DAY – 21(InstaTest-21): Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2020: Topic – International organisation & Government schemes, Subject-wise Test 7,8,9,18,19 Revision , Text book based Test 17, October & November-2019 CA Revision

Solution: D

The Standards & Labeling Programme(link is external) is one of the major thrust areas of BEE. A key objective of this scheme is to provide the consumer an informed choice about the energy saving and thereby the cost saving potential of the relevant marketed product. The scheme targets display of energy performance labels on high energy end use equipment & appliances and lays down minimum energy performance standards.

BEE star labelling is currently invoked for equipments/appliances Room Air Conditioner (Fixed Speed), Ceiling Fan, Colour Television, Computer, Direct Cool Refrigerator, Distribution Transformer, Domestic Gas Stove, Frost Free Refrigerator, General Purpose Industrial Motor, Monoset Pump, Openwell Submersible Pump Set, Stationary Type Water Heater, Submersible Pump Set, Tfl, Washing Machine, Ballast, Solid State Inverter, Office Automation Products, Diesel Engine Driven Monosetpumps For Agricultural Purposes, Diesel Generator Set, Led Lamps, Room Air Conditioner (Variable Speed), Chillers, Agricultural Pumpset.

https://beeindia.gov.in/content/standards-labeling

Solution: D

Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission (on behalf of the European Union) working to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy innovation with the objective to make clean energy widely affordable.

MI was announced at COP21 on November 30, 2015, as world leaders came together in Paris to commit to ambitious efforts to combat climate change.

India is a member to this initiative.

As part of the launch statement, members committed to:

1. Seek to double their governmental and/or state-directed clean energy clean energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) investments over five years.
2. Work closely with the private sector as it increases its investment in the earlier-stage clean energy companies that emerge from government programs.
3. Build and improve technology innovation roadmaps and other tools to help in our innovation efforts, to understand where RD&D is already happening, and to identify gaps and opportunities for new kinds of innovation.
4. Provide, on an annual basis, transparent, easily-accessible information on their respective clean energy RD&D efforts

Extra Learning:

The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a high-level global forum to share lessons learnt and best practices, and to encourage the transition to a global clean energy economy. Initiatives are based on areas of common interest among participating Governments and other stakeholders. The CEM is the initiative of the USA. Presently, 23 countries are members of CEM. There are 13 initiatives under CEM covering energy efficiency, clean energy supply and cross cutting areas.

Since its launch in 2010, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) has come a long way. Its various initiatives were instrumental in leading significant collaborative work amongst members in context of clean energy supply, demand side management and relevant cross cutting issues.

Solution: C

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism private sector globally. Our Members include over 200 CEOs, Chairpersons and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (319 million) worldwide, and generating 10.4% of global GDP.

For the past 30 years, WTTC has conducted research on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries. In 2018, the Travel & Tourism sector experienced 3.9% growth, outpacing that of the global economy (3.2%) for the eighth consecutive year. Over the past five years, one in five jobs were created by the sector, making Travel & Tourism the best partner for governments to generate employment.

Solution: D

Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration and other high-temperature waste treatment systems are described as “thermal treatment”. Incineration of waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas and heat.

Gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil fuel based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This is achieved by reacting the material at high temperatures (>700’C), without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam(The syngas produced by gasification can be turned into higher value commercial products)

Pyrolysis involves application of heat with no added oxygen in order to generate oils and/or syngas (as well as solid waste outputs) and requires more homogenous waste streams.

Biomethanation is a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas. It involves fermenting bacteria, organic acid oxidizing bacteria, and methanogenic archaea

Solution: B

The Australia Group (AG) is an informal forum of countries which, through the harmonisation of export controls, seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.

Participants in the Australia Group do not undertake any legally binding obligations: the effectiveness of their cooperation depends solely on a shared commitment to CBW non-proliferation goals and the strength of their respective national measures.

All states participating in the Australia Group are parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and strongly support efforts under those Conventions to rid the world of CBW.

Extra Learning:

Missile Technology Control Regime:

Established in 1987, MTCR is an “informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology”. It has 35 members. India was admitted in June 2016.

