Saturday, May 28, 2022

Nicknames of Countries and Cities in the World

  Asia

1. Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon
2. China – The Red Dragon
3. Indonesia – The Emerald of the Equator
4. Japan – Land of the Rising Sun
5. Mongolia – Land of the Blue Sky
6. North Korea – The Hermit Kingdom
7. Philippines – The Pearl of the Orient Seas
8. South Korea – Land of the Morning Calm
9. Sir Lanka – India’s Teardrop
10. Thailand – Land of Smiles
11. Afghanistan – Graveyard of Empires
12. Israel – The Holy Land
13. Lebanon – Switzerland of the Middle East

Africa
1. Burkina Faso – Land of the Upright Men
2. Egypt – The Gift of the Nile
3. Lesotho – The Kingdom In The Sky
4. Madagascar – The Red Island
5. Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills
6. South Africa – Rainbow Nation

America
1. Brazil – Pindorama (Land of the Palms)
2. Canada – The Great White North
3. Chile – Land of Poets
4. Guyana – Land of Many Waters
5. Paraguay – The Island Surrounded by Land
6. Peru – Land of the Incas
7. USA – Uncle Sam
8. Venezuela – Land of Grace

Australia
1. Australia – Land Down Under (sometimes also used for New Zealand)
2. New Zealand – Land of the Long White Cloud

Europe
1. Albania – Land of the Eagles
2. Belarus – The White Rus
3. England – Land of Hope and Glory
4. Finland – Land of a Thousand Lakes
5. France – L’hexagone
6. Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice
7. Ireland – The Emerald Isle
8. Italy – The Boot
9. Slovenia – The Sunny Side of the Alps
10. Switzerland – Land of Milk and Honey
11. Ukraine – The Bread Basket of Europe

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

First Global Report on Assistive Technology


The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) jointly launched the first Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT) on 16 May 2022. 

This report is the culmination of the 71st World Health Assembly resolution in 2018 to prepare a global report on effective access to assistive technology. 

The report assumes significance as 90% of those who need assistive technology do not have access to it globally, and including assistive technology into health systems is critical for progress towards the targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

National Data and Analytics Platform launched by NITI Aayog

The National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP) was launched by NITI Aayog for free public use. By making data accessible, interoperable, interactive, and available on a user-friendly platform, the platform intends to democratise access to public government data. It houses basic datasets from a variety of government departments, organises them, and provides analytics and visualisation capabilities. This public debut comes after the platform’s beta release in August 2021, which gave a small number of users access for testing and feedback.

APPSC ASSISTANT ENGINEERS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1 INITIAL KEY

APPSC ASSISTANT ENGINEERS (COMMON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL/ CIVIL) PAPER - 2 INITIAL KEY

APPSC ASSISTANT ENGINEERS (COMMON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL/ CIVIL) PAPER - 3 INITIAL KEY

Monday, May 9, 2022

కేంద్ర పథకాలు

 ప్రధానమంత్రి ఫసల్ బీమా

-లక్ష్యం: అతివృష్టి, అనావృష్టి, అకాల వర్షాలతో నష్టపోయిన రైతులను ఆదుకోవడం.
-రైతులకు సామాజిక భద్రత కల్పించడం.

ప్రయోజనాలు:
-నామమాత్రపు ప్రీమియంతో రైతులకు పంటల బీమా.
-ఖరీఫ్ సీజనలో ఆహార ధాన్యాలు, నూనెగింజల పంటలకు 1.5 శాతం ప్రీమియం.
-ఖరీఫ్, రబీ సీజనలలో ఉద్యాన పంటలకు 5 శాతం ప్రీమియం


ప్రధానమంత్రి జీవన్‌జ్యోతి బీమా

-లక్ష్యం: జీవిత బీమాతో భరోసా కల్పించడం

ప్రయోజనాలు
-18 నుంచి 50 ఏండ్ల వారికోసమే ఈ పథకం.
-రూ. 2 లక్షల జీవిత బీమా సదుపాయం.
-ఏడాదికి రూ. 330 ప్రీమియం అంటే రోజుకు రూ. 1 కంటే తక్కువ.
-బ్యాంకు ఖాతా తప్పనిసరి.
-ఈ పథకంలోని సభ్యులు ఏదైనా కారణంతో మృతిచెందితే వారి సంబంధీకులకు రూ. 2 లక్షల బీమా.
-ప్రతి ఏడాది రెన్యువల్ చేసుకోవాలి.


ప్రధానమంత్రి సురక్ష బీమా

-లక్ష్యం: ప్రమాద బీమాతో భరోసా కల్పించడం.

