1.

Que-1
Consider the following statements with reference to Tasmanian Tiger:
1. Tasmanian Tiger resembled a mix between a large cat, a fox and a wolf.
2. It is native to Tasmania, New Guinea, and the Australian mainland.
3. Its IUCN status is Critically endangered.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 and 3 only
2.  b) 2 only
3.  c) 2 and 3 only
4.  d) 1 and 2 only

Correct

Answer: D
Solution:
1. Its IUCN status is
Enrich Your Learning:
Tasmanian Tiger:
2. Tasmanian tiger, also called thylacine, is a large striped carnivore
marsupial.
3. It resembled a mix between a large cat, a fox and a wolf.
4. It had yellowish brown fur, powerful jaws and a pouch.
5. It is native to Tasmania, New Guinea, and the Australian mainland.
6. The thylacine was relatively shy andnocturnal, with the general appearance
of a medium-to-large-size dog, except for its stiff tail and abdominal pouch similar
to a kangaroo, and dark transverse stripes that radiated from the top of its back,
reminiscent of a tiger.
7. Tasmanian tiger declared extinct80 years ago has been ‘spotted’ eight
times in the near past.
8. The newly released Australian government documents show sightings have
been reported as recently as in August 2019.
9. The last known live Tasmanian tiger was captured in 1933 in Tasmania.
10. It is thought to have died out in captivity in 1936.
11. IUCN status: Extinct
 2 points
Que-2
Consider the following statements with reference to Korku tribes:
1. Korku tribal community is predominantly found in Madhya Pradesh.
2. They belong to the Negrito racial group and speak Dravidian languages.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 only
2.  b) 2 only
3.  c) Both 1 and 2
4.  d) None of the above

Incorrect

Answer: A
Solution: Korku tribal community speaks the Korku language, which is a member of
the Munda languages and is written using Devanagari.
 Enrich Your Learning:
Korku tribe:
1. The Korkuare an Adivasi ethnic group predominantly found in the
Khandwa, Burhanpur, Betul and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh and
adjoining areas near the Melghat Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra.
2. They speak the Korku language, which is a member of the Munda
languagesand is written using Devanagari.
3. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribeby the Indian government.
4. The Korku people are initially believed to be a hunter-gatherer
communitywho dwelt in the forests of the Satpura Range on both sides of the Tapti
River.
5. The community is the home to a unique and distinct culture, possesses a
rich heritage of age old traditional systems.
6. Traditional representative body of the society known as ‘Korku Panchayat’is
found in many villages.
 2 points
Que-3
Consider the following statements with reference to E-MASIHA as recently seen in
news:
1. It will create and maintain a complete health database of all Indian pilgrims in
the country.
2. The database will contain doctors’ prescriptions, medical treatment as well as
medicine disbursals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 only
2.  b) 2 only
3.  c) Both 1 and 2
4.  d) None of the above

Incorrect

Answer: B
Solution: E-MASIHA is specifically meant to maintain a complete health database
of Indian pilgrims on Haj in Makkah-Madinah.
Enrich Your Learning:
E-MASIHA:
1. “E-MASIHA” (E-Medical Assistance System for Indian Pilgrims Abroad)
is an online system to create and maintain the complete health database of Indian
pilgrims going to Haj.
2. The database will be present along with doctors’ prescriptions, medical
treatment as well as medicine disbursals and has been developed to deal any
emergencyin Makkah-Madinah.
Key fact:
3. India has become the first country in the entire world which has made the
entire Haj 2020 process 100 % digital.
4. 100 % digital/online Haj process in India has fulfilled the dream of “Ease of
Doing Haj” for the Indian Muslims.
5. The initiative has made the entire Haj process digital, transparent and
affordable.
6. Online application, E-Visa, Haj mobile app, E-MASIHA health facility, E-
luggage pre-tagging, providing all information in India itself regarding
accommodation/transportation in Makkah-Madinah have been provided to Indian
Muslims going for Haj.
Significance:
7. Even after removal of Haj subsidy, no additional financial burden was put on
the pilgrims due to the presence of middlemen.
8. 100 % digital/online process has removed middlemen ensuring Haj
pilgrimage become affordable in comparison to last several decades.
 2 points
Que-4
Consider the following statements:
1. Triangulum galaxy is the third largest galaxy in the universe.
2. The Orionids Shower is produced by the dust grains left behind by comet
Halley.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) Only 1
2.  b) Only 2
3.  c) Both 1 and 2
4.  d) Neither 1 nor 2

