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CURRENT AFFAIRS

EDUCATION RELATED CURRENT AFFAIRS

Name the Indian Coast Guard officer who has been chosen to be the next Director Krishnaswam
General of Coast Guard replacing DG Rajendra Singh on 30 June 2019? y Natrajan

Who was appointed as the Director of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)? Samant Kumar Goel

On which day the National Statistics Day is observed in India? 29th June

Name the CEO of Niti Aayog who has got two year extension till June 30 2021? Amitabh Kant
Name the senior IPS officer who has been appointed as the new Chief of
Arvind Kumar
Intelligence Bureau (IB)?

Name the IT Industry icon who will retire as the Executive Chairman of Wipro with
Azim Premji
effect from July 30, 2019?

Name the Padma Vibhushan awardee, also popularly known as the Metro Man, who
recently resigned as the Principal Advisor to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation E. Sreedharan
(LMRC) citing health issues?

How much penalty has been proposed for not providing way to emergency vehicles
Rs. 10,000
under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill approved by cabinet?

Name the Indian player who completed a career Grand Slam in snooker by winning
Pankaj Advani
Asian Snooker Championship title?

Which Indian bowler has recently become the second Indian bowler to take hat-
Mohammed Shami
trick in World Cup history?

Who has been appointed as the new Speaker of Lok Sabha? Om Birla

Adhir Ranjan
Who has been named as the Congress leader in Lok Sabha?
Chowdhury

Who has been appointed as the new leader of Rajya Sabha? Thawarchand Gehlot

Who won Femina Miss India 2019 Pageant? Suman Rao

Which company has unveiled India's first smart electric motor bike RV 400? Revolt Intellicorp

In which Indian state over 100 children have died due to Encephalitis? Bihar
Which Indian batsman has become the fastest to score 11,000 runs in ODIs? Virat Kohli

In which state the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared All India Protest Day
West Bengal
on June 14 after doctors of this state went on strike demanding adequate security?

In which state the Union Government has approved setting up of 1,000 foreigners
tribunals by July 31 when the final list of National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be Assam
published?

What is the name of IAF aircraft which crashed in Arunachal Pradesh killing all the
AN-32
13 people on board?

The Union Government has decided to develop Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Schedules Tribes
at par with Navodya Vidyalaya for which community?

Which Indian is back on the Forbes World’s 100 Highest-Paid athletes list, making
Virat Kohli
him the only Indian to feature in the rankings, once again?

The Modi 2.0 Government created which new ministry by merging the Ministry of
Ministry of Jal
Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of
Shakti
Drinking Water and Sanitation to provide safe drinking water to people?

Gajendra Singh
Who is the minister of newly created ministry Jal Shakti?
Shekhawat

Name the retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who has been reappointed as the
Ajit Doval
National Security Adviser, according him a Cabinet rank?

The Reserve Bank of India has done away with the charges levied on fund transfers
through which of the following mode of transfer and asked the banks to pass on the RTGS and NEFT
benefits to customers?

Which nation did S Jaishankar visit in his first overseas trip as India's External
Bhutan
Affairs Minister?

Name the league which will be a quarterly cleanliness assessment of Indian cities and
Swachh Survekshan
towns and was launched by the Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh
League
Puri in New Delhi on June 6, 2019?

The scenic Dzükou Valley has become Plastic Free Zone on the occasion of World
Nagaland
Environment Day. This valley is located in which place?

What is the current Repo Rate as per the Second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy
5.75 percent
Statement 2019-20 of Reserve Bank of India?

Name the Indian state which has been gifted a museum of peace by Japan to mark 75
Manipur
years of fiercest battles of the Second World War held in 1944?

Name the Chief Executive of Indian Banks Association who has been appointed head VG Kannan
of a six-member committee constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to review
 the ATM interchange fee structure, with a view to giving a fillip to ATM deployment
in unbanked areas?

Name the BJP MP who has been chosen to be the Protem Speaker of the 17th Lok
Dr. Virendra Kumar
Sabha?

Which country has honoured the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with its
Maldives
highest honour Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen?

Name the renowned scientist who has been appointed as the chief of India Mrutyunjay
Meteorological Department (IMD)? Mohapatra

Name the world famous Rajasthani folk dancer who died in a car accident near
Queen Harish
Jodhpur in Rajasthan?

Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has been elected
World Health
as the external auditor of which international organisation for a term of 4 years from
Organisation (WHO)
2020 to 2023?

Name the public sector undertaking which has become the most profitable public Oil and Natural Gas
sector company overtaking Indian Oil Corporation for the financial year 2018-19? Corporation (ONGC)

Name the Jnanpith award winner, multi-lingual scholar, master playwright,

Girish Karnad
screenwriter, actor and director who died recently?

Environment Current Affairs

 Scaly foot snail, first species to be declared endangered as a result of deep sea mining
Researchers of Queen’s University Belfast found that the scaly-foot snail is the first species to be declared endangered as a result

of deep-sea mining. The study also covers assessments of animals living in deep sea hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean. The

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has also added the scaly-foot snail to its global Red List, the international

inventory of at-risk species. Also, 14 more species were found in a hydrothermal vent ecosystem that are to be included in the next

edition of IUCN’s Red List to be out in 2019. About Scaly Foot Snail: Scaly foot snail was first discovered in 2003. It live at depths

of up to 9,500 feet in the sea. Its's shell consists of three layers: ♦ the outer layer which is fortified with iron sulphides ♦ an organic

middle layer ♦ a calcified inner layer The type of snails has an enormous heart.Only an enormous heart can circulate enough b lood

to oxygenate the snail and its many microbial passengers.

Indias first Dragon blood-oozing Tree discovered in Assam

Researcher discovers Dracaena Cambodia A dragon tree species in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district. Plant It is a plant that

yields a dragon’s blood.It is a bright red resin used in ancient times as a medicine, body oil, varnish, incense, and dye. Th e sap

turns bright red after coming in contact with air.This is for the first time that a dragon tree species reported from India. In India, the

Dracaena genus belonging to the family Asparagaceae It is represented by nine species and two varieties in the Himalayan region,

the northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.The Dracaena cambodiana Dracaena cambodiana is the only true dragon tree

species. It is an important medicinal plant as well as an ornamental tree.It is a major source of dragon’s blood, a precious traditional

medicine in China.Several antifungal and antibacterial compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids.They have been extracted from various

parts of the plant.The species is already listed in the inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of China.The recent overexploitation

to meet the increasing demand for dragon’s blood resulted in rapid depletion of the plant.The habitat of the plant is severely

fragmented due to the open excavation of a stone quarry. There is a continuing decrease in its area of occupancy and number of
mature individuals. The Dracaena seeds are usually dispersed by birds. Due to the large fruit size, only a few species of birds are

able to swallow the fruits, thus limiting the scope of its nature conservation.

Researchers have discovered a new vine snake species in the southern Western Ghats

Researchers from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru have discovered a new vine snake species in the southern Western Ghats.

The species 'Proahaetulla antiqua' is believed to have evolved around 26 million years ago. It was first discovered in 2011. It looks

similar to Ahaetulla dispar which is a small-sized vine snake with similar morphological characters. The vine snake species are not

only a new species but also belong to a new genus. The unique features of the snake was studied by the researchers from Indian

Institute of Science, Bengaluru along with Chennai Snake Park, Chennai and Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai. The study

was funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), DBT -IISc

Partnership Programme and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. There are similar species in Africa and South America. The

Asian vine snakes are distributed throughout Asia.

BSI reported that India hosts 1,256 species of orchid

A recent report by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) that India hosts 1,256 species of orchid. It also released the census containing

photographs of 775 species of Orchids. This is the first time the report showed the importance of orchids in floriculture. The
photographs included nearly 60% of all species. Orchids in India: The highest number of orchid species has been recorded from

Arunachal Pradesh with 612 species. Sikkim has 560 species of Orchids. The richest, in terms of orchid species is the Himalayan

zone. North-East India rank at top in species concentration of Orchid and the Western Ghats have high endemism of orchids.

CITES: The entire orchid family is listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora). CITES bans illegal trade of wild orchid globally. Orchids: Among 1,256 orchid species that are found in India, 388 sp ecies of

orchids are endemic to India. Among the 388 species of orchids about 128 endemic species are found in Western Ghats. Orchids

can be broadly categorised into 3 life forms Types: Three types of Orchids are: Epiphytic type of orchids grow on another plants

including those growing on rock boulders and often termed lithophyte. About 757 species are epiphytic. Terrestrial type of orchids

grow on land and climbers. 447 species in India are terrestrial. Mycoheterotrophic type of Orchid derive nutrients from mycorrhizal

fungi. 43 species in India are mycoheterotrophic.

MoEF has recommended for the survey and exploration of uranium in Amrabad Tiger Reserve

1 2 Jul y 2 01 9

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has recommended for the survey and exploration of uranium in Amrabad

Tiger Reserve, Telangana. The exploration was approved by the Atomic Minerals Directorate. The approval comes inspite of the

contrary reports by forest officials after field inspections which was conducted in 2016. The proposal sought permission to explore

uranium in 76 km in Amrabad and Udumilla regions, besides 7 km in the adjoining Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve in Andhra

Pradesh. The exploration is for the use in nuclear power generation. Disturbance to ecosystem: Mining for exploration may cause

destruction and disturbance of ecosystems and habitat fragmentation. This does not recommend any permission for the proposal.

The Forest Officer of the Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve has made similar recommendations, listing threat to several species in

Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, besides others.

