Civils Prelims 2021 Model Set 20 (for GS Paper )

Set No. 20 (Prepared on 8 .9.2021 )

Civils Prelims 2021 Model Questions (for GS Paper )

Set No. 20 (Prepared on 8 .9.2021 )

Prepared by :P.Potayya Sarma

Mobile No.8143189271

1)Consider following with reference to Stubble burning :

The Green Revolution increased greatly rice and wheat production, which simultaneously increased stubble post harvest. However, the popular combined harvesting technique was not efficacious, as machines left behind one-foot-tall stalks. This prompted stubble burning as a low-cost and speedy solution available to farmers due to the limited time period of 20-25 days between harvesting one crop and sowing another.

1) Stubble burning is practised predominantly by farmers in north India. It releases harmful gases including nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. In recent years, this practice has created vast smoke blankets across the Indo-Gangetic Plain and numerous neighbouring States, including Delhi. This directly exposes millions of people to air pollution

2) In 2020 year, the Union government is testing an innovative method, the PUSA Decomposer, developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa.

The PUSA Decomposer is a set of four tablets made by extracting fungi strains that help the paddy straw to decompose at a much faster rate than usual, giving farmers the option to shred the straw, spray a solution containing the fungal strains, and mix it with the soil for decomposition. If methods such as this become successful, it will be a new revolution in farming.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

2)Consider following with reference to Chief Information Commissioner : (October,2020 news)

The commission consists of a chief and up to 10 commissioners. It has been headless twice this year, due to a two-month delay in appointing the last chief, Bimal Julka, and another two-month period since he retired in August-end. It has not functioned at full strength for almost four years, and currently has only five commissioners, leading to a backlog of 37,000 pending cases. When the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued advertisements for vacancies in July, it received 139 applications for the CIC position and 355 applications for the Information Commissioner posts.

1) The three-member selection committee, including the Prime Minister, Mr. Chowdhury and Home Minister Amit Shah, met Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is a member of the panel

2) In a February 2019 order, the top court ruled that long delays in clearing appeals frustrated citizens’ rights, and directed that appointments be made in a “transparent and timely” manner.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

3)Consider following with reference to Sixth Schedule :

1) The Sixth Schedule protects tribal populations and provides autonomy to the communities through the creation of autonomous development councils that can frame laws on land, public health, agriculture etc

2) . As of now, 10 autonomous councils exist in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

3) There was a demand from Ladak (UT) for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

4)Consider following with reference to Turkey and France :

1) As Turkey, under Mr. Erdogan, is trying to expand its influence to the erstwhile Ottoman territories, France has stood in its way. In Libya, where Turkey is backing the Tripoli-based government, France has supported the Tobruk-based parallel government and the military campaign of the renegade General Khalifa Haftar against Tripoli.

2) In Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey has launched a gas exploration mission, clashing with Greece and Cyprus, while France threw its weight behind the fellow EU members and even sent French warships to the region.

3) In the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Turkey offered unconditional support to the Azeri military offensive, while Mr. Macron slammed Ankara’s “reckless and dangerous” intervention.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

5)Consider following with reference to Credit Default Swaps (CDS) :

1) The development of CDS is considered critical for deepening India’s bond markets and the government believes that the enactment of the Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts law October,2020 month should pave the way for an active CDS market.

2) Credit default swaps (CDS), a financial derivative instrument to hedge risks in bond investments

3) Stressing that fair valuation of bonds is a challenge when trading is limited, it is said that to facilitate the development of the CDS market, the central bank would issue revised guidelines.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

6)Consider following with reference to Karbi Anglong Region :

A tripartite agreement among five insurgent groups of Assam, the Centre and the State government was signed on 4.9.2021 to end years of violence in the Karbi Anglong region.

1) The insurgent groups which signed the peace accord include the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front, the People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri, the United People’s Liberation Army and the Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers factions. Under the peace accord, more than 1,000 armed cadres have abjured violence and joined the mainstream. The agreement provides for their rehabilitation

2) Under the agreement, the Assam government will set up a Karbi Welfare Council for focused development of Karbi people living outside the KAAC area. The Consolidated Fund of the State will be augmented to supplement the resources of KAAC. “Overall, the present settlement proposes to give more legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers to KAAC,”

3) The State government would consider favourably the proposal to notify Karbi as the official language of KAAC, said Assam Chief Minister. English, Hindi and Assamese would continue to be used for official purposes. Under the agreement, the hill tribes would be entitled to reservation.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

7)Consider following with reference to Jawadu Hills :

1) Jawadhu Hills in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts.

2) We expect northern districts and Western Ghats to get better rains during the first fortnight of September.”

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

8)Consider following with reference to Madumalai Tiger Reserve ( MTR ) :

1) MoEF on December 13, 2019 declared an area of 438.904 sq.km, around the boundary of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), as Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Eco-sensitive Zone.

2) Gazette notification stated that 321 sq.km., comprising the entire area of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, in Nilgiris district had been declared as MTR (core or critical tiger habitat) apart from another 367.586 sq.km. as a buffer area.

3) Considering the rich diversity of flora and fauna in MTR and the existence of rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species, the MoEF had decided to declare 438.904 sq.km. (consisting of 25.657 sq.km in Gudalur forest division, 409.825 sq.km., in Nilgiris North forest division and 3.422 sq.km., in core area) around the reserve as eco-sensitive zone.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

9)Consider following with reference to Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana :

To destroy this stubble many farmers find burning the residue the most effective and cheap method as they want to prepare their fields for the next winter crop. The short time-window between paddy harvesting and sowing the wheat crop — just about three weeks — is one of the primary reasons why farmers resort to stubble burning.

Despite the ban on stubble burning and action against those burning crop residue under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, farmers continue to resort to the practice, claiming lack of alternatives.

1) In Punjab and Haryana, paddy harvesting is usually done between the second half of September till the end of October. The sowing of wheat crop normally starts from the first week of November and continues for over a month and a half.

2) Punjab Pollution Control Board said the whole idea behind promoting ex-situ management is to present ‘paddy straw’ to the industry and the farmers as a resource that creates value and wealth.

3) Paddy straw has to be established as fuel resource or product before the industry. We have 5-6 industries in Punjab, which consume around 3 lakh tonnes of paddy straw as fuel. We are hopeful that after the new incentives, more industries will start using paddy straw as fuel for boilers. Already a few industries have shown interest and we are expecting the consumption of paddy straw as fuel will rise to 5 lakh tonnes this season,

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

10)Consider following with reference to Central Vista :

1) The revamp of the Central Vista, which stretches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, is expected to be in full swing in 2023, when India is set to host the G-20 summit for world leaders.

2) The construction of the new Parliament building and redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue could be completed ahead of schedule, while the project to construct the first three of the 10 proposed Secretariat buildings has run into delays at the tendering stage

3) The ₹3,463-crore project includes construction and five-year maintenance contract for three CCS buildings to be made on the site of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, which has been shifted to a temporary location at the erstwhile Janpath Hotel.

