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UPSC 2021 Civil Services Examination Answer Key Paper 1

1. With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhutti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshwara were famous a) Jain monks b) Playwrights c) temple architects d) philosophers

2. Consider the following statements:

i) The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all women above the age of 21. ii) The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature.

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

Statement 2 is correct. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in the legislature.

3. With reference to 8th August 1942 in Indian History, which one of the following statements is correct? a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by AICC b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians. c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces. d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.

4. Which among the following is associated with ‘’Songs from Prison’’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?

a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak b) Jawaharlal Nehru c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi d) Sarojini Naidu

5. With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size? a) Paragana-Sarkar-Suba b) Sarkar-Paragana-Suba c) Suba-Sarkar-Paragana d) Paragana-Suba-Sarkar

Learning Zone: Mughal Empire was divided into Suba, Sarkar, Pargana and Village. However, the question is to arrange in ascending order in terms of size. So Option A is the correct answer.

6. Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School? a) Annie Besant b) Debendranath Tagore c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar d) Sarojini Naidu

7. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillion are remembered as

a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946 c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly d) Officers of the Indian National Army

8. With reference to Indian History, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State 2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire 3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durani

Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 d) 3 only

9. Which one of the following statements is correct? a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river. b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river. c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River. d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

10. Consider the following statements: 1. 21st February is declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNICEF. 2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2

11. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 4 d) 2, 3 and 4

12. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? a) Dholavira b) Kalibangan c) Rakhigarhi d) Ropar

13. In the first quarter of the seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located? 1. Broach 2. Chicacole 3. Trichinopoly

Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) 2 and 3

14. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabutis of Thanesar 4. The Yadavas of Devagiri 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1, 2 and 5 b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 c) 2, 3 and 4 d) 5 and 6

15. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagar Empire were experts in which of the following areas? 1. Wrestling 2. Astrology 3. Accounting 4. Soothsaying

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1, 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

16. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

a) Pingali Venkaya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here. b) Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of the Andhra region from here. c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here. d) Madam Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.

17. Consider the following pairs:

Historical place : Well-known for

1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines 2. Chandra-ketugargh : Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is correctly matched? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) 2 and 3

18. Consider the following statements

1. It was during the reign of Iltumish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince. 2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus. 3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) 2 and 3

19. Consider the following statements:

1. St.Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order 2. St.Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there 3. The Feast of St.Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.

Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

20. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. 2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim the right to the property during the lifetime of the father whereas, in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim the right to the property. 3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 1 and 3 d) 3 only

21. The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

a) Increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio in the banks. b) Increase in the Statutory Liquidity Ratio in the banks c) Increase in the banking habit of the people d) Increase in the population of the country

22. With reference to Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following?

1. Expansionary policies 2. Fiscal stimulus 3. Inflation-indexing wages 4. Higher purchasing power 5. Rising interest rates

Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1, 2 and 4 only b) 3, 4 and 5 only c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

23. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Retail investors through demat account can invest in Treasury Bills and Government of India Debt Bonds in primary market 2. The ‘’Negotiated Dealing System-Ordering Matching’’ is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India. 3. The ‘’Central Depository Services Ltd’’ is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) 2 and 3

24. With reference to ‘’Water Credit”, consider the following statements:

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank. 3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

25. In India, the central bank’s function as the ‘’lender of last resort’’ usually refers to which of the following?

1. Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources 2. Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis 3. Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits

Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 d) 3 only

26. ‘’R2 Code of Practices’’ constitute a tool available for promoting the adoption of

a) Environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry b) Ecological management of ‘’Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention c) Sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands d) ‘’Environmental Impact Assessment’’ in the exploitation of natural resources

27. Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?

1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching pf some heavy metals into the environment 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

28. With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

1. It is a product of oil refineries 2. Some industries use it to generate power 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into the environment

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

29. What is blue carbon?

a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas d) Carbon present in the atmosphere

30. In nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? 1. Fern 2. Lichen 3. Moss 4. Mushroom

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1 and 4 only b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 d) 1, 3 and 4

31. Consider the following statements:

1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government. 2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in the public interest. 3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.

