IT AFFAIRS, Au NEXT IAS TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 TEST YOURSELF DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST, 2021‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS QI With reference to UNS 1. China, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the permanent members of the UNSC. , consider the following statements: 2. Only the Security Council has the power to make decisions that member states are obligated to implement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q2 Consider the following statements: 1. Pangolins are the only mammals wholly covered in scales for protection from predators. 2. Indian Pangolin is protected under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (@) Lonly (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q3 With reference to the North-Eastern Council, consider the following statements: 1. IL is the statutory body established for the economic and social development of Sixth Schedule areas in the North-Eastern States. 2. The council is headed by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) L only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q4 Consider the following pairs: Sea — Bordering Country 1. Adriatic Sea — Albania 2. Black Sea — Croatia 3. Caspian Sea — Kazakhstan 4, Mediterranean Sea — Morocco 5. Red Sea — Syria 2[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (©)2and 5 only (@ 1,2,3,4and5 Q.5 With reference to Ports in Sri Lanka, arrange these in North to South direction: 1. Hambantota 2. Oluvil 3. Trincomalee 4, Colombo Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1234 () 2431 (©) 4321 (3241 Q.6 ‘Minervarya Pentali’ recently seen in the news, is related to which of the following species? (a) Snake () Frog (©) Butterfly (4) Ant Q7 With reference to Purchasing Managers’ Index, consider the following statements: 1. It is an indicator of business activity only in the services sectors, 2. It is compiled by the World Economic Forum, Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (2) L only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither | nor 2 3[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.8 With reference to Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), consider the following statements: 1. Itis a regulatory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 2, It protects the interests of the policyholder and regulates the insurance industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?” (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9 Recently seen in the news, AIRAWAT is related to: (2) It is a vaccine developed by India for Tuberculosis (b) It is India’s first Al-specific cloud computing infrastructure (6) Itis a programme to save the dectining population of Elephants (d) Ibis a state of the art drone developed by DRDO Q.10 ‘90:90:90 Strategy’ is an ambitious treatment that targets to help in ending which of the following disease (a) Tuberculosis (Tb) (b) Citrus leprosy (CL) (©) Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (4) Cancer Q.11 Consider the following statements with reference to the Conditions of the Governor's office. 1. The office of governor of a state is an employment under the Central government. 2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during his term of office. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) L only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither | nor 2 Q.12_ Exercise Talisman Sabre recently seen in the news, it is the largest bilateral combined training activity between which of the following countries? (@) India and Israel (©) Srilanka and Bangladesh (©) Australia and the United States of America (6) Saudi Arabia and Pakistan 4|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.13 He had designed a flag, known as the Swaraj Flag, that now forms the basis of India’s present-day national flag. He met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) when he ‘was posted there as part of the British Indian Army. He came up with a booklet titled “A National Flag for India’ in 1916, He was (@) Jawahar Lal Nehru (b) Pingali Venkayya (©) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (@ Rabindranath Tagore Q.14 With reference to Zika di ase, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. 2. This disease causes microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Choose the correct option using the codes given below: (a) Lonly (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q.15_ Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the Strait of Hormuz’ 1. It is the waterway separating Iran and Oman, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea 2. On the north coast lies Iran, and on the south are Oman and Qatar. 3. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b)2 only (6) Land 3 only (@) 1, 2and3 Q.16 Which of the following languages is/are given classical status in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution? 1. Kannada 2. Sanskrit 3. Malayalam 4, Dogri 5[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (@) 1 and2 only (b)2and 3 only (©) 3 only (@ 1, 2and 3 only Q.17__ Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct regarding the Samagra Shiksha Scheme? 1. It covers complete pre-primary to senior secondary (upto class 12th). 2, Itis a Central Sector Scheme. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (@) L only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.18 With reference to the t Track Special Court (FTSC: |, consider the following statements: 1. The responsibility of setting up of FTSCs lies with the State & UT governments. 2, Bach FTSC will have two Judicial Officers and Five staff members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.19 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently seen in the news, itis chaired by: (2) President (b) Finance Minister (©) Prime Minister (@) Speaker of the Lok Sabha Q.20 Consider the following statement Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, 1. It is a central sector scheme. 2. NIPUN Bharat, a sub scheme, will focus on vocational training for undergraduate students. 3. Recently the scheme has been extended to cover pre-primary students too, 6[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (6) 3 only (A) 1, 2and 3 Q.21 Which of the following rivers is/are allocated to India for unrestricted use under Indus Water ‘Treaty(IWT)? 1. Sutlej 2. Beas 3. Ravi 4, Jhelum Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (@) | and 2 only (b) 2 and3 only (©) 3 only (@) 1, 2and 3 only Q.22 Mekedatu drinking water project is being constructed actoss which of the following riv-ers? (@) Krishna (b) Cauvery (©) Narmada (@) Godavari Q.23. Which of the following is/are provisions of The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021? 1, It decreases the gestation period of women secking abortion up from 24 weeks to 20 weeks. 2. It allows unmarried women to terminate a pregnancy in case of failure of the contraceptive method or device. Select the correct answer using the code given below: () 1 only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 7[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.24 Consider the following statements 1. Retrospective taxation is prohibited in the constitution in Article 20. 2. Iris used to tax companies which are indulged in tax evasion, Which of the above statement(s) is are correct? (2) | only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.25 _Pahchan Initiative was seen in the news, it is an initiative of which of the following ministries? (2) Ministry of Education (b) Ministry of Home Affairs (6) Ministry of Textiles, (4) Minister for Rural Development, Panch: ti Raj and Agriculture & Farmers Q.26 With reference to Subordinate Courts, consider the following statements: 1, Magistrates have the power to give life imprisonment, 2, Judges to these courts are appointed by the Law Minister of India, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both I and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.27. Consider the following statements. 1. Repo rate is used to control cash flow in the market, 2. Reverse repo rate is used to regulate liquidity in the economy. 3. Marginal Standing Facility was introduced as a provision for banks to avail fortnight funds. Which of the above statement(s) is! ate not correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and3 only (6) 3 only (@ 1, 2and3 8[Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.28 With reference to Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), consider the following statements: 1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. 2, Under MPLADS nominated members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both I and 2 only (@) Neither | nor 2 Q.29 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is being funded by which of the following? (a) Intemational Monetary Fund and UNICEF (b) World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. (©) Asian Development Bank and The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (4) World Economic Forum and The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Q.30 Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle recently seen in the news, The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species classifies it as (a) Near Threatened(NT) (b) Vulnerable (VU) (©) Endangered (EN) (4) Extinct Q31 With reference to Food irradiation, consider the following statements: 1. It improves safety and extends the shelf life of foods. 2, It uses X-rays, gamma rays or high-energy electron beams, 3. Ithas not been approved by any International Organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (©) 2 only (@) | and3 only g|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.32 With reference to E Prisons Project, consider the following statements: 1. Ithas been operationalised only in a few States and Union Territories, 2. It is developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.33_ Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)? 1. Itwas launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) during the Eighth Five year plan, 2, Itaims to assess climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) Lonly (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q.34 Consider the following statements. 1. Custodial death means death during arrest, jail or encounters by police. 2. The Constitution prohibits use of brutal force to make an alleged person confess his crime. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 35 Consider the following statements regarding Hydrocarbon Exploration Policy. 1, New Exploration Licensing Policy has been brought by the Oil Ministry to replace the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy. 2. The most recent policy is based on Revenue Sharing and Single- Uniform License. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b) 2only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 10|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.36 Which of the following Disasters are covered under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)? 1. Pest attack 2. Frost 3. Cold waves 4, Avalanche Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1,2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (6) 1,3 and4 only (@ 1,2,3.and4 37 Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple recently seen in the news, itis situated in (2) Madhya Pradesh (b) West Bengal (©) Andhra Pradesh (@ Odisha Q.38 With reference to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana - PMUY, consider the following statements: 1. Itis a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. 2. It provides LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. 3. Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refil and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (©) 2 and 3 only (@ 1, 2and3 Q.39 With reference to the Inner Line Permit system, consider the following statements: 1. It puts an obligation on the mentioned set of outsiders ( foreigners and Indian natives) to reside in the protected area. 2. It is issued for residential purposes only, 3. An Inner Line Permit issued by the Governor on the recommendation of the President of India Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (6) Land 3 only (d) None of the above 11|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.40 Consider the following statements: 1, OPEC was established at the Baghdad Conference. 2. India is a member nation of the OP! 3. India imports 85 per cent of its oil needs. Which of th (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (©) Land 3 only (A) 1, 2and 3 ements given above are correct? Q.41 Consider the following statements in context of the recent IPCC 6th Assessment Report: 1. India is the third largest emitter of Green-House Gases. 2. India has declared its Net-Zero Emission target by 2060. 3. China and the USA will release more carbon than the complete carbon budget available to keep Global temperature rise within 1.5 C despite achieving their Net Zero targets. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (@) 2 only (b) 3 only (6) Land 3 only (4) 2 and3 only Q.42_ Consider the following statements: 1. The Core Deep Ocean Exploration Mission is an initiative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2. The mission has twin targets of Ocean bed Survey and Marine Life Conservation. 3. The Polymetallic Nodules found at the ocean bed are rich in Ferric Minerals, Which of the statements given above are correct? (2) L only (b) 1 and 2 only (©)2and3 only (1,2 and 3 Q.43° With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), consider the following statements: 1. Itis a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. 