Current Affairs MCQs [28 and 29 December 2017] PIB TheHindu IndianExpress & Other leading newspapers

Sumant Kumar, B.Tech NIT Allahabad sumant.magadh@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/AdSumant/

The chairman and members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of 1. Prime Minister 2. Speaker of the Lok Sabha 3. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha 4. Leader of the opposition in Lok

Sabha

Consider the following statements : o Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (which came

into force in 1994) provides for setting up NHRC at Centre as well as one Commission each at State level.

o NHRC is a constitutional) body. o NHRC was established in 1993 o It is the watchdog of human rights in the country o It looks into allegations of excesses, independently

of the government, in a manner that would underline the government's commitment to protect human rights;

5. Leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha

6. Union Home Minister Select the correct answer using codes given below: a) 1, 2 and 4 only b) 1, 4 and 6 only c) 2, 3 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Solution: d

Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (e) 1, 3, 4 and 5 Ans : (e) 1, 3, 4 and 5 NHRC is a statutory (and not a constitutional) body.

Consider the following statements : 1. NHRC is an executive body

consisting of 6 members. 2. It is headed by a retired

judge of a High Court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans : (d) Neither 1 nor 2

The NHRC consists of: Chairman + 4 members = Total 5 Full Time members. 1. A Chairperson : a retired CJI 2. One Member : a sitting or retired Judge of SC 3. One Member : a sitting or retired Chief

Justice of a High Court 4. Two Members : persons having knowledge

of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.

In addition to these 5 full time members, NHRC has 4 Ex officio members :

The Chairpersons of 1. National Commission for Minorities, 2. National Commission for SCs, 3. National Commission for STs, and 4. National Commission for Women

The term ‘Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA)’ includes such assets as those of 1.Foreign Banks 2.Regional Rural Banks

Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system as a whole (Scheduled Commercial Banks) rose to 10.2% at the end of September, from 9.6% at the end of March…

3.Non-Banking Financial Companies Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: d NBFCs lend and make investments and hence their activities are akin to that of banks; however there are a few differences as given below: o NBFC cannot accept demand deposits; o NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement

system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself; o deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit

Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.

• The bad loans problem has also not spared private sector banks – these lenders have seen their asset quality deteriorate at a faster pace than public sector banks.

• Non-banking financial companies that compete against banks also saw a jump in NPAs.”

Scheduled Commercial Banks (these are regulated under Banking Regulation Act, 1949) include: • State Bank of India and its Associates (PSBs)

• Nationalised Banks (PSBs)

• Foreign Banks

• Regional Rural Banks

• Other Scheduled Commercial Banks (this refers to Private Sector Banks)

RTE provides "free and compulsory education", what is the meaning of compulsory education? o State should provide free elementary education. o State should ensure compulsory admission. o State should ensure compulsory attendance. o State should ensure completion of elementary

education. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans D RTE clarifies that 'compulsory education' means obligation of the appropriate government to provide free elementary education and ensure compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education to every child in the six to fourteen age group.

Section 16 of the Right to Education Act, 2009 is related to a) Student-teacher ratio b) Reservation for students from economically disadvantaged communities in all private schools c) No-detention policy d) Distance of a school from the child’s residence Ans: c. Section 16, RTE: Prohibition of holding back and expulsion: No child admitted in a school shall be held back in any class or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education (till Class 8). What is No Detention Policy? • Students up to class VIII are automatically promoted

• Policy was part of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) under the RTE Act

• Objective - to prevent dropouts

• Replaces the traditional system of evaluation; Non threatening assessment

• frees the students from the pressure and fear of examination

Why in news? : HRD Ministry – Decided to remove the no-detention • Because of Complaints of deterioration of the quality of basic

education

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India. It is under the administrative control of a) Ministry of Civil Aviation b) Ministry of Home Affairs c) Ministry of Defence d) Ministry of Urban Development Solution: A The BCAS was reorganized into an independent department on 1st April , 1987 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. • The main responsibility of BCAS are

lay down standards and measures in respect of security of civil flights at International and domestic airports in India.

