29 & 30 AUGUST CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. With reference to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, consider
the following statements1. The central government bears the full cost of labour and construction material.

2. It is demand-driven, social security and labour law that aims to enforce the “right to work”.
3. Ministry of Rural Development in association with state government, monitors the
   implementation of this scheme.
   Select the correct answer using the code belowa) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 and 3 only
   c) 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3
   Solution: b)
   Explanation:
   Statement 1 is not correct.
   National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
    The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 was notified by the
   Government of India on September, 2005 and was made effective in February 2006. Under
   it, the NREGS was introduced.
    The Act aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing
   hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult
   members (at least 18 years of age) volunteer to do unskilled work.
    The central government bears the full cost of unskilled labour, and 75% of the cost of
   material (the rest is borne by the states).
    It is a demand-driven, social security and labour law that aims to enforce the ‘right to
   work’.
   Ministry of Rural Development in association with state governments, monitors the
   implementation of the scheme.
   Q2. Consider the following statements about Millets1. They are considered as nutri-cereals in food basket.
4. The production of millets post-green revolution has increased manifold.
5. India is the largest producer of millets in the world.
   Select the correct answer using the code below-
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   a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 only
   c) 1 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3
   Solution: c)
   Explanation:
   Statement 2 is not correct.
   Millet production in India
    In the past six decades, India has witnessed a decrease in the area under
   millets. However, the productivity (yield in kg/ha) of these crops has gone up due to the
   adoption of high-yielding varieties and improved production technologies.
    Among the states, during 2017-18, the maximum area under millets was in Rajasthan,
   followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
    The main reasons behind the decline are low remuneration, lack of input subsidies and
   price incentives, subsidised supply of fine cereals through the public distribution
   system (PDS) and change in consumer preferences, added Tonapi. These factors led to a
   shift from the production of millets (jowar in particular) to soybean, maize, cotton,
   sugarcane and sunflower.
   India’s millet mission
    India is the largest producer of millets in the world. The Centre declared 2018 as the year
   of millets. The country launched a campaign to promote these nutri-cereals across India
   on September 28 of that year.
    The Government of India’s Millet Mission comes under the National Food Security Mission
   (NFSM), launched in October 2007. NFSM-Coarse Cereals is divided into two parts and one
   of them is the sub-mission on nutri cereals to be implemented in 202 districts of 14 states.
   Before this, millets were being promoted under INSIMP (Nutritional Security through
   Intensive Millets Promotion) during 2011-12 to 2013-14.
    The government has renamed jowar, bajra, ragi and other millets as “Nutri Cereals”,
   dispensing with the nomenclature “coarse cereals”. The move is aimed at removing a
   lingering perception that these grains are inferior to rice and wheat, even as their health
   benefits are larger. In a notification earlier this month, the agriculture ministry said, “the
   central government hereby declares millets comprising Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet
   (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Minor Millets — Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun),
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   Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little
   Millet (Kutki) and two Pseudo Millets (Black-wheat (Kuttu) and Ameranthus (Chaulai)
   which have high nutritive value as “Nutri Cereals” for production, consumption and trade
   point of view.”
    According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, compared to rice Fox tail millet has
   81% more protein, Little millet has 840% higher fat, 350% higher fiber and 1,229% higher
   quantity of iron. There has been demand to declare these crops as Nutri Cereals to boost
   its demand and allow farmers to get higher prices. Even noted agriculture scientist M S
   Swaminathan had suggested the name change in 2006
   Q3. Which of the following could be attributed to increasing pollution in River Yamuna?
6. Industrial Effluents
7. Mixing of Drains
8. Performance of religious rituals
   Select the correct answer using the code belowa) 1 and 2 only
   b) 2 only
   c) 2 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3
   Solution: d)
   Explanation:
   All are correct.
