14 JUNE CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. With reference to Indian Biodiversity, consider the following statements-

1. In India, 5 species of Turtle are found.
2. India is home to the largest known nesting population of olive ridley turtles.
3. They are categorised in the ‘Vulnerable Category” in IUCN Red List.
   Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1,2 and 3 only
d) 2 only

Solution: c)

Explanation:
Five species of sea turtles are found in Indian waters.
These are the Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Loggerhead (Caretta
caretta). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o India is home to the largest known nesting population of olive ridley turtles. Except
Loggerhead turtles, the remaining four species nest along the Indian coastline and islands
of India. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

Q2. Consider the following statement regarding Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). Which of the
following statements are not correct?

1. It is announced and administered by Department of Drinking and Water Sanitation
   under Ministry of Jal Shakti.
2. The funding for the mission will be divided between states and Centre uniformly in
   all states and Union Territories.
3. Public-Private Partnership Model is mandatory for those cities who have population
   of more than 1 Million.
   Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 2 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1 and 3 only

Solution: b)

Explanation:

Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
in Union Budget 2021-22. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Funding: 100?ntral funding for Union Territories, 90% for North Eastern and Hill
States, 50% for cities with less than 1 lakh population, one third for cities with 1 lakh to
10 lakh population and 25% for cities with million plus population.
Promoting PPP Model: Mandatory for cities having millions plus population to take up
PPP projects worth minimum of 10% of their total project fund allocation. Hence,
statement 2 is not correct and 3 is correct.

Q3. “Beed Model” have been recently seen in the news is related to-

a) Curb Tax Evasion
b) Crop Insurance scheme
c) Organic Farming
d) Education Program used by Delhi Government

Solution: b)

Explanation:
Recently, the Maharashtra Government asked the Prime Minister for state-wide
implementation of the ‘Beed model’ of the crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojna (PMFBY). Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
About Beed Model:
 Beed is a district of Maharashtra located in the drought-prone Marathwada region.
 80-110 Formula: This model is also called 80-110 Formula.
 Under this plan, the insurer’s potential losses are restricted.
 The insurance firm does not have to entertain claims above 110% of the gross
premium. The state government has to bear the cost of compensation above 110%
of the premium collected to insulate the insurer from losses (bridge amount).
 However, if the compensation is less than the premium collected, the insurance
company would keep 20% of the amount as handling charges and reimburse the
rest to the state government (premium surplus).

Q4. If GST needs on certain COVID-19 essential medicines needs to be reduced and GST
Council meeting is constituted to bring this into force. Which of the following are
mandatory for seamless meeting?

1. There should be presence of at least 30% members of GST Council.
2. Voting for resolution should be passed by 75% of council.
3. If prime minister is absent from meeting, the meeting cannot be conducted.
   Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: c)

Explanation:
 The quorum of GST Council meeting is 50% of members. Hence, statement 1 is
not correct.
 Any resolution on increasing or reduction in taxes on any product or service should
be atleast passed by 75% or 3/4th votes in the council. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
 Presence of Prime Minister does not affect the proceedings of meeting as s/he is not
a part or a member of GST Council. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Q5. Which of the following are Heavy Metal Contaminants in Water?

1. Lead
2. Cadmium
3. Nickel
4. Mercury
5. Copper
   Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2,3,4 and 5 only
c) 1,2,3 and 5 only
d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

Solution: d)

Explanation:
 According to study, reduction in industrial wastewater can substantially reduce
heavy metal pollution in Ganga water.
 It is estimated that industrial wastewater contributes nearly 20% of the total volume
of wastewater generated in the Ganga basin.
 In lockdown, the effluent discharge from various industries was negligible while
inputs from agricultural runoff and domestic sewage remained almost the same.

