[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 8 August 2023

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has come up with its 2022 State of the Climate in Asia report, indicating that in 2022, Asia experienced extreme climate events, including high temperatures, droughts, floods, and cyclones, leading to significant socioeconomic impacts.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/wmo-2022-state-of-the-climate-in-asia-report/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, (MMDR Amendment) in a bid to attract private sector investment in the exploration of critical and deep-seated minerals in the country.
• India is the world’s 4th largest producer of iron ore and the 2nd largest producer of coal as of 2021.
• India is the second-largest producer of Aluminium globally
• India’s mineral demand is projected to rise by 3% in 2023, fuelled by expanded electrification efforts and overall economic growth

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/mines-and-minerals-development-and-regulation-amendment-bill-2023/

Ans: (c )

Explanation: About the Deepor Beel:

• Situated in the southwest of Guwahati, Assam, Deepor Beel is not only one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region but also holds the distinction of being the state’s sole Ramsar site. It’s recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International and was once a water channel of the Brahmaputra River.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/deepor-beel/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About Adichanallur

• It is an ancient Iron-age burial site located in the Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu, situated along the banks of the Tamirabarani River. It holds significance in showcasing the megalithic culture. Additionally, the nearby ancient seaport of Korkai, mentioned in Sangam literature, is nearby.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/adichanallur-archaeological-site-tamil-nadu/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) was launched by the Ministry of Railways in February 2023 with the aim of modernizing and enhancing railway stations across India.
• Objectives: Improve facilities beyond minimum essentials; Construct Roof Plazas and City Centers within stations; Introduce new amenities and upgrade existing ones;
• The scheme envisions a comprehensive transformation of railway stations, creating modern and passenger-friendly spaces while also supporting local businesses and promoting India’s heritage and culture.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/amrit-bharat-station-scheme/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: India has expressed its support for South Africa’s Integrated Early Warning systems and Russia’s BRICS Collaboration in Nuclear Medicine
• What is Nuclear Medicine?
  • Nuclear Medicine is a medical speciality that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases.
  • It involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials, known as radiopharmaceuticals, which are introduced into the body.
  • These substances emit gamma rays that can be detected by specialized cameras to create images of organs and tissues.
  • This imaging technique helps in diagnosing various conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and bone disorders, by providing detailed information about the functioning and structure of internal organs.
  • Nuclear medicine treatments involve using radioactive substances to target and destroy specific cells or tissues, such as cancer cells.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/nuclear-medicine/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: India has introduced an innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) named ‘Neerakshi’ designed for mine detection (currently in the prototype stage)
• Developed by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and AEPL, an MSME entity.
• Features: 2.1-meter-long cylindrical AUV, weighing around 45 kg, can perform various tasks such as mine detection, disposal, and underwater surveys.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/08/neerakshi/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Biochar is a stable, carbon–rich form of charcoal that is applied to soil.
• Some biochars can increase soil fertility, water holding capacity and crop productivity.
• Use of biochar in vertical farming (see the article https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/biochar-compost-tea-are-the-new-recipe/article7830057.ece ) can increase output significantly.
• Adding biochar to soil increases its carbon content and could help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biochar is shown to have increased abundance of mycorrhizal fungi, assisting nutrient uptake by plants.

Refer: UPSC CE 2020

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Barasingha is the one of the rarest species of deer family spread across central and northern India only in small congregations. The deer is native to India and Nepal. Barasingha are also known as swamp deer due to their nature to survive close to river valleys or swampy regions. Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh and a renowned place for tigers. But the park’s major achievement is to save the nearly extinct barasingha (swamps deers). It was a landmark achievement by preserving the highly endangered barasingha. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful BarahsIngha conservation and management raised their population to over 500.

Refer: UPSC CE 2020

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• All except 2 are a part of Cauvery basin. Papikonda remains entirely inside the East and West Godavari districts near Godavari basin after 2014 and after the construction of Polavaram Dam.

Refer: UPSC CE 2020