4) The Central Vista project includes the construction of a new residence for the Vice-President, for which the CPWD has invited bids, and a new residence and office for the Prime Minister, which are yet to be finalised

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

11)Consider following with reference to IUCN :

The IUCN on Saturday officially launched its “green status” — the first global standard for assessing species recovery and measuring conservation impacts. “It makes the invisible work of conservation visible,

1) Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which are found only in the World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park (Indonesia) and neighbouring Flores, were listed as “endangered”.

2) Habitat loss, overexploitation and illegal trade have hammered global wildlife populations for decades, and climate change is now kicking in as a direct threat as well, the IUCN reported.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

12)Consider following with reference to Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) law of 2013 :

1) As per the PoSH law guidelines, firms are required to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to inquire into complaints .

2) As per the extant law, bonus dues are barred only in case of employees dismissed for fraud, violent conduct and theft or sabotage.

3) The Code on Wages lays down norms for annual bonus dues that accrue to employees, replacing the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. The new Code, expected to become operational once the government notifies the rules, includes ‘conviction for sexual harassment’ as a ground for denying bonus payouts to employees.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

13)Consider following with reference to Production – Linked Incentive (PLI) :

1) The government is set to extend the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, medical devices and electronics announced under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat package to six more sectors,

2) PLI will soon become valid for ‘nine to 10’ sectors from four at present, and this is meant to incentivise investors already in the country to put up globally comparable capacities in scale and competitiveness

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

14)Consider following with reference to Gudalur Forest Division (Tamil Nadu ) :

In Gudalur, the landscape is such that boundaries between human settlements and forests are not well-defined. Moreover, wildlife presence outside the forests is also extremely high, meaning people have more interactions with wildlife

1) the Gudalur forest division has emerged as one of the most difficult landscapes to manage in the Nilgiris in terms of preventing wildlife crimes, Forest Department officials

2) Contiguous with Nilambur and Wayanad (both in Kerala), and used by elephants to make their way to the Mukurthi National Park from the Sigur plateau, the division is surrounded by districts that are known to be awash with both legal and illegal firearms, says a conservationist familiar with the landscape.

3) It is suspected that the motive for the shooting of the elephant and the leopard could be in retaliation to the problematic interactions, such as crop-raiding or cattle lifting.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

15)Consider following with reference to ‘Sponge Cities’ :

Urban floods of this scale cannot be contained by the municipal authorities alone. Nor can they be dealt with by the State government. They cannot be managed without concerted and focused investments of energy and resources. Such investments can only be done in a mission mode organisation with active participation of civil society organisations at the metropolitan scale. In Hyderabad, this can be done by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, but all metropolitan areas have similar organisations with constitutional mandates via the metropolitan planning committee

1) The idea of a sponge city is to make cities more permeable so as to hold and use the water which falls upon it. Sponge cities absorb the rain water, which is then naturally filtered by the soil and allowed to reach urban aquifers. This allows for the extraction of water from the ground through urban or peri-urban wells. This water can be treated easily and used for city water supply. In built form, this implies contiguous open green spaces, interconnected waterways, and channels and ponds across neighbourhoods that can naturally detain and filter water.,

2) It implies support for urban ecosystems, bio-diversity and newer cultural and recreational opportunities

3) These can all be delivered effectively through an urban mission along the lines of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) and Smart Cities Mission. On a top priority, such a mission should address the following.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

16)Consider following with reference to USA Electoral College (President Elections,2020) :

1) First-past-the-post is a ‘plurality’ voting system where the candidate winning the most votes in a constituency is elected. While a ‘constituency’ means a Lok Sabha constituency in the general election in India, it is mostly a State in the U.S. presidential election.

2)In 48 States and DC, the candidate winning most votes in a State receives all of that State’s electors; Nebraska and Maine are further divided in congressional districts.

3) The U.S. ‘Electoral College’ has 538 electors, where an absolute majority of at least 270 electoral votes is required to win the election. Each State gets two electoral votes for its two U.S. Senators, and one more vote for each of its members in the House of Representatives. California has the maximum electors (55), while Alaska has only three electoral votes. And the Twenty-third Amendment, ratified in 1961, grants the District of Columbia the same number of electors as the least populous State.

4) Consequently, individual citizens in less populated States have proportionately more voting power than those in more populous States. Dividing the estimated population of the U.S. in 2019, obtained by the U.S. Census Bureau, i.e. 328,239,523, by the total electoral votes (i.e. 538), one electoral vote corresponds to every 610,111 people, on an average.

5) However, remarkable variation exists between the States. Florida and Wyoming (with 29 and 3 electoral votes, and population figures of 21,477,737 and 578,759, respectively) have 740,612 and 192,920 people per electoral vote, respectively. Thus, while an average person of Florida has 82.4% clout of an average American in the Electoral College, an average person of Wyoming has 316.3%.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

17)Consider following with reference to ‘Swing States’ in USA President election results (2020) :

1) It is widely observed that most of the States in the U.S. have voted for the same party, the Republicans or the Democrats, in the most recent elections. However, some States occasionally ‘swing’ from one party to another..

2) Thus, the key election strategy is to fix the campaign plan accordingly. For obvious reasons, there is not much point of desperate campaigning in States heavily inclined towards favouring either party.

3) The list of ‘swing States’ certainly changes over time. In 2020, States such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Iowa feature prominently in this list. However, Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa were not among the most competitive States according to a pre-election analysis of 2016

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

18)Consider following with reference to North-East Monsoon (2020) :

1) The southwest monsoon’s withdrawal heralds the advent of north-easterly winds that bring in the northeast monsoon to parts of peninsular Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

2) While significant to the agriculture there, the northeast monsoon contributes 10%-12% of India’s annual rainfall, against the southwest monsoon’s 75%-80%.

3) That, and its limited geographic spread has meant that the northeast monsoon is not showered with as much research attention. However, studies show that northeast monsoon rainfall displays significant variation and climate models are fairly inaccurate in their forecasts of its unfolding over the subcontinent

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

19)Consider following with reference to South-West Monsson and LPA (2020) :

The southwest monsoon 2020 has officially drawn to an end with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declaring a withdrawal of the associated winds and rainfall pattern from India on Wednesday. The over 8% surplus this year has surpassed the IMD’s estimates. For the first time since 2010, India got more than 100% of its long period average (LPA) of 88 cm in consecutive years. In 2019 year, the country saw record rainfall of 110% of the LPA, the highest in a quarter century

1) India has never got over 105% of the LPA in consecutive years in at least 30 years, according to records available since 1988 on the IMD website. Meteorologists often speak of two or three decade ‘epochs’ of rainfall variation. Since 2000, India was in a low patch with several drought years and had barely a handful of above normal or excess rainfall. In that light, the two years of a munificent monsoon could signal a possible return to a rainy epoch. While it could mean more rain, it also implies floods, overflowing dams, landslides and loss of lives.

2) Moreover, surplus rains are not evenly distributed in time and space. Therefore, much like there are attempts to improve flood forecast warnings — especially the short-term ones — there ought to be commensurate efforts by authorities and infrastructure agencies to prepare for the environmental and ecological impact of excess rain.

