JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 1
JAN – 2020 MCQs based
on Current affairs
NammaKPSC and Bangalore IAS Academy Hebbal & Vijayanagar, Bangalore
9886151564 / 9886777417
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 2
1. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Preamble is based on the Objective
Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the
Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946.
2. The original Preamble, adopted by the
Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India
a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. The National Anthem was first sung at ?
(a) 1919 Amritsar Session of Congress
(b) 1911 Culcutta Session of Congress
(c) 1931 Karachi Session of Congress
(d) 1934 Bombay Session of Congress
3. Which of the following statements are
true?
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) is
a Market Linked Tribal Entrepreneurship
Development Program.
The scheme will be implemented by TRIFED.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS)
is a scheme for model residential school for
Indian tribal (ST, Scheduled Tribes) across
India.
2. EMRSs are set up in States/UTs with grants
under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of
India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
5. Snow EX Programme is associated with
(a) NASA
(b) ISRO
(c) ESA
(d) None of the above
6. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana , each
MP was required to identify one gram
panchayat of his or her choice for developing
it as an Adarsh Gram (Model Village) every
year.
2. The basic unit for development is ‘Gram
Panchayat’.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. MANI Mobile App is launched by
(a) SEBI
(b) RBI
(c) State Bank of India
(d) SIDBI
8. Which of the following statements are
true?
The Indian History Congress(IHC) is the largest
association of professional historians in South
Asia.
It was founded in 1947.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 3
9. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Merchant Discount Rate is a fee charged
from a merchant by a bank for accepting
payments from customers through credit and
debit cards in their establishments.
2. MDR compensates the card issuing bank,
the lender which puts the PoS terminal and
payment gateways such as Mastercard or Visa
for their services.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. He was born in Uttar Pradesh. He formed
the Praja Socialist Party in 1952. He is
popularly known as Lok Nayak. Identify the
person.
(a) JP Narayan
(b) Minoo Masani
(c) Ram Manohar Lohia
(d) None of the above
11. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. e-BCAS Project is a training module project
launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
2. It facilitates external stakeholders to access
Biometric enabled Centralised Access Control
System (CACS) for training in digital platforms.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
12. The Treaty of Sugauli is associated with
border dispute with
(a) Nepal
(b) Bhutan
(c) Pakistan
(d) Afghanistan
13. Which of the following statements are
true?
Standing Committee on Economic Statistics is
chaired by Prime Minister.
Aim of the committee is to improve quality of
data amid criticism of the government over
political interference.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
14. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an
organisation under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests.
2. According to the State of Forest Report, the
definition of forest cover includes all lands
more than 1 hectare in area with a tree
canopy of more than 10 per cent, irrespective
of land use, ownership, and legal status
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
15. M-STriPES is associated with
(a) Tiger Conservation
(b) Elephant Conservation
(c) Gangetic Dolphin Conservation
(d) Hippo Conservation
16. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Through Calcutta Corporation act 1899
Lord Curzon reduced the number of elected
legislatures to deprive Indians from self-
governance
2. He instituted a Police Commission in 1902
under the chairmanship of Sir Andrew Frazer.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 4
17. FAME 2 scheme is associated with
(a) Electric mobility
(b) NBFCs
(c) e-Mandis
(d) Infrastructure Pipeline
18. Which of the following statements are
true?
The ability to see without eyes is known as
extraocular vision.
Red brittle star, which are relatives of starfish,
can see even though it does not have eyes.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
19. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Khadi and Village Industries
Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body
2. It is an apex organization under the
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village
industries within India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
20. Cyber Safe Women’ initiative is initiated
by
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Kerala
(c) Goa
(d) Tamil Nadu
21. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The mugger crocodile, also called the
Indian crocodile is found throughout the
Indian subcontinent.
2. It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
22. Project NETRA is associated with
(a) Eye Donation
(b) Space Debris
(c) 5 G Technology
(d) Tb eradication
23. Which of the following statements are
true?
Smog towers are structures designed to work
as large-scale air purifiers.
The tower will focus on reducing particulate
matter load.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
24. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is an
irregular oscillation of sea-surface
temperatures in which the western Indian
Ocean becomes alternately warmer (positive
phase) and then colder (negative phase) than
the eastern part of the ocean.
2. A negative phase of IOD sees greater-than-
average sea-surface temperatures and
greater precipitation in the western Indian
Ocean region.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 5
25. Miyawaki method is associated with
(a) Traditional Medicine
(b) Forestry
(c) Aqua Culture
(d) Water purification
26. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of
about 50 rare inherited metabolic disorders
that result from defects in lysosomal function.
2. Lysosomes are sacs of enzymes within cells
that digest large molecules and pass the
fragments on to other parts of the cell for
recycling.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
27. Washington Consensus is associated with
(a) Economy
(b) Ecology
(c) Migration
(d) Bio Technology
28. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Yangtze is the Asia’s longest river.
2. Chinese paddlefish is native to the Yangtze
river.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
29. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Saltwater Crocodile is the largest of all
living reptiles.
2. It listed as critically endangered by IUCN.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
30. Which of the following structure is known
as Taj of Deccan?
(a) Gol Gumbaz
(b) Ibrahim Roza
(c) Bibi Ka Maqbara
(d) Gagan Mahal
31. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that
convert chemical energy from the reactants
directly into electricity and heat.
2. The device consists of an electrolyte layer
in contact with a porous anode and cathode
on either side.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
32. Mechi River originates at
(a) Nepal
(b) Bhutan
(c) China
(d) Myanmar
33. Which of the following statements are
true?
India Meteorological Department was
established in 1875.
It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth
Sciences of the Government of India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 6
34. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry
of Power, Government of India.
2. It assists in developing policies and
strategies with the primary objective of
reducing the energy intensity of the Indian
economy.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
35. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located at?
(a) Goa
(b) Karnataka
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Gujarat
36. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Goldilocks zone is the area around a star
where it is not too hot and not too cold for
liquid water to exist on the surface of
surrounding planets.
2. Earth is in the Sun’s Goldilocks zone.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
37. Patola Saree belongs to
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Karnataka
38. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan
Yojana is a voluntary and contribution based
central sector scheme.
