SIGN LANGUAGE
News – Shark Tank episode incorporates Indian Sign Language
- About – Sign languages are visual-manual languages used primarily by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities to communicate.
- Features –
- They rely on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements
- Each sign language is unique to its region
- Sign languages have their own grammar and syntax
- Diversity: There are over 200 documented sign languages worldwide
- Eg – American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL)
- Indian Sign Language (ISL): developed by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC)
SPEAKER
News – Speaker cannot be ‘indecisive’ on pleas over defection: SC
- Role: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha
- Under – Article 93
- Election: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha
- Tenure: The Speaker holds office during the life of the Lok Sabha
- Removal – by Effective Majority of the Lok Sabha.
- With 14 days notice period
- Powers-
- Final interpreter of the Constitution
- Certifies Money Bills
- Disqualifies MPs in anti-defection case
SRI LANKA
News – Sri Lankan Minister speaks on India ties
- Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia
- Ancient name – Ceylon
- Famous ancient cities – Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Legislative Capital – Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Executive Capital – Colombo
- Official Languages: Sinhala and Tamil
- Political System – Presidential Govt
- Economy: Known for its tea, rubber, and coconut exports
- Religion: Buddhism and Hinduism
- Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee
- Mahaweli River – longest river in Sri Lanka
- Highest Peak – Mount Pedro
UGC
News – UGC studying feedback on draft faculty appointment norms: govt.
- UGC – “University Grants Commission”
- Nature – Statutory Body
- Estb. In – 1956
- Under – Ministry of Education
- Hq – New Delhi
- Functions –
- UGC sets standards for teaching, examination
- It provides financial assistance to universities
- UGC grants recognition to universities
- Accreditation Framework: in collaboration with NAAC
PMI
News – Factory output at 8-month high in March
- PMI – “Purchasing Managers’ Index”
- Definition: PMI is a survey-based measure that indicates the business activity in the manufacturing and services sectors.
- Released by – S&P Global
- Calculation-
- New orders
- Output
- Employment
- Suppliers’ delivery times
- Stock of items purchased
- Interpretation-
- PMI above 50 indicates expansion in business activity
- PMI below 50 signals contraction.
OPERATIONS BY INDIAN ARMED FORCES
News – Navy seizes 2,500 kg of narcotics in Indian Ocean
MCQs
1. Sign language uses which of the following to communicate?
A. Hand Gestures
B. Facial Expression
C. Body Movement
D. All The Above
2. Office of Speaker is under which article?
A. Article – 1
B. Article – 32
C. Article – 93
D. Article – 352
3. “Ceylon” is the ancient name of which country?
A. Nepal
B. Russia
C. China
D. Sri Lanka
4. “UGC” is under which ministry?
A. Min. of Education
B. Min. of Skill Development
C. Min. of Finance
D. Min. of Commerce
5. Recent humanitarian assistance by India to Myanmar after devastating earthquake is?
A. Operation Polo
B. Operation Maitri
C. Operation Brahma
D. Operation Vijay