2. Under it, an amount of 6000 rupees per month is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the farmers. 3. Alll categories of farmers are also included in the scheme. 12|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct? (@) 1 only (b) 2 only (©) 2and 3 (@) 1,2 and 3 Q.44 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Operation Greens Scheme? 1. It was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2. It is aimed at integrated development of the Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain. 3. Under the scheme state-wise funds are allocated, Select the correct answer using the code given below. (2) 1 only (b)2 only (©) 2 and 3 only (4) Land only Q.45 With reference to the Marburg virus, consider the following statements: 1. The first case of the virus was confirmed from Guinea. 2, Human-to-human transmission does not occur. 3. There are no approved antiviral treatments for the virus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) Land 2 only (©) 2 only (4) 1 and3 only Q.46 Consider the following statements 1. The Collegium System is prescribed in the constitution. 2, It consists of the Chief Justice of India with two senior most judges. 3. National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 was brought to replace commission. Which of the above statements is/are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (©) Land 3 only (1, 2and3 13|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.47 Consider the following statements with reference to Kaziranga National Park 1. Itis the oldest park in Assam 2. It is famous for the Great Indian one-homed rhinoceros. ICN, 3. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b)2 only (©) 3 only (4) 2 and3 only 48 EOS-05 recently seen in the news, it is related to (2) Medicine (b) Nuclear Missile (6) Satellite (4) Mountain Peak Q.49 With the reference to Microplasties, consider the following statements: 1. They are less than 5 millimetres in size 2. They are non-degradable plastic. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.50 Which of the following is /are components of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana? 1, Mega Food Park 2. Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure 3. Operation Greens 4, Human Resource and Institutions Select the correct answer using the code given below. (@) 1 and 3 only (b)2 only (©) 1,2 and 4 only (@) 12,3 and 4 14|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.51__ Which of the following countries share a border with Afghanistan? 1, Turkmenistan 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Uzbekistan 4, Tajikistan Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1,2 and3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (6) 3 and 4 only (@1,2,3.and 4 52 ‘Al-Mohed Al — Hindi’ bilateral exercise commenced between which of the following countries? (@) Israel and Oman (b) Japan and China (6) India and Saudi Arabia (@) Srilanka and Bangladesh Q.53 He showed an inclination towards revolutionary activities after getting inspired by the public lectures of Sri Aurobindo and Sister Nivedita in Midnapore in the early 1900s, He had learnt how to make bombs. He joined a group named 'Anushilan Samiti, He is known for the attempt to assassinate the district ‘magistrate of Muzaffarpur. He was (2) Bhagat Singh (b) Khudiram Bose (©) Chandra Shekhar Azad (4) Ram Prasad Bismil Q.54 Regarding the Swachh Survekshan 2021, consider the following statements: 1. It is the world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey. 2. It is conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 15|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.55 With reference to devices used in Parliamentary Proceedings, consider the following statements: 1. A starred question can not have supplementary questions. 2, Zero hour is not mentioned in Rules of Procedure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.56 With reference to the Greater Adjutant Stork, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. They are only found in the Gangetic Plains of India, 2. They are listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Lonly (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q57 Quality of Life for Elderly Index is released by (a) Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (b) Ministry of Social Justice (6) NITI Aayog (4) Helpage India NGO Q.58 Consider the following statements with reference to the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme: 1. It was notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs 2. Under this scheme, the exporters are issued a Duty Credit Scrip for the value of embedded taxes and levies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) Lonly (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 16|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.59 With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The prescribed premium is 2% to be paid by farmers for all rabi crops and 1.5% for all Kharif crops. 2. There is no upper limit on Government subsidy. Select the correct answer using the code given below (2) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.60 With the reference to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), consider the following statements: 1. It provides insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for Primary and Secondary care hospitalization, 2. Under the scheme, there is no restriction on the family size, age or gender. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (2) L only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.61 Consider the following statements regarding Hydrogen as Energy Source. 1. Hydrogen fi 1 is nearly 500 times more energy-efficient than petrol 2. Delhi is the first Indian city to run buses using hydrogen spiked compressed natural gas. 3. The National Hydrogen Mission focuses on increasing the production of Grey Hydrogen Which of the above statements is/are not correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (©) Land3 only @ Lonly Q.62 Consider the following statements regarding schemes related to the tourism sector. 1, NIDHTis the scheme to extend loans to the Hospitality Sector under stress due to COVID Pandemic. 2, SAATH is the scheme to make the hospitality sector compliant with COVID 19 Safety and Hygiene guidelines. 3. Stranded in India portal will provide foreigners stuck in India a special visa for medical tourism. 17|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (6) Land 3 only (1, 2and 3 Q.63_Ningbo-Zhoushan port, recently seen in the news, is situated in which of the following countries? (@) Japan (b) South Korea (©) China (@) Singapore Q.64 Gati Shakti recently seen in the news, itis related to (2) A master plan for infrastructure in the country (b) An express train with cold storage for farmers in the country (6) A short-range ballistic missile developed by DRDO (@) A report on wind energy potential released by NITI Aayog Q.65 Operation Blue Freedom recently seen in the news, is related to (a) Expedition by ‘Divyangjans’ to the Siachen Glacier (b) Evacuation of Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Afganistan (©) Exploration of the deep ocean for resources, (4) Awareness campaign for COVID-19 Q.66 With reference to Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements: 1. It is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, 2. The Convention came into force in 1971 3. Only three wetlands are registered under Montreux Record from India, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b) | and 2 only (6) 2 only (@) Land 3 only 18|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.67 With respect to the mechanism to fight the drug menace set up by the Indian Government, consider the following statements. 1. The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism represents India at different international forums for curbing the worldwide drug menace. 2, An e-portal “SIMS” has been launched by the Ministry of Social Justice to track the state-wise drug prevalence among youth. Which of the above statements is/are not correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.68 Consider the following: 1. Vitamin A 2. Iron 3. Folic Acid 4. Zine Which of the above-given nutrients is Fortified Rice contains? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (©) 1,3 and4 only (@) 1,2,3and 4 Q.69 Which of the following articles in the Indian Constitution deals with “Raising the levels of nutrition and improving public health and standard of life”? (@) Article 39. A (b) Article 47 (©) Article 48 (@) Article 48 A Q.70 With reference to Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, consider the following statements! 1. It covers children in the age group of 0-18 years It provides pre-school non-formal education, 3. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 19|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (©) 2only (@) Land 3 only Q.71 Consider the following statements regarding the recently launched Student Entrepreneurship Program 3.0: 1. It has been launched by the Ministry of Skill Development. 2, Itwill aim at 3D printing technology-based start-up developments. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (2) L only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.72_ With reference to Permafrost, consider the following statements: 1. Itremains completely frozen for at least two years. 2. It is found near the polar zones and regions with high mountains. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2) L only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q.73 Slender Loris is recently seen in the news, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species classifies it as: (a) Least Concern (b) Near Threatened (©) Vulnerable (4) Endangered Q.74 Consider the following statements with reference to the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), 1. Itaims to provide world-class infrastructure in the northeastem region only. 2. It covers both economic and social infrastructure projects. 3. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban A fai (MoHUA) 20|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (2) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (©) 2 and 3 only (@) Land 3 only Q.75__ With reference to Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM), cor following statements: 1. It supervises the working of the Patents Act, 1970, the Designs Act, 2000 and the Trade Marks Act, 1999, 2. It fanctions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. ider the Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) L only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.76 With the reference to the Flag Code of India, consider the following statements: 1. The tricolour can be used for commercial purposes. 2. The flag should not be used for any kind of decoration purpose. 3. The flag should always be hoisted briskly, lowered slowly and ceremoniously Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b) 2 and3 only (©) Land 3 (@) 1, 2and3 Q.77 Which of the following details is /are incorporated by the Financial Inclusion Index? 1, Banking 2, Insurance 3. Postal 4, Pension Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2) L only (b)2 and 3 only (©) 1,2 and 4 only (1, 2,3 and 4 21|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.78 With reference to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), consider the following statements: 1. Chairman of NHRC is Retired Chief Justice of High Court or Judge of Supreme Court, 2. The members of NHRC cannot be reappointed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.79 _ Pobitora National Park, recently seen in the news, is situated in which of the following states? (2) Tripura (b) Assam (©) Meghalaya (4) Arunachal Pradesh Q.80 With reference to UNITE Aware, consider the following statements: 1. Itis a situational awareness software programme. 2. India has developed the technology platform in partnership with Interpol. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?” (@) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q.81_ Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect regarding the drip irrigation? (2) Drip itrigation can be defined as the method in which water drips slowly via a pipe system to the roots of the plants either from above or below the soil surface. (b) Its also known as micro-irrigation by which both water and soil nutrients can be saved. (©) The best part about drip irrigation is that valves and pumps can be operated both manually and automatically with the help of controller. (d) On clay soils water must be applied speedily to avoid surface water ponding. Q.82 Who among the following is/are eligible to invest in the Sovereign Gold Bonds? 1. Resident Individuals 2. Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) 3. Charitable institutions 4, Universities 22|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Select the correct answer using the code given below (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (©) 1,3 and 4 only (1,23 and 4 Q83__ With reference to Government Security (G-Sec), consider the following statements 1. It isa tradable instrument which can be issued by both the Central and the State Governments. 2. It carries a high risk of default Which of the statements given above are correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.84 Which of the following countries is /are members of the BRICS grouping? 1. Brazil 2, Russia 3. India 4, Canada Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and3 only (©) 1,2 and3 only (4) 2,3 and 4 only Q.85 With reference to National Livestock Mission, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched in the 2014-15. 