3) In 2020 year the IMD undertook a long-due revision of the onset and withdrawal dates of the monsoon in India. By this reckoning, the monsoon’s normal withdrawal date was October 15. Historically, this has always been a statistical average and the actual withdrawal is usually within a few days of this. However, this year the withdrawal has been extremely delayed

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

20)Consider following with reference to Aegean Sea :

1) The Aegean Sea is an elongated embayment of the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Asia. It is located between the Balkans and Anatolia

2) Fourteen people were killed in Turkey and Greece after a strong earthquake struck the Aegean Sea on 30.10.2020, bringing buildings crashing down and setting off tidal waves which slammed into coastal areas and islands.

3) People ran onto streets in panic in the Turkish city of Izmir

4) In Greek island of Samos also walls collapsed

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

21)Consider following with reference to China (2020 ) 14^th Five Year Plan :

1) China’s ruling Communist Party concluded a key annual conclave outlining new long-term targets for boosting innovation and military strength, eyeing what it called “an important strategic period” for fulfilling its ambitions at home and abroad.

2) A lengthy communique issued in Beijing followed the four-day plenum of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Central Committee, which ended in October,2020, announced three goals to be achieved by 2025, 2027 and 2035 — a 14th five-year plan (2021-2025)

3) It emphasised boosting domestic consumption and innovation, a national security and defence modernisation plan ahead of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) centennial in 2027, and a ‘Vision 2035’ longer-term economic blueprint that calls for “big leaps” in economic strength and technological prowess

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

22)Consider following with reference to 15^th Finance Commission :

The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted on November 27, 2017, against the backdrop of the abolition of the Planning Commission and the distinction between Plan and non-Plan expenditure, and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

1) Three years after it was constituted, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has finalised its report for fund devolution from the Centre to States for the five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.(October,2020 news)

2) Although its original remit was to recommend the fund-sharing formula between the Centre and States from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the commission’s term was extended by 11 months. In 2019 year, the government had requested the Commission to submit an initial report just for the year 2020-21.

3) That report had pared the States’ share of the divisible tax pool from 42%, as recommended by the Fourteenth Finance Commission, to 41%, citing the creation of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

23)Consider following with reference to Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tirunelveli district (Tamil Nadu ) :

1) KMTR was declared a tiger reserve in 1988, the first in Tamil Nadu. It has been identified as a Type-I tiger conservation unit representing the tropical moist evergreen forests. It also forms part of the inter-State Agasthiyarmalai Biosphere Reserve, declared one of the plant diversity centres by UNESCO.

2) It was also declared the Regional Centre of Endemism in the Indian subcontinent. There are 2,255 species of Angiosperms so far recorded from the KMTR, including 448 species endemic to the Western Ghats, in addition to 150 species that are strictly endemic to the Agasthiyarmalai,

3) One has to cross the Papanasam checkpoint and reach the Mundanthurai plateau and thereon travel to Servalar and the Karaiyar dam inside the core.

4) The 30-km ‘katcha’ road connecting the border with Kerala through the dense jungle would usually be maintained to ensure the movement of the vehicles of KMTR officials to reach the spots within the shortest possible time.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

24)Consider following with reference to Roshni Act :

The J&K government in October,2020 decided to declare all the actions taken under the Jammu and Kashmir State Land (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) Act, 2001, also known as the Roshni Act, under which 20 lakh kanals of land was to be transferred to existing occupants, as “null and void”, and has decided to retrieve the land within six months.

1) The J&K government has decided to implement the High Court order, where it declared the Jammu and Kashmir State Land (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) Act, 2001 as amended from time to time as unconstitutional, contrary to law and unsustainable

2) The Roshni Act, enacted during Farooq Abdullah’s regime, aimed at earning ₹25,000 crore by transferring 20 lakh kanals of State land to existing occupants against payment at market rates

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

25)Consider following with reference to Seaplane Service : (November,2020 news)

1) The country’s first seaplane service between the Statue of Unity near Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat and the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad

2) Mr. Modi had undertaken a similar ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi dam in Mehsana while campaigning for the Gujarat election in 2017.

3) The 19-seater seaplane will be used for flights between the two points as part of the regional connectivity scheme. Initially, the plane will make four trips a day.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

26)Consider following with reference to e-resource centre, at Nagpur :

1) first ever e-resource centre and virtual court for traffic and transport to enable speedy justice for litigants, called ‘Nyay Kaushal’, at Nagpur.

2) The e-resource Centre at Nagpur is meant to be a step at mitigating various inequalities, being connected to the Supreme Court, the High Courts and the Taluka Courts.”

3) The centre will provide the easiest way of filing court matters by utilising technology. It will provide benefits in saving time, avoidance of exertion, travelling long distances, and a saving in costs. The virtual court can deal with all traffic challan cases from every corner of Maharashtra online. It will be possible for the litigants to pay the fine and get the traffic challan case disposed of with the click of a button. The virtual court will be working from Katol in Nagpur district.

4) Delhi was the first to start virtual traffic courts across India, with almost 27,00,000 challans received by the virtual courts, and ₹19.8 crore collected by the government online.”

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

27)Consider following with reference to 007 :

1) Sean Connery, the charismatic Scottish actor rose to international superstardom as the suave and fearless secret agent James Bond and then abandoned the role to carve out an Oscar-winning career in other rugged roles.

2) Connery continued as Bond in From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever, often performing his own stunts. Diamonds Are Forever came out in 1971 and by then Connery had grown weary of playing 007 and feared he wasn’t being taken seriously despite his dramatic performances in Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie and Sidney Lumet’s The Hill.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

28)Consider following with reference to Nagorno-Karabakh :

1) Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan

2) But has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a war there ended in 1994

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

29)Consider following with reference to D614G mutation :

1) When the virus enters an individual’s body, it aims at creating copies of itself. When it makes an error in this copying process, we get a mutation.

2) In this case, the virus replaced the aspartic acid (D) in the 614th position of the amino acid with glycine (G). Hence the mutation is called the D614G. This mutated form of the virus was first identified in China and then in Europe. Later it spread to other countries like the U.S. and Canada and was eventually reported in India.

3) The D614G mutation is situated in the spike protein of the virus

4) In simple words, this particular mutation aids the virus in attaching more efficiently with the ACE2 receptor in the human host, thereby making it more successful in entering a human body than its predecessors

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

30)Consider following with reference to USA Geography :

1) States in the east coast region — New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island,

2) in the mid-west (like Illinois), the south (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware),

3) west coast (California, Oregon, Washington State),

4) mountainous west (Colorado, New Mexico),

5) Hawaii in the Pacific Island,

6) States in the deep south and the south — Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina; Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah in the mountainous west, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana in the mid-west,

7) Alaska in the Pacific.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

31)Consider following with reference to USA and India agreements :

On October 27,2020 India and the U.S. signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) during the third 2+2 dialogue of defence and foreign ministers of the two countries. BECA is the fourth and the last of the foundational agreements that both countries have concluded,

1) starting with GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement) in 2002,.

2) LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) in 2016,

3) COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018

4) The BECA enables exchange of geospatial information. Akin to a GPS that enables navigation, such exchange of geospatial information enhances the accuracy of a missile or the utility of a drone.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

32)Consider following with reference to Nipah virus :

1) According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the zoonotic illness is “transmitted to people from animals,

2) It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person-to-person.”

