INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS

DECEMBER 2020

WWW.INSIGHTSONINDIA.COM INSIGHTSIAS

INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS Table of Contents

1. ECONOMY ...... 2

2. ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT ...... 4

3. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES ...... 8

4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ...... 10

5. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS ...... 14

6. POLITY ...... 15

7. HISTORY, ART AND CULTURE ...... 16

8. STATES ...... 16

9. REPORTS AND INDICES ...... 16

10. MAPS / PLACES ...... 17

11. MISCELLANEOUS ...... 18

www.insightsonindia.com 1 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS a) 1, 2 1. Economy b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 1. Consider the following statements regarding d) 1, 2, 3 recent trend in ’s external debt. 1. US dollar denominated debt continued to 5. Zombie firms, sometimes seen in news implies be the largest component of India’s external a) Firms which earn sufficient profit to debt. finance their debts 2. Non-resident deposits remained the b) Firms with create more employment largest component of the external debt. opportunities 3. The long-term debt constitutes more than c) Firms which are not able to cover their twice the short-term debt in total external debt-servicing costs with current earnings. debt. d) Firms supported by the government Which of the above statements is/are correct? without taxing on its profits a) 1, 2 b) 2, 3 6. Which of the following are the functions of c) 1, 3 Banks Board Bureau (BBB)? d) 1, 2, 3 1. Improve the governance of Public Sector Banks. 2. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Advise the government on top-level bank Anti-Dumping Duty. appointments. 1. An anti-dumping duty is a protectionist 3. Provide adequate capital to the Public tariff that a domestic government imposes on Sector Banks to deal with bad loans. foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair Select the correct answer code: market value. a) 1, 3 2. In India, Directorate General of Trade b) 1, 2 Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce c) 2, 3 & Industry conducts anti-dumping investigations. d) 1, 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only 7. Consider the following statements regarding b) 2 only Special economic zones (SEZs) in India. c) Both 1 and 2 1. The SEZ Act 2005 envisages key role for d) Neither 1 nor 2 the State Governments in Export Promotion and creation of related infrastructure in SEZs. 3. Teaser loan, sometimes seen in news means 2. All laws of India are applicable in SEZs a) Loans which charge lower rates of interest unless specifically exempted as per the SEZ Act/ in the first few years after which the rates are Rules. increased. 3. SEZs are exempted from Minimum b) Loans provided to weaker sections of the Alternate tax (MAT). society with interest rate below the repo rate. Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) Loans provided to high net worth a) 1, 3 individuals. b) 2, 3 d) None of the above c) 1, 2 d) 1, 2, 3 4. Consider the following statements. 1. Recession is defined as a fall in the overall 8. Consider the following statements regarding economic activity for two consecutive quarters Negative-yield bonds. accompanied by a decline in income, sales and 1. These are debt instruments that offer to employment. pay the investor a maturity amount lower than the 2. India’s economy has now formally entered purchase price of the bond. into a technical recession. 2. These are generally issued by central 3. Gross Value Added (GVA) data provides a banks or governments. measure of national income by looking at the value- 3. Negative-yield bonds attract investments added by different sectors of the economy. during times of stress and uncertainty as investors Which of the above statements is/are correct? look to protect their capital from significant erosion. www.insightsonindia.com 2 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2, 3 a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3, 4 b) 1, 3 c) 1, 2 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 4 d) 1, 2, 3 13. Consider the following statements regarding 9. National Company Law Appellate Municipal Bonds. Tribunal (NCLAT) hears appeals from the orders 1. A municipal bond is a kind of debt of instrument where investors offer loans to local 1. National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) governments. 2. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India 2. They are issued by civic bodies for specific 3. Competition Commission of India (CCI) projects and usually have a tenure of 10 years. Select the correct answer code: 3. In India, Municipal bonds were introduced a) 1, 2 for the first time under the Atal Mission for b) 1, 3 Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) c) 2, 3 scheme. d) 1, 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only 10. Geographical Indication tags are typically given b) 1, 2 for b) 1, 3 1. Agricultural products c) 1, 2, 3 2. Foodstuffs 3. Handicrafts 14. Consider the following statements regarding 4. Industrial products London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). 5. Wines and spirit drinks 1. The London Interbank Offered Rate Select the correct answer code: (LIBOR) is a benchmark interest rate at which major a) 1, 2, 3, 4 global banks lend to one another in the international b) 1, 2, 3, 5 interbank market for short-term loans. c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2. It is managed by d) 1, 2, 4, 5 European Central Bank (ECB). 3. LIBOR will not be published any more 11. Consider the following statements. after end-2021. 1. Disinvestment involves Selling minority Which of the above statements is/are correct? shares of Public Enterprises, to public or private a) 1, 2 entity. b) 1, 3 2. When the government sells majority c) 2, 3 shares in a public sector entity, that is strategic d) 1, 2, 3 disinvestment. 3. Under strategic disinvestment, the 15. Consider the following statements regarding government transfers the ownership and control of zero-coupon bond. a public sector entity to another public entity and 1. A zero-coupon bond is a debt security that the private sector is not involved here. not pay interest but instead trades at a deep Which of the above statements is/are correct? discount, rendering a profit at maturity, when the a) 1, 3 bond is redeemed for its full-face value. b) 1, 2 2. These are special types of bonds issued c) 2, 3 only by the Central government specifically to a d) 1 only particular institution. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 12. Which of the following are considered as tax a) 1 only revenue for the Union Government? b) 2 only 1. Personal income tax c) Both 1 and 2 2. Excise Duty d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Dividends on investments 4. Income through Spectrum Auctions Select the correct answer code: www.insightsonindia.com 3 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS Select the correct answer code: 2. Ecology and a) 1 only Environment b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 1. Consider the following statements regarding d) Neither 1 nor 2 . 1. In the absence of warm sea surface 5. Consider the following statements regarding conditions, will not intensify further while at Wetlands. sea. 1. In India, Wetlands are regulated under the 2. The conditions favourable for the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. formation of consecutive cyclones in the Indian 2. Wetlands International is an independent, Ocean requires a gap of at least 1 week. not-for-profit, global organisation that works to 3. Upwelling is the process in which cooler sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for waters from lower ocean surfaces are pushed people and biodiversity. towards upper ocean surfaces. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only a) 1, 2 b) 2 only b) 1, 3 c) Both 1 and 2 c) 2, 3 d) Neither 1 nor 2 d) 1, 2, 3 6. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Consider the following statements. Global Tiger Initiative (GTI). 