2, It seeks to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems, 3. It is being implemented as a sub scheme of White Revolution - Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b)2 only (6)2 and 3 only (@ All of the above 23|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.86 This temple is built in Chalukyan Style on the Prabhas Pattan or Veraval Port of Gujrat. It was raided by Mahmud of Ghazni and is believed to have been plundered at least 17 times. India’s first president Dr Rajendra Prasad performed the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony over here, Which is the temple being referred to in the above paragraph? (@) Ranchhodrai Temple (b) Dwarkadhish Temple (6) Modhera Sun temple (@) Somnath Temple Q.87 With reference to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), consider the following statements: 1. Itis a zoonotic virus. 2, Human-to-human transmission does not occur. 3. Ithas a high mortality rate Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 and 3 only (©) 2 only (@) 1 and3 only Q.88 _ Surangam recently seen in the news, itis related to (a) Assembly of Elders (b) Musical Instrument (c) Water harvesting structure (4) Temple Architecture Q.89 Consider the following statements with reference to the ZyCov-D vaccine 1. It is the world’ first DNA based COVID-19 vaccine. 2. Iris applied using a needle injector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) L only (b) 2 only (c) Both I and 2 only (4) Neither 1 nor 2 24|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.90 Consider the following statements with reference to Jal Jeevan Mission 1. It isa flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Development 2, It aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household by 2050. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) L only (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 only (@) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.91 Which of the following countries is/are permanent partners of the Malabar Exercise? 1 India 2. Japan 3. Singapore 4, China Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2) Lonly (b) Land 2 only (6) 2 and 3 only (4) 2,3 and 4 only 92 Which of the following can be an outcome of the one-child policy in the short term? 1. Increased per capita Income 2, Skewed Sex Ratio 3. Reduced conomic Output 4, Social tensions Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2) 1,2,3and4 (b) 1, 2and 3 (©) 1,2and4 (4) 2,3 and 4 Q.93. With reference to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: 1. Right to information 2. Right to Reputation 3. Right to free legal aid 4, Right to travel abroad 25|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the rights given above is/are part of the Article? (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (©) 1,2 and3 (@) All of the above Q.94 Which of the following are the reasons for Land Degradation? 1. Salinity 2. Soil erosion 3. Waterlogging 4. Fertility loss Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c)3 and 4 only (A) All of the above Q.95 Project Sunrise is associated with which of the following? (2) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (b) Tuberculosis (TB) (©) COVID-19 (A) Hepatitis B Q.96 With reference to Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), recently scen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. 2. It is being implemented through NGOs in the country with 100% grants from the Government of India. 2. It provides only vocational skills to the non-literate, Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) Lonly (b) 1 and 2 only (6) 2and 3 only (1,2 and 3 26|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.97 He was born into an Ezhava family, He led the Reform movement in Kerala, revolted against the caste system, He established Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam. He took up other campaigns to enlighten the people, giving the mantra “Enlightenment through Education, Strength through Organization, Economic Independence through Industries” He was: (@) Stee Narayana Guru (b) Debendranath Tagore (©) Dadoba Pandurang (4) Mahadev Gobind Ranade Q.98 Who among the following was /were the main leaders of the Malabar rebellion? 1. Ali Musliyar 2. Variyan Kunnath Kunjahammad Haji 3. Chandra Shekhar Azad 4, Bhagat Singh Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (6)2 and 3 only (4) 2, 3 and 4 only Q.99 Consider the following statements regarding the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 1. It will target Brownfield Projects only. 2. Iewill transfer the ownership of infrastructure projects to Private Firms. 3. The sector which will have the largest share in NMP is Road, Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b)2 and 3 only (6) Land 3 only (A) 1, 2and 3 Q.100 With reference to Mappila Revolt, consider the following statements: 1, Hindu landlords oppressed muslim tenants in the Malabar region, 2. Grievances revolved around high rents, security of tenure and other oppressive exactions. 2 |Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) | only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.101 Regarding the Chakma and Hajong communities consider the following statements: 1. These communities belong to Jainism. 2. They are only found in Bangladesh and Myanmar Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.102 With the reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: 1. Itis appointed by the President of India. 2, Its orders are legally binding, 3. It was first constituted in 2002 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (©) Land 3 only (@ 1, 2and3 Q.103 Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is situated in which of the following states? (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Assam. (©) Uttarakhand (d) Madhya Pradesh Q.104_ With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks, consider the following statements: 1. These banks are allowed to lend for non-agricultural purposes only. 2. These banks are regulated by both the State Registrar of Society and the RBI. 28|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) only (b) 2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (@ Neither | nor 2 Q.105 With reference to S-400 Triumf, consider the following statements: 1. It is an anti-tank weapon system developed by Russia. 2. Ibis a long-range surface-to-surface missile system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (4) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.106 Consider the following statements with reference to the e-Shram portal: 1. Itwill maintain a database of organised sector workers. 2. It is launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) L only (b) 2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.107 With the reference to the PRAGATI, consider the following statements: 1. It is an information and communications technology( ICT) based multimodal platform 2. It is designed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) team with the help of the National Informatics Center (NIC), Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (@) Lonly (b)2 only (©) Both 1 and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 29|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.108 Consider the following statements with reference to the SAMRIDH Scheme. 1. It will cteate @ conducive platform for Indian Software Product start-ups. 2. It was launched by the Ministry of Micto, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both | and 2 (@) Neither | nor 2 Q.109. Kalaignar Urban Development Scheme recently launched by which of the following states? (@) Kerala (b) Tamil Nadu (©) Maharashtra (d) Andhra Pradesh Q.110 Match the important Judicial Cases with their outcomes, Cases ‘Outcomes 1. | Keshvanand Bharati case Cap of 50% on reserved category 2. | Indra Sawhney Case B. | Right to Travel Abroad is part of Article 21 3. | Maneka Gandhi v/s Uol, 1978 | C. | Preamble is a part of Constitution Choose the correct code from the options given below. (@) 1-A,2-B,3-C (b) 1-,2-A,3-B (©) 1-B,2-A,3-C (@1-C,2-B,3-A Q.111 SVEEP programme recently seen in the news, itis related to (a) Urban Cleanness (b) Rural Infrastructural Development (6) Voter literacy (@) Space Programme 30|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.112_ With reference to the Sambhar Lake, consider the following statements: 1. It is India’s largest inland salt lake. 2. It is a designated Ramsar Site 3. It finds mention in the mythological epic Ramayana Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (©) 3 only (4) 1 and3 only Q.113 The Chagos Archipelago recently seen in the news, is situated in which of the Oceans? (2) Pacific Ocean (b) Atlantic Ocean (6) Indian Ocean (A) Arctic Ocean Q.114 The Straits of Florida is located between which of the following water bodies? (a) Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea (b) Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (©) Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean (@) Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean Q.11S With reference to Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTD, consider the following statements: 1. Itis a Research & Development organisation under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 2, Its focus is on providing “Technology Solutions’ to the mam growth in the country. suring sector and assisting technological Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) 1 only (b)2 only (©) Both I and 2 (A) Neither 1 nor 2 31|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Q.116 Consider the following pairs Scientific Name — Species 1. Trimeresurus Salazar — Bat 2. Glyptothorax giudikyensis — Catfish 3. Myotis ef, frater — Viper Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (6) 2only (1, 2and3 Q.117 What is/are unique about Deepor Bee! Wildlife Sanctuary? 1. It is a perennial freshwater lake. 2, It was designated a Ramsar site in 2020, 3. Itis an Important Bird Area (IBA). Select the correct answer using the code given below. (@) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (6) Land 3 only (@ 1, 2and3 Q.118 With reference to Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMIDY), recently seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It provides an overdraft facility of Rs.50000 to every eligible adult 2, It has a provision of a Pension scheme for the Unorganized sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only. (©) Both 1 and 2 (4) Neither | nor 2 Q.119 With reference to G20, consider the following statements: 1. The objective is to promote financial regulations that reduce risks and prevent future financial crises. 2. India has never been a host for a G20 Summit 3. The G20 has a permanent secretariat to perform activities. 32|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (@) Land 2 only (b) 2 only (©) Land 3 only (@) 1,2 and 3 Q.120 The Straits of Florida is located between which of the following water bodies? (@) Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea (b) Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (©) Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean (4) Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean Q.121 Consider the following pairs 1. Typhoons — Pacific Ocean 2, Hurricanes — Atlantic Ocean 3. Willy-willies — Australia Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and3 only (©) 1 and 3 only (A) 1, 2and 3 Q.122. Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) recently seen in the news, it is linked to which of the following diseases? (@) Poliomyelitis, (b) Tuberculosis (TB) (©) Cancer (@) Malaria Q.123 Which of the followings leaders was/ were a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre? 1. Dr. Satya Pal 2. Saifuddin Kitchlew 3. Jawahar Lal Nehru 4, Khwaja Salimullah 33|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) | and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (©) 2,3 and 4 only (@ 1,2,3and 4 Q.124 Which of the following states share a boundary with the Himalayas? 1. Himachal Pradesh 2. Assam 3. Uttarakhand 4, West Bengal Which of the following is correct? (@) 1 and 3only (b) 1, 2and 3 only (6)2 and 4 only (A) Allof the above Q.125 Consider the following statements regarding BharatNet. 1. It isa flagship scheme to provide broadband connection to each household in India, 2, It is being implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 3. It has been covered under the viability gap funding scheme to enable the private sector to complete the projects. Which of the above statements is/ are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (6) 3 only (©) Land 2 only () 1,2 and 3 34|PageTEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS EXPLANATION } [SOL] Statement 1 is not correet: The permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (also known as the Permanent Five, Big Five, or P5) are the five sovereign states to whom the UN Charter of 1945 grants a permanent seat on the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Statement 2 is correct: Only the Security Council has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter. } [SOL] Statement 1 is correct. Pangolins are the only mammals wholly-covered in scales, used to protect themselves from predators in the wild. These are solitary, primarily nocturnal animals and are easily recognized by their full armor of scales. Statement 2 is not correct. Indian Pangolin is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. @ [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: North-Eastem Council (NEC) is the statutory body established after amending the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971 in the year 2002. It is the nodal agency for economic and social development of 8 North Easter Region States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura including the four states having Schedule six areas. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Statement 2 is not correct: The Home Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of the Council. The DoNER Minister is the Vice-Chairman, The couneil has Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states as its members. b) [SOL] Pairs 1, 3 and 4 are correctly matched. The Adriatic Sea is positioned between the eastern coastline of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, The Caspian Sea is bordered by Iran, ‘Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia. The Mediterranean Sea has 21 countries sharing a border with it and Morocco is one of them. Pairs 2 and 5 are not correctly matched. The Black Sea is bordered by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, The Red sea is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. @ [SOL] It is a map-based question. Please, allocate these ports over the map. 35|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 6. b) [SOL] Recently, Delhi University researchers discovered @ new frog species in the Western Ghats and named it after former DU Vice-Chancellor and plant geneticist Deepak Pental. The new frog species, Minervarya Pentali, was discovered from the Westem Ghats biodiversity hotspot, extending along the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula + Itis endemic to the southern Western Ghats. 7 0 [SOL] In News: Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 55.3 in July from 48.1 in June, well above the 50-level separating growth from contraction. + Factory activity in June had slipped into contraction for the first time in 11 months, Statement 1 is not correct: It is an indicator of business activity both in the manufacturing and services sectors. + The data is caleulated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed. + Iisa survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the earlier month. + tis derived from a series of qualitative questions usually released at the start of the month. + It aims to provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision-makers, analysts and investors. tatement 2 is not correct: It is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide. IHS Markit is a London based global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. 8. (b) [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is a regulatory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India was the regulator for the insurance industry until 2000. However, to institute a stand-alone apex body, the IRDA was established in 2000 following the recommendation of the Malhotra Committee report in 1999. The main obje protect the interests of the policyholder and regulate the insurance industry 9. (by [SOL] AIRAWAT (AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation platform), + Inan attempt to achieve the goal of becoming a $5 Tn economy, the Indian governments think tank NITI Aayog recently released an approach paper to set up India’s first Al-specific cloud computing infrastructure called ‘AIRAWAT? (AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation platform), + The platform aims to guide the research and development of new and emerging technologies, + AIRAWAT will be established based on the recommendations made by the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NSAI), 36|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 10. mL 2 13. + Under AIRAWAT, the Indian government plans to tackle the challenges associated with lack of access to computing resources. Going ahead, the government will be building Al-specific compute infrastructure that will help the computing needs of Centres of Research Excellence (CORES), Intemational Centers Transformational AI (ICRAIs) and Innovation Hubs. © [SOL] Option C is correct: In order to fight the war against HIV Aids, the government has launched this “90:90:90 Strategy’. It is a new HIV treatment that lays the groundwork to end the AIDS epidemic. 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status (90% diagnosed). 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (90% on HIV treatment), 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression (90% suppressed) fa) [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: The governor is neither directly elected by the people nor indirectly elected by a specially constituted electoral college as is the case with the president. He is appointed by the president by warrant under his hand and seal. In a way, he is a nominee of the Central government. But, as held by the Supreme Court in 1979, the office of governor of a state is not an employment ‘under the Central government, It is an independent constitutional office and is not under the control of or subordinate to the Central government. Statement 2 is correct: The Governor shall not hold any other office of profit. + The Governor shall be entitled without payment of rent to the use of his official residences and shall be also entitled to such emoluments, allowances and privileges as may be determined by Parliament by law and, until provision in that behalf is so made, such emoluments, allowances and privileges as are specified in the Second Schedule. + Where the same person is appointed as Govemor of two or more States, the emoluments and allowances payable to the Governor shall be allocated among the States in such proportion as the President may by order determine, + The emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during his term of office. © [SOL Exercise Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the U.S. military. It is a biennial exercise incorporating activities on land, air and sea. After the invitation of India to Australia in the Malabar exercise in 2020, Australia keen India joins Exercise Talisman Sabre. } [SOL] Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter and the designer and architect of the national flag of India. He had designed a flag, known as the Swaraj Flag, that now forms the basis of India’s present-day national flag. It consisted of red and green bands to symbolize the two major communities in the country- Hindus and Muslims. He met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) when he was posted there as part of the British Indian Army. On the advice of Mahatma Gandhi, Pingali Venkayya added a white band over red over green with a charkha design onto Khadi bunting. The white represented peace and the rest of the communities living in India, and the spinning wheel symbolized the progress of the country. Gandhiji’s approval had made it sufficiently popular and it was in use till 1931. The flag, however, had raised communal concerns after which a Flag Committee was set up in 1931 37|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 14. 16. 17. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) came up with a new tricolour which was called the Purna Swaraj. He came up with a booklet titled ‘A National Flag for India’ in 1916, wherein he had presented twenty-four flag designs. © [SOL] Both the statements are correct: Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily bby Aedes mosquitoes. Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. There is scientific consensus that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, © [SOL] Option Cis correct: Strait of Hormuz is the waterway separating Iran and Oman, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. On the north coast lies Iran, and on the south are the UAE and Musandam, an enclave of Oman, The Strait is 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just two miles wide in either direction. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important choke points. Two-thirds of the oil and half the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Indian imports come through the strait between Iran and Oman. @ [SOL] The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India. Part XVIF of the Indian Constitution deals with the official languages in Articles 343 to 351. + The eighth schedule includes the recognition of the following 22 languages: + Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri are the 22 languages presently in the eighth schedule to the Constitution. + Of these languages, 14 were initially included in the Constitution. Subsequently, Sindhi was added in 1967; Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added in 1992; and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali were added in 2003. + Currently, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical’ status: Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). ) [SOL] In News: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for continuation of the revised Samagra Shiksha Scheme for a period of five years. Statement 1 is correct: Samagra Shiksha Scheme is an integrated scheme for school education covering complete pre-primary to senior secondary (upto class 12th). + Union Budget 2018-19 announced to create a holistic education system from pre-primary to class xi. Statement 2 is not correct: Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Objectives of Samagra Shiksha Scheme as follows: + To universalize access to school education; + To promote equity through the inclusion of disadvantaged groups and weaker sections, and + To improve the quality of education across all levels of school education, 38|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 18. 19. 20 24. + To implement SDG 4, Right to Education and New Education Policy in an inclusive way by emphasising on pre primary school and vocational education, + It will also help fulfill the goals of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. (a) [SOL] In News: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister has approved the continuation of 1023 Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) including 389 exclusive POCSO Courts as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2023. Statement I is correct: FTSCs ate set up for one year initially (subject to approval). Therefore, the Scheme does not intend to create any permanent infrastructure. The responsibility of setting up of FTSCs lies with the State & UT governments. They have a better clearance rate as compared to the regular courts and hold speedy trials They strengthen the deterrence framework for sexual offenders. Statement 2 is not correct: FTSCs are dedicated courts expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice. Each FTSC will have one Judicial Officer and seven staff members. It is supporting the efforts of State/UT Governments for providing time-bound justice to hapless victims of sexual offences in the country including the remote and far-flung areas. © [SOL] Cabinet Committee on Economie Affairs (CCEA) is chaired by the Prime Minister. One of the standing committees of the cabinet. It comprises 11 ministers and 3 special invitees. Major functions: + Take major economic decisions like disinvestments, MSP, etc + CCEA handles the functions of the cabinet committee on prices, cabinet committee on UIDAL, Cabinet committee on WTO, after they were scrapped © [SOL] In News: Recently CCEA has extended the period of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan till FY 2026. Statement 1 is incorrect. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect. NIPUN Bharat stands for National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy. Its aim is to ensure that every child achieves the desired learning competencies in reading, writing and numeracy at the end of grade III and not later than grade V. Statement 3 is correct. Recently the scheme has been extended to cover pre-primary students too. @ [SOL] In News: Recently, the Standing Committee on Water Resources submitted its 12th report to the Lok Sabha. '* [twas signed between then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan on 19th September 1960. © The Treaty was brokered by the World Bank and is one of the most durable agree-ments between both nations and has survived several wars and disruptions in bilateral relations over the decades. * According to provisions of the Treaty, © The water of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) is allocated to India for unrestricted use, ‘The water of western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) is allocated largely to Pakistan, 39|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 2. 