3)In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

33)Consider following with reference to Article 100 :

1) Bills are certified as Money Bills to bypass the Rajya Sabha even where they do not meet the specific description of Money Bills provided under Article 110

2). This Article identifies seven areas that can be governed through the enactment of Money Bills, including the imposition of tax, the regulation of borrowing and appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

3) Even when the result through voice votes are unclear, the exact number of “ayes” and “nays” are not always counted, suggesting that Bills may be passed without securing the majority vote required under Article 100. This issue arose most recently when the controversial farm laws were reportedly rushed and passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha despite objections by Opposition members.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

34)Consider following with reference to NMP :

1) The government’s announcement of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), a scheme to transfer the rights to operate public infrastructure for a fixed period, has received attention in the media.

2) Hopefully, in the skirmish over the details of the scheme, not to mention the partisan allegations flying around, the fact of the severe infrastructure deficit that India faces, and the imperative to address it, will not get overlooked. We need infrastructure not only to speed up growth in a slackened economy but also to lead a dignified life, even after we have seen off the COVID-19 pandemic

3) The important consideration in an evaluation of the NMP would be the volume of funds expected to be generated. The government has announced an indicative value of ₹6 lakh crore accruing over four years. This is extraordinarily low in relation to two comparators. First, it is only 10% higher than the budgeted capital expenditure of the Government of India actually for 2021-22. Next, see it in relation to the figure of ₹100 lakh crore estimated as the infrastructural investment India needs.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

35)Consider following with reference to Panjshir valley :

1) Few in Panjshir, a rugged valley north of Kabul that held out for nearly a decade against the Soviet Union’s occupation

2) It is also the Taliban’s first rule from 1996-2001, seem to trust their promises.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

36)Consider following with reference to Guinea :

1) Guinea — one of the world’s poorest countries despite boasting significant mineral resources — has long been beset by political instability.

2) impoverished west African nation

3) Capital : Konacry

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

37)Consider following with reference to Platform work :

1) The Code on Social Security Bill, 2020, for the first time in Indian law, attempted to define ‘platform work’ outside of the traditional employment category..

2) It says: “Platform work means a work arrangement outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship in which organisations or individuals use an online platform to access other organisations or individuals to solve specific problems or to provide specific services or any such other activities which may be notified by the Central Government, in exchange for payment

3) While the long overdue move to recognise platform work has been made, the Code has drawn criticism from platform workers’ associations for failing to delineate it from gig work and unorganised work. A categorical clarification could ensure that social security measures are provided to workers without compromising the touted qualities of platform work: flexibility and a sense of ownership

4) Platform workers were responsible for delivery of essential services during the pandemic at great personal risk to themselves. They have also been responsible for keeping platform companies afloat despite the pandemic-induced financial crisis.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

38)Consider following with reference to National Investment Pipeline (NIP) :

1) NIP is a part of the Government of India’s initiative to provide world class infrastructure to its citizens and enhance the ease of living .

2) NIP was launched with 6,835 projects , which is now expanded to more than 7,300 projects

3) Ministries were also asked to update the National Infrastructure Pipeline dashboard regularly to allow seamless online monitoring.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

39)Consider following with reference to border districts of Gujarat, sharing borders with Pakistan

1) Kutch (Dhordo village )

2) Banaskantha

3) Patan

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

40)Consider following with reference to AIPA :

The year 2021 would mark the beginning of implementation of the Paris Agreement and constitution of AIPA is central to strengthening the national systems and institutional arrangements for implementation and monitoring of climate actions. It will also ensure that India maintains its climate leadership as one the few countries in the world whose climate actions are consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

1) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has constituted a high-level inter-ministerial Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA) under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoEFCC.

2) The purpose of AIPA is to generate a coordinated response on climate change matters that ensures India is on track towards meeting its obligations under the Paris Agreement including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

3) Another key function of AIPA would be to operate as a National Authority to regulate carbon markets in India under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, formulate guidelines for consideration of projects or activities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, issue guidelines on carbon pricing, market mechanism, and other similar instruments that have a bearing on climate change and NDCs.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

41)Consider following with reference to Millets :

1) Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals, and includes Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and other millets..

2) Millets are the cereal crops generally small-seeded and known for high nutritive value.

3) Increasing interest in reviving the consumption of millets across various countries is favoring the growth prospects of this product in recent years within the country and for exports as well

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

42)Consider following with reference to PM-KUSUM :

Ministry of New and Renewable (MNRE), after consultation with state governments, has decided to issue Guidelines for Implementation of Feeder Level Solarisation under Component-C of PM-KUSUM Scheme. The Scheme consists of three components..

1) The Component-A includes installation of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants,

2) Component-B includes installation of standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps

3) Component-C includes Solarisation of Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

43)Consider following with reference to Koilwar bridge :

1) It is the three lane 1.5 km long Koilwar bridge over Sone river in Bihar and inaugurated through Video Conferencing . A sum of Rs 266 crore has been spent on the bridge. The existing two lane bridge for both rail and road traffic is 138 years old.

2) A six-lane bridge is being made in its place, of which, a three-lane carriageway has been opened for public. After completion of the other carriageway, the traffic on NH-922 and NH-30 will ease substantially.

3) The bridge is major road for transport between Bihar and UP.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

44)Consider following with reference to Indo-Gangetic Plains :

Scientists have found that aerosols like black carbon and dust, which makes the Indo-Gangetic Plain one of the most polluted regions of the world, have led to increased incidents of high rainfall events in the foothills of the Himalayan Region.

1) The Indo-Gangetic Plainis located South and upwind of the Himalayan foothills.

2) The region is associated with high aerosol loading, much of which is black carbon and dust, and thus provides an opportunity for studying how aerosol affects extreme rainfall events, particularly when air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain technically called orographic forcing

3) The results of the study indicate that aerosols can play a vital role in exciting high precipitation (HP) events over the Himalayas during the monsoon season. Thus, aerosols, including chemistry, are essential to consider when forecasting HP events over the Himalayan region in regional modelling studies.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

45)Consider following with reference to mRNA vaccines :

1) The mRNA vaccines do not use the conventional model to produce immune response. Instead, mRNA vaccine carries the molecular instructions to make the protein in the body through a synthetic RNA of the virus..

2) The host body uses this to produce the viral protein that is recognized and thereby making the body mount an immune response against the disease. mRNA-based vaccines are scientifically the ideal choice to address a pandemic because of their rapid developmental timeline. The mRNA vaccine is considered safe as is non-infectious, non-integrating in nature, and degraded by standard cellular mechanisms. They are expected to be highly efficacious because of their inherent capability of being translatable into the protein structure inside the cell cytoplasm.

