Question 11: Consider the following statements:

1. Space Tech Innovation Network (SpIN) is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation, curation, and venture development for the burgeoning space entrepreneurial ecosystem.
2. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has signed a MoU with UK to launch Space Tech Innovation Network (SpIN).

Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a MoU with Social Alpha, a multistage innovation curation and venture development platform, to launch SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN).

SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN):

• SpIN is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation, curation, and venture development for the burgeoning space entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• SpIN will primarily focus on facilitating space tech entrepreneurs in three distinct innovation categories:
  • Geospatial Technologies and Downstream Applications.
  • Enabling Technologies for Space & Mobility; and
  • Aerospace Materials, Sensors, and Avionics.
• Spin has launched its first innovation challenge for developing solutions in areas of maritime and land transportation, urbanization, mapping, and surveying.
• The selected start-ups and innovators will be able to access both Social Alpha’s and ISRO’s infrastructure and resources as per the prevailing guidelines.

Question 12: Which of the following government has unveiled Asia’s first drone delivery hub and network which is aimed at providing universal healthcare access for the people.

A) Assam

B) Meghalaya

C) Uttar Pradesh

D) Maharashtra

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

• The Meghalaya government in partnership with startup Tech Eagle has unveiled Asia’s first drone delivery hub and network which is aimed at providing universal access to healthcare for the people.

Question 13: Consider the following statements:

1. The Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme was established by the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency.
2. Under PAT Scheme, the Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts) were introduced in India in 2012 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
3. PAT scheme covers energy-intensive sectors including thermal power plants (TPP), cement, aluminium, iron and steel, pulp and paper, fertilizer as well as Chlor-alkali.

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: D

Explanation

About Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT)

• The Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme was established by the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency.
• NMEEE is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched by the Government of India in the year 2008.
• The Union Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency were entrusted with the task of preparing the implementation plan for the NMEE.

Features:

• Under PAT Scheme, the Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts) were introduced in India in 2012 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• It is a regulatory instrument to reduce specific energy consumption in energy- intensive industries, with an associated market-based mechanism to enhance the cost-effectiveness through certification of excess energy saving which can be traded.
• Coverage: PAT scheme covered about 13 energy-intensive sectors. Sectors included are thermal power plants (TPP), cement, aluminium, iron and steel, pulp and paper, fertilizer, Chlor-alkali, petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, distribution companies, railways, textile and commercial buildings (hotels and airports).
• Working: Industries that participate in this scheme are called designated consumers (DC). and they are given specific energy-saving targets for a three-year cycle.
• The targets are given according to the current energy efficiency levels of the DCs in such a manner that energy efficient DCs are given lower targets while DCs that are not energy efficient are given higher targets.

Question 14: Consider the following statements with respect to Grey bellied wren babbler:

1. Grey bellied wren babbler is a specie endemic to india.
2. As per IUCN status, they are listed as Vulnerable.
3. There has been only one report of the sighting of the wren babbler in India way back in 1988 in the same mountain.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 3 only

D) 1 and 2 only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• According to the recent findings of birdwatchers published by Indian BIRDS, a peer- reviewed journal of South Asian ornithology, they recorded a rare and elusive grey- bellied wren babbler.
• Grey bellied wren babbler is a specie of songbird named after the Lisu, the local community.
• This is mostly found in Myanmar with some birds occurring in adjoining China and Thailand.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• Habitat: Subtropical moist montane forest.

Features:

• Dark edges to its back and crown feathers give it a scaly looking quality.
• Forages on ground and in undergrowth, almost always under heavy cover and rarely emerging into the open.
• There has been only one report of the sighting of the wren babbler in India way back in 1988 in the same mountain.

Question 15: Consider the following statements:

1. Andhra Pradesh forest department launches ‘Vanikaran’ project to restore natural vegetation.
2. It is being executed in Sulthan Bathery forest range of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

• Kerala forest department launches ‘Vanikaran’ project to restore natural vegetation.
• It is an afforestation project to root out invasive plants, especially Senna spectabilis.
• It is being executed in Sulthan Bathery forest range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS).
• Its pillars include planting saplings of Bamboo, fruit plants etc. and rainwater harvesting. WWS is an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.