GIVILS|DAILY Prelims Daily January '19 2» Compilation of Zam" Cot «* Daily CurrentCIVILS|DAILY Prime Prelims Test Series TS Advantage x ¢) v ‘eS Evidence- based question making Question- Types for ensuring quality Tikdams for mastering the art of intelligent guessing Subject and Sub-subject level Tagging Dedicated monthly CA Tests and Full-Length [TEST o Tests for revision Join today @ * prelims.civilsdaily.com We will go the extra mile Advanced Lectures Series Telegram Groups for 1-1 interaction Civilsdaily Monthly Magazines A brilliant testing platform with analytics {oF Any doubts? Contact us hello@civilsdaily.com 08929987787CIVILS|DAILY Student Testimonials How Civilsdaily helped students in their Prelims journey and beyond Saumya Pandey AIR-4, CSE 2016 On Sat, Jun 3, 2017 at 11:56 AM, Saumya Pandey iE wrote: This is Saumya Pandey rank 4 cse 2016. | want to thank the whole team of civils daily which played a huge role in my success. Thanks And many more students.. Which is the best online programme for the UPSC CSE 2018, 1ASbaba, Civilsdaily, Insights, etc.? sy Ia Tripathi, IAS, 2017 batch. Sociology optional Thanks for A2A. Based on my experience, I would recommend Civilsdaily’s mobile app and cul nt affairs daily quiz on Insights. Both are very useful for Prelims certainly However, to increase the retention capacity of what one reads there, it will be advisable to make e-notes of the same. Merely a book mark or web-clip might not be handy in recalling during the stresses moments of exam. @ Pritam Agarwal hone am mains this ear. It will be really Nelpfl ti his year mains. Thank You (Eat) 1e Mains. Kindly start something your reply & at ud share his You can be next... Join Flagship TS todayCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 2 January, Wedn Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): 1, The idea to create FSDC was first incepted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee in 2008, 2, The FSDC is headed by the RBI Governor, Which of the given statements is/are correct? a) Only1 b) Only 2 ©) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Inspired by: hitps:/mmw.cnbetv 18.com/finance/rbi-releases-financial-stability-report-heres-what-experts-have-to-say- 1838631.htm ‘Answer: (a) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) * [tis an apex-level body constituted by the government of India. The idea to create such a super regulatory body was first mooted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee in 2008. + Finally in 2010, the then Finance Minister of India, Pranab Mukherjee, decided to set up such an autonomous body dealing with macro prudential and financial regularities in the entire financial seetor of India. + Anapex-level FSDC is not a statutory body. + Itis headed by the union Finance Minister Q.2) The Mohan Reddy Committee Recommendations recently seen in news are related to: a) Engineering Education b) Research Fellowship ©) Entrepreneurship d) None of the above Inspired by: No new Engineering Colleges from 2020 hitos://www.civilsdaily.cominews!no-néW-engineering-colleges-from-2020/ ‘Answer: (a) Mohan Reddy Committee Recommendations * The panel in its report has suggested that no additional seats should be approved in traditional engineering areas such as mechanical, electrical, civil and electronics. * It suggested that institutes should be encouraged to convert current capacity in traditional disciplines to emerging new technologies. + This recommendation has been justified on the ground that current capacity utilization in traditional disciplines is just 40% as opposed to 60% seat occupancy in branches such as computer science, aerospace engineering and mechatronics, + The committee has urged the AICTE to introduce UG engineering programmes exclusively for artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, quantum computing, data sciences, cybersecurity and 3D printing and design. * As for approving additional seats in existing institutions, the committee has suggested that the AICTE should only give approvals based on the capacity utilization of concerned institute. 1 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 Q.3) Recently Japan has announced its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). With reference to the IWC, which of the given statements is/are incorrect? 1. IWCis a constituent body under the United Nations. 2. The body is the first piece of International Environmental Legislation established in 1946. 