24, ‘© Under the treaty, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the western rivers subject to specific criteria for de-sign and operation, © tis allowed to use 20% water of the westem rivers for irrigation, power generation and transport purposes. ‘* Italso gives Pakistan the right to raise concems on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers ) [SOL] Recently, Kamataka Chief Minister reiterated that there would be no compromise on implementing the Mekedatu drinking water project © The Mekedatu drinking water project is being constructed by the Kamataka govern-ment across the Cauvery River. '* It is aimed at providing drinking water facilities to the Bengaluru Metropolitan region and its surrounding areas (4.75 TMC) and generates 400 MW of power as an addi-tional benefit. © The project cost is estimated at Rs 9,000 crore, (by [SOL] In News: Recently, the Delhi High Court has allowed the medical termination of pregnancy of a woman who had completed 22 weeks of gestation as the foetus was suffering from multiple Statement 1 is not correct: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 amended the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTP Act) and follows the earlier MTP Bills of 2014, 2017 and 2018, all of which previously lapsed in Parliament. Extended length for termination of pregnane secking abortion up from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. ‘The Act increases the gestation period of women '* Itallows abortion to be done on the advice of one doctor up to 20 weeks, and two doctors in the case of certain special categories of women between 20 and 24 weeks, '* The “special categories of women” include rape survivors, victims of incest, the differ-ently- abled and minors. ‘* Incase of the gestational period beyond 24 weeks, pregnancy may be terminated only in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by the Medical Board or if there is a threat to the life of the mother. '* Opinion of only one provider will be required up to 20 weeks of gestation and two providers for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation. Statement 2 is correct: It allows unmarried women also to terminate a pregnancy in case of failure of the contraceptive method or device. The ground of failure of contraceptives ean now be used for abortion up to 20 weeks. @ [SOL] In News: Parliament recently passed Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021 to bury retrospective taxation, Statement 1 is not correct: Article 20 bans retrospective legislation for criminal cases not civil cases And taxation is a civil pursuit. Statement 2 is not correct: It is used to tax companies which are indulged in tax avoidance not evasion. Evasion of taxes is already an offence but avoidance is finding legal loopholes and avoiding taxation in a legal way. 40|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 2s, 26. 27. 28, © [SOL] Option c is correct: A total of 26.79 lakh artisans have been registered so far under the Pahchan initiative, Pahchan initiative was launched in 2016 by the then Union Minister of Textiles. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles to register and provide Identity (ID) cards to handicraft artisans and link them to a national database, Pahchan cards scheme is a newly upgraded ID card for artisans that will be linked with their Aadhaar numbers and bank accounts so that they can receive direct cash-transfer benefits. It has the information of handicrafts artisans viz. name & address, Aadhaar Card number, mobile number and craft practised, @ [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: Magistrates do not possess the power to give life imprisonment or death penalty. Statement 2 is not correct: Judges to these courts are appointed by the Governor of the State. @ [SOL] In News: Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI has kept Repo Rate unchanged at 4% for the seventh time in a row. Statements 1 and 2 are incorreet. While repo rate is used to regulate liquidity in the economy, reverse repo rate is used to control cash flow in the market. Please note that the order has been reversed. Statement 3 is incorrect. Marginal Standing Facility was introduced as a provision for banks to avail overnight (1 day) funds, not fortnight (14 days) funds. © [SOL] In News: Virtually half of a belated Rs 2,200 crore allotted for completing ongoing MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) projects in 2020-21 simply lapsed. Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The MPLADS is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme fully funded by the Government of India. The annual MPLADS fund entitlement pet MP constituency is Rs. 5 crores It was introduced in December 1993. Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their Constituencies. Elected Members of Rajya Sabha can recommend works within the State of Election. Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country. The objective is to enable the Members of Parliament (MP) to suggest and execute developmental works of capital nature based on locally felt needs with an emphasis on the creation of durable assets. The Ministry of Rural Development initially administered the scheme. Since October 1994 it has been transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (henceforth, the Ministry). The Ministry prepared guidelines of the scheme and amended this from time to time. Development of Areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe: There is a greater need to develop areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in oder to give special attention to the infrastructure development of such areas. M.Ps ate to recommend every yeat, works costing at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by S.T. population In other words, out of an amount of Rs.5 crores, an M.P. shall recommend for areas inhabited by 8.C. population, Rs.75 lacs and Rs.37.5 lacs for areas inhabited by S.T.. population, In case there is an insufficient tribal population in the area of Lok Sabha Member, they may recommend this amount for the creation of community assets in tribal areas outside of their constituency but within their State of the election lll works to meet locally felt infrastructure and development needs, with an emphasis on the creation of durable assets in the constituency are permissible under MPLADS. 41|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 29. 30, aI (by [SOL] In News: Recently, the Government of India signed a $250 million loan agreement with the World Bank for the Second Phase of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP Phase I) The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is State sector scheme. It was formulated to bridge the finding gap and provide urgent finance to States for the repair and maintenance of Dams. It was launched by the Central Wate Commission (CWC) with assistance from the World Bank in 2012. Under the scheme, financial assistance is being provided by the World Bank (WB), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). It aims to improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner and to strengthen the dam safety institutional setup of participating States / Implementing Agencies. Water Resources Departments and State Electricity Boards in the participating States and Central Water Commission at Central Level. © [SOL] In News: The conservationists and veterinary experts along with global partners are making efforts to save the world’s most endangered turtle, Swinhoe’s softshell turtle from the brink of extinction. These turtles are grey with light grey or yellow spots, Significance: They are important to the seafloor biosystem, where they contribute by enriching soil nutrients and facilitating seed dispersion. The natural habitat for these turtles are wetlands and large Jakes. Native to China and Vietnam. Habitat destruction due to water pollution to riverbed abrasion, and overexploitation for food and illegal trade. Listed as ‘Critically Endangered” on the Red List maintained by the Intemational Union for Conservation of Nature. Listed in Appendix II of the Convention on Intemational Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Oo} [SOL] Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Food isradiation (the application of ionizing radiation to food) is a technology that improves the safety and extends the shelf life of foods by reducing or climinating microorganisms and insects. Food irradiation involves ionizing radiation and uses X-rays, gamma rays or high-energy electron beams. + Gamma rays are emitted from radioactive forms of the element cobalt (Cobalt 60) or of the element cesium (Cesium 137). Gamma radiation is used routinely to sterilize medical, dental, and household products and is also used for the radiation treatment of cancer. + X-rays are produced by reflecting a high-energy stream of electrons off a target substance (usually one of the heavy metals) into food + X-rays are also widely used in medicine and industry to produce images of internal structures. + Electron beam (or e-beam) is similar to X-rays and is a stream of high-energy electrons propelled from an electron accelerator into food, Statement 3 is not correct: The irradiation process has been approved by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IARA) and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. @ [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: E Prisons Project aims at computerization of the functioning of prisons in the country and has been operationalised in all States and Union Territories, + The e-Prisons application suite integrates all the activities related to prison and prisoner management, 42|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 37. Statement 2 is not correct: The E-Prisons application suite has been developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). It provides vital information about the inmates lodged in the prisons in a real-time environment to the courts, prison officials and other entities involved in the Criminal Justice System. It facilitates online visit requests and grievance redressal. () [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: It is a flagship network project launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2011 of the XI Plan. It aims at strategic research on adaptation and mitigation, demonstration of technologies on farmers” fields and creating awareness among farmers and other stakeholders to minimize the climatic change impacts on agriculture. Statement 2 is correct: It Identifies the most vulnerable districts/regions. It Asses impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifies adaptation strategies, () [SOL] In News: Chief Justice of India while addressing a NALSA event said that threats to human rights and bodily integrity are the highest in police stations. ss climate change + He was pointing out that custodial torture and other police atrocities are problems that still prevail in society. + He flagged the issues of human rights and dignity, saying these are “sacrosanct”. Statement 1 is not correct. Custodial death means death during arrest or jail but not during encounters by police. Statement 2 is correct. The Constitution in Article 20 prohibits self incrimination which means Police can not use brutal force to make an alleged person confess his crime. @) [SOL] In News: Oil Ministry launches sixth bid round of Open Acreage Licensing Programme, Statement 1 is not correet. Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) has been brought by the Oil Ministry to replace New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP). (The statement in question is the reverse.) Statement 2 is correct. The HELP policy is based on Revenue Sharing and Single- Uniform License for all Hydrocarbons and freedom to the producer to market and price the produce. @ [SOL] State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2008. It is the primary fund available with State Governments for responses to notified disasters. The Central Government contributes 75% of SDRF allocation for general category States/UTs and 90% for special category States/UTs (NE States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir). The annual Central contribution is released in two equal instalments as pet the recommendation of the Finance Commission. SDRF shall be used only for meeting the expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims. Disaster (8) covered under SDRF: Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold waves. © [SOL] Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha (half man-half lion). Its situated at Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh. 43 (Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 38. 39, + It is one of the eight chief holy mahakshethram (holy temples) in the country and invites devotees from all over. + There is a stone inscription by Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar and the footprints of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya are to be seen. @ [SOL] Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Pradhan Mantri Ujiwala Yojana - PMUY is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. It was launched in 2016, + _ During Ujjwala 1.0, a target was set to provide LPG connections to 5 crore women members of BPL households. + Subsequently, the scheme was expanded in April 2018 to include women beneficiaries from seven more categories (SC/ST, PMAY, AY, Most backward classes, tea garden, forest dwellers, Islands). + Also, the target was revised to 8 Crore LPG connections. © This target was achieved in August 2019, seven months ahead of the target date. Statement 3 is correct: Ujjwala 2.0: In the Union budget for FY 21-22, provision for an additional one crore LPG connection under the PMUY scheme was announced, © These one crore additional PMUY connections (under Ujjwala 2.0) aim to provide deposit- free LPG connections to those low-income families who could not be covered under the earlier phase of PMUY. © Other benefits: Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries. The enrollment procedure will require minimal paperwork. In Ujjwala 2.0, migrants will not be required to submit ration cards or address proof. A self-declaration for both ‘family declaration’ and as a ‘proof of address will suffice. Ujjwala 2.0 will help achieve the Prime Minister’s vision of universal access to LPG. @ [SOL] + An Inner Line Permit is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system. + The Inner Line Permits are required by Indians other than natives of ILP state for entering into any place in Arunachal Pradesh. ‘+ All foreigners are required to have the Protection Area Permit or PAP for entering into ILP system state, They can obtain the Protected Area Permit + The system is in forced in four Northeastem states as of now — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram and Manipur and no Indian citizen can visit any of these states unless he or she belongs to that state, nor can he or she overstay beyond the period specified in the ILP. + An ILP is issued by the state government concerned. It can be obtained after applying either online or physically. 