INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS ( 16 July 2020) REVISION THROUGH MCQS

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The World Population Prospects Report is published by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and provides a comprehensive overview of global demographic patterns and prospects.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/a-study-on-world-population-trends/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Stat2: The report titled ‘Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients- Status, Issues, Technology Readiness, and Challenges’ was brought out recently by Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous organization under the Department of Science & Technology.
• Stat1: Every medicine is made up of two main ingredients — the chemically active APIs and chemically inactive, excipients, which is a substance that delivers the effect of APIs to one’s system.
• In medicine, API produces the intended effects to cure the disease. For instance, Paracetamol is the API for Crocin and it is the API paracetamol that gives relief from body ache and fever.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/report-on-active-pharmaceutical-ingredients/

Ans: (b)

Explanation: here the directive word is not corrcet!!

• Stat (a), (c) and (d) are correct and Stat (b) is not correct.
• Stat b: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common viral cause of pneumonia.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/first-indigenous-vaccine-for-infant-pneumonia-approved/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• In the recent joint working group meeting of the Sustainable Growth Pillar, an India Energy Modeling Forum was launched.
  • Composition: The forum would include knowledge partners, data agencies and concerned government ministries.
  • NITI Aayog will initially coordinate the activities of the forum and finalizing its governing structure.
• Sustainable Growth Pillar is an important pillar of India-US Strategic Energy Partnership co-chaired by NITI Aayog and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • The SG pillar entails energy data management, energy modelling and collaboration on low carbon technologies as three key activities.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/india-energy-modeling-forum/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Sustainable Growth Pillar is an important pillar of India-US Strategic Energy Partnership co-chaired by NITI Aayog and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• The SG pillar entails energy data management, energy modelling and collaboration on low carbon technologies as three key activities.
• The  Forum aims to:
  • Provide a platform to examine important energy and environmental related issues;
  • Inform decision-making process to the Indian government;
  • Improve cooperation between modelling teams, government, and knowledge partners, funders;
  • Facilitate exchange of ideas, ensure production of high-quality studies;
  • Identify knowledge gaps at different levels and across different areas;
  • Build capacity of Indian institutions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/india-energy-modeling-forum/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Stat2: As of 31 December 2016, Japan holds the largest proportion of shares at 15.677%, closely followed by United States with 15.567% capital share. China holds 6.473%, India holds 6.359%, and Australia holds 5.812%.
• Stat1 and 3: From 31 members at its establishment in 1966, ADB has grown to encompass 68 members—of which 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/asian-development-bank-adb-2/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Hope mission – UAE
• Beresheet mission – Israel
• Chang’e-4 mission –  china

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/hope-uaes-first-mission-to-mars/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Irrawaddy dolphins are naturally found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong.
• In India, Irawaddy dolphins are mostly found in Chilika Lake of Odisha. Known subpopulations of Irrawaddy dolphins are found in eight places, listed here in order of population, including conservation status.

Platanista gangetica  or  Gangetic dolphin:

• It has been declared endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• It has rudimentary eyes. From preying to surfing, dolphins do it through ultrasonic sound.
• It is India’s national aquatic animal and is popularly known as ‘Susu’
• They are distributed across seven states in India: Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/dolphin-number-dips-in-chambal-river/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Diamer Basha Dam – River Indus
• Azad Pattan hydel PP – River Jhelum
• Karot Hydropower PP – River Jhelum

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-15-july-2020-2/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Mont Blanc is the second-highest mountain in Europe after Mount Elbrus.
• It is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe.
• The mountain stands in a range called the Graian Alps, between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Savoie and Haute-Savoie, France.
• Its epithet the “Roof of Europe”.
• It is also known as White Mountain in French.
• The border between Italy and France passes through the summit of Mont Blanc, making it both French and Italian.

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/16/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-15-july-2020-2/