Explanation :

• Agaléga Archipelago is the outer Islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres north of Mauritius Island. Hence, statement 1 is wrong.
• The population of the Island as on July 2011 was estimated at 300. Hence, we conclude that it is sparsely populated. So, statement 2 is also wrong.
• It has an area of 2600 hectares and is mainly made up of two Islands i.e.-North Island and South Island.

Its significance vis-a-vis India

• This Island is strategically located and India was eyeing it, to make it as a military base to counter the might of China in this region. But, due to resentment of the Opposition in Mauritius, it is becoming difficult for Indian Government to materialise its plan.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

Gyroscope is used in vehicles, satellites, drones, etc. to know their orientation in 3D. It is even used in satellites to orient their direction. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Optical Gyroscope is based upon “Sagnac Effect” not the Joule-Kelvin Effect (This is related to Thermodynamics). Hence, statement 2 is wrong.

How is Sagnac Effect applied in Optical Gyroscope?

Sagnac Effect works on the principle of “Interferometry” i.e. Interference of light. Two beams from a laser are injected into the same fibre but in opposite directions. Due to the Sagnac Effect, the beam travelling against the rotation experiences a slightly shorter path delay than the other beam. The resulting differential phase shift is measured through interferometry, thus translating one component of the angular velocity into a shift of the interference pattern which is measured photometrically.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

• An Imambara is the place where congregational assemblies are held to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was martyred along with friends and male members of his family in the Battle of Karbala by Yezid, the ruler of Syria. So we conclude that most of the Nawabs were of Shia sect.
• Bara Imambara was built by Asaf-ud-Daula as a relief measure for a populace stricken by famine in 1784. Construction continued till the famine ended. Hence, statement 1 is wrong and statement 2 is correct.
• Mughal architecture used marbles and stones but the Nawab phase of architecture used the Lakhauri-Brick and lime plaster, Chuna, Urad daal sheera, etc. i.e. eco-friendly materials were used (as these materials absorb the heat and keep the structure cold). Hence, statement 3 is wrong.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

Halam, Noatia, Jamatia, Reang and Tripuri are the tribes present in the state of Tripura.

Jamatia is one of the 21 scheduled tribes of Tripura and it is the only tribe of Tripura with its own Customary Law in Practice. Noatia tribes mainly live in the hills of Dhalai and the North Tripura districts of the Tripura state of India. They speak the Noatia dialect of Kokborok which is of Tibeto-Burmese origin.

Why the Question?

We expect our students to know about the important tribes of Tripura due to recent demand for the NRC (National Register of Citizens) in the state.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

The spot-necked day gecko and the Anaimudi day gecko, both very distinctly-patterned lizards found only in the higher reaches of the Agasthyamalai and Anamalai Hill ranges in the Western Ghats, are the latest additions to India's reptile fauna. Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

• Moths are usually considered as Pest, but recent finding of Zoological Survey of India has established that they aide in the process of pollination. Hence, statement 2 is wrong.
• Moths’ population has mainly decreased due to light pollution in their ecosystem, as moths are generally nocturnal. Hence, statement 3 is also wrong.
• Note: Butterflies are usually Diurnal (active during the daytime), but moths are usually nocturnal.
• About 90% of the world’s flowering plants are pollinated by animals e.g. butterfly, wasps, moths, etc. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

India’s GST model is loosely based on Canada’s model of GST involving one central (CGST) and state GST rate (SGST), apart from that Interstate GST (IGST) is applicable to the interstate transportation of goods.

What will constitute Interstate trade?

IGST is collected when the location of the supplier and the place of supply are in different states. Also, in cases of export or import of goods or services or when the supply of goods or services is made to or by a SEZ unit, the transaction is assumed to be Inter-State and in such a situation IGST comes into the picture. Hence, both the statements are incorrect.

Why the question on IGST?