2. The scheme is based on self-declaration as
no documents are required except bank
account and Aadhaar Card.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
39. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA) was established by the Government
of India under the Agricultural and Processed
Food Products Export Development Authority
Act 1985.
2. APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce
and Industries, promotes export of
agricultural and processed food products
from India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
40. Operation Sankalp is associated with?
(a) Biotechnology
(b) Intellectual Property rights
(c) Maritime Security
(d) Cyber Crimes
41. Which of the following statements are true?
1. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
(www.cybercrime.gov.in) is a citizen-centric
initiative that will enable citizens to report cyber
crimes online through the portal.
2. All the cyber crime related complaints will be
accessed by the concerned law enforcement
agencies in the States and Union Territories for
taking action as per law.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 7
42. Green Credit Scheme is associated with
(a) Energy Efficiency Monitoring
(b) Compensatory Afforestation
(c) Carbon Trading system
(d) Agricultural Loans
43. Which of the following statements are
true?
Curative petition procedures are mentioned
in the constitution.
30 days is time limit for filing Curative
petition.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
44. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Manilal Doctor was a member of the Indian
Home Rule Society in London.
2. He founded ‘The Hindustani’ newspaper in
Mauritius, which had the motto “Liberty of
Individuals! Fraternity of Men!!! Equality of
Race!!!”
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
45. These animals were first brought to the
Australian continent in the late 19th century
from India when Australia’s massive interior
region was first being discovered. The animals
also have a massive carbon footprint, each
animal emitting methane equivalent to one
tonne of carbon ¬dioxide a year. Identify the
animal.
(a) Camel
(b) Koala
(c) Dingo
(d) Rhinoceros
46. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. MILAN 2020 is the Naval Exercise between
Indian and South Africa.
2. Dharma Guardian 2019 is the military
exercise between Indian and Bhutanese
Army.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
47. Dampa tiger reserve is located at?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Mizoram
(d) Karnataka
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 8
48. Which of the following statements are
true?
Section 144 CrPC, a law retained from the
colonial era, empowers a district magistrate, a
sub-divisional magistrate or any other
executive magistrate specially empowered by
the state government in this behalf to issue
orders to prevent and address urgent cases of
apprehended danger or nuisance.
The magistrate has to pass a written order
which may be directed against a particular
individual, or to persons residing in a
particular place or area, or to the public
generally when frequenting or visiting a
particular place or area.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
49. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. State Energy Efficiency Index is published
by The Ministry of Power and New &
Renewable Energy.
2. It is developed by Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) in association with Alliance
for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
50. ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and
‘Waaphasa’, terminologies are associated
with?
(a) Integrated organic farming
(b) Zero budget natural farming
(c) Sedentary Cropping
(d) Dry Farming
51. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Scrubber systems are a diverse group of air
pollution control devices that can be used to
remove some particulates and/or gases from
industrial exhaust streams.
2. The International Maritime Organization’s
(IMO) adopted the International Convention
for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL) Annex VI in 2008 that regulates the
prevention of air pollution from ships and
prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone-
depleting substances such as Sulphur oxides
and nitrous oxides.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
52. Access to the Internet is a fundamental
right under
(a) Article 14
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 20
(d) Article 32
53. Which of the following statements are
true?
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural
Heritage is a government organisation
registered under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860.
The United Nations awarded INTACH a special
consultative status with United Nations
Economic and Social Council.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 9
54. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Much of the focus of conservation efforts
in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four'
species, rhino, elephant, Lion Tailed Macaque
and Asiatic water buffalo.
2. Kaziranga is home to nine of the 14 species
of primates found in the Indian subcontinent.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
55. Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’
report is published by
(a) WHO
(b) United Nations
(c) Amnesty International
(d) UNICEF
56. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Blockchains are a new data structure that is
secure, cryptography-based, and distributed
across a network.
2. The technology supports cryptocurrencies
such as Bitcoin, and the transfer of any data
or digital asset.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
57. The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an
(a) ASEAN initiative
(b) World Bank collaboration
(c) OECD Initiative
(d) UNCTAD funded initiative
58. Which of the following statements are
true?
Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) is a
critical part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration
and Licensing Policy.
Under the OALP, once an explorer selects
areas after evaluating the National Data
Repository (NDR) and submits the EoI, it is to
be put up for competitive bidding and the
entity offering the maximum share of oil and
gas to the government is awarded the block.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
59. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Ku and C bands are part of a spectrum
of frequencies.
2. They are used in satellite communications.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
60. Article 131 is associated with?
(a) Supreme Court Jurisdictions
(b) Writ Jurisdiction of high courts
(c) Tribunals and Acts
(d) Local body Election
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 10
61. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Swachh – Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan was
undertaken by Ministry of Jal Shakti
2. It is a cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in
50 identified Cities.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
62. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a
standard criterion for
(a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood
(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest
ecosystems
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude
regions
63. Which of the following statements are
true?
Conference of Central and State Statistical
Organizations (COCSSO)is a Conference
organized by MoSPI, Government of India
biannually.
COCSSO is a major national forum for
coordination between the Central and State
Statistical Agencies with the objectives of
putting in coordinated efforts for making
available reliable and timely statistics to
planners and policy makers.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
64. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. National Education Day celebrated every
year in India on November 11 to
commemorate the birth anniversary of
MaulanaAbul Kalam Azad.
2. MaulanaAbul Kalam Azad was an Indian
scholar and independence activist who served
as the first Minister of Education of
independent India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
65. Pulicat Lake is located at ?
(a) Kerala Only
(b) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
(c) Tamil Nadu only
(d) None of the above
66. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Rights (PPV&FR) Act is an unique Indian
legislation to protect Farmers’ Rights and
breeder’s rights.
2. PPV&FR Act is fully compliant to the
International Seed Treaty.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
67. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is
organized by
(a) United Nations Environmental Programme
(b) G20 group of countries
(c) European Union
(d) UNDP
68. Which of the following statements are true?
In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States
only.
Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 11
69. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. A credit rating agency is a company that
assigns credit ratings, which rate a debtor's
ability to pay back debt by making timely
principal and interest payments and the
likelihood of default.