China is not a member. MTCR’s initial aim of controlling proliferation of nuclear missiles was expanded in 1992 to include delivery systems for chemical and biological weapons as well. It encourages members not to export missiles delivering any weapon of mass destruction, with special focus on missiles capable of carrying a 500-kg payload over at least 300 km, and on equipment, software, technology for such systems.

Wassenaar Arrangement

Named after a suburb in The Hague where it was first agreed upon in 1995, the Wassenaar Arrangement came into existence a year later. It aims to promote “transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies”, so there are no “destabilising accumulations”, and terrorists do not acquire them. It has 42 members; India was admitted as a “participating state” on December 8, 2017. Members must be producers/exporters of arms/sensitive industrial equipment; have national polices for non-proliferation and an effective export control regime; must adhere to global non-proliferation compacts including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Biological Weapons Convention, Chemical Weapons Convention.

Solution: A

Global Social Mobility Report

World Economic Forum has come out with its first-ever Global Social Mobility Report.

The report has ranked India a lowly 76 out of the 82 countries profiled.

What is social mobility?

It can be understood as the movement in personal circumstances either “upwards” or “downwards” of an individual in relation to those of their parents.

• In absolute terms, it is the ability of a child to experience a better life than their parents.
• On the other hand, relative social mobility is an assessment of the impact of socio-economic background on an individual’s outcomes in life.
• It can be measured against a number of outcomes ranging from health to educational achievement and income.

Solution: B

National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP).

Key highlights:

Aim: To attract talent and strengthen higher agricultural education in the country.

Funded by the World Bank and the Indian Government on a 50:50 basis.

The objective of the NAHEP for India is to support participating agricultural universities and ICAR in providing more relevant and higher quality education to Agricultural University students. In addition, a four year degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Forestry has been declared a professional degree.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/01/30/national-agricultural-higher-education-project-nahep/

Solution: B

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves disinvestment in public sector.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved five PSUs – BPCL, Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation – for strategic sales.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/quick-take/psu-disinvestment-strategically-right/article30046722.ece#

Extra Reading:

What is Disinvestment

Disinvestment in India meaning: Disinvestment means sale or liquidation of assets by the government, usually Central and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets.

Solution: A

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is an old age pension scheme for all land holding Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) in the country. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the entry age group of 18 to 40 years. The Scheme is effective from the 9thAugust, 2019.

Salient features

1. It is voluntary and contributory for farmers in the entry age group of 18 to 40 years and a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- will be provided to them on attaining the age of 60 years.
2. The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of Rs.55 to Rs.200, depending on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund till they reach the retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years. The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of Rs.55 to Rs.200, depending on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund till they reach the retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years.
3. The monthly contributions will fall due on the same day every month as enrolment date. The beneficiaries may also chose an option to pay their contributions on quarterly, 4-monthly or half-yearly basis. Such contributions will fall due on the same day of such period as the date of enrollment
4. The spouse is also eligible to get a separate pension of Rs.3000/- upon making separate contributions to the Fund.
5. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shall be the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for Pension pay out.

Solution: C

National Bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal

Key facts:

1. It is a quasi-judicial body
2. It shall be situated at New Delhi.
3. Composition: Presided over by its President and shall consist of one Technical Member (Centre) and one Technical Member (State).
4. It is the forum of second appeal in GST laws and the first common forum of dispute resolution between Centre and States.
5. The appeals against the orders in first appeals issued by the Appellate Authorities under the Central and State GST Acts lie before the GST Appellate Tribunal, which is common under the Central as well as State GST Acts.

Legal provisions:

CGST Act provides for the Appeal and Review Mechanism for dispute resolution under the GST Regime.