Which of the above statements are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

32. With reference to the casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:

1. All casual workers are entitled for employees Provident Fund Coverage 2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment 3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.

Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

33. Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession? a) Cut in tax rates accompanied by increase in interest rate b) Increase in expenditure on public projects c) Increase in tax rates accompanied by reduction of interest rate d) Reduction of expenditure on public projects

34. Consider the following statements

Other things remaining unchanged, market demand for a good might increase if

1. Price of its substitute increases 2. Price of its complement increases 3. The good is an inferior good and income of the consumers increases 4. Its price falls

Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 4 only b) 2, 3 and 4 c) 1, 3 and 4 d) 1, 2 and 3

35. With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments. 2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares. 3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1996 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

36. Indian Government Bond yields are influenced by which of the following?

1. Actions of the United States Federal Reserve 2. Actions of the Reserve Bank of India 3. Inflation and short-term interest rates.

Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

37. Consider the following:

1. Foreign currency convertible bonds 2. Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions 3. Global depository receipts 4. Non-resident external deposits

Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

a) 1, 2 and 3 b) 3 only c) 2 and 4 d) 1 and 4

38. Consider the following statements:

The effect of devaluation of a currency is that it necessarily

1. Improves the competitiveness of the domestic exports in the foreign markets 2. Increase the foreign value of domestic currency 3. Improves the trade balance

Which of the above statements is/are

a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) 2 and 3

39. Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewellery, gold etc. c) Large donations to political parties and growth of regionalism d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion

40. Which one of the following is likely to be one of the most inflationary in its effects?

a) Repayment of public debt b) Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit c) Borrowing from the banks to finance a budget deficit d) Creation of new money to finance a budget deficit

41. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

a) Congress grass b) Elephant grass c) Lemon grass d) Nut grass

42. Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Copepods 2. Cyanobacteria 3. Diatoms 4. Foraminifera

Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 3 and 4 d) 1 and 4

43. Consider the following animals 1. Hedgehog 2. Marmot 3. Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 3 only d) 1 and 3

44. With reference to the ‘’New York Declaration on Forests’’, which of the following statements are correct?

1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014 2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests 3. It is a legally binding international declaration 4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities. 5. India was one of the signatories at its inception

Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1, 2 and 4 b) 1, 3 and 5 c) 3 and 4 d) 2 and 5

45. Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines

Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1, 2, 3 and 5only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 3, 4 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

46. Which one of the following is a filter feeder?

a) Catfish b) Octopus c) Oyster d) Pelican

47. In the case of which of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrients to enter the cycle? a) Carbon cycle b) Nitrogen cycle c) Phosphorus cycle d) Sulphur cycle

48. Which of the following are detritivores?

1. Earthworms 2. Jellyfish 3. Seahorse 4. Woodlice Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1, 2 and 4 only b) 2, 3, 4 and 4 only c) 1, 3 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

49. The ‘’Common Carbon Metric’’ supported by UNEP, has been developed for

a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries d) Assessing the overall carbon foot-print caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time

50. Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms?

1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi 3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

51. Under the Indian constitution concentration of wealth violates (a) The right to equality (b) The Directive Principles of State Policy (C) The Right to freedom (d) the Concept of Welfare

52. What is the position of the Right to Property in India? (a) Legal right available to citizens only (b) Legal right available to any person (C) Fundamental Right available to citizens only (d) Neither fundamental Right nor legal right.

53. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950? (a) A democratic Republic (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic (C) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

54. Constitutional government means. (a) a representative government of a nation with federal structure (b) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers (C) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers (d) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution

55. With reference to India, the terms ‘halbi, Ho and Kui” pertain to (a) dance forms of Northwest India (b) musical Instruments (C) pre-historic cave paintings (d) tribal languages

56. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (a) Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. (b) Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. (C) The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

57. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World Statement 2: Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the Urban forests. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1 (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (C) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct. (d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct.

58. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: 1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award. 2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One ‘Players so far. 3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

59. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: 1. The official motto for the Olympics is ‘A New World’ 2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

60. Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship: 1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won. 2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (C) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

61. Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard. 2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city. 3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorised colonies in the city. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3

62. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail. 2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. 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

63. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. 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

64. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climatic change. (b) Ministry of Panchayat Raj (C) Ministry of Rural Development (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

65. A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 28 (C) Article 32 (d) Article 44

66. Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character? (a) The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded (b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units. (C) the Union cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties (d) The Fundamental rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

67. Which one of the following best defines the term “State”? (a) A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government. (b) A politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance. (C) A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government. (d) A society permanently living in a definite with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary.

68. With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements. 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India. 2. A High court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does. 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

69. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (C) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

70. Which of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy? (a) A committed judiciary (b) Centralization of powers (C) Elected government (d) Separation of powers.

71. The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions? 1. Burrowing animals and termites. 2. Fire 3. Grazing herbivores 4. Seasonal rainfall 5. Soil properties Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and2 (b) 4 and 5 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 5

72. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater. 2. The amount of water I n polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater. 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

73. Consider the following statements: 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. Tamarind tree is endemic to south Asia. 3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. 5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4 and 5 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1,2, 3 and 5

74. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (a) Brown forest soil (b) Fissure volcanic rock (c) Granite and schist (d) Shale and limestone

75. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. 2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. 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

76. In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg. 2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father. 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

77. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (a) Clonal propagation of crop plants (b) Developing genetically modified crop plants (c) Production of plant growth substances (d) Production of biofertilizers

78. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following? 1. Area of the hole in the lid 2. Temperature of the flame 3. Weight of the lid Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

Q79. Consider the following: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

80. Consider the following statements: 1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes. 2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus. 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

81. How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? 1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in such regions. 4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 4 only (d) 2 and 3

82 With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements: (a) The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. (b) The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. (c) The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

83. With reference to the Indus River system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of the which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct? (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej

84. With references to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and khatu are the names of (a) Glaciers (b) Mangrove areas (c) Ramsar sites (d) Saline lakes

85. Consider the following Rivers: 1. Brahmani 2. Nagavali 3. Subarnarekha 4. Vamsadhara Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 3

86. Consider the following statements: 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licenses for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q87. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (a) Sugarcane (b) Sunflower (c) Pearl millet (d) Red gram

88. Consider the following statements: 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds. 2. In the temperate Zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2

89. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-smart Agriculture, consider the following statements : 1. The ‘Climate-Smart village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by climate change, Agriculture and food security (CCAFS), an international research programme. 2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France. 3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’S research centers. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

90. “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.” This is the most likely descriptions of (a) Coniferous forest (b) Dry deciduous forest (c) Mangrove forest (d) Tropical rain forest

91. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because. (a) It is dipolar in nature. (b) It is a good conductor of heat (c) It has high value of specific heat (d) It is an oxide of hydrogen

92. With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. 2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps. 3.The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street-lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

93. The term ‘ACE2” is talked about in the context of (a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants (b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system (c) radio collars for wildlife tracking (d) spread of viral diseases

94. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (a) Low-density polyethylene (b) Polycarbonate (c) Polyethylene terephthalate (d) Polyvinyl Chloride.

95. ‘Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (a) Food preservatives (b) Fruit ripening substances (c) reused plastic containers (d) Toiletries.

96. Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distance are measured in light-years? (a) Distance among stellar bodies do not change. (b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change. (c) Light always travels in straight line. (d) Speed of light is always same.

97. We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model? 1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the parliament to legislate is limited. 2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. 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

98 With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: 1. N. Gopalaswamy Iyenger Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it. 2. In 1970, the Department of personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge. 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

99. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the constitution of India? (a) Article 15 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 29

100. Consider the following statements: 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. 2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. 3. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

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Daily Current Affairs Dated on 07-Feb-2020

Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Contents: 1. CEA sees growth rebounding to 6% 2. WHO declares coronavirus outbreak a global emergency 3. Crop dusting with drones is illegal, says Centre 4. Needed: fewer regulations for startups 5. A chance to chart China-like export trajectory 6. Thalinomics: the formula behind one square meal 7. Budget 2020: Archaeological Sites set to be developed CEA SEES GROWTH REBOUNDING TO 6% Why in news? The economic survey expects GDP growth to revive from the 5% estimated or this year to a range between 6%-6.5% next year. To make a point about how being pro-crony is different from being pro-business, the Survey refers to the gains made unfairly by stocks of connected companies before the CAG report on the 2G spectrum allocations came out in 2011, again rejuvenating UPA-era malfeasance memories. Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Economic Survey on GDP Growth Rate WHO DECLARES CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK A GLOBAL EMERGENCY  The last time WHO declared a global health emergency was in 2019 for the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo that killed more than 2,000 people.  The WHO declares a Public Health Emergency of International Concern when there is “an extraordinary event which is determined… to constitute a public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease.”  The agency also declared global emergencies for the 2016 Zika virus, the 2009 H1N1 swine flu, and the 2014 polio and Ebola outbreaks. Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 What does it mean?  Countries are reminded that they are legally required to share information with WHO under the IHR.  Any detection of 2019-nCoV in an animal (including information about the species, diagnostic tests, and relevant epidemiological information) should be reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as an emerging disease  All countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread of 2019-nCoVinfection, and to share full data with WHO.  Countries must inform WHO about any travel measures taken. Countries are cautioned against actions that promote stigma or discrimination, in line with the principles of Article 3 of the IHR. CROP DUSTING WITH DRONES IS ILLEGAL, SAYS CENTRE Why in news? Use of drones for agrochemical spraying had increased of late. This would create a lot of problems. What are problems? Aerial spraying impacts a larger area, while decreasing the efficacy on the target pests. Eg. Kasargod in Kerala reeling under such impact due to aerial spraying of Endosulfan for over 25 years The Insecticide Act does not allow aerial spraying. Drones and unmanned machines can be hazardous tools for spraying hazardous chemicals in many ways. Allowing Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 aerial spraying, using drones and unmanned, remote controlled vehicles can be catastrophic, NEEDED: FEWER REGULATIONS FOR START-UPS India needs to work on improving the ease of doing business, especially the ease of starting business, registering property, paying taxes, or enforcing contracts, according to the Economic Survey. World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings Cumbersome norms “If you want to start up a firm in India, it takes 18 days on an average with 10 procedures that can be often cumbersome. If we contrast it with New Zealand, which is the best in business, it takes half a day to fill up one form Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 A CHANCE TO CHART CHINA-LIKE EXPORT TRAJECTORY Why in news? The Economic Survey says India has an unprecedented opportunity to chart a China like, labour Intensive, export trajectory by integrating “Assemble in India for the world” into the Make in India policy and thus can raise its export market share to 3.5 % by 2025 and 6% by 2030 THALINOMICS: THE FORMULA BEHIND ONE SQUARE MEAL For the average worker in India’s organised manufacturing sector, the affordability of a plate of vegetarian food — comprising rice or roti, dal and sabzi has improved 29% since 200607, according to Thalinomics, a take on the economics of food by the Economic Survey. For non-vegetarians, affordability has risen 18%. BUDGET 2020: KNOW ABOUT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES SET TO BE DEVELOPED Rakhigarhi, Haryana Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Rakhigarhi, Haryana  Pre-Harappan Civilisation settlement, and later a part of the ancient civilisation itself, between 2600-1900 BCE.  What are found?: Remnants of a planned township with mud-brick houses and proper drainage system, along with terracotta jewellery, conch shells, vase and seals, things the Harappans were known for. Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh  We know Hastinapur as the ancient capital city of Pandavas and Kauravas from the epic Mahabharata.  Excavations at Hastinapur reportedly began in 1950-52  What are found?: Arrows, spearheads, shafts, tongs, hooks, axes and knives, amounting to about 135 iron objects.  Shri Digamber Jain Bada Mandir is one of the oldest temples at the site, among others like Jambudweep Jain temple, Shwetambar Jain temple, Prachin Digambar Jain Temple and Astapad Jain Temple. Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Sivasagar, Assam  This place used to be the capital of the Ahom kingdom from 1699-1788, and was formerly called Rangpur.  The province was later conquered by the British.  Guwahati Circle Archaeological Survey of India mentions excavations conducted at the Karenghar (Talatalghar) complex, the citadel of Ahom power.  What are found?: Structural remains of pathways, long walls, terracotta pipes for drains, vase, and vessels, to name a few. The other important historical site is Rang Ghar, an amphitheatre for the Ahom kings, known to have been used for enjoying sports. Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Dholavira, Gujarat  Ruins of the Harappan civilisation  Deemed the fifth largest Harappan site  What are found?: Artefacts excavated range from terracotta items and seals to urns and copper ornaments. About 10 large stone inscriptions have also been found at the site, written in Indus Valley script  Most importantly, it has one of the world’s earliest water conservation systems–a rainwater harvesting system–ever excavated Daily Current Affairs Dated on 01-Feb-2020 Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu  This is an archaeological urn-burial site in the Thoothukudi district  The objects yielded by these burial sites are finely made pottery of various kinds in great number; many iron implements and weapons; vessels and personal ornaments in bronze; a few gold ornaments; a few stone beads; bones; and some household stone implements used for grinding curry or sandalwood, besides the excavated urns which reportedly contained “complete skeletons”.

