[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 23 December 2023 – INSIGHTSIAS

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The following Quiz is based on the Hindu, PIB and other news sources. It is a current events based quiz. Solving these questions will help retain both concepts and facts relevant to UPSC IAS civil services exam.

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Question 2 of 10

1 points
With reference to the Vernacular Press Act which was passed during Lord Lytton’s viceroyship, consider the following statements:
1. 1. It was directed only against Indian language newspapers
  2. It was repealed by Lord Ripon
  3. The Indian National Congress passed resolution against this Act in its second annual session
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation
- Context: The Parliament has passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, simplifying the title allotment and registration process for periodicals.
- INC was not formed yet. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Indian newspapers began to find their feet in the 1870s. They became highly critical of Lord Lytton’s administration, especially regarding its inhuman approach towards the victims of the famine of 1876-77. As a result the Government decided to make a sudden strike at the Indian language newspapers, since they reached beyond the middle class readership. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, directed only against Indian language newspapers, was conceived in great secrecy and passed at a single sitting of the Imperial Legislative Council. The Act provided for the confiscation of the printing press, paper and other materials of a newspaper if the Government believed that it was publishing seditious materials and had flouted an official warning.
- Indian nationalist opinion firmly opposed the Act. The first great demonstration on an issue of public importance was organized in Calcutta on this question when a large meeting was held in the Town Hall. Various public bodies and the Press also campaigned against the Act. Consequently, it was repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/press-and-registration-of-periodicals-bill-2023/
Incorrect

Ans: (b)

Explanation
- Context: The Parliament has passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, simplifying the title allotment and registration process for periodicals.
- INC was not formed yet. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Indian newspapers began to find their feet in the 1870s. They became highly critical of Lord Lytton’s administration, especially regarding its inhuman approach towards the victims of the famine of 1876-77. As a result the Government decided to make a sudden strike at the Indian language newspapers, since they reached beyond the middle class readership. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, directed only against Indian language newspapers, was conceived in great secrecy and passed at a single sitting of the Imperial Legislative Council. The Act provided for the confiscation of the printing press, paper and other materials of a newspaper if the Government believed that it was publishing seditious materials and had flouted an official warning.
- Indian nationalist opinion firmly opposed the Act. The first great demonstration on an issue of public importance was organized in Calcutta on this question when a large meeting was held in the Town Hall. Various public bodies and the Press also campaigned against the Act. Consequently, it was repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/press-and-registration-of-periodicals-bill-2023/

Question 5 of 10

1 points
Consider the following statements regarding Peninsular Rivers.
1. 1. The Peninsular rivers have shorter and shallower courses as compared to their Himalayan counterparts.
  2. A large number of the Peninsular rivers are seasonal.
  3. Peninsular rivers carry much larger silt as compared to Himalayan rivers which carry fresh water.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation
- Context: A recent study published in the American Meteorological Society’s Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals that peninsular river basins in India, including Narmada, Mahanadi, and Godavari, face a higher likelihood of widespread flooding compared to transboundary rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- The Peninsular rivers have shorter and shallower courses as compared to their Himalayan counterparts. Most of them come from Western Ghats, however, some of them originate in the central highlands and flow towards the west. Rest of them all flow to the east in the Bay of Bengal.
- A large number of the Peninsular rivers are seasonal, as their flow is dependent on rainfall. During the dry season, even the large rivers have reduced flow of water in their channels.
- Moreover, due to flowing on hard terrain and short courses, they carry much lesser silt as compared to Himalayan rivers.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/peninsular-river-vs-himalayan-rivers/
Incorrect

Ans: (b)

Explanation
- Context: A recent study published in the American Meteorological Society’s Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals that peninsular river basins in India, including Narmada, Mahanadi, and Godavari, face a higher likelihood of widespread flooding compared to transboundary rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- The Peninsular rivers have shorter and shallower courses as compared to their Himalayan counterparts. Most of them come from Western Ghats, however, some of them originate in the central highlands and flow towards the west. Rest of them all flow to the east in the Bay of Bengal.
- A large number of the Peninsular rivers are seasonal, as their flow is dependent on rainfall. During the dry season, even the large rivers have reduced flow of water in their channels.
- Moreover, due to flowing on hard terrain and short courses, they carry much lesser silt as compared to Himalayan rivers.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/peninsular-river-vs-himalayan-rivers/
Question 6 of 10