The Act empowers the Central Government to constitute, on the recommendation of Council, by notification, with effect from such date as may be specified therein, an Appellate Tribunal known as the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by the Appellate Authority or the Revisional Authority.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/01/24/national-bench-of-the-goods-and-services-tax-appellate-tribunal-gstat/

Solution: B

SANKALP is an outcome-oriented centrally sponsored programme of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) with a special focus on decentralised planning and quality improvement. It focuses on the overall skilling ecosystem covering both Central & State agencies. SANKALP aims to implement the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).Under SANKALP four key result areas have been identified viz: (i) Institutional Strengthening (at National, State & District level); (ii) Quality Assurance Quality Assurance of skill development programs; (iii) Inclusion of marginalised population in skill development; and (iv) Expanding Skills through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Solution: D

Dr Harsh Vardhan launched NetSCoFAN (Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition), a network of research & academic institutions working in the area of food & nutrition along with the NetSCoFAN directory, covering detailed information of various heads/Directors and lead scientists of lead and associated partnering institutions. The NetSCoFAN would comprise of eight groups of institutions working in different areas viz. biological, chemical, nutrition & labelling, food of animal origin, food of plant origin, water & beverages, food testing, and safer & sustainable packaging. FSSAI has identified eight Nodal Institutions who would develop a ‘Ready Reckoner’ that will have inventory of all research work, experts and institutions and would carry out and facilitate research, survey and related activities. It would identify research gaps in respective areas and collect, collate and develop database on food safety issues for risk assessment activities. “The need for identify research gaps in respective areas and collect, collate and develop database on food safety issues for risk assessment activities, will be addressed by NetSCoFAN (Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition)”, Dr Harsh Vardhan said.

Solution:  A

Outer Space Treaty is a legal entity and came in 1966 as a legal document towards the General Assembly. The Treaty was opened for signature by the three depository Governments (the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) in January 1967, and it entered into force in October 1967.

The Outer Space Treaty represents the basic legal framework of international space law. Among its principles, it bars states party to the treaty from placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit of Earth, installing them on the Moon or any other celestial body, or otherwise stationing them in outer space.

It exclusively limits the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes and expressly prohibits their use for testing weapons of any kind, conducting military man oeuvres, or establishing military bases, installations, and fortifications (Article IV).

However, the Treaty does not prohibit the placement of conventional weapons in orbit. The treaty also states that the exploration of outer space shall be done to benefit all countries and shall be free for exploration and use by all the States.

India is party to Outer Space Treaty.

Solution: A

TechSagar

TechSagar, national repository of India’s cyber tech capabilities launched.

Launched by: National Cyber Security Coordinator’s office in partnership with Data Security Council (DSCI) of India.

What is TechSagar?

1. It is a platform to discover India’s technological capability through a portal.
2. It is a consolidated and comprehensive repository of India’s cyber tech capabilities which provides actionable insights about capabilities of the Indian Industry, academia and research across 25 technology areas like internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), blockchain, cloud & virtualisation, robotics & automation, ar/vr, wireless & networking, and more.
3. The portal will list business and research entities from the IT industry, startups, academia, and individual researchers.

Extra Learning:

About DSCI:

Data Security Council of India (DSCI), is a not-for-profit, industry body on data protection in India, setup by NASSCOM.

• It is committed to making the cyberspace safe, secure and trusted by establishing best practices, standards and initiatives in cyber security and privacy.
• To further its objectives, DSCI engages with governments and their agencies, regulators, industry sectors, industry associations and think tanks for policy advocacy, thought leadership, capacity building and outreach activities.

Solution: A

Swiss Challenge method is one of the ways of awarding government contracts to private players. Without an invitation from government, a private player can submit a proposal to government for development of an infrastructure project with exclusive intellectual property rights.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/slate/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-swiss-challenge/article24194034.ece

Solution: D

Context: The centre is planning to launch India’s first fixed income Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) comprising debt securities of large central public sector enterprises (PSUs).

What are ETFs?

• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are mutual funds listed and traded on stock exchanges like shares.
• Typically, an ETF mirrors a particular index, which means the group of stocks in the ETF would be similar to those in the index that it is benchmarked to.
• Usually, ETFs are passive funds where the fund manager doesn’t select stocks on your behalf. Instead, the ETF simply copies an index and endeavours to accurately reflect its performance.
• In an ETF, one can buy and sell units at prevailing market price on a real time basis during market hours.
• ETFs can contain all types of investments including stocks, commodities, or bonds; some offer domestic holdings only, while others are international.

