1.

Consider the following minerals: 1. Indium

2. Niobium

3. Pitchblende

4. Lithium

5. Titanium

How many of the above given minerals have been removed from the Atomic Minerals list through the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023?.

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) All five

(d) Only four

Note:

2,4,5 omitted.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945102#:~:text=Omission%20of%206%20minerals%20from,minerals%20and%20Zirconium%2Dbearing%20minerals.

2.

Kampala Declaration that was recently in news, is related to

(a) Labour missues

(b) Environmental issues

(c) Nuclear Weapons

(d) Cluster ammunitions

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/kampala-declaration-on-climate-change-human-mobility-now-has-48-african-countries-as-members-91393

B

3.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. In a tightening cycle, monetary policy is most effective when the liquidity is in deficit mode.

2. Under the MPC framework, if average inflation breaches the upper or lower tolerance band for any three consecutive quarters, it would mean a failure to achieve the inflation target.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/our-stance-is-withdrawal-of-accommodation-says-das/article65507797.ece

C

4.

Consider the following statements regarding Urea Gold:

1. It is created by infusing urea with Zinc a micro mineral for plant growth.

2. It is inferior to Neem-coated urea in terms of economic viability.

3. Humic acid is removed from it to increase its targeted delivery.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/how-to-make-urea-more-efficient-as-a-fertiliser-and-why-thats-needed-8891183/

https://www.cnbctv18.com/economy/pm-narendra-modi-rajasthan-launch-what-is-urea-gold-17350961.htm  

Urea Gold

• It is a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur.
• It is being introduced to address the Sulphur deficiency in soil and save input costs for the farmers.
• Urea Gold surpasses the existing Neem-coated urea in terms of both economic viability and efficiency.

Urea Gold Is Better Than Others

• Sulphur-coated urea facilitates a gradual release of nitrogen, thereby enhancing its availability and uptake by crops.
• The inclusion of humic acid in Urea Gold further extends its lifespan as a fertilizer. 
• This product not only substitutes traditional urea consumption but also reduces overall fertilizer usage.
• According to the report, 15 kg of Urea Gold provides comparable benefits to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and effective choice for farmers.

Neem-coated urea

• Urea is a commonly used nitrogen-based fertilizer that provides essential nutrients to plants to promote healthy growth.
• Neem-coated urea is a specialized form of urea fertilizer that has been coated with neem oil.
• Benefits:
• The neem coating on urea slows down the release of nitrogen into the soil. This controlled release helps reduce nitrogen leaching and volatilization, leading to improved nitrogen use efficiency by plants.
• It would bring down the quantity of urea per acre and consequent reduction in input cost to farmers.
• The emission of nitrous oxide is also brought down significantly.
• Neem oil, derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), has natural pesticidal properties.

D

5.

The ClearSpace-1 mission, to be launched in 2026, is a Space Debris Removal mission of the

(a) Japan

(b) Russia

(c) China

(d) European Space Agency

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/space-junk-in-earth-orbit-and-on-the-moon-will-increase-with-future-missions-%E2%88%92-but-nobodys-in-charge-of-cleaning-it-up/article67263106.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/children/what-is-space-junk-why-is-it-a-serious-problem/article34532546.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/reducing-debris-key-to-sustainability-in-space-ap-governor/article65971845.ece

D

6.

With reference to the Bakhshali manuscript, consider the following statements:

1. It contains the oldest recorded origins of the symbol “zero”.

2. It predates the work of Brahmagupta.

How many statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-planning-law-on-protection-of-indian-manuscripts/article67187706.ece

• The Bakhshali Manuscript is an ancient mathematical document. It was discovered in 1881, buried in a field in Bakhshali village near Peshawar (Pakistan).
• It is written in Sharda Script.
• It predates the work of Brahmagupta, a 7th-century mathematician, and an inscription in the 9th-century Gwalior’s Chaturbhuj Temple.
• The manuscript is composed of 70 fragile leaves made of birch bark.
• It contains hundreds of mathematical notations, including the use of zero as a placeholder.
• Zeros in the manuscript are represented by dots that serve as placeholders for different place values.
• In 1902, the manuscript was presented to the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, where it has been preserved since.
• The manuscript is a compilation of mathematical material from multiple periods. Some pages date as far back as the 3rd to 4th century, while others are from the 8th and 10th centuries.