Exporters have complained that despite depreciated currency they are not getting benefitted as Government is not allowing them the IGST input credit citing that they are already the beneficiary of Duty drawback schemes. Hence, we have framed the question on IGST.

Source Name : Financial Express

Explanation :

It is a traditional greeting of Maori people (New Zealand). The Hongi is done by pressing one's nose and forehead, at the same time, to another encounter. It is used at traditional meetings among Māori people and on major ceremonies and serves a similar purpose to a formal handshake.

Why the question?

Recently, Meghan (Britain’s Duchess of Sussex) received Hongi at the official welcoming ceremony at Government’s House in Wellington.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

In October every year, a huge number of Amur Falcons arrive in the north east of India from Siberia en route to their final destination – Somalia, Kenya and South Africa. It is world’s longest travelling raptor. So, statement 2 is wrong. Its IUCN status is ‘Least Concerned’. Hence, statement 3 is also wrong.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

Dipor Bil/Deepor Beel is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam. It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river. It is also called a wetland under the Ramsar Convention which has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Source Name : TH

Explanation :

The Taiwan Strait, is also called as Formosa Strait, and is 180 kilometres wide that separates mainland China from Island of Taiwan. The Strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. Hence, both the statements are wrong.

Is it important for Prelims?

The answer is ‘Yes’. Recently, US had sent two wars ships through this strait and this has created tremors in China. So, this region becomes important from our Prelims point of view.

Source Name : Livemint, IE​

Explanation :

Banned Chemicals in Firecrackers: Lithium, Arsenic, Lead, Antimony, Mercury, Barium Salts, etc.

What are Green Firecrackers?

• These firecrackers eschew the use of ash, thus it will help in reduction of particulate matters.
• Barium salts which provide the lightening effect to the firecrackers will be replaced with Zeolite (It is obtained by modifying the fly ash). This Barium Salt has a catastrophic impact on the respiratory system.
• Usually Aluminium and Antimony compounds are used to provide the colors to the crackers, but in green firecrackers, they will be replaced with “Magnesium” as the compounds of Aluminium and Antimony causes Alzheimer’s disease.

Some Extra Bit of Information

Compound Color Imparted

Copper Blue

Lithium Red

Antimony Glittering Effect

Aluminium White

Note: Refer question 1 & 3 (Quiz dated 24th October) to learn more about the Green Firecrackers.

Source Name : Livemint,TH

Explanation :

Train 18/T18 is India's first engine-less self propelled train. It is built by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai under Make in India Project in a short period of 18 months. This train runs at a speed of 160km/hour (While Shatabdi Express runs at 130km/hour). This train has potential to reduce the time by at least 15%. So, it is evident that statement 2 is wrong.

It has added modern features like Wi-Fi, Diffused Lighting System, Bio Toilets, etc.

Source Name : Livemint, TH

Explanation :

INF Treaty (Intermediate Range Nuclear Force Treaty) was signed between US and USSR in 1987.Thus, it is a bilateral treaty. Hence, statement 1 is wrong. Under the INF Treaty, the US and Soviet Union agreed not to develop, produce, possess or deploy any ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles that have a range between 500 and 5,500 km. It exempted the air-launched and sea-based missile systems in the same range. The agreement came in the wake of huge public outcry in Europe in the 1980s at the Russian deployment of the SS-20 ballistic missiles and the US response with Pershing-2 rockets. The INF Treaty helped address the fears of an imminent nuclear war in Europe. Hence, statement 2 is also wrong. It is being criticised by US as other nuclear states are not party to the treaty e.g. India and China. The US fears that China can target its ships, etc. in the Western Pacific Ocean by its missile system.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

The Vishakha Guidelines were a set of procedural guidelines for use in India in cases of sexual harassment. They were promulgated by the Indian Supreme Court in 1997 and were superseded in 2013 by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Why the question?

