IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Dec 04, 2015

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
- A Joint Declaration was signed between the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) of India and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States of America, to initiate a new program entitled Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) in Higher Education.

Aims :

1. Tapping the talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs to engage with the institutes of higher education in India.
2. To augment the country's existing academic resources.
3. To accelerate the pace of quality reforms, and further strengthen India's scientific and technological capabilities.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is an Indian constitutional body was established through Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
- It been set up under Article 338A
- It was bifurcated from National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Commission comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three full-time Members (including one woman Member).
- The term of all the Members of the Commission is three years from the date of assumption of charge.
- The Chairpersons of National Commissions of Minorities, SC, ST and Women serve as ex officio members of National Human Right Commission(NHRC).

ANSWER: Current socio-economic, health and educational status of tribals

Explanation:
Recommendations of Prof. Virginius Xaxa committee:

1. Government should do several changes in the laws to prevent further land alienation of the tribals and allow them greater control over their resources.
2. Restructuring of the Tribes Advisory Council(TAC)
3. Need for the setting up of agro-based training institutions and related labour-intensive processing industries in the tribal areas.
4. Greater representation in public sector banks, financial institutions and insurance companies.
5. Greater representation of STs in central government services.
6. Expansion of scope of education needs to include tribal painting, art, craft, songs, music and dance.
7. Rights-based approach for comprehensive rehabilitation of those affected by development work.

ANSWER: Article 164

Explanation:
Article 164

State of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, there shall be a Minister in charge of tribal welfare who may in addition be in charge of the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and backward classes or any other work.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
- The river flows through eastern Mizoram and in Chin State and Rakhine State of western Myanmar.
- It forms the international border between India and Myanmar.
- The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a project that will connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea
- Then it will link Sittwe seaport to Lashio in Myanmar via Kaladan river boat route
- Lashio will be connected to Mizoram in India by road transport.

ANSWER: Tripura and Bangladesh

Explanation:
- Feni river originates in state of Tripura and flows south towards Bangladesh.
- It has caused dispute between India and Bangladesh.
- India will construct a bridge over Feni river in southern Tripura to get access to the Chittagong international sea port.
- The proposed bridge would connect Sabroom town of southern Tripura with Ramgarh town of southeastern Bangladesh.

ANSWER: Blind and visually impaired

Explanation:
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is organizing White Cane Day on October 15.
- The aim is to sensitize the common man about the challenges being faced by visually challenged people.
- The ‘White Cane Day’ is known internationally as the ‘White Cane Safety Day’.
- It is celebrated on 15th October every year.
Mission of White Cane Day :
1. Educate the world about how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities
2. To celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world
3. To honor the many contributions being made by the blind and visually impaired.

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
- The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a project that will connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea.
- Then it will link Sittwe seaport to Lashio in Myanmar via Kaladan river boat route.
- Lashio will be connected to Mizoram in India by road transport.

ANSWER: Replacement of natural sal forests with teak

Explanation:
- The tribals of Singhbhum district of Bihar started the protest when the government decided to replace the natural sal forests with highly-priced teak.
- It began in 1982.
- It spread to Jharkhand and Orissa.

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
- A solar storm is an event in which activity on the Sun interferes with the Earth's magnetic field.
- Airline pilots and flight crews, as well as frequent fliers, receive increased doses of radiation from solar flares.
- Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope or DKIST in Hawaii will be the world’s premier ground-based solar observatory.