Influence on Modern Mathematics

• The manuscript is a compendium of rules and illustrative examples.
• Each example is stated as a problem, the solution is described, and it is verified that the problem has been solved.
• The sample problems are in verse and the commentary is in prose associated with calculations.
• The topics covered include fractions, square roots, arithmetic and geometric progressions, solutions of simple equations, simultaneous linear equations, quadratic equations and indeterminate equations of the second degree.

C

7.

Consider the following statements with reference to Luna 25:

1. It is China’s lunar mission.

2. It is lighter and lacks a rover.

3. It landed on Moon in its very first attempt.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

Only 2 is correct.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/russias-luna-25-crashes-what-we-know-8900940/

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/luna-25-failure-roscosmos-implications-moon-base-china/article67218643.ece

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/watch-this-space-chandrayaan-luna-8900507/  

A

8.

The Ritu Chhabaria judgment seen in news refer mainly to the context of

(a) Granting Bail

(b) Marital rape

(c) Appointing Judges of Supreme Court

(d) Punishing IPS officers

Note:

The Ritu Chhabaria judgment, the court held that “the right of default bail under Section 167(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is not merely a statutory right, but a fundamental right that flows from Article 21 of the Constitution” to protect accused persons from the “unfettered and arbitrary power of the State”.

In Ritu Chhabaria, the court held that an incomplete chargesheet filed by the investigating agency without completing the investigation will not defeat the right of the accused for default bail.

As investigating authorities routinely filed incomplete or supplementary charge sheets within the 60/90-day period, to prevent the accused from seeking default bail.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-court-recall-that-impacts-the-rights-of-the-accused/article66854481.ece

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-court-denies-default-bail-to-three-pfi-members/articleshow/102230489.cms

A

9.

1.  In a "normal" water year, Karnataka is bound to release 419 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from June to May to Tamil Nadu.

2. Karnataka, the upper riparian state of the Cauvery basin, has agreed to transfer water to Tamil Nadu every month.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Cauvery Water Sharing?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/explained-why-is-the-cauvery-water-sharing-issue-flaring-up-again/article67198962.ece

Cauvery river

• Cauvery (or Kaveri) is the largest river in the state and originates at Talakaveri at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
• It is often called the Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the South) and considered one of the sacred rivers of India.
• The origin of the River Kaveri, is a famous pilgrimage and tourist spot set amidst Bramahagiri Hills near Madikeri in Coorg.
• The tributaries of the Kaveri include:
• Harangi, Hemavathi (origin in western Ghats joins the river Kaveri near Krishnarajasagar), Lakshmanatirtha, 
• Kabini (originates in Kerala and flows eastward and joins the Kaveri at Tirumakudal, Narasipur), 
• Shimsha, Arkavati, Suvarnavathi or Honnuholé, Bhavani, Lokapavani, Noyyal, Amaravati. 

