Q 1 . Consider the following statements with respect to National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):
1 . It was launched in 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation.
2 . It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
3 . Funding pattern: 100 % by the Central Government to the State Governments and UTs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All Three
(d) None of the above
(b) Statement 3 is not correct. Why in news? Union government to extend Palm-oil plantation in north-eastern states under NMEO-OP ֍ National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) ■ National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation. ■ Aims to make country Atmanirbhar in edible oils with special focus on North Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar. ■ Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme ■ Funding pattern: 60:40 between the Central and the State Government for General states and 90:10 for NE states and 100% for UTs. ■ It is being implemented in 15 states/UT’s in the country. ■ It is proposed to cover an additional area of 6.5 lakh hectare (ha.) for oil palm till the year 2025-26 and reaching the target of 10 lakh hectares.
Q 2 . Consider the following statements with respect to bamboo:
1 . In 2017, Government amended the Indian forest Act to categorise bamboo as a grass.
2 . Now there is no prohibition on growing or cutting bamboo trees even outside the forests.
3 . Bamboo grow four to five feet deep into the soil and ensure strong protection to the soil.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All Three
(d) None of the above
(c) Why in news? The Kerala Forest Department is planning to plant bamboo and creeper bamboo along the highway in Munnar to prevent repeated landslides. ■ In 2017, Government amended the Indian forest Act to categorise bamboo as a grass. ■ Now there is no prohibition on growing or cutting bamboo trees even outside the forests. ■ Bamboo grow four to five feet deep into the soil and ensure strong protection to the soil.
Q 3 . Consider the following statements with respect to supernova:
1 . A supernova is what happens when a star has reached the end of its life and explodes in a brilliant burst of light.
2 . Supernovas are the largest explosions in space and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime.
3 . They’re also the primary source of heavy elements in the universe.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All Three
(d) None of the above
(c) Why in news? For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called Bright Transient Survey Bot (BTSbot) searched, confirmed, and announced a supernova (SN2023tyk) discovery without any human intervention. This tool allows automation of the entire star explosion discovery process. ■ A supernova is what happens when a star has reached the end of its life and explodes in a brilliant burst of light. ■ Supernovas are the largest explosions in space and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime. ■ They’re also the primary source of heavy elements in the universe.
Q 4 . Consider the following statements with respect to Ethics committee:
1 . The Ethics committee in Lok Sabha consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker and for a term not exceeding one year.
2 . The Ethics committee in Rajya Sabha consists of 10 members nominated by the Chairman and for a term not exceeding one year.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Why in news? Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker referred a complaint against an MP to ethics committee. ■ Each house of the parliament has its own ethics committee. ■ Ethics committee in Lok Sabha was first constituted in 2000. It consists of not more than fifteen members and nominated by the Speaker. They shall hold office for a term not exceeding one year. ■ Ethics committee in Rajya Sabha was constituted in 1997. Composition: It consists of 10 members nominated by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Term: They shall hold office for a term not exceeding one year. ■ Functions : To examine complaint relating to unethical conduct of a Member referred to it by the Speaker. Make recommendations and formulate a code of conduct for Members, Suggest amendments to the code of conduct. The First Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha was set up in 2000 and of Rajya sabha in 1997
Q 5 . Which among the following statements with respect to Marshall Islands is not correct?
(a) Marshall Islands is an Island country, located in Central Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
(b) Kiribati and Nauru are situated to the south of Marshall Islands.
(c) Home to world’s largest whale sanctuary.
(d) It is situated in two, almost-parallel island chains – the Ratak (Sunrise) group and the Ralik (Sunset) group.
(c) Why in news? Recently, United States signed a new 20-year agreement on economic assistance to the Marshall Islands. ■ Marshall Islands is an Island country, located in Central Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. ■ Its nearest neighbours are Wake Island (north), Kiribati and Nauru (south), and the Federated States of Micronesia (west). ■ It is situated in two, almost-parallel island chains – the Ratak (Sunrise) group and the Ralik (Sunset) group. ■ Largest atoll: Kwajalein. ■ Home to world’s largest shark sanctuary. ■ Marshall Islands Capital: Majuro
