.Consider the following statement
- Bala Prasad Committee is related to a preparation framework for Block and District Development Plans
- Till now only the Gram Panchayats and District Panchayats had the power to prepare and execute their development plans
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Union Minister N S Tomar unveils preparation framework for Block & District development plans
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today unveiled preparation framework for Block and District development plans.
- The newly prepared framework empowers Block and District Panchayats to prepare and execute their development plans using local resources. The plan has been prepared by Bala Prasad Committee. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Till now only the Gram Panchayats (first tier of PRIs) had the power to prepare and execute their development plans (Village Development Plans). Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- The framework will serve as an important tool for all resource persons, stakeholders associated with decentralized planning in block and district panchayats and will play an important role in transforming rural India.
- The 73rd amendment to the Constitution of India formalized the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, Gram Panchayat at village level, intermediate Panchayat at Block, taluka level and District Panchayat at district level.
- The grants of the 15th Finance Commission are also being distributed to Intermediate and District Panchayats from 2020-21.
Consider the following statements regarding Soil-Transmitted Helminths
- They are considered as a neglected tropical diseases
- In India, the drug Albendazole is used to treat STH
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: 14 States report reduction in worm prevalence infection in children
- As per the latest report on the National Deworming Day, at least 14 States have reported a reduction in parasitic intestinal worm infection prevalence in children.
- To assess the exact burden of STH in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare appointed the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the nodal agency to coordinate and conduct nationwide baseline STH mapping. In collaboration with partners and government agencies, NCDC completed the baseline STH mapping across the country by the end of 2016. The data showed varied prevalence ranging from 12.5 % in Madhya Pradesh to 85% in Tamil Nadu.
- According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms in India, also known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH).
- In India, the drug Albendazole is used to treat STH. Hence statement 2 is correct
- About Soil-transmitted helminths
- Soil-transmitted helminths refer to the intestinal worms infecting humans that are transmitted through contaminated soil.
- STHs are considered Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Hence statement 1 is correct
- The disease is prevalent in areas with warm and moist climates (including temperate regions) where sanitation and hygiene are poor.
- The worms that infect people are roundworm, whipworm and hookworms.
- STH infections can lead to anemia (hookworms only), malnutrition, impaired mental and physical & cognitive development, and reduced school participation.
- STH transmission: Adult worms live in human intestines for food and survival and produce thousands of eggs each day, Eggs are passed to the environment through the faeces of the infected person and Other individuals (children or adults) ingest through food or dirty hands and thus repeat the cycle.
Consider the following statements
- India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park at Jogighopa
- Jogighopa is situated in assam on the northern bank of River Brahmaputra.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: India’s first multimodal logistics park in Assam to create 20 lakh jobs
- To be completed by 2023, the park will reduce trade cost by 10%, have cargo capacity of 13 million metric tons (MMT) per year and act as a single platform for cargo, warehousing, custom clearance, parking and maintenance services.
- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways laid the foundation stone for country’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park (MMLP) at Jogighopa in Assam. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is the first among 35 MMLP projects identified for implementation across the country.
- It will be developed under ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’ of the Government of India.
- The development project includes railway sidings, container terminals, warehousing, non-cargo processing, a truck terminal, common facilities, support infrastructure and equipment.
- It is the first of its kind in India, with road, rail and waterways to boost domestic and international trade.
- The 200 acres’ park will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 3000 crore, completely funded by the Centre.
- Jogighopa is situated in Bongaigaon district of Assam on the northern bank of River It has historic sites such as rock cubicles, which were used as meditation rooms for the monks. Hence statement 2 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) Programme
- It provides a mechanism for effectively communicating information and scientific expertise to governments and intergovernmental processes related to forests and trees
- It is an initiative of the world bank
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Alleviating poverty: Forests, trees can be trump card post COVID-19, says report
- The Forests, Trees and the Eradication of Poverty: Potential and Limitations report was launched by the Global Forest Expert Panel (GFEP), recently.
- The report highlighted the nexus between SDG No.1 on ending poverty and SDG No.15 on protecting and restoring sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
- The seventh global scientific assessment, undertaken within the framework of GFEP, highlighted the nexus between SDG No.1 on ending poverty and SDG No.15 on protecting and restoring sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as relevant links to other SDGs.
- The report was released on 16 October, 2020 — a day before the International Poverty Day.
About Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) Programme
- The Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative was established within the framework of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), and is led and coordinated by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- GFEP provides a mechanism for effectively linking the information requirements of intergovernmental processes related to forests and trees with the best existing scientific expertise. Hence statement 1 is correct
- GFEP produces objective and independent scientific assessments on key issues of high concern and provides its state-of-the-art reports to international forums and policy processes to support more informed decision-making at the global level.
Consider the following statements regarding Institute of Chartered Accounts of India
- It is a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949
- It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Cabinet approvesMoU between ICAI, India and CPA, Papua New Guinea
- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) and the Certified Practising Accountants, Papua New Guinea (CPA PNG)to work together in capacity building and strengthening the Accounting, Financial and Audit Knowledge base in Papua New Guinea.
- The proposed MoU is expected to consolidate the trust and help to build positive image for Indian Chartered Accountants in Papua New Guinea.ICAI has a strong membership of over 3000 members in Australasia-Oceania Region comprising its chapter in PNG. The contemplated MoU for providing assistance to CPA, PNG shall benefit the ICAI members in the region and would provide an additional impetus to the prospects of the ICAI members.
About Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
- It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament i.e. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It was established for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in the country.
- It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Hence statement 2 is correct
- It is the second largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the Indian economy in public interest.
- The affairs of the ICAI are managed by a Council in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988.
- Out of 40 members of the institute, 8 are nominated by the Central Government generally representing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders.
Source: https://pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1666382
Umesh Sinha Committee’ which was in news recently, is associated with which of the following?
a) Expenditure limit for an election candidate
b) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
c) Code on Wages
d) Crypto currencies in India
Answer: (a) Expenditure limit for an election candidate
Explanation:
In NEWS: EC sets up panel to study candidates’ expenditure limit
- The Election Commission said it had set up a committee “to examine the issues concerning expenditure limit for a candidate in view of the increase in number of electors and rise in the Cost Inflation Index and other factors.”
- The Election Commission has set up the committee under its Director General Umesh Sinha and ex Indian Revenue Service officer Harish Kumar. Hence option (a) is correct
- The expenditure limit for Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates is ₹70 lakh and ₹28 lakh respectively, but on Monday the Law Ministry has approved a 10% hike for the COVID-19 period.
- The expenditure limit is the amount an election candidate can legally spend for his election campaign and has to account for, was last revised in 2014 while the same was done for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2018, following the bifurcation.
- In the last six years, the limit was not increased despite an increase in the electorate from 834 million (in 2014) to 910 million in 2019 to 921 million now. Further, the Cost Inflation Index during this period has increased from 220 to 280 in 2019 to 301 now
Consider the following statements regarding Azad Hind Government.
- It was established by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1943 at Burma
- It has a limited form of governmental jurisdiction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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: Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel attends Commemoration of ’77th Year of Formation of Azad Hind Government’ at Red Fort, Delhi
- Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel attended Commemoration of ’77th Year of Formation of Azad Hind Government’ today at Red Fort, Delhi
- The Culture Minister congratulated the nation on the proud occasion of 77th anniversary of formation of Azad Hind Government.
- The Minister said that next year the nation will celebrate the 75th anniversary of freedom and the year will also mark the 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose
About Azad Hind Government:
- It was established by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1943 at Singapore with support from Axis Powers of Japan,Germany,Italy and allies. Also known as Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Bose was convinced that armed struggle was the only way to achieve independence for India. Under his provisional government, the Indians living abroad had been united.
- The Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) drew ex- prisoners and thousands of civilian volunteers from the Indian expatriate population in Malaya (present-day Malaysia) and Burma (now Myanmar).
- It was established by Indian nationalists-in-exile during the latter part of the Second World War in Singapore with monetary, military and political assistance from Imperial Japan.
- It was a part of the freedom movement, originating in 1940s outside India with a purpose of allying with Axis powers to free India from British rule.
- Azad Hind was recognised as a legitimate state by only a small number of countries limited solely to Axis powers and their allies.
- Azad Hind had diplomatic relations with nine countries: Nazi Germany, the Empire of Japan, Italian Social Republic, Independent State of Croatia and Wang Jingwei Government, Thailand, the State of Burma, Manchukuo and the Second Philippine Republic.
- AHG had been given a limited form of governmental jurisdiction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which had been captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy early on in the war. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Bose’s Death and defeat of Axis powers in world war 2 eventually ended the Azad Hind Government.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1666372
Consider the following statements regarding Production linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
- It was launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as a part of the National Policy on Electronics 2019
- It shall extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales of goods manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Govt. to widen manufacturing PLI plan
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing investments will soon be extended to eight more sectors, and the government is close to finalising its policy for the strategic sale of public sector enterprises (PSEs)
About Production linked incentive (PLI) scheme
- The scheme was launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) as a part of the National Policy on Electronics (NPE 2019) in 2020. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Scheme offers a production linked incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components, including Assembly, Testing, and Marking and Packaging (ATMP) units.
- The scheme shall extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Support under the Scheme shall be provided for a period of five years subsequent to the base year.
- The PLI scheme will be active for five years with financial year (FY) 2019-20 considered as the base year for calculation of incentives.
- The Scheme will be implemented through a Nodal Agency which shall act as a Project Management Agency (PMA) and be responsible for providing secretarial, managerial and implementation support and carrying out other responsibilities as assigned by MeitY from time to time.
- All electronic manufacturing companies which are either Indian or have a registered unit in India will be eligible to apply for the scheme.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/govt-to-widen-manufacturing-pli-plan/article32911613.ece
Consider the following statements regarding Anemia Mukt Bharat
- It is an initiative of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- It aims at providing bi-weekly iron Folic acid supplementation to the children under age five through Asha workers.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Haryana tops Anemia Mukt Bharat Index in country
- Haryana State has the best Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Index among 29 states in the country.
- Haryana is one of 11 states in the country that have achieved National Health Policy targets well before 2020.
- The institutional deliveries have increased to 93.7 per cent and it was possible due to 24-hours delivery facilities in the state.
About Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)
- It is an initiative of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It has been launched to reduce the prevalence of anemia all over the country.
- Anemia is caused due to iron deficiency which impacts the capacity of an individual’s blood cells to carry oxygen.
- The scheme aims at providing bi-weekly iron Folic acid supplementation to the children under age five through Asha workers. Hence statement 2 is correct
- It also provided biannual deworming for adolescents and children.
Source: http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=402706
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
- Automobile exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
- Wood burning
- Using varnished wooden furniture
- Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d) 1,2,3,4 and 5