Nepal's effective measures to clean up the Mount Everest

Nepal conducted a month-long cleaning campaign to clean the trashes in Mount Everest by collecting over 10,000 kg of rubbish

from the region. Mega clean-up campaign: The historical mega clean-up campaign was coordinated by government and non-

government agencies of Nepal. A dedicated Sherpa team from the base camp to four higher camps collected waste from the roof of

the world. Instead of sending solid waste to dump in the landfill site near Kathmandy, the items were segregated, processed and

recycled as raw materials for various products. The collected materials were segregated in different categories like plastic, glass,

iron, aluminium and textile. Among 10 tonnes of waste received, 2 tonnes have been recycled while the remaining eight were soil

mixed with wrappers and semi-burned items, which could not be recycled. The authorities suggested to set up an initial processing

unit in the mountain area itself, so that waste can be segregated immediately and easily managed. Nepal's other measures: As per

the Nepal's regulation, the country charges $11,000 as royalty and $710 for a Nepali climber to scale the 8,848-meter-tall mountain.

The Nepal government has laid a provision that if a climber brings back at least 8 kg of garbage then it will refund. It has been

claimed that piles of trash are still found in the mountain. If it prevails, it will cause an adverse impact on health and t he environment.

It is necessary that the government should come up with new policies to have a separate fund, which can be used to continue t he

cleanliness campaign to make the mountaineering industry sustainable.

Telangana government has introduced the Miyawaki method of afforestation

Telangana government has introduced the Japanese Miyawaki method of afforestation to grow urban forests and expand the green

cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation target under the Telanganaku Haritha Haaram (TKHH). About Miyawaki: Miyawaki

is a Japanese technique introduced by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time.

Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while through conventional methods takes anywhere between 20 0

to 300 years. It has revolutionised the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.This method includes

planting trees, only native species, as close as possible in the same area The approach ensures that plant growth is 10 times faster

and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while

through conventional methods takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years. Miyawaki Process: The native trees of the region are

identified and divided into four layers namely shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy. The quality of soil is analysed water retention

capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it. A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high dens ity three to

five sapling per square meter. The ground should be covered with a thick layer of mulch. These tress lack some qualities of natural

forests, such as medicinal properties and the ability to bring rain. Such fast-growing plantations can be used for wood lots,

recreational uses like bird watching, bushwalking, and wildflower appreciation. Several environmentalists have accelerates the

growth of trees as it is not a good idea to force plants to photosynthesize fast. Telangana Ku Haritha Haram (TKHH): Telangan a Ku

Haritha Haram or Haritha Haram was launched by Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao on July 2015. TKHH is a large-

scale tree-planting program implemented by the Government of Telangana. The plan aimed to increase the amount of tree cover in

the state from 24% to 33%. The State has allocated Rs.5500 crores of its budget for the project. The flagship programmes aims to

rejuvenate degraded forests, protecting these forests from threats such as smuggling, encroachment, fire and grazing.

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli has erupted

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli has erupted on 3 July. The Volcanic eruption killed a pers on. Mt. Stromboli: Stromboli is

known as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" and has a population of around 500. The volcano is one of the most active on t he
planet and has been under a regular state of eruption since 1932. The last major eruption was in 2002, when a blast destroyed local

buildings and piers, injuring six.

Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) has been currently deployed across the Kaziranga National Park

The Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) has been currently deployed across the Kaziranga National Park. A first ever batch of

82 constables of a SRPF has been deployed in various parts of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

The force consists of 74 men and 8 women who underwent 43 weeks of training. The constables assumed their duties across the

national park to protect one horned rhino. Aim: This is the first time a special force that has been dedicated to keep a check on

rhino poaching and related activities in the Kaziranga National Park. From 2013, there was rampant rhino poaching in Kazirang a. In

2013 and 2014, 27 poaching incidents each year was reported. In the last 2 years there has been 6 cases each year. In 2019, there

have been three cases so far. About Kaziranga: Kaziranga National Park, the prestigious national park of India, is situated in the

state of Assam. It was created in 1908 and it was declared as National Park on 11 February 1974. It was declared as a World

Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1985. About Rhinos in Kaziranga: The Assam state forest department reported that there are

2,547 rhinos in Assam in its 2018 census. Greater One-Horned rhinoceros and the Asian One-Horned Rhinoceros falls under the

IUCN list of endangered species. A report said that about 3,000 Rhinos live in the wild, and around 2000 of which are found in

Kazirnaga National Park.

For the first, the Lucknow government has begun the construction of roads using plastic waste

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is constructing a road using plastic waste for the first time ever. The road is const ructed

from Gomti Nagar Police Station to Indian Institute of Management (IIM) under a pilot project by LDA in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

The LDA has followed guidelines of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) in road construction. The research showed mixin g

plastic waste increases the durability of the roads by 40-50%. These roads will be more durable and will stay in good condition for a

longer time. Around 8-10% of plastic waste is being mixed in coal tar. The initiative was inspired after the success of roads in many

foreign countries. In India too, many civic bodies have started road construct using plastic waste in an environmental-friendly

experiment. The LDA plans to conduct more research on this road experiment in the next two years to know if there can be some

improvement. Plastic roads: The implementation of plastics in roads has opened a new option for recycling post consumer plast ics.

The US, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, India and many other countries have used technology which can incorporate plastic waste

into an asphalt mix. Plastic composite roads, however, have existed and demonstrate characteristics superior to regular asphalt

concrete roads; specifically, they show better wear resistance. Central Road Research Institute (CRRI): CRRI was established in

1952. The CRRI is located in New Delhi. It is a constituent laboratory of India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Resear ch. It

conducts research and development in the areas of design, construction, maintenance and management of roads and airport

runways. It also works in area of traffic and surface transportation planning.

Researchers have found that the Islands ice sheet has lost more than two gigatonnes in a day
Researchers have found that the Island’s ice sheet has lost more than two gigatonnes (a gigaton is equal to one billion tonnes) of

ice in just a day on June 13 to a widespread melting event. This is a sign that 2019 could once again set records for loss in

Greenland ice. The Danish Meteorological Institute, the Greenland melting season started very early this year on April 30. This is

the second earliest in a record that stretches back to 1980. This year’s start of April 30 is second only to 2016, when a ver y unusual

weather pattern caused an early start to the melting season in mid-April. Number three on the list is May 2, 2010, when a similar

weather pattern triggered an early melting onset closely followed by May 7 in 2017. The top four have all occurred within the last 10

years. Reason for Melting: The researchers found that the Greenland melting event was due to an atmospheric circulation in the

Arctic and North Atlantic. The sudden spike in melting can be compared to some spikes seen seven years ago. Melting off early in

the season leads to further ice loss later in the season. The reason why melting has spiked in 2019 is th at Greenland experienced a

dry and cold winter.

India to host COP-14 of UNCCD

India will be hosting the 14th session of the Conference of Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat

Desertification (UNCCD) for the first time. COP-14 will be held between September 2 and 14 in Delhi. Participants: It is expected

that atleast 5,000 delegates from nearly 197 countries will be participating. The Centre launched a flagship project, part of a larger

international initiative called the Bonn Challenge ahead of the COP-14. The flagship project aims to enhance India’s capacity for

forest landscape restoration (FLR). The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and

degraded land under restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. COP-13 of UNCCD: The 13th session of the

Conference of Parties (COP-13) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Ordos, China.

Around 113 countries had agreed to specify concrete targets with clear indicators, to rehabilitate more land and reverse

degradation, which currently affects over a third of the world’s land resources. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

(UNCCD): Drafted: 17 June 1994 Signed: 14 October 1994 Location: Bonn, Germany Parties: 197 (196 states + the European
Union) UNCCD aims to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate

long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements.

Scientists has discovered a new frog species in the Northeast

Scientists from Delhi University and Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with researchers from Indonesia and the USA has

discovered a new frog species in the Northeast. Appearance: The frog is reddish brown in colour. It has prominent dark streaks and

ash grey mottling on the lateral sides. Web is absent on its feet. Microhylid genus: The frog has been named Micryletta aishani. It

belongs to the Microhylid genus. The first known species of the genus was found in Sumatra, Indonesia. At present, the Microhylid

genus has only four recognised species that are commonly known as paddy frogs. But the new frog species that was found on the

Northeast India was confirmed as a new species after detailed comparison of both DNA and morphology with all previously known

species across Southeast and East Asia. The study also revealed that this kind of paddy frog might be found in Southeast regi ons

such as Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

Study says every individual ingest 5g of microscopic plastic particles every week

Researchers said that the people could be ingesting 5g of microscopic plastic particles every week. Microplastics are tiny plasstics

pieces ranging from 5 millimetres down to 100 nanometres in diameter. Microplastics in food: Microplastics enter our body through

marine source, non-marine source and sometimes indoor dust. The consumption happens mostly from tap and bottled water, nearly

invisible bits of polymer were also found in canned fish, shellfish, beer and salt. Analysis: The res ult was drawn from studying 52

peer-reviewed studies. These are the first to estimate the sheer weight of plastics consumed by individual humans. The result
showed that about 250 g over the course of a year is consumed by individual human. Grand View Research reported that in the last

two decades, the world has produced as much plastic as during the rest of history, and the industry is set to grow by 4% a ye ar until

2025.

Mount Sinabung volcano erupted in Sumatra Island

Mount Sinabung volcano erupted in Sumatra Island of western Indonesia. A huge column of ash was blasted and spread 7 km high

to southeast and south of crater. Mount Sinabung blew for nine minutes. It caused panic among the island’s residents. The volcanic

activity was accompanied by multiple earthquakes felt in nearby villages. No casualties have been reported due to the eruptio n.

Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country. Mount Sinabung: Sinabung was inactive for around 400

years before it erupted in 2010, 2014 and February 2018. Since then it has become one of south east Asian nation's most active

volcanoes. Mount Sinabung is a Pleistocene-to-Holocene stratovolcano located in North Sumatra. It is particularly prone to seismic

activity due to its location on the Ring of Fire. Ring of Fire: It an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

Bihar government has announced to waive off 50% of the total taxes levied on e rickshawas

7 Jun e 2 0 19

The Bihar State government has announced to waive off 50% of the total taxes levied on the purchase and running of battery-

propelled e-rickshawas. The announcement was made by the deputy chief minister of state Sushil Kumar Modi . Aim: The move is

to combat air pollution. 3 cities of Bihar namely Patna, Gaya and Muzaffarpur are placed among the most 20 polluted cities of the
world in a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). Seven departments of the state government have c ollectively prepared

an integrated action plan to tackle the menace of pollution in the polluted cities of Bihar. Also, the State has made arrange ments, in

45 fuel-refilling centres in Patna alone, to check the pollution emission from vehicles at over 500 fuel refilling centres in addition to

run eco-friendly electric buses. Bihar: Formed on: 22 March 1912 Capital: Patna Governor: Lal Ji Tandon Chief Minister: Nitish

Kumar Deputy Chief Minister: Sushil Kumar Modi Districts: 38 Official Language: Hindi Bihar is bordered by Nepal in the north, Uttar

Pradesh in the west , Jharkhand in the south, West Bengal in the east

Indian Army commissioned a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System under Go Green initative

Indian Army commissioned a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) at Fort William Military Station,

Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a part of the countrywide Go Green' initiative. The Air Quality Monitoring System was commissioned by

Lt Gen M M Naravane, General Officer Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Command. It will be overall sixth CAAQMS in Kolkata.

CAAQMS: Along with measuring air pollution, the CAAQMS will display the wind speed, direction, ambient temperature, relative

humidity, solar radiation, barometric pressure, and rain gauge. The CAAQMS at the Eastern Command headquarters, Fort William

in Kolkata, will measure air pollution, including SO2, NO, NO2, NH3, CO, O3, VOC and particulate matters (PM 10 and PM 2.5)

continuously throughout the year. West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) or any other local or international weather

monitoring bodies can also use CAAQMS. The data can be remotely monitored on the internet and collated into various desired

formats. Its readings will be considered a benchmark of quality. The data will be published via the Internet for public awareness.

Army's previous efforts: Apart from this, initiatives have already been taken to reduce the consumption of electricity as well as

conserve water and segregate waste at Fort William. It has reduced electricity bills and distributed nearly 100 sets of dustbins in the

garrison for segregation of waste. Eastern Command of Indian Army: It is one of the seven operational commands of the army. I t is

headquartered in Fort William in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal. Current commander: Lt Gen M M Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, SM,

VSM
Europes highest volcano Mount Etna erupted

Mount Etnaa, Europe's Highest Volcano and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted spitting molten lava high into the sky.

It is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania. This is 2019's first eruption as the volcano on the

island of Sicily as the Mount last erupted on 24 December 2018. The eruption did not affect the nearby residential areas or for

flights at the closest airport at Catania. About Mount Etna: Etna is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy.

A stratovolcano is a conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and ash. The stratovolcano is also

known as a composite volcano, It is the highest active volcano in Europe outside the Caucasus. The Mount is elevated to 3,326 m

(10,912 ft). It is the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. It is located above the convergent plate margin, which is between

the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. It is also the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy. The other largest volcanoes are

Mount Vesuvius and Mount Stromboli. The United Nations has designated Mt. Etna as a Decade Volcano. In June 2013, it was

added to the list of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.

Month:Current Affairs June 2019

Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed spreads to coral reef areas in Valai island in GoM

The invasive Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, which smothers and kills coral reefs, has spread its wings to coral reef areas in Valai

island in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) and set to invade new coral colonies in the marine national park. Macrofaunal and fish density

decreased when Kappaphycus cover increased. After invading Shingle, Kurusadai and Mulli islands in Mandapam cluster of the

GoM, the red algae invaded Valai island along Kilakarai coast following its cultivation in south Palk Bay. Findings: In the report
submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFC) by the Reef Research Team (RRT) of Suganthi

Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Thoothukudi, said that the destructive algae had invaded the reef areas of Valai

Island, Palk Bay Gulf of Munnar. The research team counted 32 coral colonies of Acropora nobilis affected by Kappaphycus algae.

The team said that the algae was firmly attached to the coral colonies and started forming a mat over them. It would eventual ly

smother and kill corals. Steps taken: A 2005 Government Order had restricted cultivation of the exotic seaweed only to the

seawaters north of the Palk Bay and South of Thoothukudi coast. The Forest department is to take up the issue with agencies,

which promoted the cultivation of the seaweed. The department had been carrying out manual removal of the seaweed every year

since 2014 to protect coral reefs.

A new species of wasp from the genus Kudakrumia was found in Goa

Scientists have recently identified a new species of wasp from the genus Kudakrumia in Goa. The wasp, Kudakrumia rangnekari,

has been named after Goa-based researcher Parag Rangnekar. It belongs to genus Kudakrumia. The Kudakrumia is a genus of

primitive wasps that is described and previously known only from Sri Lanka. The new species was collected Cotigao Wildlife

sanctuary. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Goa district, of Goa. The sanctuary was established in 1968. Wasp: A

wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. Wasps are adept at controlling

pest populations and are regularly deployed to protect crops. For example, in Brazil, farmers control sugarcane borers with a kind of

parasitic wasp. Mr.Rangnekar: Mr.Rangnekar’s quest to document the butterflies of this unique region resulted in a record of 220

species, of which 13 species had not been spotted before. Mr. Rangnekar, who is the founder-president of the Goa Bird

Conservation Network (GBCN), has now taken up the documentation of the dragonflies in the State. He wrote ‘Butterflies of Goa’, a

first field guide with photographs of the species found in Goa region.
Malaysia to send back hundreds of tonnes of imported plastic waste

The Malaysian government said that hundreds of tonnes of imported plastic waste will be shipped back to where it came from

insisting that the country did not want to be a global dumping ground. The announcement was made by the Malaysian Minister for

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment, and Climate Change Yeo Bee Yin. The Ministry said 450 tonnes of contaminated

plastic waste in 10 containers from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States will be

shipped back. Plastic imports to Malaysia have tripled since 2016, to 8,70,000 tonnes in 2018. The Malaysian government also

urged the developed countries to review their management of plastic waste and stop shipping garbage to developing countries.

Processing such materials produce toxic fumes. Villagers near the recycle plant are suffering from asthma and itchiness. Steps

taken by the Malaysian government: Malaysia sent back five containers filled with plastic waste to Spain in April. 150 illega l waste

recycling plants had been shut down. As little as nine percent of plastic produced between 1950 and 2015 has been recycled.

Pictures of coral reefs smothered in plastic bags and river systems choked with PET bottles are produced to create awareness of

the need to deal with the problem. Basel Convention: The country is able to do this through the Basel Convention, an international

waste treaty meant to prevent developed countries from dumping their rubbish in the Global South. World leaders came together

last year to add plastic, but the U.S. didn’t sign off on that. Other Countries: China had previously taken a large amount of waste for

recycling but abruptly stopped in 2018, saying it wanted to improve its own environment. Southeast Asian countries that stepp ed in

to plug this gap say they have had enough.

One billion year old fungi is found to be earths oldest fungus

Microfossils of a globular spore connected to a T-shaped filament excavated in an Arctic region of northwestern Canada represent

the oldest-known fungus. This discovery sheds light on the origins of an important branch in earth’s tree of life. Scientists said that

the multicellular fungus that they named Ourasphaira Giralda, a forerunner to an immensely diverse group that today includes the

likes of mushrooms, yeasts, and molds, lived in an estuary environment about 900 million to 1 billion years ago. Until now, the

oldest-known fungus fossil was one about 410 million years old from Scotland. The microscopic fossils, contained in shale rock

from the Northwest Territories of Canada, date back to the Proterozoic era, before the advent of complex life forms. The study was

published in Nature. Fungi: Fungi belong to a broad group of organisms, called eukaryotes, that possesses a clearly defined n ucleus

and also includes animals and plants. A fundamental difference between fungi and plants is that fungi are incapable of

photosynthesis, harnessing sunlight to synthesize nutrients. Fungi play a key role in global ecosystems such as in the organic

decomposition process.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has called for protecting Ongole cattle breed

Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for protecting Ongole cattle breed on May 20, 2019. Vic e President Venkaiah

Naidu released a compendium on Ongole breed of cattle at Vijayawada recently. He also stressed that cattle wealth was national

wealth. Mr.Naidu highlighted that Brazil has imported these cattle breeds and produced hybrid Ongoles to earn huge revenue

through export. While in India this cattle is neglected. Ongole cattle: Ongole cattle is an indigenous cattle breed that originates from

Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The breed derives its name from the place the breed originates from, Ongole.
The Ongole breed of cattle, Bos Indicus, has a great demand as it is said to possess resistance to both foot and mouth diseas e and

mad cow disease. The Ongole is one of the heaviest breeds. They weigh approximately half a ton, are 1.7 meters in height and

have a body length of 1.6 meters and girth measuring 2 meters. These cattle are commonly used in bull fights in Mexico and so me

parts of East Africa due to their strength and aggressiveness. They also participate in traditional bull fights in Andhra Pradesh and

Tamil Nadu. The Ongole is one of the heaviest breeds. They weigh approximately half a ton, are 1.7 meters in height and have a

body length of 1.6 meters and girth measuring 2 meters.

