IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Sept 19 & 20, 2015

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Singapore is the only Asian country to have figured in the top 10 list of the report. India has slipped to 81st position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2015 report, a decline by five positions as compared to last year, but maintained its numero uno rank in Central and South Asian region.Switzerland topped the GII followed by the United Kingdom and Sweden securing number two and three positions respectively. The United States of America bagged fifth position.

ANSWER: Kerala

Explanation:
Perumanna grama panchayat is in Kozhikode district. The panchayat has drafted a 13-point action plan to ensure proper utilisation and conservation of water in its 18 wards.The water policy is designed in such a way that the panchayat will be garbage free by 2020, thus eliminating water pollution completely.

ANSWER: Cambodia

Explanation:
The Mekong-Ganga-Cooperation Asian Traditional Textiles Museum opened this week in Siem Reap and showcases different textiles and weaving techniques from the Mekong Ganga region – Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and India.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
Engineers Day is marked on the birth anniversary of the most beloved engineer, India has ever produced Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
Visvesvaraya, who was a proud recipient of India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 1955, was born on Sept 15, 1860. He is best known for his cutting edge research, innovation and hard work.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a Pan continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. The last Games was held in Incheon, South Korea from 19 September to 4 October 2014.Hangzhou, China has been awarded hosting duties of the 2022 Asian Games.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been announced as one of the winners of the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her country's initiatives to address climate change.

ANSWER: North Korea

Explanation:
Yongbyon nuclear complex is North Korea's main nuclear facility, believed to have manufactured material for previous nuclear tests. The reactor shut down in July 2007 as part of a disarmament-for-aid deal.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
The State Governments would identify the clusters in accordance with the Framework for Implementation prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development. The clusters will be geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas. There would be a separate approach for selection of clusters in Tribal and Non-Tribal Districts.

ANSWER: Bush used to make tea

Explanation:
The leaves are used to make a herbal tea called rooibos or bush tea(especially in Southern Africa) or sometimes redbush tea (especially in Great Britain).

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
No explanation is available for this question!

ANSWER: Kenya

Explanation:
Kenya is the only country that produces unique purple tea.Purple tea has been found to have a host of medicinal properties and is rich in anthocyanins and contains lower catechins and caffeine, is high in antioxidants that provide anti-cancer benefits and improve vision, lower cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism. Assam can emerge as the only place in the world after Kenya to become a producer of health-rich purple tea.

ANSWER: 16 September

Explanation:
The year 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of Vienna Convention for Protection of the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on September 16, 1987 and since then, this day us celebrated as the international dat for preservation of the ozone layer. The theme for this year's International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer was 30 Years of Healing the Ozone Together. The 2015 slogan was Ozone: All There is Between You and UV.

ANSWER: Nagaland

Explanation:
The Union Government banned the Naga rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Khaplang (NSCN-K) for five years. The organization was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The main aim of the organization is to establish a sovereign state, "Nagalim" unifying all the areas inhabited by the Naga people in Northeast India and Burma.

ANSWER: UNHCR

Explanation:
Since 1954, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award has been annually awarded to a person or an organization in recognition of outstanding service to the cause of refugees, displaced or stateless people.
Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi, who has dedicated her life to bringing education to refugee girls in Pakistan, has won the 2015 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

ANSWER: a and b

Explanation:
The Like Minded Group of Developing Countries (LMDC) is a group of developing countries who organize themselves as a block negotiators in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, they represent more than 50% of the world's population.

ANSWER: 15 September

Explanation:
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy—and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.

ANSWER: Sicily

Explanation:
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, which, at 3,350 m (10,990 ft), is the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate.