1) Consider the following statements with respect to International Energy Agency's Technology Collaboration Programme on Bio-energy (IEA’s Bio-energy TCP)
It aims to improve cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programmes in bio-energy research, development and deployment.
Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy is a member to this collaboration programme.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
International Energy Agency's Technology Collaboration Programme on Bioenergy (IEA Bioenergy TCP) is an international platform for co-operation among countries with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programmes in bio-energy research, development and deployment.
IEA Bioenergy TCP works under the framework of International Energy Agency (IEA) to which India has "Association" status since 30th March, 2017.
The Union Cabinet was recently apprised about Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India joining IEA Bio-energy TCP as its 25th member on 25th January, 2019.
2) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently formed a task force under Usha Thorat for which of the following purposes?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
The Reserve Bank of India has recently announced a task force headed by former RBI deputy governor Usha Thorat to examine issues related to offshore rupee markets and recommend policy measures to ensure stability of the external value of the domestic currency.
3) The Union Cabinet has recently approved the National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019. Consider the following statements with respect to NMP-2019
It replaces the extant National Mineral Policy 2008.
It encourages the private sector to take up exploration.
It introduces the concept of Inter-Generational Equity.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
National Mineral Policy 2019 replaces the extant National Mineral Policy 2008 ("NMP 2008") which was announced in year 2008.
A committee under the chairmanship of Dr. K Rajeswara Rao was constituted to review NMP 2008.
NMP 2019 includes provisions which will give boost to mining sector such as
Introduction of Right of First Refusal for RP/PL holders.
Encouraging the private sector to take up exploration, etc.
The 2019 Policy also introduces the concept of Inter-Generational Equity that deals with the well-being not only of the present generation but also of the generations to come and also proposes to constitute an inter-ministerial body to institutionalize the mechanism for ensuring sustainable development in mining.
4) Consider the following statements with respect to New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC)
The Chairperson of NDIAC will be appointed by the Supreme Court of India.
Only Judges from Supreme Court will be appointed as chairperson of NDIAC.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the promulgation of an Ordinance for establishing the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) for the purpose of creating an independent and autonomous regime for institutionalised arbitration.
New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) will be headed by a chairperson who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Judge of a High Court or an eminent person, having special knowledge and experience in the conduct or administration of arbitration law or management, to be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
5) Consider the following statements with respect to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Its member countries spread over four continents.
India is not a member to OIC.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. (Asia, Europe, South America and Africa).
The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed inaugural plenary of Foreign Ministers' meet of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Abu Dhabi recently.
This is the first time that a leader of the non-Muslim country has been invited to the OIC conference.
6) Hanoi summit sometimes seen in the news recently, is associated with which of the following two countries?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
The United States and North Korea have failed to reach a formal deal at the Hanoi Summit.
The talks ended with no agreement after USA refused North Korean demand to lift all international sanctions.
The two-day meeting in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi had come eight months after their historic summit in Singapore in June last year.
7) Consider the following statements with respect to PM JI-VAN Yojana
It aims to explore and exploit untapped unconventional hydrocarbons in India.
It will be implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently approved the "Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana" for providing financial support to Integrated Bioethanol Projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.
The scheme focuses to incentivise 2G Ethanol sector and support this nascent industry by creating a suitable ecosystem for setting up commercial projects and increasing research & development in this area.
Centre for High Technology (CHT), a technical body under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, will be the implementation Agency for the scheme.
8) Consider the following statements with respect to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
It is a Multilateral Development Bank, headquartered in Philippines.
India is the Second Largest shareholder in the AIIB and its largest borrower.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a Multilateral Development Bank, headquartered in Beijing, which began operations in January 2016.
Republic of India is the Second Largest shareholder in the AIIB and its largest borrower.
9) Consider the following statements with respect to TRIFOOD Scheme
The main objective of the project is to reduce price volatility in agriculture commodities such as vegetables.
It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Food Processing Industry and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
TRIFOOD Scheme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.
Under this scheme a tertiary value addition centre will be set up in Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh and Raigad in Maharashtra at a cost of approximately Rs.11.00 crores.
A highlight of this is the production of “Heritage Mahua” drink. The traditional Mahua tribal drink will be mainstreamed and marketed all over the Country under this project.
10) Consider the following statements
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is essentially a form of market intervention undertaken by the government, to provide a safety net to farmers in case of a price drop.
Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) will not be applicable to Minor Forest Produces (MFPs) in India.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and development of value chain is a scheme under Ministry of Tribal affairs.
It is designed as a social safety net for improvement of livelihood of MFP gatherers by providing them fair price for the MFPs they collect.