 Heavy metal refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high
density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Examples include mercury
(Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As).
 Density of more than 5 g/cm3 is a commonly used criterion.
It is found that two-thirds of water quality stations on major rivers have presence of one
or more heavy metal beyond limits specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
o Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and copper contamination were more common
in non-monsoon periods.
o While iron, lead, chromium and copper exceeded ‘tolerance limits’ in monsoon
periods.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Belt and Road Initiative-

1. It was launched by China in 2013.
2. The plan is two-pronged: the overland Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime
   Silk Road.
3. No member of Group of 7 (G-7) has joined the Belt and Road Initiative yet.
   Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only

Solution: d)
Explanation:
 The Belt and Road Initiative, reminiscent of the Silk Road, is a massive
infrastructure project that would stretch from East Asia to Europe.
 It was launched in 2013.
 The plan is two-pronged: the overland Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime
Silk Road- The two were collectively referred to first as the One Belt, One Road
initiative but eventually became the Belt and Road Initiative. Hence, statement 1
and 2 are correct.
 The project involves creating a vast network of railways, energy pipelines, highways,
and streamlined border crossings.
 Italy, member of Group of 7 (G-7) has joined Belt and Road Initiative in

2019. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Monoclonal Antibodies-

1. It is an antibody by cloning a unique white blood cell.
2. They are designed to perform many roles, like they can be used to carry drugs,
   toxins, or radioactive substances directly to affected cells.
3. Monoclonal Antibodies are used to treat many diseases, including some types of
   cancer.
   Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: d)
Explanation:
Monoclonal Antibodies:
 Antibodies are proteins produced naturally by the immune system that target a
specific foreign object (antigen). They are called monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) when
they are produced by clones derived from a single parent cell.
 They are man-made proteins that act like a human antibody in the immune system.
They are made by cloning a unique white blood cell.
 mAbs have monovalent affinity, it binds only to the same epitope i.e. the part of an
antigen that is recognized by the antibody.
 They are designed to perform many roles, like they can be used to carry drugs,
toxins, or radioactive substances directly to affected cells.
 mAbs are used to treat many diseases, including some types of cancer. Hence, all
statements are correct.

Q8. Consider the following statements-

1. Paris-based International Energy Agency has more than 50 members.
2. India was admitted as a permanent member in 2019.
3. Oil Market Report is published by it.
   Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 3 only

Solution: c)

Explanation:
About IEA
 Paris-based IEA currently has 30 members, and was created as a response to the
oil crisis of 1973-74. It advises its member countries on issues related to energy
security and economic development.
 In 2017, India had joined as an associate member. Hence, statement 1 is correct
and 2 is not correct.
 IEA publishes World Energy Outlook, Oil Market Reports etc. Hence, statement 3
is not correct.
 Recently, India inked MoU with IEA for global energy security, sustainability.
 Partnership will lead to exchange of knowledge and would be astepping stone
towards India becoming a full member of IEA.

Q9. Consider the following
Tribes Regions Associated

1. Bru Tripura
2. Rengma Nagaland
3. Bonda Assam
   Which of the above pairs is/are not correctly matched?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 3 only

Solution: d)

Explanation:
 Bru- The Brus, also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the north-eastern
states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram. In Tripura, they are recognised
as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
 Culture: They speak the Reang dialect of Kokborok language which is locally
referred to as Kau Bru. Their Hojagiri folk dance is well known all over the world.
‘Buisu’, not ‘bihu’ is the most popular festival of Reang tribes.
 Rengma is a Naga tribe found in Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
 Bonda tribe, known for its secluded lifestyle. Bondas live in highlands, 3,500-
feet above sea level, in Malkangiri, the southern-most district of Odisha.

Q10. Consider the following statements:

1. International Lunar Station Research station comprehensive scientific experiment
   base with the capability of long-term autonomous operation.
2. It is a collaboration between Russia and China.
3. Chang’e-4 is the first probe ever to explore the far side of the moon by China.
   Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: d)

Explanation:
 China and Russia have agreed to build a International Lunar Research Station
(ILRS), possibly on the moon’s surface, marking the start of a new era in space
cooperation between the two countries.
 Russia is a part of International Space Station which is a habitable artificial satellite

• the single largest man-made structure in low earth orbit.
   The ILRS is a comprehensive scientific experiment base with the capability of long-
  term autonomous operation.
   The station would be built on the lunar surface and/or on the lunar orbit that would
  carry out scientific research activities such as the lunar exploration and utilization,
  lunar-based observation, basic scientific experiment and technical
  verification. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
  China’s Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5 Missions :
   Chang’e-4 is the first probe ever to explore the far side of the moon by China.
   Chang’e-5 mission will seek to collect lunar material to help scientists understand
  more about the moon’s origins and formation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.