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Daily Current Affairs Dated on 08-Feb-2020

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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, FEBRUARY 2020 1st February 2020

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Current Affairs Dated On 29-07-2019

C.A Dated On 29-07-2019 GS-1 Iconic tourists site Why in news? During her Budget speech earlier this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that 17 “Iconic Tourist Sites” in the country would be developed by the government “into world class tourist destinations, to serve as a model for other tourism sites”. The initiative was aimed at enhancing India’s soft power. The Sites Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and the Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar). The Vision  “The government is looking at overall development from the tourism point of view in and around these sites — which includes roads and infrastructure, hotels and lodges, connectivity and access”.  As such, several ministries, from Railways to Civil Aviation, will be involved, while the Tourism Ministry will be the nodal agency. In keeping with international standards, interventions in and around the monuments will have elements of universal accessibility, green technology, and enhanced security for tourists. The Funding  The Tourism Ministry has been allocated Rs 1,378 crore for the development of tourism infrastructure. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  This is only marginally more than the allocations in 2017-18 (Rs 1,151 crore) and 2018-19 (Rs 1,330 crore). Status of ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme  Many of these monuments were opened up for adoption in late 2017 under the Ministry of Tourism’s Adopt a Heritage scheme.  The Red Fort was adopted by the Dalmia Group, while the Qutub Minar and the Ajanta Caves were adopted by Yatra Online.  But the momentum of the scheme has slowed down since, and only 11 MoUs have been signed so far. Punjab agriculture crisis Context Huge swathes of agricultural land have been damaged by the severe waterlogging in five districts of Punjab, mainly in Bathinda, after unprecedented single day rain. Waterlogging happens due to several factors like the geography of the land, excessive flow of water into a place without proper drainage systems and certain soil conditions. In Punjab, a potent mix of incessant rain coupled with a lack of clean and capable drainage system and water storage pits has led to the present situation. How can wells prevent waterlogging?  With proper drainage system in the fields, experts say, the excessive water in the fields can be directed into these wells which have a good capacity of holding water. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  The Soil and Conservation Department of the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) in Ludhiana has been reviving these abandoned wells under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP).  Before sending water into the well, a small pit is dug in the field close to the well where the water is first held. The water from here overflows into the well.  The bottom of the well is covered with brick blast (small pieces of bricks) up to 10 to 12 inch so as to protect against soil erosion at the bottom due to water falling directly from a height.  This was one of the safest ways of water recharging and preventing water logging to a large extent. How does the pit help clean the water?  Since Punjab is a heavy user of pesticides, the impurities in the field water will get diluted in the pit after which the brick blast at the bottom of well will absorb these impurities as well as the silt,  “The safe water goes into the earth from the first layer of soil to the other layers slowly,” he added.  The brick blast will need to be cleaned after every five years and protected by removable slabs.  The biggest benefit is that if the farmer needs water for irrigation he can use the well instead of extracting water from the ground using a tube well.  With about 84 per cent of Punjab’s land under cultivation, this method has huge potential to recharge the entire state’s water table which has been depleting over the years because of extensive use of tubewell for faring. Is it safe to send excessive water into the fields through bore wells?  