Cauvery Water Dispute

• The dispute is related to a long-standing conflict over the sharing of water from the Cauvery River.
• It involves 3 states and one Union Territory: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry.
• The dispute revolves around how the river water should be distributed among these states for various uses, including irrigation, drinking water, and industrial purposes.
• This dispute originated for the first-time way back in 1892 at the time of Britishers between the Presidency of Madras and Princely state of Mysore. 
• In 1924 Mysore and Madras reached into an agreement which will be valid for 50 years. Hence, it ceased to be enforced in 1974.
• Since 1974, Karnataka started diverting water into its four newly made reservoirs, without the consent of Tamil Nadu. 
• This resulted in dispute in post independent India.
• Formation of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and its final award
• In accordance with Section 4 of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was formed in June 1990.
• After 17 years, the CWDT issued its final award in February 2007, specifying the amount of water that each state should receive during different periods of the year.
• While considering that the total availability of water the Cauvery basin spread across the 4 states is 740 TMC in a normal year the Tribunal has allocated the water as follows:
• Tamil Nadu: 419 TMC (which had demanded 512 TMC),
• Karnataka: 270 TMC (which had demanded 465 TMC),
• Kerala: 30 TMC, and
• Pondicherry: 7 TMC
• The final award reserved 10 TMC for environmental purposes and 4 TMC for inevitable outlets into the sea.
• The tribunal mandated the constitution of a monitoring authority to regulate the release of water.
• The final award, however, had not given a detailed formula in situations when there is shortage of water due to insufficient rains. 
• It merely said that in such situations, the allocated shares should be proportionally reduced.
• Subsequent development
• The government again took 6 year and notified the order in 2013 on the direction of the Supreme Court.
• Later, Tamil Nadu government had approached the Supreme Court with the special leave petition under Article 136.
• The Tamil Nadu Government had approached the court because Karnataka government was not following the award of the tribunal.
• Article 136 makes the Supreme Court highest appellate court.
• It says notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion can grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order passed by any court or tribunal in the territory of India.
• The apex court delivered its judgement in 2018. In its judgement, the apex court declared Cauvery a national asset.
• It largely upheld the water-sharing arrangements finalised by the CWDT.
• As per the judgement, Karnataka would get 284.75 TMC, Tamil Nadu 404.25 TMC, Kerala 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.
• It also directed the Centre to notify the Cauvery Management Scheme. 
• The central government notified the ‘Cauvery Water Management Scheme’ in June 2018.
• It constituted the ‘Cauvery Water Management Authority’ (CWMA) and the ‘Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’ (CWRC) to give effect to the decision.

B

10.

Consider the following statements regarding Urea subsidy:  

(i) The subsidy amount is transferred directly into farmers’ account 

(ii) It also includes freight subsidy for movement of urea across the country.

(iii) It is wholly financed by Central Government of India through budgetary support.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) (i) & (ii) only 

(b) (ii) & (iii) only

(c) (iii) only

(d) (i), (ii) & (iii)

Note:

The subsidy amount is transferred into fertilizer’s company account upon verification of sale to farmers through Aadhaar. The price of Urea is regulated by Central Government and it is Rs. 5.36/kg and the per kg subsidy by the government varies with the market fluctuations in the price of gas (input). 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/our-attempt-is-to-end-import-dependency-on-urea-by-2025-and-replace-it-with-nano-urea-and-other-alternate-forms-of-urea/article67064913.ece

Urea Subsidy Scheme

• Urea is sold at statutorily notified uniform MRP. It is being provided to the farmers at an MRP of Rs. 242 per 45 kg bag of urea (exclusive of neem coating charges and applicable taxes).
• The difference between the delivered cost of urea to the farmer and net market realisation by the urea units is given as a subsidy to the urea manufacturer/importer by the Centre.
• Urea Subsidy is part of Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of Department and is wholly financed by Central Government of India through budgetary support.
• It also includes Imported Urea subsidy which is directed towards import to bridge gap between assessed demand and indigenous production of urea in the country.
• It also includes freight subsidy for movement of urea across the country.

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme

·    The NBS scheme is being implemented since 2010 by the Department of Fertilisers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

·    Under the scheme, fertilisers are provided at subsidised rates based on the nutrients contained, namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S). It does not include urea-based fertilisers.

·    Moreover, fertilisers fortified with secondary nutrients and micronutrients (sulphur, zinc, boron, iron, manganese, and copper) are given additional subsidies.

·    A fixed rate of subsidy (in ₹per Kg basis) is announced on nutrients (N, P, K & S) by the government annually.

·    Objectives of the NBS scheme:

o    To ensure the nation’s food security

o    To improve agricultural productivity

o    To ensure the balanced application of fertilisers

How Is The NBS Fertilizer Subsidy Paid & Who Gets It?

