സിവില്‍ സര്‍വ്വീസ് പരീക്ഷ : എന്താണ് ഓപ്പറേഷന്‍ കച്ചപ ?

Answer: (d)

US dollar-denominated debt is the largest component of India's External Debt, followed by the Indian rupee, SDR, Yen, and Euro. Hence statement 2 is not correct. Commercial Borrowings continue to be the largest component of India's external Debt followed by NRI deposit and short term credit. Hence statement 1 is not correct.

Source:

https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/india-s-external-debt-eases- to-us-521-2-billion-end-december-2018-119040100925_1.html
 

Answer: (d)

Geo-engineering approach to reversing global warming – ‘The intentional reduction of the coverage and optical thickness of high-level cirrus cloud could potentially reduce global warming by modifying the longwave radiative effect of cirrus clouds.’

Source:
 https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/a-cocktail-geo-engineering- approach-to-reversing-global-warming-4805937/
 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6364967/Could-thinning-clouds-combat- climate-change-Scientists-propose-radical-plan.html

Answer: (a)

    . Asiatic lions that once ranged from Persia (Iran) to Palamau in Eastern India were almost driven to extinction by indiscriminate hunting and habitat loss. A single population of less than 50 lions persisted in the Gir forests of Gujarat by late 1890's. With timely and stringent protection offered by the State Government and the Center Government, Asiatic lions have increased to the current population of over 500 numbers. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
    . The double-hump camel is a native of Gobi desert, and is found on a vast expanse of cold-desert areas across Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and parts of Afghanistan. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. The populations of one horned rhinoceros have increased to around 3,500 rhinos in northeastern India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.

Source:

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186688
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-interior/two-humps-one-job-in-nubra- valley/article7900544.ece
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/greater-one-horned-rhino
 

Answer: (a)

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was constituted under The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006. The independent regulator TRAI is the first independent regulator in India.

Source:

http://www.pngrb.gov.in/about-us.html
https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-petroleum-and-natural-gas-regulatory-board-bill- 2005-430
https://www.oecd.org/gov/regulatory-policy/44925979.pdf
 

Answer: (c)

    . This new bill amends the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961. Under the new provision, women are entitled to visit creches four times a day. Maternity benefit of 26 weeks are provided. Out of 26 weeks, Up to eight weeks can be claimed before delivery. However, one can instead take the entire 26 weeks of leave after the delivery. If the woman has more than two surviving children, the maternity benefit is for 12 weeks only.

Source:https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/the-benefits-women-are- entitled-to-and-the-rights-they-can-claim-under-maternity-1557655754106.html

Answer: (d)

All the statements are CORRECT:
    . The Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme are launched with an objective of reducing India’s gold imports and brings all the gold lying idle with individuals and households in India into the economy. As investors, will get returns that are linked to gold price, the scheme is expected to offer the same benefits as physical gold. The Bonds will be sold through Scheduled Commercial banks (except Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks), Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices, and recognized stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited.
    . Eligibility: The bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities, including individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities and charitable institutions.
    . Denomination and tenor: The bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram. The tenor will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from the 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
    . Minimum and Maximum limit: The minimum permissible investment limit will be 1 gram of gold, while the maximum limit will be 4 kg for individual, 4 kg for HUF and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March) notified by the government from time to time.
    . Joint Holder: In the case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 kg will be applied to the first applicant only.
    . Collateral: Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is to be set equal to the ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.
    . Tenor: The tenor of the Bond will be for a period of 8 years with an exit option after 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
    . o Interest rate: The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 percent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.

Answer: (d)

A branch of the Arabian sea monsoon strikes the coast north of Mumbai. Moving along the Narmada and Tapi river valleys, these winds cause rainfall in extensive areas of central India. The Chotanagpur plateau gets 15 cm rainfall from this part of the branch. Thereafter, they enter the Ganga plains and mingle with the Bay of Bengal branch.

Source - India: Physical Environment Class : XI

Answer (c)

    . Statement 1 is CORRECT: A Proclamation of Emergency declaring that the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened by war or  by external aggression or by armed rebellion may be made before the actual occurrence of war or of any such aggression or rebellion, if the President is satisfied that there is imminent danger thereof.
    . Statement 2 is CORRECT: Every Proclamation issued under this article (352) shall be laid before each House of Parliament and shall cease to operate at the expiration of one month unless before the expiration of that period it has been approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament.