th, when the Federal Reserve
elected to leave interest rates unchanged Artemis Accord
after ten consecutive increases, the The Artemis Accords were launched on
chairman of federal bank warned that he 13 October, 2020, with eight founding
was watching wage trends as one test of members, namely, Australia, Canada, Italy,
whether the central bank might resume Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates,
raising rates in July. United Kingdom and the United States of
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 33
America. Ecuador was the 26th nation to Regeneration in humans happens at three
sign the accords on 21 June, 2023, before levels:
Prime Minister Modi announced India’s Molecular: This includes small
agreement to join the accords. molecules that are the building blocks
Based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty of your body, like DNA, fats, and
between countries, the Accords are a set carbohydrates.
of principles, which “represent a political
Cellular: This includes cell structures
commitment…many of which provide for the
like neurons or axons that are responsible
operational implementation of important
for cell growth and reproduction in your
obligations contained in the Outer Space
body.
Treaty and other instruments”.
Section 1 of the Accords further add that the Tissue: This includes blood, skin, bone,
principles apply to the civil space activities or muscle.
specifically, “conducted by the civil space Why in News?
agencies of each signatory”. The principles
apply to any activities undertaken on the Preservation of Umbilical cord blood has
Moon, Mars, comets, asteroids, including seen a boost recently by many mothers.
the surfaces and sub-surfaces. Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of
Any activities undertaken in the orbit around stem cells that can potentially develop
the Moon, Mars or in the Lagrangian points into different types of cells, and be used in
RE
of the Earth-Moon system — Lagrangian regenerative medicine, via a transplant, in
points are positions in space where objects the treatment of certain blood, immune and
sent tend to stay put, according to NASA — metabolic disorders.
and also in transit between these celestial
bodies are covered under the principles of
the Accords.
Why in news? Explanation:
O
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Both statements are correct.
that India has agreed to join the Artemis Supplementary Notes:
Accords (Accords), a National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA)-led Centralised Public Grievance Redress
SC
initiative for the peaceful, sustainable and and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
transparent cooperation in space.
Centralised Public Grievance Redress and
Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an
86. Correct Option: (c) online platform available to the citizens
24x7 to lodge their grievances to the public
Explanation: authorities on any subject related to service
Option (c) is correct: Regenerative delivery.
Medicine refers to a group of biomedical
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It is a single portal connected to all the

approaches to clinical therapies that may Ministries/Departments of Government of
involve the use of stem cells. Examples India and States.
include cell therapies (the injection of stem
cells or progenitor cells); immunomodulation Every Ministry and States has role-based
therapy (regeneration by biologically access to this system. CPGRAMS is also
active molecules administered alone or accessible to the citizens through standalone
as secretions by infused cells); and tissue mobile application downloadable through
engineering (transplantation of laboratory Google Play store and mobile application
grown organs and tissues). integrated with UMANG.
Supplementary Notes: The status of the grievance filed in

