QUIZ – 2017: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 16 February 2017

Solution: b.

“In 2004, the EC approached the Law Ministry along with the endorsement of six national parties and 18 state parties, seeking an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to provide for a ban on both exit and opinion polls during a period specified by the Commission. The recommendation was accepted in part, and in February 2010, restrictions were imposed only on exit polls through the introduction of Section 126(A) in the Act.”

IE: Exit polls and why they are restricted by the panel;

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Solution: d.

PSLV-C37 carried two ISRO Nano Satellites – INS-1A and INS-1B. ISRO Nano Satellite (INS) is a versatile and modular Nano satellite bus system envisioned for future science and experimental payloads. The INS system is developed as a co-passenger satellite to accompany bigger satellites on PSLV.

The primary objectives of INS system are to:

• Design and develop a low cost modular Nano satellite in the weight range of 10 kg capable of carrying payloads up to a weight of 5 kg
• Provide an opportunity for ISRO technology demonstration payloads
• Provide a standard bus for launch on demand services
• Provide an opportunity to carry innovative payloads for Universities / R&D laboratories

ISRO – INS;

Improvisation: ISRO sets the bar high;

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Solution: b.

Bhutan, Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates and Madhya Pradesh have Ministries/Departments of Happiness.

July 2016 – TH: MP becomes first state to have ‘happiness department’;

Improvisation: IE: Happiness, beyond measure;

Solution: a.

“The most recent step in this unfolding (Massive Online Open Courses) might be the most exciting. These universities are now preparing to offer actual credentials based on these online courses. On February 6, MIT launched what it calls a Micromasters in data and economics for development policy, which is a package of five online courses that, on successful completion, will lead to a degree from MITx, a newly set up degree granting institution under the MIT umbrella..”

IE: A more democratic learning;

EdX;

Solution: a.

“In February 2007, during Assembly elections in Punjab, the Commission had asked District Election Officers of 20 districts to file separate complaints against NDTV director Prannoy Roy on charges that the channel had broadcast exit poll-like projections during voting hours. The difference in the Jagran case is that the DEOs were directed to file criminal cases under Section 188 of the IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), which is a cognisable offence, and led to the arrest on Tuesday of Jagran online editor Shashank Shekhar Tripathi.”

• The Presiding Officer along with other Polling Officers conducts the poll at a polling station.
• The Presiding Officer and the Polling Officers are appointed by the DEO. In case of UTs, such appointments are made by the Returning Officers.

CH-65, Indian Polity 4^th Edition by M Laxmikanth;

Improvisation: IE: Exit polls and why they are restricted;

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Solution: a.

• Combine harvesters have been extensively used for harvesting of paddy and wheat due to non-availability of labour at the time of harvesting and increase in labour cost. Use of machines for harvesting has serious implications for crop residue management at the farm level. The combine harvester cuts the crop well above the ground, leaving behind substantial amount of stubble on the field. The machine leaves the residues in such a state that it is difficult to collect them manually.
• “The government has no one to blame but itself, since it has not been able to supply affordable seeder machinery in sufficient numbers to eliminate the need to remove the straw.” …. Lack of suitable machinery is a major constraint to direct-drilling wheat seeds into combine-harvested rice residues due to the heavy straw load, and the presence of loose tough straw deposited by the harvester. Seeder machines combines two processes – stubble mulching and seed-drilling functions.
• Burning of wheat residue is not necessary for the farmers because of the availability of technology and its higher economic value as dry fodder. Rice straw, however, is not used as fodder as it is found to be non-palatable to animals due to its high silica content.

Improvisation: TH: The foul air we breathe;

November 10^th: TH: Straws in the wind;

Researchgate: The Happy Seeder;

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