[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 20 October 2023

Ans: (c )

Explanation: What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to invest in over 150 countries and international organizations, creating road, rail, and sea routes for trade and connectivity. The initiative, often referred to as “One Belt One Road” (OBOR), is a key part of China’s foreign policy and has been compared to the American Marshall Plan.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/10-years-of-belt-and-road-initiative-bri/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) is an infrastructure development project that aims to create connectivity through rail and shipping networks, energy cables, and data links.
• Participating Countries India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, USA, EU
• Objectives IMEC seeks to boost trade, clean energy, and economic growth while providing an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• Part of It is part of the Partnership for Rail and Shipping Corridors Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and focuses on enhancing global trade and cooperation through critical infrastructure development.

Refer:https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/10-years-of-belt-and-road-initiative-bri/

Ans: (b )

Explanation:

• Tamil Nadu government launched Nilgiri Tahr conservation project, an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal.
• Under the Nilgiri Tahr project, the government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through surveys and radio telemetry studies; reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat; address proximate threats; and increase public awareness of the species. The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
• According to the order, there are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years. The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life. It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
• The animal is endemic to the Western Ghats. It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
• It is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metre above sea level. It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild.

Rfer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/use-of-local-community-for-wildlife-conservation/

Ans: (b )

Explanation:

• According to the order, there are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years. The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life. It was designated as the State animal of Tamil Nadu in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
• It is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metre above sea level. It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was known to inhabit a large portion of the Western Ghats. But today it remains restricted to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/use-of-local-community-for-wildlife-conservation/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is a protected area located in the western corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India. The park was created to protect its keystone species, the Nilgiri tahr.
• The park is characterised by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in a high-altitude area of high rainfall, near-freezing temperatures and high winds. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife, including royal Bengal tiger and Asian elephant, but its main mammal attraction is the Nilgiri tahr. The park was previously known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
• The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first International Biosphere Reserve. As part of the Western Ghats, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1 July 2012.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/use-of-local-community-for-wildlife-conservation/

Ans: (b )

Explanation:

• Context: The President of India presented the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi.
• The National Film Awards were established in 1954 to encourage the production of films with high aesthetic and technical standards, and educational and cultural value.
• The awards were originally called “State Awards for Films”.
• Awards are given in three sections – Features, Non-Features and Best Writing on Cinema.
• Some of the awards include:
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The highest award, given to recognize the contributions of film personalities to the development of Indian cinema
  • Silver Lotus Award: Given for the best feature film on national integration
  • Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/69th-national-film-awards/

Ans: (b )

Explanation:

• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee examines complaints of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha. The committee was established in 2000 by the late Speaker G M C Balayogi. It became a permanent part of the House in 2015. The committee was established in Rajya Sabha in 1997.
• The committee’s functions include:
  • Examining complaints of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha
  • Making recommendations
  • Formulating a code of conduct for members
  • Suggesting amendments or additions to the code of conduct

Refer:https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/ethics-committee-of-lok-sabha/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Union Education Ministry has introduced the concept of ‘One Nation, One Student ID,‘ referred to as APAAR ID, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The APAAR ID, which stands for ‘Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry,’ is a digital identification system for students in India.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/20/automated-permanent-academic-account-registry-or-apaar-card/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Statement 1: National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Statement 2: It removes information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promotes real time price discovery, based on actual demand and supply, promotes transparency in auction process, and access to a nationwide market for the farmer, with prices commensurate with quality of his produce and online payment and availability of better quality produce and at more reasonable prices to the consumer.
• http://www.enam.gov.in/NAM/home/about_nam.html#

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The first committee of the association was composed of: Raja Radhakanta Deb – President, Raja Kalikrishna Deb – Vice-President, Debendranath Tagore – secretary, et al.
• Statement 2: In 1884, M. Veeraraghavachariar, G. Subramania Iyer and P. Anandacharlu established the Madras Mahajana Sabha.
• Statement 3: IA was the first avowed nationalist organization founded in British India by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_National_Association
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Indian_Association
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madras_Mahajana_Sabha

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017