SOLUTIONS
INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 13
1.Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Environmental Information System (ENVIS) is a centralized computerized network database system.
- National Museum of Natural History was established to portray and promote awareness on the Natural Heritage of the country.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: b
Answer Justification:
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) was implemented by the Ministry by end of 6th Five Year Plan (1982) as a Plan Scheme for environmental information collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination to policy planners, decision makers, scientists and environmentalists, researchers, academicians and other stakeholders.
ENVIS is a decentralized computerized network database system consisting of the focal point located in the Ministry and a chain of network partners, known as ENVIS Centres located in the potential organizations/institutions throughout the country.
In order to develop ENVIS network as a comprehensive distributed environmental information network system, the ambit of ENVIS was extended to cover all the States/UTs of the country.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) was established as one of the national level institutions set up during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of India’s Independence, to portray and promote awareness on the Natural Heritage of the country.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about National Green Corps?
- National Green Corps is a major initiative which aims at building cadres of under graduate and post graduate students working towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- It is operated through Eco-clubs set up in colleges.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
National Green Corps is a major initiative of MOEFCC for creating environmental awareness launched in 2001-02 which aims at building cadres of young children working towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. The phenomenal response that NGC has received and has made the network more than 100000 Eco clubs across the country. It is one of the largest conservation networks that indicates its importance at grass root level in taking the environment awareness at mass.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
It is operated through Eco-clubs set up in schools registered as members of NGC, this programme exposes school children to in-depth field experiences, and provides opportunities to convert their ideas into creative action.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about Prithvi-II missile?
- It is powered by twin-engines which use liquid propulsion.
- It also uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
- It is indigenously developed nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
Prithvi-II missile
Prithvi-II is indigenously developed nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile (Hence statement 3 is correct).
The missile is capable of carrying warheads weighing 500 kg to 1,000 kg.
With a strike range of 350 km, Prithvi-II is powered by twin-engines which use liquid propulsion (Hence statement 1 is correct).
It also uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target (Hence statement 3 is correct).
Prithvi II is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme).
- Which of the methods is/are used in stealth technology?
- Application of Radiation Absorbent Material coatings on aircraft.
- Modification of shaping of the surfaces of aircrafts.
- Reduction of infrared signature of aircrafts.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
Stealth technology works on the principle of eliminating radar reflections. This can be done by either
Absorbing radio waves (RAM coatings):
Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) coatings involve application of materials which can absorb electromagnetic waves on the object. It will enhance stealth capabilities. (Hence statement 1 is correct).
USA has been the pioneer in this technology from the past 40 years. These are specially designed materials made from dielectrics, composites which absorb the radio waves which fall on them.
Deflecting radio waves (Shaping of the surfaces):
Shaping involves designing the object in such a way that the Radio waves the radio waves, instead of being reflected back along the same path are deflected and scattered in different directions. This is achieved by using sharply angled flat surfaces or special curved surfaces which conduct the radio wave along its surface and thus does not give back a reflection. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).
Reducing infrared signatures:
Infrared stealth is an area of stealth technology aimed at reducing infrared signatures. This reduces a platform’s susceptibility to infrared guided weapons and infrared surveillance sensors. (Hence statement 3 is correct).
Source:
https://defencyclopedia.com/2015/01/11/explained-how-stealth-technology-works/
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about missile NAG?
- Nag can be launched only from land.
- Nag missile has been equipped with the highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker along with integrated avionics.
- HELINA is a version that can be used in high altitude battlegrounds.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b
Answer Justification:
Nag is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile developed by India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support both mechanised infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army.
The missile incorporates an advanced passive homing guidance system and possesses high single-shot kill probability. It is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.
Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms. The land version is currently available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA), which is derived from a BMP-2 tracked infantry combat vehicle.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
The helicopter-launched configuration, designated as helicopter-launched NAG (HELINA), can be fired from Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) attack helicopter.
Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
A passive imaging infrared (IIR) homing seeker guides the missile to the target after its launch in all lighting conditions. The missile can be optionally offered with a millimetre wave active radar seeker.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
Source:
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/nag-anti-tank-guided-missile/
- Which of the following pairs of Missile names and their features is/are correct?
| Missile Names | Features |
| 1. NIRBHAY | Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile |
| 2. ASTRA | Supersonic surface-to-air missile |
| 3. AKASH | Air to Air Beyond Visual range Missile |
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None
Solution: a
Answer Justification:
Correct pairs:
| Missile Names | Features |
| 1. NIRBHAY | Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile |
| 2. ASTRA | Air to Air Beyond Visual range Missile |
| 3. AKASH | Supersonic surface-to-air missile |
Refer Insights Exclusive Science and Technology Revision Module.
- Which of the satellites belong to Earth Observation Satellites as per ISRO’s classification?
- CARTOSAT
- RESOURCESAT
- SARAL
- RISAT
- Megha-Tropiques
- OCEANSAT
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 1, 2, 4 and 6 only
c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
CARTOSATs are used for Cartographic applications.
RESOURCESATs are Remote Sensing satellites intended for resource monitoring.
The Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint Indo-French satellite mission for oceanographic studies.
RISATs are used in imaging of the surface features during both day and night under all weather conditions.
Megha-Tropiques is an Indo-French Joint Satellite Mission for studying the water cycle and energy exchanges in the tropics.
IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT) is the first satellite primarily built for Ocean applications.
Source:
https://www.isro.gov.in/applications/satellites-earth-observation
- Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Meteoroid is a small particle from a comet or asteroid orbiting the Sun.
- Meteor is the light phenomenon which results when a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere and vaporizers.
- Meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth’s atmosphere and lands upon the Earth’s surface.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None
Solution: c
Answer Justification:
Factual information:
Asteroid: A relatively small, inactive, rocky body orbiting the Sun.
Comet: A relatively small object whose ices can vaporize in sunlight forming an atmosphere (coma) of dust and gas and, sometimes, a tail of dust and/or gas.
Meteoroid: A small particle from a comet or asteroid orbiting the Sun. (Hence statement 1 is correct).
Meteor: The light phenomena which results when a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere and vaporizes; a shooting star. (Hence statement 2 is correct).
Meteorite: A meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth’s atmosphere and lands upon the Earth’s surface. (Hence statement 3 is correct).
Refer Insights Exclusive Science and Technology Revision module.
- Which of the following pairs of NASA’s Missions/programmes/projects and their objectives are correctly matched?
| Missions/programmes/projects | Objectives |
| Dawn mission | Mission to the two largest bodies in the asteroids belt – Vesta and Ceres. |
| SOFIA Mission | Observations of celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets and Saturn’s giant moon Titan. |
| Kilopower Project | Creation of small nuclear power sources to fuel further space exploration. |
| Orion spacecraft | To take astronauts to deep space destinations. |
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
Factual information:
NASA has authorized a second extension of the Dawn mission at Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
NASA’s flying observatory Sofia is preparing for its 2018 campaign, which will include observations of celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets and Saturn’s giant moon Titan. This will be the fourth year of full operations for Sofia, short for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.
NASA has announced new tests are underway for the Kilopower project, a program designed to create small nuclear power sources to fuel further space exploration.
NASA’s Orion spacecraft – designed to take astronauts to deep space destinations such as the Moon and Mars – has successfully completed a series of tests for its critical safety systems.
All statements are correct.
- Which of the statements is/are correct regarding photosynthesis?
- Photosynthesis takes place only in leaves.
- The leaves other than green also have chlorophyll.
- All plants have chlorophyll.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b
Answer Justification:
Besides leaves, photosynthesis also takes place in other green parts of the plant — in green stems and green branches. The desert plants have scale- or spine-like leaves to reduce loss of water by transpiration. These plants have green stems which carry out photosynthesis.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
The leaves other than green also have chlorophyll. The large amount of red, brown and other pigments mask the green colour. Photosynthesis takes place in these leaves also.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
There are some plants which do not have chlorophyll. They cannot synthesise their food. Like humans and animals such plants depend on the food produced by other plants. They use the heterotrophic mode of nutrition. The plant Cuscuta (Amarbel) does not have chlorophyll. It takes readymade food from the plant on which it is climbing. The plant on which it climbs is called a host. Since it deprives the host of valuable nutrients, it is called a parasite.
Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about digestion process?
- The digested food pass into the blood vessels in the wall of the small intestine.
- Small intestine absorbs water and some salts from the undigested food material.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: a
Answer Justification:
The digested food pass into the blood vessels in the wall of the intestine. The inner walls of the small intestine have thousands of finger-like outgrowths. These are called villi (singular villus). The villi increase the surface area for absorption of the digested food. Each villus has a network of thin and small blood vessels close to its surface. The surface of the villi absorbs the digested food materials.
Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The function of large intestine is to absorb water and some salts from the undigested food material. The remaining waste passes into the rectum and remains there as semi-solid faeces. The faecal matter is removed through the anus from time-to-time. This is called egestion.
Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Which of the following gases is/are responsible for acid rain?
- Carbon dioxide
- Sulphur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d
The rain becomes acidic because carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (which are released into the air as pollutants) dissolve in rain drops to form carbonic acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid respectively. Acid rain can cause damage to buildings, historical monuments, plants and animals.
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about soils?
- The best top soil for growing plants is clay.
- The size of the clay particles is between that of sand and silt.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
The mixture of rock particles and humus is called the soil. Living organisms, such as bacteria, plant roots and earthworm are also important parts of any soil.
The soil is classified on the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes. If soil contains greater proportion of big particles it is called sandy soil. If the proportion of fine particles is relatively higher, then it is called clayey soil. If the amount of large and fine particles is about the same, then the soil is called loamy. Thus, the soil can be classified as sandy, clayey and loamy.
The sizes of the particles in a soil have a very important influence on its properties. Sand particles are quite large. They cannot fit closely together, so there are large spaces between them. These spaces are filled with air. We say that the sand is well aerated. Water can drain quickly through the spaces between the sand particles. So, sandy soils tend to be light, well aerated and rather dry.
Clay particles, being much smaller, pack tightly together, leaving little space for air. Unlike sandy soil, water can be held in the tiny gaps between the particles of clay. So clay soils have little air. But they are heavy as they hold more water than the sandy soils.
The best topsoil for growing plants is loam. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).
Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, clay and another type of soil particle known as silt. Silt occurs as a deposit in river beds. The size of the silt particles is between those of sand and clay. The loamy soil also has humus in it. It has the right water holding capacity for the growth of plants. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect).
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about respiration?
- Exhaled air contains both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Breathing does not release energy.
- Pyruvate is part of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None
Solution: c
Answer Justification:
Breathing is only a physical process which includes only inhale and exhale. Breathing is a part of the process of respiration during which an organism takes in the oxygen-rich air and gives out air rich in carbon dioxide.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
Respiration involves oxidation of food ultimately releasing energy. Respiration is essential for survival of living organisms.
The first step in both anaerobic and aerobic respiration is called glycolysis. This is the process of taking one glucose (sugar) molecule and breaking it down into pyruvate and energy (2 ATP).
Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source:
NCERT class VII chapter 10.
Wikipedia.
- Which of the following statements is/are correct about International Space Station (ISS)?
- It is stationed in medium earth orbit.
- It is a joint project among five participating space agencies.
- The crew in ISS conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy and meteorology.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None
Solution: b
Answer Justification:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect).
The ISS programme is a joint project among five participating space agencies: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). (Hence statement 2 is correct).
The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology and other fields. (Hence statements 3 are correct.)
Source:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
- Cancri, Epsilon, Pigase and Gliese are examples of which celestial bodies?
a) Asteroids
b) Dwarf planets
c) Minor planets
d) Exoplanets
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_exoplanets
- Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- ADITYA is the first indigenously designed and built tokamak of the country.