2. An agency may rate the creditworthiness of
issuers of debt obligations, of debt
instruments, and in some cases, of the
servicers of the underlying debt, but not of
individual consumers.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
70. In the context of Indian history, the
principle of “Dyarchy (diarchy)” refers to
(a) Division of the central legislature into two
houses
(b) Introduction of double government i.e.,
Central and State governments
(c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London
and another in Delhi
(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the
provinces into two categories.
71. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change
Alliance’, which of the following statements
is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support
to targeted developing countries to integrate
climate change into their development
policies and budgets.
3. It provides technical and financial support
to targeted developing countries to integrate
climate change into their development
policies and budgets.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
72. Which one of the following was a very
important seaport in the Kakatiya
kingdom?(UPSC 2017)
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
73. With reference to the religious history of
India, consider the following statements
(UPSC 2017)
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects
of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of
phenomena were not wholly momentary, but
existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
74. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of
the following countries? (UPSC 2017)
1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 12
75. With reference to ‘National Investment
and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the
following statements is/are correct? (UPSC
2017)
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It has a corpus of Rs. 4, 00,000 crore at
present.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
76. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. South Asia Co-operative Environment
Programme (SACEP) is an inter-governmental
organization, established in 1982 by the
governments of South Asia.
2. India is an observer state and not a
member.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
77. Which of the following is not a short lived
climate pollutant
(a) Black Carbon
(b) Methane
(c) Tropospheric ozone
(d) None of the above
78. Which of the following statements are
true?
The G20 is an international forum that brings
together the world's 20 leading industrialised
and emerging economies.
The group accounts for 85% of world GDP and
two-thirds of its population.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
79. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State
Assembly, the winning candidate must get at
least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be
declared elected.
2. According to the provisions laid down in
the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the
Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and
the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
80. Brown Blotched Bengal Tree Frog is found
at
(a) West Bengal
(b) Andaman
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Telengana
81. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Hyperloop transportation system is a
transportation system where a pod-like
vehicle is propelled through a near-vacuum
tube connecting cities at speeds matching
that of an aircraft.
2. In hyperloop transportation, custom-
designed capsules or pods are expected to zip
smoothly through continuous steel tubes
which are held at partial vacuum.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 13
82. Which one of the following pairs of islands
is separated from each other by the ‘Ten
Degree Channel’?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
83. Which of the following statements are
true?
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of
India (DFCCIL) is a corporation run by the
Ministry of Railways (India)
DFCC has been registered as a company
under the Companies Act 1956.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
84. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Irrawaddy dolphins are classified as
‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species.
2. It is found only in the Irrawaddy River.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
85. If a wetland of international importance is
brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what
does it imply?
(a) Changes in ecological character have
occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur
in the wetland as a result of human
interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is
located should enact a law to prohibit any
human activity within five kilo metres from
the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on
the cultural practices and traditions of certain
communities living in its vicinity and therefore
the cultural diversity therein should not be
destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage
Site’
86. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. National Career Service is an initiative of
the Department of Personnel and Training,
Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched
in a Mission Mode to improve the
employment opportunities to uneducated
youth of the country.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
87. If you want to see gharials in their natural
habitat, which one of the following is the best
place to visit?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) Deepor Beel
88. Which of the following practices can help
in water conservation in agriculture?
Reduced or zero tillage of the land
Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 14
89. Caspian sea borders with
(a) Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Russia, Georgia,
Uzbekistan
(b) Russia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran
and Azerbaijan
(c) Kyrgyzstan, Iran and Azerbaijan and
Georgia
(d) Russia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran
and Uzbekistan
90. What is the application of Somatic Cell CJ
Nuclear Transfer Technology?
(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
91. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The PMRPY Scheme aims to incentivise
employers for employment generation by the
Government paying the full employers' EPS
contribution of 12% , for the new employees,
for the first three years of their employment.
2. The scheme is being implemented by the
Ministry of Finance.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
92. Green Climate Fund is associated with
(a) UNFCCC
(b) Ramsar Convention
(c) WEF
(d) CITES
93. Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative is
launched by
(a) Niti Ayog
(b) MoEFCC
(c) Pollution Control Board
(d) NGT
94. Which of the following statement/s is/are
true.
Biodigester Bio-toilets are an innovative
technology, developed by the DRDE, under
DRDO.
DRDO’s bio-toilet is based on anaerobic
biodegradation of organic waste by unique
microbial consortium and works at a wide
temperature range.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
95. Shram Suvidha Portal is launched by
(a) Ministry of Finance
(b) Ministry of Women and Child
Development
(c) Ministry of Labour & Employment
(d) Ministry of MSME
96. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Trade Receivables Discounting System or
TReDS is an initiative undertaken by Ministry
of MSME.
2. It aims to safeguard the interest of micro,
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
97. Kala-azar is caused by
(a) Leishmania donovani
(b) Giardia duodenalis
(c) Taenia solium
(d) Diphyllobothrium latum
98. Bhoomi Rashi portal is launched by
(a) Niti Ayog
(b) MoEFCC
(c) MORTH
(d) NGT
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 15
99. Which of the following statement/s is/are
true.
Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan is a
holistic scheme of development for higher
education in India initiated in 2013 by the
Ministry of Human Resource Development
The centrally sponsored scheme aims at
providing strategic funding to higher
educational institutions throughout the
country.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
100. PARIVESH Portal is launched by
(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change
(b) Ministry of Women and Child
Development
(c) Ministry of Labour & Employment
(d) Ministry of MSME
101. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and
Development of Agro-Processing Clusters
(SAMPADA) under the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries (MOFPI) is a central
sector scheme.
2. It is a comprehensive package aiming to
create modern infrastructure with efficient
supply chain management from farm gate to
retail outlet.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
102. National Assessment and Accreditation
Council is founded by
(a) UGC
(b) NITI Ayog
(c) DoPT
(d) None of the above
103. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana is a
government-run health insurance programme
for the Indian poor.
2. The scheme aims to provide health
insurance coverage to the unrecognised
sector workers belonging to the BPL category
and their family members.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
104. Which of the following statement/s
is/are true.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social
Justice & Empowerment has conceptualised
the “Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya
Bharat Abhiyan)” as a nation-wide flagship
campaign for achieving universal accessibility
that will enable persons with disabilities to
gain access for equal opportunity and live
independently and participate fully in all
aspects of life in an inclusive society.