44|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 40. Al. 42. 43. © [SOL] Statement 1 is correct. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was created at the Baghdad Conference in September 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, Statement 2 is not correct. OPEC‘ is a loosely affiliated entity consisting of 13 OPEC members and 10 of the world’s major non-OPEC oil-exporting nations. India is not a member. Statement 3 is correct. India is the world’s third-largest consumer of oil and imports 85% of its oil needs and is often vulnerable to global supply and price shocks. ‘Climate Change 2021 Report (AR6) Statement 1 is correct. India is the third largest emitter of Green-House Gases after China and USA. Statement 2 is not correct. India has not declared its Net-Zero Emission target on the pretext of its poverty. Statement 3 is correct. China (nearly 87% by 2060) and the USA (nearly 27% by 2050) will release more carbon (87+27=114%) than the complete carbon budget available to keep Global temperature rise within 1.5 C despite achieving their Net Zero targets, () [SOL] Option B is correct: The Core Deep Ocean Mission is an initiative of India under the Ministry s Ithas twin aims of Surveying Ocean Bed Resources and Biodiversity for economic prosperity and environmental conservation The two major minerals found in the ocean bed are: + Polymetallic Nodules (PMNs): rich in Ferric Minerals with traces of rare minerals, + Gas Hydrates: Methane frozen in ice and water erystals. @ [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) aims to supplement the financial needs of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMPs ) in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields and commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle. It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Statement 1 is not correet: Under the PM KISAN Scheme, an amount of 6000 rupees per year is transferred in three instalments of 2000 rupees directly into the bank accounts of the farmers. The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land up to 2 hectares. + Its ambition was later expanded to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their landholdings, + Special provisions have been made for the North-Eastern States where land ownership rights are community-based, Forest Dwellers and Jharkhand, which does not have updated land records and restrictions on the transfer of land, Statement 3 is not correct: Affluent farmers have been excluded from the scheme such as Income Taxpayers in the last assessment year, professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants ete and pensioners drawing at least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding MTS/Class IV/Group D employees) 45|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 44, 45, 46. 41. () [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: Ministry of Food Processing Industries launched the Operation Greens scheme in 2018, Statement 2 is correct: Operation Greens Scheme was aimed for integrated development of the Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain. o It was expanded as per budget announcement 2021-22 to cover 22 p hables including shrimp. Statement 3 is not correct: The scheme aims to promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), agri-logistics, processing facilities and value addition etc. in identified production clusters. Under the scheme, state-wise funds are not allocated as the scheme is demand-driven and projects are approved as per scheme guidelines on the basis of applications received for setting up of projects in eligible production clusters. a [SOL] In News: Recently, West Africa's first case of the Marburg virus was confirmed in Guinea Statement 1 and 3 are correct: Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. There are no approved vaceines or antiviral treatments for the virus yet + However, a range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated, Statement 2 is not correct: Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats + Itcan spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or ‘mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. fa) [SOL] In News: Supreme Court has alleged the Government of delaying Collegium recommendations on appointment of judges to High Courts. Statement 1 is not correct: The Collegium System is not prescribed in the constitution nor in any statute. It came into existence through the 2nd Judges case Statement 2 is not correct: The 2nd Judges Case recommended the CII+ 2 senior most judges but 3rd Judges eases upgraded it to CJI+4 senior most judges. Statement 3 is correct: National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 was brought to replace commission, But it was declared unconstitutional by SC. © [SOL] In News: Recently, Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has become the first national park in India to be equipped with satellite phones. Statement 1 is correct: Kaziranga National Park lies partly in Golaghat District and partly in Nagaon District of Assam. It is the oldest park in Assam covering an area of 430 sq km along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the Karbi Anglong hills on the South, Statement 2 is correct: The National Highway 37 passes through the park area, It is a world heritage site that is famous for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Statement 3 is not correct: It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for ‘the conservation of avifaunal species. It was declared a National Park in 1974, 48|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 48. (©) [SOL] In News: Recently, ISRO's Earth Observation satellite (EOS-03) faced a setback minutes after it was launched, + Itisa state-of-the-art agile Earth observation satellite that will be placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit by GSLV-F10. © This was the 14th launch involving a GSLV rocket. + Itis being sent ahead of EOS-02, which has been delayed. © BOS-02 is scheduled for a launch in September-October 2021 + ILis meant to provide almost real-time images of large parts of the country that could be used for monitoring natural disasters like floods and cyclones, water bodies, crops, vegetation and forest cover. 49. © [SOL] In News: A recent study has found Microplasties in samples of tap water supplied to Goa households. Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Mictoplastics are plastics that are less than 5 millimetres in size but are a major source of marine pollution. It is non-degradable plasties that often entered the Ganga through industrial waste or packaging of religious offerings. + They are insoluble in water. 50. (a) [SOL] In News: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has shared information related to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) in Parliament. It is a Scheme for Agro- {ng and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters or SAMPADA with an allocation of Rs. 6,000 crore for the period 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance Commission cycle. In the year 2017, the government renamed the SAMPADA scheme as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). Itis a Central Sector Scheme. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFP) is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).with component schemes a (Mega Food Park; (i) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure; Marine Prot (iii) Creation /Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities; (iv) Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters; (¥) Creation of Backward & Forward linkages; (vi) Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure; (vii) Human Resource and Institutions; (viii) Operation Greens. SL. (b) [SOL] Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. Kyrgyzstan does not share a border with Afghanistan, 47|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS uzsexastan Fgyayestan” e py Lewna ¢ ai ( None TRAN) ° PAKISTAN J“ INDIA 32. ©) [SOL] In News: Recently, The sea phase of the three day long maiden bilateral exercise ‘Al-Mohed Al - Hindi’ between Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Foree commenced off the coast of Al Jubail Saudi Arabia. + The two navies undertake e ordinated action against © Asymmettic threat © Replenishment at sea procedures © Anti-piracy and boarding operations. © Complex and collaborative exercises including weapon targeting drills beyond the horizon ‘were also conducted to enhance synergy and interoperability between the two navies. 53. (b) [SOL] In News: Recently, the death anniversary of Khudiram Bose was observed. He was born in 1889 at a small village in Midnapore district. He showed an inclination towards revolutionary activities after getting inspired by the public lectures of Sri Aurobindo and Sister Nivedita in Midnapore in the early 1900s .He joined a group named 'Anushilan Samiti! He became a volunteer at the age of 15, and was arrested for distributing pamphlets against British rule in India, He had learnt how to make bombs . He actively participated in protests against the British in 1905 during partition of Bengal. He is known for the attempt to assassinate the district magistrate of Muzaffarpur, Douglas Kingsford. 54. (a) [SOL] In News: The Government announced Indore as the First Water Plus city under the Swachh Survekshan 2021. Statement 1 is corr in India, 4: Itis an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in cities and towns 48|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 55. 57. 58. © Itis the world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey, + Itwas launched as a part of Swachh Bharat Mission, Statement 2 is not correct: It has been conducted by the Mini since 2016. ry of Housing and Urban Affairs + Ithas been instrumental in fostering a spirit of healthy competition among towns and cities to improve their service delivery to citizens and towards creating cleaner citi ) [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: Starred (marked with *) Question is one to which a member desires an oral answer from the Minister in the House and is required to be distinguished by him/her with an asterisk. Answers to such a question may be followed by supplementary questions by members. Statement 2 is correct: Zero Hour is an Indian parliamentary innovation. The phrase does not find mention in the rules of procedure, During the initial days, Parliament used to break for lunch at 1 pm, Thetefore, the opportunity for MPs to raise national issues without an advance notice became available at 12 pm and could last for an hour until the House adjoumed for lunch. This led to the hour being popularly referred to as Zero Hour and the issues being raised during this time as Zero Hour submissions @ [SOL] In News: In a first, Bihar has decided to tag greater adjutant storks (Leptoptilos dubius) with GPS trackers to monitor their movement as a part of efforts to conserve them, Statement 1 is not correct. Once found across South and Southeast Asia, the Greater Adjutant is one of the most threatened stork species in the world, At present, only three known breeding grounds are known, One is in Cambodia and two are located in India (Assam and Kadwa Diara, Bihar), Statement 2 is not correct. Greater Adjutant Stork is enlisted as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List data and is listed under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Schedule III and IV include species that are not endangered, however, Adjutant stork is listed under Schedule IV despite being Endangered. (a) [SOL] In News: Quality of Life for Elderly Index was released by the Economie Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). + Ithas 4 pillars and 8 sub pillars + Rajasthan and States, respectiv imachal Pradesh are top-scoring regions in Aged and Relatively Aged ly + Chandigarh and Mizoram are top-scoring regions in Union Territory and North-East States category + The Aged States refer to States with an elderly population of more than 5 million. + Relatively Aged States refer to States with an Elderly population of less than S million. o) [SOL] In News: The Ministry of Textiles has notified the continuation of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for the export of garments and made-ups and issued guidelines for its implementation. 49|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 59. 