ప్రయోజనాలు
-ఏడాదికి కేవలం రూ. 12 ప్రీమియంతో ప్రమాద బీమా.
-18 నుంచి 70 ఏండ్ల వయస్సు గల వారికి వర్తింపు.
-సేవింగ్స్ ఖాతాతో బీమా.
-ఆటో డెబిట్ సౌకర్యం.
-ప్రమాదంలో మరణించినా, శాశ్వతంగా అంగవైకల్యాలుగా మారినా రూ. 2 లక్షల బీమా అందుతుంది.
-పాక్షిక వైకల్యం చెందితే రూ. లక్ష.


అటల్ పెన్షన్ యోజన

-లక్ష్యం: వృద్ధాప్యంలో ఆదాయ భద్రత.
-అసంఘటిత రంగంలోని 87 శాతం కార్మికులకు పింఛను.

ప్రయోజనాలు
-60 ఏండ్ల తర్వాత ప్రతి నెలా రూ. 1000 నుంచి రూ. 5000 వరకు పింఛను.
-వయస్సును బట్టి ప్రీమియం.
-ఎస్‌పీఎస్ తరహాలో ఏపీవైని 18 నుంచి 40 ఏండ్ల వయస్సు గల వారికి వర్తింపు.
-పింఛను రూ. 1000, రూ. 2000, రూ. 3000, రూ. 4000, రూ. 5000గా వర్తింపు.
-కనీసం 20 ఏండ్లు జమ చేయాలి.
-ప్రభుత్వ ఉద్యోగులు, సీపీఎస్, ఇతర పథకంలో లేనివారు మాత్రమే అర్హులు.
-సభ్యుడి కాంట్రిబ్యూషన్‌లో 50 శాతం ప్రభుత్వం ఇస్తుంది.
-ప్రీమియం నెలకు కనిష్ఠంగా రూ. 42 నుంచి గరిష్ఠంగా రూ. 210.

కృషోన్నతి యోజన

 Krishonnati Yojana | కృషోన్నతి యోజన

వ్యవసాయం, దాని అనుబంధ రంగాల్లోని పథకాలన్నింటినీ ఒకే గొడుగు కిందికి తెచ్చి ఎన్డీయే ప్రభుత్వం రూపొందించిన పథకమే కృషోన్నతి యోజన. దీని పరిధిలోని పథకాలు


-నేషనల్ ఫుడ్ సెక్యూరిటీ మిషన్ (ఎన్‌ఎఫ్‌ఎస్‌ఎం)
-నేషనల్ ఫుడ్ సెక్యూరిటీ మిషన్- వాణిజ్య పంటలు
-మిషన్ ఫర్ ఇంటిగ్రేటెడ్ డెవలప్‌మెంట్ ఆఫ్ హర్టికల్చర్ (ఎంఐడీహెచ్)
-నేషనల్ మిషన్ ఫర్ ఆయిల్‌సీడ్స్ అండ్ ఆయిల్ పామ్స్
-నేషనల్ మిషన్ ఫర్ సైస్టెనబుల్ అగ్రికల్చర్
-సాయిల్ హెల్త్‌కార్డు పథకం
-పరంపరాగత్ కృషి వికాస్ యోజన
-నేషనల్ స్కీం ఆన్ అగ్రికల్చర్ ఎక్స్‌టెన్షన్ అండ్ టెక్నాలజీ
-ఇంటిగ్రేటెడ్ స్కీం ఆన్ అగ్రికల్చరల్ మార్కెటింగ్
-ఇంటిగ్రేటెడ్ స్కీం ఆన్ అగ్రికల్చర్ సెన్సస్ అండ్ స్టాటిస్టిక్స్
-ఇంటిగ్రేటెడ్ స్కీం ఆన్ అగ్రికల్చర్ కో-ఆపరేషన్
-ఇన్వెస్ట్‌మెంట్ ఇన్ డిబెంచర్స్ ఆఫ్ స్టేట్ ల్యాండ్ డెవలప్‌మెంట్ బ్యాంక్స్
-నేషనల్ అగ్రిటెక్ ఇన్‌ఫ్రాస్ట్రక్చర్ ఫండ్
-ప్రైస్ స్టెబిలైజేషన్ ఫండ్ ఫర్ సెరీల్స్ అండ్ వెజిటబుల్స్

Prime Minister’s Ten Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

 

PM 10 point

 

Sl No.Agenda Point
1All development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management
Explanation
Development and Disasters are two sides of a coin. While a planned development can reduce the risks of disasters, the absence of proper planning can aggravate them. It is, therefore, essential to imbibe disaster risk reduction approach in all development schemes. Development should focus on reducing disaster risks and not create them.
2Risk coverage must include all, starting from poor households to SMEs to multi-national corporations to nation states
Explanation