1. As trees grow, they incorporate 1. Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) is a global information about the environmental conditions alliance of governments, international organizations, they are living in in their annual growth rings. civil society, the conservation and scientific 2. Tree rings grow wider in years when soil communities and the private sector, with the aim of moisture is high. working together to save wild tigers from extinction. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 2. The initiative is led by all tiger range a) 1 only countries (TRCs). b) 2 only 3. The scope of GTI also includes Asiatic c) Both 1 and 2 Lions. d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. World Bank is one of the founding partners of GTI. 3. Consider the following statements regarding Which of the above statements is/are correct? Greater one-horned rhinoceros. a) 1, 2, 3, 4 1. Greater one-horned rhinoceros is native b) 1, 2, 4 to the Indian subcontinent. c) 1, 3, 4 2. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red d) 1, 4 List. 3. Kaziranga National Park has the highest 7. Consider the following statements. density of Greater one-horned rhinos in the world. 1. Northern Lights, also known as aurora Which of the above statements is/are correct? borealis, are witnessed only in the polar regions. a) 1, 2 2. Auroras occur when charged particles b) 1, 3 ejected from the Sun’s surface called the solar wind c) 2, 3 enter the Earth’s atmosphere. d) 1, 2, 3 3. Solar flares can hamper flight operations, power grids and space exploration programmes. 4. In India, which of the following are considered as Which of the above statements is/are correct? ‘exotic wildlife species’ a) 1, 2 1. Animals named under Appendices I, II and b) 1, 3 III of the Convention on International Trade in c) 2, 3 Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. d) 1, 2, 3 2. Species from the Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 8. Which of the following states in North-East India have Tiger Reserves. www.insightsonindia.com 4 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS 1. Assam 12. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Nagaland Meteor shower. 3. Arunachal Pradesh 1. A series of meteorites, when encountered 4. Mizoram at once, is termed a meteor shower. 5. Manipur 2. Meteor showers are witnessed when Select the correct answer code: Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind a) 1, 3, 4 by a comet or an asteroid. b) 1, 2, 3, 4 3. According to NASA, meteor shower is a c) 1, 3, 4, 5 very rare event which happens once in 100 years. d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 3 9. Consider the following statements b) 2, 3 regarding Coalbed methane (CBM). c) 1, 2 1. Coalbed methane like Shale gas is d) 1, 2, 3 extracted directly from the rock that is the source of the gas. 13. Consider the following statements regarding 2. CBM can be used for power generation, as ‘Zombie fires’ recently seen in news compressed natural gas (CNG) auto fuel and as 1. A zombie fire is a fire that continues to feedstock for fertilisers. burn underground and then reignites on the surface Which of the above statements is/are correct? after a period of time. a) 1 only 2. It burrow deep in organic soils such as b) 2 only peat lands. c) Both 1 and 2 3. There are evidences of zombie fires d) Neither 1 nor 2 scattered across the Arctic region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 10. The minimum or night time temperature in New a) 1, 2 Delhi dropped to 4.1 degrees Celsius recently. b) 1, 3 Which of the following factors can lead to a dip c) 2, 3 in the temperature in Delhi and surrounding d) 1, 2, 3 areas? 1. Snowfall in the Western Himalayan range 14. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Active Western Disturbances Keoladeo National Park. 3. Intensive cloud cover 1. Keoladeo National Park is a 4. Active La Niña pattern famous avifauna sanctuary that hosts thousands of Select the correct answer code: birds, especially during the winter season. a) 1, 2, 3 2. It is a natural wetland and also a b) 1, 3, 4 UNESCO World Heritage Site. c) 1, 2, 4 3. It is located in the middle of Central Asian d) 1, 2, 3, 4 migratory flyway. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 11. Consider the following statements regarding a) 1, 2 Himalayan serow, recently seen in news b) 1, 3 1. Himalayan serow is described as c) 2, 3 resembling a cross between a goat, a donkey, a cow, d) 1, 2, 3 and a pig. 2. It is restricted to the Himalayan region. 15. Zero Mass Water, sometimes in news is related 3. It is listed under Schedule V of The to Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. a) Converting human waste into water and Which of the above statements is/are correct? other by-products a) 1, 2 b) Purifying seawater using renewable b) 1, 3 energy c) 1 only c) Creating potable drinking water from the d) 2, 3 atmosphere d) Purifying rainwater for drinking www.insightsonindia.com 5 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS 16. Consider the following statements. a) 1 only 1. Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) b) 2 only tracks countries’ efforts to combat climate change c) Both 1 and 2 and is published annually by UNEP. d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. UNFCCC can impose penalty if a country fails to meet Nationally Determined Contributions 21. Consider the following statements. (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Pact. 1. Convention on International Trade in Which of the above statements is/are correct? Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) a) 1 only is an international agreement between governments b) 2 only to ensure that international trade in wild animals, c) Both 1 and 2 birds and plants does not endanger them. d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) enforces anti-smuggling laws in India. 17. Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and 3. Government launched PARIVESH portal Forest Investment Program (FIP) are the for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention initiatives by Access. a) UN Environment Which of the above statements is/are correct? b) World Bank a) 1, 2 c) United Nations Development Programme b) 1, 3 d) Food and Agriculture Organisation c) 1 only d) 1, 2, 3 18. Apart from Teesta, India and Bangladesh have been engaged in discussions to share the water 22. Consider the following statements. of which of these rivers? 1. In the last two years, more than 50% of all 1. Muhuri the rice and wheat procured by government 2. Khowai agencies came from three States – Punjab, Haryana 3. Gomti and Madhya Pradesh. 4. Dharla 2. The carbon footprint for Rice is higher Select the correct answer code: than that of wheat. a) 1, 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? b) 1, 3, 4 a) 1 only c) 2, 3, 4 b) 2 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 19. Which of the following rivers originate outside the Indian Territory? 23. Consider the following statements regarding 1. Brahmaputra Conjunction related to Solar System. 2. Sutlej 1. Conjunction is the name given to any 3. Chenab event where planets or asteroids appear to be very 4. Ravi close together in the sky when viewed from the Select the correct answer code: Earth. a) 1, 2 2. Conjunction always coincides with the b) 1, 3, 4 winter solstice or the summer solstice. c) 1, 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? d) 3, 4 a) 1 only b) 2 only 20. Consider the following statements. c) Both 1 and 2 1. Developing an inventory of exotic live d) Neither 1 nor 2 species by India will ensure better compliance under the Convention on International Trade in 24. Consider the following statements. Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 1. Maitri and Himadri are two Indian 2. Recently Supreme Court ordered an permanent stations in Antarctica. investigation and prosecution if one declared illegal 2. National Centre for Polar and Ocean acquisition or possession of exotic wildlife species. Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency for India’s Which of the above statements is/are correct? scientific expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic. www.insightsonindia.com 6 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS Which of the above statements is/are correct? 28. Consider the following statements regarding a) 1 only Green Climate Fund (GCF). b) 2 only 1. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the c) Both 1 and 2 world’s largest dedicated fund helping developing d) Neither 1 nor 2 countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their ability to respond to climate change. 25. Consider the following statements regarding 2. It was set up by the World Bank. Ammonia. 3. The Fund pays particular attention to the 1. Ammonia can be stored both in liquid and needs of societies that are highly vulnerable to the gaseous form. effects of climate change, in particular Least 2. Ammonia is highly soluble in water, and is Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing found in soil and air. States (SIDS), and African States. 3. It is naturally present in the human body 4. The entire support through GCF and secreted by the kidneys to neutralise excess mechanism is through grants and the countries are acid. not required to pay back. 4. Ammonia is critical in the manufacturing Which of the above statements is/are correct? of fertilizers, and is one of the largest-volume a) 1, 2, 3 synthetic chemicals produced in the world. b) 1, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) 1, 3, 4 a) 1, 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3, 4 b) 1, 3, 4 c) 2, 3, 4 29. Consider the following statements regarding d) 1, 2, 3, 4 Icebergs. 1. An iceberg is a large piece 26. Consider the following statements regarding of freshwater ice that has broken off a glacier or Climate emergency declarations. an ice shelf and is floating freely in open water. 1. In declaring a climate emergency, a 2. The ocean currents does not influence the government admits that climate change exists and movement of icebergs. that the measures taken up to this point are not 3. Icebergs carry dust which fertilises ocean enough to limit the changes brought by it. plankton. 2. Climate Emergency Declarations are Which of the above statements is/are correct? based on the guidelines of UNFCCC. a) 1, 2 3. Recently India declared Climate b) 1, 3 Emergency. c) 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? d) 1 only a) 1 only b) 2 only 30. Consider the following statements regarding c) 3 only Rare Earth elements. d) None of the above 1. Rare Earth elements are not radioactive in nature. 27. Consider the following statements regarding 2. These elements are used in clean Wetlands International. energy, healthcare, environmental mitigation, and 1. Wetlands International is the only global national defence. not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the 3. China’s Rare Earths deposits account for conservation and restoration of wetlands. 80% of identified global reserves. 2. It has been an observer in the UN Which of the above statements is/are correct? Environment Programme. a) 1, 2 3. It Promotes the protection of wetlands b) 1, 3 along the flyway routes of migratory waterbirds. c) 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? d) 1, 2, 3 a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 31. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, recently c) 2, 3 seen in news is located in d) 3 only a) Tamil Nadu b) Gujarat www.insightsonindia.com 7 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS c) Uttarakhand 3. An Agricultural produce market committee d) Andhra Pradesh (APMC) is established by the a) Local Government 32. Consider the following statements regarding b) Farmer Produce Organizations (FPOs) transgenic crop. c) State Government 1. In India, Bt cotton was the first transgenic d) Authorized Local area Vendors (ALAVs) crop used for commercial cultivation. 2. Transgenic crops are more toxic and 4. Invest India, set up in 2009, is a non-profit always proliferate in the environment. venture under the 3. In India, transgenic crops are regulated a) Department for Promotion of Industry under Environment Protection Act, 1986 and and Internal Trade Seed Policy, 2002. b) Department of Finance Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) Department of Expenditure a) 1, 2 d) Ministry of External Affairs b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 5. Consider the following statements: d) 1 only 1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) may be both lower or higher than the prevailing market price of the particular crop. 3. Government Schemes 2. All food grain procurement operations in India are undertaken by the Food and Programmes Corporation of India (FCI). Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund a) 1 only (NIIF) is an investment vehicle that can fund in b) 2 only which of the following sectors? c) Both 1 and 2 1. Green energy d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Affordable and mid-income housing 3. Social infrastructure 6. Which of the following are considered as 4. Manufacturing and logistics ‘indirect farm subsidies’ extended by the 5. Infrastructure services government? Select the correct answer code: 1. Farmer training a) 1, 2, 3. 4 2. Investment in agricultural research b) 1, 2, 4, 5 3. Farm loan waivers c) 1, 2, 4 4. Cheaper credit facilities for farmers d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Select the correct answer code: a) 1, 2 2. Consider the following statements regarding b) 2, 3, 4 Dedicated Freight Corridor. c) 3, 4 1. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of d) 1, 2, 3, 4 India Limited (DFCCIL) run by the Ministry of Railways undertakes the operation of the "Dedicated 7. APMC Model Act 2003 include which of the Freight Corridors" (DFC). following features 2. The Western DFC is lengthier than the 1. Facilitating contract farming model. Eastern DFC. 2. Special market for perishables 3. Western Dedicated Freight 3. Allowing farmers and private persons to Corridor (WDFC) runs from Uttar set up their own market. Pradesh to Mumbai. 4. APMC revenue to be used for improving Which of the above statements is/are correct? market infrastructure. a) 1, 2 Select the correct answer code: b) 1, 3 a) 1, 2, 3 c) 2, 3 b) 1, 3, 4 d) 1, 2, 3 c) 2, 3, 4 d) 1, 2, 3, 4 www.insightsonindia.com 8 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS 8. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), 3. The items covered under the Star Labeling sometimes seen in news is under which ministry Programme includes Deep Freezers, Light a) Ministry of External Affairs Commercial Air Conditioners, Domestic Gas Stove, b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ballast and Microwave Oven. c) Ministry of Finance Which of the above statements is/are correct? d) Ministry of Home Affairs a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 9. Consider the following statements regarding c) 2, 3 Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices d) 1, 2, 3 (CACP). 1. The Commission for Agricultural Costs & 13. Consider the following statements regarding Prices (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Funds. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 1. Though District Mineral Foundation’s 2. It does not recommend minimum support operation is under state governments, the Central price for any commercial crop. Government retains the power to prescribe the rates Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? of contribution. a) 1 only 2. DMF funds are treated as extra-budgetary b) 2 only resources for the States. c) Both 1 and 2 3. Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan d) Neither 1 nor 2 Yojana is meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, 10. Nikshay Poshan Yojana, sometimes seen in news using the funds generated by District Mineral is related to Foundations (DMFs). a) Reduce child mortality due to pneumonia Which of the above statements is/are correct? b) Provision of free dialysis services to the a) 1, 2 poor b) 1, 3 c) National TB Elimination Program c) 2, 3 d) National AIDS Control Program d) 1, 2, 3

