IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - June 23 & 24, 2016

ANSWER: New Delhi

Explanation:

• First of its kind Pilot Programme in the country to run two wheelers on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was launched in New Delhi.
• Iranian kits have been used for retrofitment.
• Being implemented by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and one of its parent company, GAIL (India) Limited, the Pilot Programme involves 50 CNG retrofitted two wheelers.
• The ‘Hawa Badlo’ movement is a people’s initiative to fight air pollution which is supported by GAIL and city gas distribution companies. As part of the movement, a number of awareness drives have been carried out regarding the fight against air pollution. ‘Hawa Badlo’ also supports research initiatives in this regard, of which the CNG retrofitted two wheeler programme is a part.
• As per idle emission test, the hydrocarbon emissions from CNG retrofitted two wheelers are 75% lesser and CO emissions are 20% lesser as compared to petrol driven similar models.

ANSWER: DRDO

Explanation:

• Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jadavpur University (JU), Kolkata to establish the Jagadish Chandra Bose Centre for Advanced Technology (JCBCAT).
• The MoU will facilitate DRDO and the Jadavpur University to pursue collaborative advanced research. The JCBCAT will primarily undertake research in areas of secure systems and cognitive technologies, directed energy, unmanned and robotics technologies and other futuristic technologies.

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

• Indian Universities and Colleges, having the highest grade of accreditation/ threshold accreditation, will now be able to apply to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for starting twinning and collaborative arrangement with quality Foreign Educational Institutions (FEIs) in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to the award of a degree.
• The degree will be awarded by the Indian Educational Institutions (IEIs) alone; joint degrees are not permitted.
• However, the name of the collaborating FEI can be indicated on the degree, the logo and primacy being of the Indian institution. Credits from collaborating FEI when jointly signed by the IEI shall form part of the transcript. FEI may also sign the transcript/credit issued by the IEI.

ANSWER: 8

Explanation:

• The SCO started as the Shanghai Five in April 1996 in Shanghai when China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a Treaty on Deepening Military Trust among them.
• In June 2001, the group was renamed as the SCO by including Uzbekistan. It aimed to increase trade and investment and also increase cooperation in combating terrorism.
• In June 2016, two more members are being added – India and Pakistan.
• Since 2005 Indian has been an observer country at the SCO.
• With the SCO membership India can also access via sea and road links a huge market extending to Central Asia and Europe.
• The Central Asian countries have rich reserves of various minerals, oil, gas and coal.
The region can play a major role in meeting India's energy as well as strategic needs.

ANSWER: 2, 3

Explanation:

• To promote people centric planning and execution of new urban development schemes launched by the Government, Ministry of Urban Development has approved setting up of District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees with the elected representatives of the people across the country.
• In a first of its kind, these Committees will oversee, review and monitor implementation of urban development, affordable housing and urban poverty alleviation programmes.
• Implementation of schemes to be monitored by the District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees are –Swachh Bharat Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Housing for All (Urban) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:

• The Terms of Reference of the District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees include - to promote effective citizen involvement, to review improvements in service level indicators like water supply, review progress of implementation of reforms with focus on e-governance and ease of sanctioning of construction permits, advise state and central governments regarding bottlenecks in implementation, suggest mid-course correction in implementation and facilitate coordination among various agencies.
• States/UTs will appoint the senior most Member of Parliament as the Chairperson of the Committee. Two more MPs, one each from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will be the Co-chairpersons.
• All MLAs from respective districts representing the Urban Local Bodies, Mayors and Chairpersons of ULBs, Chairpersons and Chief Executives of Urban Development Authorities in districts, Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of ULBs, senior most representatives of the Department of Public Health Engineering and senior most officials of para-statal bodies like water board, sewerage board will be the members of the District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees.
• District Collector or Municipal Commissioner of metropolitan cities will be the Member Secretary.

ANSWER: 1, 2

Explanation:

• Apart from above India also has the ability to supply items on NSG control lists.
• India has a legally based export control system.
• The only hurdle for India’s membership is the non-signing of the NPT. There are also reservations from China for India’s membership. China is also pushing for entry of Pakistan in the NSG.
• Since decisions in NSG are taken by consensus, the support of every member of the grouping is needed for India's NSG entry.
• India says it need not sign the NPT to be eligible for NSG membership since France had become an NSG member without signing the NPT.

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

• In a first of its kind move, a new scheme will be introduced to refund the state levies which were not refunded so far. This move is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 5500 crores but will greatly boost the competitiveness of Indian exports in foreign markets.
• Drawback at All Industries Rate to be given for domestic duty paid inputs even when fabrics are imported under Advance Authorization Scheme.
• Govt. of India shall bear the entire 12% of the employers’ contribution of the Employers Provident Fund Scheme for new employees of garment industry for first 3 years who are earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month.
• At present, 8.33% of employer’s contribution is already being provided by Government under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY). Ministry of Textiles shall provide additional 3.67% of the employer’s contribution amounting to Rs. 1,170 crores over next 3 years.
• EPF shall be made optional for employees earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month.
• This shall leave more money in the hands of the workers and also promote employment in the formal sector.