The campaign targets at enhancing the
accessibility of built environment, transport
system and Information & communication
eco-System.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
105. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness
Index is launched by
(a) WEF
(b) WB
(c) IMF
(d) UNDP
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 16
111. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 aims at
enhancing the livelihood security of people in
rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of
wage employment in a financial year to a
rural household whose adult members (at
least 18 years of age) volunteer to do
unskilled work.
2. Ministry of Rural Development (MRD),
Government of India in association with state
governments, monitors the implementation
of the scheme.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
112. Global Talent Competitive Index is
launched by
(a) INSEAD
(b) Amity International
(c) WEF
(d) None of the above
113. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Vakataka Dynasty originated in the central
Deccan in the mid-3rd century CE and its
empire is believed to have extended from
Malwa and Gujarat in the north to the
Tungabhadra in the south and from the
Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal
in the east.
2. The Vakataka rulers followed the Shaiva
sect of Hinduism.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
114. Which of the following statement/s
is/are true.
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is
aimed at building a world-class underground
laboratory with a rock cover to conduct basic
research on the neutrino.
The INO will study atmospheric neutrinos
only. Solar neutrinos have much lower energy
than the detector can detect.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
115. Oslo Peace Accords is related to
(a) Iran – US nuclear deal
(b) Israel – Palestine issue
(c) China - Taiwan deal
(d) India – Afghanistan deal
116. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Pro-Active Governance And Timely
Implementation ( PRAGATI) was launched in
2015.
2. It is a multi-purpose and multi-modal
platform that is aimed at addressing common
person’s grievances.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
117. GATI Portal is launched by
(a) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(b) Ministry of External Affairs
(c) Ministry of MSMEs
(d) Ministry of Tourism
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 17
118. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Locusts are a collection of certain species of
short-horned grasshoppers that have a
swarming phase.
2. Adult locust swarms can fly up to 150 km a
day with the wind and adult insects can
consume roughly their own weight in fresh
food per day.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
119. Which of the following statement/s
is/are true.
G-77, established in 1964 by 77 developing
countries in Geneva.
India is not a member of the G77.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
120. Similipal National Park is located at
(a) Odisha
(b) West Bengal
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Karnataka
121. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Dhanush Gun System is the first long-range
artillery gun to be produced in India.
2. It is equipped with inertial navigation-
based sighting system, auto-laying facility,
onboard ballistic computation and an
advanced day and night direct firing system.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
122. Queen Prabhavatigupta belongs to
(a) Mourya Dynasty
(b) Gupta Dynasty
(c) Vakataka Dynasty
(d) Kushana Dynasty
123. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. The Bru or Reang are a community
indigenous to Northeast India, living mostly in
Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam.
2. In Tripura, they are recognised as a
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
124. Which of the following statement/s
is/are true.
The Sambhar Salt Lake is India's largest inland
salt lake.
It is located at Rajasthan.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
125. Sahana disease is caused by
(a) Bacteria
(b) Virus
(c) Fungi
(d) Protozoa
126. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. GNP (Gross Domestic Product) is a measure
of national income produced in a particular
country.
2. GDP (Gross National Product) takes into
account net income receipts from abroad.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
JAN 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.nammakpsc.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 18
127. The World Happiness Report is published
by
(a) United Nations Development Programme
(b) United Nations Sustainable Development
Solutions Network
(c) United Nations Trusteeship Council
(d) None of the above
128. Which of the following statements are
true?
1. Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and
Systems (CCTNS) aims at creating a
comprehensive and integrated system for
enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of
policing at the Police Station level.
2. CCTNS is a Mission Mode Project (MMP)
under the National e-Governance Plan of
Govt. of India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
129. Which of the following statement/s
is/are true.
Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in
Telangana.
The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers
from the Baduga tribe is a major special
attraction of the event.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
130. The Vishnuprayag and Srinagar hydro-
electric projects are built on
(a) Kabini
(b) Alakananda
(c) Bhagirathi
(d) Kosi
http://www.nammakpsc.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 19
ANSWERS 1.Ans: c
Justification:
The Preamble is based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the
Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946.
The Resolution was adopted on January 22, 1947.
The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a
“Sovereign Democratic Republic”.
By the 42nd Amendment of 1976, enacted during the Emergency, the words “Socialist” and
“Secular” were inserted; the Preamble now reads “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic
Republic”.
2.Ans: b
Justification:
In December 27, 1911, the National Anthem was first sung at the Calcutta session of the
Congress.
‘Jana Gana Mana’ is the first stanza of the Bengali hymn ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’, written
by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
3.Ans: c
Justification:
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) is a Market Linked Tribal Entrepreneurship
Development Program.
It will form clusters of tribal SHGs and strengthening them into Tribal Producer Companies.
It has been launched with participation from all the 27 States from the Country.
The scheme will be implemented by TRIFED.
4.Ans: c
Justification:
Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) is a scheme for model residential school for
Indian tribal (ST, Scheduled Tribes) across India.
It is one of the flagship intervention of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
and was introduced in the year 1997-98, to ensure tribal students get access to quality
education in the remote tribal areas.
EMRSs are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 20
As per the budget 2018-
19, every block with
more than 50% ST
population and at least
20,000 tribal persons,
will have an Eklavya
Model Residential School
by the year 2022.
5.Answer: a
Justification:
For a better
understanding of how
much water is contained
in each winter’s snowfall
and how much will be
available when it melts
in the spring, NASA has
launched a seasonal
campaign as part of a
five-year programme
called SnowEx, initiated
in 2016-17.
While the geographical
focus of SnowEx is North
America, NASA’s overall
target is optimal
strategies for mapping
global snow water equivalent (SWE) with remote sensing and models leading to a Decadal
Survey “Earth System Explorer” mission.
6.Ans: c
Justification:
Under the SAGY, each MP was required to identify one gram panchayat of his or her choice
for developing it as an Adarsh Gram (Model Village) every year.
Under the Yojana, MPs are responsible for developing the socio-economic and physical
infrastructure of three villages each by 2019, and a total of eight villages each by 2024. The
first Adarsh Gram (Model Village) was to be developed by 2016, and two more by 2019.