3) Additionally, mRNA vaccines are fully synthetic and do not require a host for growth, e.g., eggs or bacteria. Therefore, they can be quickly manufactured in an inexpensive manner under cGMP conditions to ensure their “availability” and “accessibility” for mass vaccination on a sustainable basis

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

46)Consider following with reference to Himagiri Project 17A :

1) Himgiri’, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched

2) Project 17A has upheld India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. P17A ships have been indigenously designed by Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship Design Group) – DND(SSG), and are being built at indigenous yards namely MDL and GRSE

3) P17A ships are the first gas turbine propulsion and largest combat platforms ever built at GRSE.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

47)Consider following with reference to Role of India Ocean Circulation (Barotropic wave) and its interactions with atmospheric circulations (MJO) :

1) Changes in sea level may be attributed either to barotropic (involving the entire water column) or baroclinic processes (governed by stratification).

2) It has been widely accepted that barotropic sea level changes in the tropics are insignificant at intraseasonal time scales (periods of 30–80 days).

3) The origin of this variability is linked to a small patch of wind over the Eastern Indian Ocean, associated with boreal winter Madden–Julian Oscillations (MJO). These large fluctuations are likely to play a prominent role in the intraseasonal sea level and mass budgets. Because of their much faster propagation than baroclinic processes, they allow the basin to adjust to climatic perturbations much more rapidly than was previously thought.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

48)Consider following with reference to E20 fuel :

1) adoption of E20 fuel, i.e, blend of 20% of ethanol with gasoline, as an automotive fuel and for the adoption of mass emission standards for this fuel

2) development of E20 compliant vehicles

3) It will also help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security.

4)The compatibility of the vehicle to the percentage of ethanol in the blend of ethanol and gasoline shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and the same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

49)Consider following with reference to Mission Purvodaya in Steel Sector :

1) ‘Mission Purvodaya’ in steel sector wherein he had stressed driving the growth of eastern India through creation of integrated steel hub and adding significantly to the country’s steel making capacity.

2) Both IISCO and Durgapur steel plants of SAIL have an important role to play in the development of the eastern region as well as the nation

3) SAIL’s IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) and Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) situated in Burnpur and Durgapur at West Bengal.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

50)Consider following with reference to PNG :

1) About 1644 of Industrial Units spread across 50 industrial areas in Delhi had been identified to switch over to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

2) Though sizeable number of Industries are using PNG, the Commission stressed the need to switch over to PNG by all identified Industries in Delhi considering the fact that industrial sector is one of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region

3) Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) were impressed upon to complete the pipeline network, metering and associated infrastructure.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

51)Consider following with reference to Article 51 A (h) of Constitution of India :

1) Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution which states that it is the duty of every citizen of India to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform, stressing how the solution to many problems of the modern world lie in science.

2) It deals with Fundamental Duties of citizens of India

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

52)Consider following with reference to advanced Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility :

1) The state-of-the-art HWT Test facility is pressure vacuum driven enclosed free jet facility having nozzle exit diameter of 1 meter and will simulate Mach No 5 to 12 (Mach represents the multiplication factor to the speed of sound).

2) After USA and Russia, India is the third country to have such a large facility in terms of size and operating capability.

3) It is an indigenous development and an outcome of synergistic partnership with Indian industries. The facility has the capability to simulate hypersonic flow over a wide spectrum and will play a major role in the realization of highly complex futuristic aerospace and defence systems.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

53)Consider following with reference to the well Asoknagar-1, Bengal Basin :

1) ONGC took a major step by commencing oil production from the well Asokenagar-1, Bengal Basin in 24 Paragana district.

2) The well Asoknagar-1 was completed as an oil producer under Early-Monetization Plan issued by Government of India. This makes ONGC having discovered and put to production seven out of the eight producing basins of India covering 83 percent of established oil & gas reserves. ONGC is India’s largest oil and gas producer contributing 72 percent of the country’s hydrocarbon production

3) The well Asokenagar-1 has heralded the end of painstaking search for hydrocarbons in the region by ONGC by sending its first hydrocarbon consignment produced during well testing to IOCL’s Haldia Oil Refinery done earlier on 5 November 2020.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

54)Consider following with reference to Consumer Protection Act,2019 :

1) The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 which has replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 were notified in July, 2020. The relevant Rules and Regulations, including the E-Commerce Rules, which specify the duties and obligations of sellers and e-commerce entities were also notified.

2) With the notification of rules, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class has become functional

3) In pursuance of Rule 8 of the Consumer Protection (Consumer disputes Redressal Commission) Rules, 2020, an online portal has been launched on September 7, 2020 for electronic filing of consumer cases in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

55)Consider following with reference to ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha :

1) MOPSW has recently successfully implemented one of such ferry routes by deploying RoPAX vessel ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha.

2) This ferry service has reduced the distance between Ghogha and Hazira from 370 Km to 90 Km and travel time from 10 to 12 hours to about 5 hours.

3) This will result in huge savings of fuel (approx. 9000 litres per day)

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

56)Consider following with reference to Dhokra products / style metal works :

1) Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal casting style which uses the lost-wax technique. This style of metal casting has been in vogue in all parts of India for centuries.

2) The dhokra products reflect the simplicity and motifs of tribal and folk life and make for excellent gifting options.

3) Hence they are popular both in India and abroad.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

57)Consider following with reference to CoWIN :

1) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) along with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the launching of “CoWIN”, a Grand Challenge for strengthening the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system, a digitalised platform to be used to effectively roll out and scale up the mechanism for COVID Vaccine Distribution System, nationally

2)National Health Authority, Aarogya Sethu, CSC, DigiLocker,UMANG ae partners of it .

3) Fastest tech platform globally

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

58)Consider following with reference to FIDF :

India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA.Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihood to millions of people. Export earnings from the Fisheries sector has been Rs.46,662.85 crores during 2019-20. The sector provides livelihood support to about 280 lakh people at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain and the annual average growth rate in the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last few years

1) The Union Government in its Budget 2018 has set aside Rs. 7,550crore for setting up of a dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The fund has the potential to benefit over 4 million marine and inland fishers especially women, SHGs, weaker sections, due to availability of modern infrastructure and added value of produce.

2) The Fund would be created in collaboration with NABARD, NCDC and Specified commercial banks. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will be the Nodal Implementing Agency for overall coordination of the FIDF activities. FIDF is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities to around 9.40 lakh persons in fishing and allied activities.

3) The fund would (i) fill the large infrastructure gaps in fisheries sector, (ii) create employment opportunity to the rural population in fishing and allied activities, (iii) contributes towards enhancement of fish production and productivity, (iv) offers manifold benefits and (v) fulfill the requirements of tapping the full fisheries potential and achieving the vision given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for doubling farmers’ income.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

59)Consider following with reference to DTH :

Approval is given for the proposal for revision of the guidelines for obtaining license for providing Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting service in India.

1) License for the DTH will be issued for a period of 20 years in place of present 10 years. Further the period of License may be renewed by 10 years at a time.

2) License fee has been revised from 10% of GR to 8% of AGR. AGR will be calculated by deduction of GST from GR.

3) DTH operators shall be permitted to operate .to a maximum of 5% of its total channel carrying capacity as permitted platform channels. A one-time non-refundable registration fee of Rs.10,000 per PS channel shall be charged from a DTH operator.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

60)Consider following with reference to Tso Kar Wetland Complex :

1) India has added Tso Kar Wetland Complex in Ladakh as its 42nd Ramsar site, which is a second one in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

2) The Tso Kar Basin is a high-altitude wetland complex, consisting of two principal waterbodies, Startsapuk Tso, a freshwater lake of about 438 hectares to the south, and Tso Kar itself, a hypersaline lake of 1800 hectares to the north, situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh, India. It is called Tso Kar, meaning white lake, because of the white salt efflorescence found on the margins due to the evaporation of highly saline water.

