2020

CURRENT
AFFAIRS
WEEKLY PRACTICE QUESTIONS

20th July - 25th July

1. Consider the following statements:
1. Lonar Lake is a notified National Geo-Heritage Monument.
2. It is situated inside the Deccan Plateau and is acidic in nature.
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
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
 Lonar Lake, also known as Lonar crater, is a saline and alkaline lake
located at Lonar in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. Hence, Statement 2
is not correct.
 It is situated inside the Deccan Plateau—a massive plain of volcanic
basalt rock created by eruptions.
 It is an oval shaped and has a mean diameter of 1.2 km. It is a popular
tourist hub.
 It is a notified National Geo-heritage Monument. Hence, Statement 1 is
correct.

2. Consider the following pairs:

National Park State
1. Dibru-Saikhowa Arunachal Pradesh
2. Betla National Park Jharkhand
3. Galathea National Park Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which of the given above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
National Park State
1. Dibru-Saikhowa Assam
2. Betla National Park Jharkhand
3. Galathea National Park Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Hence, Option (b) is correct.

3. The term ‘BlackRock’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

a. Enhanced version of Xerxes malware
b. Conservation of minerals
c. Security of maritime boundary
d. Anti-Piracy operation in Indian Ocean
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
 BlackRock is a banking Trojan and said to be an enhanced version of
existing Xerxes malware which itself is a variant of the LokiBot
Android trojan. Hence, Option (a) is correct.
o A trojan is any type of malicious program disguised as a
legitimate one. Often, they are designed to steal sensitive
information (login credentials, account numbers, financial
information, credit card information, and the like) from users.

4. With reference to ‘National Green Tribunal; Consider the following

statements:
1. National Green Tribunal is mandated to make disposal of applications or
appeals finally within a year months of filing the same.
2. New Delhi is the Principal place of sitting of the National green tribunal.
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
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
 National Green Tribunal is a specialised body set up under the National
Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases
relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other
natural resources.
 NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally
within 6 months of filing the same. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 The NGT has five places of sittings, New Delhi is the Principal place of
sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four. Hence,
Statement 2 is correct.

5. Consider the following pairs:

Atomic Power Station State
1. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Andhra Pradesh
2. Tarapur Atomic Power Station Gujarat
3. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Tamil Nadu
Which of the given above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Atomic Power Station State
1. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Gujarat
2. Tarapur Atomic Power Station Maharashtra
3. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Tamil Nadu
Hence, Option (c) is correct.

6. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the 2nd voluntary
national review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report?
1. Voluntary national review of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) report is presented by Niti Ayog.
2. Around 271 million people were lifted out of multidimensional
poverty in the last decade.
3. The poverty estimates presented were drawn from the global
Multidimensional Poverty Index -2019 (MPI).
Select the correct answer using the code given below-
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
 Voluntary national review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
report has been presented by the Niti Ayog at the High-Level Political
Forum on Sustainable Development. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
 According to the report, at least 271 million people were lifted out of
multi-dimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2016-17. Hence,
Statement 2 is correct.
 The poverty estimates presented were drawn from the Global
Multidimensional Poverty Index -2019 (MPI-2019). Hence, Statement 3
is correct.

7. With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following

statements:
1. It is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration
with the Election Commission of India.
2. It redraws Lok Sabha, state assembly constituencies and urban
local body constituencies.
3. It works on the principle of One Vote One Value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
 d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
 The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and
works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. Hence,
Statement 1 is correct.
o It is usually composed of the retired Supreme Court judge, Chief
Election Commissioner and respective states’ Election
Commissioners.
 Article 82 and Article 170 of the Indian constitution provides that the
Parliamentary constituencies and state legislative assemblies
respectively to be redrawn by a Delimitation commission, established
after every Census.
o However, there is no such commission for urban local bodies.
Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
 It redraws the boundaries and determines the number of constituencies to
make the population of all constituencies nearly equal. Thereby, working
on the principle of One Vote One Value. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

8. With reference to ‘NISHTHA programme’, consider the following

statements:
1. It has been launched to improve learning outcomes at the higher
secondary level in the country.
2. It is a capacity building programme for improving the quality of
school education through integrated teacher training.
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
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
 Initially, the National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic
Advancement (NISHTHA) programme was launched in 2019 through
face-to-face mode to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level
in the country. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 Aim:
o NISHTHA is a capacity building programme for improving the
quality of school education through integrated teacher training.
Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
o It aims to build competencies among all the teachers and school
principals at the elementary stage.
9. ‘Bathynomus raksasa’, recently seen in the news, is a
a. Dance form performed by the Kharia tribe of Jharkhand.
b. Scientific name of giant Squirrel found in Sundarbans.
c. Super giant isopod species found in the Indian Ocean.
d. Variety of super giant trees of western Ghats.
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Recently, scientists have reported the discovery of the first super giant
isopod species in the eastern Indian Ocean named ‘Bathynomus
raksasa’. Hence, Option C is correct.