11. Consider the following statements regarding 14. Consider the following statements regarding POSHAN Abhiyaan. National Mission on Transformative Mobility and 1. POSHAN Abhiyaan is Government of Storage. India’s flagship programme to improve nutritional 1. National Mission on Transformative outcomes for children, pregnant women and Mobility and Storage is chaired by the Union lactating mothers. Minister of New and Renewable Energy. 2. NITI Aayog is the monitoring authority for 2. It focuses on manufacturing of Electric POSHAN Abhiyaan. Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Components and Batteries. 3. The target of the mission is to eliminate 3. The Mission aims to make India complete stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years self dependent on manufacturing Electric Vehicle by 2022. Batteries by 2030. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 3 a) 2 only b) 1, 2 b) 1, 2 c) 2, 3 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3

12. Consider the following statements regarding 15. Consider the following statements. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). 1. National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) acts 1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a as a link between intelligence and investigation statutory body whose primary objective is of agencies. reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. 2. National Crime Records Bureau 2. BEE give financial assistance to institutions (NCRB) maintains an online database on FIRs and for promoting efficient use of energy and its stolen vehicles. conservation. www.insightsonindia.com 9 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS 3. National Crime Records Bureau 3. India has been successful in controlling implements the Crime and Criminal Tracking the disease outbreak and accounts for about one- Network and Systems (CCTNS) project. tenth of the total global cases. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2 a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3