Benefits and significance of ETFs:

• ETFs are cost efficient. Given that they don’t make any stock (or security choices), they don’t use services of star fund managers.
• They allow investors to avoid the risk of poor security selection by the fund manager, while offering a diversified investment portfolio.
• The stocks in the indices are carefully selected by index providers and are rebalanced periodically.
• They offer anytime liquidity through the exchanges.

Mutual fund is like an ETF as it is a unit that comprised of equities of different companies. But ETF and mutual funds differ with respect to tradability. Mutual Fund selling price will be the price of shares at the close of the day. On the other hand, shares of ETF are traded throughout the day. And at any moment, ETF can be bought and sold. In this respect, ETFs have more liquidity and marketability. Another difference is that Mutual Fund is managed by a financial company and its fund managers; whereas the ETF is managed by the investor himself (unless deputed).

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/11/25/exchange-traded-funds-2/

Solution: C

National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, in 37 universities involving 40000 students. NSS is an extension dimension to the higher education system to orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institutions. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

NSS is a voluntary scheme. NSS scheme starts from 11th Standard onwards. At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first- and second-year degree-class students. The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities can also join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community work. NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS. Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organisation as long as they are in NSS.

An NSS volunteer needs to devote a total of 240 hours social service in two years duration. Every year, a NSS volunteer has to devote 20 hrs. of orientation and 100 hrs. of community service.

To enrol as NSS volunteer, contact the NSS Programme Officer of your school / college. Enrollment in NSS is free.

The NSS volunteers on successful completion of the required hours of service are issued a certificate. NSS volunteers can get some weightage during admissions in higher studies and other benefits as decided by the institutions/university.

Solution: B

The Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani launched Project SU.RE, a move towards sustainable fashion, at Lakmé Fashion Winter/Festive 2019, in Mumbai on 22^nd August, 2019. The SU.RE project is a commitment by India’s apparel industry to set a sustainable pathway for the Indian fashion industry. SU.RE stands for ‘Sustainable Resolution’ – a firm commitment from the industry to move towards fashion that contributes to a clean environment.

The project has been launched by the Minister, along with Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI); United Nations in India; and IMG Reliance, the organizers of Lakmé Fashion Week.

About Project SU.RE

The five-point Sustainable Resolution is as follows:

1. Develop a complete understanding of the environmental impact of the garments being currently produced by our brand.
2. Develop a sustainable sourcing policy for consistently prioritizing and utilizing certified raw materials that have a positive impact on the environment.
3. Make the right decisions about how, where, and what we source across the value chain by selecting sustainable and renewable materials and processes and ensuring their traceability.
4. Communicate our sustainability initiatives effectively to consumers and media through our online and physical stores, product tags/labeling, social media, advertising campaigns and events.
5. Through these actions, shift a significant percentage of our supply chain to a sustainable chain by the year 2025, addressing critical global issues such as climate change, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and building a world that is safe for the future generations, as an acceptance of a responsibility we all share.

Project SU.RE, driven by the leading industry association CMAI, along with a leader in sustainable fashion IMG Reliance, will be the first holistic effort by the apparel industry towards gradually introducing a broader framework for establishing critical sustainability goals for the industry. This framework would help the industry reduce its carbon emissions, increase resource efficiency, tackle waste and water management, and create positive social impact to achieve long-term sustainability targets.

Solution: C

Context: The Union Government has launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) to provide quality healthcare at zero cost to pregnant women, new mothers and newborns.

About the scheme:

• It aims to provide dignified and quality health care at no cost to every woman and newborn visiting a public health facility.
• Under the scheme, the beneficiaries visiting public health facilities are entitled to several free services.
• These include at least four ante natal check-ups that also includes one checkup during the 1st trimester, at least one checkup under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Iron Folic Acid supplementation, Tetanus diptheria injection.
• Eligibility: All pregnant women, newborns and mothers up to 6 months of delivery will be able to avail several free health care services

Features and benefits:

• The scheme will enable zero expense access to the identification and management of complications during and after the pregnancy.
• The government will also provide free transport to pregnant women from home to the health facility and drop back after discharge (minimum 48 hrs).
• The pregnant women will be able to avail a zero expense delivery and C-section facility in case of complications at public health facilities.
• The scheme will ensure that there is zero-tolerance for denial of services to such patients.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/10/11/surakshit-matritva-aashwasan-suman/

Solution: C

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Project

• The Kerala Legislative Assembly recently announced an initiative to digitize all its records and proceedings under its ambitious project called E-Vidhan.