3) The Tso Kar Basin is an A1 Category Important Bird Area (IBA) as per Bird Life International and a key staging site in the Central Asian Flyway. The site is also one of the most important breeding areas of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India. This IBA is also the major breeding area for Great Crested Grebe (Podicepscristatus), Bar-headed Geese (Anserindicus), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadornaferruginea), Brown-headed Gull (Larusbrunnicephalus), Lesser Sand-Plover (Charadriusmongolus) and many other species.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

61)Consider following with reference to Ramsar List and Wetlands :

1)The aim of the Ramsar list is “to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits”.

2) Wetlands provide a wide range of important resources and ecosystem services such as food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood moderation, erosion control and climate regulation.

3) Wetlands are, in fact a major source of water and our main supply of freshwater comes from an array of wetlands which help soak rainfall and recharge groundwater.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

62)Consider following with reference to 13 Water – quality parameters under Jal Jeevan Mission :

Water quality testing is one of the priority areas under Jal Jeevan Mission, the flagship programme of Union Government. The aim of the innovation challenge is to ensure that water sources are tested at various locations, at different levels; thereby, helping the policy framers to design programs which address the water contamination issues.

1)pH value 6.5 to 8.5 ; TDS : 500 mg/litre ; Turbidity – 1 NTU ; Chloride 250 mg/ltr

2)Total alkalinity 200 mg/ltr ; Total hardness 200 mg/ltr ; Sulphate 200 mg/ltr

3) Iron 1.0 mg/ltr ; Total arsenic 0.01 mg / ltr ; Fluoride 1.0 mg/ltr ; Nitrate 45 mg/ltr

4)Total coliform bacteria & E.coli or thermotolerant coliform bacteria – Not detectable in

Any 100 ml sample

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

63)Consider following with reference to Jammu-Kashmir Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT Scheme :

1) everybody in the state gets free treatment of Rs. 5 lakhs under this scheme,

2) after the SEHAT scheme, the same benefit will be available to about 21 lakh families.

3) There are more than 24,000 hospitals across the country where you will be able to get treatment under the SEHAT scheme.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

64)Consider following with reference to NMPB :

In the first phase NMPB consortia proposed for medicinal plant species

1) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Pippali (Piper longum),

2) Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), Guggulu (Commiphora wightii),

3) Satavari (Asparagus racemosus).

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

65)Consider following with reference to program BEAMS(Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services). :

1) The introduction of BEAMS program in 10 coastal states have resulted into international level of cleanliness at beaches with over 500 tonnes of solid waste collected, recycled and scientifically disposed at these beaches reducing the menace of marine litter by over 78% and marine plastic by over 83%.

2) Approximately 11000 KL of water was saved by recycling & reuse with BEAMS program, which has resulted into an increase in footfall at these beaches by over 85% cumulative.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

66)Consider following with reference to the beaches where the International Blue Flags were hoisted are:

1) Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat),

2) Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh),

3) Golden (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

4)The Flags were also simultaneously hoisted on these beaches physically by state ministers and senior officials of the respective state and Union territories.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

67)Consider following with reference to Tribes in India :

1) Patelia tribe from Madhya Pradesh

2) Vasava tribes of Gujarat

3) Kharwar and Oraon tribes of Jharkhand; AdimJanjati tribes and Lohra tribes of Jharkhand.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

68)Consider following :

Government is focussing on the five wheels

1) highways,

2) railways, airways,

3) waterways and i-ways

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

69)Consider following with reference to electoral bearer bonds :

1) Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person (as defined in item No. 2 (d) of Gazette Notification), who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.

2) Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.

3) The Electoral Bonds shall be encashed by an eligible Political Party only through a Bank account with the Authorised Bank

4) The State Bank of India (SBI), in the XV Phase of sale, has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorised Branches (as per list enclosed) w.e.f. 01.01.2021 to 10.01.2021.

5) The Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of issue and no payment shall be made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period. The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account shall be credited on the same day.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

70)Consider following with reference to Ramayan Cruise Tour :

1) Ramayan Cruise Tour’ on the Saryu river in Ayodhya will be launched . Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways chaired a review meeting for the implementation of cruise service.

2) It will be the first-ever luxury Cruise service on the Saryu river (Ghagra/National Waterways-40) in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

3) It aims to give mesmerizing experience to devotees with one-of-its-kind spiritual journeys while cruising through the famous ghats of the holy river Saryu.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

71)Consider following with reference to Willingdon island :

1) Cochin is a major port in India, and Willingdon Island is a landmark.

The Island is connected to the mainland by Venduruthy Bridge, which has road and railway links. There are two railway stations on the Island – the Mattancherry Halt and the Cochin Harbour Terminus.

3) The headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is located on the island

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

72)Consider following with reference to Sagarmala Programme :

1) The vision of the Programme is to reduce logistics cost of EXIM and domestic trade with minimal infrastructure investment.

2) This includes reducing the cost of transporting domestic cargo; lowering logistical cost of bulk commodities by locating future industrial capacities near the coast; improving export competitiveness by developing port proximate discrete manufacturing clusters, etc.

3) The Sagarmala programme has identified 504 projects under four pillars – 211 port modernization projects, 199 port connectivity projects, 32 port-led industrialization projects and 62 coastal community development projects which can unlock the opportunities for port-led development and are expected to mobilize more than Rs. 3.57 Lac Cr of infrastructure investmen

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

73)Consider following with reference to peaceful users of outer space :

1) remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellitebased navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.

2) remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

74)Consider following with reference to Ayushman Bharat :

Ayushman Bharat comprises of two component

The first component pertains to creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) by upgrading the Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and rural and urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs), in both urban and rural areas, which will bring health care closer to the community.

2) The second component is the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

75)Consider following with reference to eSanjeevani :

1) The National Telemedicine Service “eSanjeevani” is a digital health initiative of the Ministry supports two types of teleconsultation services-Doctor-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani) and Patient-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani OPD) Tele-consultations.

2)eSanjeevani was rolled out in November 2019 as an important component of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWCs) programme

3) It aims to implement tele-consultation in all the 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres in a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model, by December 2022. NHM in States identify and set up dedicated ‘Hubs’ in Medical Colleges and District hospitals to enable tele-consultations services to ‘Spokes’, set up at SHCs and PHCs.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

76)Consider following with reference to RTM & GTAM :

1) Two new products in Power Exchange were launched – Real Time Market (RTM) and Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM).

2) RTM was launched from 01.06.2020 enabling Discoms and other buyers to procure power nearer to delivery time.

3) GTAM was launched from 21.08.2020 enabling procurement of renewable power from the Power Exchanges.

4)The introduction of Green Markets on the Power Exchanges will facilitate achievement of green energy targets in a most efficient and cost optimized manner

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

77)Consider following with reference to Kasturi Cotton India :

1) Branding of Indian cotton was initiated by Ministry of Textiles for the first time at national level for quality consciousness and building image of Indian cotton at Global level.