CPGRAMS can be tracked with the unique
Regenerative Medicine registration ID provided at the time of
Regenerative medicine may be defined as registration of the complainant. CPGRAMS
the process of replacing or “regenerating” also provides an appeal facility to the
human cells, tissues or organs to restore or citizens if they are not satisfied with the
establish normal function. resolution by the Grievance Officer.
The goal of regenerative medicine is to After closure of grievance if the complainant
replace or reboot tissues or organs damaged is not satisfied with the resolution, he/she
because of disease, injury, age, or other can provide feedback.
issues instead of treating symptoms with If the rating is ‘Poor’ the option to file an
medication and procedures. appeal is enabled.
34 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
The status of the Appeal can also be All the developer has to do is add the right
tracked by the petitioner with the grievance commands into the code, and the bot will
registration number. call an API as needed.
Why in the news? An API is a way to incorporate complex
software functionality that someone else
The Department of Administrative Reforms
has already built.
and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the
Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Supplementary Notes:
Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) monthly
report for May, 2023, which provides a Internet Bots
detailed analysis of types and categories of A ‘bot’ – short for robot – is a software
public grievances and the nature of disposal. program that performs automated,
This is the 13th report on Central Ministries repetitive, pre-defined tasks.
published by DARPG.
Bots typically imitate or replace human user
behaviour. Because they are automated,
88. Correct Option: (a) they operate much faster than human
users.
Explanation:
They carry out useful functions, such
Option (a) is correct: The Kalasa- as customer service or indexing search
Banduri project aims to divert water from engines, but they can also come in the form
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Mahadayi River. of malware – used to gain total control over
Supplementary Notes: a computer.
Internet bots can also be referred to as
Kalasa-Banduri project
spiders, crawlers, or web bots.
The Kalasa-Banduri project aims to divert
water from Mahadayi to satisfy the drinking Why in news?
water needs of Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot A recent report alleged that a Telegram
and Gadag districts in Karnataka.
O
bot had access to and was presenting the
As per the plans, barrages are to be built on identification numbers of the documents
Kalasa and Banduri streams — tributaries submitted for vaccination purposes which
of Mahadayi — and water diverted towards includes Aadhaar, PAN card, and even
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Karnataka have parched districts. passport numbers of individuals.
Mahadayi originates in the Bhimgad
Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district of 90. Correct Option: (c)
Karnataka, and flows into the Arabian Sea
in Goa. Explanation:
Also called Mandovi in Goa, Mahadayi is All statements are correct.
a rain-fed river that is shared between
Karnataka and Goa for their water needs.
GS
Why in News? Earth’s Rotation Phenomenon
Tenders floated for implementation of the Humans have pumped so much water out
controversial Kalasa Banduri scheme of the ground that it has effectively affected
by Karnataka government which may run Earth’s spin, and the pole has drifted at a
into rough weather as they were put out speed of 4.36 centimetres per year between
without obtaining forest and environment 1993 and 2010.
clearance. This has led to Earth being tilted nearly
80 centimetres eastward, scientists have
estimated based on new climate models.
One way to understand this is by looking at
Explanation: the Earth’s rotational pole. This is the point
Statement 1 is correct: An Internet bot is around which the Earth spins. It actually
a computer program that runs on a network. moves slightly over time in a process called
Bots are programmed to automatically do polar motion.
certain actions, such as crawling webpages, Earth’s rotational pole is the point around
chatting with users, or attempting to break which the planet rotates. The axis of rotation
into user accounts. of the planet lies at this point and it moves
Statement 2 is incorrect: APIs allow the in a process called polar motion, which is
bot to use external functionalities without when the position of the Earth’s rotational
the developer needing to write them. pole varies relative to the crust.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 35
The distribution of water on the planet Supplementary Notes:
affects how mass is distributed.
GEMCOVAC-OM
Similar to adding a bit of weight to a
spinning top, the Earth spinning movement Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd announced
differs a little as water is moved around. that it’s mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine
have recieved Emergency Use Authorization
Why in news? (EUA) from the Drugs Controller General of
Rampant groundwater pumping has India (DCGI).
changed the tilt of Earth’s axis, as per latest GEMCOVAC-OM is approved against the
reports. Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
GEMCOVAC-OM is a lyophilized (freeze
91. Correct Option: (a) dried) vaccine, stable at 2- 8 °C. It is delivered
intradermally using a device called Tropis,
Explanation:
developed by PharmaJet, USA.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Twenty five
countries are currently members of the This is a needle-free device that obviates the
Commission namely Australia, Bangladesh, disadvantages of using a needle, such as a
Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s needle phobia, sharps disposal, and needle-
Republic of Korea, Fiji, France, India, stick injuries, to name a few.
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
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Why in News?
Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua
New Guinea, Philippines, Republic Recently, Union Minister of State
of Korea, Samoa (Western), Solomon (Independent Charge) for Science and
Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor- Technology, MoS PMO, Department of
Leste, Tonga, Vietnam. Atomic Energy and Department of Space
and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions has launched the GEMCOVAC
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Asia-Pacific Plant Protection Commission -OM, an Omicron-specific mRNA-based
(APPPC) Booster vaccine.
The Asia-Pacific Plant Protection
Commission (APPPC) convened for the first 93. Correct Option: (a)
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time in 1956. The Commission administers
the Regional Plant Protection Agreement Explanation:
for Asia and the Pacific.
Option (a) is correct: The Northern Sea
It reviews the plant protection situation at Route (NSR), or the Northeast Passage
the national level in member countries, and (NEP), connects the eastern and western
also at the regional level. parts of the Arctic Ocean.
Coordinating and promoting development of
regional plant protection systems, assisting
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member countries to develop effective plant Northern Sea Route (NSR)

protection regimes, setting standards for
phytosanitary measures, and facilitating The Northern Sea Route (NSR) – a set of
information sharing are among its key sea routes along Russia’s northern coastline
objectives. connecting the Euro-Barents region with
the Pacific Ocean
A total of 25 countries are members and
the APPPC meets at least once every two The NSR runs from the Barents Sea, near
years. Russia’s border with Norway, to the Bering
Strait between Siberia and Alaska.
Why in News?
The Asia Pacific Plant Protection Why in news?
Commission unanimously elected India Russia has unveiled plans to invest 2 trillion
as chair of the Standing Committee on rubbles (about 24.58 billion U.S. dollars) in
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the the development of its Northern Sea Route
biennium 2023-24 during the 32nd Session (NSR) over the next 13 years.
held in Bangkok.