This is frequently in the news due to #Me Too campaign.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

Under the plan of 3 June, more than 562 princely states were given the option of joining either India or Pakistan, or choosing independence. Indian nationalists and large segments of the public feared that if these states did not accede, India will be a balkanised state and during this time, Sarojini Naidu called him the “Man of Decisions and Man of Actions” who can keep India intact geographically and culturally.

Why the question?

Sardar Patel is in news due to “Statue of Unity”, so we urge our students to go in detail about the role played by Sardar Patel in India’s Freedom struggle for Prelims.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

Currency swap agreements involve trading in the local currencies, where countries pay for import and export trade, at the pre-determined rates of exchange, without bringing in third country currency like the US dollar. So, the central bank of the two countries will enter into the agreement to take the money in their domestic currencies worth $75 billion. So, it is evident that RBI’s $393 billion chest of FOREXwill get one shot $75 billion boost (The money will be charged with interest only when withdrawal happens) and this will boost the puissance of Indian Rupee and thus will curb the speculative pressure on the Rupee (which was one of the causes of its depreciation). This mechanism will help in reducing the Current Account Deficit too (as this currency swap also involves trade in local currencies).

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• •This report is released by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and is released every two years. Hence, statement 1 is wrong.
• •As per its recent report, pressure exerted on the planet has led to 60% fall in wildlife population and 87% decline in Wetlands since 1970.
• •So far as its report about India is concerned, India is among the worst when it comes to Soil Biodiversity.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

The idea to create FSDC was first mooted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms in 2008. The Central Government had established Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in December 2010 with the Finance Minister as it Chairman. Hence, statement 2 is wrong and statement 1 is correct. The main purpose for setting up of FSDC was to enhance the coordination between different regulators and between regulators and the Government, but the problem is it failed to deliver because of following reasons:

• •In 8 years, it has met only 18 times, which portrays the dismal performance.
• •It should have an independent research team to aid the regulators in solving the differences, but it is not the case.
• •It should have been housed independently, not in the Finance Ministry itself.

Purpose of the Question

These information are vital for Prelims, but can be used in the Mains, suggesting the minor reforms that can be done to avert the situations like Current Account Deficit problem, depreciation of currency, etc., hence we have asked this question.

Note: Recently, FSDC meeting was held, hence this question demands attention from the students.

Source Name : Economic Times, IE

Explanation :

• AQI was launched as a part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014. AQI uses color-coded table to show air-quality and its effect on health.
• The main motto is “One Number- One Colour-One Description” so that even a common people can understand and decode it better.
• It tracks mainly eight pollutants –PM10, PM2.5, Ozone, NOx, SOx, CO, Lead, Ammonia
• But, it does not take into account Methane and Carbon Dioxide. Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Source Name : TH, PIB​

Explanation :

• “Statue of Unity” is located on the Sadhu Bet Island, near Rajpipla on the Narmada River. It is located between the Satpura and the Vindhya mountain ranges. It is world’s tallest statue and has been made under the guidance of Ram Vanji Suthar (Padma Vibhushan).
• Sardar Patel was not a critic of Capitalism and he firmly believed that by Capitalism, someday we can get rid of poverty. So, statement 1 is wrong (Pandit Nehru was the staunch supporter of Socialism).
• Karachi Session of the Congress (1931) was presided over by “Sardar Patel”. At this session, the seeds of Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy were sown. Hence, statement 3 is wrong.

Why the question?

Sardar Patel is in news due to “Statue of Unity”, so we have decided to cover the events related to Sardar Patel, as it is very important from our Prelims point of view.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• In the recently released Ease of Doing Business Report, India has recorded a jump of 23 positions against its rank of 100 in 2017 to be placed now at 77th rank among 190 countries assessed by the World Bank.
• India has improved its rank in 6 out of 10 indicators. But, the most dramatic improvements have been registered in the indicators related to 'Construction Permits' and 'Trading Across Borders'. In grant of construction permits, India's rank improved from 181 in 2017 to 52 in 2018, an improvement of 129 ranks in a single year. In 'Trading Across Borders', India's rank improved by 66 positions moving from 146 in 2017 to 80 in 2018.