- Aditya – L1 First Indian mission to study the Sun.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: c
Answer Justification:
ADITYA is the first indigenously designed and built tokamak of India. Plasma discharges at toroidal field of 8.0 kG for nearly 100ms time with 80 – 100kA current, are being regularly studied in this little replica of SUN. To increase the plasma energy content during the discharge, auxiliary heating systems have been integrated. A 20 – 40 MHz, 200 KW Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) system has been integrated to ADITYA vacuum vessel and successfully operated in the last campaign. A 28 GHz, 200 KW gyrotron based electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) system has also been successfully commissioned on ADITYA tokamak. Some neural network analysis to predict disruptions and density limit on ADITYA have also been performed. This machine, an air-core, mid-sized (R=75 cm, a=25 cm) ohmically heated circular limiter tokamak, is engaged in carrying out several dedicated experiments on runaway mitiga-tion, disruption control etc. which are of utmost importance for the successful operation of large size tokamaks, such as ITER.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
Source:
http://www.ipr.res.in/documents/264.html
Aditya – L1 First Indian mission to study the Sun
The Aditya-1 mission was conceived as a 400kg class satellite carrying one payload, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and was planned to launch in a 800 km low earth orbit. A Satellite placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/ eclipses. Therefore, the Aditya-1 mission has now been revised to “Aditya-L1 mission” and will be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1, which is 1.5 million km from the Earth. The satellite carries additional six payloads with enhanced science scope and objectives.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
Source:
https://www.isro.gov.in/aditya-l1-first-indian-mission-to-study-sun
- Arrange the following North Eastern states in decreasing order of bamboo bearing area in Recorded Forest Area as per Indian State of Forest Report 2017?
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Manipur
- Nagaland
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 2-1-3-4
b) 2-1-4-3
c) 1-2-4-3
d) 1-2-3-4
Solution: d
Answer Justification:
Source:
Table 7.3 in Indian State of Forest Report
http://fsi.nic.in/details.php?pgID=sb_64
- What is ‘Good Practices Guidance (GPG)’ developed by IPCC?
a) It is a methodological guidance for estimating Green House Gases Inventories.
b) It is a comprehensive guidance for mitigating the risks of climate change.
c) It is a categorical guidance to Annex-I countries to reduce emissions.
d) It is a categorical guidance to Annex-II countries for Joint Implementation.
Solution: a
Answer Justification:
Source:
Section 8.2 of Indian State of Forest Report 2017.
http://fsi.nic.in/details.php?pgID=sb_64
- Which of the following statements is/are correct according to Indian State of Forest Report-2017?
- Andhra Pradesh is ranked first among the states which have shown the net positive change in the forest cover followed by Karnataka and Kerala.
- The reasons for increase in the forest cover in the above states are attributed to plantation and conservation activities which include commercial plantations.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: c
Answer Justification:
The ranking is in order that is given in the statement.
In all three states mentioned in the question have carried out plantation and conservation activities to achieve net positive change in forest cover. In Kerala, even commercial plantations have contributed.
Source:
Table 2.9 of Indian State of Forest Report 2017.
http://fsi.nic.in/details.php?pgID=sb_64
21) Which of the following is considered as non-trade distorting subsidies?
a) Amber box
b) Green box
c) Blue box
d) Red box
Solution: b)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/09/01/insights-daily-current-affairs-01-september-2017/
The green box is defined in Annex 2 of the Agriculture Agreement.
In order to qualify, green box subsidies must not distort trade, or at most cause minimal distortion (paragraph 1). They have to be government-funded (not by charging consumers higher prices) and must not involve price support.
They tend to be programmes that are not targeted at particular products, and include direct income supports for farmers that are not related to (are “decoupled” from) current production levels or prices. They also include environmental protection and regional development programmes. “Green box” subsidies are therefore allowed without limits, provided they comply with the policy-specific criteria set out in Annex 2.
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/agric_e/agboxes_e.htm
22) With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), consider the following statements:
- Its benefits are available to all Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) except those in regular employment with the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking
- In case of infant mortality, mother will not be eligible for claiming benefits under the scheme, if she has already received all the instalments of the maternity benefit under PMMVY earlier
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution; c)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/09/02/insights-daily-current-affairs-02-september-2017/
- All Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, excluding PW&LM who are in regular employment with the Central Government or the State Governments or PSUs or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force.