3. IWC completely bans commercial hunting of all breeds of Whales. Select the correct alternative from following codes: a) Onlyt b) Only 2 ©) tand3 d) 2and3 Inspired by: Japan announces withdrawal from Intemational Whaling Commission https:/iwww_civilsdaily com/news/japan-announces-withdrawal-from-international-whaling-commission/ ‘Answer: (c) International Whaling Commission (IWC) * The IWC is an Inter-Governmental Organisation set up by the terms of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (CRW) signed in Washington, D.C in 1946, * It aims to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry. * The main duty of the IWC is to keep under review and revise as necessary the measures laid down in the Schedule to the Convention which govern the conduct of whaling throughout the world. * The body is the first piece of International Environmental Legislation established in 1946, * Commercial whaling was banned by the IWC in 1986 after some species were almost driven to extinction. * 89 countries have the membership of in IWC and all the member countries are signatories to this convention. + India is a member state of the IWC. Q.4) Consider the following statements about Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS): 1. Itaims to identify, survey and inventorize the number of bridges and other structures on National Highways only. 2. Itcrucially helps identify the distressed bridges which need immediate attention. Which of the given statements is/are cotrect? a) Only1 b) Only 2 ©) Both 1 and2 d) Neither 1 nor2 Inspired by: [pib] Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS) hitps://www_civilsdally. com/news/pib-indian-bridge-management-system-ibms/ ‘Answer: (b) Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS) + The IBM System has been established to develop the data in digital form, to identify, survey and inventorize the number of bridges and other structures on National Highways. + Iterucially aims to identify the distressed bridges which need immediate attention and to sensitize the concerned implementation agency for taking corrective measures such as repair, rehabilitation reconstruction’ new construction ate. * During inventory creation each bridge is assigned a unique identification number or National Identity Number based on the state, RTO zone and whether itis situated on an National Highway, State Highway or is a district road. 2 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 Q5) The concept of Agri Export Zone (AEZ) was initiated by: a) Ministry of Commerce b) Ministry of Trade and Industry ©) Ministry of MSMEs d) NITI Aayog Inspired by: [pip] No Agri Export Zones (AEZs) after 2004 hitps://www.civilsdaily. com/news/pib-no-agri-export-zones-aezs-afler-2004/ Answer: (a) Agri Export Zone (AEZ) + Nodal Agency: Ministry of Commerce + The concept of Agri Export Zone (AEZ) was introduced in 2001, through EXIM Policy 1997-2001 + Itaims to take a comprehensive look at a particular produce/product located in a contiguous area for the purpose of developing and sourcing the raw materials, their processing/packaging, leading to final exports. * The concept hinged primarily on convergence of existing Central and State Government schemes to take care of financial interventions required at various stages of value chain; partnership among various stakeholders’ viz. Governments, farmer, processor, exporter etc.; and focus on targeted products and areas to identify required policy interventions. + Allthese activities did take place in certain respects in the notified Agri Export Zones. 3 January, Thursday Q.1) The Green — Ag Project recently seen in news is an initiative of: a) FAO b) Global Environment Facility ©) Bothaandb 4) None ofa, b and ¢ Inspired by: [pib] Green — Ag Project hitps:/www_civilsdally. com/news)pib-gteen-ag-project/ Answer: (c) Green — Ag Project 1. The government fas launched a Global Environment Facility (GEF) assisted project namely Green — Ag in ‘September, 2018, 2. The theme of the project is “Transforming Indian Agriculture for global environment benefits and the conservation of, critical biodiversity and forest landscapes” 3. Ithas collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). 4, The project has been launched in high-conservation-value landscapes of five States namely * Madhya Pradesh : Chambal Landscape * Mizoram: Dampa Landscape + Odisha: Similipal Landscape * Rajasthan: Desert National Park Landscape * Uttarakhand: Corbett-Rajaji Landscape Q.2) With reference to the Yarn Bank Scheme, which of the given statements is/are correct? 1. Itis aimed to curb fluctuation in yarn price. 3 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 2. It provides interest free corpus fund up to Rs.200 crore to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)/Consortium formed by powerloom weavers. 3, It seeks to avoid middle man/ local supplier’s brokerage charge on sales of yarn. Select the correct alternative from the following codes: a) Allare correct b) 1 and2 ©) tand3 d) Onlyt Inspired by: [pib] Yarn Bank Scheme httpsi/www_civilsdaily. com/news/pib-yam-bank-scheme/ Answer: (c) Yarn Bank Scheme * To avoid fluctuation in yam price, government has launched a Yam Bank Scheme as one of the component of PowerTex India with effect from 01.04.2017 to 31.03.2020. + The Scheme provides interest free corpus fund up to Rs.2.00 crore to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)/Consortium formed by powerloom weavers to enable them to purchase yam at wholesale rate and give the yarn at reasonable price to the small weavers + Itaims to avoid middleman and local supplier's brokerage charge on sales of yarn, Objectives * To provide interest free corpus fund to Special Purpose Vehiiele (SPV) / Consortium to enable them to purchase yarn at wholesale rate and give the yam at reasonable