‘Vision Zero’ is a term frequently used across the world in the context of a) Improving the quality of manufactured products b) Reducing transport sector emissions c) Safety of humans d) Preventing illegal trade of endangered plant and animal species Solution: C “The international conference on the VISION ZERO and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), is being organized in New Delhi. • The conference aims to focus on the

Occupational Safety and Health issues and challenges in the Manufacturing, Construction and Mining sector.

• The conference is expected to introduce the fast emerging internationally accepted concept of ‘Vision Zero’ in India.”

Which one of the following ministries is responsible for promoting India as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination? a) Ministry of Urban Development b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry c) Ministry of Tourism d) Ministry of External Affairs Solution: c

• The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has been set up under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism to promote India as a venue for International Conferences and Exhibitions.

• India is also being promoted as a preferred Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination through the Global Incredible India media campaign and through Road Shows and Seminars conducted by the India tourism offices overseas.

Where is the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), recently approved by the Union Cabinet, set to come up? a) Karnal, Haryana b) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh c) Amritsar, Punjab d) Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Solution: b

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the ISARC at campus of National Seed Research and Training Center (NSRTC) in Varanasi. • Under the proposal, a Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition

(CERVA) will be set up in Varanasi. o This will include a modern and sophisticated laboratory with

capacity to determine quality and status of heavy metals in grain and straw.

o The Centre will also undertake capacity building exercises for stakeholders across the rice value chain.

• This Center will be the first international Center in the eastern India and it will play a major role in harnessing and sustaining rice production in the region.

• The Centre will help in utilizing the rich biodiversity of India to develop special rice varieties. This will help India to achieve higher per hectare yields and improved nutritional contents. India’s food and nutritional security issues will also be addressed. This will reduce wastage, add value and generate higher income for the farmers. The farmers in Eastern India will benefit in particular, besides those in South Asian and African countries.

Which of the following are correct, with respect to Smog: 1. It is a type of air pollution derived

from industrial emission. 2. In Indian cities smog severity is often

aggravated by stubble burning in neighboring agricultural areas.

3. It is usually highly toxic to humans. 4. It may result in death to human and

animal life. Choose the correct option. 1. 1 and 2 only 2. 1, 3 and 4 3. 2, 3 and 4 4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans D

o Smog is a type of air pollutant.

o Modern smog, is a type of air pollution derived from vehicular emission from internal combustion engines and industrial fumes that react in the atmosphere with sunlight to form secondary pollutants that also combine with the primary emissions to form photochemical smog.

o In Delhi, smog severity is often aggravated by stubble burning in neighboring agricultural areas.

o It is usually highly toxic to humans and can cause severe sickness, shortened life or death.

The Saubhagya Scheme has been initiated to provide which of the following: 1. Free electricity connections. 2. Free electricity.

Choose the correct option. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2.

Ans A Under Saubhagya scheme, all willing households in rural areas and poor families in urban areas are given free electricity connections. • There are around 4 crore un-electrified

households in the country and they are targeted for providing electricity connections by December 2018.

Consider the following with respect to the Ross 128 planet: 1. It is 120 light years away from the Earth. 2. It may have a surface temperature that may also be

close to that of the Earth. Choose the correct option. 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet with ‘mild’ climate and peaceful parent star just 11 light years away, which may be the closest known comfortable abode for possible life. This Earth-sized world is expected to be temperate, with a surface temperature that may also be close to that of the Earth. Ross 128 is the “quietest” nearby star to host such a temperate exoplanet.

Consider the following statements: o The Atomic Minerals Directorate for

Exploration and Research is a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy

o Rajasthan has the largest reserves of uranium resources

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only

FAME India Scheme is being implemented by a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change b) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises c) Ministry of Science and Technology d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Solution: b. Objective of the FAME India Scheme [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in

b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: a. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research has a mandate to identify, evaluate and augment mineral resources such as uranium, thorium and rare metals. Andhra Pradesh has the largest reserves of uranium resources.

India] is to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and Manufacturing eco-system. • The scheme has 4 focus areas i.e. Technology

development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging Infrastructure.

