IAS GS Test on India Year Book 2015 - Set 3

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The major objective of the PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (Har Khet ko pani), improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in precision irrigation system.

ANSWER: IAF and Indian Army’s recue and relief operation in Nepal

Explanation:
It was the biggest relief and rescue operation abroad ever of the Indian Armed Forces.

ANSWER: Only 1 and 4

Explanation:
Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are implemented with changed sharing pattern by centre and the states.

ANSWER: Project for creating Government of India cloud computing environment

Explanation:
Department of Electronics and Information technology has initiated this project for creating GI Cloud – Government of India cloud computing environment at the national level. This will act as a common repository of cloud based infrastructure resources and applications available on demand.

ANSWER: For information on eligibility of benefits under various social sector schemes

Explanation:
It has been implemented as a common man’s interface for providing comprehensive information on eligibility of benefits under various social sector schemes operational across the country. The information is provided through Web based portal, Call Centre and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS).

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Delhi has highest Tele-Density and then Mumbai and then Kolkata. Total Tele-density of India increased to 75.23%.

ANSWER: BBNL

Explanation:
Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) is a special purpose vehicle incorporated under Indian Companies Act, 1956 to execute NOFN. NOFN will connect approximately 2.50 lakh Gram Panchayats.

ANSWER: Special Scholarship Scheme for North East Region (NER)

Explanation:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched “Ishan Uday” a Special Scholarship Scheme for North East Region (NER) from academic session 2014-15. Under the scheme ten thousand fresh scholarships are to be provided for general degree course, technical and professional courses including medical and Para-medical courses.

ANSWER: Exposure and internship programme for students of Northeastern colleges

Explanation:
Under ‘Ishan Vikas’ scheme, selected students from school and college levels from the North Eastern States will be taken to Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs) and other engineering institutes for exposure / internship programme. Faculty members would accompany them too.

ANSWER: Only 1 and 2

Explanation:
The objective of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs ‘Know India Programme’ is to help familiarize Indian Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors. The Study India Programme enables Overseas Indian youth to undergo short term course in an Indian University to familiarize them with the history, heritage, art, culture, socio-political and economic developments, etc. of India. The focus of the programme is on academic orientation and research.

ANSWER: Formation of National Judicial Appointments Commission

Explanation:
The NJAC Bill amends the provisions related to appointment of Supreme Court and High Court Judges, and the transfer of High Court Judges. NJAC is a constitutional body. Article 124 is modifies. 124A and 124B are added.

ANSWER: International Trade Marks

Explanation:
Trade Mark (Amendment) Bill enabled India to accede to the Madrid Protocol. India’s membership will enable Indian companies to register their trade marks in Member Countries through filing a single application in one language and by paying onetime fee in one currency.

ANSWER: 2

Explanation:
Only 2 – Atomic Energy and Railway operations other than construction, operation and maintenance.

ANSWER: Special Purpose Vehicle

Explanation:
It acts as a first point of reference to provide inputs on all aspects of doing business in India, guide investors on all policy and regulatory issues, provide handholding services to investors, etc.

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
Foreign Airlines are now allowed to make foreign investment upto 49%, in scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services. FDI of 51%, under government approval in multi-brand retail is allowed. FDI in Railway infrastructure is recently approved upto 100%.

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
In the last three years, FDI from Pakistan too is being allowed under the Government route, in sectors/activities other than defense, space and atomic energy.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The Mission will be implemented with the objectives to: a) development and conservation of indigenous breeds b) undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve the genetic makeup and increase the stock; c) enhance milk production and productivity; d) upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi and e) distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.

ANSWER: Source for supply of high genetic breeding stock to the farmers

Explanation:
Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission it is proposed to establish Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres or Gokul Grams in the breeding tracts of indigenous breeds. Gokul Grams will be established in: i) the native breeding tracts and ii) near metropolitan cities for housing the urban cattle. Gokul Gram will act as Centers for development of Indigenous Breeds and a dependable source for supply of high genetic breeding stock to the farmers in the breeding tract. The Gokul Gram will be self sustaining and will generate economic resources from sale of milk, organic manure, vermi-composting, urine distillates, and production of electricity from bio gas for in house consumption and sale of animal products. The Gokul Gram will also function as state of the art in situ training centre for Farmers, Breeders and MAITRI’s. The Gokul Gram will maintain milch and unproductive animals in the ratio of 60:40 and will have the capacity to maintain about 1000 animals. Nutritional requirements of the animals will be provided in the Gokul Gram through in house fodder production. Disease free status of Gokul Gram will be maintained through regular screening of animals for important diseases like brucellosis, TB and JD. An inbuilt dispensary and AI centre will be an integral part of the Gokul Gram. Gokul Gram will also be set up near to metropolitan cities for managing urban cattle. Metropolitan Gokul Gram will focus on genetic upgradation of urban cattle.

ANSWER: For introducing micronutrients’ rich crop varieties in malnutrition affected areas

Explanation:
It is a pilot programme for introducing new crop varieties like Iron-rich bajra; zinc-rich wheat and protein rich- maize in malnutrition affected areas during 2013-2014.

ANSWER: Only 1, 3 and 5

Explanation:
11 sub-schemes come under RKVY. E.g. Nutri-cereals, nutri-farms, crop diversification in original green revolution states, vegetable initiative for urban clusters, etc.

ANSWER: Only 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) seeks to transform Indian agriculture into a climate resilient production system through suitable adaptation and mitigation measures in domains of both crops and animal husbandry. NMSA as a programmatic intervention focuses on promotion of location specific integrated / composite farming systems; resource conservation technologies; comprehensive soil health management; efficient on-farm water management and mainstreaming rain fed technologies.

ANSWER: 1 and 2

Explanation:
Malala is a Pakistani activist advocating Pakistani girls’ right to get education. She was attacked and survived the attack even though she was very badly injured. Kailash Satyarthi advocates child education, child rights and is an activist against child labor. He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement).

ANSWER: Tapping household small savings for funding infrastructure development

Explanation:
Amount invested in Kisan Vikas Patra (KYP) doubles in 100 months at the present rates. The certificates can be purchased by an adult for himself or on behalf of a minor or to a minor. It can also be purchased jointly by two adults. Kisan Vikas Patra (KYP) has been reintroduced and is available in Post Offices. In future, DVP will be available in banks which are/will be authorized for handling small savings schemes. Initially it was started in 1988.

ANSWER: Ranchi

Explanation:
NDLM envisages making one person in each household digitally literate through ICT training to 10 lakh persons, one in every eligible household in selected Blocks in each State/ UT of the country. It has now been proposed to expand the scheme under ‘Digital India’ initiative of the Government to cover 40 lakh persons in selected households throughout the country.

ANSWER: Ministry of Tourism

Explanation:
The Ministry of Tourism launched a special initiative called Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT) in the year 2009-10 for creation of employable skills amongst youth. The initiative is fully funded by the Ministry of Tourism. It covers trades like food production, food & beverage service, housekeeping Utility, Bakery & Patisserie, Driving, Stone Masonry, Golf Caddies and Tourist Facilitation, etc. In December, 2014, the HSRT Initiative was opened to private participation under a distinct vertical titled Hunar Se Rozgar Tak: Badhate Kadam. The objective is to enhance the programme’s reach and delivery. Now the Industrial units, associations of industries, professional/ skill developing agencies with proven credentials; and Hospitality Institutes approved by the AICTE / National Skill Development Authority / State Governments / Union Territory Administrations can participate and contribute to the skill needs in the hospitality trade. The trades opened are: food production, food & beverage service, house-keeping and bakery & patisserie.