- All eligible Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers who have their pregnancy on or after 01.01.2017 for first child in family.
- The date and stage of pregnancy for a beneficiary would be counted with respect to her LMP date as mentioned in the MCP card.
- Case of Miscarriage/StillBirth :
- A beneficiary is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme only once.
- In case of miscarriage/stillbirth, the beneficiary would be eligible to claim the remaining instalment(s) in event of any future pregnancy.
- Thus, after receiving the 1st instalment, if the beneficiary has a miscarriage, she would only be eligible for receiving 2nd and 3rd instalment in event of future pregnancy subject to fulfilment of eligibility criterion and conditionalities of the scheme. Similarly, if the beneficiary has a miscarriage or still birth after receiving 1 st and 2nd instalments, she would only be eligible for receiving 3rd instalment in event of future pregnancy subject to fulfilment of eligibility criterion and conditionalities of the scheme.
- Case of Infant Mortality: A beneficiary is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme only once. That is, in case of infant mortality, she will not be eligible for claiming benefits under the scheme, if she has already received all the instalments of the maternity benefit under PMMVY earlier.
- Pregnant and Lactating AWWs/ AWHs/ ASHA may also avail the benefits under the PMMVY subject to fulfilment of scheme conditionalitie
3) Which of the following is/are NOT accorded Heritage City status by UNESCO?
- Galle
- Ahmadabad
- Old Delhi
- Bhaktapur
Select the correct answer using codes below:
a) 1 and 3 Only
b) 1 and 4 Only
c) 1,2 and 4 Only
d) 1,2,3 and 4
Solution: c)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/09/04/insights-daily-current-affairs-04-september-2017/
The commercial capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, has been formally accorded the status of India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO. In July, the UN agency had inscribed Ahmedabad as India’s first World Heritage City at a meeting held in Poland.
The World Heritage Cities Programme is one of six thematic programmes formally approved and monitored by the World Heritage Committee. It aims to assist States Parties in the challenges of protecting and managing their urban heritage. The programme is structured along a two-way process, with 1) the development of a theoretical framework for urban heritage conservation, and 2) the provision of technical assistance to States Parties for the implementation of new approaches and schemes.
24) With reference to the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor or AAGC, consider the following statements:
- It is an economic cooperation agreement between the governments of India, Japan and the African Union
- It aims for Indo-Japanese collaboration to develop quality infrastructure in Africa
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: b)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/09/04/insights-daily-current-affairs-04-september-2017/
Statement-1 is incorrect because there is no formal agreement with the AU.
However, this agreement involves all the African governments
The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor or AAGC is an economic cooperation agreement between the governments of India, Japan and the alĺ the governments of African countries. [1] India on 25 May 2017 launched a vision document for Asia-Africa Growth Corridor or AAGC at the African Development Bank meeting in Gujarat. The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Jakarta, and Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), Tokyo, have developed the Vision Document based on consultations with Asian and African think-tanks. It aims for Indo-Japanese collaboration to develop quality infrastructure in Africa, complemented by digital connectivity, which would undertake the realization of the idea of creating free and open Indo-Pacific Region. The AAGC will give priority to development projects in health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro-processing, disaster management and skill enhancement. The connectivity aspects of the AAGC will be supplemented with quality infrastructure.
25) With reference to the Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) in India, consider the following statements:
- APAs are signs of non-adversarial tax regime
- India’s APA is considered as regressive by international institutions and countries
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: a)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/09/05/insights-daily-current-affairs-05-september-2017/
The APA provisions were introduced in the Income-tax Act in 2012 and the “Rollback” provisions were introduced in 2014. The APA scheme endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and setting the prices of international transactions in advance. Since its inception, the APA scheme has been well-accepted by taxpayers and that has resulted in more than 800 applications (both Unilateral and Bilateral) being filed so far in five years.
The progress of the APA scheme strengthens the Government’s resolve of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime. The Indian APA programme has been appreciated nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issues in a fair and transparent manner.
