IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Feb 03, 2016

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

• Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) is being established by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in Hazarmachi, Karad to address challenging seismological problems of societal relevance through drilling investigations.
• It is proposed to drill deep boreholes to reach the depths of earthquakes in this region and set-up a deep borehole observatory. Direct observations in the source zone of the earthquakes will provide new and critical information to model these earthquake mechanisms.
• The goal of BGRL is to emerge as an Institution of international repute housing highly specialized geophysical, geological and geotechnical facilities related to earthquake research.

ANSWER: RUSNANO

Explanation:

• National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RUSNANO OJSC of Russia.
• Both NIIF and RUSNANO have agreed to set up the RUSSIA-INDIA HIGH TECHNOLOGY PRIVATE EQUITY FUND for joint implementation of investments into projects in India.
• RUSNANO is a Russian development institute with interest to invest in projects in the field of high technologies and defense including the projects aimed at establishment of manufacturing industrial enterprises in India.
• International pension funds and sovereign wealth funds from countries such as Russia, Singapore and the UAE have evinced interest in participating in India's Rs 40,000-crore National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).

ANSWER: 1, 2, 3

Explanation:

• Zika virus disease is an emerging viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (Aedes agypti). This is the same mosquito that is known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya.
• There is no vaccine or drug available to prevent/ treat Zika virus disease at present.
• A majority of those infected with Zika virus disease either remain asymptomatic (up to 80%) or show mild symptoms of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body ache, joint pains. Zika virus infection should be suspected in patients reporting with acute onset of fever, maculo-papular rash and arthralgia.
• Zika virus disease has the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector, a lack of immunity among population in newly affected areas and the high volume of international travel. As of now, the disease has not been reported in India. However, the mosquito that transmits Zika virus, namely Aedes aegypti , that also transmits dengue virus, is widely prevalent in India.

ANSWER: Uganda

Explanation:

• Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
• Currently, Zika virus disease has been reported so far in the following countries; Brazil, Barbados, Bolivia, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Equador, El Salvador, French Guyana. Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St Martin, Suriname, Virgin Island and Venezuela.
• In humans, the virus causes a mild illness known as Zika fever, Zika, or Zika disease, which since the 1950s has been known to occur within a narrow equatorial belt from Africa to Asia.
• The virus was first isolated in April 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey that had been placed in a cage in the Zika Forest of Uganda, near Lake Victoria, by the scientists of the Yellow Fever Research Institute.

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

• Article 361 (1) of the Constitution gives the President and the Governor protection from legal action.
• No civil proceedings in which relief is claimed against the governor can be instituted in any court during his term of office.
• The Supreme Court recently gave notice to Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa to respond why he recommended President’s rule in the sensitive border State. But owing to Article 36(1), the SC recalled the notice, citing it as a mistake.

ANSWER: Cricket Bats

Explanation:
Kashmiri Willow is used to make cricket bats. India is expanding its tradable items list with Pakistan and is including the famous Kashmir Willow which is used to make cricket bats. Other items that could be included in the list are leather goods, spices, pulses, jams and fruit juices. The new list will include goods that can be exported to Pakistan mainly from J&K to ensure that the State benefits economically.

ANSWER: Japan

Explanation:

• A Japanese firm said it would open the world’s first fully automated farm with robots handling almost every step of the process, from watering seedlings to harvesting crops.
• Kyoto-based Spread said the indoor grow house will produce 30,000 heads of lettuce a day. The farm, measuring about 4,400 square meters, will have floor-to-ceiling shelves where the produce is grown.
• Seed planting will still be done by people, but the rest of the process, including harvesting, will be done (by industrial robots).
• The move to robot labor would chop personnel costs by about half and knock energy expenses down by nearly one third.
• The pesticide-free lettuce will also have more beta carotene than other farm-grown lettuce, the company said.
• Robot-obsessed Japan has repeatedly turned to automated workers to fill labor shortages that are projected to get worse as the country rapidly ages.

ANSWER: 1, 2, 3

Explanation:
The MoUs signed are in the fields of cooperation in defence, sports and youth affairs as well as health. The defense agreement will be aimed at starting a new generation of Indian defense cooperation with Brunei, which disputes Chinese claims on the South China Sea. The defence agreement is being interpreted as a major diplomatic breakthrough since both sides established relations in 1984. Brunei’s current defence responsibilities are handled by the U.K. which supplies soldiers to serve its defence needs.

ANSWER: Dhar

Explanation:

• The Bhojashala or 'Hall of Bhoja' is the center for Sanskrit studies and temple of Sarasvati, the goddess of learning associated with king Bhoja, the most celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty in central India. The term first came into use in the early twentieth century.
• Hindus consider Bhojshala as the temple of Goddess Waghdevi (Saraswati), whereas Muslims treat it as Kamal Moula mosque. Every year during vasant Panchami, there is tension around the monument as both the sides want to pray there.
• It is in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
• In first year 100 Rurban growth clusters will be developed. The mission aims to create 300 such clusters over the next 3 years, across the country.
• Although the monument has been under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India and ceased to function as a formal religious structure for more than a century. However some sections of religious people have asked for opening of the monument for puja. In the normal course, Hindus are allowed to perform puja on every Tuesday while Muslims can offer namaz every Friday, while the structure is open to all on rest of days.

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:

• The Tundra 11L constellation of 6 satellites is officially known as Kosmos 2510.
• Russia launched the first satellite for this early warning system named EKS or Integrated Space System.
• This will help Russia to detect, track and identify worldwide missile launches from space. These satellites identify ballistic missile launches from outer space.