- 1.Recently, India Inks MoU for the construction of the Lalandar Shatoot Dam with which of the following country?
- Iran
- Bangladesh
- UAE
- Afghanistan
Answer: (d) Afghanistan
Explanation:
In NEWS: India, Afghanistan sign MoU for construction of Lalandar [Shatoot] Dam
- A signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] for the construction of the Lalandar [Shatoot] Dam in Afghanistan
- The project is a part of the New Development Partnership between India and Afghanistan. The Lalander [Shatoot] Dam would meet the safe drinking water needs of Kabul City, provide irrigation water to nearby areas, rehabilitate the existing irrigation and drainage network, aid in flood protection and management efforts in the area, and also provide electricity to the region.
- This is the second major dam being built by India in Afghanistan, after the India- Afghanistan Friendship Dam [Salma Dam], which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the President in June 2016.
Source: http://ddnews.gov.in/national/india-afghanistan-sign-mou-construction-lalandar-shatoot-dam%C2%A0
2.Consider the following Statements regarding Internal Complaints Committee
- It is a mandatory committee which every employer is required to constitute within his organization.
- It is set up under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Most schools, colleges lack ICCs to deal with sexual harassment
- It is a must for all universities, colleges, and schools in the State and country to have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to deal with sexual harassment, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
- Unfortunately, most educational institutions in the State do not have such committees to prevent and redress sexual harassment cases.
What is an internal complaints committee?
- Internal Complaints Committee(ICC) is a mandatory committee which every employer is required to constitute within his organization. Hence statement 1 is correct
- ICC is set up under the The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 also known as Prevention of Sexual Harrassement Act (POSH). Hence statement 1 is correct
- As per the POSH Act, an employer having 10 workers or more is required to set up an Internal Complaints Committee for the redressal of ‘sexual harassment’ complaints at such entity and to regulate and administer complaints on sexual harassment.
- An Internal Complaints Committee is required to be constituted which shall submit an annual report to its employer and District Officer.
Powers and Functions of ICC
- In case of the complaint against POSH, the ICC is solely responsible to investigate with non-biasness.
- ICC is sole authority to inquire the complaints and make efforts to redress the same
- The Internal Complaints Committee plays an important role in the functioning of the provisions of the POSH Act and to ensure the fulfillment of its objectives of the Internal Complaints Committee Policy.
- As per Section 11(3) of POSH Act, the Internal Complaints Committee enjoys the powers same as that of a Civil Court.
- It is empowered to initiate an inquiry into a complaint of sexual harassment at workplace according to the Internal Complaints Committee Policy.
- IC has the power to summon witnesses and parties to give a statement before the committee.
- It enjoys the discretion of summoning evidence to be examined if it may be deemed necessary to do so by the members of the Committee.
3.Consider the following Statements regarding India Energy Outlook 2021
- According to the report, India will overtake the European Union as the world’s third-largest energy consumer by 2030.
- It is a new special report from the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook series.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
- In NEWS: India to overtake EU as world’s third largest energy consumer by 2030: IEA Hence statement 1 is correct
- India at present is the fourth-largest global energy consumer behind China, the United States and the European Union.
- In its India Energy Outlook 2021, IEA saw primary energy consumption almost doubling to 1,123 million tonnes of oil equivalent as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expands to USD 8.6 trillion by 2040. Hence statement 2 is correct
- India at present is the fourth-largest global energy consumer behind China, the United States and the European Union.
- India accounts for nearly one-quarter of global energy demand growth from 2019-40 — the largest for any country. Its share in the growth in renewable energy is the second-largest in the world, after China
- A five-fold increase in per capita car ownership will result in India leading the oil demand growth in the world. Also, it will become the fastest-growing market for natural gas, with demand more than tripling by 2040.
- India’s continued industrialisation becomes a major driving force for the global energy economy. Over the last three decades, India accounted for about 10 per cent of world growth in industrial value-added
- By 2040, India is set to account for almost 20 per cent of global growth in industrial value-added, and to lead global growth in industrial final energy consumption, especially in steelmaking. The nation accounts for nearly one-third of global industrial energy demand growth to 2040.
- India’s oil demand is seen rising by rise by 74 per cent to 8.7 million barrels per day by 2040 under the existing policies scenario. The natural gas requirement is projected to more than triple to 201 billion cubic meters and coal demand is seen rising to 772 million tonnes in 2040 from the current 590
- India, the world’s fourth-largest LNG importer, which ships in about half of its natural gas needs by tanker currently, is spending billions of dollars to build infrastructure to boost use of the cleaner fuel.
- LNG imports are expected to quadruple to 124 billion cubic metres (bcm), or about 61% of overall gas demand by 2040.