Disasters result in loss of lives and damages to properties and assets. Those who survive face the challenges of their rehabilitation. This applies to all from poor households to SMEs to multi-nationals.
It is necessary to think big and innovatively to widen the risk insurance cover. Some bold steps have been taken to ensure financial inclusion and risk insurance for the poorest.
Government has some schemes having risk coverage in consideration which include Jan Dhan Yojana, Suraksha Bima Yojana, Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance) etc. 
There is a need for:

  • Development of disaster insurance mechanisms for home-owners in disaster prone area
  • Development of parametric insurance for weather and climate related disasters
  • Develop insurance products to cover major infrastructure projects
Women’s leadership and greater involvement should be central to disaster risk management
Explanation
It is necessary to encourage greater involvement and leadership of women in disaster risk management to support special needs of women affected by disasters. Women are generally seen as vulnerable to disasters. But women can play an important role in disaster risk reduction at the household, society, community and beyond. We need large number of women volunteers, engineers, masons and building artisans to participate in post-disaster reconstruction and promote women self-help groups which can assist in livelihood recovery. There is a need to include women in NDRF and SDRF, and to train elected women representatives at the local level under development.
4Invest in risk mapping globally to improve global understanding of Nature and disaster risks
Explanation
Disasters know no boundary. Many natural hazards impact across countries, so there is a need for better understanding of such risks at global level. With a shared understanding of the nature and severity of disaster risks globally, their impacts can be mitigated with better planning and preparedness. This requires undertaking multi-hazard risk assessments and developing maps for all major hazards in a standardized format to facilitate disaster risk reduction.
5Leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of disaster risk management efforts
Explanation
Efforts must be made to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of our disaster risk management efforts. This requires use of technology in resource planning, e.g., India Disaster Resources Network (IDRN), creation of e-platform to map expertise and resources on highly specialized aspects of disaster response and to increase the efficacy of early warning systems for all major hazards through the application of technology.
6Develop a network of universities to work on disaster-related issues
Explanation
It will be helpful to develop a network of universities and academic institutions to work on disaster-related aspects. As part of this network, different universities could specialize in multi-disciplinary research on disaster issues most relevant to them.
7Utilise the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies for disaster risk reduction
Explanation
Utilize the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies to develop a social media strategy for Disaster Risk Management in the country. Social media is transforming disaster response. It is helping response agencies in quickly organizing themselves and enabling citizens to connect more easily with authorities.
8Build on local capacity and initiative to enhance disaster risk reduction
Explanation
Disaster management must build on local capabilities and initiatives. The task of disaster risk management, particularly in rapidly growing economies, is so huge that formal institutions of the state can at best be instrumental in creating the enabling conditions. Specific actions have to be designed and implemented locally. Such efforts reduce risk and create opportunities for local development and sustainable livelihoods. Localization of disaster risk reduction will also ensure that good use is made of the traditional best practices and indigenous knowledge.
9Make use of every opportunity to learn from disasters and, to achieve that, there must be studies on the lessons after every disaster
Explanation
Ensure that the opportunity to learn from a disaster is not wasted. After every disaster there is a need to undertake research studies to understand the best practices and learn lessons to improve the policy and disaster governance.
10Bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters
Explanation
Disasters’ impacts are huge and so are the needs to be prepared for and respond strategically. Across the globe, countries face disasters similar in nature and sometimes across the countries. It requires coordinated and unified response by affected countries. Pre-disaster planning and preparedness can result in effective and timely response, hence it is important to bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters. International forums and protocols should be used in addressing disaster risks for effective and coordinated response.

NDMA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

DISASTER MANAGEMENT - NATIONAL POLICY ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT 2009

 

National Dm Policy2009 by 9290010274 on Scribd

DISASTER MANAGEMENT - Andhra Pradesh Heat Wave Action Plan 2021

 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT - Andhra Pradesh Lightning Action Plan 2021

DISASTER MANAGEMENT PREPARATION PLAN


 

Friday, April 15, 2022

APPSC Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection MCQs

1. Any adulterated elements leak into the ground, filtration, and are carried into a groundwater reservoir is known as _____ .

A) Land contamination

B) Noise pollution

C) Water pollution

D) Air pollution

Answer: C

 

2. South Africa is a leading exporter of which mineral?

A) Copper

B) Diamond

C) Silver

D) Platinum

Answer: D

 

3. Which of the following options is correct when we only accomplish two out of three pillars of sustainable development?