NGT directed NHAI to furnish fresh details on green cover

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that around 1 crore trees have been

planted across the country along highways in the past three years to maintain ecology and environmental balance. NGT Bench's

decision: A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was not satisfied with the report furnished by NHAI. It

directed the NHAI officials to be present before the Tribunal. It further directed the NHAI to furnish details on why encroac hments

are taking place along the highways and details of steps taken to ensure removal of the same. Reason: The directions came on a

plea filed by NGO Society for Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment, Traditions, and Promotion of National Awareness,

seeking execution of a 2017 NGT order where the NHAI had informed NGT that it would rule mentioned in the Green Highways

Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance Policy will be followed.

Not all animals migrate by choice Campaign inaugurated

United Nation (UN) Environment India and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of India, for the International Da y of Biological

Diversity, which was celebrated on 22 May, initiated an awareness campaign by the name of 'Not all animals migrate by choice' to

be displayed at major airports across India. The campaign was inaugurated by Dia Mirza, the UN Environment Good will

Ambassador (and also UN Secretary-General's SDG Advocate), in presence of officials from Ministry of Environment, Forest and

Climate Change (MoEFCC), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of India (WCCB), UN Environment, UN agencies, and GMR Group.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country. Aim: The aim is to raise awareness on illegal wildlife

trade, to garner public support for conservation and protection of wildlife, prevention from smuggling and for the reduction in

demand for wildlife products. It also complements worldwide action taken on illegal trade in wildlife via UN Environment's gl obal

campaign called Wild for Life. WCCB and UN Environment started a comprehensive approach with a focus on awareness building

towards the issue of prevention of illegal trade, smuggling of wildlife (and wildlife products) through exit points. Phases of the

initiative: In the first phase of the campaign, Tiger, Pangolin, Star Tortoise and Tokay Gecko have been chosen as they are high ly

endangered due to illegal trading in International markets. - Tiger is traded for its skin, bones and body parts - Pangolin, the most

illegally traded wild mammal on the planet is trafficked for its meat and its scales are used in traditional medicines - Star Tortoise for

meat and pet trade - Tokay Gecko in traditional medicine mostly into South East Asia and particularly Chinese Markets. Phase two

will see more threatened species and explore other routes of trafficking. Need for the initiative: Illegal wildlife trade dri ves a species

to the brink of extinction. India is also seeing a sharp rise in its illegal trade in wildlife. There is an urgent need for awareness, action

and stringent law enforcement to curb illegal wildlife trade which is threatening biodiversity and conservation in wild. Conservation is

natural to India's ethos. Although, while wildlife faces global threat and India's flora and fauna's demand continues to rise in illegal

global markets, India's stringent provisions for protection of wildlife under its Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, and ef forts towards

creating awareness among public at large would still have to go a long way to help protect our wildlife.

Scientist have unearthed a new species of flying dinosaur

Palaeontologists from Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich and the University of Fribourg have unearthed a new species

of flying dinosaur that flapped its wings like a raven and could hold vital clues as to how modern-day birds evolved from their

reptilian ancestors. The scientists came across a petrified wing, which the team initially assumed to be the same species whi le

examining rock formations in the German region of Bavaria which is home to nearly all known Archaeopteryx specimens. The new

bird-like dinosaur was named Alcmonavis poeschli after Roland Poeschl, the scientist who discovered the fossil. As well as being

significantly larger than Archaeopteryx, the new specimen had more notches in its wing bones that pointed to muscles which would

have allowed it to actively flap its wings. Significantly, this "flapping" trait found in Alcmonavis poeschli is present in m ore recent

birds, but not in Archaeopteryx. The discovery is likely to fuel debate among dinosaur experts over whether birds and dinosaurs

developed the ability to flap their wings from earlier gliding species.

Radioactive carbon in marine organisms have been found

Scientists have found traces of radioactive carbon in marine organisms that inhabit the Mariana Trench, the deepest spot on E arth.

The radioactive carbon was released into the atmosphere from 20th-century nuclear bomb tests. Organisms at the ocean surface

have incorporated the bomb carbon into the molecules that make up their bodies since the late 1950s. The crustaceans in deep

ocean trenches are feeding on organic matter from these organisms when it falls to the ocean floor. The results also help scientists

to understand how creatures have adapted to living in the nutrient-poor environment of the deep ocean. The studied the

crustaceans live for an unexpectedly long time by having extremely slow metabolisms, which they suspect may be an adaptation to

living in this impoverished and harsh environment. How did Radioactive particles mix in the ocean? Carbon-14 is a radioactive

carbon that is created naturally when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen in the atmosphere. Carbon-14 is much less abundant than

non-radioactive carbon, but scientists can detect it in nearly all living organisms and use it to determine the ages of archeolog ical

and geological samples. Thermonuclear weapons tests conducted during the 1950s and 1960s doubled the amount of carbon-14 in

the atmosphere when neutrons released from the bombs reacted with nitrogen in the air. Levels of this bomb carbon peaked in t he

mid-1960s and then dropped when atmospheric nuclear tests stopped. By the 1990s, carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere had
dropped to about 20% above their pre-test levels. This bomb carbon quickly fell out of the atmosphere and mixed into the ocean

surface. Marine organisms that have lived in the decades since this time have used bomb carbon to build molecules within their

cells, and scientists have seen elevated levels of carbon-14 in marine organisms since shortly after the bomb tests began.

Lecanorchis taiwaniana discovered in Assam

Lecanorchis taiwaniana (The parasitic bloom), a type of orchid was accidentally discovered in Assam. This is the first time it is

discovered in India. But the orchid species is already known in Japan, Taiwan, and Laos. The orchid was accidentally discovered in

Assam by Jatindra Sarma, Assam's forest officer named. He is also the Member Secretary of State Medicinal Plants Board. The

discovery adds to the orchid wealth of northeast India (NEI). India has about 1,300 species of orchids out of which 800 are found in

NEI, about 300 species are found in the Western Ghats and 200 in the northwestern Himalayas. Lecanorchis taiwaniana:

Lecanorchis taiwaniana is a mycoheterotroph, which means it is one of two known types of parasitic plants which have abandoned

photosynthesis. It derives nutrients and its energy from fungus, it may be of herbal importance. The orchid was found to have a

maximum height of 40 cm and a blossoming period of five-six days. It is a variant of a Japanese orchid. It is India's one of smallest

botanically recorded orchids in terms of size and duration of bloom.

CSIR scientists sequence Asiatic lion genome for the first time

For the first time, the entire genome of the Asiatic lion, an endangered species, has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre

for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. As the population of the endangered Asiatic lion is very low, only 523 animals are

present in the Gir forests, the genome sequencing would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study population gen etics
and get newer insights into its population status and subsequent management. Comparative analysis with other fields and

mammalian genomes unraveled the evolutionary history of the Asiatic lion and its position among other felids. The study noted that

the evaluation of genetic diversity placed the Asiatic lion in the lowest bracket of genomic diversity index highlighting the gravity of

its conservation status. The genome is estimated to be 2.3 Gb (Gigabase) long and is found to have 20,543 protein-coding genes.

The genome sequencing of Asiatic lions would enable scientists to better understand their evolution. Until now only partial genomic

information of African lion is available. Therefore comparative genomics between both African lion and Asiatic lions can only be

undertaken once a complete genome of the African lion is sequenced. Therefore, once a complete genome of African Cheetah,

Royal Bengal tiger, and Jaguar will be available, the comparative studies of all these big cats would be possible. This signifies that

the final objective of scientists is to understand species at the DNA level and study that if there are any specific problems with

regard to the adaptability of Asiatic Lion to environment or behaviour. About Asiatic Lion: Scientific Name - Panthera Leo Persica

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered They are also known as Indian Lion. At present, the only home of Asiatic lion is Gir National

Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. Threats: Asiatic lion presently exists as a single subpopulation. They are vulnerable to

extinction from unpredictable events, like an epidemic or large forest fire and in recent years poaching incidents were also indicated.

UN Report stated that the Royal Bengal Tigers may not survive Climate Change

Recent UN report said that Climate change and rising sea levels may eventually wipe out The Sundarbans, which is one of the

world's last and largest tiger strongholds. The report rely on climate change scenarios was developed by the Intergovernmental

Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for its simulation models. Observations listed in the report: If greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

continued at the current rate, the atmosphere would warm as much as 1.5C (above preindustrial levels) by 2040. This climate

change would lead to rising sea level and existential threat to the Sundarbans. In 2010, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN), a

Non-governmental organization estimated that sea level rise of 11 inches could reduce the number of tigers in Sundarbans by 96%

within a few decades. By 2070, there will not be any suitable habitats of tiger remaining in Bangladesh Sundarbans. 70% of

Sundarbans is just a few feet above sea level, thus faces grave threat due to climate changes. It is one of the prime habitats of
Bengal tigers, who are among 500,000 land species whose survival is in question because of threats to their natural habitats due to

climate change. Conservation efforts and fight against habitat loss in Sunderbans needs to begin immediately, as it could take about

20 years for these efforts to even start showing any results, but if action isn't taken soon there won't be any forest or tig ers to save in

50 years.

Study says 2 neutron stars collided near the solar system billions of years ago

1 0 Ma y 20 1 9

Researchers from Columbia University and the University of Florida, have identified a violent collision of two neutron stars 4.6 billion

years ago as the likely source of some of the most coveted matter on Earth. The study says this single cosmic event, close to our

solar system, gave birth to 0.3 percent of the Earth's heaviest elements, including gold, platinum, and uranium. The researchers

compared the composition of meteorites to numerical simulations of the Milky Way. They found that a single neutron-star collision

could have occurred about 100 million years before the formation of Earth, in our own neighborhood, about 1000 light years from the

gas cloud that eventually formed the Solar System. It is believed that the study provides insight into a uniquely consequenti al event

in the history.