16. Consider the following statements regarding 2. At any time after the expiration of three years National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). from the date of the grant of a patent, any 1. NDRF is located in the "Public Accounts" person interested may make an application for of under "Reserve Funds not grant of compulsory licence on patent on which bearing interest". of the following grounds? 2. The relief activities for all the calamities 1. The reasonable requirements of the public are monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs. with respect to the patented invention have not 3. NDRF amount can be spent only towards been satisfied. meeting the expenses for emergency response, 2. The patented invention is not available to relief and rehabilitation. the public at a reasonably affordable price. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 3. The patented invention is worked in the a) 1, 2 territory of India by a non-Indian pharmaceutical b) 1, 3 company. c) 2, 3 Select the correct answer code: d) 1 only a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 17. Consider the following statements regarding PM c) 2, 3 SVANidhi scheme. d) 1, 2, 3 1. The PM SVANidhi scheme, is a credit facility that provides street vendors a collateral-free 3. Hayabusa2 project, recently seen in news is loan of Rs 1,00,000 with low rates of interest for a related to period of one year. a) Developing fuel cell that finds commercial 2. The scheme is part of the AtmaNirbhar applications Bharat package. b) Asteroid sample-return mission 3. Small Industries Development Bank of c) an orbiting spacecraft which seeks to India (SIDBI) is the implementing agency for the become the first to be propelled solely by sunlight scheme. d) Astronomical observatory with an Which of the above statements is/are correct? extremely large telescope a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 4. The three-drug Bedaquiline, Pretomanid and c) 2, 3 Linezolid (BPaL) regimen is used to treat d) 2 only a) Coronavirus disease b) Hepatitis B c) Tuberculosis d) Measles

4. Science and Technology 5. The Internet is expanding everyday necessitating the development of new storage. Among the 1. Consider the following statements regarding following, what is the correct ascending order of Kala-azar. data size or data storage? 1. Kala-azar is a tropical disease 1. Terabyte characterised by irregular fever, weight loss, 2. Exabyte anaemia and swelling of the spleen and liver. 3. Petabyte 2. It is caused by a protozoan Leishmania 4. Zettabyte parasite and is transmitted to humans by the bite of Select the correct answer code: infected female sandflies. a) 1-2-3-4 www.insightsonindia.com 10 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS b) 1-3-4-2 c) Spacecraft which seeks to become the c) 1-3-2-4 first to be propelled solely by sunlight d) 1-2-4-3 d) Study Electrodynamics of Moon’s Interaction with the Sun 6. Edge computing enables data to be analysed, processed, and transferred at the edge of a 10. A quantum computer stores information in network. Here ‘Edge’ implies a) Hexadecimal systems a) Local b) Qubits b) Global c) Binary digits c) Cloud computing d) A network of disengaged computer clouds d) Nodal 11. Consider the following statements regarding 7. Consider the following statements regarding Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Machine to Machine communications (M2M). (NMR). 1. Machine to Machine communications 1. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy refer to automated applications which involve (NMR) technique is used for determining the machines or devices communicating through a structure of organic compounds. network without human intervention. 2. It is used in various food systems for 2. It enables data to be transmitted from quality control and research. one device to another device through wired and Which of the above statements is/are correct? wireless communications networks. a) 1 only 3. Machine to machine communications can b) 2 only be used for the development of smart cities and c) Both 1 and 2 grids, transportation systems and healthcare. d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2 12. Consider the following statements regarding b) 1, 3 Desalination. c) 2, 3 1. The most commonly used technology in d) 1, 2, 3 Desalination plants is the process of reverse osmosis. 8. Consider the following statements regarding 2. In reverse osmosis, an external pressure is Thirty Meter Telescope. applied to push solvents from an area of high-solute 1. It is an astronomical observatory with an concentration to an area of low-solute concentration extremely large telescope. through a membrane. 2. India is one of the funding partners for the 3. In India desalination plants have been project. installed in all the coastal states. 3. TMT is designed for near-ultraviolet to Which of the above statements is/are correct? mid-infrared observations. a) 1, 2 4. It will enable scientists to study b) 1, 3 gravitational waves from massive objects far away. c) 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? d) 1, 2, 3 a) 1, 2, 4 b) 1, 2, 3 13. Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale c) 1, 3, 4 crystals that can transport electrons. Potential d) 1, 2, 3, 4 applications of quantum dots include 1. Solar Cells 9. Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder 2. LEDs (ASKAP), recently seen in news is primarily 3. Quantum Computing intended to 4. Medical Imaging 5. Cell Biology Research a) Map the structure and evolution of the Select the correct answer code: Universe a) 1, 2, 3, 5 b) Discover evidence of water molecules on b) 1, 3, 4, 5 the moon c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 d) 2, 3, 4, 5 www.insightsonindia.com 11 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS Which of the above statements is/are correct? 14. Havana syndrome, recently seen in news is a) 2 only related to b) 1, 3 a) Non-Communicable Diseases c) 2, 3 b) Neurological illness d) 1, 2, 3 c) Tuberculosis d) Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 19. Ailments caused by Virus are 1. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 15. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Typhoid Black Carbon. 3. Dysentery 1. Black carbon is a component of 4. Influenza fine particulate matter, formed through the Select the correct answer code: incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, a) 1, 2 and biomass. b) 2, 4 2. Black carbon increases the albedo when c) 1, 4 deposited on snow and ice. d) 1, 3 3. In the tropics, black carbon in soils significantly contributes to the soil fertility. 20. The terms “Pratyush and Mihir” sometimes seen Which of the above statements is/are correct? in the news are related to a) 1, 2 a) Fuel cells that finds commercial b) 1, 3 applications c) 2, 3 b) High Performance Computing (HPC) d) 1 only Systems c) Quantum of ISRO 16. Near Field Communications (NFC) technology is d) Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air missiles used in which among the following applications? 1. Baggage identification in Airports 21. Astronauts have to wear special protective space 2. Contactless card payment suits filled with air when they go to the moon or 3. Healthcare outer space. This is because of 4. Metro train cards 1. Lack of air pressure in these regions Select the correct answer code: 2. Very cold temperature in these regions a) 1, 2, 3 3. Dangerous radiation in these regions b) 2, 3, 4 Select the correct answer code: c) 1, 2, 4 a) 1, 2 d) 1, 2, 3, 4 b) 1, 2, 3 c) 2, 3 17. Consider the following statements regarding d) 1 only “Innate immunity” in human beings. 1. It is present at the time of birth. 22. Glyphosate, Atrazine and Butachlor, recently 2. It is disease specific due to its memory of seen in news is disease attack and response. a) Anti-malarial drug Which of the above statements is/are correct? b) Antibiotic resistant bacteria a) 1 only c) Weedicide b) 2 only d) None of the above c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 23. Plasmodium ovale, recently in news causes a) Measles 18. Consider the following statements regarding b) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Herd immunity. (SARS) 1. It is the resistance to the spread of a c) Malaria contagious disease within a population. d) Pneumonia 2. It occurs when high proportion of individuals are resistant to the disease. 24. Prime editing, sometimes seen in news is related 3. It may occur due to immunization or to naturally. a) 3D printing Technology www.insightsonindia.com 12 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS b) Editing subatomic particles in Quantum a) 1 only communication b) 2 only c) Blockchain Technology c) Both 1 and 2 d) Genome editing technology d) Neither 1 nor 2

25. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research 29. Consider the following statements regarding (NCPOR) and the Goa University (GU) have Goldilocks zone. successfully synthesized gold nanoparticles 1. Goldilocks zone, is the area around a star (GNPs). What are the applications of gold where it is not too hot and not too cold for liquid nanoparticles (GNPs)? water to exist on the surface of surrounding planets. 1. They have greater solar radiation 2. Earth is the only planet in the Sun’s absorbing ability. Goldilocks zone. 2. Detection and diagnosis of diseases. 3. If a planet is in the Goldilocks Zone of a 3. Targeted drug delivery star, it necessarily means the planet is going to have Select the correct answer code: life or liquid water. a) 1, 2 Which of the above statements is/are correct? b) 1, 2, 3 a) 1 only c) 2, 3 b) 1, 2 d) 1, 3 c) 1, 3 d) 2, 3 26. Which of the following services generally use encryption to secure data transmission? 30. Consider the following statements regarding 1. Payment gateways Pneumococcal disease. 2. Messaging services 1. Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial 3. Wireless microphones and bluetooth disease and is a significant contributor for under-five devices mortality rate worldwide. 4. Bank automatic teller machines 2. Pneumococcal disease is spread from Select the correct answer code: infected person to others by direct contact with a) 1, 2, 3 respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. b) 1, 3, 4 3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine is c) 2, 3, 4 included in India’s Universal Immunisation d) 1, 2, 3, 4 Programme (UIP). Which of the above statements is/are correct? 27. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. Which a) 1, 2 of the following are the applications of Dry ice? b) 1, 3 1. It is useful for preserving frozen c) 2, 3 foods where mechanical cooling is unavailable. d) 1, 2, 3 2. Prevent insect activity in closed containers of grains and grain products. 31. Proxima Centauri, sometimes seen in news is 3. Used for cleaning industrial equipments. a) Closest Star to the Sun Select the correct answer code: b) An exoplanet in habitable zone a) 1, 2 c) Nuclear powered submarine b) 1, 3 d) Electronic surveillance satellite c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3 32. Consider the following statements regarding Sun Spots. 28. Consider the following statements. 1. Sunspots are regions where the solar 1. Cross pathy is a practice in which magnetic field is very strong homeopathic and ayurvedic drugs are prescribed 2. Sunspots appear darker than their along with allopathic medicines. surroundings because they are a few thousand 2. Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) degrees cooler than their surroundings. is a statutory body under Ministry of Which of the above statements is/are correct? Health and Family Welfare that monitors higher a) 1 only education in Indian systems of medicine. b) 2 only Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) Both 1 and 2 www.insightsonindia.com 13 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS d) Neither 1 nor 2 cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions. 2. It helps to counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism. 3. UNAOC was established at the initiative of 5. International Relations the Governments of India and USA. Which of the above statements is/are correct? and Organisations a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 1. Consider the following statements regarding c) 2, 3 Singapore Convention on Mediation. d) 1, 2, 3 1. It is the first UN treaty to be named after Singapore. 5. Which of the following is/are some of the goals 2. It settles disputes between the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the Government level and does not (SCO)? involve corporate disputes. 1. Promoting effective cooperation between 3. India is a signatory to the Convention. members in politics, trade, the economy, Which of the above statements is/are correct? research, technology and culture a) 1, 2 2. Maintaining peacekeeping forces in b) 2, 3 member nations on the request of an c) 1, 3 individual member country d) 1, 2, 3 3. Guarding disputed borders between member nations and settling international 2. ASEAN Plus Three (APT) includes which of the border disputes concerning member nations following countries? Select the correct answer code: 1. China a) 1, 2 2. India b) 2, 3 3. Japan c) 1 only 4. Australia d) 1, 3 Select the correct answer code: a) 1, 2, 3 6. UN convention on the Rights of persons with b) 1, 3, 4 disabilities includes which of these rights for the c) 2, 3, 4 differently abled? d) 1, 3 1. Rights to accessibility including the information technology 3. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Rights to live independently and be ‘Contract for the Web’ sometimes seen in news. included in the community 1. It is a legal document, endorsed by the 3. Rights to habitation and rehabilitation United Nations. Select the correct answer code: 2. It is an attempt to address issues a) 1, 3 of political manipulation, fake news, privacy b) 2, 3 violations, and other malign forces on the internet. c) 1, 2 3. Protecting people’s privacy and personal d) 1, 2, 3 data to build online trust is one of the principles of it. 7. Consider the following statements regarding Which of the above statements is/are correct? Comprehensive Convention on International a) 1, 2 Terrorism. b) 1, 3 1. It is a United Nations treaty which intends c) 2, 3 to criminalize all forms of d) 1, 2, 3 international terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, arms, and 4. Consider the following statements regarding safe havens. United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). 2. All the members of the United Nations 1. United Nations Alliance of Civilization General Assembly have signed the Convention. (UNAOC) aims to improve understanding and Which of the above statements is/are correct? www.insightsonindia.com 14 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS a) 1 only Which of the above statements is/are correct? b) 2 only a) 1, 2 c) Both 1 and 2 b) 1, 3 d) Neither 1 nor 2 c) 2, 3 d) 1 only 8. S-400 air defence missile system, recently seen in news is developed by 12. Consider the following statements regarding a) United States International Court of Justice. b) China 1. International Court of Justice is the c) Israel principal judicial organ of the United Nations and d) Russia was established by the United Nations Charter. 2. It settles legal dispute between States 9. Consider the following statements regarding submitted to it by them and deal with applications Countering America’s Adversaries through from individuals and non-governmental Sanctions Act (CAATSA). organizations. 1. Its core objective is to counter Iran, Russia 3. It gives advisory opinion on legal matters and North Korea through punitive measures. referred to it by duly authorized United Nations 2. It empowers the US President to impose organs and specialized agencies. some sanctions on persons engaged in a “significant Which of the above statements is/are correct? transaction” with Russian defence and intelligence a) 1 only sectors. b) 1, 2 Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) 1, 3 a) 1 only d) 1, 2, 3 b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 13. Consider the following statements regarding d) Neither 1 nor 2 International Court of Justice. 1. The International Court of Justice has no 10. Consider the following statements regarding jurisdiction to try individuals accused of war crimes Leadership Group on Industry Transition. or crimes against humanity. 1. The Leadership Group for Industry 2. ICJ acts as an appeal court for any Transition (LeadIT) gathers countries and companies international tribunal. that are committed to reaching net zero carbon 3. The judgements of the ICJ are final and emissions from industry by 2050. without appeal. 2. India is a part of this Grouping. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 3. It was launched with the support from the a) 1, 2 World Economic Forum (WEF). b) 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? c) 1, 3 a) 1, 2 d) 1 only b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3

