#110 History
Q1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below:
| List-I (GI-tagged Product) | List-II (State) |
| A. Lakadong Turmeric | 1. Odisha |
| B. Kandhamal Haldi | 2. Meghalaya |
| C. Sirsa Kinnow | 3. Haryana |
| D. Naga Tree Tomato | 4. Nagaland |
Code:
(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
(c) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Mission Golden Spice is a ₹175.45 crore Meghalaya Government initiative to strengthen the value chain and global branding of GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric.
- Lakadong Turmeric – Meghalaya: Lakadong Turmeric is grown mainly in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and is renowned for its high curcumin content. It was recently promoted under Mission Golden Spice. Hence, Pair A-2 is correctly matched.
- Kandhamal Haldi – Odisha: Kandhamal Haldi is a GI-tagged turmeric from Odisha, known for its quality and organic cultivation. Hence, Pair B-1 is correctly matched.
- Sirsa Kinnow – Haryana: Sirsa Kinnow recently received a GI tag, becoming Haryana's first GI-tagged fruit. Hence, Pair C-3 is correctly matched.
- Naga Tree Tomato – Nagaland: Naga Tree Tomato is a GI-tagged horticultural product indigenous to Nagaland. Hence, Pair D-4 is correctly matched.
Hence, option (a) is correct.
#210 Science & Technology
Q2. The terms 'Beta Pictoris b', 'HIP 65426 b' and 'HD 95086 b', recently seen in the news, refer to:
(a) Interstellar asteroids passing through the Solar System
(b) Exoplanets discovered orbiting stars beyond the Solar System
(c) Dwarf planets located in the Kuiper Belt
(d) Artificial satellites launched for deep-space exploration
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Beta Pictoris b was recently in the news following the discovery of another planet in the Beta Pictoris system, highlighting one of the few planetary systems with multiple directly imaged exoplanets.
- Beta Pictoris b is a young gas giant exoplanet orbiting the star Beta Pictoris, located about 63 light-years from Earth. It was among the earliest exoplanets to be directly imaged.
- HIP 65426 b is a gas giant exoplanet that became the first exoplanet imaged by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), allowing detailed studies of its atmosphere.
- HD 95086 b is another directly imaged exoplanet orbiting a young star and is studied to understand the formation and evolution of giant planets.
- None of these are asteroids, dwarf planets, or artificial satellites; all are exoplanets, i.e., planets orbiting stars outside our Solar System.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Read More: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2609/
#100 Miscellaneous
Q3. Which one of the following countries was the first in the world to introduce a complete series of polymer (plastic) banknotes?
(a) India
(b) Australia
(c) Canada
(d) United Kingdom
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a significant step towards introducing polymer banknotes by inviting global Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the supply of polymer substrates with embedded security features.
- Australia pioneered polymer banknote technology in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It issued the world's first polymer banknote in 1988 (to commemorate Australia's Bicentenary) and subsequently became the first country to replace its entire series of banknotes with polymer notes. Hence, Option (b) is correct.
- India currently uses cotton-based paper banknotes. Although the RBI first proposed polymer ₹10 notes in 2009 and has recently revived the initiative, polymer banknotes have not yet been introduced for circulation. Hence, Option (a) is not correct.
- Canada adopted a complete polymer banknote series beginning in 2011, becoming one of the major users of polymer currency, but not the first. Hence, Option (c) is not correct.
- The United Kingdom introduced polymer banknotes gradually from 2016 onwards, replacing paper notes denomination by denomination. It was not the first adopter. Hence, Option (d) is not correct.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
#120 Economy
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine fisheries resources.
Statement II:
It prohibits subsidies granted for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and for fishing of overfished stocks.
Statement III:
The Agreement applies to marine wild-capture fisheries as well as aquaculture and inland fisheries to ensure comprehensive coverage of the fisheries sector.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I.
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- India recently deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming a Party to the Agreement.
- The Agreement prohibits subsidies linked to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks. These disciplines directly contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine fisheries resources. Hence, Statement II is correct and explains Statement I.
- The Agreement does not cover aquaculture or inland fisheries. Its scope is limited to marine wild-capture fisheries and fishing-related activities at sea. Hence, Statement III is not correct.
Hence, option (c) is correct.
#120 Economy
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding inflation:
- Demand-pull inflation occurs when aggregate demand exceeds the economy's productive capacity.
- Cost-push inflation arises due to an increase in the cost of production.
- A sharp rise in international crude oil prices can contribute to cost-push inflation in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- India's recent inflation has largely been driven by rising fuel costs and food prices rather than excessive demand.
- Demand-pull inflation occurs when aggregate demand outpaces aggregate supply, pushing up prices. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- Cost-push inflation results from rising production costs such as wages, raw materials or energy prices, which producers pass on to consumers. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
- India imports a significant share of its crude oil requirement; therefore, higher international crude oil prices raise production and transportation costs, contributing to cost-push inflation. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Hence, option (d) is correct.
Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/why-inflation-is-rising-in-india/article71245104.ece