2) In this endeavor, Brand name and logo for Indian cotton was launched on 7^th October 2020 on the occasion of World Cotton Day as “KASTURI COTTON INDIA” to attain the objective of making India Atmanirbhar and vocal for local in the field of cotton.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

78)Consider following with reference to Coal Bed Methane(CBM) :

1) It means a natural gas trapped in a coal seam. Coal bed Methane (CBM), an unconventional source of natural gas is now considered as an alternative source for augmenting India’s energy resource

2) India has the fifth largest proven coal reserves in the world and thus holds significant prospects for exploration and exploitation of CBM.

3) In order to harness CBM potential in the country, Government has undertaken several initiatives including the CBM policy.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

79)Consider following with reference to Surface Coal Gasification :

1) India has a reserve of 289 Billion tonnes of non-coking coal and about 80% of coal produced is used in thermal power plants. Coal gasification is considered as cleaner option as compared to burning of coal and utilises the chemical properties of coal.

2) Syn Gas produced from Coal gasification can be utilised in producing Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), energy fuel (methanol & ethanol), production of urea for fertilisers and production of Chemicals such as Acetic Acid, Methyl Acetate, Acetic Anhydride, DME, Ethylene and Propylene, Oxo chemicals and Poly Olefins.

3) These products will help in import substitution and help the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

80)Consider following with reference to One District One Product ( ODOP ) :

1) The Hon’ble PM’s clarion call of ‘Atmanirbhar’ to the nation in his address on the 74^thIndependence Day – August 15, 2020 explicitly emphasized that we as a nation must move on the path of value addition to our natural as well as human resources. DPIIT is working on the initiative of One District One Product to take this vision forward

2) OODP has been envisaged to be a transformational step forward realizing the true potential of a district, fuel economic growth and generate employment and rural entrepreneurship.

3) ODOP has already been implemented in some of the States (for example, UP). By scaling it up as a national movement, we can look at creating a pool of 739 products from 739 districts in India that can be regulated.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

81)Consider following with reference to S.Q.A.A.F :

1) School Quality Assessment and AssuranceFramework (S.Q.A.A.F) , which was operationalized .

2) It would address the deficiency of the absence of a common scientific framework for dimensions like curricula, pedagogy, assessment, infrastructure, inclusive practices and governance process.

3) SQAAF will help in bridging this inequality.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

82)Consider following with reference to N-DEAR :

1) National Digital Architecture i.e. N-DEAR is likely to play a major role in eradicating inequality in education and its modernization.

2) N-DEAR will act as a ‘super-connect’ between various academic activities in the same way as UPI interface revolutionized the banking sector.

3) The country is making technology like Talking Books and Audiobooks a part of education.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

83)Consider following with reference to Vidyanjali 2.0 :

1) ‘Vidyanjali 2.0’ is like a platform for the country’s resolve of ‘Sabka Prayas’ with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’

2) In this society, our private sector has to come forward and contribute to increasing the quality of education in government schools.

3) Vidyanjali portal (for facilitating education volunteers/ donors/ CSR contributors for school development).

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

84)Consider following with reference to Manasarovar Yatra Route :

1) The ongoing work on the Ghatibagarh-Lipulekh as part of the MansarovarYatra Route was affected due to COVID-19 lockdown. Required permission was obtained from the State Govt to recommence the work as it is critical to complete formation cutting before the monsoons.

2) Resources were mobilised and concentrated efforts to undertake formation cutting works was undertaken. This achieved initial connectivity of the road on 17 Apr 2020.

3) Link road to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (such road connected Kailash Mansarovar route to Lipulekh pass) was inaugurated on 08 May 2020.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

85)Consider following with reference to Passes and Roads in Mountains :

1)Razdhan Pass : Bandipur – Gurez Road

2) Zojila Pass : Srinagar – Leh Road

3) Rohtang Pass : Manali – Leh Road

4) Rimkhim Pass : Suman – Rimkhim Road

5)Niti Pass : Kurkuti – Niti Road

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

86)Consider following with reference to ASIIM :

ASIIM through the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCFSC).

1). Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission (ASIIM)

2) It’s objectives include: To promote entrepreneurship among the SC Youth with special preference to Divyangs; To support (1,000) innovative ideas till 2024 through a synergetic work with the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by Department of Science and Technology; to support, promote, hand-hold the start-up ideas till they reach commercial stage by providing liberal equity support; and To incentivise students with innovative mind-set to take to entrepreneurship with confidence

3) This initiative under VCF-SC will promote innovation in the SC youth and would help them to become job-givers from job-seekers; and would further give fillip to the ‘Stand Up India’ initiative of the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

87)Consider following with reference to NashaMukt Bharat (2020-21) :

1) NashaMukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-21) for 272 Most Affected Districts’ was e-launched by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on the occasion of “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

2) NashaMukt Bharat Annual Action Plan for 2020-21 would focus on 272 most affected districts and launch a three-pronged attack combining efforts of Narcotics Bureau, Outreach/Awareness by Social Justice and Treatment through the Health Dept..

3) The Action Plan has the following components: Awareness generation programmes; Focus on Higher Educational institutions, University Campuses and Schools; Community outreach and identification of dependent population; Focus on Treatment facilities in Hospital settings; and Capacity Building Programmes for Service Provider

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

88)Consider following with reference to Geographical Indication (GI) :

1) The Geographical Indication, which has been recognized by the World Trade Organization, is used to denote the geographical territory from where a product, be it an agricultural produce, natural product or manufactured, and also conveys assurance of qualities or attributes that are unique to that specific geographic region.

2) India became a signatory to this convention, when, as a member of the WTO, it enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection Act), 1999, which came into effect from September 15, 2003.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

89)Consider following pairs :

1) Aarogya Setu: contact tracing app, has been downloaded 16.71 crore times (Android, iOS and KaiOS) and has successfully predicted a large number of potential COVID-19 hotspots.

2) DigiLocker: the digital platform for issuance and verification of documents issued by Government and private departments, achieved 5.19 crore registered users; over 426 crore documents have been issued from 722 Issuer organisations.

3) UMANG : a mobile app (Android, iOS and KaiOS), is a unified platform aggregating major govt services (center, state and local bodies); 2084 services are available and the app is integrated with Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Payment Gateway etc.

4) Jeevan Pramaan : a biometric-enabled digital service for pensioners to submit their Digital Life Certificates (DLC) online, processed 4.31 crore DLCs till November 2020.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

90)Consider following with reference to 1000 Springs Inititive :

The ‘1000 Springs Initiative’ is a unique project of Springs Rejuvenation which aims at improving access to safe and adequate water for the tribal communities living in difficult and inaccessible part of rural areas in India.

1) It is an integrated solution around natural springs. It includes provision of infrastructure for piped water supply for drinking; provision of water for irrigation; community-led total sanitation initiatives; and provision for water for backyard nutrition gardens, generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the tribal people..