price to the small weavers. * To avoid middle man/ local supplier's brokerage charge on sales of yarn. Q.3) PARIVESH Portal recently seen in news is felated to a) MSME sector b) FDI ) Environment Clearances d) Climate Change Inspired by: States to rollout ‘PARIVESH’ by January 15 httpsviwww.civilsdaily, com/Rews/states-to-rollout-parivesh-by-january-15/ Answer: (c) PARIVESH Portal a Single-Window Integrated Environmental Management System which stands for Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window H ‘a workflow based application and portal, based on the concept of web architecture. + The system has been designed, developed and hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with technical support from National Informatics Centre, (NIC). + Itautomates the entire process of submitting the application and tracking the status of such proposals at each stage of processing Q4) Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) recently seen in news is an initiative of: a) European Union b) China ©) GS 4 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Dally| January 2019 d) USA Inspired by: Trump Signs Asia Reassurance Initiative Act Into Law ‘Answer: (d) Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) + The ARIA aims to establish a multifaceted U.S. strategy to increase U.S. security, economic interests, and values in the Indo-Pacific region. + ARIA draws attention to U.S. relations with China, india, the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea * {twill authorize $1.5 billion in spending for a range of U.S. programs in East and Southeast Asia and develop a long- term strategic vision and policy for the Indo-Pacific region, * The ARIA includes multiple provisions of Trump which have identified the Indo-Pacific as a strategic region of Particular priority. Q5) The Alma Ata Declaration recently seen in news is related to: a) Biodiversity b) Health ©) Space d) None of the above Inspired by: hitos:/iww.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/lessons ftom-Kerala/article25892857.ece Answer: (b) Alma Ata Declarati n + The Declaration of Alma-Ata was adopted at the International Conference on Primary Health Care, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 6-12 September 1978. + Itexpressed the need for urgent action by all governments, all health and development workers, and the world ‘community to protect and promote the health of all people. 5 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 January, Friday Q.1) The Nocte’,“Tangsa’, Tutsa’ and 'Wancho' Naga tribes are scheduled in the state of: a) Mizoram b) Arunachal Pradesh ©) Nagaland 4d). Manipur Inspired by: [ib] Cabinet approves revision in list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh https:/iwww.civilsdaily. com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-revision-in-list-of-scheduled-tribes-of-arunachal-pradesh/ ‘Answer: (b) Changes will be made in list of STs of Arunachal Pradesh * Deletion of ‘Abor in serial No. 1, as itis the same as ‘Adi’ in Serial No. 16. + Replace Tai Khamt’ instead of ‘khampti’ at serial No. 6, + Inclusion of ‘Mishmi-Kaman’ (Miju Mishmi), du (Mishmi) and Taraon (Digaru Mishmi) in serial No. 8. * Inclusion of Monpa, Memba, Sartang, Sajolong (Mijn serial No. 9 in lieu of ‘Momba’. * Inclusion of 'Nocte’, “Tangsa’, Tutsa’, ‘Wancho’ in lieu of ‘Any Naga Tribes’ in serial No. 10 in list of Scheduled Tribes, of Arunachal Pradesh Q.2) With reference to the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model of the PPP, which of the statements is/are correct? 1. Under this system the entire project is funded by the government. 2. The contractor is legally responsible to complete the project under some fixed predetermined timeline. 3. Allthe clearances, land acquisition and regulatory norms have to be completed by the government itself Select the correct alternative from the following codes: a) tand2 b) Only2 ©) Only3 d) Allare correct, Inspired by: [ib] India-Myanmar-Thaitand Trilateral Highway https //www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-india-myanmar-thailand-trilateral-highway/ Answer: (d) EPC Model * Under this system the entire project is funded by the government. * The EPC entails the contractor build the project by designing, installing and procuring necessary labour and land to construct the infrastructure, either directly or by subcontracting. + Under EPC model the contractor is legally responsible to complete the project under some fixed predetermined timeline and may also involve scope for penalty in case of time overrun, * In EPC as all the clearances, land acquisition and regulatory norms have to be completed by the government itself and the private players do not have to get itself involved in these time taking procedures. Q.3) Consider the following statements: 1. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is considered to be an indicator of milk quality, 2. Its presence after pasteurization indicates presence of microbes that may not have been rendered inactive with pasteurization, Which of the given statements is/are correct? 