   Pollution in Yamuna
    Causes of Pollution in Yamuna:
   o Industrial Pollution:
    The Yamuna flows into Delhi from Haryana and the state has industrial units
   in Sonipat (on the banks of Yamuna). Ammonia is used as an industrial
   chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics and dyes.
   o Mixing of Drains:
    Mixing of two drains carrying drinking water and sewage or industrial waste,
   or both, in Sonipat. The two drains often mix due to overflow or damage to
   the wall that separates them.
    Effects of Rising Ammonia:
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   o Ammonia reduces the amount of oxygen in water as it is transformed to oxidised
   forms of nitrogen. Hence, it also increases Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
    Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of BOD.
   o If the concentration of ammonia in water is above 1 ppm, it is toxic to fishes.
   o In humans, long term ingestion of water having ammonia levels of 1 ppm or above
   may cause damage to internal organs.
   Q4. In context of the Indian Art and Culture, which of the following places cave paintings have been
   found?
9. Ajanta
10. Bhimbetka
11. Ellora
12. Elephanta
    Select the correct answer using the code belowa) 1,2 and 4 only
    b) 1,3 and 4 only
    c) 2,3 and 4 only
    d) 1,2,3 and 4
    Solution: d)
    Explanation:
    Some of the Caves with Paintings in India:
    Ajanta :
     This cave is located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
     Famous fresco paintings of Ajanta are dying princesses, flying apsara and preaching
    Buddha.
    Ellora :
     It is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
     It is famous for the largest monolithic excavation in the world- the great Kailasa.
    Elephanta :
     It is located on Elephanta Islands in Mumbai.
     There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group.
    Bhimbetka :
     It is located between Hoshangabad and Bhopal, in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains.
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     It has one of the oldest paintings in India and the world.
    Q5. “Adaptation Gap” report is released by which of the following organization?
    a) United Nation Environment Programme
    b) World Intellectual Property Organization
    c) World Health Organization
    d) World Meteorological Organization
    Solution: a)
    Explanation:
    Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report 2020
    estimated the annual cost of adaptation to the effects of climate change for developing countries
    to at least quadruple by 2050.
    The current cost for these countries is in the range of USD 70 billion (Rs 5.1 lakh crore) and may rise
    to USD 140-300 billion in 2030 and USD 280-500 billion in 2050.
    Adaptation Cost:
     It includes costs of planning, preparing for, facilitating and implementing adaptation
    measures.
     The ever-increasing adaptation cost has also outpaced the growth in adaptation finance
    and that is the reason for a maintained Adaptation Finance gap.
     Adaptation Finance: It refers to the flow of funds to developing countries to help them tide
    over the damages caused by weather events from climate change.
     Adaptation Finance gap: It is the difference between Adaptation Cost and Adaptation
    Finance.
     Adaptation costs, in actual terms, is higher in developed countries but the burden of
    adaptation is greater for developing countries in relation to their gross domestic product.
     The developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia, which are least equipped to tackle
    climate change will also be the most impacted by it.
    Q6. Which of the statements are correct about Open Skies Treaty?
13. It was first proposed by United States to deescalate tensions during World War II.
14. It was signed between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries.
15. India is not a member of this treaty.
    Select the correct answer using the code below-
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    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 3 only
    Solution: b)
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is not correct.
    Open Skies Treaty (OST)
    Background:
    It was first proposed by USA in 1955 to deescalate tensions during the Cold War.
    This treaty was eventually signed in 1992 between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact
    countries following the demise of the Soviet Union. It finally came into effect in 2002.
    The Warsaw Pact (1955) was signed between Russia and her satellite states shortly after West
    Germany was admitted to NATO.
    The Pact was a mutual defense agreement, which the Western countries perceived as a reaction
    against West Germany’s membership of NATO.
    Aim:
    Building confidence: The OST aims at building confidence among its 34 signatories countries through
    mutual openness, thus reducing the chances of accidental war.
     Both US and Russia were signatories of the treaty.
    India is not a member of this treaty.
