INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS ( 12 January 2021) REVISION THROUGH MCQS

Ans: (b)

Explanation: here the directive word is incorrect!!

• The president may also be removed before the expiry of the term through impeachment for violating the Constitution of Indiaby the Parliament of India. The process may start in either of the two houses of the parliament. The house initiates the process by levelling the charges against the president. The charges are contained in a notice that has to be signed by at least one-quarter of the total members of that house. The notice is sent up to the president and 14 days later, it is taken up for consideration.
• A resolution to impeach the president has to be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total number of members of the originating house. It is then sent to the other house. The other house investigates the charges that have been made. During this process, the president has the right to defend oneself through an authorised counsel. If the second house also approves the charges made by special majority again, the president stands impeached and is deemed to have vacated their office from the date when such a resolution stands passed. No president has faced impeachment proceedings so the above provisions have never been used.
• The US Constitution states that the President can be removed on grounds of treason, bribery, high crimes or misdemeanour.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/how-a-us-president-can-be-impeached-4/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The speaker has the discretion to accept or reject the motion, so S1 is wrong.
• S2: It has not been defined.
• S3 and S4 are well known and can be verified here https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/impeachment-explainer-and-options-before-oppn-if-chairman-rejects-motion-118042000800_1.html

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/how-a-us-president-can-be-impeached-4/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• About Animal Welfare Board of India:
  • Established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.
  • The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body advising the Government of India on animal welfare laws, and promotes animal welfare in the country of India. Animal Welfare Board of India was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian.
  • The Board was initially within the jurisdiction of the Government of India’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In 1990, the subject of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, where it now resides.
  • The Board consists of 28 Members, who serve for a period of 3 years.
  • It works to ensure that animal welfare laws in the country are followed and provides grants to Animal Welfare Organisations. The Board oversees Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) by granting recognition to them if they meet its guidelines.
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017:
  • Framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • The Rules allow a Magistrate to forfeit the cattle of an owner facing trial under the Act.
  • The animals are then sent to infirmaries, animal shelters, etc.
  • The authorities can further give such animals for “adoption”.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-act-1960/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Stat1 and 2: It is formed from Tethys geosyncline. It is a salt water lake.
• Stat 3 : It is not a part of the Indus river basin area and geographically a separate landlocked river basin
• About Pangong Tso:
  • Pangong Tso literally translates into a “conclave lake”.
  • Situated at over 14,000 feet, the Lake is about 135 km long.
  • It is formed from Tethys geosyncline.
  • The Karakoram Mountain range ends at the north bank of Pangong Tso. Its southern bank too has high broken mountains sloping towards Spangur Lake in the south.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/china-draws-back-troops-from-lac/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: UN Security Council

• All members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council. While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter.
• The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.
• It was established in 1945 and headquartered in New York.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/india-at-un-high-table/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:

• It is implemented as a central sector scheme by the Government of India.
• This scheme was introduced to augment the source of income of many small and marginal farmers.
• Under the Scheme an amount of 6000/- per year is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status.
• The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/pm-kisan-3/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Russia’s federal space agency Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities (ROSCOSMOS) have agreed to work together for first manned space mission Gaganyaan. It is India’s first manned space mission. This mission will make India fourth nation in the world after USA, Russia and China to launch human spaceflight mission.
• India is planning to send three humans (Gaganyatris) into space i.e. in low earth orbit (LEO) by 2022 i.e. by 75th Independence Day.
• Objectives of the Mission:
  • Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country
  • A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry
  • Improvement of industrial growth
  • Inspiring youth
  • Development of technology for social benefits
  • Improving international collaboration

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/two-flight-surgeons-for-gaganyaan-to-train-in-russia/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• About the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act:
  • Passed in 1967, the law aims at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India.
  • The Act assigns absolute power to the central government, by way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so.
  • It has death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishments.
• Key points:
  • Under UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged.
  • It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India.
  • Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in maximum 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.
• As per amendments of 2019:
  • The Act empowers the Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by the said agency.
  • The Act empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/uapa/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About Dzukou Valley:

• Located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur.
• Famous for the Dzüko Lily and it is found only in this valley.
• The Asian Highway 1 and also the NH-2 passes through its foothills.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/01/12/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-12-january-2021/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:   

• Banihal Pass – Jammu and Kashmir
• Jelepla Pass – Sikkim
• Bara Lacha La – Himachal Pradesh

Refer: India Physical Environment Geography Class XI NCERT