[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 14 July 2023

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report:

• It is an annual flagship report jointly prepared by the –
• Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO),
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),
• World Food Programme (WFP) and
• World Health Organisation (WHO)

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• France borders Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy in the east, the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra in the south. France also shares maritime borders with the United Kingdom.

Refer; https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/india-france-relationship/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The goal of NCAP (annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country): 20%–30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by taking 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
• Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
• Preparation of the city-specific action plans including measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular/industrial emissions, and increase public awareness.
• Implementation of the city-specific action plans to be regularly monitored by Committees at the Central and State level namely Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee and Implementation Committee.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/issues-with-the-air-pollution-control-measures-in-india/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• PM Modi become the first Indian premier to receive this honour.
• The Legion of Honour is the highest French decoration given to the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.
• Established by former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is divided into five degrees (lower to higher) – Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. The PM was awarded the fifth honour.
• The colour of the ribbon is red and the badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath. On the obverse is the effigy of the Republic and on the reverse two tricolour flags surrounded by the motto ‘Honor and Fatherland’ written in French.
• Although the membership to Legion of Honour is restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who serve France or uphold its ideals may also be given a distinction of the Legion.
• Other personalities who received this honour include former South African President Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/grand-cross-of-the-legion-of-honour/

Ans: (b)

Explanation: About Phosphorous:

• Phosphorus is a mineral which comes from phosphate rock.
• It is a finite resource which means there is only a certain amount in the world and it will eventually run out.
• Around 90% of mined phosphate is used to produce fertiliser for the agriculture industry.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/phosphate-discovery-in-norway/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Action Taken Report (ATR) Module of AuditOnline through a virtual event.
• About AuditOnline:
  • AuditOnline is open-source software developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as part of the Panchayat Enterprise Suite under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (as part of the Digital India Programme). Along with AuditOnline, the ministry also launched eGramSwaraj, another user-friendly accounting application.
• Aim: The application aims to promote transparency and accountability in the financial management of Panchayats.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/auditonline/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Option c: Perseverance is not equipped with a drone called Ingenuity. However, Ingenuity is a separate helicopter that was deployed by Perseverance on Mars to conduct experimental flight tests.
• Ingenuity, also called Ginny, is a small robotic helicopter operating on Mars. It is part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, along with the Perseverance rover, which landed with Ingenuity attached to its underside on February 18, 2021.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/nasas-perseverance-rover-finds-diverse-organic-matter-on-mars/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:  About Salsola oppositifolia Desfontania:

• It is a halophyte, adapted to saline conditions. It is a succulent shrub with a smooth, woody base and grows up to two meters tall. The leaves of the plant grow opposite each other on the stem.
• They are known for their salty juice stored in their leaves. The plants of the Salsola genus have various uses, including manufacturing soda ash, lye, soaps, and pharmaceutical products.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/14/new-plant-species-that-grow-in-saline-conditions-of-kutch-discovered/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1: They were Theravadins.
• S2: The Mahāsāṃghikas school was first located in the area of Vaiśālī and spread also to southern India, with centres at Amarāvatī and Nāgārjunakoṇḍa. Its texts were written in Prākrit. It further divided into several subsects, of which the best known was the Lokottaravāda (so called because of its views on lokottara).
• The Lokottaravāda was one of the early Buddhist schools according to Mahayana doxological sources compiled by Bhāviveka, Vinitadeva and others
• S3: The Mahāsaṅghikas believed in a plurality of buddhas who are supramundane (lokottara) and held that what passed for Gautama Buddha in his earthly existence was only an apparition.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2020

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• According to epigraphic evidence, we have references of measurement units such as – “Kulyavapa”, “dronavapa”, “adhavapa” and “Pataka” from Bengal, nivratana” and “bhumi” from Central India and “nivartana and “padavarta” from Western India.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2020