2020

CURRENT
AFFAIRS
WEEKLY PRACTICE QUESTIONS

8th June - 13th June

1. Consider the following statements:
1. The asteroid belt is located between the orbits of the planets Jupiter
and Saturn.
2. Asteroids do not produce a coma or tail atmosphere.
3. Asteroids tend to have shorter and elliptical orbits.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer - (c)
Explanation:
Asteroids
 Asteroids orbit the Sun and are small bodies in the solar system.
 They are made up of metals and rocks.
 They tend to have shorter and elliptical orbits. Hence, Statement 2 is
correct.
 They do not produce a coma or tail atmosphere. Hence, Statement 3 is
correct.
 The asteroid belt is a torus-shaped region in the Solar System, located
roughly between the orbits of the planets Jupiter and Mars. Hence,
Statement 1 is not correct.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. Ribonucleic Acid is more often found single-stranded than
Deoxyribonucleic acid.
2. Uracil is present as a nitrogenous base in Deoxyribonucleic acid.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer - (a)
Explanation:
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
 RNA is a polymer of ribonucleotides and an important biological
macromolecule that is present in all biological cells.
 It is principally involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the
messenger instructions from Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which itself
contains the genetic instructions required for the development and
maintenance of life.
 RNA differs from DNA in three basic respects:
 o RNA employs uracil as a nitrogenous base, in place of the
thymine used in DNA.Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
o RNA nucleotides possess a hydroxyl group at the 2 position, while
nd

DNA is deoxygenated at that position to a proton.

o RNA is more often found single-stranded than DNA, which is
typically completely base-paired into a double helix. Hence,
Statement 1 is correct.

3. Which of the following countries border Persian Gulf?

1. Bahrain 4. Kuwait
2. Iran 5. Oman
3. Iraq 6. Qatar
Select the correct answer using code given below:
a. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
b. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
c. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
d. 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer- (d)
Explanation:
Persian Gulf Region
 The lands around the Persian Gulf are shared by eight countries namely,
Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United
Arab Emirates. Hence, Option (d) is correct.
 Being major producers of crude oil and natural gas, there is a
commonality of interest among these countries.
o This commonality of interest has given rise to their own prosperity
and subsequently, economico-political entanglements among them.

4. Consider the following pairs:

Article Provision
1. Article 25 Freedom to manage religious affairs
2. Article 27 Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of a
particular religion
3. Article 28 Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice
and propagation of religion
Which of the given above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer - (b)
Explanation:
Freedom of Religion in India
 Freedom of religion in India is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article
25-28 of the Constitution of India.
o Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice
and propagation of religion).
o Article 26 (Freedom to manage religious affairs)
o Article 27 (Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of
any particular religion). Hence, Option (b) is correctly
matched.
o Article 28 (Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or
religious worship in certain educational institutions)

5. Which of the following is/are tributaries of Godavari River?

1. Pravara 4. Penganga
2. Purna 5. Wardha
3. Manjra
Select the correct answer using code given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 3 and 5 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer- (d)
Explanation:
Godavari River
 Source: Godavari river rises from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in
Maharashtra and flows for a length of about 1465 km before outfalling
into the Bay of Bengal.
 Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra,
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to
smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Union territory of
Puducherry.
 Tributaries: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha,
Wainganga, Pranhita (combined flow of Wainganga, Penganga,
Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri. Hence, Option (d) is
correct.

6. With reference to the ‘Institutions of Eminence Scheme’, consider the

following statements:
1. It intends to establish 20 institutions of eminence from amongst the
existing government institutions.
2. All the institutions selected under the scheme are provided with a
grant of Rs. 1,000 crore.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
 a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation
 Institutions of Eminence Scheme (IoE) is a government's scheme to
provide the regulatory architecture for setting up or upgrading of 20
Institutions (10 from public sector and 10 from the private sector) as
world-class teaching and research institutions called ‘Institutions of
Eminence’. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
 The public institutions under IoE tag will receive a government grant of
Rs 1,000 crore, while the private institutions will not get any funding
under the scheme. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

7. Consider the following statements:

1. Article 262 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make
law for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
2. The decision of the tribunal set up under the Inter-State Water
Disputes Act can be challenged in both the Supreme Court and
High Courts.
3. The first tribunal under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act was set
up for Krishna River.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation
 Article 262 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make law for
the adjudication of inter-state water disputes. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
 The decision of the tribunal set up under the Inter-State Water Disputes
Act cannot be challenged in any court and it is binding on the parties.
Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
 The first tribunal under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act was set up for
Krishna River in 1969. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

8. With reference to the Asiatic Lions, consider the following statements:

1. Asiatic lions are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN list
of threatened species.
 2. Maldhari people residing in the Gir forest share a symbiotic
relationship with the asiatic lions.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation
 Asiatic lions are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN list of threatened
species. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
 Gir is often linked with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages
by having a symbiotic relationship with the lions.Maldharis are religious
pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".
Hence, statement 2 is correct.