·    Farmers buy non-urea fertilisers at MRPs below their standard supply-and-demand-based market rates or what it costs to produce/import them. The Centre foots the difference as a subsidy.

·    The subsidy under NBS goes to fertiliser companies, although its ultimate beneficiary is the farmer who pays MRPs less than the market-determined rates.

·    Since 2018, the subsidy is being paid through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system after the actual sale of fertilisers to farmers by retailers (there are over 2.3 lakh retailers across India).

·    Each retailer has a point-of-sale (PoS) machine linked to the Department of Fertilisers’ e-Urvarak DBT portal. Farmers are required to furnish his/her Aadhaar or Kisan Credit Card number.

·    The quantities of the individual fertilisers purchased, along with the buyer’s name & biometric authentication, must be captured on the PoS device.

·    A company’s subsidy claim is processed weekly for sales registered on the e-Urvarak platform (the Integrated Fertiliser Management System (iFMS) that monitors fertiliser movement).

Fertilizer Imbalance Issue with NBS Scheme

·    Urea is not included in the NBS scheme and remains under price control (MRP is officially fixed). On the other hand, the MRPs of non-urea fertilisers under the NBS scheme are decontrolled (fixed by the companies). Thus, they retail way above urea while attracting lower subsidies. This has led the farmers to use more urea, worsening the fertiliser imbalance.

Issues With Fertilizers Subsidy Schemes (NBS and Urea Subsidy)

Environmental and Economic Cost

·    Fertilizer subsidy is the second-biggest subsidy after food subsidy. Schemes like NBS promote the injudicious use of fertilisers, which are the major emitters of nitrous oxide (N2O — a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance), damaging the soil health and the fiscal health of the economy.

·    The current ratio of NPK (desirable ratio of is 4:2:1) in agricultural soil in several states is skewed towards nitrogen. This imbalance causes widespread deficiency of secondary nutrients and micronutrients and soil alkalinity and salinity.

Measures Required

·    The government must bring reforms to promote the balanced use of fertilisers and make efforts to do away with fertiliser subsidies in the coming years.

·    To begin with, it must introduce a decontrol measure (don’t fix the MRP, leave it to the market) in the urea sector. Gradually, fertiliser subsidies must be replaced with Direct Benefit Transfers to farmers.

·    Simultaneously, efforts must be made to promote organic manure, bio-fertilisers, and city compost as they come with a much lower environmental footprint than synthetic fertilisers. They increase organic soil carbon and support microbial life. They also promote more efficient use of synthetic fertilisers.

One Nation, One Fertiliser Scheme

·    Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers announced the implementation of the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana (PMBJP) – One Nation One Fertiliser” scheme.

·    Under the scheme, all fertiliser manufacturers under the fertiliser subsidy scheme will be required to use a single brand and logo for fertilisers.

·    The single brand name under this scheme will be “Bharat”, and the logo will be the PMBJP logo. The single brand name for UREA, DAP, MOP and NPKS etc., would be BHARAT UREA, BHARAT DAP, BHARAT MOP, etc.

·    The new “Bharat” brand name and PMBJP logo will cover two-thirds of the front of the fertiliser packet. The manufacturing brands can display their information only on the remaining one-third space!

Rationale behind the Scheme

·    Standardisation: It eliminates the dilemma of farmers in choosing one of the many brands available in the market.

·    Recognition: Despite taking huge subsidies in production, fertiliser manufacturers sale the fertilisers under their brand identity and not under the government name.

·    Affordability: Due to using only a single brand name, there will be no added attraction for any particular brand. So, fertilisers can be made available to farmers very quickly at affordable prices.

·    Reduction in Freight Charges: The presence of different brand-wise demands for fertilisers in specific areas results in high transport costs and freight subsidies. But when there is only one brand, the different brand-wise demand will not be there because there will be less freight movement.

Criticisms against the Scheme

·    Adverse Impact on Fertilisers Quality: Since there is less scope for building a unique brand identity, it will discourage manufacturers from bringing newer and more efficient products into the market.