60. Statement 1 is not correct: Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) was notified by the Ministry of Textiles in 2019. + Revised guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Textiles in consultation with the Department of Revenue Statement 2 is correct: Under this scheme, the exporters are issued a Duty Credit Scrip for the value of embedded taxes and levies contained in the exported product, Exporters can use this serip to pay basic Customs duty for the import of equipment, machinery or any other input. © These scripts are tradeable. © Itwill enhance the competitiveness of the labour-intensive textiles sector. @) [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched on 13th January 2016, in line with the One Nation-One Scheme theme, covering over 5.5 crore farmer applications year on year. This scheme replaced two schemes called National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). The Scheme shall be implemented on an ‘Area Approach basis’ ie., Defined Areas for cach notified crop for widespread calamities. It aims to provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases. The premium rates to be paid by farmers are very low and the balance premium is paid by the Government to provide the full insured amount to the farmers. The prescribed premium is 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all rabi crops. In the case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium is 5%, + Premium cost over and above the farmer share is equally subsidised by the States and the Center. + However, the Centre’s share is 90% of the premium subsidy for the Northeastem States to promote the uptake in the region, Statement 2 is correct: It shall be implemented through a multi-agency framework by selected insurance companies under the overall guidance & control of the Department of Agriculture and state government. There is no upper limit on Government subsidies. @) [SOL] In News: Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM- JAY) approximately 20,32 lakh COVID-19 tests and 7.08 lakh treatments were authorised from April 2020 to July 2021, Statement 1 is not correct: AB PM-JAY is a flagship scheme of the Government of India. + It was launched in September 2018 as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). + [Lis a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having a central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission + Itis the world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government providing @ cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. + Itprovides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service. 50|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 61. a2. + It envisions to help mitigate catastrophic expenditure on medical treatment which pushes nearly 6 crore Indians into poverty each year. Statement 2 is correct: There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender. + The cover under the scheme includes all expenses incurred © [SOL] In News: Recently the Prime Minister of India announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission on India’s 75th Independence Day. + The government's hydrogen. aim is to make India a global hub for the production and export of green + It was also proposed in the Union Budget 2021 Statement 1 is not than petrol. rect. Hydrogen fuel is nearly 2-3 times (not 500 times) more energy efficient Statement 2 is correct. Dethi is the first Indian city to run buses using hydrogen spiked compressed natural gas. Statement 3 is not correet. The National Hydrogen Mission focuses on increasing the production of Green Hydrogen, not Grey Hydrogen. ® {SOL] In News: India organises the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) Tourism Ministers’ virtual meet, Statement 1 is not correct: National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) created by the Ministry of Tourism, + Itprovides a clear picture of the geographical spread of the Hospitality Sector, its size, structure and existing capacity. + NIDHI is an initiative towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat to use technology to empower our businesses. NIDHI is not just a Database, It aspires to become a gateway to opportunities for the Hospitality Industry. Statement 2 is correct: System for Assessment, Awareness and Training in Hospitality Industry (SAATHD), It aims to ensure compliance with COVID 19 Safety and Hygiene guidelines and to ensure safety and health of employees’ customers. + It assists in the preparedness of Hotels to continue operations safely and also restore the confidence of guests and enhance the image of the hotel as a responsible hotel Statement 3 is correct: ‘Stranded in India’ portal was launched by The Ministry of Tourism to help foreiga tourists stuck in various parts of India. + A special visa category called ‘Medical Visa and Medical Attendant Visa’ has been created to ease the entry of medical tourists in India © [SOL] In News: Ningbo-Zhoushan in eastern China is the world’s third-busiest cargo port. It is China's second-largest container port by handling volume after Shanghai. Exports: The biggest exports through Ningbo in the first half of this year were electronic goods, textiles and low and high-end manufactured goods. Imports: Top imports included crude oil, electronics, raw chemicals and agricultural products, B1|/Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 64. 66. 67. (@) [SOL] Prime Minister of India announced Gati Shakti national master plan for infrastructure in the country + The plan will be Rs 100 lakh crore worth of infrastructure schemes that will generate employment opportunities + It appeared as a version of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) announced by the government earlier. + This new master plan will keep the foundation of a holistic infrastructure plan that will not work in silos. (a) [SOL] The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will flag-off ‘Operation Blue Freedom — Land World Record at Siachen Glacier. + The Government of India has permitted a team of people with disabilities to scale Siachen Glacier. + The selected people from across the country with disabilities are trained by a team of Armed Forces veterans: ‘Team CLAW’, + tis aimed to hamess the immense productive potential of people with disabilities + It will create a new World Record for the largest team of people with disabilities to reach the world’s highest battlefield. © It will firmly place India on the global stage as a leader in empowering Divyangians, © Tewill seta benchmark for other nations to emulate (a) [SOL] In News: Four more Indian sites have been recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention taking the number of such sites in the country to 46 Statement 1 is correct: The Ramsar Convention is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Statement 2 is not correct: The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. It came into force in 1975 and came into force in India on February 1, 1982. Statement 3 is not correct: Only two wetlands are registered under Montreux Record from India, The first is Loktak Lake and the second is Keoladeo National park. Chilka lake was earlier a part of it but was later removed. © [SOL] In News: The anti-drug law enforcement agencies are suspecting a steep surge in cross-border trafficking of heroin and crystal methamphetamine. + Ibis due to the rapid Taliban takeover in Afghanistan where the economy has collapsed due to internal civil war and unrest. Statement 1 is not correct. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) (not NCORD) coordinated with various international organisations for sharing information and intelligence to combat transnational drug trafficking. Statement 2 is not correctL Launch of e-portal ‘SIMS’ (Seizure Information Management System) in 2019 was done for the digitisation of pan-India drug seizure data. + Launched by the Min of Home Affairs for all the drug law enforcement agencies under the mandate of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). 52|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 68. 69 70. mn. @ [SOL] In News: Recently Prime Minister of India announced the fortification of rice distributed under various government schemes including the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day-Meal scheme by 2024. Fortification of Rice refers to the addition of key vitamins and minerals to increase ‘the nutritional value of rice. + The fortified Rice generally contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and Zine. + There are several methods available for the fortification of rice and the method chosen depends on the local technology available, costs and other preferences. ©) [SOL] Article 47 deals with the Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health. The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health. © [SOL] Statements 1 and 3 are not correct: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme ‘was launched on 2nd October 1975 and it represents one of the world’s largest and unique programmes for early childhood care and development + The beneficiaries under the Scheme are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers + Ministry of Women and Child Development is the implementing agency Statement 2 is correct: Its the foremost symbol of a country's commitment to its children and nursing mothers, as a response to the challenge of providing pre-school non-formal education on one hand and breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality on the other, Objectives of the Scheme are: + to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; + to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout + toachieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and + to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education. () [SOL] In News: Atal Innovation Mission has launched Student Entrepreneurship Program 3.0 in Collaboration With Dassault Systemes Statement 1 is not correct. It has been launched by Atal Innovation Mission to boost Atal Tinkering Lab Students. Statement 2 is Correct. The theme of SEP 3.0 is based on the ‘Made in 3D ~ Seed the Future Entrepreneurs Program’ + Itwas conceptualized and rolled out in France by La Main a la Pate Foundation and La Fondation Dassault Systémes Europe in 2017. + So it will focus on 3D printing-related startups. 53|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 2 2B. 74. 78. 16. © [SOL] Statement 1 is correct: Permafrost is any type of ground—from soil to sediment to rock— that has been frozen continuously for a minimum of two years and as many as hundreds of thousands of years. Statement 2 is correct: It is mainly found near the polar zones and regions with high mountains covering parts of Greenland, Alaska, Russia, Northem Canada, Siberia and Scandinavia. These are found in mountains as well as high latitude tundra and taiga regions. Itis affected by a number of other factors, including the Earth’s interior heat, snow and vegetation cover, the presence of water bodies, and topography. @ [SOL] The Slender Loris is a small, nocturnal primate. Scientific Name is Loris tardigradus. It prefers to inhabit thick, thomy bushes and bamboo clumps where it can evade predators and also find insects to cat. Itis commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests as well as the dense hedgerow plantations bordering farmlands of Southern India and Sri Lanka. The slender loris has been listed as ‘Endangered’ by the Intemational Union for the Conservation of Nature. © Ithas been brought under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in order to provide the highest level of legal protection, @ [SOL] Statements 1 and 3 are not correct: National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is a first-of-its- kind initiative to provide world-class infrastructure across the country and improve the quality of life for all citizens. + It will improve project preparation, attract investments (both domestic & foreign) into infrastructure, and will be crucial for attaining the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by FY 2025, + The projects are being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Statement 2 is correct: It covers both economic and social infrastructure projects~ based on the updated Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure. + The NIP project database would be made available on the India Investment Grid (IG). + NIP started with 6,835 projects, which has now increased to 8,156, The projects involving $1.9 trillion are spread over 34 sub-sectors with 1,869 projects under development. (a) [SOL] Statement 1 is correct: The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM) supervises the working of the Patents Act, 1970, the Designs Act, 2000 and the Trade Marks Act, 1999, It also renders advice to the Government on matters relating to these subjects. Statement 2 is not correct: It functions under the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Office is located in Mumbai, () [SOL] In News: Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory to all the States and Union Territories to ensure strict adherence to the Flag Code on important national events. Statement 1 is not correct: In 2002, the Flag Code of India came into effect which allowed the unrestricted display of the Tricolour as long as the honour and dignity of the flag were being respected B4| Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 71. 