The important features of India's performance this year are:

• The World Bank has recognized India as one of the top improvers for the year.
• This is the second consecutive year for which India has been recognized as one of the top improvers.
• India is the first BRICS and South Asian country to be recognized as top improvers in consecutive years.
• India has recorded the highest improvement in two years by any large country since 2011 in the Doing Business assessment by improving its rank by 53 positions.

Source Name : TH, PIB

Explanation :

• RBI is the institution that has been the outcome of RBI Act 1934, so it is very evident that Parliament will have upper hand over its functioning. Section 7 of the RBI Act says that Government in consultation with the RBI Governor can instruct RBI in the case of larger public interest.
• Till date this Section has never been invoked. So, statement 2 is wrong.

Some extra Information

• RBI is the only institution that looks into the matter of Inflation. So, we expect the institution to be independent and not work as per the whims and fancies of the Government.
• Parliament is the elected body and is accountable to the people. So, it must have the upper hand over the RBI.

Note: We expect the student to think in both the ways, as this will be highly useful in Mains answer writing. We expect you to have both the views (Pros and Cons) regarding any topic.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• The Global Compact for Migration is the first-ever UN global agreement on a common approach to international migration in all its dimensions.
• The global compact is non-legally binding. It is grounded in values of state sovereignty, responsibility-sharing, non-discrimination, and human rights, and recognizes that a cooperative approach is needed to optimize the overall benefits of migration, while addressing its risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination.
• The Global Compact comprises 23 objectives for better managing migration at local, national, regional and global levels and its seeds were sown in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in 2016.

Source Name : IE, Livemint

Explanation :

Sri Ramanujacharya, was born in 1017 and spent a major part of his 120-year life span propagating the Hindu philosophy of Vishishtadwaita (qualified non-dualism). Ramanujacharya fought against discrimination in the name of caste, colour and creed, and propounded that the Almighty exists in all living beings. So, state Government of Telangana has decided to make a ‘Statue of Equality’ in his name near Shamsabad Airport.

Source Name : TH​

Explanation :

• Royal Mutiny Revolt of 1946 is also called as “Ratings’ Revolt” or sometimes referred to as “Forgotten Mutiny Revolt”. (Ratings means sailor). To suppress this revolt, a large number of Army was called in. In this circumstance, Sardar Patel and Jinnah convinced the Ratings to lay down their Arms. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• In Bardoli Satyagraha, Sardar Patel organised the Kalipraj People (Low caste untouchables and tribal people) against the Britishers not the Ujaliparaj (Fair people or Upper caste people). Hence, statement 2 is wrong.
• The first princely state that was merged into India was Bhavnagar (Under Maharaj Krishnakumar Singh) and the last to be merged was Hyderabad (By operation POLO). So, statement 3 is also incorrect.

Why the question?

Sardar Patel is in news due to “Statue of Unity”; so we have decided to cover the events related to Sardar Patel, as it is very important from our Prelims point of view.

Source Name : Bipin Chandra

Explanation :

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) releases this report every 2 years. As per the recent report, India’s soil biodiversity has deteriorated a lot and we need to channelise our efforts to protect it at the earliest.

Some Salient Features of the Report

• 60% loss of the wildlife vertebrate (that has spine, e.g. fish, mammals, etc.) has taken place from 1970 to 2014.
• 87% of the wetland has been encroached upon in the aforesaid period.
• Latin America is worst hit region as 90% of the wildlife loss has taken place.
• This is the last generation that can reverse the catastrophic effect. So, we need to put in the efforts to bring back the nature to its original state.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• NBFCs in India include Finance Companies, Chit Funds, Nidhi Companies, Merchant Banking, Stock Broking, Alternate Investment, etc. So, statement 1 stands incorrect.
• Up to March 2018, NBFCs received the maximum funds from Banks (44%) followed by Mutual Funds (33%) and Insurance Companies (19%). Hence, statement 2 stands incorrect.