Iceland researchers found methods to turn CO2 to rock for cleaner air

1 0 Ma y 20 1 9
The 21st-century alchemists are transforming carbon dioxide into the rock for eternity in Iceland’s volcano country, cleaning the air

of harmful emissions that cause global warming. The technology mimics, in an accelerated format, a natural process that can t ake

thousands of years, injecting CO2 into porous basalt rock where it mineralizes, capturing it forever. In Iceland, at least half of the

energy produced comes from geothermal sources. The plant, located on the Hengill volcano in southwestern Iceland, sits on a l ayer

of basalt rock formed from cooled lava and has access to virtually unlimited amounts of water. The geothermal plant pumps up the

water underneath the volcano to run six turbines providing electricity and heat to the capital, Reykjavik, about 30 km away. The CO2

from the plant is meanwhile captured from the steam, liquified into condensate, then dissolved in large amounts of water. The fizzy

water is piped several kilometres to an area where grey, igloo-shaped domes dot a lunar-like landscape. Here the fizzy water is

injected under high pressure into the rock 1,000 metres under the ground. The solution fills the rock’s cavities and begins the

solidification process, a chemical reaction that occurs when the gas comes in contact with the calcium, magnesium and iron in the

basalt. Almost all of the injected CO2 was mineralised within two years in the pilot injection.

New species of Pit viper found in Arunachal Pradesh

A team of herpetologists has described a new species of reddish-brown pit viper, a venomous snake with a unique heat-sensing

system, from a forest in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. India now has a fifth brown pit viper but with a reddish tinge.

The new species also make Arunachal Pradesh the only Indian state to have a pit viper named after it. The other four pit viper in

India are: Malabar pit viper Horseshoe pit viper Hump-nosed pit viper Himalayan pit viper They were discovered 70 years ago.

Comparative analyses of DNA sequences and examination of morphological features suggested that the snake belonged to a

species not described before. The single known specimen of this species makes it currently the rarest pit viper in the world. The

specimen was donated to the museum of the State Forest Research Institute in Itanagar.
Bajirao, Mumbais last captive White tiger died

Bajirao, the last captive white tiger, died recently at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in Borivali, Mumbai. He was 18 years and died

due to old age related issues. He suffered from chronic ankyloses and chronic senile generalised arthritis from the past four years.

chronic ankyloses are the fusion of bones leads to abnormal stiffening and immobility of joint on the left shoulder. Bajirao was born

at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 2001. There are six remaining Royal Bengal tigers at the park, four female and two male, all

above 10 years of age. White tigers and its characteristics: They are not a separate sub-species of tiger. They are basically a

pigmentation variant of the Bengal Tiger. Their white colour is due to lack of red or yellow pheomelanin pigment, and the presence

of unique recessive genes. They are also called Bleached Tiger. They have white to almost cream colored fur, pink nose,

black/grey/chocolate colored stripes and blue (looks like green or amber). Distribution in India: White tigers were found in Madhya

Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and in Sunderbans region. Now there are no white tigers in the wild as their entire population

in the world lives in captivity. The last white tiger reported in wild was captured in Rewa forest in Madhya Pradesh. Sanjay Gandhi

National Park It is a protected area in Borivali suburb in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was earlier known as Borivali National Par k. It

encloses two lakes namely Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake and has a protected archaeological site, called Kanheri Caves in its centre.

Pangolins are under threat of extinction

The scaly anteater, or Indian Pangolin, is a rare secretive mammal that lives on a diet of ants and termites, thus playing a vital role

in the ecosystem. Pangolins are highly trafficked creatures. The Pangolin is currently under threat in Pakistan because of extensive

illegal hunting for its scales, which are illegally exported to China to be used for traditional medicine. There are eight species of
pangolins, and they are all protected by national and international laws. But despite the laws, there is a lot of illegal international

trade in them. The Pangolins are now under the threat of extinction. Pangolins' Uniqueness: Pangolins look like reptiles, but they are

mammals with a unique feature. Pangolins have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin; they are the only known

mammals with this feature. They use these scales for protection. If an enemy comes near it, the pangolin will immediately curl into a

tight ball. Only the scales will be visible to the enemy. 8 species of Pangolins: Asian pangolin species: Chinese or Formosan

pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) – Critically Endangered Malayan or Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) – Critically Endangered Indian

or thick-tailed pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) – Endangered Palawan or Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) – Endangered

African pangolin species: Tree or African white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) – Vulnerable Giant ground pangolin (Smutsia

gigantea) – Vulnerable Cape or Temminck’s ground pangolin (Manis temminckii) – Vulnerable Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin

(Uromanis tetradactyla) – Vulnerable The black-bellied pangolin is the smallest species, about 80 cm long, including the tail and the

giant ground pangolin is the largest reaching up to 1.8 meters.

A 3,000kg of solid waste collected from Mt. Everest under Nepals clean up campaign

A total of 3,000 kg of solid waste has been collected from the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, since April 14 when Nepal launc hed

an ambitious clean-up campaign aimed at bringing back tonnes of trash left behind by climbers. The campaign seeks to bring back

and safely dispose of a total of 10,000 kg of waste. The 45-day Everest Cleaning Campaign: The 45-day 'Everest Cleaning

Campaign', led by Solukhumbu district's Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality began on April 14 with the Nepali new year. The

campaign aims to collect nearly 10,000 kilogrammes of garbage from Mt Everest. The month-and-a-half clean-up campaign is

supported by a number of governmental and non-governmental agencies. The campaign will conclude on May 29, the day marked

every year to commemorate the first summit of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The collected waste will

then be showcased in Namche town, before being ferried down to Kathmandu, where it will once again be showcased on World

Environment Day on June 5. After that, it will finally be sent out for recycling. World's highest garbage dump: Every year, hundreds

of climbers, Sherpas, and high altitude porters make their way to Everest, leaving behind tonnes of both biodegradable and non-
biodegradable wastes including empty oxygen canisters, kitchen waste, beer bottles, and fecal matter, on the highest peak, which

has lately acquired notoriety as the world's highest garbage dump.

Studies says that global warming can impact marine ecosystem most

Researchers from Rutgers University, the US found that the marine ecosystem and sea creatures are most affected by global

warming. The first research compared the cold-blooded marine and land species sensitivity to global warming and their ability to find

refuge from heat even while staying in their normal habitats. It studied worldwide research on nearly 400 species from liz ards and

fish to spiders. Researchers calculated safe conditions for 88 marine and 294 land species and coolest temperatures are neede d to

each species during hottest parts of the year. According to the study, global warming can wipe out two times more oc ean-dwelling

species than land and dwelling species from their habitats. Vulnerability faced by sea creatures might impact human communiti es

relying on fish and shellfish for food and economic activity. Loss of marine population can deplete species genetic diversity, cascade

impacts on their predators and prey and can alter ecosystems that benefit human society.

Scientists have found a new species of crab

Alberta University paleontologists have discovered coin-sized cartoon-eyed crab species Callichimaera perplexa, a small and

pocket-size crab, through 90-95 million-year-old fossilized remains. They had what looked like the eyes of a larva, the mouth of a

shrimp, claws of a frog crab, and the carapace of a lobster. The crab fossils were discovered in 2005 in the Andes Mountains in
Colombia. This crab sported a tiny lobster-esque shell, with legs flattened like oars, and huge Pound Puppies-style peepers that

protruded from its head, a trait that indicates the creature used its eyes actively for whatever it did.

Etihad Airways became 1st major airline to operate plastic-free flight

The UAE's flag carrier Etihad Airways has become the first airline in the Gulf region to operate a flight EY484 without any s ingle-use

plastics on board, in a bid to raise awareness about pollution on Earth Day (April 22). Etihad identified that over 95 single-use plastic

products are used across its aircraft cabins. As a result of planning the Earth Day flight EY484, Etihad additionally committed to

remove up to 20% of the single-use plastic items on board by June 1. The airline also announced that by the end of this year, Etihad

will have removed 100 tonnes of single-use plastics from its inflight service. About Etihad Airways: It is the second-largest airline in

the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Head office: Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi Commenced operations in: November 2003 Subsidiary: Jet

Airways

Indonesias Mount Agung has erupted again

The active volcano of Indonesia Mount Agung has erupted again to a height of 2km. Two other volcanoes popular with tourists

Mount Bromo in East Java and Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta also continues to erupt. Mount Agung: Mount Agung is an active

volcano in Bali of Indonesia. Mount Agung stratovolcano is the highest point on Bali; it dominates the surrounding area, influencing

the climate, especially rainfall patterns. It begun erupting in 2017. Agung remained on the boil until late June 2018 when it again

erupted with 2 km high plumes interrupting air traffic. This indicated that magma continued to be forced up to the summit. This

volcano's latest eruption is ongoing as of 2019 Classification of Volcanoes: A popular way of classifying magmatic volcanoes is by
their frequency of eruption, Those that erupt regularly called active Those that have erupted in historical times but are now quiet

called dormant or inactive Those that have not erupted in historical times called extinct The lifespan of a volcano can vary from

months to several million years, making such a distinction sometimes meaningless when compared to the lifespans of humans or

even civilizations. For example, many of Earth's volcanoes have erupted dozens of times in the past few thousand years but are not

currently showing signs of eruption. Given the long lifespan of such volcanoes, they are very active. By human lifespans, how ever,

they are not.