6 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 a) Only b) Only2 ©) Both t and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Inspired by: A paper sensor that can detect freshness of milk. httpsJwww.civilsdaily, com/news/a-paper-sensor-that-can-detect-freshnoss-of-milk/ Answer: (c) ALP test using Paper Kit + Amilk enzyme, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), is considered to be an indicator of milk quality because its presence even after pasteurization indicates presence of microbes that may not have been rendered inactive with pasteurization, + Researchers used ordinary filter paper to prepare the detector. + The fiter paper was cut into small discs using office punch and impregnated with chemical probes that preferentially react with ALP. + The ‘probes’ used are antibodies that specifically bind to ALP. + When ALP comes into contact with the probe, it turns white paper disc into a coloured one: Q.4) The Climate Change Performance Index (CCP!) is released by: a) UNFCCC b)_UN Environment ©) IPCC d) None of the above Inspired by: Climate Change Performance Index (CCP!) 2019, https www cvilsdaly.com/news/olimate-change-perfortiante-index-copi-2019/ ‘Answer: (d) ccPl + The Climate Change Performance Index (CCP!) is an annual publication by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network Europe. * Its alm is to put political and soctal pressure on those countries that have, until now, failed to take ambitious action ‘on climate protection, and to highlight those countries with best practice climate policies. + Itevaluates the climate protection performance of 60 countries, responsible for over 90% of global energy-related C02 emissions, Q.5) Makaravilakku Festival recently seen in news is celebrated in which of the following states? a) Tamil Nadu b) Kerala ©) Karnataka d) Allof the above Inspired by: https:/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/hill-shrine-opens-for-makaravilakku- fest/articleshow/67315570.cms ‘Answer: (b) Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on Makar Sankranti in Kerala, India at the shrine of Sabarimala. The festival includes the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments of Ayyappan) procession and a congregation at the hill shrine of ‘Sabarimala. An estimated half a million devotees flow to Sabarimala every year to have a darshan (vision) of this ritual 7 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 5* January, Saturday Q.1) Consider the following statements: 1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions. 2, N.M, Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (CSP 2017) a) ‘only b) 2only ©) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Inspired by: [pib] Amendment to the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to make provisions regarding Recognition of Trade Unions hitps://www_civilsdally. com/news/pib-amendment-to-the-trade-unions-act-1926-to-make-provisionregarding- recognition-of-trade-unions/ ‘Answer: (b) Trade Unions in India + The credit for the first association of Indian workers is generally given to the Bombay Mill-Hands Association founded by N.M. Lokhande in 1890. * This was in the period just after the passing of the ‘First’ Factories Act in 1884'by the British Government of the time. + The following years saw the formation of several labour associations and unions. + The first clearly registered trade-union is considered to be the Madras Labour Union founded by B.P. Wadia in 1918. + The legislation regulating the trade unions is the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926. Q.2) Consider the following statements: 1. The credit for the first association of Indian workers is generally given to the Bombay Mill-Hands Association founded by N.M. Lokhande in 1890: 2. The first clearly registered trade-union is considered to be the Madras Labour Union founded by B.P. Wadia in 1918. Which of the given statements is/are incorrect? a) Only b) Only 2 ©) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor2 Inspired by: [pb] Amendment to the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to make provisions regarding Recognition of Trade Unions https:/ivww.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-amendment-to-the-trade-unions-act-1926-to-make-provisions-reaardina- recognition-of-trade-unions/ Answer: (d) Trade Unions in India + The credit for the first association of Indian workers is generally given to the Bombay Mill-Hands Association founded by N.M. Lokhande in 1890. * This was in the period just after the passing of the ‘First’ Factories Act in 1881 by the British Government of the time. * The following years saw the formation of several labour associations and unions. * The first clearly registered trade-union is considered to be the Madras Labour Union founded by B.P. Wadia in 1918. 8 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 Q.3) Which of the following are not the components of Menstrual Hygiene Scheme of the Govt. of India? 