9. ‘Athirapally Hydro Electric Project’ recently seen in the news is proposed on

which of the following rivers?
a. Chalakudy
b. Periyar
c. Kaveri
d. Vaigai
Answer: (a)
Explanation
 Kerala government has approved the proposed Athirapally Hydro
Electric Project (AHEP) on the Chalakudy river in Thrissur district of
the state.
o Chalakudy river originates in the Anamalai region of Tamil Nadu
and is joined by its major tributaries Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti,
Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam in Kerala.
o The famous waterfalls, Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls, are
situated on Chalakudy river.
o It merges with the Periyar River near Puthenvelikkara in
Ernakulam district. Hence, option (a) is correct.

10. With reference to India Ranking 2020 under National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF), consider the following statements:
1. India Ranking 2020 under National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) was recently launched by the NITI ayog.
2. The NIRF aims to encourage institutes to compete against each
other and simultaneously work towards their growth.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
 b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation
 India Ranking 2020 under National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF) was recently launched by the Ministry of Human Resource
Development (MHRD). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
 The NIRF aims to encourage institutes to compete against each other and
simultaneously work towards their growth. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
o In addition, these rankings also attract foreign students, providing a
solid base for the ‘Study in India’ programme for the growth of
higher education in India.

11. Consider the following statements with reference to Environmental

Performance Index (EPI):
1. Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial index
prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. It offers a scorecard that highlights leaders and laggards in
environmental performance.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial index prepared by
Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World
Economic Forum. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 It offers a scorecard that highlights leaders and laggards in environmental
performance and provides practical guidance for countries that aspire to
move toward a sustainable future. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

12. International Labour Organisation’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to
a. Child labour
b. Adaptation of agriculture practices to global climate change
c. Regulation of food prices and food security for workers
d. Gender parity at the workplace
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
  The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines child
labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, their
potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and
mental development.
 International Laws on Child Labour
o The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989: It contains
the idea that children are not just objects who belong to their
parents and for whom decisions are made, or adults in training.
Rather, they are human beings and individuals with their own
rights.
o International Labour Organisation’s Conventions on the minimum
age for admission to employment of the year 1973 (ILO
convention 138) and on the worst forms of child labour of the year
1999 (ILO convention182).
Hence, Option (a) is correct.

13. Consider the following statements:

1. WCL EYE is a mobile and desktop app of Coal Ministry for
employees & stakeholders which will provide a virtual platform for
suggestions and feedback sharing.
2. SAMVAAD is a digital surveillance system that will monitor
operations of 15 major mines of Coal India Limited.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
 WCL EYE is a digital surveillance system that will monitor operations of
15 major mines of Coal India Limited, accounting for 70% of the
company’s coal production. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
 SAMVAAD is a mobile and desktop app for employees & stakeholders
which will provide a virtual platform for suggestion/feedback/experience
sharing. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

14. With reference to economic recovery, consider the following statements:

1. Z-shaped recovery is the scenario in which the economy quickly
rises after an economic crash.
2. W-shaped recovery is a scenario in which the economy, after
falling, struggles around a low growth rate for some time, before
rising gradually to usual levels.
 3. L-shaped recovery is a scenario in which the economy fails to
regain the level of GDP even after years go by.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
 Z-shaped recovery: It is the most-optimistic scenario in which the
economy quickly rises after an economic crash. Hence, Statement 1 is
correct.
 U-shaped recovery: It is a scenario in which the economy, after falling,
struggles around a low growth rate for some time, before rising gradually
to usual levels. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
 W-shaped recovery: A W-shaped recovery is a dangerous creature. In
this, growth falls and rises, but falls again before recovering, thus forming
a W-like chart.
 L-shaped recovery: In this, the economy fails to regain the level of GDP
even after years go by. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

15. With reference to the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, which of the

following statements is not correct?
a. Liberalised Remittance Scheme is the scheme introduced by the
Reserve Bank of India in 2004.
b. Under the scheme, all resident individuals, excluding minors, are
allowed to freely remit up to USD 1,50,000 per financial year.
c. The Scheme is not available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu
Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.
d. It is mandatory for the resident individual to provide his/her Permanent
Account Number (PAN) for all transactions under LRS made through
Authorized Persons.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
 Liberalised Remittance Scheme is the scheme of the Reserve Bank of
India, introduced in the year 2004.
 Under the scheme, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed
to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year (April – March) for
any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of
both.
 Not Eligible: The Scheme is not available to corporations, partnership
firms, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.
  Requirements: It is mandatory for the resident individual to provide
his/her Permanent Account Number (PAN) for all transactions under
LRS made through Authorized Persons.
Hence, Option (b) is not correct.