·    Hindrance for Attaining Self-sufficiency in Fertilisers: The government wants to become self-sufficient in fertilisers, which are currently imported in large quantities. But without any impetus for manufacturers to improve their production, this target cannot be achieved.

B   

11.

Which of the following are the uses of Artificial Intelligence?

1. It can be used to conserve water.

2. It can be used to fight wildfires.

3. It can be used to identify and recover recyclables.

4. AI models involve zero carbon emissions.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Note:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/artificial-intelligence-carbon-footprint-climate-change/

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/techs-carbon-footprint-can-ai-revolutionise-responsibly/article67268775.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reflections-on-artificial-intelligence-as-friend-or-foe/article66973416.ece

B

12.

Advantages of the Small Modular Reactors include

1. Smaller core damage frequency and radioactive contamination.

2. Enhanced seismic isolation and passive safety features.

3. Lower spent nuclear fuel storage.

4. Compatibility with brownfield sites.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/small-modular-reactors-india-nuclear-power-net-zero/article67175626.ece

D

13.

International Debt Statistics’ is released by

(a) World Bank

(b) IMF

(c) World Economic Forum 

(d) WTO

Note:

https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/china-lends-over-21-bn-more-than-previously-thought-to-pakistan-report-123111300522_1.html

A

14.

Which of the following statements

are true regarding “Central Issue Price” (CIP)?.

(i) It is the price at which food grains are issued to the state governments. 

(ii) It is fixed by Food Corporation of India.

(a) (i) only

(b) (ii) only

(c) Both (i) and (ii)  

(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)

Note:

Central Issue Price (CIP) is the price at which food grains (wheat and rice) are issued to the state governments/ UTs from the central pool at uniform prices for distribution under TPDS. CIP is fixed by Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

A

15.

Consider the following statements regarding the Parliamentary Privileges Committee:

1. The Parliamentary Privilege Committee is a 10-member panel in the Rajya Sabha and a 15-member panel in the Lok Sabha.

2. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Privilege Committee is not empowered to refer, suo motu any question of privilege to the Committee for examination, investigation and report.

3. In the Rajya Sabha, the deputy chairperson heads the committee of privileges.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliamentary-privilege-breach-jagdeep-dhankhar-rajya-sabha-explained/article66548815.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/complaint-against-raghav-chadha-now-with-rs-privileges-committee/article67177802.ece

C

16.

The “Plastic Overshoot Day Report, 2023” report has been published by

(a) Earth Action

(b) Green Peace

(c) UNEP

(d) UN Ocean

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/waste/india-among-the-12-countries-responsible-for-52-of-the-world-s-mismanaged-plastic-waste-report-90927

A

17.

With reference to the Anna Bhau Sathe, consider the following statements:

1. He was inspired by the Russian revolution and the Communist ideology.

2. He dedicated his most famous novel Fakira to Subhas Chandra Bose.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

He dedicated his most famous novel Fakira to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/who-was-activist-author-annabhau-sathe-8148840/

A

18.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Gut Flora.

1. It contributes to nutrient absorption.

2. It prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/what-is-gut-microbiota-and-how-it-helps-our-immune-system/articleshow/102507322.cms

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/explained-how-does-the-gut-microbiome-link-to-autism-spectrum-disorders/article66528560.ece

D  

19.

The Northern Sea Route connects

(a) Eastern and Western Arctic Ocean

(b) Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea

(c) Dead sea and Red Sea

(d) North Sea and Baltic Sea

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/watch-what-is-the-northern-sea-route-and-why-is-it-important-for-india/article67294257.ece

A

20.

WPI and CPI are two different baskets of goods and services. Consider the following statements.

1. Repo rate changes transmit through the money market to the entire the financial system, which, in turn, influences aggregate demand – a key determinant of inflation and growth.

2. The repo rate is higher than the reverse repo rate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/halal-certificate-up-ban-9032320/

C

21.

Consider the following statements.

1. Clause 1 of Article 343 of Indian Constitution says “The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script”, and “The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals.”