10. Consider the following statements:

1. The clones of Casuarina plant genus are suitable for salt-affected
soils.
2. The Casuarina have a role in nitrogen fixation in symbiotic
association with bacteria Frankia.
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
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
 The National Award of Excellence for Outstanding Research in Forestry
for the year 2019 has been awarded to Kannan C S Warrier, a scientist at
Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB).
o The award has been awarded to Kannan C S Warrier for releasing
three salt-tolerant productive clones of Casuarina that are
suitable for salt-affected soils, for the first time in the country.
o India has 6.73 million hectares of salt affected land and is also the
largest producer of Casuarina in the world which makes the
production of these clones a significant achievement. Hence,
Statement 1 is correct.
 Casuarina have a role in nitrogen fixation in symbiotic association with
bacteria Frankia. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

11. With reference to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), consider the
following statements:
1. The fund is placed in the contingency fund of the Government of
India.
2. Expenditures from it are not required to be approved by the
Parliament.
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
Answer : (b)
Explanation:
 National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is placed in the “Public
Account” of Government of India under “reserve funds not bearing
interest”. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 Expenditures from it are not required to be approved by the Parliament.
Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

12. With reference to Sacred groves, consider the following statements:

1. These are protected forests having significant religious connotation
for the protecting community.
2. It is legally protected under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
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
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
 Sacred groves are protected forests which usually have a significant
religious connotation for the protecting community. Hence, Statement 1
is correct.
 Sacred groves have been legally protected under ‘community reserves’
in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002. Hence, Statement
2 is not correct.

13. With reference to ‘PASSEX’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an annual naval exercise conducted near Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
2. It is a trilateral exercise involving the United States, Japan and
India.
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
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
  Indian Naval ships conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with
the U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz carrier strike group near the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
o A passage exercise is normally undertaken whenever an
opportunity arises, in contrast to pre-planned maritime drills.
Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 Recently, the Indian Navy had also conducted similar PASSEXs with the
Japanese Navy and the French Navy. It is not a trilateral exercise.
Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

14. Regarding ‘Consumer Protection Act-2019’, consider the following

statements:
1. It envisages a Central Consumer Protection Authority which aims
to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
2. The Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 are advisory
in nature.
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
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
 The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes the Central Consumer
Protection Authority (CCPA) whose primary objective will be to
promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. Hence, Statement
1 is correct.
 Now, the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 are mandatory
and are not advisories. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

15. Regarding ‘Postal Ballots System’ in India, consider the following

statements:
1. Ballot papers are distributed electronically to electors and are
returned to the election officers via post.
2. As of now only the Service voters are allowed to cast their votes
through postal ballot.
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
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
  In the Postal Ballots System, ballot papers are distributed
electronically to electors and are returned to the election officers via post.
Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
 Currently, the following voters are allowed to cast their votes through
postal ballot:
o Service voters (armed forces, the armed police force of a state and
government servants posted abroad).
o Voters on election duty.
o Voters above 80 years of age or Persons with Disabilities
(PwD).
o Voters under preventive detention.
 The exception to the above-mentioned category of voters is provided
under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

16. Consider the following about Mega Food Parks:

1. Mega Food Park Scheme was launched in 2008-09 under the
purview of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
2. The government has operationalized the first Mega Food Park
(MFP) of Mizoram known as Zoram Mega Food Park.
3. It is the only Food Park in North East India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. All of the above
Answer-(b)
Explanation:
 Mega Food Park Scheme was launched in: 2008-09 under the purview of
the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Hence statement 1 is
incorrect.
 Recently, the government has operationalized the first Mega Food Park
(MFP) of Mizoram i.e. Zoram Mega Food Park. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
 Assam already has a MFP in its Nalbari district- North East Mega Food
Park. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

17. Consider the following statements about Sri Lanka:

1. Mahayana Buddhism is the majority belief system of most of the
Sinhalese in Sri Lanka.
2. According to locals, it was Ravana who used a flying machine called
“Dandu monara” to fly not only within the country, but also in the
South East Asia region.
 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
Answer-(b)
Explanation:
 Theravada Buddhism, is the majority belief system of most of the
Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
 According to the locals and the civil aviation authority, it was Ravana
who used a flying machine called “Dandu monara” to fly not only within
the country, but also in the South East Asia region. Hence statement 2 is
correct.

18. Consider the following about Manodarpan Initiative:

1. It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to poor, labour class
and already depressed mental patients for their mental health and
well-being during the times of Covid-19.
2. It has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare.
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
Answer- (d)
Explanation-
 It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members
and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of
Covid-19. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
 Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has
launched the 'Manodarpan' initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

19. Consider the following statements about Indian Bullfrog:

1. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is the largest frog in
India.
2. Its IUCN status is endangered.
3. It is one of the invasive species on the islands of Lakshadweep.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 1 only
 d. All of the above
Answer-(c)
Explanation:
.It is native to the Indian subcontinent (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India,
Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan) and is the largest frog in India. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
 IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
 It is one of the invasive species on the islands of Andaman and Nicobar.
Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

20. Recently RBI has signed a currency swap agreement with which country?
a. Iran
b. Myanmar
c. Sri Lanka
d. Maldives
Answer(c)
Explanation:
 Recently, India and Sri Lanka had a virtual meeting in the wake of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
 It was attended by the officials from the Ministry of External Affairs,
Ministry of Finance, representatives of the Sri Lankan government and
the Export-Import (Exim) Bank. Hence (c) is correct

MAINS QUESTIONS
1. What are malwares? Discuss its impact on the Banking system in India.
2. The recent Pandemic of COVID-19 illustrated that Governance is much
more than the work of Government. Comment.

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