    Q7. “Kalapani, Limpiyadharu and Lipulekh” dispute involves which of the following countries?
    a) India and China
    b) Nepal and India
    c) India and Bhutan
    d) India and Myanmar
    Solution: b)
    Explanation:
    Border Dispute Between India and Nepal
    Currently, India and Nepal have border disputes over Kalapani – Limpiyadhura – Lipulekh trijunction
    between India-Nepal and China and Susta area (West Champaran district, Bihar).
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    Kalapani Region:
    Kalapani is a valley that is administered by India as a part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
    It is situated on the Kailash Mansarovar route.
    Kalapani is advantageously located at a height of over 20,000 ft and serves as an observation post
    for that area.
     The Kali River in the Kalapani region demarcates the border between India and Nepal.
     The Treaty of Sugauli signed by the Kingdom of Nepal and British India (after AngloNepalese War) in 1816 located the Kali River as Nepal’s western boundary with India.
     The discrepancy in locating the source of the Kali river led to boundary disputes between
    India and Nepal, with each country producing maps supporting their own claims.
    Q8. With reference to Star Tortoise, consider the following statements1. It is found in India and Bangladesh only.
16. It is listed in Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    Which of the above-given statements are correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Solution: d)
    Explanation:
    Both statements are not correct.
    Indian star tortoise is found across the Indian sub-continent, more specifically, in the Central and
    Southern parts of India, in West Pakistan and in Sri Lanka.
    Protection Status:
    Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV
    Schedule IV: This list is for species that are not endangered. It includes protected species but the
    penalty for any violation is less compared to the Schedules I and II.
    Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES): Appendix I
    IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    Threat: The species faces two threats- loss of habitat to agriculture and illegal harvesting for the pet
    trade.
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    According to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, 90% of the trade of Star Tortoise occurs as part of
    the International pet market.
    If their exploitation had continued at a similar pace or had expanded, a decline of greater than 30%
    was predicted by 2025.
    Q9. With reference to Big Tech Companies, Consider the following statements with regard to AntiTrust Laws1. India’s Anti-Trust Law are enforced by Competition Commission of India.
17. Competition Commission of India Act replaced Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act.
18. Anti-Trust laws are laws that prevents companies from working together to control prices fairly
    or to create a monopoly.
    Select the correct answer using the code belowa) 1 only
    b) 1 and 2 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3
    Solution: d)
    Explanation:
    All statements are correct.
    Antitrust Law in India
    • Antitrust law, also referred to as Competition law, aims to protect trade and commerce from
    unfair restraints, monopolies and price-fixing.
    • It ensures that fair competition exists in an open-market economy.
    • The Competition Act, 2002 is India’s antitrust law. It repealed and replaced the Monopolies and
    Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) on the recommendations of the Raghavan
    committee.
    • Competition Act monitors any economic activity that monopolizes competition within the market
    and aims to protect consumers and small enterprises and ensures the freedom of trade.
    Q10. Which of the following description explains “Silver Economy”?
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    a) It is the system of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services aimed at using
    the purchasing potential of aged people.
    b) It is the system of production, distribution, consumption of goods and services which is out of
    purview of Government.
    c) It is system of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services aimed at using the
    purchasing potential of infants.
    d) It is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs,
    and ocean ecosystem health.
    Solution: a)
    Explanation:
    Silver Economy
    Option (A) is the correct answer. Silver economy is the system of production, distribution and
    consumption of goods and services aimed at using the purchasing potential of older and ageing
    people and satisfying their consumption, living and health needs.
    The silver economy is analyzed in the field of social gerontology (study of aging) not as an existing
    economic system but as an instrument of ageing policy and the political idea of forming a potential,
    needs-oriented economic system for an aging population.
    Its main element is geron-technology (Technology pertaining to aged people) as a new scientific,
    research and implementation paradigm.
    Q11. Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) is released by
    a) World Bank
    b) UNICEF
    c) IPCC
    d) UPDP
    Solution: b)
    Explanation:
    Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI):
     ‘The Climate Crisis Is a Child Rights Crisis: Introducing the Children’s Climate Risk Index’
    (CCRI) is UNICEF’s first child-focused climate risk index.