A) Economic + Environmental sustainability = Viable

B) Social + Environmental sustainability = Bearable

C) Social + Economic sustainability = Equitable

D) All of the above

Answer: D

 

4. In which year did the word ‘sustainable development’ come into existence?

A) 1992

B) 1978

C) 1980

D) 1987

Answer: C

 

5. In which year was the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) started by the UN General Assembly?

A) 1995

B) 1994

C) 1993

D) 1992

Answer: D

 

6. After mining, the huge holes left behind are used for ____ .

A) Wastewater storage

B) Waste and water storage

C) Waste disposal

D) Waste storage

Answer: C

 

7. Mercury and lead are toxic elements that cause ______ .

A) Noise pollution

B) Air pollution

C) Water pollution

D) Land contamination

Answer: D

 

8. What is the other word for landscaping?

A) Reduction

B) Restoration

C) Removing topsoil

D) Restore

Answer: B

 

9. What does a firm seek for whenever the price of the mineral remains high?

A) New countries

B) Remains the same

C) New miners

D) New deposits

Answer: D

 

10. Which of the following options is not incorporated as sustainable development parameters?

A) Gender disparity and diversity

B) Inter and intra-generational equity

C) Carrying capacity

D) None of the above

Answer: D

 

 

11.Modern concept of sustainable development focuses more on

A) economic development

B) social development

C) environmental protection

D) all of the above

Answer: D

 

 

12. Sustainability Science is the study of the concepts of sustainable development and ___ .

A) environmental science

B) general science

C) social science

D) geo science

Answer: A

 

 

13.As per United Nations, following is (are) the broader issue(s) of human development

(A) education

(B) public health

(C) standard of living

(D) all of the above

Answer: D

 

 

14.United Nations (UN) decade of education for sustainable development is from

(A) 2002-11

(B) 2003-12

(C) 2004-13

(D) 2005-14

Answer: D

 

 

15.Numbers of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by United Nations are

(A) 15

(B) 16

(C) 17

(D) 18

Answer: C

 

 

16.The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize that all countries must stimulate action in the following key areas.

(A) people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership

(B) people, planet, prosperity, plants and planning

(C) people, planet, prosperity, plants and partnership

(D) people, planet, prosperity, peace and planning

Answer: A

 

 

17.Sustainable development can be thought of in terms of three spheres i.e.

(A) environment, economy and society

(B) environment, economy and equity

(C) environment, ecology and society

(D) environment, economy and ecology

Answer: A

 

 

18.When the consumption of natural resources are equal to nature’s ability to replenish then sustainability is

(A) not sustainable

(B) steady state economy

(C) environmentally sustainable

(D) none of the above

Answer: B

 

 

19. A promising direction towards sustainable development is to design systems that are

(A) flexible and irreversible

(B) flexible and reversible

(C) inflexible and reversible

(D) inflexible and irreversible

Answer: B

 

 

20.Following is (are) the element(s) of sustainable agriculture

(A) permaculture

(B) agroforestry

(C) mixed farming

(D) all of the above

Answer: D

 

 

21.Sustainable energy

(A) is clean

(B) can be used over a long period of time

(C) both (A) and (B)

(D) none of the above

Answer: C

 

 

22.The technology which meets the sustainable development needs is often referred to as

(A) advanced technology

(B) appropriate technology

(C) sustainable technology

(D) adaptive technology

Answer: B

 

 

23.The criterion for corporate sustainability

(A) eco-efficiency

(B) socio-efficiency

(C) both (A) and (B)

(D) none of the above

Answer: C

 

 

24.Four domains of circles of sustainability, used by the United Nations.

(A) economic, ecological, political and cultural

(B) economic, social, political and cultural

(C) economic, ecological, social and cultural

(D) economic, ecological, political and social

Answer: A

 

 

25.The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is also known as

(A) Rio 2010

(B) Rio 2011

(C) Rio 2012

(D) Rio 2013

Answer: C

 

 

26. Any adulterated elements leak into the ground, filtration, and are carried into groundwater reservoir is known as
(a) Land Contamination
(b) Noise Pollution
(c) Water Pollution
(d) Air pollution

Answer: C

 

27. South Africa is leading exporter of which mineral?
(a) Copper
(b) Diamond
(c) Silver
(d) Gold

Answer: D

 

28. Which option is correct, when we only accomplish two out of three pillars of Sustainable Development?
(a) Economic + Environmental Sustainability = Viable
(b) Social + Environmental Sustainability = Bearable
(c) Social + Economic Sustainability = Equitable
(d) None of the above

Answer: D

 

29. The word ‘Sustainable Development’ came into existence in the year?
(a) 1992
(b) 1978
(c) 1980
(d) 1987

Answer: C

 

