11. Consider the following statements regarding the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Policy:
- It aids debt recovery by allowing borrowers with significant dues to settle for a reduced amount.
- The borrowers with large NPAs may qualify for an OTS scheme, subject to lender-specific criteria.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:- It aids debt recovery by allowing borrowers with significant dues to settle for a reduced amount. Correct: It facilitates debt recovery by offering a way for borrowers with significant outstanding dues to settle their debt with a reduced amount, potentially benefiting both the borrower and the lender by avoiding lengthy legal proceedings.
- The borrowers with large NPAs may qualify for an OTS scheme, subject to lender-specific criteria. Correct: Typically, borrowers with large outstanding debts classified as non-performing assets (NPAs) may be eligible for an OTS scheme, though specific criteria will vary depending on the lender’s policy.
12. In the context of the Peace Forest Initiative (PFI), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The PFI was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- The initiative aids land and forest recovery in post-conflict areas to ease security challenges from resource degradation.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- The PFI was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Incorrect: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Government of the Republic of Korea Forest Service (KFS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Peace Forest Initiative (PFI).
- The initiative aids land and forest recovery in post-conflict areas to ease security challenges from resource degradation. Correct: The Initiative will support land and forest rehabilitation in post conflict areas to reduce peace and security challenges stemming from natural resource degradation.
13. With respect to the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IALA, founded in 1957 as an NGO, transitioned to an Intergovernmental Organization to strengthen global navigation standards and best practices.
- India is recently elected to the Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- IALA, founded in 1957 as an NGO, transitioned to an Intergovernmental Organization to strengthen global navigation standards and best practices. Correct: IALA, founded in 1957 as an NGO, became an IGO to strengthen global navigation standards. Its new status enhances its mandate to harmonize maritime systems, promote safety, and collaborate with stakeholders to address emerging challenges.
- India is recently elected to the Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore. Incorrect: India is elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.
14. Which country has been elected as Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India has been elected Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore. T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, led the Indian delegation. The 1st General Assembly of IALA marks its transition from an NGO to an inter-governmental organization (IGO). IALA, founded in 1957, sets global maritime navigation standards. India will host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai. This highlights India’s leadership in maritime safety and international cooperation.
15. Consider the following statements about the environmental significance of bacterial plasticizer degradation:
- It reduces carcinogenic plasticizer contamination in water bodies.
- It prevents the release of microplastics into the environment.
- It aids in developing biotechnological solutions for waste management.
- It eliminates all harmful by-products of plastic degradation.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- Bacterial plasticizer degradation is a process that uses bacterial enzymes to break down high molecular weight plasticizers, such as DEHP, commonly found in plastics and personal care products.
- The significance of bacterial plasticizer degradation lies in its environmental and practical benefits. It offers a sustainable method for breaking down carcinogenic plasticizers, helping to reduce plasticizer contamination in water sources.
- The scalability of the process is enhanced by producing enzymes on a large scale using E. coli bacteria, making the method feasible for widespread application.
- Additionally, it represents a significant advancement in biotechnology, particularly in enzyme engineering, to address pressing environmental challenges.
16. Consider the following:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Malaria
- Measles
Which of the above diseases is primarily transmitted through airborne particles?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Measles and TB are airborne diseases. There are several other diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, which can exist either in the air or on surfaces.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- HIV/AIDS is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, while malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
- TB’s airborne transmission makes it particularly concerning in crowded or closed environments, such as prisons, where the risk of spreading the disease is higher.
17. What is the theme for World AIDS Day 2024?
[A] Know Your Status
[B] Global solidarity, resilient services
[C] Take the rights path: My health, my right
[D] Let communities lead
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Take the rights path: My health, my right]
Notes:
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1 since 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and show solidarity against the pandemic. It reflects on progress in prevention, treatment, and care while highlighting ongoing challenges. The day commemorates lives lost to AIDS, celebrates healthcare milestones, and spreads awareness globally. It emphasizes the link between combating AIDS and achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Right to Health. The 2024 theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” focuses on healthcare access, individual empowerment, and addressing inequalities in HIV prevention and treatment.
18. What is the title of the UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report 2024?
[A] Towards an HIV-Free Future
[B] Take the Right Path to End AIDS
[C] Ending AIDS by 2030
[D] Global Fight Against AIDS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Take the Right Path to End AIDS]
Notes:
The UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report 2024, titled “Take the right path to end AIDS”, was launched. Of 39.9 million people living with HIV, 9.3 million lack access to life-saving treatment. In the past year, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million contracted HIV. UNAIDS is a joint program of 11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and World Bank. Its vision is to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
19. What is the theme of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2024?
[A] Together for Love: Stop HIV Stigma
[B] To acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people
[C] Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities
[D] Let communities lead
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities]
Notes:
The theme for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in 2024 is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities”. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase HIV education, increase testing, increase community involvement, increase treatment, promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment and stop HIV stigma.
20. What was the theme of World AIDS Day 2023?
[A] Bridges of Understanding
[B] Harmony in Healing
[C] Let Communities Lead
[D] Community for Healing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Let Communities Lead]
Notes:
World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st every year. The theme for 2023 is “Let Communities Lead”. This theme highlights the importance of communities in the HIV response and the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. World AIDS Day is an international day that raises awareness of the AIDS pandemic and mourns those who have died from the disease. It also celebrates victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
