[MISSION 2023] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 17 Feb 2023

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the parent ministry of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Previous year has seen the monsoon revive over many parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Moisture laden easterly winds have been travelling from lower levels, reaching up to western Himalayas. These winds have been colliding with the westerly winds flowing across the upper levels. Convergence of the winds flowing from opposite directions led to formation of cumulonimbus clouds over the Kashmir region.
• In the hills, clouds don’t easily dissipate and can get trapped over a certain area, bringing torrential showers and even a cloud burst. Monsoons in previous years too have seen similar short torrents that have caused immense damage.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: About the Scheme:

• Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on the northern border thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.
• The scheme will provide funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats. Development of growth centres on the Hub and Spoke Model through the promotion of social entrepreneurship, youth and women empowerment etc.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standard Body of India. BIS is responsible for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Puducherry has launched the country’s first Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework to balance growth alongside sustainable management of ocean resources
  • It is part of a pact under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative
  • Puducherry and Lakshadweep were chosen as coastlines to pilot the MSP initiative in 2019

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• The IOC is the only UN body specialized in ocean science and services. It provides a focus for other UN organizations and agencies with regard to ocean science, observations and data exchange, and services such as global tsunami warning systems.
• It is composed of an Assembly, an Executive Council and a Secretariat. The Secretariat is based in Paris, France.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• For the first time, in 1966-67, the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat and paddy was fixed. To fix the price, the central government constituted the Agricultural Prices Commission, which was later renamed as the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) in 1985.
• This means that the minimum support price (MSP) system was introduced in the country to protect the interests of the farmers in general. Under this system, even if the price of a crop falls in the market, the central government procures it at the fixed MSP from the farmers so that they can be shielded against losses.
• The MSP of a crop is the same throughout the country.
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was constituted in 1965 on the recommendation of the LK Jha Committee. The government stores the grains procured from the farmers with the FCI and NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) from where the grains are distributed to the poor under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Since 2009, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices fixes the minimum support price of a crop based on cost, demand, supply position, price changes, market price trend, different costs and international market prices.
• The Ministry of Agriculture also claims that the cost of production of cultivation does not only include cash expenditure (as per market) but also the cost of labour (as per market rate). This means that agricultural wage rate is also considered while setting up of the MSP.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• RuPay is the first-of-its-kind global Card payment network of India, with wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites across India. It is a highly secure network that protects against anti-phishing. The name, derived from the words ‘Rupee and ‘Payment’, emphasizes that it is India’s very own initiative for Card payments. It is our answer to international payment networks, expressing pride over our nationality.
• RuPay fulfils RBI’s vision of initiating a ‘less cash’ economy. This could be achieved only by encouraging every Indian bank and financial institution to become tech-savvy and engage in offering electronic payments.
• RuPay has both debit and credit cards on offer for individuals and corporates. It also has prepaid and ‘Kisan Credit Card’ as well. It also offers a ‘contactless’ card that facilitates transactions with a single tap, thereby making payments without revealing crucial card details.

Refer: facts for prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/02/17/mission-2023-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-17-february-2023/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
  • It is a decade-long partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
  • It is working with businesses, governments, and environmental groups around the world to build a new generation of credible and effective programs for tackling climate change.
• http://www.ghgprotocol.org/about-ghgp

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: With a view to strengthening and institutionalizing the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was set up by the Government as the apex level forum in December 2010 (much before NITI AAyog was even setup). So, 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The Chairman of the Council is the Finance Minister and its members include the heads of financial sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA & FMC) Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser. So, 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: Without prejudice to the autonomy of regulators, the Council monitors macro prudential supervision of the economy, including functioning of large financial conglomerates, and addresses inter-regulatory coordination and financial sector development issues. So, 3 is correct.
• It also focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion.
• http://finmin.nic.in/fsdc/StrucFSDC.pdf

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: As per ASI Website, “While there is some evidence of architectural activity going back to the period of Mahendravarman-I (AD 600-30), the father of Mamalla, most of the monuments are attributed to the period of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla (AD 630-68) – the Pallava ruler.
  • On the other hand Ajanta caves were excavated in different periods (circa. 2nd century B.C. to 6th century A.D.) according to the necessity. So, clearly 1 is wrong.
• Statement 2: Mahabalipuram contains rock-cut rathas, sculptured scenes on open rocks like Arjuna’s penance, the caves of Govardhanadhari and Mahishasuramardini, the Jala-Sayana Perumal temple (the sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin at the rear part of the Shore temple complex). So, it is more linked to the Vaishnavites.
  • On the other hand, Ajanta is linked more to the Buddhist religious denomination.
  • Statement 2 is also wrong.
• Statement 3: Both have rock-cut monuments, because cave cut Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas can be clearly seen at Ajanta. Also, the mural paintings that are made at Ajanta involve some rock-cutting as per ASI.
  • Mahabalipuram is famous for rock monuments as described above.
  • Only 3 is correct.
  • http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_mahabalipuram.asp
  • http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ajanta.asp

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017