30. The United Nation’s Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was started by the UN General Assembly in the year.
(a) 1995
(b) 1994
(c) 1993
(d) 1992

Answer: D

 

31. After mining the huge holes left behind is used for
(a) Wastewater storage
(b) Waste and water storage
(c) Waste Disposal
(d) Waste Storage

Answer: C

 

32. Mercury and lead are toxic elements, which causes
(a) Noise Pollution
(b) Air Pollution
(c) Water Pollution
(d) Land contamination

Answer: D

 

33. The other word of Landscaping is
(a) Reduction
(b) Restoration
(c) Removing topsoil
(d) Restore

Answer: B

 

34. Whenever the price of the mineral remains high, the firm seeks for
(a) New countries
(b) Remains the same
(c) New miners
(d) New deposits

Answer: D

 

35. Which of the option is not incorporated as sustainable development parameters?
(a) Gender disparity and diversity
(b) Inter and Intra-generation equity
(c) Carrying capacity
(d) None of the above

Answer: D

 

 

36. What is sustainable development?

A) The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

B) To conserve natural resources and to develop alternate sources of power while reducing pollution and harm to the environment.

C) It is the practice of developing land and construction projects in a manner that reduces their impact on the environment by allowing them to create energy-efficient models of self-sufficiency. 

D) All of the above

Answer: D

37. The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly in the year 

A. 1992

B. 1993

C. 1994

D. 1995

Answer: A

 

38. Which of the following UN commission is responsible for reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development?

A. United Nation Disarmament Commission

B. United Nations Statistical Commission

C. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)

D. United Nations Commission on Human Rights

Answer: C

 

39. Consider the following statement (s) related to the parameters of sustainable development refer to the guiding principles.

I. Help in understanding the concept of sustainable development

II. Point the problems associated with it

III. Help to take active policy measures

Code:

A. Both I & II

B. Bot II & III

C. Both I & IV

D. I, II & III

Answer: D

 

40. Which of the following is not included in the parameters of sustainable development?

A. Carrying capacity

B. Inter and Intra-generation equity

C. Gender disparity and diversity

D. None of the above

Answer: D

 

41. Which of the following is correct, if we only achieve two out of three pillars of Sustainable Development?

A. Social + Economic Sustainability = Equitable

B. Social + Environmental Sustainability = Bearable

C. Economic + Environmental Sustainability = Viable

D. All of the above

Answer: D

 

42. Consider the following statement (s) related to Sustainability.

I. It refers to a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely.

II. Natural resources must use in ways that do not create ecological debts by over-exploiting the carrying and productive capacity of the earth.

III. A minimum necessary condition for sustainability is the maintenance of the total natural capital stock at or above the current level.

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Only II & III

D. I, II & III

Answer: D

 

43. Which of the following is/are not an objective (s) of sustainable development?

A. Continue to implement the family planning program.

B. Maintain a dynamic balance of arable land (not less than 123 million hectares) and implement an agricultural development strategy

C. Maintain a dynamic balance of water resources by reducing water consumption for every unit of gross development product growth and agricultural value-added

D. To bring about a gradual and sometimes catastrophic transformation of the environment

Answer: D

 

44. What are the Primary Goals of Sustainability?

I. The end of poverty and hunger

II. Better standards of education and healthcare - particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation

III. To achieve gender equality

IV. Sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies

Code:

A. I, II & III

B. I, III & IV

C. I & III

D. I, II, III & IV

Answer: D

 

45. Sustainable Development Goals and targets are to be achieved by:

A) 2020                

B) 2025

C) 2030                

D) 2050

Answer: C

 

46. The problem of ozone depletion is caused in the stratosphere by high levels of compounds

A) Chlorine and Bromine

B) Chlorine and Carbon

C) Silicon and Bromine

D) Silicon and hydrogen

Answer: A

 

47. CFC stands for

A) Chlorofluorocarbons

B)Hydro fluorocarbons

C) Ultra fluorocarbons

D)Photo fluorocarbons

Answer: A

 

48.Which of the following is the largest source of water pollution in major rivers of India?
A)    Untreated sewage
B)    Agriculture run-off
C)    Unregulated small scale industries
D)    Religious practices

Answer: A

 

49.The phrase ‘tragedy of commons” is in the context of
A) tragic event related to damage caused by release’ of poisonous gases.
B) tragic conditions of poor people.
C) degradation of renewable free access resources
D) climate change

Answer: C

 

50.‘Kyoto Protocol is related to
A) Ozone depletion’
B) Hazardous waste
C) Climate change
D) Nuclear-energy

Answer: C