Explanation:
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Stem cells are
Both the statements are correct. immature.
36 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
Statement 3 is incorrect: The daughter 96. Correct Option: (b)
cells made from stem cells, either become
new stem cells (self-renewal) or become Explanation:
specialized cells (differentiation) with a Statement 2 is incorrect: Unlike banks,
more specific function, such as blood cells, DFIs do not accept deposits from people. They
brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. source funds from the market, government,
No other cell in the body has the natural as well as multilateral institutions, and
ability to generate new cell types. are often supported through government
guarantees.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are special human cells that National Bank for Financing
are able to develop into many different cell Infrastructure and Development
types. (NaBFID)
This can range from muscle cells to brain The National Bank for Financing
cells. In some cases, they can also fix Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID)
damaged tissues. is a specialized Development Finance
Researchers believe that stem cell-based Institution in India aimed at supporting the
therapies may one day be used to treat country’s infrastructure sector, which can
serious illnesses, such as paralysis and significantly gain from an enabling credit
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Alzheimer disease. flow by means of attractive instruments and
channelized investment.
The only stem cells now used to treat disease
are hematopoietic stem cells. These are the NaBFID was set up in 2021, by an Act of the
blood cell-forming adult stem cells found in Parliament (The National Bank for Financing
bone marrow. Every type of blood cell in the Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021),
bone marrow starts as a stem cell. with the essential objectives of addressing the
Stem cells are immature cells that are able gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for

O
to make other blood cells that mature and infrastructure development, strengthening
function as needed. the development of bonds and derivatives
markets in India, and sustainably boosting
Why in news? the country’s economy.
SC
Scientists developed first synthetic human NaBFID may borrow money from:
embryos using Stem Cells.
Central government,
Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
scheduled commercial banks,
Explanation: mutual funds, and
Statement 2 is incorrect: Only MSMEs Multilateral institutions such as the
can participate as sellers in TReDS. Sellers,
World Bank and Asian Development
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buyers and financiers are the participants

Bank.
on a TReDS platform.
Why in news?
The National Bank for Financing
TReDS Platform Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID)
TReDS is an electronic platform for recently raised `10,000 crore by issuance of
facilitating the financing / discounting listed bonds in its maiden issuance.
of trade receivables of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through
multiple financiers. 97. Correct Option: (c)
These receivables can be due from Explanation:
corporates and other buyers, including
Government Departments and Public Sector All the statements are correct.
Undertakings (PSUs). Supplementary Notes:
Why in news? Pokkali rice
The government and Reserve Bank of India Naturally and Organically Grown in the
(RBI) are looking to integrate GSTN (Goods coastal areas of central Kerala, the Pokkali
and Services Tax Network) with TReDS Rice is called ‘clever man’s Rice.’
(Trade Receivables Discounting System)
platforms to enable direct sanctions of This rice is Pokkali and the farming practice
MSME invoices. is often called Pokkali farming.
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 37
This rice cultivation uses one of the oldest Supplementary Notes:
organic farming techniques in the world.
Gravitational Waves
Pokkali farming is done with alternative
aquaculture. There is no use of fertilizers. Gravitational waves are ripples in space-
The entire farming is done in a completely time caused by violent and energetic
organic manner. processes in the Universe.
Albert Einstein predicted their existence in
Why in news? his general theory of Relativity in 1916.
With rising labour costs and a low MSP Production of Gravitational Waves:
offered by the government, Pokkali farmers
in Kadamakudy are finding it extremely Cataclysmic Events: The strongest
difficult to continue farming the fully gravitational waves originate from
organic, salt-tolerant variety of rice. colliding black holes, supernovae, and
colliding neutron stars.
Neutron Star Rotation: Gravitational
98. Correct Option: (b) waves can also be produced by the
Explanation: rotation of non-perfectly spherical
neutron stars and possibly remnants
Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike other of gravitational radiation from the Big
gliding reptiles, which use bone to form Bang.
their flying surfaces, these geckos have
RE
flaps of skin. Features and Detection:
Gravitational waves are challenging to
detect due to their weak interaction with
Mizoram parachute gecko matter.
In a remarkable discovery which adds to Gravitational waves were first detected
the rich biodiversity of northeast India, in 2015 using an experiment involving
scientists have identified a new species of Laser Interferometer Gravitational
O
gliding gecko in the state of Mizoram. Observatory (LIGO) detectors.
This new-found reptile, named the Mizoram Sensitive instruments like
parachute gecko (Gekko mizoramensis), is interferometers, such as the LIGO, are
an addition to the 14 geckos worldwide that developed to detect gravitational waves
by measuring tiny disturbances in space-
SC
are known for their ability to fly.
time.
This new species, which is around 20 cm in
length, is arboreal (living in trees), glides Why in News?
from one tree to another and is nocturnal.
Telescopes around the world have made
Those found in residential areas are usually a remarkable discovery known as the
seen on exterior walls of buildings. Flying “gravitational wave background.”
geckos have webbed limbs and flat tails to
help them glide. This breakthrough, revealed in recent
papers, aligns with Albert Einstein’s
GS
When the lizard leaps off a tall structure,