1a) Improving access to and use of high quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls in rural areas. b) Ensuring safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environmentally friendly manner. ¢) Provision of funds to ASHAS to hold monthly meeting with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene, d)_ None of the above. Inspired by: [pib] Menstrual Hygiene for Adolescent Girls Scheme hitps://www_civilsdaily. com/news/pib-menstrual-hygiene-for-adolescent-girls-scheme/ ‘Answer: (d) Menstrual Hygiene Scheme 1. To address the need of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls residing primarily in rural areas, Government of India is supporting the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme. 2. Under the scheme, funds are provided to States/UTs through National Health Mission for decentralized procurement of sanitary napkins packs. 3. Itwould thus make its provision to rural adolescent girls at subsidized rates as per proposals received from the States and UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans. Components of the Scheme 1. Increasing awareness among adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene 2. Improving access to and use of high quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls in rural areas. 3. Ensuring safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environmentally friendly manner. 4. Provision of funds to ASHAs to hold monthly meeting with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene, 4) With reference to the MSME Sector of India, consider the following statements: 1. The share of MSMEs in the country's gross value added is estimated to be about 32% 2. Italso contributes about 40% to total exports and 45% to manufacturing output. 3. More than 90% of MSMEs operate in the formal sector Which of the given statements is/are correct? a) tand2 b) 2and3 ©) Only2 d) Allare correct, Inspired by: RBI forms expert committee to rejuvenate MSMEs https:/www.civilsdaily leominews/rbi-forms-expert-committee-to-rejuvenate-msmes/ Answer: (a) MSME Sector of India + The share of MSMEs in the country's gross value added is estimated to be about 32% + Italso contributes about 40% to total exports and 45% to manufacturing output * Availability of credit from formal sources has been a problem for the sector + _ MSME credit is also one of the reasons behind the ongoing rift between the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) * India has a large number of tiny firms that work in the informal sector and do not scale up * More than 90% of MSMEs operate in the informal sector 5) The Khushi Scheme, a female health and hygiene program to provide free sanitary pads to girl students is an initiative of 9 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@civilsdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 a) Madhya Pradesh b) Haryana ©) Odisha d) Maharashtra Inspired by: https:/indianexpress. com/article/india/odisha-dharmendra-pradhan-launches-ujwala-sanitary-napkin- initiative-5516357/ ‘Answer: (c) 7 January, Monday Q.1) Which of the following production is not included in Strategic Partnership Model of the Defence Acquisition Council (acy? ‘Submarines Aircraft Carriers Helicopters Single-engine Fighter Aireraft Battle Tanks Select the correct alternative from the following codes: a) Allof the above b) 1,2,4,5 °) 1.345 d) 34,5 Inspired by: Defence manufacturing rules eased https/iwww.civilsdaily com/news/defence-manufacturing-rules-eased! Answer: (c) Strategic Partnership guidelines + SP model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon system for future needs of armed forces. * The guidelines lay emphasis on incentivisation of transfer of niche technology and higher indigenous content + The SP model has four segments viz: submarines, single-engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks which would be specifically opened up for the private sector. * Under this policy, one Indian private company would be selected in each segment which would tie-up with shortlisted global equipment manufacture. + The most significant aspect is that warships of all kinds, surface and sub-surface, have been included in the listing. Q.2) The Pabuk Cyclone recently seen in news was originated in: a) South China Sea b) Gulf of Thailand ©) Bay of Bengal d)_ None of these Inspired by: Yellow Alert sounded as Cyclone Pabuk reaches A&N Islands https ://www.civilsdaily.com/news/yellow-alert-sounded-as-cyclone-pabuk-reaches-an-islands/ Answer: (b) Pabuk Cyclone 10 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 + A'yellow alert’ was issued in the Andaman and Nicobar Istands Saturday as Cyclone Pabuk made its way towards the archipelago. * The cyclone was originated over the Gulf of Thailand. + Ithas moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph and lay centred over Thailand and neighbourhood. Q.3) Which of the following statements about Atal Solar Krishi Pump (ASKP) Yojana is/are incorrect? 