QUIZ – 2017: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 25 May 2017

Solution: b.

• The Indian and Japanese governments on Wednesday unveiled a vision document for the Asia Africa Growth Corridor, proposed by the two countries’ Prime Ministers last November, and more details are likely to be firmed up by September in time for Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s visit to New Delhi.
• Unlike China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, about which India has raised several concerns, the Asia Africa Growth Corridor is conceived as a more open and inclusive programme that will be based on more consultations and keep people as the centre piece rather than just trade and economic ties, said officials who worked on the vision document.

TH: Abe-Modi plan unveiled;

TH: Continental ties – India’s outreach to Africa;

Solution: b.

• An American company (Rocket Lab) has launched a rocket “Electron” into space from New Zealand, the first from a private launch facility.
• The test flight was the first launch ever from New Zealand and is a major first step in an emerging market; launching cheap disposable rockets to carry small satellites and other cargo.
• Why is the launch significant? SpaceX builds huge rockets aimed at following in the footsteps of Nasa missions, delivering cargo to the international space station and eventually sending man to Mars. Rocket Lab’s “Electron” is entirely different. Its goal is to launch what, by comparison, is a tiny rocket for a fraction of the price. That means that launches can be more frequent and a lot cheaper.

BBC: NZ space launch is first from a private site

Solution: d.

• The goal of ‘accessible publishing’ is for publishers to produce publications that are accessible for all, usable by the fully sighted as well as those with sight loss and print disabilities.
• By using the EPUB 3 standard, a single accessible, digital file can be produced and delivered into multiple e-book distribution channels. The same file can also be converted automatically to produce print-ready PDF files as well as alternative accessible formats such as Braille and Large Print. Using this approach, products can be truly ‘born fully accessible’.
• EPUB 3 files are not automatically accessible. The EPUB 3 standard includes a range of accessibility elements that need to be used to make an accessible file.

No need to go through this document, we are just providing the source – ABC Books for all;

TH: For inclusive publishing;

Solution: a.

• DAISY Forum of India is a consortium of Not for Profit organizations from India.
• They are involved in production and distribution of books and reading material in accessible formats for persons who cannot read normal print due to visual, cognitive or physical disabilities.
• Additional Information: The term “Book Famine” is often seen in the news in the context of inaccessibility of books for persons with print disabilities.

About DFI;

Improvisation: TH: For inclusive publishing;

Solution: c.

Both statements are correct. The Union Cabinet recently approved a policy that provides preference to local suppliers in Government procurement.

• The new policy — aimed at pushing the ‘Make in India’ initiative — is to boost domestic manufacturing and services, thereby creating employment and enhancing income.
• The policy will be implemented through an order pursuant to the General Financial Rules, 2017 to provide purchase preference (linked with local content) in Government procurement.
• Under the new policy, local suppliers are those whose goods or services meet prescribed minimum thresholds (ordinarily 50%) for local content.
• The new policy also requires that specifications in tenders must not be restrictive — that is, it should not require proof of supply in other countries or proof of exports in respect of previous experience.

• India is not a signatory to the WTO’s agreement on government procurement. The fundamental aim of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement is to mutually open government procurement markets among its parties.

TH: Govt. orders to favour local suppliers; Feb 2017: ET;