general theory of relativity and offers
air resistance pushes the flaps out to their
profound insights into the nature of space
full extent, much like a parachute, slowing
the speed at which they fall.
and time.
The skin flaps also help to break up their The resulting image has exposed a
shape, acting as a camouflage against universe reminiscent of a turbulent sea.
predators.
Their specialised camouflage and body shape 100. Correct Option: (c)
are shared by multiple species, making it
hard to tell them apart from one another. Explanation:
All the pairs are correctly matched.
Why in News?
In a remarkable discovery which adds to Supplementary Notes:
the rich biodiversity of northeast India, Military Exercise of India
scientists have identified a new species of
gliding gecko in the state of Mizoram. Tarang Shakti: This exercise aims
to enhance military cooperation and
collaboration with air forces from 12
99. Correct Option: (c) nations. It is projected to be the largest
air exercise ever conducted in India,
Explanation:
involving the participation of various
All the statements are correct. countries and their military assets.
38 PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06
While the location of the exercise has not Indian Navy, is being conducted at/ off
been disclosed, air forces from countries Visakhapatnam from 05 -10 July 2023.
like France, Australia, the United States, EKUVERIN: The 12th edition of joint
and the United Kingdom are expected to military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between
join Tarang Shakti. the Indian Army & the Maldives
The exercise is scheduled to take place in National Defence Force has commenced
at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24
October-November of this year.
June 2023.
Six air forces will actively participate in Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral
the exercise, while the remaining countries annual exercise conducted alternatively in
will attend as observers. However, the India and Maldives.
final approval for the exercise is pending
Why in News?
from the government.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to
JIMEX: The seventh edition of organize a significant multilateral exercise
the bilateral Japan-India Maritime called Tarang Shakti, as disclosed by an
Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) hosted by the official familiar with the matter.
RE

O
SC
GS
PPP-PTS-4277/082023/06 39

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DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

that occurs due to sunlight refracting

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement- (c) All three

1. It is being implemented under the

explanation for Statement-I is incorrect

2. Phad painting (a) Only one

2. It is the preferred alternative to

(a) Only one (d) None

(d) None 1. Some contracts require that the business

explanation for Statement-I 36. Consider the following statements regarding

37. Consider the following statements regarding (c) Only three

(a) Only one (a) 1 only

(b) Only two (b) 2 only

3. Mopane Tree 2. It is when children suffer severe wasting

below. malnutrition are very thin as most of

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only

(a) Only one (a) Only one

interact and exchange.

(a) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 only 53. With reference to Electronics Repair Services

recently, consider the following statements:

1. CMF works is in line with the Rules-Based (a) 1 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (a) Walk Free

(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) Anti-Slavery International

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Lushai – Tripura

2. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) Grishneshwar (c) All three

1. These are short-range ballistic missile (a) 1 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) A person cannot interfere with the

(d) All four 1. This Satellite-Based Augmentation

(b) 1 and 2 only (d) None of these

(c) 2 and 3 only

speed flight. 4. Cultural

(b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) 3 and 4 only

How many of the statements given above are

86. Consider the following: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

1. Immunomodulation therapy 90. Consider the following statements:

(a) Only one 3. The groundwater depletion can affect the

grievances to the public authorities on the national level in member countries.

(a) Only one (a) Only one

IAS Prelims - 2024

Q. 1 (a) Q. 21 (a) Q. 41 (d) Q. 61 (b) Q. 81 (a)

India’s tech hub witnessed an optical

Recently, the Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Supplementary Notes: The right head of the drum consists of

was established in 1963 as an autonomous

While the existence of the agreement is Supplementary Notes:

13. Correct option: (a) Why in the news?

Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Why in News?

18. Correct option: (d) The basic Helicopter is produced in skid

 MK-IV armed version

tonnes, according to the RBI’s half-yearly

26. Correct option: (a) Statement 3 is incorrect: Compared

and legendary heroes. It is the preferred alternative to USD

30. Correct option: (c) Explanation:

kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen. It uses

Why in the news?

according to the National Payments

companies to offer surety bonds to small

Supplementary Notes  Aside from Mandu where it is most

the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

MK-IV armed version

Supplementary Notes Aside from Mandu where it is most