Experts warn against this method as it “will contaminate the safe groundwater” as the chemicals from crop sprays will directly enter the deep layer of soil. What are other benefits of old abandoned wells? C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  In canal fed areas, the excess water can be stored in these wells to recharge the earth. This is can also reduce the expenditure on tube wells which now need to be deepened every other year. GS-3 Crypto currency An inter-ministerial committee (IMC) that was set up to assess the viability of virtual currencies has recommended that India should ban private cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. An inter-ministerial committee (IMC) that was set up to assess the viability of virtual currencies has recommended that India should ban private cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The detailed report of the IMC was submitted on February 28 but it was made public only on July 23. It is available on the Department of Economic Affairs’ website. What are virtual currencies?  A virtual currency is a digital representation of value that can be digitally traded and functions as (a) a medium of exchange, and/ or (b) a unit of account, and/or (c) a store of value, but, unlike fiat currency like the rupee, it is not legal tender and does not have the backing of a government.  A cryptocurrency is a subset of virtual currencies, and is decentralised, and protected by cryptography. What are Distributed Ledger Technologies and Blockchain?  Broadly speaking, this is how Distributed Ledger Technologies, and Blockchain, in particular, function.  DLT refers to technologies that involve the use of independent computers (also referred to as nodes) to record, share, and synchronise transactions in their respective electronic ledgers. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  Keeping such distributed ledgers obviates the need for keeping the data centralised, as is done in a traditional ledger. All virtual currencies use DLT.  A transaction under DLT essentially refers to the transfer of “value” from one to another.  This “value” could be any record of ownership of assets — money, security, land titles — or the record of specific information such as information about one’s identity or health information, etc.  That is why DLT has applications in several fields. About block chain  Blockchain is a specific kind of DLT that came to prominence after Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that used it, became popular.  Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin use codes to encrypt transactions and stack them up in blocks, creating Blockchains.  It is the use of codes that differentiates cryptocurrencies from other virtual currencies. What is the IMC’s view on DLT and cryptocurrencies?  The first thing to understand is that the IMC recognises the potential of DLT and Blockchain.  The IMC accepts that internationally, the application of DLT is being explored in the areas of trade finance, mortgage loan applications, digital identity management or KYC requirements, cross-border fund transfers and clearing and settlement systems.  To that extent, it recommends the Department of Economic Affairs (within the Finance Ministry) to take necessary measures to facilitate the use of DLT in the entire financial field after identifying its uses.  The IMC also recommends that regulators — RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA, and IBBI — explore evolving appropriate regulations for development of DLT in their respective areas.  However, the IMC has recommended a ban on “private” cryptocurrencies Why have private cryptocurrencies attracted a ban? While it is true that the technology used in virtual currencies has immense potential, without a central regulating authority, they can have numerous downsides. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  The IMC’s first concern is that non-official virtual currencies can be used to defraud consumers, particularly unsophisticated consumers or investors.  Second, scaling up such a currency system over a large population would require crippling levels of energy resources.  Currencies such as Bitcoin require humongous processing power. According to a report by the Bank of International Settlement, Bitcoin processing already uses as much energy as is used by Switzerland; it called this an environmental disaster.  Third, the IMC is worried that if private cryptocurrencies are allowed to function as legal tender, the RBI would lose control over the monetary policy and financial stability, as it would not be able to keep a tab on the money supply in the economy.  Fourth, the anonymity of private digital currencies make them vulnerable to money laundering and use in terrorist financing activities while making law enforcement difficult.  Fifth, there is no grievance redressal mechanism in such a system, as all transactions are irreversible. It is for these broad reasons that the IMC singled out private cryptocurrencies for a ban. BS-VI emission norms The story so far: The Union Government, through an order dated September 16, 2016, mandated Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) mass emission standards for various classes of motor vehicles throughout the country from April 1, 2020, leapfrogging BS-V. While this will lead to better air quality in the short term, it also means higher vehicle prices and costs. For the automobile industry, this has meant accelerated development of all related technologies and components and big investments. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019 What makes BS-VI fuels cleaner?  As per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms for upgraded fuels, (IS: 2796 – petrol and IS: 1460 – diesel), sulphur content is reduced to 10 mg/kg max in BS-VI from 50 mg/kg under BS-IV.  This key reduction in sulphur makes it possible to equip vehicles with better catalytic converters that capture pollutants.  BS-VI confers several benefits, the most important of which is limits set on Particle Number (PN) for engines, a reference to direct injection engines that emit more particulates but are more efficient and release less carbon dioxide.  Also, there are lower limits for hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in diesel engines and lower Particulate Matter limits for both petrol and diesel engines. What impact will it have on consumers?  Prices are the biggest impact factor both for commercial and passenger vehicles under the BS-VI regime, with one industry research estimate putting the increase at up to ₹20,000 for petrol cars, ₹65,000 to ₹90,000 for diesel cars, going up to ₹2.25 lakh for heavy commercial vehicles.  Even two wheelers, requiring fuel injection technology, will witness a price spike of ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.  The giant scale of the shift needed to BS-VI can be gauged from the production base: the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) says the industry produced 30,915,420 vehicles ranging from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles in the year ended April 2019, with an annual growth of 6.26%. What about the BS-IV vehicles already manufactured?  Since there is no bar on the operation of existing vehicles beyond the cut-off date for BS-VI, that is, April 1, 2020, the inventory of personal and commercial vehicles will continue to be sold.  This is significant for the commercial sector, which involves higher investments. After the deadline, however, all new vehicles sold must comply with BS-VI. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  A spike in sales of BS-IV vehicles is expected closer to the festival season, when buyer sentiment turns positive, and the industry prepares to liquidate its stock of soon-to-be obsolete vehicles.  The outlook is unclear for heavy commercial vehicles due to recent changes that enable higher freight loading, and depressed demand for expansion.  The availability of higher financing through banks after the move to recapitalise them, and higher liquidity in non-banking financial companies could also influence sales. What will the shift mean?  As of January 1 this year, there were 57,468 retail fuel outlets of the oil marketing companies across the country.  Although BS-VI fuel was introduced in the national capital last year, and extended to some contiguous districts in neighbouring States, the release of the higher grade fuel in all the pumps in the country has to be simultaneous.  The auto industry wants it done by February.  The cost of upgrading refineries to produce the higher-quality fuel is estimated at between ₹25,000 crore and ₹30,000 crore. State butterfly in Tamil Nadu Why in news? Tamil Nadu became the fifth State to declare a State butterfly and Tamil Yeoman bagged the distinction. About the butterfly  The medium-sized butterfly may not be considered very beautiful, but has many special attributes because of which it was chosen.  One reason is the name.  There are about five butterflies endemic to the Western Ghat that bear the prefix ‘Tamil’ in their names.  But this particular species scored high as it is found in abundance across most parts of the State.  Secondly, the word ‘yeoman’ is translated in Tamil as ‘maravan’, meaning warrior, which again gave the species an edge over the others. C.A Dated On 29-07-2019  Another speciality of Tamil Yeoman is that the species, although endemic to the Western Ghats, can also be sighted in small numbers in the Eastern Ghats and in open country. Except for coastal areas, there are chances of sighting it in all other landscape. Other states butterflies  Tamil Nadu is the only State to choose a member of the Nymphalidae family, members of which are not considered attractive and colourful. Maharashtra (Blue Mormon), Kerala (Malabar Banded Peacock), Uttarakhand (Common Peacock) and Karnataka (Southern Birdwing), have chosen from Swallow Tails, which are usually big and beautiful with bold patterns.  “Maharashtra’s State butterfly Blue Mormon is also considered a pest for some food plants.  Tamil Yeoman however, feeds only on wild plants found in the Western Ghats

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