1 points
Consider the following matches of rivers with their origin locations.
1. 1. Sabarmati: Amarkantak
  2. Brahmaputra: Kailash Range
  3. Krishna: Mahabaleshwar
  4. Godavari: Trimbakeshwar
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Correct

Ans: (c )

Explanation:
- The Sabarmati river is one of the major west-flowing rivers in India. It originates in the Aravalli Range.
- Brahmaputra river originates from the Kailash ranges of Himalayas.
- Krishna river’s source is at Mahabaleshwar.
- The Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/peninsular-river-vs-himalayan-rivers/
Incorrect

Ans: (c )

Explanation:
- The Sabarmati river is one of the major west-flowing rivers in India. It originates in the Aravalli Range.
- Brahmaputra river originates from the Kailash ranges of Himalayas.
- Krishna river’s source is at Mahabaleshwar.
- The Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/peninsular-river-vs-himalayan-rivers/
Question 7 of 10

1 points

‘Project PRAYAS’ was in news recently, is associated with the:
Correct

Ans: (c )

Explanation:
- Context: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
- About Project Prayas:
  - The project aims to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration for Indian workers and students.
  - It consolidates state-level initiatives and focuses on improving coordination between state and central governments.
  - The project involves studying migration trends, understanding migrants’ needs, and launching initiatives to raise awareness about safe migration processes, with the goal of strengthening international migration governance.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/iom-launches-project-prayas/
Incorrect

Ans: (c )

Explanation:
- Context: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
- About Project Prayas:
  - The project aims to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration for Indian workers and students.
  - It consolidates state-level initiatives and focuses on improving coordination between state and central governments.
  - The project involves studying migration trends, understanding migrants’ needs, and launching initiatives to raise awareness about safe migration processes, with the goal of strengthening international migration governance.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/iom-launches-project-prayas/
Question 8 of 10

1 points

Which one of the following has released the ‘International Debt Report’ (IDR)?
Correct

Ans: (d)

Explanation:
- Context: The World Bank released the International Debt Report (IDR).
- What are debts?
  - Debt refers to an obligation or financial liability that one party owes to another. It is typically in the form of borrowed funds that need to be repaid over time, often with interest.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/wb-international-debt-report-idr/
Incorrect

Ans: (d)

Explanation:
- Context: The World Bank released the International Debt Report (IDR).
- What are debts?
  - Debt refers to an obligation or financial liability that one party owes to another. It is typically in the form of borrowed funds that need to be repaid over time, often with interest.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/wb-international-debt-report-idr/
Question 9 of 10

1 points

Which of the following protected areas is exclusively home to “melanistic tigers” from India?
Correct

Ans: (d)

Explanation:
- Context: Melanistic tigers are found exclusively in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. STR harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world (10 out of 16 tigers in the park are melanistic)
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued a Standard Operating Procedure to safeguard these tigers, with Similipal identified as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation.
- Funding under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats supports various conservation efforts in Similipal, including awareness programs, habitat management, protection, and infrastructure development.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/melanistic-tigers/
Incorrect

Ans: (d)

Explanation:
- Context: Melanistic tigers are found exclusively in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. STR harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world (10 out of 16 tigers in the park are melanistic)
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued a Standard Operating Procedure to safeguard these tigers, with Similipal identified as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation.
- Funding under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats supports various conservation efforts in Similipal, including awareness programs, habitat management, protection, and infrastructure development.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/melanistic-tigers/
Question 10 of 10

1 points

Regarding melanistic tigers, which statements are accurate?
Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation: About Melanistic tigers (black tigers)
- They are a rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
- Unlike the typical orange coat with dark stripes, melanistic tigers have a dark black or nearly black coat with faint or almost invisible stripes. This dark colouration is due to a genetic condition known as melanism, where there is an excessive development of dark pigmentation (melanin) in the skin and fur.
- Melanistic tigers are not a separate subspecies but rather a colour morph within the Bengal tiger population. A single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) causes the black tigers to develop broadened stripes.
- Option D: Melanistic tigers, like their non-melanistic counterparts, do not have a clear ecological advantage or disadvantage. The presence of melanism is primarily a result of genetic variation and does not significantly impact their ability to survive in their natural habitat.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/melanistic-tigers/
Incorrect

Ans: (b)