Mount Everest get an eco friendly toilet

Mount Everest is to get an “eco-friendly” toilet at a Chinese campsite 7,028 metres (23,058 feet) above sea level in an ongoing

campaign to deal with the peak’s waste problem. Decades of commercial mountaineering have turned Mount Everest into the

world’s highest rubbish dump. Fluorescent tents, discarded climbing equipment, empty gas canisters, and even human excrement

pollute the well-trodden route to the summit of the 8,848-metre peak. The toilet will make it easy to collect the human waste

produced by the climbers as there is a barrel with rubbish bags underneath the toilet. The waste will be collected and brought down

the mountain. Similar facilities have been installed at lower camps, including at the 5,200-metre north base camp. The waste from

the base camp is taken away daily and is provided to local farmers to use as fertiliser. The temporary toilets will be remo ved at the

end of the climbing season. Governments on both sides of the mountain have been battling the human waste and trash left by an

increasing number of climbers. In February, China banned non-climbers from accessing its Everest base camp in Tibet in an

attempt to clean up its side of the mountain.

Supreme Court banned mining along Kaziranga National Park

The Supreme Court has banned all mining activities along the Kaziranga National Park and catchment area of rivers originating in

Karbi Anglong Hills in Assam. The ban was ordered as per the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

Mining was continuing in the Karbi Anlong hills despite the Supreme Court ban in 1996 and in violation of the Forest Conservation

Act, 1980, resulting in environment degradation and habitat destruction in an important elephant and tiger habitat. Supreme c ourt

has also banned new construction activities on private lands which form part of the nine identified animal corridors. About Kaziranga

National Park: Located in: Golaghat and Nagaon district of Assam Established in: 1908 It is being declared as a World Heritag e Site

by UNESCO in the year 1985. It is home to world's largest population of Indian one-horned Rhinoceros. It is also a tiger reserve and

has a very high density of population of tigers. It is spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.

Essel World launched an interactive bird park in Gorai

Essel World launched an interactive bird park in Gorai, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The first-of-its-kind rainforest-themed park spread

across 1.4 acres is home to over 500 exotic birds from more than 60 species. The main motive is to set up a bird park that me ets

international standards and let the city dwellers peep into the birds’ world. The park is carefully designed to ensure appropriate living

conditions for the birds. It is meant not only for entertainment but also to spread awareness of different types of birds. The park is

equipped with small ponds for aquatic birds, dense cover of trees for birds to incubate their eggs and a water stream that offers

drinking water to birds. It also houses a special bird’s kitchen and healthcare centre.
Varanasi ranked third on the WHOs list of 15 most polluted cities

According to the 'Political Leaders Position and Action on Air Quality in India 2014-2019' report, released by Climate Trends, the air

quality in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 Lok Sabha constituency, is ranked third on the WHO's (World Health

Organisation) list of 15 most polluted cities in the world. Fourteen of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, listed by World Health

Organisation (WHO) are in India, of which four are in Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh is the most polluted city in the world

and is ranked one on the list. Faridabad in Haryana has been ranked second. Delhi is ranked sixth on the list. Gaya and Patna in

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow, Cities of Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurugram, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur are also on the

WHO list of most polluted cities. The air quality index (AQI) in Varanasi reached an alarming 490 in 2017 and 384 (very poor

category) in December 2018. Air Quality Index (AQI) in India: As per pollution control authorities, An AQI between ♦ 0 and 50 is

considered "good", ♦ 51 and 100 "satisfactory", ♦ 101 and 200 "moderate", ♦ 201 and 300 "poor", ♦ 301 and 400 "very poor", and ♦

401 and 500 "severe".

NGT sets up a Central Monitoring Committee

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a Central Monitoring Committee to ensure the implementation of the action plan

meant for reducing pollution stretched across the country. A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel

considered the seriousness of the issue and inadequacy of success achieved so far, it concluded that it is necessary to constitute a

Central Monitoring Committee to undertake a national initiative by way of preparation and enforcement of a national plan to m ake

river stretches pollution-free. The panel will constitute members from Senior representatives of NITI Aayog, Secretaries of the
Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, apart from th e

Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, and Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga. The panel will coordinate with

States to oversee the action plans and ensure execution of the same. National Green Tribunal (NGT): ♦ NGT was established on

October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. NGT is Headquartered at Delhi ♦ The first Chairman of NGT is

Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta and the current incumbent is Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel ♦ It has the power to hear all civil cas es

relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act ♦ It

draws inspiration from India's constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy

environment

River Periyar in Kerala witnesses decolourisation

The River Periyar in Kerala is again witnessing the decolourisation. The pollution control Board (PCB) has attributed the change in

colour to the poor quality of water as a result of eutrophication. PCB has stated that huge quantities of organic load in the form of

sewage from nearby townships are regularly reaching the river system. The decolourisation of River Periyar which provides drinking

water to Kochi city and adjoining areas. The water turned pitch black in one stream, it was milky near the Pathalam regulator -cum-

bridge. River Periyar: ♦ River Periyar is an artificial reservoir created by Mullaperiyar Dam across the river ♦ Periyar is the longest

river and the river with the largest discharge potential in the Indian state of Kerala. The Periyar is of utmost significance to the

economy of Kerala ♦ It generates a significant proportion of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam and flows along a region of

industrial and commercial activity. The river also provides water for irrigation and domestic use throughout its course besid es

supporting a rich fishery. The river has been named as the "Lifeline of Kerala". 25% of Kerala's industries are along the banks of

river Periyar Eutrophication: ♦ Eutrophication is when a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which

induce excessive growth of plants and algae ♦ This process may result in oxygen depletion of the water body. One example is an

"algal bloom" or a great increase of phytoplankton in a water body as a response to increased levels of nutrients ♦ Eutrophic ation is
often induced by the discharge of nitrate or phosphate-containing detergents, fertilizers, or sewage into an aquatic system Kerala: ♦

Governor: P. Sathasivam ♦ Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan ♦ Capital: Thiruvananthapuram ♦ Districts: 14 ♦ Official: Malayalam

London becomes world's 1st city to launch 24x7 pollution charge zone

London became the first city in the world to implement a special Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that would charge an entry fee for

older vehicles if they do not meet the emission standards. This move aims to reduce toxic air pollution and protect public health. The

ULEZ will be operational for 24 hours and seven days a week. Polluting vehicles account for around 50 per cent of London's harmful

Nitrogen Oxide air emissions. London's famous red bus fleet is also being updated as part of these efforts, and all 9,200 veh icles will

meet or exceed ULEZ standards by October 2020.

MeT issued yellow weather warning for Himachal

The Meteorological Department issued a yellow weather warning for rain in Himachal Pradesh. The weather department forecast

thunderstorm with hail in isolated places of mid hills, including Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Solan and Sirmaur. The India

Meteorological Department (IMD) issues colour-coded warnings to alert the public ahead of severe or hazardous weather conditions

that can cause disruption or damage. IMD uses four colour codes to indicate various categories of alerts. These colour codes are a)

green, b) yellow, c) amber and d) red. These colour codes signify the levels of caution to be taken Green indicates “no warning” and

therefore no actions to be taken. No advisory is issued in such cases. Yellow indicates “be updated” i.e. keeping a watch on the

weather situation as it may deteriorate. Yellow is the least dangerous of the weather warnings. Amber indicates “be prepared”. It
implies there is an increased likelihood of extremely bad weather. Red indicates “Take action”. Red warning demands necessary

actions to be taken by different agencies.

Guwahati Railway station first to get ISO certification in India

The Guwahati Railway Station has become the first ever railway station in the Indian Railways to get an ISO certification from the

National Green Tribunal (NGT) for ‘providing passenger amenities in a clean and green environment.’ ISO certification received by

Guwahati Railway Station is ISO-14001, which is for Environment Management System as per international norms which were

upgraded in 2015. Thus, the station’s certificate reads ISO 14001: 2015. About ISO: ♦ ISO - International Organization for

Standardization ♦ It is responsible for establishing the standard in the different area of activities. ♦ Founded: 23 February 1947,

London, United Kingdom ♦ Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland ♦ Membership: 164 members; (40 correspondent, 4 subscriber)

Six new spider species spotted in Kerala

Arachnologists from Kochi’s Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kerala spotted a group of jumping spiders that mostly occur in Eurasia

and Africa for the first time in Ernakulam’s Illithodu forests. The team also found that the spider belonging to the genus (a taxonomic

classification above species) Habrocestum is a species new to science. The t eam came across six different-looking spiders,

predominantly brownish-black in colour with white and creamy-yellow patches, while conducting a routine survey (funded by the

Department of Science and Technology-Science and Engineering Research Board) for ground-dwelling spiders in the Illithodu

reserve forests of the Malayatoor forest division. They examined the physical features of males and females under a microscope
and photographed them. They also compared these to similar-looking spider specimens collected earlier from the Thattekkad Bird

Sanctuary, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

BLOOD REALATION

How To Solve Blood Relation questions With Simple

Aptitude Tricks
Generally, in every competitive exam you may find these type problems. These types of problems test your
understanding potential in given time. Here I will explain how to solve blood relation questions with easy & simple
trick. Some blood relation questions with answers are also provided under each type.

Important Relations
Mother’s (or) father’s son – Brother
Mother’s (or) Father’s Daughter – Sister
Mother’s brother – Maternal Uncle
Father’s Brother – Paternal uncle
Mother’s (or) Father’s sister – Aunt
Mother’s (or) Father’s father – Grand father
Mother’s (or) Father’s mother – Grand mother
Son’s wife – Daughter in law
Daughter’s husband – Son in law
Husband’s (or) Wife’s father – Father in law
Husband’s (or) Wife’s mother – Mother in law
Husband’s (or) Wife’s brother – Brother in law
Husband’s (or) Wife’s sister – Sister in law
Sister’s husband – Brother in law
Brother’s (or) Sister’s son – Nephew
Brother’s (or) Sister’s daughter – Niece
Type of Problems
1. Single Person Blood Relations

2. Mixed Blood Relations

3. Coded Blood Relations

1. Single Person Blood Relations (SPBR)

These are Relations between two people only.

DIRECT SPBR :
Break the given sentence at is/was/as and resolve it from last point to is/was/as to get easy solution for the problem.

Carefully observe the given examples.

Ex – 1 :

Pointing to a lady Ravi said,” She is the only daughter of the father of my sister’s brother”. How is she related to Ravi?

Solution :

Break the given sentence at is.

From the last, in the view of Ravi,

My sister’s brother – brother

Father of brother – father

Daughter of father – sister

So,that becomes “she is my sister”

So, answer is sister.

Ex-2 :

John introduces Mary as the daughter of the only son of my father’s wife. How is Mary related to john?

Solution :

Break the given sentence at as.

Resolving from the last , In the view of john,

My father’s wife – mother

Only son of mother – himself i.e. john

Daughter of john– daughter.

So, answer is daughter.

NOTE : Sometimes they might ask like how is john related to Mary. In that case answer is father. So, don’t make answers
without clear understanding in this type of problems.

INDIRECT SPBR:
Break the given sentence at is/was/as.

Resolve the sentence from last upto is/was/as.

And also resolve the sentence from the first upto is /was/as.

Then you will get easy solution. Observe the below examples.

Ex-3 :

Pointing to a man in the photograph, a Woman says,” His mother’s only daughter is my mother”. How is man related to woman?

Solution :

Break the sentence at is.

From the last, up to is : my mother – Woman’s mother

From the first, up to is : his mother’s only daughter – his sister

His sister = woman’s mother.

So, the answer is Mother’s brother i.e. Uncle.

If question asks like how is woman related to that man? Then answer is sister’s daughter i.e. niece.

Ex-4 :

Introducing Suresh, Kalpana said,” His brother’s father is the only son of my grandfather”. How is Kalpana related to Suresh?

Solution :

Break the sentence at is.

From the last up to is : The only son of my grandfather – father

From the first up to is : his brother’s father – father

Suresh’s father = kalpana’s father

So, they are brother & sister.

Answer is sister.

NOTE : Like in the above type of problems From either ends if it is like Father = Father, Uncle= Uncle, Mother = Mother, Aunt
= Aunt….. Then they both may be brothers / sisters / bother & sister depending upon their sex.

2. Mixed Blood Relations

In this, mutual blood relations depending on more than two persons mentioned. These type of problems can be solved with the
help of diagrams.
Follow these symbols in the diagram to avoid confusion.

+ Male candidate

– Female candidate

<=> Couple

——- Same generation i.e.brother –brother (or) sister-sister (or) sister to brother

_______ Different generations i.e. father-son (or) mother-son (or) father – daughter (or) Mother – daughter

The following list of generation might be helpful to you.

First generation : Grand father, Grand mother

Second generation : Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt.

Third generation : Self, Sister, Brother, Sister in law, Brother in law

Fourth generation : Son, Daughter, Nephew, Niece.

Better to use the same generation in one horizontal row in the diagrams.

EX – 5 :

A and B are brothers and C and D are sisters. A’s son is D’s brother. How is B related to C?

Solution:

By using above notations we can draw the below diagram. A,B are taken ‘+’ and C ,D

are taken as ‘-’. It seems that A,B belongs to one generation and C,D belongs to another generation.

So, A,B are taken in one horizontal row and C,D are taken in other horizontal line.

It says that A is C’s father. Father’s brother is uncle. So, answer is uncle.

Sometimes they might ask paragraph questions in blood relations type problems.
EX – 6 :

Read the information carefully and answer the question given below it.

1. A family consists of 6 members P, Q , R, X, Y, Z.

2. Q is the son of R but R is not mother of Q.
3. P and R are married couple.
4. Y is the brother of R, X is the daughter of P.
5. Z is the brother of P.

Questions :

1. Who is the brother in law of R?

2. How many female members are there in the family?

3. How is Q related to X?

4. How is Y related to P?

Solution:

Draw the diagram with given instructions below.

1. Q is son of R. draw this one with thick line in different horizontal rows. Both are male so take as’+’.

2. Use <=> between P and R in same row, because they are couple.

3. Add Y to R with dotted line in same row.

4. Add X to P with thick line downwards to different row. Here, X is ‘–‘.

5. Add Z to P and take Z as ‘+’.

6. So, Q and X are brother & sister.

 Answers :

1. Brother in law means wife’s brother i.e. Z

2. Two female members are there with ‘-‘ symbols i.e. P and X.
3. Q is brother of X.
4. Y is husband’s brother to P. i.e. brother in law.
NOTE : IN SOLVING MIXED BLOOD RELATIONS MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DIAGRAM IS
IN CORRECT REPRESENTATION.

3. Coded Blood Relations

In this type, relationships represented by codes and symbols like + , – , / , *. You have to analyze the required relation based on
the given code. In this also you may need diagrammatic representation of problem to solve it. Use the same representation used in
mixed blood relations.

In the coding equation better to solve the code from last letter.

Ex -7 :

If P+Q means P is husband of Q, P/Q means P is the sister of Q, P*Q means P is the son of Q. how is D related to A in
D*B+C/A?

Solution :

C/A – C is sister of Q.
B+C/A – B is brother in law of A (sister’s husband – brother in law.

D*B+C/A – D is nephew of A (sister’s husband’s son means sister’s son i.e. nephew).

So, answer is Nephew.

FINAL NOTE

You should remember all the relations to solve blood relations type of problems. Without knowing relations you can’t do
anything. Out of all types, Single person blood relations are important in the point of examination’s view.

NUMBER SERIES MCQ WITH EXPLANATION

1.Look at this series: 2, 1, (1/2), (1/4), ... What number should come next?
A. (1/3)

B. (1/8)

C. (2/8)

D. (1/16)

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
This is a simple division series; each number is one-half of the previous number.
In other terms to say, the number is divided by 2 successively to get the next result.
4/2 = 2
2/2 = 1
1/2 = 1/2
(1/2)/2 = 1/4
(1/4)/2 = 1/8 and so on.

2. Look at this series: 7, 10, 8, 11, 9, 12, ... What number should come next?
A. 7

B. 10

C. 12
 D. 13

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
This is a simple alternating addition and subtraction series. In the first pattern, 3 is added; in the second, 2 is
subtracted.

3. Look at this series: 36, 34, 30, 28, 24, ... What number should come next?
A. 20

B. 22

C. 23

D. 26

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
This is an alternating number subtraction series. First, 2 is subtracted, then 4, then 2, and so on.

4. Look at this series: 22, 21, 23, 22, 24, 23, ... What number should come next?
A. 22

B. 24

C. 25

D. 26

Answer: Option C
Explanation:
In this simple alternating subtraction and addition series; 1 is subtracted, then 2 is added, and so on.

5. Look at this series: 53, 53, 40, 40, 27, 27, ... What number should come next?
A. 12
 B. 14

C. 27

D. 53

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
In this series, each number is repeated, then 13 is subtracted to arrive at the next number.

6.Look at this series: 21, 9, 21, 11, 21, 13, 21, ... What number should come next?
A. 14

B. 15

C. 21

D. 23

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
In this alternating repetition series, the random number 21 is interpolated every other number into an otherwise
simple addition series that increases by 2, beginning with the number 9.

7. Look at this series: 58, 52, 46, 40, 34, ... What number should come next?
A. 26

B. 28

C. 30

D. 32

Answer: Option B
Explanation:
This is a simple subtraction series. Each number is 6 less than the previous number.

8. Look at this series: 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, ... What number should come next?
 A. 7

B. 10

C. 14

D. 15

Answer: Option D
Explanation:
This alternating addition series begins with 3; then 1 is added to give 4; then 3 is added to give 7; then 1 is added,
and so on.

9. Look at this series: 8, 22, 8, 28, 8, ... What number should come next?
A. 9

B. 29

C. 32

D. 34

Answer: Option D
Explanation:
This is a simple addition series with a random number, 8, interpolated as every other number. In the series, 6 is
added to each number except 8, to arrive at the next number.