16. Consider the following statements about Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated
Transportation (ARPIT):
1. This pod will be utilised for evacuation of critical patients with
infectious diseases including Covid-19 from high altitude areas, isolated
and remote places
2. It utilises High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) H-13 class filters
and supports invasive ventilation using transport ventilators
3. It is jointly developed by DRDO and ICMR.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. All of the above
Answer:(a)
Explanation:
 This pod will be utilised for evacuation of critical patients with infectious
diseases including Covid-19 from high altitude areas, isolated and remote
places.
 Supporting the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative, only indigenous materials
have been used to fabricate this pod. Hence statement 1 is correct.
 It utilises High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) H-13 class filters and
supports invasive ventilation using transport ventilators.
 HEPA: It is an air-filtration system designed to capture at least 99.97% of
fine airborne particles, dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, with a size of at least
0.3 micrometre.Hence statement 2 is correct
 Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has designed, developed and
inducted an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation i.e. ARPIT.
Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

17. Consider the following statements about Maguri-Motapung Wetland:

1. Maguri Motapung Wetland is a part of the Dihang-
Dibang Biosphere Reserve.
2. The wetland derives its name from “Magur”, the local word for the
catfish ‘Clarius batrachus’.
3. It is an Important Bird Area notified by the Bombay Natural
History Society.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
 b. 2 and 3 only
c. 3 only
d. All of the above
Answer:(b)
Explanation:
 Maguri Motapung Beel is less than 10 km from Dibru-Saikhowa National
Park and part of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. Hence
statement 1 is incorrect.
 The wetland derives its name from “Magur”, the local word for the
catfish ‘Clarius batrachus’. Hence statement 2 is correct
 It is an Important Bird Area notified by the Bombay Natural History
Society. Hence statement 3 is correct.

18. Consider the following statements about river Rhine:

1. The Rhine River is the longest river in Central and Western Europe
and originates in the German Alps (Germany).
2. It is called Rhein in Germany, Rhine in France and Rijn in the
Netherlands.
3. The Rhine flows through six countries -Germany, Principality of
Liechtenstein, Austria,Switzerland, France and the Netherlands before
flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. All of the above
Answer:(b)
Explanation:
 The Rhine River is the second-longest river in Central and Western
Europe after the Danube and originates in the Swiss Alps (in
Switzerland). Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
 The Rhine river is called by different names depending on the country it
flows through. It is called Rhein in Germany; Rhine in France and Rijn in
the Netherlands. Hence statement 2 is correct.
 The Rhine flows through six countries -Switzerland, Principality of
Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands before
flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam. Hence statement 3 is correct

19. Consider the following statements about Vamsadhara River:

1. It is an east-flowing river which originates in Dhamtari district of
Chhattisgarh, flows in Odisha, along its boundary with Andhra Pradesh
and finally joins the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh,
 2. It is the main river of north-eastern Andhra region and the
Boddepalli Rajagopala Rao Project was constructed on it to meet the
irrigation needs of the region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(b)
Explanation:
 It is an east-flowing river which originates in Kalahandi district of
Odisha, flows in Odisha, along its boundary with Andhra Pradesh and
finally joins the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
 It is the main river of north-eastern Andhra region and the Boddepalli
Rajagopala Rao Project was constructed on it to meet the irrigation needs
of the region. Hence statement 2 is correct.

20. Sahakar Mitra scheme is launched by which ministry?

a. Ministry of Consumer Affairs
b. Ministry of MSME
c. Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare
d. Ministry of Communications
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
 Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has launched a
Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP) i.e. Sahakar Mitra.
 It is an initiative by the National Cooperative Development Corporation
(NCDC) for young professionals and will help cooperative institutions
access new and innovative ideas of young professionals. Hence option c
is correct.
MAINS QUESTIONS
1. The Jurisdiction of the Supreme court under Article 142 supersedes the
executive and the legislature. Discuss
2. Deep sea hotspots of biodiversity are also likely to be microplastic
hotspots. What are micro plastics? How do they pose a serious challenge
to the entire oceanic ecosystem? Construct a detailed plan of action to
resolve the issue.

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