The basic unit for development is ‘Gram Panchayat’.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 21
7.Ans: b
Justification:
The Reserve Bank of India has launched 'MANI' mobile app to help the visually challenged
identify the denomination of currency notes.
8.Ans: a
Justification:
Founded in 1935, the Indian History Congress(IHC) is the largest association of professional
historians in South Asia.
It has about 35000 members of which over 2000 delegates participate in its session every
year.
It has been holding its sessions very regularly from its inception and publishing its
proceedings every year since 1935.
Its main objective is to promote secular and scientific writing of history.
9.Ans: c
Justification:
It is a fee charged from a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from customers
through credit and debit cards in their establishments.
MDR compensates the card issuing bank, the lender which puts the PoS terminal and
payment gateways such as Mastercard or Visa for their services.
MDR charges are usually shared in pre-agreed proportion between the bank and a merchant
and is expressed in percentage of transaction amount.
10.Answer: a
Justification:
Jai Prakash Narayan was born on 11th October,1902 in Uttar Pradesh. He was an Indian
political leader and theorist. He is popularly known as Lok Nayak.
Narayan was educated at universities in the United States, where he became a Marxist.
Upon his return to India in 1929, he joined the Indian National Congress (Congress Party).
In 1932 he was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment for his participation in the Civil
Disobedience Movement against British rule in India. Upon release he took a leading part in
the formation of the Congress Socialist Party, a left-wing group within the Congress Party,
He formed the Praja Socialist Party in 1952.
11.Ans: c
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 22
It is a training module project launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
It facilitates external stakeholders to access Biometric enabled Centralised Access Control
System (CACS) for training in digital platforms.
All 29 Aviation Security Training Institutes have been registered as User Entities for this
project.
It envisaged to achieve a “paperless office” under e-Governance initiative.
12.Ans: a
Justification:
The Treaty of Sugauli signed by the Kingdom of Nepal and British India (after Anglo-
Nepalese War) in 1816 located the Kali River as Nepal's western boundary with India. The
discrepancy in locating the source of the river led to boundary disputes between India and
Nepal, with each country producing maps supporting their own claims.
13.Ans: b
Justification:
The statistics ministry has constituted a 28 member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCES)
chaired by former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen.
It is to improve quality of data amid criticism of the government over political interference.
The first meeting of the SCES is scheduled on January 6, 2020.
The committee is set up in the backdrop of controversy over revision of GDP numbers and
withholding employment data by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
Earlier, Ministry of Statistics had decided not to release the Consumer Expenditure Survey
results of 2017-18 citing data quality issues.
14.Ans: c
Justification:
Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the
country.
The Forest Survey of India organize the training programmes to state sponsored forest
personnel.
FSI releases State of Forest Report biennially based on satellite imageries.
According to the State of Forest Report, the definition of forest cover includes all lands more
than 1 hectare in area with a tree canopy of more than 10 per cent, irrespective of land use,
ownership, and legal status
15.Answer: a
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 23
The M-STriPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intenstive Protection & Ecological Status)
patrolling app is deployed and used in every Tiger Reserve. This system improved the
efficiency of Tiger conservation.
16.Ans: c
Justification:
To set the educational system in order, he instituted in 1902, a Universities Commission to
go into the entire question of university education in the country. On the basis of the
findings and recommendations of the Commission, Curzon brought in the Indian Universities
Act of 1904, which brought all the universities in India under the control of the government.
The Agriculture Research Institute in Pusa (Bihar – Bengal Presidency) was established.
He made efforts for police reforms, eliminating the corruption and to promote the
economic development. He provided a revival to conservatism in India by refurbishing the
main features of Lord Mayo’s policies.
He instituted a Police Commission in 1902 under the chairmanship of Sir Andrew Frazer.
Curzon accepted all the recommendations and implemented them. He set up training
schools for both the officers and the constables and introduced provincial police service.
During Curzon regime, the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) was established which
covered roughly the areas of upper course of River Indus.
Imperial cadet corps was set up which became an instrument for Indianisation of army
later.
17.Ans: a
Justification:
FAME 2 scheme aims to boost electric mobility and increase the number of electric vehicles
in commercial fleets.
Target: The outlay of ₹10,000 crore has been made for three years till 2022 for FAME 2
scheme.
The government will offer the incentives for electric buses, three-wheelers and four-
wheelers to be used for commercial purposes.
18.Ans: c
Justification:
The ability to see without eyes is known as extraocular vision. Previous researchers have
defined it as the ability to resolve scenes without discrete eyes.
Researchers have shown that red brittle star, which are relatives of starfish, can see even
though it does not have eyes. The red brittle star (Ophiocoma wendtii), which lives in the
coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea, becomes only the second creature, after a sea urchin
species, known to have this ability (barring freak cases in other species).
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 24
19.Ans: c
Justification:
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body formed by the
Government of India, under the Act of Parliament, 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Act of 1956'.
It is an apex organization under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with
regard to khadi and village industries within India.
It seeks to - "plan, promote, facilitate, organize and assist in the establishment and
development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other
agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary
20.Answer: a
Justification:
The Maharashtra government has launched a ‘cyber safe women’ campaign across the
state, on the birth anniversary of Indian social reformer, Savitribai Phule.
The cyber safe women initiative aims to spread awareness regarding the atrocities
committed against women and children as well as the laws regarding cybercrime.
It will educate women about how the web is used by anti-social elements to commit various
types of crimes.
21.Ans: c
Justification:
The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found
throughout the Indian subcontinent.
It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes.
22.Ans: b
Justification:
Indian Space Research Organisation has inked a pact with Indian Institute of Astrophysics
(IIA) to pave the way for collaboration in establishing optical telescope facilities under
Project ‘NETRA’ for tracking space objects.
23.Ans: c
Justification:
Smog towers are structures designed to work as large-scale air purifiers. They are usually
fitted with multiple layers of air filters, which clean the air of pollutants as it passes through
them. After the cleaning, the tower releases clean air.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 25
The filters installed in the tower will use carbon nanofibres as a major component and will
be fitted along its peripheries. The tower will focus on reducing particulate matter load.