11. Consider the following statements regarding 6. Polity Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). 1. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is 1. Consider the following statements. an intergovernmental organization that resolve 1. At present, postal ballots are allowed for disputes that arise out of international agreements certain categories of voters living in India. between member states, international organizations 2. Election Commission of India (ECI) is the or private parties. deciding authority to permit NRIs to cast their votes 2. Human Rights Issues are the exclusive from overseas through postal ballots. domain of United Nations Commission on Human 3. For allowing voting rights to NRIs, Rights, therefore PCA does not involve in Human amendments were done to Representation of the Rights issues. People Act 1950. 3. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is an Which of the above statements is/are correct? official United Nations Observer. a) 3 only www.insightsonindia.com 15 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS b) 1, 3 3. Kerala has the largest number of c) 1, 2 registered NRI Voters. d) 2, 3 Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2 2. Attorney General’s consent is mandatory for b) 2, 3 initiating contempt of court in which of the c) 1, 3 following circumstances? d) 3 only 1. When a private citizen wants to initiate a case of contempt of court against a person. 6. Consider the following statements. 2. When the Supreme court want to initiate 1. According to the Constitution of India, The a contempt of court case. Governor shall from time to time summon the House Select the correct answer code: or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet a) 1 only at such time and place as he thinks fit. b) 2 only 2. The Governor always has to act on the aid c) Both 1 and 2 and advice of the cabinet and cannot decide on his d) Neither 1 nor 2 or her own on summoning the House. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 3. Consider the following statements regarding a) 1 only Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. b) 2 only 1. Article 32 affirms the right to move the c) Both 1 and 2 Supreme Court for the enforcement of the rights d) Neither 1 nor 2 conferred in Part III of the Indian Constitution. 2. The right guaranteed under Article 32 is absolute and shall not be suspended. 3. An individual approaching the High Court 7. History, Art and Culture under Article 226 for the violation of fundamental rights is itself is a fundamental right. 1. The Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement, during the Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? British period is related to a) 1, 2 a) Socio-religious reform movement b) 1, 3 b) Restrictions on sell of forest produce by c) 2, 3 the British. d) 3 only c) Farmers’ agitation against British laws. d) None of the above 4. Consider the following statements regarding the Sessions of Parliament in India. 2. The iconic Bamyan Buddha, was located in 1. India does have a fixed parliamentary a) Bhutan calendar and meets for three sessions in a year. b) Sri Lanka 2. Usually the Budget session has the longest c) Afghanistan period. d) Vietnam 2. The summoning of Parliament is based on the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 8. States a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 1. Roshni Act, sometimes seen in news is related to c) 2, 3 a) New Delhi d) 2 only b) Andhra Pradesh c) Punjab 5. Consider the following statements. d) None of the Above 1. Voting rights for NRIs were introduced in India soon after Economic Liberalisation in 1991, through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950. 9. Reports and Indices 2. To extend the postal voting facility to NRI voters, the Government doesn’t require the 1. Global Biodiversity Outlook report is published Parliament’s nod. by www.insightsonindia.com 16 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS a) UN Environment Programme (UNEP) b) 1 only b) UN Convention of Biological Diversity c) 3 only (CBD) d) None of the above c) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) d) World Economic Forum 3. Dead Sea is a Salt Lake sandwiched between a) Israel and Jordan 2. Emissions Gap Report 2020, recently seen in b) Israel and Syria news is released by c) Jordan and Syria a) World Wide Fund for Nature d) Syria and Lebanon b) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 4. Bhasan Char, an Island recently in news is c) World Economic Forum located in d) Germanwatch a) Arabian Sea b) Bay of Bengal 3. Planetary pressures-adjusted Human c) South China Sea Development Index (PHDI) that reflect the d) Sea of Japan impact caused by each country’s per-capita carbon emissions and its material footprint, is 5. Which of these water bodies witnesses sun rise released by at the earliest? a) World Economic Forum a) Black Sea b) United Nations Development Programme b) Mediterranean Sea c) World Bank c) Caspian Sea d) United Nations Environment Programme d) Red Sea (UNEP) 6. The Horn of Africa is a term used to denote the 4. Global Economic Freedom Index 2020, is region containing released by 1. Djibouti a) World Bank 2. Eritrea b) World Economic Forum 3. Ethiopia c) International Monetary Fund 4. Somalia d) None of the above Select the correct answer code: a) 1, 2, 3 b) 1, 3, 4 c) 2, 3, 4 10. Maps / Places d) 1, 2, 3, 4