2. Article 351 of Indian Constitution says “It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India”.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/language-used-in-courts-constitution-laws-8878248/

D

22.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect w.r.t. “Biodiversity Heritage Sites” ?.

1. Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas as Biodiversity Heritage Sites.

2. Declaration of an area as Biodiversity Heritage Site does not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local communities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1944380

• “Biodiversity Heritage Sites” (BHS) are well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems – terrestrial, coastal and inland waters and, marine having rich biodiversity comprising of any one or more of the following components:

• the richness of wild as well as domesticated species or intra-specific categories

• high endemism

• presence of rare and threatened species

• keystone species

• species of evolutionary significance

• wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species or their varieties

• past preeminence of biological components represented by fossil beds

• having significant cultural, ethical, or aesthetic values; important for the maintenance of cultural diversity (with or without a long history of human association with them)

• Areas having any of the following characteristics may qualify for inclusion as BHS.
• Such sites are mentioned in Section 37 of the Biodiversity Act 2002.
• The state government has the power to declare such a site within its jurisdiction. They need to consult the local bodies before doing so.
• They can also call for suggestions, or consider the sites that have already been suggested by the Biodiversity Management Committees and other such authorities.
• The rules for the management and conservation of such sites are made by the state governments themselves, in consultation with the Union Government.
• The state government can also frame the schemes to compensate or rehabilitate the people who get economically affected, and/or displaced due to any such declaration of a bio-heritage site.
• Near 2007, the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was designated as India’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site.
• India has 36 such sites. The last one was the Mahendragiri Hill Biodiversity Heritage Site in Odisha.

Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India

Nallur Tamarind Grove,  Karnataka

• It is popularly believed to be a relic of the Chola Dynasty that ruled nearly 800 years ago, is spectacle of awesome wonder and a freakish site.
• This BHS spread over 54 acres comprising a population of nearly 300 trees, is a picture of dynamic pattern of plant diversity.
• The significant component of this popular structure is a group of old plants standing like ageless sentinels, firmly rooted to the ground with their gigantic trunks, along with large picturesque crowns spread very high and aloft like open wings.

Hogrekan, Karnataka

• The area has unique Shola vegetation and grassland with several floral species which are unique and have a lot of medicinal value.
• Hogrekan also serves as a “Wildlife Corridor” between Kudremukha and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ambaraguda, Karnataka

• It is a revenue land located between Sharavathi Wild Life Sanctuary and Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It has Shola vegetation which is primitive vegetation in the Western Ghat and also has grasslands.

Glory of Allapalli

• It is a reserved forest being preserved as natural forest having biological, ethinical and historical values.

Ameenpur Lake

• First water body to be recognized as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, Ameenpur Lake is a man-made lake dating more than 300 years old.
• The lake is home to many residents and migratory birds, such as flamingos, egrets, herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and river terns, to name a few.
• And because of a high number of migratory species, Ameenpur Lake earned the status of a BHS. The site is every birdwatcher’s delight.

Majuli Island in Assam

• It is an island situated in the Brahmaputra River which is harboring a unique Ecological and Cultural Heritage.

Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site

• This BHS has rich biological and historical significance with the presence of around 250 bird species including 3 flagship Raptor species – Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli’s Eagle and wildlife like Indan Pangolin, Python and Slender Loris.

Mahendragiri Hill Biodiversity Heritage Site

• Mahendragiri hill is situated at an elevation between 700-1501 m above mean sea level in Gajapati district of Odisha.
• With increase altitude, the hill complex demonstrates several micro climatic conditions like tropical shola, tropical semievergreen, tropical moist-deciduous & tropical dry deciduous.
• The diversified vegetation with rich floral diversity representing 40% of the reported flora of Odisha.
• The ancient temples of Kunti, Shima, Arjuna and Yudhisthir at Mahendragiri have been declared as protected monuments under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological sites and Remains Act 1958 by the State Government.
• These monuments provide a sacred and holy background for receiving about one lakh devotees annually every year to worship the deities of the hill