24.Ans: a
Justification:
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as the Indian Niño, is an irregular oscillation of
sea-surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer
(positive phase) and then colder (negative phase) than the eastern part of the ocean.
The IOD involves an aperiodic oscillation of sea-surface temperatures (SST), between
"positive", "neutral" and "negative" phases.
A positive phase sees greater-than-average sea-surface temperatures and greater
precipitation in the western Indian Ocean region,[dubious – discuss] with a corresponding
cooling of waters in the eastern Indian Ocean—which tends to cause droughts in adjacent
land areas of Indonesia and Australia. The negative phase of the IOD brings about the
opposite conditions, with warmer water and greater precipitation in the eastern Indian
Ocean, and cooler and drier conditions in the west.
25.Answer: b
Justification:
The Miyawaki method of afforestation is to come up on the government office premises,
residential complexes, school premises, and puramboke land in Kerala.
The Miyawaki method, developed by a Japanese botanist after whom it is named, involves
planting saplings in small areas, causing them to “fight” for resources and grow nearly 10
times quicker.
It originated in Japan, and is now increasingly adopted in other parts of the world, including
our Chennai. It has revolutionised the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards
into mini-forests.
26.Ans: c
Justification:
Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of about 50 rare inherited metabolic disorders that
result from defects in lysosomal function.
Lysosomes are sacs of enzymes within cells that digest large molecules and pass the
fragments on to other parts of the cell for recycling.
This process requires several critical enzymes. If one of these enzymes is defective, because
of a mutation, the large molecules accumulate within the cell, eventually killing it.
27.Ans: a
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 26
Washington Consensus: The Washington Consensus is a set of 10 economic policy
prescriptions by Washington, D.C.-based institutions such as the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), World Bank and United States Department of the Treasury.
It constitutes the "standard" reform package promoted for crisis-stricken developing
countries.
The prescriptions encompassed policies in such areas as macroeconomic stabilization,
economic opening with respect to both trade and investment, and expansion of market
forces within the domestic economy.
28.Ans: c
Justification:
Chinese paddlefish found in the Yangtze declared extinct
It is native to the Yangtze, Asia’s longest river.
It is one of the world’s largest species of freshwater species.
It has been declared extinct by Chinese scientists. The last confirmed sighting of the fish was
in 2003.
29.Ans: a
Justification:
Saltwater Crocodile:
It is the largest of all living reptiles. It listed as least concern by IUCN. It is found throughout
the east coast of India.
30.Answer: c
Justification:
It is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
It was commissioned in 1660 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the memory of his first
and chief wife Dilras Banu Begum.
The structure, known as the ‘Taj of the Deccan’ because of its striking resemblance to the
Taj Mahal.
31.Ans: c
Justification:
Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from the reactants
directly into electricity and heat.
The device consists of an electrolyte layer in contact with a porous anode and cathode on
either side.
In a standard fuel cell, gaseous fuels are fed continuously to the anode (negative electrode),
while an oxidant (oxygen from the air) is fed continuously to the cathode (positive
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 27
electrode). Electrochemical reactions take place at the electrodes to produce an electric
current.
32.Ans: a
Justification:
The Mechi originates in the Mahabharat Range in Nepal. It flows through Nepal, forms the
boundary between India and Nepal and then flows through the Indian state of Bihar to join
the Mahananda in Kishanganj district.
33.Ans: c
Justification:
IMD was established in 1875.
It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting
and seismology
34.Ans: c
Justification:
BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
It assists in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the
energy intensity of the Indian economy.
BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations
to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions
assigned to it under the energy conservation act.
35.Answer: a
Justification:
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in North Goa District, Sanguem taluka near the town of
Valpoi. Owing to the presence of Bengal Tigers, it can be declared as a tiger reserve under
Project Tiger.
It has been declared an International Bird Area because of the presence of the Nilgiri wood-
pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-headed Bulbul, Rufous babbler,
White-bellied blue-flycatcher and Crimson-backed sunbird.
36.Ans: c
Justification:
A habitable zone, also called the “Goldilocks zone”, is the area around a star where it is not
too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on the surface of surrounding planets.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 28
Obviously, our Earth is in the Sun’s Goldilocks zone.
If Earth were where the dwarf planet Pluto is, all its water would freeze; on the other hand,
if Earth were where Mercury is, all its water would boil off.
37.Ans: a
Justification:
Patola, the trademark Saree of Gujarat, is considered to be very costly and worn only by the
Royals or the Aristocrat.
Reason being the raw material silk yarn is purchased from Karnataka or West Bengal, where
silk processing units are situated, thus increasing the cost of the fabric manifolds.
It can take six months to one year to make one sari due to the long process of dying each
strand separately before weaving them together.
Patola was woven in Surat, Ahmedabad and Patan.
38.Ans: c
Justification:
Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana is a voluntary and contribution based
central sector scheme.
The government launched the scheme, entailing monthly minimum assured pension of
₹3,000 for the entry age group of 18-40 years after attaining the age of 60 years, with effect
from July 22, 2019.
Under the scheme, the government makes matching contribution in the subscribers’
account.
The scheme is based on self-declaration as no documents are required except bank account
and Aadhaar Card.
39.Ans: c
Justification:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was
established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority Act 1985.
The Authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, promotes export of agricultural and
processed food products from India.
40.Answer: c
Justification:
In the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, post attacks on
merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman in Jun 19, Indian Navy had commenced Maritime
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 29
Security Operations, code named Op SANKALP, in the Gulf Region to ensure safe passage of
Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
41.Ans: c
Justification:
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) is a citizen-centric initiative
that will enable citizens to report cyber crimes online through the portal.
All the cyber crime related complaints will be accessed by the concerned law enforcement
agencies in the States and Union Territories for taking action as per law.
This portal was launched on pilot basis on 30th August, 2019 and it enables filing of all cyber
crimes with specific focus on crimes against women, children, particularly child
pornography, child sex abuse material, online content pertaining to rapes/gang rapes, etc.
This portal also focuses on specific crimes like financial crime and social media related
crimes like stalking, cyber bullying, etc.
42.Ans: b
Justification:
The proposed ‘Green Credit Scheme’, as it is called, allows agencies — they could be private
companies, village forest communities — to identify land and begin growing plantations.