1. Itis a scheme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched in all States and UTS, 2, Itaims to reduce losses due to non-payment of electricity bills and promote solar energy use. 3. Farmers under this scheme are availed 100% subsidy on solar agriculture pumpsets. Select the correct alternative: a) tand2 b) 2only ©) Sonly d) Allare incorrect Inspired by: Maharashtra farmers to get sops for using solar pumps hitpsv//www.civilsdally. com/news/maharashtra-farmers-to-get-sops-for-using-solar-pumps! ‘Answer: (d) Atal Solar Krishi Pump (ASKP) Yojana * Maharashtra govt. has launched ASKP scheme for farmers to provide subsidy of upto 95% on solar agriculture Pumpsets. + The State aims to reduce losses due to non-payment of electricity bills and also promote solar energy by implementing the scheme. + The scheme would be beneficial to farmers who reside in remote areas where the agricultural feeder is not possible, * Farmers with less than 5 acres of land just need to day 5% i.e, Rs. 12,000 and get three horse power pump + Farmers with more than 5 acres of land just need to pay Rs. 30,000 and get five horse power solar powered pump, Q.4) The 70 point Performance Grading Index (PGI) recently seen in news is related to the assessment of which of the following sectors? a) Education b) Doing Business ©) FDI d) Swachh Survekshan Inspired by: 70 point Peformance Index to assess states on schooling system hitpsv/www_civilsdally. com/news/70-point-performance-index-to-assess-states-on-schooling-system/ ‘Answer: (a) 1. The government will use a 70 point Performance Grading Index (PGI) to assess areas of deficiency in each state's school education system, 2. The 70 indicators will grade state schooling systems on areas like number of existing teacher vacancies, number of direct entry recruitments especially at leadership positions, schoo! infrastructure etc. 3. The Index will assess states on a 1,000 point grading system with 10-20 points per parameter- is aimed at helping states understand where they may be lagging behind. 4, Itwill thus prioritize areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level. "1 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 5. The NITI Aayog which was earlier developing its own School Education Quality Index, will be using 33 of the 70 criteria under the PGI for their own assessments. Q.5) The School Education Quality Index (India) is released by: a) Ministry of HRD b) NIT! Aayog °c) CBSE ) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Inspired by: 70 point Performance Index to assess states on schooling system https://www_civilsdally. com/news/70-point-performance-index-to-assess-states-on-schooling-system/ ‘Answer: (b) SEC 2 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdally.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 Jan, Tuesday Q.1) The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is one of the largest recruitment agencies in our country. With respect to the ‘SSC, which of the given statements is/are correct? 1, The SSC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, 2, Itwas created to ease the burden of the UPSC by taking over the recruitment for posts below the Group level Select the correct code: a) Both 1 and 2 b) Only 1 ©) Only2 d) Neither 4 nor 2 Inspired by: MPs’ panel proposes legal status for SSC hitpsv/www.civilsdaily. com/news/mps-panel-proposes-legal-status-for-ssc/ ‘Answer: (¢) Statutory Demand for SSC * Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) has recommended that the Centre accord statutory status to the Staff, Selection Commission (SSC), one of the largest recruitment agencies in the country. * The UPSC and all State PSCs either have constitutional or legal status. * The SSC is the only such organisation that performs similar functions on a much larger scale, but does not enjoy statutory status. * The SSC was created to ease the burden of the UPSC by taking over the recruitment for posts below the Group ‘A’ level. * There has been a phenomenal increase in the workload of the SSC, from 9.94 lakh candidates in 2008-09 to over 2 crore in 2016-17, * While the workload and responsibilities of the SSC have increased exponentially over the years, it has remained an “attached body" under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).. Q.2) With reference to the incidence of Rare Diseases is India, consider the following statements: 1, Treatment of rare diseases in India is assisted under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. 2. India does not have a definition of rare disease. 3. WHO defines.rare disease as often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder condition with a prevalence of 1 or less, per 1,000 population. Which of the given statements is/are correct? a) tand 2 b) 2and3 ) tand3 d) Allare correct, Inspired by: No policy for rare diseases, govt declares ‘one-time financial assistance’ Answer: (b) Rare Diseases in India * India does not have a definition of rare disease. However, World Health Organization (WHO) defines rare disease as often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder condition with a prevalence of 1 or less, per 1,000 population. B ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 + Some common rare diseases are Haemophilia, Pompe disease, Thalassemia, Sickle-cell Anaemia and Gaucher's disease * India has recorded 450 of such rare diseases, according to the NPTRD 2017 + The most common rare diseases recorded in India are Haemophilia, Thalassemia, sickle-cell anaemia