• The scheme is aimed at incentivising all vehicle segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3 Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4 Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses…

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises

Harmful effects due to consumption of food containing anthraquinones can be avoided if a) Individuals are well-fed and receive adequate nutrition b) An individual is immunised against the JE (Japanese Encephalitis) virus c) An individual regularly engages in physical activity d) None of the above Solution: a

Inflammatory brain disease = encephalitis In Malkangiri district of Odisha. For many years, this recurring outbreak, which killed over 100 children last year, was thought to be due to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus. Now researchers say it was likely due to the consumption of a wild bean, called Bada Chakunda, which grows freely in the region. Like several natural toxins, the anthraquinones in the bean don’t harm healthy people, but cause fatal dysfunction of the liver, heart and brain in underfed children.

Consider the following statements about the ‘Clean Seas Campaign’: 1. The UN Environment Programme

launched this campaign in 1995 2. Mumbai’s Versova beach clean up

project was initiated under this campaign

UNEP launched #CleanSeas campaign in February 2017. • It has the aim of engaging governments, the

general public, civil society and the private sector in the fight against marine plastic litter;

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: d

• it aims to increase global awareness of the need to reduce marine litter.

• The campaign contributes to the goals of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, a voluntary open-ended partnership for international agencies, governments, businesses, academia, local authorities and non-governmental organizations hosted by UN Environment.

With reference to the ‘Global Programme of Action for the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities (GPA)’, consider the following statements: o It was created through the Washington

Declaration o It is the only global intergovernmental

mechanism which directly addresses the connectivity between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems

o It has established the Global Partnership on Marine Litter

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: b

• The GPA is the only global intergovernmental mechanism directly addressing the connectivity between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.

• It was created in 1995 when over 108 governments declared “their commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment from the impacts of land-based activities, through the Washington Declaration.

• UNEP hosts the GPA Coordinating Unit and coordinates some activities in support of the programme.

• Intergovernmental Review Meetings (IGR) are organised every 5 years, it is a forum where Governments and other stakeholders meet to review the status of the implementation of the GPA and decide on action to be taken to strengthen its implementation. Three such meetings have been held so far, none have been hosted by India.

• The GPA secretariat has established and is strengthening three global multi-stakeholder partnerships: 1. the Global Partnership on Nutrient Management (GPNM), 2. the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) and 3. the Global Wastewater Initiative (GWI).

According to the RBI’s latest Financial Stability Report, 1.NPAs are expected to decline over the next few months due to recent reforms initiated

by the Government 2.Private sector banks have seen their asset quality deteriorate at a faster pace than public sector banks in the recent past Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: b. The RBI’s FSR is a biannual publication. • It reflects the overall assessment on the stability of India’s financial system and its

resilience to risks emanating from global and domestic factors.

• The Report also discusses issues relating to development and regulation of the financial sector.

Which one of the following statements about the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC) is NOT correct? a) The Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Chairman of the council b) The oldest member of the Lok Sabha and the oldest member of the Rajya Sabha are members of the council c) Members of the Council include representations from central ministries such as Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs d) The NCSrC earlier was the National Council for Older Persons Solution: a.

• Membership: The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment – Chairman; Minister of State SJ&E – Vice-Chairman of the Council. Members of the Council include: Secretary (SJ&E), Joint Secretary (Social Defence), related central ministries such as Finance, Rural Development, Home Affairs, Law and Justice, Human Resource Development etc., National Commissions like NHRC, NCW etc., State Governments (on rotation), Oldest member of the Lok Sabha, Oldest member of the Rajya Sabha, along with representatives of Senior Citizens Associations, Pensioners’ Associations, eminent senior citizens working on issues related to senior citizens etc.

• In order to have a definite structure as well as regional representation, the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) has been reconstituted and renamed as National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC) vide a resolution dated 17th February, 2012.

The Startup India Virtual Hub, an online platform, will 1. Be a startup exchange

programme amongst the SAARC nations

2. Host various stakeholders – startups, investors, mentors and academia, among others

Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: b.

• Startup India Virtual Hub is an effort to create a marketplace where all the stakeholders can interact, exchange knowledge, and enable each other to grow. It will streamline the lifecycle of existing and potential startups, helping them access the right resources at the right time.

• The portal will host startups, investors, funds, mentors, academia, incubators, accelerators, corporates, Government bodies and more. The Hub attempts to solve the problem of information asymmetry and lack of access to knowledge, tools, &experts, especially in the nascent ecosystems across Tier II and III towns.

• The Minister also announced a new initiative, wherein a Startup exchange program amongst the SAARC nations would be organized.