DAY – 28 ( INSTA REVISION TEST)INSTA REVISION PLAN 2.0, 2020

Solution: B

After rule 316, the following new rules under new heading “Committee on Ethics” shall be inserted, namely:- “COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

Under article 316A:

(1) There shall be a Committee on Ethics consisting of not more than fifteen members.

(2) The Committee shall be nominated by the Speaker and shall hold office for a term not exceeding one year.

Functions:

Under Article 316 B, The Committee shall:-

(a) examine every complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of Lok Sabha referred to it by the Speaker and make such recommendations as it may deem fit.

(b) formulate a Code of Conduct for members and suggest amendments or additions to the Code of Conduct from time to time.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ethics-panel-set-to-form-code-of-conduct-for-lok-sabha-mps-6147466/

Solution: D

The Purana Quila or the old fort is one of the most captivating tourist sites that narrate the history of Delhi in details. Constructed by the Mughal emperor – Humayun, the Purana Quila is evidence to the glory of the Mughal art. The Purana Quila is situated in New Delhi and is said to guard the ruins of the city of Indraprastha that is mentioned in the Mahabharata.

The Purana Quila is another reminder of the bygone Mughal era which excelled in architectural styles. The Purana Quila has three majestic gates:

• The Humayun Darwaza
• The Bara Darwaza
• The Talaqi Darwaza

The three gates are double storied and built with red sandstone. The Humayun Darwaza and the Bara Darwaza were the two gates that were open for entry inside the old fort. Entry was prohibited through the Talaqi Darwaza as the name suggests Talaqi means ‘forbidden’

The other two attractions at the fort site are:

• Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid,
• Sher Mandal
• the small museum

The Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah when he had captured the Purana Quila after defeating Humayun in 1541. The prayer hall is the most imposing part of the masjid that has five doorways with horse shoe shaped arches. The original plans of building the entire place with marble was jeopardized due to supply shortage. But the fusion of marble and sandstone has given the masjid a unique style.

The Sher Mandal is now an observatory, octagonal in shape. The structure and style of the building suggests that the Sher mandal was built for entertainment purposes. The style and design of the building proves a definite coupling of the Muslim and Hindu architectural magnificence. When Humayun recaptured the Purana quila from Sher shah’s son, he used the Sher Mandalas his own library.

The museum at the gate of the Purana Quila has many artifacts recording the beginning and end of a glorious era of the Mughal period.

https://pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1594555

Solution: D

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) was constituted on 01st October, 2018 by the Government of India under Sub Section (1) of section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Functions and Duties:

As per Sub Section (2) of Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013, the duties of the NFRA are to:

• • Recommend accounting and auditing policies and standards to be adopted by companies for approval by the Central Government;
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards;
  • Oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring compliance with such standards and suggest measures for improvement in the quality of service;
  • Perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary or incidental to the aforesaid functions and duties.

Sub Rule (1) of Rule 4 of the NFRA Rules, 2018 , provides that the Authority shall protect the public interest and the interests of investors, creditors and others associated with the companies or bodies corporate governed under Rule 3 by establishing high quality standards of accounting and auditing and exercising effective oversight of accounting functions performed by the companies and bodies corporate and auditing functions performed by auditors.
Companies and Bodies Corporate Governed by the Authority:
As per rule 3 of the NFRA rules,2018, The Authority shall have power to monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards, oversee the quality of service under sub-section (2) of section 132 or undertake investigation under sub-section (4) of such section of the auditors of the following class of companies and bodies corporate, namely:-
(a) Companies whose securities are listed on any stock exchange in India or outside India;

(b) Unlisted public companies having paid-up capital of not less than rupees five hundred crores or having annual turnover of not less than rupees one thousand crores or having, in aggregate, outstanding loans, debentures and deposits of not less than rupees five hundred crores as on the 31st March of immediately preceding financial year;

(c) Insurance companies, banking companies, companies engaged in the generation or supply of electricity, companies governed by any special Act for the time being in force or bodies corporate incorporated by an Act in accordance with clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of sub-section (4) of section 1 of the Act;

(d) Any body corporate or company or person, or any class of bodies corporate or companies or persons, on a reference made to the Authority by the Central Government in public interest; and

(e) A body corporate incorporated or registered outside India, which is a subsidiary or associate company of any company or body corporate incorporated or registered in India as referred to in clauses (a) to (d), if the income or networth of such subsidiary or associate company exceeds twenty per cent of the consolidated income or consolidated networth of such company or the body corporate, as the case may be, referred to in clauses (a) to (d).

https://nfra.gov.in/about-us

Solution: A

Rare earth elements are a group of seventeen chemical elements that occur together in the periodic table The group consists of yttrium and the 15 lanthanide elements (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium). Scandium is found in most rare earth element deposits and is sometimes classified as a rare earth element. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry includes scandium in their rare earth element definition.