78. The flag code did not replace the pre-existing rules governing the correct display of the flag It was, however, an effort to bring together all the previous laws, conventions and practices. There will be no restriction on the display of the flag by public and private bodies and educational institutions except to the extent as laid down in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The tricolour cannot be used for commercial purposes, and cannot be dipped in salute to any person or thing, The flag code mandates that the tricolour should always be distinctly placed and should “occupy the position of honour”, Statement 2 and 3 are correct: The {lag should always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. The flag should not be used as a festoon, or for any kind of decoration purposes, Any tricolour which is damaged should be destroyed in private, “preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag”.For official display, only flags that conform to the specifications as laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing their mark can be used. In the event of the death of heads of state, dignitaries or during state funerals, the tricolour can be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning, However, if the period of mourning coincides with events of national importance, such as Independence Day, Republic Day, ctc., the tricolour should not be flown at half-mast anywhere except over the building in which the body of the deceased is lying @ [SOL] In News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI has created a composite Financial Inclusion Index (Fl-Index) to capture the extent of financial inclusion across the country. The FI-Index has been conceptualised as 2 comprehensive index incorporating details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector in consultation with the Government and respective sectoral regulators. The index captures information on various aspects of financial inclusion in a single value ranging between 0 and 100, where 0 represents complete financial exclusion and 100 indicates full financial inclusion. The Fl-Index comprises three broad parameters (weights indicated in brackets) viz., Access (35%), Usage (45%), and Quality (20%) with each of these consisting of various dimensions, which are computed based on a number of indicators + The Index is responsive to ease of access, availability and usage of services, and quality of services, comprising all 97 indicators. A unique feature of the Index is the Quality parameter which captures the quality aspect of financial inclusion as reflected by financial literacy, consumer protection, and inequalities and deficiencies in services. + The Fleindex has been constructed without any “base year’ and as such it reflects cumulative efforts of all stakeholders over the years towards financial inclusion, The annual Fl-Index for the period ending March 2021 is 53.9 as against 43.4 for the period ending March 2017. The FI- Index will be published annually in July every year. @ [SOL] Statement 1 is not correct: NHRC is 2 statutory body. The Chairman of NHRC is Retired Chief Justice of India. It has cight other members: ‘+ Four full-time members + Four deemed members (Ex-officio members) Statement 2 is not correet: The Chairperson and the members of the NHRC are appointed for S years or tll the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. The Act allows for the reappointment of members of ‘NHRC, 55|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 79. 80. 81. 82. 83 (by [SOL] Pobitora National Park is situated in the Morigaon district of the state of Assam. The national park is located about 48 km from Guwahati It is a I-hour drive through a road passing by the River Brahmaputra and a small portion of the village of Mayong. It has a dense population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It covers 38.8 km2. Though the total notified area of the park is 38.80 square km, only 16 square km is the effective rhino habitat, Pobitora was declared a reserved forest in 1971 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. It covers flat floodplains and a hillock (Raja Mayong). (@) [SOL] Statement 1 is correct: UNITE Aware is a situational awareness software programme that utilises modern surveillance technology for real-time threat assessments to peacekeepers. It will ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers who are operating in an increasingly complex and risky environment across the world, Statement 2 is not correct: India has developed the technology platform in partnership with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Operational Support. India has partnered with the UN to roll out the UNITE Aware platform initially in four UN Peacekeeping Missions: MINUSMA (Mali), UNMISS (South Sudan), UNFICYP (Cyprus) and AMISOM (Somalia).This project aims to demonstrate the impact of modern surveillance technology on the detection of asymmetric threats, The project aims to improve camp security for UN peacekeepers, the overall security situation, and the quality of situational awareness. @ [SOL] + Drip irrigation can be defined as the method in which water drips slowly via a pipe system to the roots of the plants either from above or below the soil surface + Itis-also known as micro-irrigation by which both water and soil nutrients can be saved. +A set up of valves, tubes, pipes, and emitters is used for drip irrigation, + The best part about drip irrigation is that valves and pumps can be operated both manually and automatically with the help of a controller. + Drip irrigation is suitable for most soils. On clay soils water must be applied slowly to avoid surface water ponding and runoff, On sandy soils higher emitter discharge rates will be needed to ensure adequate lateral wetting of the soil. @ [SOL] SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding, physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity. The Bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of the Government of India. There may be a risk of capital loss if the market price of gold declines. However, the investor does not lose in terms of the units of gold that he has paid for. It is restricted for sale to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions. The price is calculated based on the spot price of gold as provided by the Mumbai-based India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) (a) [SOL] Statement 1 is correct: A Government Security (G-Sec) is a tradable instrument issued by the Central Government or the State Governments. It acknowledges the Government's debt obligation. Such securities are short term (usually called treasury bills, with original maturities of less than one year) or long term (usually called Government bonds or dated securities with an original maturity of ‘one year or more). 56 | Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 84. 85. 86. Statement 2 is not correct: In India, the Central Government issues both, treasury bills and bonds or dated securities while the State Governments issue only bonds or dated securities, which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs). G-Sees carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments. © [SOL] Recently, India chaired the Sth meeting of BRICS Industry Ministers In July 2006, The leaders of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries met for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit. + In September 2010, The BRIC group was renamed as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) after South Africa was accepted as a full member at the BRIC Foreign Ministers* meeting in New York, + BRICS is an important grouping bringing together the major emerging economies from the world, comprising 41% of the world population*, having 24% of the world GDP and over 16% share in the world trade. BRICS countries have been the main engines of global economic growth over the years. Over a period of time, BRICS countries have come together to deliberate on important issues under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial and cultural and people to people exchanges, @ [SOL] Statement 1 is correct: National Livestock Mission (NLM) launched in the 2014-15 Statement 2 is correct: It seeks to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders, Statement 3 is correct: The scheme is being implemented as a sub scheme of White Revolution - Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from April 2019, @ [SOL] In News: PM launched new projects at Somnath Temple highlighting the history of its plunder and reconstruction time and again. + He, making a reference to the Taliban, reminded the world that the reign of terror is always temporary and cannot be permanent. Somnath Temple: + Itis the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas which are symbolic representations of Lord Shiva + Located at the Veraval Port or Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra, Gujrat, the present temple is built in ‘the Chalukyan style, © This Architecture is also known as the “Kailash Mahameru Prasad” style. © Itreflects the skill of the SompuraSalats, one of Gujarat’s master masons. + Raids + In AD 1026, Mahmud of Ghazni first looted the templeand then came Afzal Khan, the commander of Ala-ud-din Khilji and later Aurangzeb. + Its said that the temple was looted and destroyed as many as seventeen times. + Post Modern History + The Iron man of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was instrumental in the construction of the present temple. + The first President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad installed the Jyotirling in the new temple on May 11, 1951 87|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 87. 88. 89. @ [SOL] In News: Saudi Arabia has reported 2,578 cases of MERS-CoV and 888 deaths from 2012 till July this year Statement 1 is correct: It was discovered in 2012. The first case was detected in Saudi Arabia, Itis a zoonotic virus, which means it is transmitted between animals and people. Statement 2 is not correct: Humans are infected through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, © Human-to-human transmission is possible, but only a few such transmissions have been found among family members living in the same household. Statement 3 is correct: MERS-CoV has a high mortality rate; nearly 35 per cent of those infected with it have died. © [SOL] A special water harvesting structure called surangam. + Itis@ horizontal well mostly exeavated in hard laterite rock formations. + The excavation continues until a good amount of water is struck. + Water seeps out of the hard rock and flows out of the tunnel. © This water is usually collected in an open pit constructed outside the surangam + Surangams are similar to qanats which once existed in Mesopotamia and Babylon around 700 Before Common Era © By 714 BCE, this technology had spread to Egypt, Persia and India + Itresembles karez both in structure and spread. + This system has been very effectively used for domestic and agriculture purposes in dry areas of northern Malabar + Itis usually found in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka @ [SOL] In News : Recently The Drug Controller General has granted emergency approval to the Zycov-D making it the first vaccine in India that can be administered to adults as well as those 12 and above. Statement 1 is correct: ZyCoV-D is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Ahmedabad based Zydus Cadilla group. + ZyCoV-D is a plasmid DNA vaccine that produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 and elicits an immune response mediated by the cellular (T lymphocytes immunity) and humoral (antibody-mediated immunity) arms of the human immune system, + It's also the only DNA-based vaccine in the world. Statement 2 is not correct: It is an intradermal vaccine, applied using a ‘needle-free injector’. © Zydus claims the needle-free system can lead to asignificant reduction in side effects, 5B| Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 90, on. 92, @ [SOL] In News: Bihar has performed the best in providing rural tap water connections under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Statements 1 and 2 are not correct: Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, It aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household by 2024. It was announced by the Prime Minister in 2019. It will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission + The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. @) [SOL] In News: The Quad countries will conduct Malabar naval exercises from August 26 to 29 off the coast of Guam in the face of China’s growing military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific. + Iisa trilateral naval exercise involving the United States, Japan and India as permanent partners © It began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the USA in 1992 and was expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan in 2015. Past non-permanent participants are Australia and Singapore. + In 2020, the exereise was hosted in two phases in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. + Itinvolves complex maritime operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains + Italso focuses on maritime interdiction operations (MIO), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti~ air and anti-surface firings, © [SOL] In News: China’s legislature formally amended the country’s Population and Family Planning Law to allow couples to have 3 children + Couples in China, now, would for the first time be allowed to haye a third child in relaxation of family planning rules. Short Term effeets of One Child policy + Increased per capita Income + Skewed Sex Ratio as seen in India, Eg, Nakusa + Increased Economic Output and Saving as per Big push theory of Harvard economist Harvey Leibenstein and evident from Chinese Example. (Hence Option C is correct) + Social tensions Long Term Effects + Ageing Population + Reduced Beonomic Output + Higher expenditure of State on Social Security and Health 59|Page‘TEST YOURSELF | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, August, 2021 NEXT IAS 93. (a) [SOL] The Court gave a list of rights that Article 21 covers based on earlier judgments. Some of them are: + Right to privacy + Right to go abroad + Right to information + Right to Reputation + Right to free legal aid + Right to shelter + Right against solitary confinement + Right to social justice and economic empowerment + Right against handcuffing + Right against custodial death + Right against delayed execution + Doctors’ assistance + Right against public hanging + Protection of cultural heritage + Right to pollution-free water and air + Right of every child to a full development + Right to health and medical aid + Protection of under-trials And many more. 94. (a) [SOL] Land degradation within dryland regions (arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions) is termed as ‘desertification’, Reasons for Land Degradation are as following: + Loss of Fertility by Mismanagement + Soil Erosion + Salinity/Alkalinity + Waterlogging + Floods and Droughts 98. (a) [SOL] Project Sunrise was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (2016) to tackle the rising HIV prevalence in northeastern states. 60|Page