Consider the following statements regarding Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020
- This bill includes public servants and editor or publisher of a newspaper in the prohibited category for accepting foreign contribution
- This bill decreases administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20% from 50% earlier.
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: Govt set to amend FCRA, to make Aadhaar mandatory for foreign contribution
The government on Sunday sought to make provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2011
About Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2011
- Include public servants in the prohibited category for accepting foreign contribution: FCRA 2010 prohibits certain persons to accept any foreign contribution. These include: election candidates, editor or publisher of a newspaper, judges, government servants, members of any legislature, and political parties. The Bill adds public servants to this list. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Transfer of foreign contribution: Under the Act, foreign contribution cannot be transferred to any other person unless such person is also registered to accept foreign contribution. The Bill amends this to prohibit the transfer of foreign contribution to any other person.
- Aadhaar for registration: The Act states that a person may accept foreign contribution if they have obtained a certificate of registration from central government or obtained prior permission from the government to accept foreign contribution. The bill makes Aadhaar mandatory for registration.
- Restriction in utilisation of foreign contribution: The Bill gives government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a “summary enquiry”.
- Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes: The bill decreases administrative expenses through foreign funds by an organisation to 20% from 50% earlier. Hence statement 2 is correct
This dynasty ruled the Andhra region in and around the 12thcentury CE. Gnapati Deva, Rudrama Devi were few important rulers belonging to this dynasty. Kakati Devi temple was built during their reign. Identify the dynasty being referred to in the above paragraph?
- Kakatiya dynasty
- Rashtrakuta dynasty
- Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty
- Satavahana dynasty
Answer: (a) Kakatiya dynasty
Explanation:
In NEWS: An ancient temple’s transition over years of neglect
- A temple constructed by emperor Ganapati Deva, a mighty ruler of Kakatiya dynasty, in Dharanikota near Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh has been converted into an abode of local goddess Balusulamma (Goddess Durga). Hence option (a) is correct
- The presiding deity at this 13th century temple was Kakati Devi, the tutelary deity of Kakatiya rulers.
- With passage of time, when patrons became extinct the shrine was neglected and unpreserved, the idol rolled out from its original place in the sanctum and mutilated.
- The villagers of Dharanikota, who had no knowledge about the hoary past of the temple, installed Balusulamma idol and started worshipping.
- Currently, idol is placed in a small shelter on the southern side of the temple, locally known as Gollabhama Gudi.
Architectural significance of the temple:
- Ceiling bears decorations of lotus medallions
- No sikhara on its top
- Totally akin to their counterparts found in shrines at Hanamkonda and Warangal fort etc.– the original home land of Kakatiya dynasty.
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme
- It will be executed by combined efforts of Department of Telecom and Common Service Centres
- It would entail implementation of 1 wi-fi and 5 free of cost connections to Government Institutions like Primary Schools, Anganwadi Centres, Aasha 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: ‘Step towards making India’s villages self-reliant’: PM Modi inaugurates highway projects, fibre scheme in Bihar
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated nine highway projects and the ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme via video-conferencing in poll-bound Bihar
- Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme will connect all 45,945 villages of Bihar through optical fibre internet service
- This project will be executed by combined efforts of Department of Telecom, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Common Service Centres (CSC). Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Project would entail implementation of 1 wi-fi and 5 free of cost connections to Government Institutions like Primary Schools, Anganwadi Centres, Aasha Workers, Jeevika Didi etc. Hence statement 2 is correct
- This project will lead digital services like e-Education, e-Agriculture, Tele-Medicine, Tele-law and other social security schemes to be easily available to all citizens of Bihar.
Consider the following statements regarding National Technical Textiles Mission
- It will be implemented for a period of 10 years
- The aim of the mission is to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market.
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: National Technical Textiles Mission
The Government has approved the proposal for creation of National Technical Textiles Mission for a period of 4 years (2020-21 to 2023-24) with an outlay of Rs.1480 crores.
About National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM):
- The National Technical Textiles Mission is to be implemented by the Ministry of Textiles.
- It will be implemented for a period of 4 years (2020-21 to 2023-24). Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- The aim of the mission is to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market. Hence statement 2 is correct
The Mission will have four components:-
- Research, Innovation and Development – Promoting (i) fundamental research at fibre level and (ii) application based research in geo-textiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles among others.
- Promotion and Market Development – It will aim at taking domestic market size to $40 billion to $50 billion by 2024.
- Export Promotion – It aims at export promotion of technical textiles enhancing from the current annual value of approximately Rs.14000 Crore to Rs.20000 Crore by 2021-22 and ensuring 10% average growth in exports per year upto 2023-24.
- Education, Training, Skill Development –Promoting technical education at higher engineering and technology levels related to technical textiles and its application areas.
- The mission shall work for holistic development of entire technical textile sector on pan-India basis.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1656237
Consider the following statements regarding National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- It is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean realms.
- It is situated in Vasco da Gama, Goa
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: Famous Cuddalore beach found to have high level of microplastics: NCPOR study
- The famous Silver Beach in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu was found to have a higher amount of coloured plastic particles, compared to fragmented and irregular-shaped plastic particles.
- Untreated urban sewage, tourism and fishing activities were the sources of the plastic debris while storm-water runoff played a significant role in the transportation of plastic debris through the Gadilam river and wave-induced deposition through high tides.
- It has been observed that plastic pollution gets aggravated due to the passage of persistent chemicals like pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls, making them more concentrated when they come into contact with marine life.
About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- It is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean realms. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established as an autonomous Research and Development Institution of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (formerly Department of Ocean Development), Government of India on the 25th May
- NCPOR was formerly known as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) & is situated in Vasco da Gama, Goa. Hence statement 2 is correct
- NCPOR is known for its participation in global experiments, hosting of international conferences and in the leadership of international committees concerned with Antarctic science.