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    It ranks countries based on children’s exposure to climate and environmental shocks, such as
    cyclones and heatwaves, as well as their vulnerability to those shocks, based on their access to
    essential services.
    Q12. Which of the following activities are normally approved activities under corporate social
    responsibility in India?
19. eradicating extreme hunger, poverty,
20. promotion of education
21. promoting gender equality
22. Funding military programme
    Select the correct code:
    a) 1, 2 and 3
    b) Only 2 and 3
    c) 2, 3 and 4
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Solution: a)
    Explanation:
    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
     The term “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” can be referred to as a corporate
    initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company’s effects on the environment
    and impact on social welfare.
    Regulations
     In India, the concept of CSR is governed by clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility) Rules, 2014
     The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India has recently notified the Section
    135 of the Companies Act, 2013 along with Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility
    Policy) Rules, 2014.
     Companies with net worth of Rs 500 crore or more, or a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or more,
    or net profit of Rs 5 crore or more, are required to spend 2% of their average net profit of
    the preceding three years on CSR activities.
     CSR Activities: Normally approved activities under Schedule VII of CSR include
    o eradicating extreme hunger, poverty,
    o promotion of education,
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    o promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment as well as reducing the
    child mortality,
    o improving maternal health and combating diseases.
    o Ensuring environmental sustainability and prompting employment enhancing
    vocational skills are other activities approved under CSR.
     Funding military programmes is not an approved activity.
    Q13. KAZIND-21 Exercise was in the news recently. It is a military exercise between
    a) India and China
    b) India and Tajikistan
    c) India and Kazakhstan
    d) India and Mongolia
    Solution: c)
    Explanation:
    About the KAZIND-21 Exercise
     The exercise is a joint training between both the Armies, which will boost the bilateral
    relations between India and Kazakhstan.
     The Exercise will provide an opportunity to the Armed Forces of India & Kazakhstan to
    train for Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operation in mountainous, rural scenario
    under UN mandate.
    The scope of Joint Exercise includes professional exchange, planning & execution of operation in
    Counter terrorism environment at sub unit level and sharing expertise on skills at arms, combat
    shooting and experiences in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operations.
    Q14. The term “Nine Dash Line” often seen in news is related to which of the following place?
    a) South China sea
    b) Coral Sea
    c) Lithium Triangle
    d) Indian Ocean
    Solution: a)
    Explanation:
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    Recently, China has notified new maritime rules, warranting vessels to report their information
    when passing through what China sees as its “Territorial Waters”, that will take effect from
    1
    st September 2021.
     China claims under a so-called “Nine Dash Line” on its maps most of the South China Sea’s
    waters, which are disputed by several other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam,
    Malaysia and Indonesia.
    Nine Dash Line:
     Stretches hundreds of kilometers south and east of China’s southerly Hainan Island,
    covering the strategic Paracel and Spratly island chains.
     It is deemed by most countries as being inconsistent with the UNCLOS, which only gives
    states the right to establish a territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles.
     China claims it by citing 2,000 years of history when the two island chains were regarded
    as its integral parts.
     The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a decision in 2016, rejecting
    China’s claims as lacking a basis in international law. China dismissed the ruling then.
    Q15. The term ‘Mareel’ was in the news. It is a
    a) Nuclear Submarine
    b) Kind of bioluminescence phenomenon
    c) Newly discovered species of fish in Pacific Ocean
    d) Space Rocket
    Solution: b)
    Explanation:
    Milky seas:
     They are also called mareel, a luminous phenomenon in the ocean in which large areas of
    seawater (up to 6,000 sq mi or 16,000 km2) appear to glow translucently (in varying shades
    of blue).
     Milky seas are understood as a kind of marine bioluminescence arising from a saprophytic
    relationship between luminous bacteria and microalgae that expresses on the macroscale.
    Bioluminescence is light produced by a chemical reaction within a living organism.
     Such occurrences glow brightly enough at night to be visible from satellites orbiting Earth.
     They are a rare nocturnal phenomenon in which the ocean’s surface emits a steady bright
    glow. They can cover thousands of square miles.