1. Which of the following Central Asian countries 7. Arrange these places from North to South. border China? 1. Chagos Islands 1. Kazakhstan 2. Reunion Island 2. Turkmenistan 3. Maldives 3. Uzbekistan 4. Lakshadweep 4. Kyrgyzstan Select the correct answer code: Select the correct answer code: a) 2-1-3-2 a) 1, 2, 3 b) 4-3-1-2 b) 2, 3, 4 c) 4-1-2-3 c) 1, 4 d) 4-3-2-1 d) 1, 2, 3 8. The Indian states bordering Bangladesh are 2. Which among the following countries in South- 1. Tripura East Asia is land locked? 2. Sikkim 1. Laos 3. Assam 2. Cambodia 4. Mizoram 3. Thailand Select the correct answer code: Select the correct answer code: a) 1, 2, 3 a) 2 only b) 1, 3, 4 www.insightsonindia.com 17 InsightsIAS INSTA CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ QUESTIONS c) 1, 4 a) 4321 d) 1, 2, 3, 4 b) 3421 c) 3412 9. The place Swabhiman Anchal, recently seen in d) 4312 news is located in a) Kerala b) Odisha b) Tamil Nadu d) West Bengal 11. Miscellaneous

10. The Water bodies bordering Turkey are 1. Tharu tribals, recently seen in news, primarily 1. Mediterranean Sea belongs to 2. Aegean Sea a) Terai Lowlands 3. Black Sea b) Western Ghats 4. Caspian Sea c) North-eastern India Select the correct answer code: d) Bastar region a) 1, 2, 4 b) 1, 3, 4 2. Consider the following statements. c) 1, 2, 3 1. Replacement level fertility is the level of c) 1, 3 fertility at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next. 11. Arrange the following places from South to 2. When a country reaches replacement North: level fertility, it attains zero population growth. 1. Spratly islands Which of the above statements is/are correct? 2. Paracel islands a) 1 only 3. Java Sea b) 2 only 4. Strait of Malacca c) Both 1 and 2 Select the correct answer codes d) Neither 1 nor 2

www.insightsonindia.com 18 InsightsIAS