- 4.Which of the following are thematic areas with respect to Draft Blue Economy policy for India?
- National accounting framework for the blue economy and ocean governance.
- Coastal marine spatial planning and tourism.
- Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fish processing.
- Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services, and skill development.
Select the correct options from the given below codes
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1,2 and 3 only
- 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1,2,3 and 4
Explanation:
In NEWS: Ministry of Earth Sciences invites suggestions on blue economy policy
- The draft blue economy policy document outlines the vision and strategy that can be adopted by the Government of India to utilize the plethora of oceanic resources available in the country
- The policy document aims to enhance contribution of the blue economy to India’s GDP, improve lives of coastal communities, preserve marine biodiversity, and maintain the national security of marine areas and resources.
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences prepared the draft blue economy policy framework in line with the Government of India’s Vision of New India by 2030.
- It highlighted the blue economy as one of the ten core dimensions for national growth.
- The draft policy framework emphasizes policies across several key sectors to achieve holistic growth of India’s economy.
Seven thematic areas: The document recognizes the following seven thematic areas.
- National accounting framework for the blue economy and ocean governance.
- Coastal marine spatial planning and tourism.
- Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fish processing.
- Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services, and skill development.
- Logistics, infrastructure and shipping, including trans-shipments.
- Coastal and deep-sea mining and offshore energy.
- Security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.
5.Consider the following Statements regarding RIMFAX
- It will provide high resolution mapping of the subsurface structure at the landing site
- It will look for subsurface water on Mars and will greatly help the case for a human mission or the cause of a human settlement on Mars.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Explained: Why is Mars so interesting to scientists – and to the adventurer that lives in us all?
- NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover touched down on the Martian surface in the early hours of Friday. The results of the experiments by Perseverance will likely define the next couple of decades of Mars exploration.
- The results of the experiments on Perseverance will likely define the next couple of decades of Mars exploration – it will determine the course of search for life and a future manned mission to Mars.
- The Viking missions in the mid-seventies carried out the first chemical analysis of Martian soil, as well as four biology experiments to detect biological activity. The experiments did not yield any conclusive evidence of life.
- In 1984, a study showed that the isotopic composition of rare gases (Xenon, Krypton, Neon and Argon) matched the isotopic ratios of the Martian atmosphere measured by the Viking spacecraft.
- Mars Insight is creating history right now, by monitoring seismic activity and heat flow on Mars – this will help understand the composition of the Martian interior.
Why is Mars so interesting to scientists?
- First, Mars is a planet where life may have evolved in the past. Life evolved on Earth 3.8 billion years ago.
- Second, Mars is the only planet that humans can visit or inhabit in the long term. Venus and Mercury have extreme temperatures – the average temperature is greater than 400 degree C, or hotter than a cooking oven.
Looking for underground water on Mars
- Perseverance will carry the Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX). RIMFAX will provide high resolution mapping of the subsurface structure at the landing site. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The instrument will also look for subsurface water on Mars – which, if found, will greatly help the case for a human mission or the cause of a human settlement on Mars. Hence statement 2 is correct
Testing a helicopter to fly on Mars
- The Mars Helicopter is really a small drone. It is a technology demonstration experiment: to test whether the helicopter can fly in the sparse atmosphere on Mars.
- The low density of the Martian atmosphere makes the odds of actually flying a helicopter or an aircraft on Mars very low. Long-distance transportation on Mars has to rely on vehicles that rely on rocket engines for powered ascent and powered descent.
6.Consider the following Statements regarding Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
- It allows for juveniles in conflict with Law in the age group of 12-14, involved in Heinous Offences, to be tried as adults.
- It mandates setting up Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees in every district
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Juvenile Justice Act changes cleared: DMs to check child shelters before nod
- The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, increasing the role of district magistrates and additional district magistrates.
- In every district, the district magistrate and the additional district magistrate will get the power to monitor functions of agencies responsible for the implementation of the Act.
- The scope of the Juvenile Justice Act has also been expanded. Child victims of trafficking and drug abuse and those abandoned by their guardians will be included in the definition of “child in need of care” and protection.
- The proposed amendments also define the eligibility parameters for the appointment of members of the Child Welfare Committees.
- These committees are tasked to decide on children in need of care and protection and mandate their background checks.
- Before someone sets up a shelter home for children and sends their proposal for registration under the JJ Act to the State, a district magistrate will have to assess their capacity and conduct a background check.
- A district magistrate could also independently evaluate the functioning of the Child Welfare Committee, Special Juvenile Protection Units and registered childcare institutes, the Minister stated.
About JJ Act, 2015
- The JJ Act, 2015 replaced the Indian juvenile delinquency law, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.
