IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Dec 21 & 22, 2016

ANSWER: 1, 3

Explanation:
The findings of said study are as under:

• Improvement in soil health.
• Reduction in costs with respect to plant protection chemicals
• Reduction in pest and disease attack
• Increase in Yield
• Diversion of highly subsidized urea towards non-agricultural purposes is found to be negligible among farmers after the introduction of the mandatory policy of production and distribution of only neem coated urea.
  
  Based on the CCEA decision, Department of Fertilizers has made it mandatory for all the domestic producers of urea to produce 100% as Neem Coated Urea. Entire quantity of indigenously produced urea and imported urea is being neem coated.

ANSWER: Indian Enterprise Development Service

Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Cadre review and formation of a new service in the name of Índian Enterprise Development Service (IEDS)’ in the Office of Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME).

The creation of the new cadre and change in structure will not only strengthen the organization but will also help to achieve the vision of “Startup India”, “Stand-up India” and “Make in India”.

The measure will enhance the capacity and efficiency of the organization and also help in achieving growth in MSME sector through a focussed and dedicated cadre of technical officers.

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
Scientists at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, DAE have developed a novel design of CO₂ sorbents that show superior CO2 capture capacity and stability over conventional materials.

The immobilization of functional amines on a porous solid support can result in stable and efficient CO2 sorbent materials compared to similar liquid sorbents. A critical disadvantage however, is a drastic decrease in the textural properties of these supports (i.e., their surface area and pore volume), leading to a decrease in the CO2 capture capability.

To overcome this challenge, scientists at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, have designed novel functionalised nanomaterials that allow higher amine loading with a minimal decrease in surface area.

The fibrous nanosilica (KCC-1) based sorbents showed several advantages over conventional silica-based sorbents, including i) high amine loading, ii) minimum reduction in surface area after functionalization and iii) more accessibility of the amine sites to enhance CO₂ capture efficiency (i.e., capture capacity, kinetics and recyclability), due to the fibrous structure and high accessible surface area of KCC-1.

Solid sorbents exhibit better efficiency with greater potential to overcome the shortcomings of liquid sorbents.

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:
Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept.

The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21 and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.

Speech and Language Disability and Specific Learning Disability have been added for the first time. Acid Attack Victims have been included.

Dwarfism, muscular dystrophy have has been indicated as separate class of specified disability.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The New categories of disabilities also included three blood disorders, Thalassemia, Haemophilia and Sickle Cell disease.

Other disabilities are - Leprosy Cured Persons, Parkinson's disease, Acid Attack Victims, etc.

The new law will not only enhance the Rights and Entitlements of Divyangjan but also provide effective mechanism for ensuring their empowerment and true inclusion into the Society in a satisfactory manner.

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

• Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
• Government funded educational institutions as well as the government recognized institutions will have to provide inclusive education to the children with disabilities.
• National and State Fund will be created to provide financial support to the persons with disabilities.
• The existing National Fund for Persons with Disabilities and the Trust Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will be subsumed with the National Fund.
• The Bill provides for penalties for offences committed against persons with disabilities and also violation of the provisions of the new law.

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:
Reservation in vacancies in government establishments has been increased from 3% to 4% for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability.

District level committees will be constituted by the State Governments to address local concerns of PwDs. Details of their constitution and the functions of such committees would be prescribed by the State Governments in the rules.

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:
Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities has been strengthened who will now be assisted by 2 Commissioners and an Advisory Committee comprising of not more than 11 members drawn from experts in various disabilities.

Similarly, the office of State Commissioners of Disabilities has been strengthened who will be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising of not more than 5 members drawn from experts in various disabilities.

The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also monitor implementation of the Act.

ANSWER: Fine up to 5 lakhs and imprisonment up to 2 years

Explanation:
It provides for imprisonment of at least six months up to two years, along with a fine ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons.

The New Act will bring our law in line with the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory. This will fulfil the obligations on the part of India in terms of UNCRD.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
eBiz portal shall be mandated for starting a business which shall include three services of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Registration for PAN and TAN and also for EPFO & ESIC.

Shram Suvidha Portal shall be the only portal for filing returns, challan and making online payment for EPFO & ESIC contributions as well as other filings and payments.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CBDT, Ministry of Labour & Employment will work towards reducing the number of procedures for starting a business to 4 and the number of days to start a business also to 4.