Yaya Tso Lake

• The proposal to include the Yaya Tso in the biodiversity heritage sites list has been sent to the Ladakh Biodiversity Council by the Biodiversity Management Committee, the Chumathang Village Panchayat and the SECURE Himalaya Project. If approved, this will be the first such site in Ladakh.
• It is a lake located at an altitude of 4820m above sea level. It is a very important nesting and breeding site for a variety of birds such as the bar-headed goose, black-necked crane and the brahminy duck. This is why the lake is known as a “Birds’ Paradise”. Globally, it is one of the most important breeding sites for the vulnerable “black-necked crane”.

C

23.

1.  It is the rate at which short term and long-term funds are borrowed and lent in the money market.

2. A tight liquidity condition leads to a fall   in call money rate.

3. It has maturity period of 1 day only. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t. Call Money Rate? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Note:

Call money rate is the rate at which short term funds are borrowed and lent in the money market.

The duration of the call money loan is 1 day. Banks resort to these types of loans to fill the asset liability mismatch, comply with the statutory CRR and SLR requirements and to meet the sudden demand of funds. RBI, banks, primary dealers etc are the participants of the call money market. Demand and supply of liquidity affect the call money rate. A tight liquidity condition leads to a rise in call money rate and vice versa.

D

24.

European Union’s One health approach is concerned with

(a) Antimicrobial resistance

(b) Hidden Hunger

(c) Communicable Diseases

(d) Gut flora

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/one-health-approach-european-union-strengthens-action-to-combat-antimicrobial-resistance-90084

A

25.

Which of the following best describe “Fiscal Drag”? 

(1) Decrease in the GDP growth rate due to higher Fiscal Deficit.

(2) Increase in tax collection due to higher rate of inflation. 

(3) Decrease in aggregate demand, when the people move from low tax bracket to high tax bracket. 

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/union-budget-preparation-scope-focus-8398449/

Fiscal drag happens when the government’s net fiscal position fails to cover the net savings desires of the private economy, also called the private economy’s spending gap.

• The first point to remember about fiscal drag is that government will get more tax revenue (mainly income tax) at the time of fiscal drag.
• Fiscal drag is the tendency of revenue from taxation to rise as a share of GDP in a growing economy. Fiscal drag may happen due to inflation or fiscal policies of the government.

Fiscal drag is normally associated with progressive tax rates. Because of progressive taxes, the government will get more taxes when the economy is booming. This also helps slow the rate of increase in demand, reducing the pace of growth, making it less likely to result in higher inflation.

Thus fiscal drag is an automatic stabilizer, as it acts naturally to keep demand stable.

Also note that fiscal drag means greater tax burden for people. And the greater tax burden can lead to less consumer spending.

About the Fiscal Cliff:

The fiscal cliff refers to a combination of expiring tax cuts and across-the-board government spending cuts that was scheduled to become effective December 31, 2012.

The story of Fiscal Cliff starts with the subprime crisis. Hence we covered that first.

• US Congress (the legislative body, similar to Indian Parliament) had passed many laws during the recession period calling for tax cuts, in-order to boost economic activity.
• But there was a time period specified for these exemptions. Many of these exemptions expired at midnight on December 31, 2012.

So period from Jan 1, 2013, was supposed to be a period of high taxes. A sudden condition of high taxes and reduced public expenditure after a long period of tax cuts and liberal public expenditure is known as Fiscal Cliff.

In the case of US, it was more a technical or policy issue, but to avoid this policy issue, the two houses of the US congress had to reach a consensus, which they didn’t reach initially.

Fiscal boost and fiscal drag are the counter-cyclical effects of progressive direct taxes and welfare benefits on the movement of GDP over a period of time. In fiscal boost, a downturn in GDP during a recession would be accompanied by a fall in real incomes.

Fiscal drag happens when incomes rise due to wages following prices higher pushes or drags millions of taxpayers into the higher marginal tax rate brackets. Fiscal drag has the effect of raising government tax revenue without raising tax rates.

C