2) It is hoped that the learning and suggestions coming out of the consultation will be used for further expansion of the project

3) online portal on GIS-based Spring Atlas with hydrological and chemical properties of the Springs is available

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

91)Consider following with reference to Ice Stupas in Ladakh :

Ladakh is characterised by distinct geographical and climatic features. It is known as a cold desert. With reducing precipitation, increasing average temperatures, and reduced glaciers to water the villages , some Himalayan villages are now slowly turning into ghost towns with abandoned but habitable houses and wasted agricultural land. This gives rise to three major modern issues of Ladakh relating to water scarcity, low indoor temperatures in buildings, and a shift from the original agrarian-based economy resulting into youth migration.

1) A unique way to solve water problems and livelihood problems through Action Research project in Ladakh has been initiated with SECMOL, Ladakh. 26 Ice stupas were built by Villagers and on an average 3 lakh liter water was stored in each such stupa for the winter season of 2019-20.

2) Through this project, anticipating villagers were able to conserve about 75 lakh litres of water during winters and eco-tourism activities like “1^st Ladakh Ice Climbing Festival” gave opportunity to the local youth to be indulged in eco-entrepreneurial ventures.

3) It will help in rrehabilitation of abandoned villages and can change economy of the village by solving water problem, plantation of trees and irrigation. The stupas are source of tourist attraction and plantation of trees through community participation and engaging local in Home Stay project will help in their economic upliftment. In 2 years,Ice Stupas would be established in 50 villages for drinking water and water irrigation required for agriculture and would go a long way in changing economy of the area.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

92)Consider following with reference to Bharat Parv :

1) “Bharat Parv” is organized at the Gyan Path and Red Fort Ground, Delhi from 26^th to 31^st January 2020, as a part of the Republic Day Celebrations.

2) The theme of the Bharat Parv was ‘150 Years of Mahatma’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’.

3) The main attractions during Bharat Parv 2020 included display of Republic Day tableaux, performance by Armed Forces Band, pavilion by State Governments/UTs and the line Ministries, food stalls, cultural performances, handicraft and handloom stalls, etc.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

93)Consider following with reference to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) in collaboration with private sector which will boost “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. :

1) It is a historic decision to open up India’s Space sector for participation by private players. He said,

2) The decision to create Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will provide a level playing field for private companies as well as Start-Ups.

3) The proposed range of space activities includes Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, Geospatial services, Satellite Constellation, Application products, etc,

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

94)Consider following with reference to Indian Antarctic expeditions :

The 40th expedition journey will be flagged off from Goa on January 5, 2021, with 43 members onboard. The chartered ice-class vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin will make this journey and will reach Antarctica in 30 days. After leaving behind a team of 40 members, it would return to India in April 2021. On return, it will also bring back the winter team of the preceding trip.

1) The Indian Antarctic expeditions began in 1981. The first trip comprised of a team of 21 scientists and support staff led by Dr. S.Z. Qasim.

2) After a humble beginning, the Indian Antarctic programme has now credited to have built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica—named Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati.

3) As of today, India has two operational research stations in Antarctica named Maitri and Bharati. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, manages the entire Indian Antarctic program.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

95)Consider following with reference to Construction & Demolition (C&D) activities in National Capital Region :

Intensive drives were conducted by these agencies from 24.12.2020 to 31.12.2020 by constituting about 227 teams.

1) . These teams carried out surprise checks and inspections at more than 3000 C&D sites of which about 386 sites were found to be non-compliant with the various C&D Waste Management Rules / Guidelines and dust mitigation measures stipulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board. Further, an amount of approx. Rs.1.59 crore was levied as environment compensation against the defaulting agencies besides orders for stoppage of work at 12 locations

2) Compliance with respect to transportation of materials related to C&D activities was also seen by the inspecting teams. About 325 vehicles, not in conformance with guidelines related to transportation of C&D materials, were levied environment compensation charges of approximately Rs. 1.17 crore.

3) Such fortnightly drives are planned to be continued to enforce compliance of the C&D waste management rules and related guidelines to abate dust pollution from C&D sector, which contributes significantly to poor air quality in the National Capital Region

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

96)Consider following with reference to GST Compensation : (January,2021 news)

10^thweekly instalment of Rs.6,000 crore to the States to meet the GST compensation shortfall, was released in January, 2021 . Out of this, an amount of Rs.5,516.60 crore has been released to 23 States and an amount of Rs.483.40 crore has been released to the 3 Union Territories (UT) with Legislative Assembly (Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Puducherry) who are members of the GST Council. The remaining 5 States, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim do not have a gap in revenue on account of GST implementation. Now, more than 50 percent of the estimated GST compensation shortfall has been released to the States & UT with Legislative Assembly.

1) The Government of Indiahad set up a special borrowing window in October, 2020 to meet the estimated shortfall of Rs.1.10 lakh crore in revenue arising on account of implementation of GST. The borrowings are being done through this window by the Government of India on behalf of the States and UTs. The borrowings have been done in 10 rounds

2) In addition to providing funds through the special borrowing window to meet the shortfall in revenue on account of GST implementation, the Government of India has also granted additional borrowing permission equivalent to 0.50 % of Gross States Domestic Product(GSDP)to the states choosing Option-Ito meet GST compensation shortfall to help them in mobilising additional financial resources. All the States have been given their preference for Option-I.

3) Permission for borrowing the entire additional amount of Rs.1,06,830 crore(0.50 % of GSDP) has been granted to 28 States under this provision

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

97)Consider following with reference to PSA Oxygen Concentrator Plants :

1) Installation of PSA Oxygen Concentrator Plants in public health facilities is an important step to reduce the health facility’s dependence on the system of store and supply and to enable these facilities to have their own oxygen generation capacity

2) PSA : Pressure Swing Adsorption

3) Adequate and uninterrupted supply of oxygen is an essential pre-requisite for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID -19, in addition to various other medical conditions where this need arises.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

98)Consider following with reference to advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict(HWC) in the country. :

1) The advisory envisages empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals as per the section 11 (1) (b) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972..

2) Utilising add-on coverage under the Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojna for crop compensation against crop damage due to HWC and augmenting fodder and water sources within the forest areas are some key steps envisaged to reduce HWC

3) . Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

99)Consider following with reference to Caracal :

1) Caracal, a medium size wild cat found in some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, included into the list of critically endangered species for taking up conservation efforts with financial support under Centrally sponsored Scheme-Development of Wildlife Habitat.

2) Now, there are 22 wildlife species under recovery programme for critically endangered species.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c

100)Consider following with reference to Avian Influenza (AI) :

Avian Influenza (AI) viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006. Infection in humans is not yet reported in India though the disease is zoonotic. There is no direct evidence that AI viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products

1) Some samples of crow from Kale Hanumanji Forest Nakka, Jaipur, Rajasthan found positive for H5N8 Avian influenza virus

2) . Implementing management practices that incorporate bio security principles, personal hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection protocols, as well as cooking and processing standards, are effective means of controlling the spread of the AI viruses.

3) In India, the disease spreads mainly by migratory birds coming into India during winter months i.e. from September – October to February – March. The secondary spread by human handling (through fomites) cannot be ruled out.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)1 and 2 only

(d) None

Ans: c