What is e-Vidhan?

• It is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) comes under the Digital India Programme.
• Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) is the ‘Nodal Ministry’ for its implementation in all the States/UTs with Legislatures.
• The funding for e-Vidhan is provided by the MoPA and technical support by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MietY).
• The funding of NeVA is through Central Sponsored Scheme. 60:40; and 90:10 for North East & hilly States and 100% for UTs.
• Aim of the project: To bring all the legislatures of the country together, in one platform thereby creating a massive data depository without having the complexity of multiple applications.

Solution: C

Context: Vigilance Awareness Week to be observed from 28th October to 2nd November. Theme of the Vigilance Awareness Week: “Integrity- A way of life”

Background:

• The Central Vigilance Commission aims to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in public life.
• As part of its efforts to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society, CVC observes Vigilance Awareness Week every year.
• The observation of Vigilance Awareness Week creates greater awareness among public and encourages all the stakeholders to collectively participate in prevention of and fight against Corruption.

About CVC:

• It is the apex vigilance institution created via executive resolution (based on the recommendations of Santhanam committee) in 1964 but was conferred with statutory status in 2003.
• It submits its report to the President of India.
• Composition: Consists of central vigilance commissioner along with 2 vigilance commissioners.
• Appointment: They are appointed by the President of India on the recommendations of a committee consisting of Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (if there is no LoP then the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha).
• Term: Their term is 4 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal: The Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner can be removed from his office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the President, has, on inquiry, reported that the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner, as the case may be, ought to be removed.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/10/26/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-26-october-2019/

Solution: B

Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organising the 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative in Madhya Pradesh from 14th to 21st October 2019.

Being the flagship and premier festival of Ministry of Culture, Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was conceived in the year 2015 and after the grand success of the First Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav in November-2015, the Ministry of Culture decided to organize it with an intent to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Country in all its rich and varied dimensions, viz Handicrafts, Cuisine, Painting, Sculpture and Performing Arts-Folk, Tribal, Classical and Contemporary- all in one place. So far, this Ministry has organised 9 RSM’s i.e. 2 each in Delhi and 2 in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, RSM North East , Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakahnd.The people of Madhya Pradesh will witness the grandeur of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav once again in its 10th edition from 14th October, 2019 to 21st October, 2019.

This time the Mahotsav will be organised in the city of Jabalpur during 14 – 15 October, 2019,Sagar from 16 – 17th October, 19 and Rewa from 20 – 21st October, 2019.

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme was launched by the Prime Minister on 31st October, 2016 to promote engagement amongst the people of different States/UTs so as to enhance mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures, thereby securing stronger unity and integrity of India.

Solution: C

Rajasthan to create pneumoconiosis fund with DMF money. The fund will be used to execute a comprehensive policy on the disease, which is widely prevalent in the mining state.

Background:

Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease, mostly affects workers who work in the mining and construction sectors and deal with soil, silica, coal dust and asbestos. The disease includes asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

About DMFs:

• District Mineral Foundations are statutory bodies set up as non-profit organizations in districts which are affected by the mining works.
• Each District Mineral Foundation is established by the State Governments by notification as a trust or non-profit body in the mining operation affected districts.
• DMFs were instituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act 2015.
• They are non-profit trusts to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations.
• Objective: to work for the interest of the benefit of the persons and areas affected mining related operations in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
• Jurisdiction: Its manner of operation comes under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government.

The various state DMF rules and the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khestra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) guidelines stipulate some “high priority” issues for DMFs, including:

• Drinking water.
• Health
• Women and child welfare.
• Education
• Livelihood and skill development.
• Welfare of aged and disabled.
• Sanitation.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):

The programme is meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).

Objectives of the scheme:

• To implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas that complement the existing ongoing schemes/projects of State and Central Government.
• To minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of people in mining districts.
• To ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/10/04/district-mineral-foundations-4/

Solution: C

‘Samudrayaan’ project

• India to undertake deep ocean mining with ‘Samudrayaan’ project.