After three years, they would be eligible to be considered as compensatory forest land if
they met the Forest Department’s criteria.
An industry needing forest land could then approach the agency and pay it for parcels of
such forested land, and this would then be transferred to the Forest Department and be
recorded as forest land.
43.Ans: d
Justification:
The concept of Curative petition was evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of
Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Anr. (2002) Judgement.
The question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final
judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after dismissal of a review petition.
No time limit is given for filing Curative petition. It is guaranteed under Article 137 of
Constitution of India i.e. powers of the Supreme Court to review of its own judgements and
orders.
44.Ans: c
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 30
Born in 1881 in Vadodara, Doctor studied law in Bombay before travelling to Britain in 1905
for further studies.
He became a member of the Indian Home Rule Society in London, and wrote in the monthly
‘Indian Sociologist’.
In 1906, Doctor met Gandhi, who at the time was in London to meet imperial authorities on
behalf of South Africa’s Indian origin people.
During the meeting, Gandhi asked Doctor to move to Mauritius to assist the Indian
community there in their struggle for equal rights. Doctor arrived in Mauritius the following
year.
He founded ‘The Hindustani’ newspaper in Mauritius, which had the motto “Liberty of
Individuals! Fraternity of Men!!! Equality of Race!!!”
Doctor also helped establish the Arya Samaj in Mauritius. He returned to India in 1911.
45.Answer: a
Justification:
Camels in Australia, which number over 10 lakh today, were first brought to the continent in
the late 19th century from India when Australia’s massive interior region was first being
discovered.
Over 20,000 were imported from India between the 1840s and the 1900s.
The animals also have a massive carbon footprint, each camel emitting methane equivalent
to one tonne of carbon ¬dioxide a year.
46.Ans: d
Justification:
The second edition of bilateral annual military exercise Dharma Guardian - 2019 between
Indian and Japanese Army commenced at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School
(CIJWS) Vairengte, Mizoram.
MILAN stands for Multilateral Naval Exercise.
It is a multilateral naval exercise aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly
foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime
domain.
Of the 41 navies invited, confirmations from over 30 navies have been received towards
their participation in MILAN 2020.
47.Ans: c
Justification:
Dampa Tiger Reserve or Dampha Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve of western Mizoram, India
48.Ans: c
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 31
Justification:
Section 144 CrPC, a law retained from the colonial era, empowers a district magistrate, a
sub-divisional magistrate or any other executive magistrate specially empowered by the
state government in this behalf to issue orders to prevent and address urgent cases of
apprehended danger or nuisance.
The magistrate has to pass a written order which may be directed against a particular
individual, or to persons residing in a particular place or area, or to the public generally
when frequenting or visiting a particular place or area.
In emergency cases, the magistrate can pass these orders without prior notice to the
individual against whom the order is directed.
49.Ans: c
Justification:
The Ministry of Power and New & Renewable Energy has released the ‘State Energy
Efficiency Index 2019’.
The first such Index, the “State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index 2018”, was launched
on August 1, 2018.
The index tracks the progress of Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives in 36 states and union
territories based on 97 significant indicators.
It is developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in association with Alliance for an
Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
50.Answer: b
Justification:
Four wheels of ZBNF to be implemented in practically:
The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’, says
Palekar, a Padma Shri awardee.
Jiwamritais a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses
flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500
crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into
“available” form.
Bijamritais a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed
treatment solution prior to sowing.
Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to
conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius,
which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves
the same objective.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 32
51.Ans: c
Justification:
Scrubber systems are a
diverse group of air
pollution control devices
that can be used to
remove some
particulates and/or
gases from industrial
exhaust streams.
The International
Maritime Organization’s
(IMO) adopted the
International
Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution
from Ships (MARPOL)
Annex VI in 2008 that
regulates the prevention of air pollution from ships and prohibits deliberate emissions of
ozone-depleting substances such as Sulphur oxides and nitrous oxides.
Following the adoption, exhaust scrubbers have become one of the most preferred ways of
reducing Sulphur exhaust as they ‘scrub’ pollutants out of emissions.
52.Ans: b
Justification:
Recently In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court said that access to the Internet is a
fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, and asked the Jammu and Kashmir
administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory.
53.Ans: b
Justification:
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage is a non-profit charitable organisation
registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. In 2007, the United Nations awarded
INTACH a special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council
54.Ans: b
Justification:
Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four' species,
rhino, elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 33
The 2018 census had yielded 2,413 rhinos and approximately 1,100 elephants. The tiger
census of 2014 said Kaziranga had an estimated 103 tigers, the third highest population of
the striped cat in India after Jim Corbett National Park (215) in Uttarakhand and Bandipur
National Park (120) in Karnataka.
Kaziranga is also home to nine of the 14 species of primates found in the Indian
subcontinent.
55.Answer: b
Justification:
India is among the few countries in the world where, in 2018, the mortality under-5 years of
girls, exceeded that of boys, according to the ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ report by
the United Nations (UN) inter-agency group for child mortality.
56.Ans: c
Justification:
Blockchains are a new data structure that is secure, cryptography-based, and distributed
across a network.
The technology supports cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, and the transfer of any data or
digital asset.
Spearheaded by Bitcoin, blockchains achieve consensus among distributed nodes, allowing
the transfer of digital goods without the need for centralized authorisation of transactions.
57.Ans: b
Justification:
The Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) is a partnership among governments, multilateral
development banks, private sector investors, and financiers by world bank.
58.Ans: c
Justification:
What is Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)?
A critical part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy. Provides uniform
licences for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbons, enabling contractors
to explore conventional as well as unconventional oil and gas resources.
Under the OALP, once an explorer selects areas after evaluating the National Data
Repository (NDR) and submits the EoI, it is to be put up for competitive bidding and the
entity offering the maximum share of oil and gas to the government is awarded the block.
59.Ans: c
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 34
GSAT-30 uses two satellite frequencies:
It gives the Indian mainland and islands coverage in the Ku band, and extended coverage in
a wider area stretching from Australia to Europe in the lower-frequency C-band.
The Ku and C bands are part of a spectrum of frequencies, ranging from 1 to 40 gigahertz,
that are used in satellite communications.