Explanation: About Melanistic tigers (black tigers)
- They are a rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
- Unlike the typical orange coat with dark stripes, melanistic tigers have a dark black or nearly black coat with faint or almost invisible stripes. This dark colouration is due to a genetic condition known as melanism, where there is an excessive development of dark pigmentation (melanin) in the skin and fur.
- Melanistic tigers are not a separate subspecies but rather a colour morph within the Bengal tiger population. A single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) causes the black tigers to develop broadened stripes.
- Option D: Melanistic tigers, like their non-melanistic counterparts, do not have a clear ecological advantage or disadvantage. The presence of melanism is primarily a result of genetic variation and does not significantly impact their ability to survive in their natural habitat.
Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/12/23/melanistic-tigers/

Pos.	Name	Entered on	Points	Result
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Difference	Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867	PRP Bill, 2023
Registration of Periodicals	Provides for the registration of newspapers, periodicals, and books, including its cataloguing	The bill includes any publication containing public news or comments on public news. But Periodicals do not include books or scientific and academic journals.
Registration of Printing Press	Required a printing press to be declared before the DM.	Information can be submitted through the online portal
Punishment	Minor violations have the provision of imprisonment for up to six months.	The bill decriminalizes violations under the Act. For certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed
Appeal	No appeal authority	Provides for the Press and Registration Appellate Board. Aggrieved persons can appeal to the board within 60 days.
Cancellation	As per the act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical	The bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

Difference	Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867	PRP Bill, 2023
Registration of Periodicals	Provides for the registration of newspapers, periodicals, and books, including its cataloguing	The bill includes any publication containing public news or comments on public news. But Periodicals do not include books or scientific and academic journals.
Registration of Printing Press	Required a printing press to be declared before the DM.	Information can be submitted through the online portal
Punishment	Minor violations have the provision of imprisonment for up to six months.	The bill decriminalizes violations under the Act. For certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed
Appeal	No appeal authority	Provides for the Press and Registration Appellate Board. Aggrieved persons can appeal to the board within 60 days.
Cancellation	As per the act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical	The bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

Leif Erikson Lunar Prize	ISRO has been awarded the Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum for its achievements in advancing lunar exploration and contributing to understanding celestial mysteries through the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. About
	The accolade recognizes ISRO’s indomitable spirit and technological prowess in achieving the first-ever soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023.
	The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize is an annual award presented by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland. It is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. It is named after the Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson who is considered the first European to land in North America.
	Indian Space Research Organisation (founded 1969; HQ: Bengaluru): ISRO, previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) (1962-1969). Later, on August 15, 1969, ISRO superseded INCOSPAR and was subsequently brought under the Dept of Space in 1972.

Leif Erikson Lunar Prize	ISRO has been awarded the Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum for its achievements in advancing lunar exploration and contributing to understanding celestial mysteries through the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. About
	The accolade recognizes ISRO’s indomitable spirit and technological prowess in achieving the first-ever soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023.
	The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize is an annual award presented by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland. It is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. It is named after the Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson who is considered the first European to land in North America.
	Indian Space Research Organisation (founded 1969; HQ: Bengaluru): ISRO, previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) (1962-1969). Later, on August 15, 1969, ISRO superseded INCOSPAR and was subsequently brought under the Dept of Space in 1972.

UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles: Bengaluru Airport	Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been honoured as one of the world’s most beautiful airports and received a special prize for interiors at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles.
	The award recognizes T2’s blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering passengers a memorable experience through curated art and decor.
	T2 has also received the prestigious IGBC platinum certification for its sustainable design, making it the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council. LEED certification symbolizes sustainability achievement globally.
	UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles has been granted annually by UNESCO since 2015. It consists of architecture awards that showcase the finest contemporary achievements worldwide and take into consideration projects’ ecological, social, and cultural impacts.

UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles: Bengaluru Airport	Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been honoured as one of the world’s most beautiful airports and received a special prize for interiors at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles.
	The award recognizes T2’s blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering passengers a memorable experience through curated art and decor.
	T2 has also received the prestigious IGBC platinum certification for its sustainable design, making it the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council. LEED certification symbolizes sustainability achievement globally.
	UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles has been granted annually by UNESCO since 2015. It consists of architecture awards that showcase the finest contemporary achievements worldwide and take into consideration projects’ ecological, social, and cultural impacts.

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