10. Look at this series: 31, 29, 24, 22, 17, ... What number should come next?
A. 15

B. 14

C. 13

D. 12

Answer: Option A
Explanation:
This is a simple alternating subtraction series, which subtracts 2, then 5.
 MOCK TEST OF PAPER-1

1. Which of the following represents one billion characters?

(A) Terabyte

(B) Kilobyte

(C) Megabyte

(D) Gigabyte

Answer: (D)

2. The factors which are most important in determining the impact of anthropogenic activities on
environment are:

(A) Population, forest cover and land available per person

(B) Population, affluence per person, land available per person

(C) Population, affluence per person and the technology used for exploiting resources

(D) Atmospheric conditions, population and forest cover

Answer: (C)

3. Which one of the following represents the binary equivalent of the decimal number 25?

(A) 11011

(B) 10101

(C) 01101

(D) 11001

Answer: (D)

4. The University Grants Commission was established with which of the following aims?
(a) Promotion of research and development in higher education

(b) Identifying and sustaining institutions of potential learning

(c) Capacity building of teachers

(d) Providing, autonomy to each and every higher educational institution in India

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (a), (b) and (d)

(B) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(C) (a), (b) and (c)

(D) (b), (c) and (d)

Answer: (C)

5. The session of the parliament is summoned by:

(A) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

(B) The President

(C) The Prime Minister

(D) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Answer: (B)

6. India's contribution to total global carbon dioxide emissions is about:

(A) ~15%

(B) ~3%

(C) ~6%

(D) ~10%
Answer: (C)

7. In which of the countries per capita use of water is maximum?

(A) India

(B) USA

(C) European Union

(D) China

Answer: (C)

8. Encoding or scrambling data for transmission across a network is known as:

(A) Decryption

(B) Protection

(C) Detection

(D) Encryption

Answer: (D)

9. Civil Service Day is celebrated in India on:

(A) 7th July

(B) 21st April

(C) 24th April

(D) 21st June

Answer: (B)
10. The South Asia University is situated in the city of:

(A) Kathmandu
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(B) Colombo

(C) Dhaka

(D) New Delhi

Answer: (D)

11. Which is an instant messenger that is used for chatting?

(A) Google Talk

(B) AltaVista

(C) MAC

(D) Microsoft Office

Answer: (A)

12. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in institutions of higher education in India at present
(2015) is about:

(A) 23 percent

(B) 8 percent

(C) 12 percent

(D) 19 percent

Answer: (A)

13. Two earthquakes A and B happen to be of magnitude 5 and 6 respectively on Richter Scale.
The ratio of the energies released E B/EA will be approximately:

(A) ~64
(B) ~8

(C) ~16

(D) ~32

Answer: (D)

14. Which of the following is not an output device?

(A) Keyboard

(B) Printer

(C) Speaker

(D) Monitor

Answer: (A)

15. Which of the following is not open source software?

(A) Apache HTTP server

(B) Internet explorer

(C) Fedora Linux

(D) Open office

Answer: (B)

16. In the recently launched Air Quality Index in India, which of the following pollutants is not
included?

(A) Chlorofluorocarbons

(B) Carbon monoxide

(C) Fine particulate matter

(D) Ozone

Answer: (A)

17. The total number of central universities in India in April 2015 was:

(A) 43

(B) 08

(C) 14

(D) 27

Answer: (A)

18. Which of the following combinations represent renewable natural resources?

(A) Oil, forests and tides

(B) Fertile soil, fresh water and natural gas

(C) Clean air, phosphates and biological diversity

(D) Fishes, fertile soil and fresh water

Answer: (D)

19. Which of the following factors does not impact teaching?

(A) Learning through experience

(B) Teacher's knowledge

(C) Class room activities that encourage learning

(D) Socio-economic background of teachers and students

Answer: (D)
20. Which of the following steps are required to design a questionnaire?

(a) Writing primary and secondary aims of the study.

(b) Review of the current literature.

(c) Prepare a draft of questionnaire.

(d) Revision of the draft.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(B) (a), (b) and (c)

(C) (a), (c) and (d)

(D) (b), (c) and (d)

Answer: (A)

21. Which of the following is the highest level of cognitive ability?

(A) Evaluating

(B) Knowing

(C) Understanding

(D) Analysing

Answer: (A)

22. Achievement tests are commonly used for the purpose of:

(A) Assessing the amount of learning after teaching

(B) Making selections for a specific job

(C) Selecting candidates for a course

(D) Identifying strengths and weaknesses of learners

Answer: (A)

23. The conclusions/findings of which type of research cannot be generalized to other situations?

(A) Causal Comparative Research

(B) Historical Research

(C) Descriptive Research

(D) Experimental Research

Answer: (B)

24. Techniques used by a teacher to teach include:

(a) Lecture

(b) Interactive lecture

(c) Group work

(d) Self study

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (a), (b) and (d)

(B) (a), (b) and (c)

(C) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(D) (b), (c) and (d)

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Answer: (B)
25. A good thesis writing should involve:

(a) Reduction of punctuation and grammatical errors to a minimum.

(b) Careful checking of references.

(c) Consistency in the way the thesis is written.

(d) A clear and well written abstract.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (b), (c) and (d)

(B) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(C) (a), (b) and (c)

(D) (a), (b) and (d)

Answer: (B)

26. Which of the following statements regarding the meaning of research are correct?

(a) Research refers to a series of systematic activity or activities undertaken to find out the
solution of a problem.

(b) It is a systematic, logical and an unbiased process wherein verification of hypothesis, data
analysis, interpretation and formation of principles can be done.

(c) It is an intellectual enquiry or quest towards truth.

(d) It leads to enhancement of knowledge.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

(B) (a), (b) and (c)

(C) (b), (c) and (d)

(D) (a), (c) and (d)

Answer: (A)

27. Mr. A, Miss B, Mr. C and Miss D are sitting around a table and discussing their trades.

(i) Mr. A sits opposite to the cook.

(ii) Miss B sits right to the barber

(iii) The washerman sits right to the barber

(iv) Miss D sits opposite to Mr. C

What are the trades of A and B?

(A) Tailor and barber

(B) Barber and cook

(C) Tailor and cook

(D) Tailor and washerman

Answer: (C)

28. Which one of the following methods serve to measure correlation between two variables?

(A) Scatter Diagram

(B) Frequency Distribution

(C) Two-way table

(D) Coefficient of Rank Correlation

Answer: (D)

29. Which one of the following is not an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

(A) MTNL
(B) BSNL

(C) ERNET India

(D) Infotech India Ltd.

Answer: (D)

30. The hexadecimal number system consists of the symbols

(A) 0 – 7

(B) 0 – 9 , A – F

(C) 0 – 7, A – F

(D) None of these

Answer: (B)

31. The binary equivalent of (–15)10 is (2’s complement system is used)

(A) 11110001

(B) 11110000

(C) 10001111

(D) None of these

Answer: (A)

32. 1 GB is equal to

(A) 230 bits

(B) 230 bytes

(C) 220 bits

(D) 220 bytes

Answer: (B)

33. The set of computer programs that manage the hardware/software of a computer is called

(A) Compiler system

(B) Operation system

(C) Operating system

(D) None of these

Answer: (C)

34. S/MIME in Internet technology stands for

(A) Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension

(B) Secure Multimedia Internet Mail Extension

(C) Simple Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension

(D) Simple Multimedia Internet Mail Extension

Answer: (A)

35. Which of the following is not covered in 8 missions under the Climate Action Plan of
Government of India?

(A) Solar power

(B) Waste to energy conversion

(C) Afforestation

(D) Nuclear energy

Answer: (D)
36. The concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in drinking water should not exceed

(A) 500 mg/L

(B) 400 mg/L

(C) 300 mg/L

(D) 200 mg/L

Answer: (A)

37. ‘Chipko’ movement was first started by

(A) Arundhati Roy

(B) Medha Patkar

(C) Ila Bhatt

(D) Sunderlal Bahuguna

Answer: (D)

38. The constituents of photochemical smog responsible for eye irritation are

(A) SO2 and O3

(B) SO2 and NO2

(C) HCHO and PAN

(D) SO2 and SPM

Answer: (C)

39. Assertion (A): Some carbonaceous aerosols may be carcinogenic.

Reason (R): They may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(C) (A) is correct, but (R) is false.

(D) (A) is false, but (R) is correct.

Answer: (A)

40. Volcanic eruptions affect

(A) atmosphere and hydrosphere

(B) hydrosphere and biosphere

(C) lithosphere, biosphere and atmosphere

(D) lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

Answer: (D)
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41. India’s first Defence University is in the State of

(A) Haryana

(B) Andhra Pradesh

(C) Uttar Pradesh

(D) Punjab

Answer: (A)

42. Most of the Universities in India

(A) conduct teaching and research only

(B) affiliate colleges and conduct examinations

(C) conduct teaching/research and examinations

(D) promote research only

Answer: (C)

43. Which one of the following is not a Constitutional Body?

(A) Election Commission

(B) Finance Commission

(C) Union Public Service Commission

(D) Planning Commission

Answer: (D)

44. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

(A) Indian Parliament is supreme.

(B) The Supreme Court of India has the power of judicial review.

(C) There is a division of powers between the Centre and the States.

(D) There is a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President.

Answer: (B)

45. Which one of the following statements reflects the republic character of Indian democracy?

(A) Written Constitution

(B) No State religion

(C) Devolution of power to local Government institutions

(D) Elected President and directly or indirectly elected Parliament

Answer: (D)

46. Who among the following appointed by the Governor can be removed by only the President
of India?

(A) Chief Minister of a State

(B) A member of the State Public Service Commission

(C) Advocate-General

(D) Vice-Chancellor of a State University

Answer: (B)

47. If two small circles represent the class of the ‘men’ and the class of the ‘plants’ and the big
circle represents ‘mortality’, which one of the following figures represent the proposition ‘All
men are mortal.’ ?

Answer: (C)

The following table presents the production of electronic items (TVs and LCDs) in a factory
during the period from 2006 to 2010. Study the table carefully and answer the questions from 48
to 52:

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

TV 6000 9000 13000 11000 8000

LCDs 7000 9400 9000 10000 12000

48. In which year, the total production of electronic items is maximum?

(A) 2006

(B) 2007

(C) 2008

(D) 2010

Answer: (C)

49. What is the difference between averages of production of LCDs and TVs from 2006 to 2008?

(A) 3000

(B) 2867

(C) 3015

(D) 2400

Answer: (Wrong question)

50. What is the year in which production of TVs is half the production of LCDs in the year
2010?

(A) 2007

(B) 2006

(C) 2009

(D) 2008

Answer: (B)