Question 1: Consider the following statements:

1. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. The total number of Ramsar sites in India has reached to total of 85.
3. Tamil Nadu has a maximum number of Ramsar sites.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as regulatory framework for conservation and management of wetlands in India.
• The total number of Ramsar sites in India has reached to total of 75 Ramsar sites.
• Tamil Nadu has a maximum no. of Ramsar sites (14 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/96839492.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Question 2: Consider the following statements:

1. The Wildlife Conservation Bond is the world’s first-of-its-kind financial instrument that is outcome-based and will be channeling investments to conserve black rhino populations in India.
2. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development of the World Bank has announced that the returns paid by the five-year bond will be determined by the rate of population growth of animals.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

• The Wildlife Conservation Bond is the world’s first-of-its-kind financial instrument that is outcome-based and will be channeling investments to conserve black rhino populations.
• International Bank for Reconstruction and Development of the World Bank has announced that the returns paid by the five-year bond will be determined by the rate of population growth of animals in two reserves of South Africa, the Great Fish River Nature Reserve and the Addo Elephant National Park.
• If this program is successful, it could be expanded for the protection of black rhinos in Kenya along with other wildlife species like tigers, lions, orangutans, and gorillas.

Source: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/10330

Question 3: Consider the following statements:

1. Ottanthullal is a recite-and-dance art-form of Andhra.
2. It was introduced in 18th century by legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar.
3. Thullal performer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 and 2

B) 2 and 3

C) 1 and 3

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

• Ottanthullal (or Thullal) is a recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala that is famous for its humour and social satire.
• It was introduced in 18th century by legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar.
• It is marked by its simplicity as opposed to more complex dance-forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
• Thullal performer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppimaddalam (percussions) and cymbals.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottan_Thullal

Question 4: Which of the following are included in the state list:

1. Water supplies
2. Irrigation and canals
3. Drainage
4. Regulation and development of inter-State rivers

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 2, 3 and 4

C) 1, 2 and 4

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

• State list, entry 17 (Water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage).
• Union list, entry 56 (Regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys)

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1888763

Question 5: Consider the following statements:

1. Purple Fest is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
2. Recently, India’s first-of-its-kind inclusivity festival, “Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity,” kicked off with a grand ceremony in Kerala.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

About Purple Fest

• Purple Fest is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity and aims to showcase how we can come together as a community to create a welcoming environment for everyone. The festival features a variety of live performances, including stand-up comedy, dance, and music events.
• In addition to these entertaining events, Purple Fest will also include exhibitions showcasing the latest assistive technologies developed for individuals with disabilities (PwDs). This is a great opportunity for PwDs to learn about and try out new technologies that can help improve their daily lives.
• India’s first-of-its-kind inclusivity festival, “Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity,” kicked off with a grand ceremony on January 6, 2023, in Goa. The festival aims to bring people together and create a welcoming and inclusive world for all. Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, was present at the opening ceremony and visited an exhibition cum sale featuring products made by Divyangjans (people with disabilities).
• Goa has traditionally been known for its New Year celebrations, but with the introduction of Purple Fest, the state is taking a step forward in empowering Divyangjans.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1889258