Incorrect

Answer: C
Solution: Both the above statements correct.
Enrich Your Learning:
Meteor shower:
1. A meteor showeris a celestial event in which a number of meteors are
observed to radiate, or originate, from one point in the night sky. These meteors are
caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at
extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories.
The South Taurid meteor shower:
2. The South Taurid meteor shower rarely produces more than 5 meteors per
hour, but it’s been known to produce fireballs. The shower is long-running.
3. The Tauridsare an annual meteor shower, associated with the comet Encke.
The Taurids are actually two separate showers, with a Southern and a Northern
component.
4. The Southern Taurids originated from Comet Encke, while the Northern
Taurids originated from the asteroid 2004 TG10 (eccentric asteroid, classified as near-
Earth object).
5. Both the South Taurid and North Taurid meteors streams appear to originate
from the constellation Taurus the Bull.
Draconids Meteor Shower:
6. It is a minor meteor shower producing about 10 meteors per hour.
7. It is produced by the grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner in
1900.
8. The shower runs annually from October 6-11.
9. They are named after the constellation Draco, where they seemingly come
from.
The Orionids Shower:
10. It is an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak.
11. It is produced by the dust grains left behind by comet Halley.
12. The shower runs annually from October 2 to November 7.
13. The Orionids are so-called because the point they appear to come from, called
the radiant, lies in the constellation Orion.
The blood moon:
14. The blood moonoccurs during a total lunar eclipse. During a total lunar
eclipse, Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun. This hides the Moon from the
sunlight.
15. The name “blood moon” is also sometimes used for a Moon that appears
reddish because of dust, smoke or haze in the sky.
The blue moon:
16. The blue moonis the “extra” Moon in a season with four full moons. This
usually only happens every two-and-a-half years. A blue moon is not blue in color.
The Triangulum galaxy:
17. The Triangulum galaxy also called Messier 33, is 2.7 million light-years away,
and is the third largest galaxy, after the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies.
18. The Triangulum galaxy already makes its appearance on October 15 in 2019.
 2 points
Que-5
Which of the following statements regarding the Earth Overshoot Day is/are correct?
1. It is hosted to spread awareness on use of renewable energy sources as
alternatives to conventional sources.
2. It was previously known as Ecological Debt Day (EDD).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1.  a) Only 1
2.  b) Only 2
3.  c) Both 1 and 2
4.  d) Neither 1 nor 2

Incorrect

Answer: B
Solution:
1. It is hosted to determine the date of Earth Overshoot Day for each year. Earth
Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and
services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
Enrich Your Learning:
Earth Overshoot Day:
2. It is date when humanity annual demand on nature exceeds what Earth can
regenerate over the entire year.
3. It is previously known as Ecological Debt Day (EDD) and in 2019; it was on
July 29.
4. It was first conceived by Andrew Simms, and in 2006 to launch the first
global Earth Overshoot Day campaign.
5. It is calculated by Global Footprint Network and World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF).
6. This day depicts that 1.7 earths will be required by humanity to satisfy its
exploitative needs keeping in mind current rate of consumption and waste production.
How is it calculated?
7. Earth Overshoot Day =(World Bio capacity/World Ecological footprint) x
365
 2 points
Que-6
Which of the following will lead the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance on
Technology Governance?
1.  a) United Nations Environment Programme
2.  b) Green Climate Fund
3.  c) World Economic Forum
4.  d) World Future Council Foundation

Incorrect

Answer: C
Solution & Enrich Your Learning:
G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance on Technology Governance:
5. World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the G20 presidency, will lead a
new global effort to establish universal norms and guidelines for implementation of
smart city technology.
6. Established in June 2019, in conjunction with G20 Summit held in Osaka,
Japan.
7. It will create global norms and policy standards for the use of connected
devices in public spaces.
8. It’s founding set of institutional partners include the presidents and host
nations of the Group of 20 (G20) in 2019 and 2020 (Japan in 2019 and Saudi Arabia
in 2020); the Smart City Mission of India, Commonwealth Sustainable Cities
Network etc.
9. The Alliance comprises 15 of the world’s leading city networks and
technology governance organisations that will work towards advancing responsible
and ethical use of smart city technologies.
10. It seeks to create global norms and policy standards for the use of connected
devices in public spaces.
 2 points
Que-7
Recently, which of the following nation has re-joined the Commonwealth?
1.  a) New Zealand
2.  b) Sri Lanka
3.  c) Maldives
4.  d) United Kingdom