The rare earth elements are all metals, and the group is often referred to as the “rare earth metals.” These metals have many similar properties, and that often causes them to be found together in geologic deposits. They are also referred to as “rare earth oxides” because many of them are typically sold as oxide compounds.

Uses of rare earth elements: This chart shows the use of rare earth elements in the United States during 2017. Many vehicles use rare earth catalysts in their exhaust systems for air pollution control. A large number of alloys are made more durable by the addition of rare earth metals. Glass, granite, marble, and gemstones are often polished with cerium oxide powder. Many motors and generators contain magnets made with rare earth elements. Phosphors used in digital displays, monitors, and televisions are created with rare earth oxides. Most computer, cell phone, and electric vehicle batteries are made with rare earth metals.

Rare earth elements are not as “rare” as their name implies. Thulium and lutetium are the two least abundant rare earth elements – but they each have an average crustal abundance that is nearly 200 times greater than the crustal abundance of gold. However, these metals are very difficult to mine because it is unusual to find them in concentrations high enough for economical extraction.

In addition to being the world’s largest producer of rare earth materials, China is also the dominant consumer. They use rare earths mainly in manufacturing electronics products for domestic and export markets. Japan and the United States are the second and third largest consumers of rare earth materials.

https://geology.com/articles/rare-earth-elements/

Solution: B

The Global Gender Gap Report was first published in 2006 by the World Economic Forum. The 2020 report covers 153 countries. The Global Gender Gap Index is an index designed to measure gender equality.

The Global Gender Gap Report on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions:

• Economic Participation and Opportunity,
• Educational Attainment,
• Health and Survival and
• Political Empowerment.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-slips-four-ranks-on-world-economic-forum-s-global-gender-gap-index-2020-11576574974188.html

Solution: A

Cybercriminals have found an under investigated vulnerability to breach Android devices. It is called StrandHogg, and it can allow them to listen to microphone, steal login credentials, take photos using camera, read SMS and even access photos. 

https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/what-is-strandhogg-and-why-has-it-got-home-ministry-s-cybersecurity-arm-worried-11576500411484.html

Solution: C

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is defined as a blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after birth.  PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality in low-income countries, and the primary cause of nearly one quarter of all maternal deaths globally. Most deaths resulting from PPH occur during the first 24 hours after birth; the majority of these could be avoided through the use of prophylactic uterotonics during the third stage of labour and by timely and appropriate management.

https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/maternal_perinatal/pph-woman-trial/en/

Solution: C

Yakshagana is a traditional Indian theatre form, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form.

Elements of Yakshagana:

The Act: Each performance typically focuses on a small sub story (known as ‘Prasanga’) from ancient Hindu epics of Ramayana or Mahabharata. The show consists of both stage performances by talented artists and commentary (performed by lead singer or Bhagavatha) accompanied by traditional music.

The Music: Musical instruments used in Yakshagana include Chande (drums), Harmonium, Maddale, Taala (mini metal clappers) and flute among others.

The Dress: Costumes used in Yakshagana are very unique and elaborate. Large size head gear, coloured faces, elaborate costumes all over the body and musical beads on the legs (Gejje). Performers need great physique to perform with heavy costume for several hours and also strong voice and acting/dancing skills.

The Troupes: There are several popular troupes (known as Melas) performing Yakshagana throughout the year. Saligrama mela, Dharmasthala Mela, Mandarthi Mela, Perduru Mela are some of the leading names.

Its stories are drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other epics from both Hindu and Jain and other ancient Indic traditions

Males play the female roles in traditional Yakshagana. However, more recently, yakshagana has seen female artists, who perform in both male and female roles.

Solution: D

The Battle of Koregaon (also called the Battle of Koregaon Bhima, after the river Bhima that flows close to it) was fought on 1 January 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima

A 28,000-strong force led by Peshwa Baji Rao II whilst on their way to attack the company-held Pune, were unexpectedly met by an 800-strong Company force that was on its way to reinforce the British troops in Pune.