- At present, NCPOR is an agency working under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, since 2006, by the notification of the President of India.
Consider the following statements regarding International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries
- It supports the International Monetary Fund Group’s mission by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income.
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: No preference for ‘Make in India’ in World Bank project to curb coronavirus
- The World Bank has clarified that the USD 1 billion loan that it has provided to India in May 2020 to deal with Covid-19 comes with a condition of universal eligibility in procurements.
- The World Bank would have the right to review the procurement documents, inspect all accounts, records and other files relating to the project. Compliance to these conditions has been made mandatory for the funding.
- Following the clarification the Indian Government has also asked all its production units and other major establishments to remove preferential references in tenders and ensure that contractors explicitly agreed to comply with the relevant provisions of the World Bank’s guidelines.
- The funds provided were exclusively for the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems and Preparedness project. This project is to be implemented by the Railway Ministry. The loan was disbursed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
About International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is an international financial institution, established in 1944 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, that is the lending arm of World Bank Group.
- The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. Hence statement 1 is correct
- As the largest development bank in the world, It supports the World Bank Group’s mission by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, as well as by coordinating responses to regional and global challenges. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
Consider the following statements regarding Financial Action Task Force
- It is an inter-governmental body and was established in the G7 Summit in Paris to develop policies against money laundering.
- India is not a member of this force
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: Pak. action on 26/11 under the scanner
As a plenary session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) prepares to make a fi nal decision on Pakistan’s “grey list” status at a meeting from October 21 to 23, Islamabad’s actions against 26/11 attackers will be under the scanner as part of a 27 point action list it has been handed to complete
Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
- The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body.
- It was established in 1989during the G7 Summit in Paris to develop policies against money laundering. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The FATF Secretariat is located in Paris.
The objectives of the FATF:
- To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
Members:
- The FATF currently comprises 37 member jurisdictions and 2 regional organisations (the European Commission and the Gulf Co-operation Council).
- Indiais one of the members. On June 2010 India was taken in as the 34th country member of FATF. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
FATF has two lists:
- Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries.
- Grey List: Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist.
Consider the following statements regarding Cyanobacteria
- They are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water.
- Climate change will trigger this cyanobacterium to produce more toxins as water temperatures rise and conditions become more favorable for the bacteria to grow.
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: Bacteria behind deaths of 330 Botswana elephants
- Toxins in water produced by cyanobacteria killed more than 300 elephants in Botswana this year.
- Botswana is home to 130,000 African elephants — more than any other country on the continent.
- The Okavango Delta, where the carcasses were found is home to 10% of the country’s elephants.
About Cyanobacteria
- Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water and sometimes grow into large blooms known as blue-green algae. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Cyanobacteria are routinely found in water, but not all produce toxins. Scientists worry that climate change will trigger the bacteria to produce more toxins as water temperatures rise and conditions become more favorable for the bacteria to grow. Hence statement 2 is correct
- These single-celled organisms live in fresh, brackish (combined salt and freshwater), and marine water.
- These organisms use sunlight to make their own food.
- In warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) environments, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly.
- Some cyanobacterial blooms can harm people and animals
O-SMART Scheme is lanuched by the which of the following ministry in india?
- Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Answer: (a) Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) SCHEME of the Ministry of Earth Sciences
About O-SMART scheme
- It is an umbrella scheme which encompasses a total of 16 sub-projects addressing ocean development activities such as Services, Technology, Resources, Observations and Science.
- The scheme was launched on Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES) foundation day. Hence option (a) is correct
- The implementation duration of the scheme is from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
- All the existing schemes are likely to be continued in a focused way as a part of umbrella scheme of (O-SMART).
- The mission will help India to harness various living and non-living(water, mineral and energy) resources from the seabed and deep water.
Components of the O-SMART scheme:
- Underwater robotics and ‘manned’ submersibles are key components of the Mission.
- Other components include early warning systems for oceanic disasters, setting up marine coastal observatories for monitoring marine pollution and acquisition of coastal research vessels.
The objectives of O-SMART Scheme are:
- To generate and regularly update information on Marine Living Resources and their relationship with the physical environment in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ);
- To periodically monitor levels of sea water pollutants for health assessment of coastal waters of India;
- To develop shoreline change maps for assessment of coastal erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities;
- To develop a wide range of state-of-the art ocean observation systems for acquisition of real-time data from the seas around India;
- To develop algorithms for validation of satellite data for coastal research and to monitor changes in the coastal research; and
- To carryout exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (MPN) from water depth of 5500 m in site of 75000 sq.km allotted to India by United Nations in Central Indian Ocean Basin.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1657412
Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?
- Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
- Establishment of universities was recommended.
- English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In 1854, Charles Wood prepared a despatch on an educational system for India. Considered the “Magna Carta of English Education in. India”, this document was the first comprehensive plan for the spread of education in India.
- It asked the Government of India to assume responsibility for education of the masses, thus repudiating the ‘downward filtration theory’, at least on paper.
- It systematised the hierarchy from vernacular primary schools in villages at bottom, followed by Anglo -Vernacular High Schools and an affiliated college at the district level, and affiliating universities in the presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
- Statement 3 is not correc 3. It recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies and vernaculars at school level.
- It laid stress on female and vocational, education, and on teachers’ training.
- It laid down that the education imparted in government institutions should be secular. Statement 1 is correct.
- It recommended a system of grants – in -aid to encourage private enterprise.
- Statement 2 is correct. The Despatch recommended the establishment of universities in the three Presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