Incorrect

Answer: C
Solution:
Maldives has re-joined the Commonwealth.
Enrich Your Learning
Recently, the Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth, more than three years after the
Indian Ocean island nation quit the association amid mounting criticism of its human
rights record then. 
Background:
In 2016, the Maldives pulled out of the Commonwealth terming “unjust” the
grouping’s decision to penalise the country over former President Mohamed
Nasheed’s controversial ouster in 2012.
It followed the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)’s warning to
Maldives of suspension from the bloc, voicing “deep disappointment” over the
country’s lack of progress in resolving the political crisis during former President
Abdulla Yameen’s presidency, whose authoritarian slant sparked concern
domestically and internationally. 
However, months after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wrote to the
Commonwealth, requesting to re-join the bloc.
About Commonwealth:
It is a political association of 54 member states, mostly
former territories of the British Empire.
The current Commonwealth of Nations was formally constituted by the London
Declaration in 1949.
The term New Commonwealth has been used in the UK to refer to
recently decolonised countries, predominantly non-white and developing.
Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Commonwealth.
The 16 members of the Commonwealth recognise the Queen as their monarch.
The head of government hosting the CHOGM is called the Commonwealth
Chairperson-in-Office and retains the position until the following CHOGM.
The Commonwealth of Nations is represented in the United Nations General
Assembly by the secretariat as an observer. 
The Commonwealth comprises 54 countries, across all continents.
Objective of Commonwealth:
The Commonwealth’s objectives were first outlined in the 1971 Singapore
Declaration.
Which committed the Commonwealth to the institution of world peace; promotion
of representative democracy and individual liberty; the pursuit of equality and
opposition to racism; the fight against poverty, ignorance, and disease; and free trade.
 2 points
Que-8
Consider the following statements about SUM4ALL initiative:
1. SUM4ALL covers areas of Eurasian countries only.
2. Global Roadmap of Action Toward Sustainable Mobility is an initiative of
SUM4ALL.
3. One of the goals of SUM4ALL is to minimize the environmental footprint of
mobility.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 and 2 only
2.  b) 2 and 3 only
3.  c) 1 and 3 only
4.  d) None of the above

Incorrect

Solution: B
Enrich Your Learning:
Sustainable Mobility for All (SUM4ALL) initiative:
At the Climate Action Summit in 2016, the World Bank proposed bringing together
interested stakeholders under one umbrella, to support the implementation of the
Sustainable Development Goals and achieve sustainable mobility.
Their Vision for Sustainable Mobility is underpinned by Four Policy Goals
Connect all people, including women and communities to economic and social
opportunities. 
Optimize the predictability, reliability and the cost effectiveness of mobility.
Drastically reduce fatalities, injuries and crashes. 
Minimize the environmental footprint of mobility (GHG emissions, noise).
About International Association of Public Transport
In 1885, Europe’s 50 main tramway operators came together in Brussels to create the
‘Union Internationale de Tramways’ (UITP – International Association of Public
Transport).
o 2 points
Que-9
Consider the following statements about Youth Co: Lab:
1. Youth Co:Lab is a joint initiative of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and
Ministry of Human Resource Development.
2. Youth Co:Lab allows young entrepreneurs to connect with mentors and
investors.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 only
2.  b) 2 only
3.  c) 1 and 2 only
4.  d) Neither 1 Nor 2

Incorrect

Answer: B
Solution:  
Youth Co: Lab is an initiative of AIM and NITI Aayog along with UNDP in India.
Enrich Your Learning:
Youth Co: Lab: In a latest initiative to recognize young people as critical drivers of
sustainable development, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India launched Youth Co:Lab which aims
at accelerating social entrepreneurship and innovation in young India.
The first phase of Youth Co: Lab will focus on six SDGs: SDG 5 (Gender Equality),
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8
(Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and
Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
About Youth Co:Lab:
Co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the Citi Foundation, and operational in 25 countries
across the Asia Pacific region, the Youth Co:Lab initiative aims to create an enabling
ecosystem to promote youth leadership, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
AIM including Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU) is Government of
India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its
objective is to serve as a platform for the promotion of world-class innovation hubs,
grand challenges, start-up businesses and other self-employment activities,
particularly in technology driven areas.
Answer: B
Solution:  
Youth Co: Lab is an initiative of AIM and NITI Aayog along with UNDP in India.
Enrich Your Learning:
Youth Co: Lab: In a latest initiative to recognize young people as critical drivers of
sustainable development, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India launched Youth Co:Lab which aims
at accelerating social entrepreneurship and innovation in young India.
The first phase of Youth Co: Lab will focus on six SDGs: SDG 5 (Gender Equality),
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8
(Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and
Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
About Youth Co:Lab:
Co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the Citi Foundation, and operational in 25 countries
across the Asia Pacific region, the Youth Co:Lab initiative aims to create an enabling
ecosystem to promote youth leadership, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
AIM including Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU) is Government of
India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its
objective is to serve as a platform for the promotion of world-class innovation hubs,
grand challenges, start-up businesses and other self-employment activities,
particularly in technology driven areas.
o 2 points
Que-10
Consider the following statements:
1. Mercury has two moons namely Phobos and Deimos.
2. Jupiter has the highest number of moons in the solar system.
3. Venus has only one moon as its satellite.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) 1 and 3 only
2.  b) 2 only
3.  c) 1 only
4.  d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct

Answer: B
Solution:
Mercury is so close to the Sun and its gravity that it wouldn’t be able to hold on to its
own moon.  So it has no moon.
Venus does not have a moon.
Enrich Your Learning:
The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center confirmed 20 new
moons orbiting Saturn, making it the planet with the most moons in our Solar System,
at 82.
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. Mars has two Moons, Phobos and Deimos.
They were both discovered in 1877, by Asaph Hall at the Naval Observatory in
Washington DC.