The Peshwa dispatched around 2,000 soldiers to attack the force which sought entrenchment in Koregaon. Led by Captain Francis Staunton, the Company troops defended their position for nearly 12 hours, before the Peshwa’s troops ultimately withdrew, fearing the imminent arrival of a larger British force.

The battle was part of the Third Anglo Maratha war, a series of battles that culminated in the defeat of the Maratha empire and subsequent rule of the British East India Company in nearly all of Western, Central and Southern India

Solution: D

Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) has been introduced by the Government to revive PPP (Public Private Partnership) in highway construction in India.

At present, three different models –PPP Annuity, PPP Toll and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) were followed by the government while adopting private sector participation. Launch of the new model is due to many problems encountered as associated with the existing ones. Large number of stalled projects are blocking infrastructure projects and at the same time adding to Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of the banking system. In this context, the government has introduced Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to rejuvenate PPP.

The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM):

In India, the new HAM is a mix of BOT Annuity and EPC models. As per the design, the government will contribute to 40% of the project cost in the first five years through annual payments (annuity). The remaining payment will be made on the basis of the assets created and the performance of the developer.

Here, hybrid annuity means the first 40% payment is made as fixed amount in five equal installments whereas the remaining 60% is paid as variable annuity amount after the completion of the project depending upon the value of assets created.

As the government pays only 40%, during the construction stage, the developer should find money for the remaining amount.

Here, he has to raise the remaining 60% in the form of equity or loans.

There is no toll right for the developer. Under HAM, Revenue collection would be the responsibility of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Hybrid_Annuity_in_Infrastructure_Sector

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/slate/all-you-wanted-to-know-aboutham/article22060197.ece

Solution: D

Recently cabinet approved the creation of post Chief of Defence Staff  (CDS). It will function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and also as the Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created in the Ministry of Defence, and function as its Secretary. CDS will also ensure the co-ordination in training, logistics and procurement of the three services

He will head the Chiefs of Staff Committee meetings. Various committees such as the Kargil Review committee led by K Subramaniam and the Naresh Chandra committee of 2011 recommended a permanent chairman will be a four-star military officer.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/12/31/chief-of-defence-staff-2/

Solution: B

Headline inflation is a measure of the total inflation within an economy, including commodities such as food and energy prices (e.g., oil and gas), which tend to be much more volatile and prone to inflationary spikes.

In India, Monetary policy is based on Headline CPI Inflation.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/why-a-new-inflation-anchor-will-help-rbi-in-aiding-growth/articleshow/73968494.cms

Solution: C

Hunar Haats are organised by Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme.

The USTTAD scheme aims at preserving & promoting the rich heritage of the traditional arts & crafts of the Minority communities.  This is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry.

Significance of Hunar Haats:

Hunar Haats have become a successful mission to provide employment and income generation opportunities with platforms for marketing the products of master artisans, craftsmen and culinary experts belonging to the minority communities.

It envisages at boosting the skill of craftsmen, weavers and artisans who are already engaged in the traditional ancestral work.

Solution: B

Araku Valley is a hill station and valley region in the southeastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It’s surrounded by the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.

The Tribal Museum is dedicated to the area’s numerous indigenous tribes, known for their traditional Dhimsa dance, and showcases traditional handicrafts. A miniature train runs through Padmapuram Gardens, with its sculptures and tree-top huts.

Solution: D

Madan Mohan Malaviya:

• Madan Mohan Malaviya was a freedom fighter and social reformer.
• He had served as the President of the INC on four occasions.
• He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2014.
• He was the editor of a Hindi magazine, ‘Hindosthan’.
• He became the editor of the ‘Indian Opinion’ in 1889. He also started a Hindi weekly ‘Abhyudaya’, an English daily ‘Leader’, a Hindi newspaper ‘Maryada’.
• Pandit Malaviya was instrumental in founding the Benares Hindu University in 1916. He also became its Vice-Chancellor till 1939.
• He was opposed to separate electorates to Muslims and the Lucknow Pact.
• He was also against the INC’s participation in the Khilafat Movement.
• He was a participant in the Second Round Table Conference in 1931.
• He started the Ganga Mahasabha to oppose construction of dams in the Ganga.
• He was also a social reformer who opposed untouchability. He worked for the temple entry of Dalits at the Kalaram Temple at Nashik, Maharashtra.