60.Answer: a
Justification:
Under article 131Supreme Court has three kinds of jurisdictions: original, appellate and
advisory.
Under its advisory jurisdiction, the President has the power to seek an opinion from the
apex court under Article 143 of the Constitution.
Under its appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts.
In its extraordinary original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has exclusive power to
adjudicate upon disputes involving elections of the President and the Vice President, those
that involve states and the Centre, and cases involving the violation of fundamental rights.
For a dispute to qualify as a dispute under Article 131, it has to necessarily be between
states and the Centre, and must involve a question of law or fact on which the existence of a
legal right of the state or the Centre depends.
The Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) is a partnership among governments,
multilateral development banks, private sector investors, and financiers by world
bank.
61.Ans: d
Justification:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is undertaking a mass
cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in 50 identified beaches under the “Swachh – Nirmal Tat
Abhiyaan.
62.Ans: c
Justification:
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD, also called biological oxygen demand) is the amount of
dissolved oxygen needed (i.e., demanded) by aerobic biological organisms to break down
organic material present in a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time
period
It is often used as a surrogate of the degree of organic pollution of water.
63.Ans: b
Justification:
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 35
Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO)is a Conference organized
by MoSPI, Government of India every year.
The 27th COCSSO was inaugurated at Kolkata, West Bengal.
COCSSO is a major national forum for coordination between the Central and State Statistical
Agencies with the objectives of putting in coordinated efforts for making available reliable
and timely statistics to planners and policy makers.
64.Ans: c
Justification:
National Education Day celebrated every year in India on November 11 to commemorate
the birth anniversary of MaulanaAbul Kalam Azad.
From 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had decided to celebrate
November 11 as National Education Day.
MaulanaAbul Kalam Azad was an Indian scholar and independence activist who served as
the first Minister of Education of independent India.
65.Answer: d
Justification:
Pulicat Lake formerly Palaverkaadu Eri is the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in
India, after Chilika Lake. It straddles the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states
with over 96% of it in Andhra Pradesh and 4% in Tamil Nadusituated on the Coromandal
Coast in South India.
66.Ans: c
Justification:
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act is an unique Indian
legislation to protect Farmers’ Rights and breeder’s rights.
Under this acta farmer is entitled to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm
produce including seed of a variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, 2001 except brand
name.
PPV&FR Act is fully compliant to the International Seed Treaty.
Under the provisions of PPV&FR Act, 138 farmers/farming communities have been awarded
with Plant Genome Saviour Awards.
67.Ans: a
Justification:
It is Organised by United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP)
Six participant countries — Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United
States
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 36
Objective: To Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants.Focuses on methane, black carbon and
hydrofluorocarbons
68.Ans: d
Justification:
The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is the section of the Himalayas within India, spanning the
northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh, as well as the hill regions of two eastern states, Assam and West Bengal
Western ghats is a chain of mountains running parallel to India's western coast,
approximately 30-50 km inland, the Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat
69.Ans: c
Justification:
A credit rating agency is a company that assigns credit ratings, which rate a debtor's ability
to pay back debt by making timely principal and interest payments and the likelihood of
default.
An agency may rate the creditworthiness of issuers of debt obligations, of debt instruments,
and in some cases, of the servicers of the underlying debt, but not of individual consumers.
The debt instruments rated by CRAs include government bonds, corporate bonds, municipal
bonds, preferred stock, and collateralized securities, such as mortgage-backed securities
and collateralized debt obligations.
70.Answer: d
Justification:
Dyarchy. Dyarchy, also spelled diarchy, system of double government introduced by the
Government of India Act (1919) for the provinces of British India. ... The principle of dyarchy
was a division of the executive branch of each provincial government into authoritarian and
popularly responsible sections.
71.Ans:a
The GCCA was established by the European Union (EU) in 2007 to strengthen dialogue and
cooperation with developing countries, in particular least developed countries (LDCs) and
small island developing States (SIDS).
By fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change, the Alliance helps to
ensure that poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change increase their
capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, in support of the achievement of the
Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).
http://www.mentors4ias.com/
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 37
The Alliance also helps such countries to participate in the global climate change mitigation
efforts.
72.Ans:b
The Kakatiya dynasty was a South Indian dynasty whose capital was Orugallu, now known as
Warangal . It was eventually conquered by the Delhi Sultanate.
It is situated at present day Andhra Pradesh. Marcopolo’s travelogue and mottipalli
inscription by king Ganapathy has reference about the port and the kingdom.
73.Ans:b
Sarvastivada is an early school of Buddhism that held to 'the existence of all dharmas in the
past, present and future, the 'three times'.
The Abhidharma Kosa-bhaṣya, a later text, states: He who affirms the existence of the
dharmas of the three time periods [past, present and future] is held to be a Sarvastivadin”
74.Ans:c
https://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/medsea.htm
75.Ans:d
It is formulated by Government of India to maximize economic impact mainly through
infrastructure development in commercially viable projects, both green field and brown
field, including stalled projects
Its Proposed corpus40,000 crore The initial authorized corpus of NIIF would be Rs. 20,000
crore, which may be raised from time to time, as decided by Ministry of Finance.
Government can provide upto 20000 crore per annum into these funds.
76.Ans: a
Justification:
SACEP is an inter-governmental organization, established in 1982 by the governments of
South Asia.
The objective is to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of the
environment in the region
The member countries are Afghanistan , Bangladesh , Bhutan , India , Maldives , Nepal ,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
It also acts as the Secretariat for the South Asian Seas Programme, which comes under the
purview of UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme.
77.Ans: d
http://www.mentors4ias.com/https://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/medsea.htm
FEBRUARY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS QUESTIONS
©www.mentors4ias.com in Association with Bangalore IAS Academy 38
Justification:
The main short-lived climate pollutants are black carbon, methane and tropospheric ozone,
which are the most important contributors to the human enhancement of the global
greenhouse effect after CO2. ... Other short-lived climate pollutants include some
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs
78.Ans: c
Justification:
The G20 is an international forum that brings together the world's 20 leading industrialised
and emerging economies.
The group accounts for 85% of world GDP and two-thirds of its population.
Much of the important business takes place on the sidelines and in informal