- It allows for juveniles in conflict with Law in the age group of 16–18, involved in Heinous Offences, to be tried as adults. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The Act also sought to create a universally accessible adoption law for India.
- The Act came into force from 15 January 2016.
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, defines the legal framework in which juveniles (below 18 years old in India) can appear before a judge. As per the prevailing law, a child below 18 years has to be treated as a juvenile/child for all purposes.
- It mandates setting up Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees in every district. Both must have at least one woman member each. Hence statement 2 is correct
- To streamline adoption procedures for orphan, abandoned and surrendered children, the existing Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is given the status of a statutory body.
- Sale and procurement of children for any purpose including illegal adoption, corporal punishment in child care institutions, use of child by militant groups, offences against disabled children and, kidnapping and abduction of children.
- Penalties for cruelty against a child– offering a narcotic substance to a child, and abduction or selling a child has been prescribed.
- 7.Consider the following Statements regarding Securities Appellate Tribunal
- It is a statutory body established under the provisions of Section 15K of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
- It hears and disposes of appeals against orders passed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the PFRDA Act, 2013
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: SAT stays Sebi ban on Biyani, other Future Group promoters
- Securities Appellate Tribunal has also directed the Future Group promoters to deposit a sum of Rs 11 crore as an interim measure.
- The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has stayed the order passed by market regulator Sebi that had put a one-year ban on Future Retail Chairperson Kishore Biyani and some other promoters from the securities market.
- SAT has also directed the Future Group promoters to deposit a sum of Rs 11 crore as an interim measure
About Securities Appellate Tribunal
- It is a statutory body established under the provisions of Section 15K of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Aim: To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or by an adjudicating officer under the Act. To exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on the Tribunal by or under this Act or any other law for the time being in force.
- The Presiding officer of SAT shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India or his nominee.
- The two members of SAT shall be appointed by the Central Government.
- Earlier of the two, either 5 years at a time or reappointment or till 68 years of age.
SAT hears and disposes of appeals against orders passed by:
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the PFRDA Act, 2013. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) under the Insurance Act, 1938
- The General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act, 1972
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999
8.Consider the following Statements regarding Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
- It is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established under the Environmental Protection act, 1986.
- It has developed an online Wildlife Crime Database Management System to get real time data to analyze trends in wildlife crimes across India.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: WCCB receives Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-2020
- The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has received the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-2020 awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme
- WCCB getting the award twice in three years is a testimony of India’s commitment towards ending wildlife crime. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been awarded this year under the Innovation category.
About Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
- The Bureau has its headquarter in New Delhi and five regional offices at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Jabalpur; three sub-regional offices at Guwahati, Amritsar and Cochin; and five border units at Ramanathapuram, Gorakhpur, Motihari, Nathula and Moreh.
- Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it is mandated to collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals; to establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank; co-ordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Act; assist foreign authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate co-ordination and universal action for wildlife crime control; capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes; and advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It also assists and advises the Customs authorities in inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.
- It has developed an online Wildlife Crime Database Management System to get real time data to analyze trends in wildlife crimes across India. Hence statement 2 is correct
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=WCCB-receives-Asia-Environmental-Enforcement-Award-2020&id=410097
- 9.Consider the following Statements regarding Delimitation Commission
- It is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
- It mandates that its orders are final and cannot be questioned before any court
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Delimitation Commission holds meeting to Seek Views on Delimitation process of UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
- An overview on the process of delimitation based on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 and Delimitation Act, 2002 was presented before the Members detailing various Sections of these Acts related to the delimitation exercise.
- Delimitation Commission chaired by Retd. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai held a meeting in New Delhi with the Associate Members from Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, for seeking their suggestion on the process of delimitation in respect of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
About Delimitation Commission
- Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and state Assembly seats to represent changes in population so that the population of all seats, so far as practicable, is the same.
- The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51.
- The Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952.
- Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times — 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
- There was no delimitation after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
- Under Article 82, the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census.
- Under Article 170, States also get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census.
- It mandates that its orders are final and cannot be questioned before any court. Hence statement 2 is correct
Functions:
- To determine the number and boundaries of constituencies to make population of all constituencies nearly equal.
- To identify seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, wherever their population is relatively large.
- Composition:
- Retired Supreme Court judge
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Respective State Election Commissioners
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1699087
10.There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit?
- Reducing revenue expenditure
- Introducing new welfare schemes
- Rationalizing subsidies
- Reducing import duty
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Budget deficit is used to define a status of financial health in which expenditures exceed revenue. Reducing the revenue expenditure will certainly help in bridging the gap. Subsidies are a part of expenditure and rationalizing them would reduce the deficit. Introducing new welfare schemes will most likely result in increasing expenditure and so will expanding industries which would require capital infusion.