and primary immuno deficiency in children, auto-immune diseases, Lysosomal storage disorders such as Pompe disease, Hirschsprung disease, Gaucher's disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemangiomas and certain forms of muscular dystrophies. + The standing finance committee has approved a proposal for adding a sub-component under the umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN). + Itwould include a provision of one-time financial assistance to those below threshold poverty line for specified rare diseases which require one-time treatment * While there is no registry of rare diseases patients in India, according to government's own estimates, given in the national policy document, there are between 70-90 million patients. + The cost of treatment varies from Rs 18-70 lakh according to the govt. study. Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to the proposed New Delhi International Arbitration Centre: 1. Itwill be headed by the Prime Minister of India. 2. Itis aimed to develop India as a flagship institution for only international arbitration centre. Which of the given statement is/are incorrect? a) Only b) Only2 ©) Both 1 and 2 4d) Neither 1 nor 2 Inspired by: Lok Sabha passes New Delhi Intemational Arbitration Centre Bill https:iwww.civilsdaily.com/news/lok-sabha-passes-new-#6lhi-intemational-arbitration-centre-bill! ‘Answer: (c) Composition of the proposed New Delhi Intemational Arbitration Centre + The Chairperson should have been a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court, or an eminent person having ‘special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration, + He will be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. + The two eminent persons and the representative of commerce body are to be appointed by the Central Government, Objectives of the Arbitration Centre * to bring targeted reforms to develop itself as a flagship institution for conducting international and domestic arbitration; * to promote research’and study, providing teaching and training, and organising conferences and seminars in arbitration, conelliation, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution matters; * to provide facilities and administrative assistance for conciliation, mediation and arbitral proceedings; Q.4) The Labour Code on Industrial Relations as prepared by the Ministry of Labour seeks to modify which of the given legislation(s)? a) Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 b) Trade Unions Act, 1926 ©) Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 d) Allof the above Inspired by: New national policy for domestic workers being drafted, 40 lakh to benefit 4 ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdaily.comCurrent Affairs MCQ | Prelims Daily| January 2019 httpsvwww.civilsdaily com/news/new-national-policy-for-domestic-workers-being-drafted~40-lakh-to-benefit Answer: (d) Labour Code on Industrial Relations 1, The Ministry of Labour & Employment has prepared a Labour Code on Industrial Relations, by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the following three Labour Laws:- + The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, + The Trade Unions Act, 1926, + The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. 2. The provisions of the draft Code have been discussed with stakeholders in various Tripartite Meetings and then finalized 3. Labour code on wages and industrial relations are two of the four codes that labour ministry had been working over the last few years. 4, In line with recommendations of Second National Commission on Labour, ministry had formed four labour codes, namely wages, industrial relations, social security & welfare and occupational safety, health and working conditions. Q.5) Which of the following is does not define a person's eligibility for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Quota? a) One having annual income below Rs 8 lakh b) Agriculture land below 5 acres ) Residential house below 100 sq.ft d) Residential plot below 100 yards in notified municipality and residential plot below 200 yards in non-notified municipality area Inspired by: Cabinet approves 10% quota for EWS in general category hitps://vww.civilsdaily. com/news/cabinel-approves-10-quota-forrewssin-general-calegory! ‘Answer: (c) Proposed EWS Quota 1. The proposed amendment Bill will define Economically Weaker Section (EWS) as: * One having annual income below Rs'8 lakh; * Agriculture land below 6 acres; + Residential house below 1,000 sq.ft * Residential plot below 100 yards in notified municipality and residential plot below 200 yards in non-notified municipality area 2. The income includes agricultural income; profession ete. 9th Jan Prelims, Wednesday Q.1) Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease is caused by: a) Microbial infection b) Bacterial Infection c) Fungal Infection ) Viral Infection Inspired by: Lok Sabha Passes Amendment Bill To Remove Leprosy as Ground For Divorce https/www.civilsdaily. com/news/lok-sabha-passes-amendment-bill-to-remove-leprosy-as-ground-for-divorce/ Answer: (b) Leprosy © ‘Queries? Contact us- hello@eivisdaily.com