About Samudrayaan:

• It is a pilot project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences for deep ocean mining for rare minerals.
• It proposes to send men into the deep sea in a submersible vehicle for ocean studies.
• The project is expected to become a reality by 2021-22.
• The project has been undertaken by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

What are PMN?

• Polymetallic nodules (also known as manganese nodules) are potato- shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea.
• Composition: Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance.
• Potential: It is envisaged that 10% of recovery of that large reserve can meet the energy requirement of India for the next 100 years. It has been estimated that 380 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules are available at the bottom of the seas in the Central Indian Ocean.

Solution: C

Designation of National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Priority Medical Devices and Health Technology Policy.

Why do we need such collaborations?

Such global collaborations in the area of health technology will ensure that scientific and technological advances, research and development as well as innovative technologies play a substantial supportive role in healthcare and enable us to reach the public health goals and achieve universal health coverage.

About NHSRC:

• Set up under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to serve as an apex body for technical assistance.
• Established in 2006.
• Mandate is to assist in policy and strategy development in the provision and mobilization of technical assistance to the states and in capacity building for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) at the centre and in the states.

Composition:

• It has a 23 member Governing Body, chaired by the Secretary, MoHFW, Government of India with the Mission Director, NRHM as the Vice Chairperson of the GB and the Chairperson of its Executive Committee.
• Of the 23 members, 14 are ex-officio senior health administrators, including four from the states. Nine are public health experts, from academics and Management Experts.
• The Executive Director, NHSRC is the Member Secretary of both the Governing body and the Executive Committee.

The NHSRC currently consists of seven divisions – Community Processes, Healthcare Financing, Healthcare Technology, Human Resources for Health, Public Health Administration, Public Health Planning, Quality Improvement in Healthcare.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/10/04/national-health-systems-resource-centre-nhsrc/

Solution: C

Initially the total weight of class = 20 x 45 = 900 kgs
Now, the total weight when a student has been replaced = 20 x 44 = 880 kgs.
It means that the weight of the new student is 20 kgs less than the replaced student. Hence, the weight of the replaced student = 40 + 20 = 60 kgs.

Solution: A

Let the average age of the newly admitted 15 students be x years.
Therefore, total age of 15 newly admitted students = 15x
Since, given average age of existing 60 students = 20
Therefore, total age of the existing 60 students = 60×20
Hence, total age of the 75 students = 60×20 + 15x
Since average after admission of new students increases by 0.4 years.

So new average = 20.4 years

60×20 + 15x =75×20.4
1200 + 15x = 1530
15x = 1530-1200
15x = 330
x = 330/15
x = 22 years

Solution: A

Mean temperature from Tuesday to Thursday = 35°C
Therefore, (Tuesday + Wednesday +Thursday)/3 = 35°C
or total temperature of  (Tuesday  + Wednesday + Thursday = 105℃.. (Eq 1)
Mean temperature from Wednesday to Friday = 38 ℃

Therefore, (Wednesday + Thursday + Friday)/3 = 38°C
or Total temperature of Wednesday + Thursday + Friday = 114 °C.. (Eq 2)

By subtracting (Eq 2) – from Eq 1, we get:
Temperatures of (Friday – Tuesday) = 9 °C
Given that temperature on Friday was 25% higher than Tuesday
Therefore, Friday = 1.25 Tuesday
Friday – Friday/1.25 = 9
(1.25 Friday – Friday)/1.25 = 9
0.25 Friday = 9 x 1.25
Friday = (9 x 1.25)/0.25
Temperature of Friday = 45℃

Solution: C

Let the average age of men be x

Therefore, sum of age of 8 men = 8x

If average increases by 2 when two women are included in place of two men of ages 20 and 24 years, then average age will be x+2.

Since, total number of people remain 8, sum of age new  group = 8 * (x+2) = 8x +16

Therefore,  total age  of two women = 20 + 24 + 16 = 60

Therefore, average of women = 30 years.

Solution: A

Explanation:

The passage clearly suggests that education is not an instrumentalist in its deepest sense. But the opening sentence calls it to be functional, instrumental and utilitarian. Thus the instrumentalist view of education is the functional and utilitarian dimension in its purposes.