Why the question on NBFCs?

NBFCs are constantly in news due to IL&FS crisis. We have already covered NBFCs in great detail. This question will sum up the whole discussion.

Source Name : IE

Explanation :

• It is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation founded in 2001 in Shanghai, with its headquarter at Beijing. Hence, statement 1 is wrong.
• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against the three evils of Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism.
• It is an eight member body and in 2016, India and Pakistan became its full time members.

Why the question on SCO?

SCO Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue -2019 has begun in New Delhi. So, we thought that our students should be aware with SCO; hence, the question.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

The report has been prepared by Ola Mobility Institute - Ola’s research and social innovation arm. The Index offers a source of information to aid transit agencies and urban planners to make informed decisions and align solutions with the preference of commuters as it talks about the taste of the people related to urban transport, private transport, etc.

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

The idea to create FSDC was first mooted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms in 2008. This committee is headed by Union Finance Minister. Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog is not a member of FSDC. So, there is no question of him becoming the Deputy Chairman of FSDC. Hence, statement 1 is wrong. FSDC Sub-committee is headed by RBI Governor. Hence statement 2 stands incorrect. FSDC is an apex body, dealing with the financial stability, but it is not a Statutory Body. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Note: Secretary MeitY, Chief Economic Adviser, etc. are also the member of FSDC. We have observed that students have the feel that only Head of the Regulators like RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, etc. are its members. So, we urge the student to just get a glimpse of who are the members of FSDC for better understanding (Refer Q 1, Quiz dated 18th September for more detailed explanation on FSDC).

Source Name : PIB

Explanation :

MSME Outreach programme which will run for 100 days covering 100 districts has the potential to provide the much needed respite and relief to the MSME Sector which was bleeding due to demonetisation and poor implementation of the GST.

Salient Features:

• PSUs will have to compulsorily procure 25% of their total purchase from MSME Sector (earlier it was 20%).
• Out of that 25%, 3% shall be from the MSMEs owned by women.
• A website portal “psbloansin59minutes.com” has been launched to give loans up to Rs 1 crore in less than 59 minutes for the GST filing MSME Sector.
• Companies with a turnover of more than Rs. 500 crore will now compulsorily be brought on the Trade Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS).
• There will be 2 per cent interest subvention for all GST registered MSMEs on fresh loans or incremental loans.

Source Name : PIB, IE, TH

Explanation :

An Exoplanet or extra-solar planet is a planet outside the Sun's solar system while Asteroids are minor planets, especially of the inner Solar System. DAWN mission was primarily focussed on study of Asteroids (mainly Vesta and Ceres), while Kepler mission was primarily focussed on study of Exoplanets. So statement 1 is wrong.

What is Transit Method?

When a planet comes in between the Star and the observer, it creates its own shadow when all the three are aligned in a straight line. And, when the planet moves, the shadow disappears. This tiny dip in star brightness is a testimony to the fact that Exoplanet system exists. This method was exploited by Kepler mission to study the Exoplanets.

Why the Question?

Both the mission of NASA has run out of fuel and now become history. So, we expect the students to be aware with the mission objective of these two spacecrafts.

Source Name : Space.com, TH

Explanation :

• GRAP lays down stratified actions that are required to be taken as and when the concentration of pollutants reaches a certain level. This is primarily related to the pollution in Delhi. The plan puts governments under the lens and holds out the promise of improvement in air quality.
• The plan was prepared by the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA).

Source Name : Down to Earth

Explanation :

Doyang Lake in Nagaland is famous as a roosting site for longest travelling raptors -Amur Falcons - which come to roost every year during their flight from Mongolia to South Africa.

Source Name : TH